Year 6 No 1 September 1982
During the first two weeks of June, East Kilbride held its ‘Festival fortnight’ and EK A&F Club joined in by presenting an extra night in the Stuart Hotel on Thursday, 10th June, with John Huband and the Tayside Sound.
That was a night to remember with an abundance of talent, seldom seen at one time together. Solos, duos, trios and bands, definitely something for everyone.
We had visitors from Armadale, Biggar and Dunblane.
Also an item or two from Donnie Large of TV and Radio.
It would be futile to single out any one player by name as each and every one gave of their very best. So in order of appearance they are :-
Frank Harper, Bill Queen, John Gibson, Iain Henderson, Bill Menzies, Jennifer Forrest, Annie Robertson, John Watson, Kerry Watson, David Steel, Karen Higgins, Graham Edwardson, Hugh Gebbie, Una Bryson, Andrew Dunbar, Ian Skinner, David Wilson, Cathie Wilson, Donnie and Yvonne, Richard Ross and Grant Crawford.
Our guest artistes were John Huband and the Tayside Sound and what can one say about this band that has not already been said? They were a joy to watch and a delight to listen to. Their selections were superb and greatly appreciated by our large audience.
Thanking everyone who helped to make such a super, successful night.
As I was unable to attend the evening the above report was written by Marion Gebbie, the MC for the evening. So I would like to give my special thanks to Marion.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 2 October 1982
EK A&F Club started the session off on the 23rd September, a week earlier than usual, due to a double booking of the function room. Nevertheless, we had a good turnout of players and an encouraging audience to hear the guest artistes for the evening – The Donaldson Brothers.
The music started with the traditional stramash which got off to a dodgy start because I had a loose wire in a plug. To follow this we had an old faithful to the clubs in the area – Justine Tennant on her violin. Frank Harper was next to entertain us, accompanied by Hugh Gebbie and Bill Sinclair. Frank actually got up on to the stage to play which was unlike his stance during the stramash where he just sat on the edge of the stage.
It was nice to have the young players, Una Bryson, Strathaven, Janet Clark, Monklands and a special welcome back to Ian Bullock. Maybe next we will persuade his brother and father to give us a tune again.
Our thanks also to the fortunate players we were able to squeeze into the evening’s programme, namely Grant Crawford, Bill Queen, guy Biaggi, Jimmy Divers, Gordon Gracie, Nelson Callan, Charlie Todd, Alistair Russell, all on accordion. Eddie Gallagher, fiddle ; Bill Sinclair, keyboard ; Hugh Gebbie, drums and accordion.
The guests, The Donaldson Brothers gave us a polished repertoire of Scottish, Continental and contemporary music. It took them a few minutes in the first spot to decide between themselves what they were going to play – a set of waltzes or a set of reels, but that settled they proceeded to entertain us with a varied programme with nice harmonies – grear stuff, lads.
Our compere for the evening was Iain Henderson.
Our guest artistes on 28th October will be Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson. See you all there.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 4 December 1982
East Kilbride A&F Club met as usual on the last Thursday of the month (25th November) in the Stuart Hotel. We had a very disappointing turnout of both players and audience, but nevertheless, everyone present enjoyed themselves. The guests for the evening were members of the Dunblane Club.
The evening started off with a stramash formed by our Club members. It looked like we would have to play all evening at first, because, apart from the players on the stage, there was not another player in the hall.
Anyway, after we played a few sets, Alasdair Russell from Mull entertained us on his box with some nice pipe marches (it’s obvious where you come from Alasdair.)
Other players were Grant Crawford on accordion and electric piano, Iain Henderson, our MC, on fiddle, Hugh Gebbie, as usual never getting a rest, was constantly in demand to provide a backing on drums. Remember your bass pedal next time, Hugh. Justine Tennant on violin, myself on accordion, ably backed by Hugh and Grant.
It took a bit of persuading to get a friend of mine, Scott McDonald from Aberdeen, to play the drums, but once he got up on stage he was quite happy to stay there.
Members from the Dunblane Club took over the second half of the evening and entertained a small but appreciative audience. They were supplemented by our Club members for a grand stramash top finish off the evening.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 6 February 1983
The EK Club started 1983 as it wishes to continue throughout the coming year. It was nice to see an abundance of players and a respectable audience. I must apologise to those players who didn’t get a spot, but all I can say to them is ‘come back next month.’
