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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=11-Jun-2021&lang=fr&s=17660
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=11-Jun-2021&lang=fr&s=17660
11-Jun-2021
by Lionel Reekie
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 Long-time supporter of accordion activities in New Zealand, Alan Reekie (picture right – Auckland) has been awarded the Queens Service Medal (QSM) by Queen Elizabeth II in her 2021 Birthday honours.Announced on 7th June, 2021, Alan was bestowed this prestigious award for his contribution to Performing Arts Governance. Alan’s children, Lionel Reekie and Carolyn both started accordion at an early age, and as they progressed through local accordion competitions throughout their childhood, Alan began to take an active role volunteering with many of the various associations that created musical activities within the community. Lionel Reekie subsequently went on to a career as an accordion performer, teacher conductor and adjudicator. Lionel and Carolyn were both members of the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra, and Alan travelled as a supporter with this group to Europe and the UK in 1986 and to Australia and South East Asia in 1988. Since the 1980’s he has been involved with the North Shore Accordion Orchestras and served as a committee member of the North Shore Performing Arts Society (NSPAS). He held the position of President of the NSPAS from 1992 until 2018, and still serves as Treasurer. The NSPAS holds annual competitions in dance, vocal and instrumental performance. This event is the largest of its type in the country. Many New Zealand solo accordion champions have competed successfully in the accordion competitions run by NSPAS. Alan has also been Secretary of the North Shore Theatre and Arts Trust (the PumpHouse Theatre) from 2007, and was Treasurer from 2011 to 2014, being made a Life Member in 2018. The PumpHouse has flourished during his tenure with increased audience and higher numbers, and his continued involvement has played a large part in the growth and stability of the organisation. This theatre is one of Auckland’s best known and most used professional venues. As a location for live theatre, music, and even television filming, the PumpHouse has also been used for numerous accordion concerts, competitions and events. Alan’s QSM award is the culmination of a life-time of voluntary work for Performing Arts. Alan was previously awarded the Variety Artists Club Scroll of Honour in 2009, and this year also received life membership of the Performing Arts Competitions Association of New Zealand – the nationwide governing body for affiliated completion organisations. The Queens Service Medal will be presented at a ceremony to be held at Government House by Her Excellency, the Governor General of New Zealand on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in November, 2021. |