Bill Grierson, actor and designer, in one of his stage settings ~ Playboy of the Western World. Photograph ©Mike Bailey
Bill Grierson was a local producer, designer, writer, photographer and man of the theatre. Some years ago, Ayr Arts Guild decided to remember its former Chairman by supporting two causes close to Bill's heart; the promotion of theatre and the arts, and the advancement and encouragement of young people.
The Guild established the Bill Grierson Fund, using the investment interest to send a local youngster to the Scottish Youth Theatre Summer School each year. In recent years the criteria have been broadened to cover other arts courses. Much of the money came from Bill's friends all over the world. The Compass Club and Ayr Intimate Opera (later Opera West) - two clubs in which Bill had always taken a leading role - raised further contributions by putting on special performances in aid of the Fund. Since 1984 many young people from the area have benefited from the award, several of them going on to become professionals in their chosen field.
Now, with the effects of inflation over the years and the present low interest rates, it has become imperative to increase the endowment to ensure that the Fund meets the needs of future generations. For this reason, Ayr Arts Guild arranged a fund-raising concert in the Council Chamber of Ayr Town Hall. Contributors included the current
Guild Chair Marilyn de Blieck, pianist Alison Christie, and a group of Ayrshire Voices senior soloists including Nicola Cassells and Mia Wilson.
The performers donated their services in order to benefit the Guild’s Bill Grierson Award Fund. Details of the fund and application information can be obtained from Michael Hitchon, Guild Treasurer.
Bill Grierson
Bill Grierson, actor and designer, in one of his stage settings ~ Playboy of the Western World. Photograph ©Mike Bailey
Bill Grierson, actor and producer ~ Playboy of the Western World. Photograph ©Mike Bailey
For further information about Ayr Intimate Opera, please follow this LINK
For further information about the Compass Club, please follow this LINK
Updated February 8, 2010