Our guests for the evening were making their debut to the Club circuit, but I’m sure everyone who came along to the Stuart Hotel on 27th January wishes the Iain Peterson Trio success in the future. I have no hesitation in saying that I’m sure they will find themselves around the clubs next season.
The night began with a rousing thrash followed by two regulars to the Club, Eddie Gallagher, fiddle and Bill Sinclair, keyboard. Maybe I shouldn’t say ‘regulars’ lads, because, if my memory serves me right, I don’t think you’ve been to the last couple of meetings. Let’s see you next month, so that I can truthfully call you regulars!
Iain Bulloch was the only member of the family that I was able to persuade to play. Iain was telling me he’s competing at Govan Festival – all the best Iain.
Next on stage was Frank Harper, accordion. Poor Frank, he couldn’t start his spot because of the hotel’s intercom system, but before he did he proclaimed “I’m going to play a tune.”
Thanks to visitors from other Clubs – accordionists from Monklands, Morag and son Findlay Robertson, Graeme Johnston, a newcomer to our Club – some nice playing Graeme, welcome back.
Anne Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank, both playing the fiddle, Jimmy Divers from Cleland on his button box and my friend from Dunblane, Andrew Dunbar, who stole my sandwiches at half-time.
This month we were fortunate to hear Charlie and his son Niall Kirkpatrick on box. Then Charlie took a seat at the piano keys and ably backed Norrie Williams, accordion, in his distinctive style.
Also thanks goes to our own players – Bill Queen, Gordon Gracie on accordion and our talented Chairman Hugh Gebbie on accordion, drums and moothie.
The Iain Peterson Trio i.e. Iain (fiddle), Donald Burns (accordion) and Alf McConnachie (Keyboard) blended together superbly to produce a very tight sound which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Iain’s programme consisted of both traditional and his own compositions. Iain, showing us his versatility, gave us a melody on the pipes, but Alf seems to think he just plays the pipes because he can’t play tunes in Bb/Eb on his fiddle.
The evening closed with a stramash led by Iain Peterson.
Don’t miss next month’s meeting on 24th February when the guest artistes will be the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 7 March 1983
Before our usual Club night in February, the EK A&F Club along with the EK Cinema Organ Society put on an afternoon musical recital in the Ballerup Hall.
This turned out to be a most enjoyable afternoon and I’m sure our Committee will join with me and give a special vote of thanks to our guests, namely Una Bryson, Jennifer Forrest and Walter Perrie – great stuff folks.
Our normal Club night was held on 24th February in the usual venue – the Stuart Hotel – where the Wallochmor minus one i.e. Freeland Barbour, filled the guest spot for the evening. Maybe the next time we will manage to have the full band.
It was nice to see players from other Clubs at EK ; David Martin and Davie Millar, both playing accordions, from Armadale, Charlie Todd and Jack Gray from Lesmahagow, the Burns Brothers from Cumbernauld.
We were fortunate to have the Holytown Accordion Band complete with ‘bonnets’ – I wonder what the full rig-out looks like? Allan Smith (Kirkfieldbank) and Ian Graham (Carluke), I don’t think we were able to fin them to lead, but they were both made good use od as second box players – hope to get you up next month leading.
Our faithful Justine Tennant was there to entertain us on her fiddle, as was Jim Devlin. Eddie Gallagher accompanied by Bill Sinclair made good use of last month’s raffle prize, donated by Iain Peterson, and played some nice melodies.
Other players were Guy Biagi, Una Bryson, John Lang, Duncan McKinnon, Jimmy Divers and Heather Bain, who actually brought her accordion with her for a change.
My apologies to some of our own Club members whom we were unable to fit in.
The Wallochmor provided some great feet-tapping music which the audience lapped up. Sandy enjoyed his stovies so much that he dedicated the tune ‘Lumps o’Puddin’ to them. I’m inclined to agree with him.
The evening ended with a stramash, led off by Sandy.
Next month’s meeting is on the 31st March when Graeme Mitchell is the guest artiste. See you then.
