Year 5 No 1 September 1981
Lesmahagow A&F Club met again on 7th May and again this Club of ever-growing popularity proved a great success.
The junior section had a classic support. First on stage was a young girl on the electronic organ, Janet Clark from Coatbridge, who amazed the audience with her variety of Scottish dance music, quicksteps, cha-chas and tangos, yet at 11 years-of-age nary a sheet of music in front of her.
She was followed by Jamie Hope from Coulter, first time, then Scott McInnes from Lesmahagow itself. Peter Wood from Crawfordjohn was next. Peter was the lad who won the medal for piping at the British Legion Contest in Edinburgh, and started the accordion on 9th January. He played a selection of Jimmy Shand waltzes, then a couple of pipe marches. He was followed by his wee sister Carol, who also started accordion on 9th January this year, and not to be outdone by Peter, she had just won another medal for Highland dancing.
Carol played two waltzes and a polka in a very professional manner. Another family double was Colin and Ian Bulloch, two lads making good strides in the accordion world. Then Ian Stewart, Desmond Wands and Una Bryson, ten juvenile players all showing great progress in the accordion world.
The Chairman then took the stage with Allan Smith on second box and Bruce Shaw, our resident drummer, kicking off in the senior section, and, as usual, when Allan Smith enquired what tunes they were playing, Big Jack, in his usual style, said he didna’ ken ‘til he got the box on. After their session Allan remarked “That’s wan thing Gray. I enjoy playing with ye. I never know what’s coming next”.
Guy Biaggi played his five row button box. Guy, in his youth, was hailed as a star accordionist on stage all over the country with the Toni Verrichia Number One Orchestra, and he’s still a star in his own right. A button box player who could, and should, be teaching the art.
Another five-row button box player was Jimmy Divers. Jimmy’s music is guid and he is becoming a welcome regular at our Club. Bob Berry played his three row British Chromatic. Hugh Gebbie and Bert Wilson, then Allan Smith all gave of their entertainment with great ability.
It was then the turn of our guest artiste, a very modest character and personality, an accordion player of the very highest standard, classic ability, a man who does his homework to perfection, none other than the well-known Archie Duncan.
His musical programme was indeed a variety of all idioms of music, and his interpretations of the old Music-While-You-Work programmes revived many memories. This audience made it clear that a return visit from Archie Duncan was a necessity and as they say, their wish is our command. The Chairman expressed his thanks to our host and hostess, Dot and Norman in the Craignethen Hotel, to our Committee for all their services, to all who donated raffle prizes and again to our drummer Bruce Shaw, and as I’ve said before we have the electric keyboard – someone please come and play it.
Although we carry on through the summer, our first meeting of the new season with a guest artist is on Thursday, 1st October. We have the young accordionist of very high standard, Ian Skinner from Blackridge, and for those who’ve heard him they’ll come back again for he’s a cracker.
The local Press carried on the front page an excellent photo of our Chairman Jack Gray with his Morino V, with Archie Duncan beside him, the photographer being Bill Dickman of Stonehouse. Bill, a box player in his own right, has yet to bring the box to our club, even although the Chairman, who is teaching him, is doing a bit of pressing. Bill’s brother, David, one of our Committee, is a bit of a dark horse, but a grand turn on the fiddle. Who knows, perhaps this winter Big Jack will entice them on to the stage at the Craignethan.
Bill’s photography work is of an extremely high standard, and he has a great interest in record sleeves, so anyone interested take note.
We in Lesmahagow have the connections. We have a fiddle repair man, accordion repair and tuning expert and a Club that has risen in two years to a very high standard. We trust this continues and extend a welcome to all musicians to come along and enjoy a night in a true hamely club, sample the pies or bridies which are dished up, and who knows if you are there at the very end, which is usually the small hours of the morning, the Craignethan dishes up a grand cup of soup. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 2 October 1981
Lesmahagow A&F Club held it’s AGM on 3rd September. The Committee remained in office with a new Secretary, Mary Gray, and an addition to the working committee, Adrian Hannah, a young lad well-known with the Jimmy Blair Accordion School and Orchestra.
The Chairman (myself, Jack Gray) again welcomed everyone to the meeting, and after news and views being aired, we went on to have a terrific club night.
Our new committee member Adrian Hannah was first to take the stage accompanied by Donald McAskill. Next was Finlay Robertson, then the Chairman gave Adrian Hannah the problem of playing second box to him, as it is only when he takes the stage that he decides what he is going to play.
Morag Robertson from the Monklands Club entertained on a five row. Bob Paterson from Larkhall turned up on a 500cc Honda motorbike, with no box, but took a turn with my Morino V. Bert Wilson did his turn on the same box. Gordon Thomson did his turn on the Galanti Duovox. Jennifer Forrest, from Airdrie, a very talented young lass, was very much appreciated. Then a newcomer to the club, a fine young musician from Larkhall, John Lockhart, gave his renderings.
The listeners then got an unexpected treat when The Lothianaires (Carol Farquhar and Ian Horsburgh) an absolutely superb duo, gave us an impromptu visit and boy did they have the feet tapping.
As you can see we had no fiddles, so come along boys with your fiddles, especially our Vice Chairman David Dickman, as I have played with this lad and he is a guid yin.
On our next Club night, Thursday, 5th November, we have the well known bandleader Iain MacPhail and as this lad draws a large crowd we advise you to get here early.
We also thank Nana and Ina for their help with the pies etc in the absence of our host and hostess Dot and Norman and thanks also to all who donated raffle prizes. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 3 November 1981
Lesmahagow A&F Club met for the first of its winter meetings in the Craignethan Hotel on a night of terrific rainfall and flooded roads, yet the support at this popular Club was tremendous. We had 17 accordionists, two drummer and one fiddler as a supporting act to our guest artiste. This proves that it takes more than a pickle of rain to keep them out of Lesmahagow Club.
The junior section got off to a good start with young Jamie Hope from Coulter, then Peter and Carol Wood from Crawfordjohn followed by that very up-and-coming young accordionist Una Bryson from Strathaven. These juniors all gave great performances.
David Coke took the stage for the first of the senior section and was followed by what looked like an accordion bonanza of players – myself Jack Gray, Allan Smith, Grant Crawford, Hugh Gebbie, Nelson Callan, Janet Forrest and John Sykes and a new lad from Cormiston, near Biggar, Alan Black, a cracker of a player who will always find a welcome at our Club.
