Sheila given ‘very special’ BEM honour
FORMER music teacher Sheila McCallum, has been honoured with a BEM for her outstanding voluntary service to music in Mid Argyll.
At a formal ceremony in Lochgilphead last Thursday, May 18, a group of her closest friends and family gathered to watch Sheila being presented with the award.
Sheila received the BEM – reserved for citizens who provide an outstanding hands-on service to local communities – to honour her unwavering commitment to nurturing musical talent in Mid Argyll for the last 37 years.
Sheila said: ‘This means so much to me. It is without doubt the highlight of my career. I’ve been part of the community since 1980 and have watched the musical talent develop over those years, so I’m very proud to receive this honour. How can you top this?’
Sheila first moved to Mid Argyll in 1980 to take up a music teacher post at Lochgilphead High School, becoming assistant principal of music in 1985 – she has dedicated her career to developing music in Mid Argyll and beyond.
‘It came as such a surprise,’ Sheila continued, ‘as it’s not something you work for, it’s all just voluntary, which makes it very special. I can see the fruits of my labour each year in the music festival as new generations come through the ranks. I’m not done yet, though – there’s more to come from me.’
A prominent member of the community, Sheila was appointed secretary of the Mid Argyll Music Festival committee in 1982.
Thanks to her work over the years, the festival now attracts more than 800 entries annually from around Argyll who flock to compete in dozens of classes ranging from country dancing and piping to verse speaking and choral singing.
Not confined to Mid Argyll, Sheila is also a respected adjudicator at festivals and Mòds throughout the country and has been heavily involved with the British and International Federation for Festivals of Music, Dance and Speech.
In 2006 Sheila was named citizen of the year by Argyll and Bute Council and has previously received a similar award from the Mid Argyll Rotary Club.
Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Patrick Stewart, presented Sheila with her BEM, commenting: ‘I’ve known Sheila and the family for over 20 years now and I’m absolutely delighted to see them here today. Thanks to everyone who nominated Sheila and I hope this will be a very happy memory.’