Paul Johnstone
During the first two weeks of June, East Kilbride held its ‘Festival fortnight’ and EK A&F Club joined in by presenting an extra night in the Stuart Hotel on Thursday, 10th June, with John Huband and the Tayside Sound.
That was a night to remember with an abundance of talent, seldom seen at one time together. Solos, duos, trios and bands, definitely something for everyone.
We had visitors from Armadale, Biggar and Dunblane.
Also an item or two from Donnie Large of TV and Radio.
It would be futile to single out any one player by name as each and every one gave of their very best. So in order of appearance they are :-
Frank Harper, Bill Queen, John Gibson, Iain Henderson, Bill Menzies, Jennifer Forrest, Annie Robertson, John Watson, Kerry Watson, David Steel, Karen Higgins, Graham Edwardson, Hugh Gebbie, Una Bryson, Andrew Dunbar, Ian Skinner, David Wilson, Cathie Wilson, Donnie and Yvonne, Richard Ross and Grant Crawford.
Our guest artistes were John Huband and the Tayside Sound and what can one say about this band that has not already been said? They were a joy to watch and a delight to listen to. Their selections were superb and greatly appreciated by our large audience.
Thanking everyone who helped to make such a super, successful night.
As I was unable to attend the evening the above report was written by Marion Gebbie, the MC for the evening. So I would like to give my special thanks to Marion.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 2 October 1982
EK A&F Club started the session off on the 23rd September, a week earlier than usual, due to a double booking of the function room. Nevertheless, we had a good turnout of players and an encouraging audience to hear the guest artistes for the evening – The Donaldson Brothers.
The music started with the traditional stramash which got off to a dodgy start because I had a loose wire in a plug. To follow this we had an old faithful to the clubs in the area – Justine Tennant on her violin. Frank Harper was next to entertain us, accompanied by Hugh Gebbie and Bill Sinclair. Frank actually got up on to the stage to play which was unlike his stance during the stramash where he just sat on the edge of the stage.
It was nice to have the young players, Una Bryson, Strathaven, Janet Clark, Monklands and a special welcome back to Ian Bullock. Maybe next we will persuade his brother and father to give us a tune again.
Our thanks also to the fortunate players we were able to squeeze into the evening’s programme, namely Grant Crawford, Bill Queen, guy Biaggi, Jimmy Divers, Gordon Gracie, Nelson Callan, Charlie Todd, Alistair Russell, all on accordion. Eddie Gallagher, fiddle ; Bill Sinclair, keyboard ; Hugh Gebbie, drums and accordion.
The guests, The Donaldson Brothers gave us a polished repertoire of Scottish, Continental and contemporary music. It took them a few minutes in the first spot to decide between themselves what they were going to play – a set of waltzes or a set of reels, but that settled they proceeded to entertain us with a varied programme with nice harmonies – grear stuff, lads.
Our compere for the evening was Iain Henderson.
Our guest artistes on 28th October will be Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson. See you all there.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 4 December 1982
East Kilbride A&F Club met as usual on the last Thursday of the month (25th November) in the Stuart Hotel. We had a very disappointing turnout of both players and audience, but nevertheless, everyone present enjoyed themselves. The guests for the evening were members of the Dunblane Club.
The evening started off with a stramash formed by our Club members. It looked like we would have to play all evening at first, because, apart from the players on the stage, there was not another player in the hall.
Anyway, after we played a few sets, Alasdair Russell from Mull entertained us on his box with some nice pipe marches (it’s obvious where you come from Alasdair.)
Other players were Grant Crawford on accordion and electric piano, Iain Henderson, our MC, on fiddle, Hugh Gebbie, as usual never getting a rest, was constantly in demand to provide a backing on drums. Remember your bass pedal next time, Hugh. Justine Tennant on violin, myself on accordion, ably backed by Hugh and Grant.
It took a bit of persuading to get a friend of mine, Scott McDonald from Aberdeen, to play the drums, but once he got up on stage he was quite happy to stay there.
Members from the Dunblane Club took over the second half of the evening and entertained a small but appreciative audience. They were supplemented by our Club members for a grand stramash top finish off the evening.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 6 February 1983
The EK Club started 1983 as it wishes to continue throughout the coming year. It was nice to see an abundance of players and a respectable audience. I must apologise to those players who didn’t get a spot, but all I can say to them is ‘come back next month.’