The Club had the pleasure of a visit from Mr and Mrs Arthur McKeown and their son Stuart. Arthur and his wife are the gaffers at the M.A.F.I.A. Club and it was a great pleasure for our Club to welcome them among us. Arthur and young Stuart gave a performance of extreme credit to a duo of father and son, and they are always welcome at Lesmahagow.
Our two staunch supporters on the button box were Guy Biaggi and Jimmy Divers and like the other stalwarts they are always welcome. This also brings in the many regulars who attend and enjoy this popular night but don’t play an instrument.
The lone fiddler for the evening was the many who the Chairman always enquires if the woodworm are bothering him – Iain Henderson from East Kilbride. Iain may have an artificial leg but there is nothing artificial about this lad’s playing or his personality.
Our regular drummer was back in the hot spot after a summer of many contests with the Coalburn I.O.R. Pipe Band – welcome back Bruce Shaw. Our other drummer, Willie Simpson from Crossford, who, like myself, has been around a bit, in fact, remarked to me, “I think we’ll get Tammy Rae and Big Jack on accordions, Wullie Girdwood frae Lanark on cornet and myself on drums and turn the clock back 28 years to the days when there were nae amplifiers and the dancin’ went on tae three in the mornin’. Then ye had a rush tae get packed up an hame in time for the milkin’ at five o’clock in the mornin’”.
Our guest artiste this evening, at the age of 12 when the night started and 13 when it ended (happy first teenage birthday) at his first performance as a guest artiste, was young Ian Skinner from Blackridge, with titles to his name too numerous to mention. He gave a performance which many may equal but never surpass. He played with the confidence and ability of someone who has been at it as long as I have – and I’m getting on a bit. No nervous feeling were shown at all. He certainly took the place and the audience by storm and we know that after his first guest artiste performance it won’t be his last by a long chalk.
Our Club appreciated also the support which followed Ian from his own town, even his granny was there, a very, very proud woman and why not? He has won a place in Lesmahagow and we trust in the future he will always look on our club as his mother club.
Pies were served at half-time and a successful raffle was drawn. We thank all donors of prizes and everyone who helped to make the night a success. Thanks again to our host and hostess and a Committee of good workers.
Our next guest artiste will be Jackie Kerr on the five-row button box on 3rd December. He is a very well known player from the Borders area of Lauder. Jackie has connections in our area, his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Houston are regular supporters and John a fiddle player at our Club. So give this border callan your very best support – you won’t regret it.
Again I say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 4 December 1981
Lesmahagow B&F Club met on guy Fawkes night (5th November) and it certainly provided fireworks, with top-class guest artistes and a host of players making this look like an accordion bonanza night.
Our guest artiste, the Iain MacPhail Trio, a musician in a class of his own, with backing from Brian Griffin, two box players who certainly won the hearts of our Club. With a drummer behind, George Darling, Iain and Brian played a wide and varied programme and their rendering of ‘The De’il’s Conundrum’ selection was performed to perfection. George Darling, the drummer, is classed among the best on the scene, and his vocals certainly went down well at our Club. These three individuals showed their individuality in their own way, and at the same time provided us with a dance band sound, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present, again our Club had that well-attended feeling.
The Chairman, on welcoming everyone, decided to commence the evening’s music with the fiddlers for a change, Annie Robertson and John Houston, backed by wee Adam Reid, got us off to a great start.
Our juniors for the night were Peter and Carol Wood, Malcolm Allan, Desmond Ward, Una Bryson, Elaine Hastie and we also had Jennifer Forrest fresh from her success at Perth. We had five-row player Jimmy Divers, three-row player Bob Berry, then Bob Paterson, Adrian Hannah and Donald McAskill, David Wilson, David Coke, Ian Graham and a first time appearance for Wullie McRoberts on fiddle and his son Ian on drums.
Our regular drummer, Bruce Shaw, was in fine form and had a near thing when the speaker column fell off the shelf accidentally, landing on his shoulder, for which we were extremely sorry, but thankful it was not serious.
Apologies to all the lads – Nelson Callan, Charlie Todd, John Anderson frae Biggar, Miss E. Kerr from Larkhall, all sitting among the audience, when time had run out near the midnight hour.
Bill Dickman, the photographer, was on hand with his camera to snap up some photos. Bill was also in attendance on Friday, 30th October, when the Club held its annual Dinner Dance in the Jubilee Hall, where he snapped a cracker of a photo of Alex MacArthur with t new friend, George the Gorilla. We all enjoyed the General’s dance music and had a great night.
It was with regret that the Club received the news that Norman and Dot are leaving the Craignethan Hotel sometime in January. Since the Club started their support has been one of the mainstays of our Club, however, Castle Douglas will gain what we lose, as they are moving to that area, and I ask the Secretary of their Club to get in touch with Norman and who knows Dot might find time to get behind the piano again.
The Club is having a Special Night on 22nd December, when we have Christmas crackers with that young duo The Lothianaires. Then our regular meeting on 7th January, 1982, we have Allan Smith and the Doublet SDB. He is a local callan and a lad who deserves this spot and a strong supporter of our Club. Our Chairman has been doing a bit of visiting recently, firstly the Cleland club, then off to Edinburgh to hear Jack Emblow and on both occasions enjoyed some grand music.
We still need someone to play the keyboard at our Club, or a bass player. Again we say ‘Haste Ye Back’.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 5 January 1982
Lesmahagow A&F Club met as usual in the Craignethan Hotel on Thursday, 3rd December, and boy we had a cracker of a night. The standard of playing was top-class indeed, starting off with a young player Allan Gill, 11 years old, having his first go at playing in front of an audience. Well done Allan, forget the wee mistakes, the nerves will leave you, just keep practicing.
Allan was followed by young Carol Wood who, at the age of nine, entertained us with some lovely Christmas carols, playing like a wee professional.
She was followed by big brother Peter who played his selection, which included ‘Donald Iain Rankine’ in fine style without the music in front of him. No’ bad for a lad who’s no yet a year at the box.
The Chairman then took the stage along with young Alec Graham on second box and Bruce Shaw on drums, followed by Davis Coke, Charlie Todd, Jimmy Divers on the five row, another young lad Desmond Wands, then the horsey man Bert Wilson, Ian Graham, Nelson Callan, Allan Smith and a lad on fiddle, Jim Devlin, whose Irish selections, slip jigs, reels etc certainly brought the roof down. This lad we are sure would be a great asset to any band. In fact, many members of our guest artist team remarked about his wonderful fiddling.
