'THE WILL STARR MEMORIAL SHIELD'

In 1979, Jim Gibson, an exiled Scot in Leicester set-up 'THE WILL STARR SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN' as a memorial to Will. As well as honouring Will Starr, the Society's objectives were to promote a wider interest in the accordion and to encourage aspiring young accordion players. Branches of the Society were established in Dundee, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Corby.

A first memorial concert 'Accordions Galore' for Will Starr was held on 21st October 1979 at the Civic Concert Hall, Motherwell. At this event an accordion competition in his name was inaugurated, with the winner receiving 'THE WILL STARR MEMORIAL SHIELD' and a replica 'Will Starr Memorial Trophy'. It was hoped that the concert and trophy competition would become an annual event.

The Shield was retained by the Society for the annual competition event, while the winners were given a replica of the Trophy to keep.

Will's sisters accepted the invitation to be Patrons of the Society and attended this first concert, where they presented the Trophy.

L-R in the photograph:-
 
John Burns - member of the winning duo
 
Margaret Starrs - Will Starr's sister
 
Jennifer Forrest - who was third in the competition
 
Paddy Neary - 'Lord of the Accordion'
 
Una Bryson - who was second in the competition
 
Peter Paterson - presenter of the concert
 
George Burns - member of the winning duo
 
Dianne Armstrong - winner of the shield in 1981

Note:
These photographs of the trophy and shield presentation were kindly submitted by George Burns, Kilsyth.