Bill McMillan entertains

Bill has had an interest in music from an early age.  When he was in his twenties he was a member of the resident trio in the Shawlands Hotel and latterly the Garfield Hotel in Stepps,  playing for dinner dances and other functions.  The Shawlands Hotel no longer exists, however Bill assures me that its demise had nothing to do with him! 

Following a change in career Bill found that he was unable to continue playing in venues and so we need to fast forward 30 years until after his retiral.  Since then, Bill has set himself up as a one man band singing and playing bass and acoustic guitar.  He has a home studio – otherwise known as the spare room – where he tweaks the backing tracks and adds backing vocals so that the final version has a truly professional sound.

Having spoken to Bill it is obvious that he loves his music and while he plays at weddings and other functions, I know he is particularly keen to play at charity or church events, whether they be dances, concerts or whatever. 

Friday evening, 4th November 2011, saw Bill deliver his third ‘In Concert’ in Killermont Church.  The previous two concerts were held in the large hall and were ‘sell-outs’.  It was therefore decided to use the Sanctuary which would accommodate more people and where the spotlights, excellent sound system and comfortable cushions could be put to good use.

The Events Team also decided that proceeds from the 2011 Concert should be shared equally between Marie Curie, Christian Aid and Church funds.  Marie Curie has benefited financially from all of Bill’s concerts and for good reason.  As Bill says “My daughter Lynda died in 2006, when she was only 29.  She spent many months under the care of the staff at Huntershill who really did make life more bearable for her – not to mention Alyson and myself.  Marie Curie does some fantastic work and provides comfort to many people in often very difficult circumstances.  As you can imagine therefore, I am delighted that Marie Curie is to benefit.”

Bill is an elder in Killermont Parish Church and is a member of the church choir.  He lives locally with his wife Alyson.

Below are some excerpts from his “Bill McMillan in Concert” evening – 4th November 2011.