Apologies were made for our guest artiste as booked, five-row player Jackie Kerr, frae Lauder. Illness in Jackie’s family prevented him at the last moment from appearing at the Club. However, there will be other times, of course. He did not let us down because the line-up he sent were top-class artistes, each and every one. We had Andrew Morton (drums), Davie Flockhart (keyboard) and what a fiddler Bob Laidlaw, three of Jackie’s colleagues and on top of that, the well-known George Meikle, Alan Ross and that very well known drummer Vic Laidlaw from the Lothian Band.
Their selections, their artistry, their sound, their entertainment value made our members feel again amongst the privileged set. We say thank you boys, one and all. And, of course, Bill Dickman was on hand with the camera.
Bill, in fact, nearly took the stage with the Chairman with his own Morino V but a wee bit lack of confidence stood in the way. But dinnae worry, Bill, you’ll make it yet. Yer photos are guid and appreciated and soon so will yer playing.
Thanks again to everyone who donated raffle prizes and then bought raffle tickets. Thanks also go to Norman and Dot and the bar staff, and to our drummer Bruce Shaw, who disnae get much rest, backing most players on stage and must wonder what’s happening when players like the Chairman comes up and shouts D, A and G instead of telling him the tempo.
Thanks again to our Committee members who again worked hard to make this a successful night.
Our next guest artistes will be a couple of crackers – Ian Holmes and Kenny Wilson on 4th February in the Craignethan Hotel. Kenny, as we all know, is one of the finest fiddlers in the country and Ian, a lad on the keyboard with a distinctive style of his own. We look forward to them with great expectations, especially that fancy fiddle of Kenny’s, which we trust he will have with him that night.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Also
Thursday, 7th January, the first Club night for Lesmahagow A&F Club for 1982, got Artic conditions outside, although it didnae deter the many regular followers we have. Attendance was down a bit, but the quality of the playing made up for this.
We kicked off the night with Davie Coke, next came Peter Wood, then sister Carol. These two kids are making great progress in the accordion world. Bob Berry was next to take the stage with his three-row button box, followed by Jimmy Divers on the five-row.
Charlie Todd was next and he gave a wonderful performance. We all know Charlie as he is the lad with the big bag of music and he seems to have all the music available.
Next we had Janette Clark from Coatbridge, with the big Elka organ, a very talented child. She was joined by Peter Gardiner on the accordion.
We had Nelson Callan. I don’t know why this lad doesn’t buy a Morino, because when he plays one he puts on a good show. Adrian Hannah was another lad who gave a grand performance. Then we had Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie. We think Jennifer is now due a guest artiste spot.
Also on stage we had Wee Joe from electronic Accordions, playing his usual style of jazz.
The Chairman took his turn and actually brought the roof down. Well, the truth is, while on stage backed by Adrian Hannah, three or four feet of ceiling plaster came down behind them. That line-up of players was supplemented by our guest artistes, Allan Smith and the Doublet SDB. Allan had to apologise for the absence of his fiddler, as he was in bed with pneumonia. We extend our best wishes to Iain Henderson for a speedy recovery.
Allan, along with Ian Graham on second box, and big Joe Taylor on drums, set the audience into a toe-tapping session with his jigs, reels and marches. Allan and Ian took it in turns to do a solo, and their performance was top-class. In fact, the Chairman’s comments were that Allan Smith would do for Kirkfieldbank what Jimmy Shand did for Auchtermuchty. Those who missed this night missed some top-class entertainment.
Illness also struck our resident drummer, Bruce Shaw, and also missing from the fold was one of our stalwart Committee members David Dickman, who is really under the weather. We wish both these lads a speedy recovery.
The Dermot O’Brien tickets for 15th April in the Jubilee Hall in Lesmahagow are selling fast and we would advise anyone who wants them to get in quick as it will be tickets only that night.
This will be a super night of accordion music and Electronic Accordions Ltd, who have branches at Motherwell, Blackpool, Rochdale and the Head Office at Staines, Middlesex, have kindly offered part sponsorship for this evening. Many accordions will be on display on the night and some demonstrated.
The month of March sees two big nights. Firstly on the 4th we have George Stirrat and then on the 18th we have a middle-of-the month meeting with the Currie Brothers.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 7 March 1982
4th February - what a night, what support and what performances, the finest ever seen at our Club or at any other Club. The Craignethan Hotel cat couldn’t get in, with players too numerous to mention and before I go any further let me apologise to all the young lads and lasses who were beaten by old father time, not allowing me time to bring them on stage. Let me also say at this stage, thank you to all the new first-timers to our Club, and we hope the atmosphere and fun will bring them all back again.
It would be impossible to single out the players who made a mark in progress, therefore, I’ll just say a big thank-you to everyone who took the stage and made the entertainment a night to be remembered.
I’m quite sure it gave our new host and hostess Mr and Mrs Anderson something to think about. I don’t believe they heard much of the entertainment side for they were extremely busy with the bar, hot pies and sandwiches, but I’m sure their initiation into the Accordion and fiddle club world must have pleased them to say the least.
The juvenile section on this night was in a class of its own, with young players from Armadale area, and from Crawfordjohn, mingling with many experienced players like Guy Biaggi, Allan Smith, Jim Devlin, John Houston and Annie Robertson, Morag Robertson, wee Joe Vettraino from Electronic Accordions Ltd Motherwell Branc, Adrian Hannah, one of the late Jimmy Blair Accordion School’s top players and, of course, a member of our Committee, nae, ah’ll hiv’ tae stop, it would take up too much space to include a’ the names, but yet I have to mention Bruce Shaw, our resident drummer, who had a busy night but got a spell now and again from Wullie Simpson, Crossford.
It was now time for guest artistes, and what a combination. About as many instruments between two men as some of the best bands can muster. Ian Holmes, well known for his music and his music shop in Dumfries, ably assisted by one of Scotland’s most superb fiddlers, Kenny Wilson, displayed their classic expertise. Ian did his rounds, piano box, five-row than Shand Morino and on each instrument Ian certainly proved himself (apologies Ian, I was joking when I looked over your Shand Morino, saying I was inspecting it on behalf of Electronic Accordions Ltd, who had one knocked off at their Motherwell branch. Should anyone be offered an instrument like this cheaply please don’t hesitate to contact E.A. or the police).