Our guests for the evening were making their debut to the Club circuit, but I’m sure everyone who came along to the Stuart Hotel on 27th January wishes the Iain Peterson Trio success in the future. I have no hesitation in saying that I’m sure they will find themselves around the clubs next season.
The night began with a rousing thrash followed by two regulars to the Club, Eddie Gallagher, fiddle and Bill Sinclair, keyboard. Maybe I shouldn’t say ‘regulars’ lads, because, if my memory serves me right, I don’t think you’ve been to the last couple of meetings. Let’s see you next month, so that I can truthfully call you regulars!
Iain Bulloch was the only member of the family that I was able to persuade to play. Iain was telling me he’s competing at Govan Festival – all the best Iain.
Next on stage was Frank Harper, accordion. Poor Frank, he couldn’t start his spot because of the hotel’s intercom system, but before he did he proclaimed “I’m going to play a tune.”
Thanks to visitors from other Clubs – accordionists from Monklands, Morag and son Findlay Robertson, Graeme Johnston, a newcomer to our Club – some nice playing Graeme, welcome back.
Anne Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank, both playing the fiddle, Jimmy Divers from Cleland on his button box and my friend from Dunblane, Andrew Dunbar, who stole my sandwiches at half-time.
This month we were fortunate to hear Charlie and his son Niall Kirkpatrick on box. Then Charlie took a seat at the piano keys and ably backed Norrie Williams, accordion, in his distinctive style.
Also thanks goes to our own players – Bill Queen, Gordon Gracie on accordion and our talented Chairman Hugh Gebbie on accordion, drums and moothie.
The Iain Peterson Trio i.e. Iain (fiddle), Donald Burns (accordion) and Alf McConnachie (Keyboard) blended together superbly to produce a very tight sound which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Iain’s programme consisted of both traditional and his own compositions. Iain, showing us his versatility, gave us a melody on the pipes, but Alf seems to think he just plays the pipes because he can’t play tunes in Bb/Eb on his fiddle.
The evening closed with a stramash led by Iain Peterson.
Don’t miss next month’s meeting on 24th February when the guest artistes will be the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band.
Paul Johnstone
Year 6 No 7 March 1983
Before our usual Club night in February, the EK A&F Club along with the EK Cinema Organ Society put on an afternoon musical recital in the Ballerup Hall.
This turned out to be a most enjoyable afternoon and I’m sure our Committee will join with me and give a special vote of thanks to our guests, namely Una Bryson, Jennifer Forrest and Walter Perrie – great stuff folks.
Our normal Club night was held on 24th February in the usual venue – the Stuart Hotel – where the Wallochmor minus one i.e. Freeland Barbour, filled the guest spot for the evening. Maybe the next time we will manage to have the full band.
It was nice to see players from other Clubs at EK ; David Martin and Davie Millar, both playing accordions, from Armadale, Charlie Todd and Jack Gray from Lesmahagow, the Burns Brothers from Cumbernauld.
We were fortunate to have the Holytown Accordion Band complete with ‘bonnets’ – I wonder what the full rig-out looks like? Allan Smith (Kirkfieldbank) and Ian Graham (Carluke), I don’t think we were able to fin them to lead, but they were both made good use od as second box players – hope to get you up next month leading.
Our faithful Justine Tennant was there to entertain us on her fiddle, as was Jim Devlin. Eddie Gallagher accompanied by Bill Sinclair made good use of last month’s raffle prize, donated by Iain Peterson, and played some nice melodies.
Other players were Guy Biagi, Una Bryson, John Lang, Duncan McKinnon, Jimmy Divers and Heather Bain, who actually brought her accordion with her for a change.
My apologies to some of our own Club members whom we were unable to fit in.
The Wallochmor provided some great feet-tapping music which the audience lapped up. Sandy enjoyed his stovies so much that he dedicated the tune ‘Lumps o’Puddin’ to them. I’m inclined to agree with him.
The evening ended with a stramash, led off by Sandy.
Next month’s meeting is on the 31st March when Graeme Mitchell is the guest artiste. See you then.
Paul Johnstone