REPORT and PHOTOGRAPHS for the
2004 UK ACCORDION CHAMPIONSHIPS & FESTIVAL

The National Accordion Organization of the United Kingdom celebrated their National annual competition and festival at the beginning of May, in the lovely seaside Spa resort in Scarborough, UK. The weekend featured competitions for all levels including solo, duo, ensemble and orchestra as well as trade shows with music and instruments, a Ceilidh dance (with Gary Blair and his Celidh Dance band) and a fantastic evening concert featuring Gary Blair and Renzo Ruggiero (Italy). The International Jury included Mirco Patarini, Renzo Ruggiero (Italy) as well as Jacques Mornet (Director of CNIMA -France). Also on the Jury were Raymond Bodell (CIA Vice President), Gary Blair, Karolyn Broadhead, Alistair Gillespie, Ken Farran, Raymond Jones and Graham Laurie. The Executive Committee, continues to make many advancements and the festival is currently experiencing great times. Never has it been in the position financially to welcome so many International stars which to all in attendance added to the atmosphere of the event. With again over 400 entries in the various classes, the competition has really established itself as the Premier Accordion Competitive Festival in the United Kingdom. During the weekend, Raymond Bodell was honoured with the NAO Merit Award 2004 "In appreciation of his tireless and Inspirational work for the Accordion both Nationally and Internationally".

Harry Hinchcliffe celebrating his success and birthday Renzo Ruggiero - Guest Artist Jacques Mornet/Graham Laurie - Jury Members The Trophies Stour Valley Accordions Grant Longwill & Callum Justice Higher Preparatory Duet champions Niki & Curtis Lam - Elementary Duet Champions David Murray & Gordon Pattison - Intermediate Duet Champions Daizilee Pattison, Stephanie Hermstedt & James Pearson Introductory Prizewinners Neil Morran - Preparatory Solo Champion Elaine McCaffrey - Higher Elementary Solo Champion Abigail Cardiner - Intermediate Solo Champion Marie Leonard - Advanced solo champion Anton Bodell - 9 & under Solo Champion Faye ventre - 11 & under Solo Champion Caitlin Barnes-Davies - 13 & under Solo Champion Jennifer Maxwell - 17 & under Solo Champion MD Brain Laurie MD Clyde Johnston MD Elaine Beecham MD Graham Laurie MD's Jenny Neal, Clyde Johnston & Rinnie Brown MD Adam Wilkinson MD's Ronnie Brown, Elaine Beecham & Graham Laurie Nancy Langton - 8 & under Polka Solo Champion Larysa Bodell - Virtuoso Solo Champion Award Winners Jacques Mornet (CIA), Raymond Bodell (NAO), Gary Blair (CIA Honored Friend) with NAO Chairperson Gina Brannelli Jacques Mornet and Mirco Patarini working in a Masterclass