The other half of the duo Kenny (The Gemmy) Wilson who if his ability with a 12 bore shotgun is as guid as his perfection of the art of fiddling, then God bless the rabbits, hares and pheasants. This unassuming character frae Leadhills made the fiddle talk, he played and demonstrated the fiddle as we know it, then to the glory of Justine Tennant, he played and demonstrated in a class of his own, on an 8 stringed Norwegian Hardanger instrument with ornamentations, quality and sound (nae Kenny, I widnae like tae give it a name, but a’ claim it as fan-dabi-dosi) a truly wonderful instrument, as is yer ain fiddle.
A word of thanks to my Committee who responded to an over full house, in an enthusiastic manner.
Let me apologise to those who didn’t get a ticket for the Dermot O’Brien Show. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when the tickets went on sale. This show in the Jubilee Hall in Lesmahagow (ye’ll get a hot pie tae) is being generously sponsored by Electronic Accordions Ltd, who will have many boxes on display that night, a company who have the accordion players at heart. They buy and sell, repair and tune and give you a trade-in offer you can’t refuse. Their representatives will be on hand to show their wares. Their fabulous Zero-Zette electronic accordion will be demonstrated at the show, in the hands of wee Joe in his own style. Yes it’s a sell out and as for myself, I look forward to meeting a friend, Dermot O’Brien at Lesmahagow and I trust he can now pronounce the name.
Apologies, our next guest artiste, the superb accordionist George Stirrat has been forced to call off (we’ll miss you George) but we have acquired the services of Gary Blair, assisted by Adrian Hannah. These two lads stand out very high in the competitive accordion world and we appreciate their acceptance as stand-in artistes at short notice. We ask our club members and friends to support us and them on the evening, in the Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow, where the hamely atmosphere of this club will again prevail.
An in-between night follows on Thursday, 18th March, with the fabulous Currie Brothers. Give us your support, aye, they’re guid you’ve heard them before, hear them again. They are classic, come early or suffer the consequences.
We would, of course, like tae welcome an appearance frae the like’s o’ the Loon frae BBC Scotland, Robbie Shepherd. Ah wis speared recently whar a partook wi’ the cratur. When I replied the Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow, the response wis, ‘That’s whar they haud the Box and Fiddle Club.’
Thanks for your support and we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 8 April 1982
The 4th March meeting of Lesmahagow A&F Club again proved a cracker at the Craignethan Hotel. This time I would like to pay tribute to our audience, members and non-members for their strength of support. Our Club commences at 7.30pm but the first players usually turn up around 6.30 and we on the Committee take this opportunity of saying thank you for your support.
What a line-up of players ; the players we have coming along regularly, but always a change of tunes for their programmes. We started off the evening’s entertainment with three regulars, Annie Robertson and John Houston on the fiddles, backed by Adam Reid on his brand new five-row Zero-Zette, which he purchased from electronic Accordions Ltd, Motherwell only the day before. We wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new box Adam.
This trio project very nice numbers which prove they practice with each other, and this is what Club life is about, getting together.
Next to take the stage was Peter Wood from Crawfordjohn, just back from a tour of France with Hawick Pipe Band, and again he excelled himself.
This time I varied the programme and brought on our five-row button box player Jimmy Divers. Jimmy was followed by the wee one, Carol Wood, with her wee 48 bass Royal Standard and she put on a top-class performance. People keep telling me she needs a bigger box, this could be right, but then we never overload or burden our shoulders. The young lass will grow and in time a bigger box will be ready for her.
The two Bobs, Paterson and Berry, took the stage, backed by our resident drummer Bruce Shaw, who is always on hand. (I’ve kidded Bruce so much, when I do a turn myself, about the key I’m playing in, I’m sure I heard his asking , not the timing but the key by mistake.)
The line-up of players during the night proved another bonanza – Allan Smith, who fronts the Doublet SDB, Charlie Todd from Tinto, Bert Wilson, who, by the time he reads this will have lost a daughter but gained a son (in-law). Then Nelson Callan) I think he should sell his J.C.B. and buy a Morino V, for that’s the box that works best for him).
Again on the fiddles we had Wullie McRoberts and Jim Devlin, two lads who can make the strings speak. Alec Graham backed his brother Ian, which again provided some sound. Ian Clark from Larkhall gave us a superb performance and will always be welcome at our Club.
At our next meeting our guest artiste was the one-and-only wizard of the keyboard, wee Walter Perrie, and he gave us a show which may be equaled but never surpassed. Walter was a stand-in for George Stirrat (who through no fault of his own had to cancel) but Walter, in his own high capacity of playing, again made the rafters ring.
This wizard of the keyboard will always find a welcome at our Club. Walter was backed on drums by Bruce Shaw who commented to the Chairman that he didn’t think he was qualified enough to back such an artiste. The other lad on stage with Walter was Ian Graham and his performance on second box with power bass was something I would like to get on record. They clicked to say the least. I hope Ian enjoyed playing with Walter as much as we enjoyed listening to them.
Our Chairman, through telephone conversation with Stanley Flett from the Kirkwall Club in Orkney, has arranged a guest artiste spot for Walter Perrie in Kirkwall and, of course, they’ll have a good night.
We hope to see you all again at our next Club night in the Craignethan Hotel on Thursday, 6th May, when our special guest will be Paddy Neary.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
This was the in-between night of Lesmahagow A&F Club on 18th March. We were right again, we said it would be a full house night, and again our guest artistes, the fabulous Currie Brothers, gave us a performance, to their own high standard which the capacity crowd enjoyed, and this was shown by the standing ovation given to the boys.
And again we had a line-up of players worthy of their place. We had four fiddlers – Annie Robertson, Elizabeth Kerr, John Houston and Iain Henderson. The juvenile accordion section – Peter and Carol Wood, Una Bryson and a newcomer, young Stuart Duncan from Biggar and a cracking wee player at that. The two Bobs (Paterson and Berry) and then button box player Jimmy Divers.
We also had Ian Graham and Charlie Todd. Charlie has just sold his Morino IV to Stanley Flett, the Chairman of the Kirkwall Club in Orkney, a sale more or less made by myself. Charlie is now looking for a good Morino V, domino coupling preferred.
The hot pies were served and again the show went on. Everyone voted this another cracker of a night and, of course, Bill Dickman was on hand with his camera.
Keep up your support, and again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Lesmahagow A&F Club met again on 7th May and again this Club of ever-growing popularity proved a great success.
The junior section had a classic support. First on stage was a young girl on the electronic organ, Janet Clark from Coatbridge, who amazed the audience with her variety of Scottish dance music, quicksteps, cha-chas and tangos, yet at 11 years-of-age nary a sheet of music in front of her.
She was followed by Jamie Hope from Coulter, first time, then Scott McInnes from Lesmahagow itself. Peter Wood from Crawfordjohn was next. Peter was the lad who won the medal for piping at the British Legion Contest in Edinburgh, and started the accordion on 9th January. He played a selection of Jimmy Shand waltzes, then a couple of pipe marches. He was followed by his wee sister Carol, who also started accordion on 9th January this year, and not to be outdone by Peter, she had just won another medal for Highland dancing.
Carol played two waltzes and a polka in a very professional manner. Another family double was Colin and Ian Bulloch, two lads making good strides in the accordion world. Then Ian Stewart, Desmond Wands and Una Bryson, ten juvenile players all showing great progress in the accordion world.
The Chairman then took the stage with Allan Smith on second box and Bruce Shaw, our resident drummer, kicking off in the senior section, and, as usual, when Allan Smith enquired what tunes they were playing, Big Jack, in his usual style, said he didna’ ken ‘til he got the box on. After their session Allan remarked “That’s wan thing Gray. I enjoy playing with ye. I never know what’s coming next”.
Guy Biaggi played his five row button box. Guy, in his youth, was hailed as a star accordionist on stage all over the country with the Toni Verrichia Number One Orchestra, and he’s still a star in his own right. A button box player who could, and should, be teaching the art.
Another five-row button box player was Jimmy Divers. Jimmy’s music is guid and he is becoming a welcome regular at our Club. Bob Berry played his three row British Chromatic. Hugh Gebbie and Bert Wilson, then Allan Smith all gave of their entertainment with great ability.
It was then the turn of our guest artiste, a very modest character and personality, an accordion player of the very highest standard, classic ability, a man who does his homework to perfection, none other than the well-known Archie Duncan.
His musical programme was indeed a variety of all idioms of music, and his interpretations of the old Music-While-You-Work programmes revived many memories. This audience made it clear that a return visit from Archie Duncan was a necessity and as they say, their wish is our command. The Chairman expressed his thanks to our host and hostess, Dot and Norman in the Craignethen Hotel, to our Committee for all their services, to all who donated raffle prizes and again to our drummer Bruce Shaw, and as I’ve said before we have the electric keyboard – someone please come and play it.
Although we carry on through the summer, our first meeting of the new season with a guest artist is on Thursday, 1st October. We have the young accordionist of very high standard, Ian Skinner from Blackridge, and for those who’ve heard him they’ll come back again for he’s a cracker.
The local Press carried on the front page an excellent photo of our Chairman Jack Gray with his Morino V, with Archie Duncan beside him, the photographer being Bill Dickman of Stonehouse. Bill, a box player in his own right, has yet to bring the box to our club, even although the Chairman, who is teaching him, is doing a bit of pressing. Bill’s brother, David, one of our Committee, is a bit of a dark horse, but a grand turn on the fiddle. Who knows, perhaps this winter Big Jack will entice them on to the stage at the Craignethan.
Bill’s photography work is of an extremely high standard, and he has a great interest in record sleeves, so anyone interested take note.
We in Lesmahagow have the connections. We have a fiddle repair man, accordion repair and tuning expert and a Club that has risen in two years to a very high standard. We trust this continues and extend a welcome to all musicians to come along and enjoy a night in a true hamely club, sample the pies or bridies which are dished up, and who knows if you are there at the very end, which is usually the small hours of the morning, the Craignethan dishes up a grand cup of soup. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 2 October 1981
Lesmahagow A&F Club held it’s AGM on 3rd September. The Committee remained in office with a new Secretary, Mary Gray, and an addition to the working committee, Adrian Hannah, a young lad well-known with the Jimmy Blair Accordion School and Orchestra.
The Chairman (myself, Jack Gray) again welcomed everyone to the meeting, and after news and views being aired, we went on to have a terrific club night.
Our new committee member Adrian Hannah was first to take the stage accompanied by Donald McAskill. Next was Finlay Robertson, then the Chairman gave Adrian Hannah the problem of playing second box to him, as it is only when he takes the stage that he decides what he is going to play.
Morag Robertson from the Monklands Club entertained on a five row. Bob Paterson from Larkhall turned up on a 500cc Honda motorbike, with no box, but took a turn with my Morino V. Bert Wilson did his turn on the same box. Gordon Thomson did his turn on the Galanti Duovox. Jennifer Forrest, from Airdrie, a very talented young lass, was very much appreciated. Then a newcomer to the club, a fine young musician from Larkhall, John Lockhart, gave his renderings.
The listeners then got an unexpected treat when The Lothianaires (Carol Farquhar and Ian Horsburgh) an absolutely superb duo, gave us an impromptu visit and boy did they have the feet tapping.
As you can see we had no fiddles, so come along boys with your fiddles, especially our Vice Chairman David Dickman, as I have played with this lad and he is a guid yin.
On our next Club night, Thursday, 5th November, we have the well known bandleader Iain MacPhail and as this lad draws a large crowd we advise you to get here early.
We also thank Nana and Ina for their help with the pies etc in the absence of our host and hostess Dot and Norman and thanks also to all who donated raffle prizes. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 3 November 1981
Lesmahagow A&F Club met for the first of its winter meetings in the Craignethan Hotel on a night of terrific rainfall and flooded roads, yet the support at this popular Club was tremendous. We had 17 accordionists, two drummer and one fiddler as a supporting act to our guest artiste. This proves that it takes more than a pickle of rain to keep them out of Lesmahagow Club.
The junior section got off to a good start with young Jamie Hope from Coulter, then Peter and Carol Wood from Crawfordjohn followed by that very up-and-coming young accordionist Una Bryson from Strathaven. These juniors all gave great performances.
David Coke took the stage for the first of the senior section and was followed by what looked like an accordion bonanza of players – myself Jack Gray, Allan Smith, Grant Crawford, Hugh Gebbie, Nelson Callan, Janet Forrest and John Sykes and a new lad from Cormiston, near Biggar, Alan Black, a cracker of a player who will always find a welcome at our Club.
The Club had the pleasure of a visit from Mr and Mrs Arthur McKeown and their son Stuart. Arthur and his wife are the gaffers at the M.A.F.I.A. Club and it was a great pleasure for our Club to welcome them among us. Arthur and young Stuart gave a performance of extreme credit to a duo of father and son, and they are always welcome at Lesmahagow.
Our two staunch supporters on the button box were Guy Biaggi and Jimmy Divers and like the other stalwarts they are always welcome. This also brings in the many regulars who attend and enjoy this popular night but don’t play an instrument.
The lone fiddler for the evening was the many who the Chairman always enquires if the woodworm are bothering him – Iain Henderson from East Kilbride. Iain may have an artificial leg but there is nothing artificial about this lad’s playing or his personality.
Our regular drummer was back in the hot spot after a summer of many contests with the Coalburn I.O.R. Pipe Band – welcome back Bruce Shaw. Our other drummer, Willie Simpson from Crossford, who, like myself, has been around a bit, in fact, remarked to me, “I think we’ll get Tammy Rae and Big Jack on accordions, Wullie Girdwood frae Lanark on cornet and myself on drums and turn the clock back 28 years to the days when there were nae amplifiers and the dancin’ went on tae three in the mornin’. Then ye had a rush tae get packed up an hame in time for the milkin’ at five o’clock in the mornin’”.
Our guest artiste this evening, at the age of 12 when the night started and 13 when it ended (happy first teenage birthday) at his first performance as a guest artiste, was young Ian Skinner from Blackridge, with titles to his name too numerous to mention. He gave a performance which many may equal but never surpass. He played with the confidence and ability of someone who has been at it as long as I have – and I’m getting on a bit. No nervous feeling were shown at all. He certainly took the place and the audience by storm and we know that after his first guest artiste performance it won’t be his last by a long chalk.
Our Club appreciated also the support which followed Ian from his own town, even his granny was there, a very, very proud woman and why not? He has won a place in Lesmahagow and we trust in the future he will always look on our club as his mother club.
Pies were served at half-time and a successful raffle was drawn. We thank all donors of prizes and everyone who helped to make the night a success. Thanks again to our host and hostess and a Committee of good workers.
Our next guest artiste will be Jackie Kerr on the five-row button box on 3rd December. He is a very well known player from the Borders area of Lauder. Jackie has connections in our area, his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Houston are regular supporters and John a fiddle player at our Club. So give this border callan your very best support – you won’t regret it.
Again I say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 4 December 1981
Lesmahagow B&F Club met on guy Fawkes night (5th November) and it certainly provided fireworks, with top-class guest artistes and a host of players making this look like an accordion bonanza night.
Our guest artiste, the Iain MacPhail Trio, a musician in a class of his own, with backing from Brian Griffin, two box players who certainly won the hearts of our Club. With a drummer behind, George Darling, Iain and Brian played a wide and varied programme and their rendering of ‘The De’il’s Conundrum’ selection was performed to perfection. George Darling, the drummer, is classed among the best on the scene, and his vocals certainly went down well at our Club. These three individuals showed their individuality in their own way, and at the same time provided us with a dance band sound, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present, again our Club had that well-attended feeling.
The Chairman, on welcoming everyone, decided to commence the evening’s music with the fiddlers for a change, Annie Robertson and John Houston, backed by wee Adam Reid, got us off to a great start.
Our juniors for the night were Peter and Carol Wood, Malcolm Allan, Desmond Ward, Una Bryson, Elaine Hastie and we also had Jennifer Forrest fresh from her success at Perth. We had five-row player Jimmy Divers, three-row player Bob Berry, then Bob Paterson, Adrian Hannah and Donald McAskill, David Wilson, David Coke, Ian Graham and a first time appearance for Wullie McRoberts on fiddle and his son Ian on drums.
Our regular drummer, Bruce Shaw, was in fine form and had a near thing when the speaker column fell off the shelf accidentally, landing on his shoulder, for which we were extremely sorry, but thankful it was not serious.
Apologies to all the lads – Nelson Callan, Charlie Todd, John Anderson frae Biggar, Miss E. Kerr from Larkhall, all sitting among the audience, when time had run out near the midnight hour.
Bill Dickman, the photographer, was on hand with his camera to snap up some photos. Bill was also in attendance on Friday, 30th October, when the Club held its annual Dinner Dance in the Jubilee Hall, where he snapped a cracker of a photo of Alex MacArthur with t new friend, George the Gorilla. We all enjoyed the General’s dance music and had a great night.
It was with regret that the Club received the news that Norman and Dot are leaving the Craignethan Hotel sometime in January. Since the Club started their support has been one of the mainstays of our Club, however, Castle Douglas will gain what we lose, as they are moving to that area, and I ask the Secretary of their Club to get in touch with Norman and who knows Dot might find time to get behind the piano again.
The Club is having a Special Night on 22nd December, when we have Christmas crackers with that young duo The Lothianaires. Then our regular meeting on 7th January, 1982, we have Allan Smith and the Doublet SDB. He is a local callan and a lad who deserves this spot and a strong supporter of our Club. Our Chairman has been doing a bit of visiting recently, firstly the Cleland club, then off to Edinburgh to hear Jack Emblow and on both occasions enjoyed some grand music.
We still need someone to play the keyboard at our Club, or a bass player. Again we say ‘Haste Ye Back’.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 5 January 1982
Lesmahagow A&F Club met as usual in the Craignethan Hotel on Thursday, 3rd December, and boy we had a cracker of a night. The standard of playing was top-class indeed, starting off with a young player Allan Gill, 11 years old, having his first go at playing in front of an audience. Well done Allan, forget the wee mistakes, the nerves will leave you, just keep practicing.
Allan was followed by young Carol Wood who, at the age of nine, entertained us with some lovely Christmas carols, playing like a wee professional.
She was followed by big brother Peter who played his selection, which included ‘Donald Iain Rankine’ in fine style without the music in front of him. No’ bad for a lad who’s no yet a year at the box.
The Chairman then took the stage along with young Alec Graham on second box and Bruce Shaw on drums, followed by Davis Coke, Charlie Todd, Jimmy Divers on the five row, another young lad Desmond Wands, then the horsey man Bert Wilson, Ian Graham, Nelson Callan, Allan Smith and a lad on fiddle, Jim Devlin, whose Irish selections, slip jigs, reels etc certainly brought the roof down. This lad we are sure would be a great asset to any band. In fact, many members of our guest artist team remarked about his wonderful fiddling.
Apologies were made for our guest artiste as booked, five-row player Jackie Kerr, frae Lauder. Illness in Jackie’s family prevented him at the last moment from appearing at the Club. However, there will be other times, of course. He did not let us down because the line-up he sent were top-class artistes, each and every one. We had Andrew Morton (drums), Davie Flockhart (keyboard) and what a fiddler Bob Laidlaw, three of Jackie’s colleagues and on top of that, the well-known George Meikle, Alan Ross and that very well known drummer Vic Laidlaw from the Lothian Band.
Their selections, their artistry, their sound, their entertainment value made our members feel again amongst the privileged set. We say thank you boys, one and all. And, of course, Bill Dickman was on hand with the camera.
Bill, in fact, nearly took the stage with the Chairman with his own Morino V but a wee bit lack of confidence stood in the way. But dinnae worry, Bill, you’ll make it yet. Yer photos are guid and appreciated and soon so will yer playing.
Thanks again to everyone who donated raffle prizes and then bought raffle tickets. Thanks also go to Norman and Dot and the bar staff, and to our drummer Bruce Shaw, who disnae get much rest, backing most players on stage and must wonder what’s happening when players like the Chairman comes up and shouts D, A and G instead of telling him the tempo.
Thanks again to our Committee members who again worked hard to make this a successful night.
Our next guest artistes will be a couple of crackers – Ian Holmes and Kenny Wilson on 4th February in the Craignethan Hotel. Kenny, as we all know, is one of the finest fiddlers in the country and Ian, a lad on the keyboard with a distinctive style of his own. We look forward to them with great expectations, especially that fancy fiddle of Kenny’s, which we trust he will have with him that night.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Also
Thursday, 7th January, the first Club night for Lesmahagow A&F Club for 1982, got Artic conditions outside, although it didnae deter the many regular followers we have. Attendance was down a bit, but the quality of the playing made up for this.
We kicked off the night with Davie Coke, next came Peter Wood, then sister Carol. These two kids are making great progress in the accordion world. Bob Berry was next to take the stage with his three-row button box, followed by Jimmy Divers on the five-row.
Charlie Todd was next and he gave a wonderful performance. We all know Charlie as he is the lad with the big bag of music and he seems to have all the music available.
Next we had Janette Clark from Coatbridge, with the big Elka organ, a very talented child. She was joined by Peter Gardiner on the accordion.
We had Nelson Callan. I don’t know why this lad doesn’t buy a Morino, because when he plays one he puts on a good show. Adrian Hannah was another lad who gave a grand performance. Then we had Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie. We think Jennifer is now due a guest artiste spot.
Also on stage we had Wee Joe from electronic Accordions, playing his usual style of jazz.
The Chairman took his turn and actually brought the roof down. Well, the truth is, while on stage backed by Adrian Hannah, three or four feet of ceiling plaster came down behind them. That line-up of players was supplemented by our guest artistes, Allan Smith and the Doublet SDB. Allan had to apologise for the absence of his fiddler, as he was in bed with pneumonia. We extend our best wishes to Iain Henderson for a speedy recovery.
Allan, along with Ian Graham on second box, and big Joe Taylor on drums, set the audience into a toe-tapping session with his jigs, reels and marches. Allan and Ian took it in turns to do a solo, and their performance was top-class. In fact, the Chairman’s comments were that Allan Smith would do for Kirkfieldbank what Jimmy Shand did for Auchtermuchty. Those who missed this night missed some top-class entertainment.
Illness also struck our resident drummer, Bruce Shaw, and also missing from the fold was one of our stalwart Committee members David Dickman, who is really under the weather. We wish both these lads a speedy recovery.
The Dermot O’Brien tickets for 15th April in the Jubilee Hall in Lesmahagow are selling fast and we would advise anyone who wants them to get in quick as it will be tickets only that night.
This will be a super night of accordion music and Electronic Accordions Ltd, who have branches at Motherwell, Blackpool, Rochdale and the Head Office at Staines, Middlesex, have kindly offered part sponsorship for this evening. Many accordions will be on display on the night and some demonstrated.
The month of March sees two big nights. Firstly on the 4th we have George Stirrat and then on the 18th we have a middle-of-the month meeting with the Currie Brothers.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 7 March 1982
4th February - what a night, what support and what performances, the finest ever seen at our Club or at any other Club. The Craignethan Hotel cat couldn’t get in, with players too numerous to mention and before I go any further let me apologise to all the young lads and lasses who were beaten by old father time, not allowing me time to bring them on stage. Let me also say at this stage, thank you to all the new first-timers to our Club, and we hope the atmosphere and fun will bring them all back again.
It would be impossible to single out the players who made a mark in progress, therefore, I’ll just say a big thank-you to everyone who took the stage and made the entertainment a night to be remembered.
I’m quite sure it gave our new host and hostess Mr and Mrs Anderson something to think about. I don’t believe they heard much of the entertainment side for they were extremely busy with the bar, hot pies and sandwiches, but I’m sure their initiation into the Accordion and fiddle club world must have pleased them to say the least.
The juvenile section on this night was in a class of its own, with young players from Armadale area, and from Crawfordjohn, mingling with many experienced players like Guy Biaggi, Allan Smith, Jim Devlin, John Houston and Annie Robertson, Morag Robertson, wee Joe Vettraino from Electronic Accordions Ltd Motherwell Branc, Adrian Hannah, one of the late Jimmy Blair Accordion School’s top players and, of course, a member of our Committee, nae, ah’ll hiv’ tae stop, it would take up too much space to include a’ the names, but yet I have to mention Bruce Shaw, our resident drummer, who had a busy night but got a spell now and again from Wullie Simpson, Crossford.
It was now time for guest artistes, and what a combination. About as many instruments between two men as some of the best bands can muster. Ian Holmes, well known for his music and his music shop in Dumfries, ably assisted by one of Scotland’s most superb fiddlers, Kenny Wilson, displayed their classic expertise. Ian did his rounds, piano box, five-row than Shand Morino and on each instrument Ian certainly proved himself (apologies Ian, I was joking when I looked over your Shand Morino, saying I was inspecting it on behalf of Electronic Accordions Ltd, who had one knocked off at their Motherwell branch. Should anyone be offered an instrument like this cheaply please don’t hesitate to contact E.A. or the police).
The other half of the duo Kenny (The Gemmy) Wilson who if his ability with a 12 bore shotgun is as guid as his perfection of the art of fiddling, then God bless the rabbits, hares and pheasants. This unassuming character frae Leadhills made the fiddle talk, he played and demonstrated the fiddle as we know it, then to the glory of Justine Tennant, he played and demonstrated in a class of his own, on an 8 stringed Norwegian Hardanger instrument with ornamentations, quality and sound (nae Kenny, I widnae like tae give it a name, but a’ claim it as fan-dabi-dosi) a truly wonderful instrument, as is yer ain fiddle.
A word of thanks to my Committee who responded to an over full house, in an enthusiastic manner.
Let me apologise to those who didn’t get a ticket for the Dermot O’Brien Show. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when the tickets went on sale. This show in the Jubilee Hall in Lesmahagow (ye’ll get a hot pie tae) is being generously sponsored by Electronic Accordions Ltd, who will have many boxes on display that night, a company who have the accordion players at heart. They buy and sell, repair and tune and give you a trade-in offer you can’t refuse. Their representatives will be on hand to show their wares. Their fabulous Zero-Zette electronic accordion will be demonstrated at the show, in the hands of wee Joe in his own style. Yes it’s a sell out and as for myself, I look forward to meeting a friend, Dermot O’Brien at Lesmahagow and I trust he can now pronounce the name.
Apologies, our next guest artiste, the superb accordionist George Stirrat has been forced to call off (we’ll miss you George) but we have acquired the services of Gary Blair, assisted by Adrian Hannah. These two lads stand out very high in the competitive accordion world and we appreciate their acceptance as stand-in artistes at short notice. We ask our club members and friends to support us and them on the evening, in the Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow, where the hamely atmosphere of this club will again prevail.
An in-between night follows on Thursday, 18th March, with the fabulous Currie Brothers. Give us your support, aye, they’re guid you’ve heard them before, hear them again. They are classic, come early or suffer the consequences.
We would, of course, like tae welcome an appearance frae the like’s o’ the Loon frae BBC Scotland, Robbie Shepherd. Ah wis speared recently whar a partook wi’ the cratur. When I replied the Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow, the response wis, ‘That’s whar they haud the Box and Fiddle Club.’
Thanks for your support and we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 5 No 8 April 1982
The 4th March meeting of Lesmahagow A&F Club again proved a cracker at the Craignethan Hotel. This time I would like to pay tribute to our audience, members and non-members for their strength of support. Our Club commences at 7.30pm but the first players usually turn up around 6.30 and we on the Committee take this opportunity of saying thank you for your support.
What a line-up of players ; the players we have coming along regularly, but always a change of tunes for their programmes. We started off the evening’s entertainment with three regulars, Annie Robertson and John Houston on the fiddles, backed by Adam Reid on his brand new five-row Zero-Zette, which he purchased from electronic Accordions Ltd, Motherwell only the day before. We wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new box Adam.
This trio project very nice numbers which prove they practice with each other, and this is what Club life is about, getting together.
Next to take the stage was Peter Wood from Crawfordjohn, just back from a tour of France with Hawick Pipe Band, and again he excelled himself.
This time I varied the programme and brought on our five-row button box player Jimmy Divers. Jimmy was followed by the wee one, Carol Wood, with her wee 48 bass Royal Standard and she put on a top-class performance. People keep telling me she needs a bigger box, this could be right, but then we never overload or burden our shoulders. The young lass will grow and in time a bigger box will be ready for her.
The two Bobs, Paterson and Berry, took the stage, backed by our resident drummer Bruce Shaw, who is always on hand. (I’ve kidded Bruce so much, when I do a turn myself, about the key I’m playing in, I’m sure I heard his asking , not the timing but the key by mistake.)
The line-up of players during the night proved another bonanza – Allan Smith, who fronts the Doublet SDB, Charlie Todd from Tinto, Bert Wilson, who, by the time he reads this will have lost a daughter but gained a son (in-law). Then Nelson Callan) I think he should sell his J.C.B. and buy a Morino V, for that’s the box that works best for him).
Again on the fiddles we had Wullie McRoberts and Jim Devlin, two lads who can make the strings speak. Alec Graham backed his brother Ian, which again provided some sound. Ian Clark from Larkhall gave us a superb performance and will always be welcome at our Club.
At our next meeting our guest artiste was the one-and-only wizard of the keyboard, wee Walter Perrie, and he gave us a show which may be equaled but never surpassed. Walter was a stand-in for George Stirrat (who through no fault of his own had to cancel) but Walter, in his own high capacity of playing, again made the rafters ring.
This wizard of the keyboard will always find a welcome at our Club. Walter was backed on drums by Bruce Shaw who commented to the Chairman that he didn’t think he was qualified enough to back such an artiste. The other lad on stage with Walter was Ian Graham and his performance on second box with power bass was something I would like to get on record. They clicked to say the least. I hope Ian enjoyed playing with Walter as much as we enjoyed listening to them.
Our Chairman, through telephone conversation with Stanley Flett from the Kirkwall Club in Orkney, has arranged a guest artiste spot for Walter Perrie in Kirkwall and, of course, they’ll have a good night.
We hope to see you all again at our next Club night in the Craignethan Hotel on Thursday, 6th May, when our special guest will be Paddy Neary.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
This was the in-between night of Lesmahagow A&F Club on 18th March. We were right again, we said it would be a full house night, and again our guest artistes, the fabulous Currie Brothers, gave us a performance, to their own high standard which the capacity crowd enjoyed, and this was shown by the standing ovation given to the boys.
And again we had a line-up of players worthy of their place. We had four fiddlers – Annie Robertson, Elizabeth Kerr, John Houston and Iain Henderson. The juvenile accordion section – Peter and Carol Wood, Una Bryson and a newcomer, young Stuart Duncan from Biggar and a cracking wee player at that. The two Bobs (Paterson and Berry) and then button box player Jimmy Divers.
We also had Ian Graham and Charlie Todd. Charlie has just sold his Morino IV to Stanley Flett, the Chairman of the Kirkwall Club in Orkney, a sale more or less made by myself. Charlie is now looking for a good Morino V, domino coupling preferred.
The hot pies were served and again the show went on. Everyone voted this another cracker of a night and, of course, Bill Dickman was on hand with his camera.
Keep up your support, and again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)