Dear Sir
We're back ! Hullo to everyone in the scene.
Biggar Club has been going from strength to strength over the past years, with several of our young stars going on to form Broadcasting Dance Bands, and play to busy diaries, but they are still enthuastic members of the Club, turning up to give us a tune.
This year we are trying out a new format, a new venue, a new day.
The format - guest artiste first on at 7.30pm, followed by our local Club talent, stovie time, then guest artistes to play, and dancing will be on the cards.
Our very own Les Dawson (sorry, John Anderson) is the Master of Ceremonies, and he is usually game for a laugh.
Seriously, John and the team have done an excellent job and kept the Club going from strength to strength.
The night - the second Sunday of the month, September to April.
The venue - Toftcombs Hotel, Biggar, one mile out of town on the A702 road to Edinburgh.
We look forward to seeing and hearing players and listeners.
Kick-off, September 11th, at 7.30pm. See you then.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
September 1988
Dear Editor – With ref. to letter Margaret Grieve, Milngavie, in the September ‘B&F’. How can she justify ‘the Scottish style can be very monotonous unless one is dancing’. I have been a Scottish Dance music fan for several years and I am not old or even middle age yet! – and I don’t hear bands or individuals, as monotonous, far from it. You could ask twenty different bands to play one set of reels, for example, record them, and play them back one after the other, and you will find that not one bandleader will produce the same result, each one with their own interpretation of the tunes.
Take the Jim Johnstone Band, has one sat and watched how his box dances in his arms as he plays, night after night – does he think it is monotonous? I don’t think so, he enjoys every bit of it. After all, no Scottish dance band can command a fee like the pop stars of today. I don’t think they play for the money they receive, they play for the pleasure they give to people like myself, who enjoy listening. Unlike ‘Pop’ music, the tunes never age, the style changes with the talent, who arranges, these timeless tunes.
Some of the new compositions are A1, too numerous to list. Okay, the Currie Brothers are good, I too like their style, the variety of programme, the introduction of electronics, and banjo, guitar. But quite frankly if one is bored at an Accordion and Fiddle Club, she should not have been there in the first place….
Keep up the good ‘Scottish Style’, boys and girls, I think lots will agree with me, ‘Scottish Dance Music’ is magic and long may it be played, the Scottish way.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
Oct / Nov 1988
Dear Editor
With reference to Mr McCaskie's letter on the format of the Clubs, I, as an enthusiast of the Scottish Dance Music, listening to approx. 7 hours per week on tape, in car, and more, if it is Club weeks, feel I am in a position to comment on the remarks.
I have attended Biggar Club from the start, at the Clydesdale Hotel, as the musicians called it the 'Jury Room.'
To the present format of dancing, if wanting to, at the Municipal Hall and hearing (I am the one on the stage recording) a more relaxed person on stage, enjoying themselves, as it should be, playing, to the audience. The noise level has been reduced, it has not a dance atmosphere, and judging by the numbers that return, meeting after meeting, it is a good environment for the Club.
I have heard artistes stating, they don't like the 'Jury' scene. They get too tensed up, even hours before the gig.
But, let's be realistic. Clubs are set up for enjoyment and if the players are not enjoying playing, the music transmitted is not as enjoyable, and the paying public don't come back - and where do we stand - no Club's to go to, and no Scottish music to listen to. at least I don't want that.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
April 1989
Biggar held their opening meeting in their new venue, the Toftcombs Hotel, on Sunday 11th September. The new venue and format proved a great success.
Guests for the evening, the Alan Gardiner SDB, started off the evening with a fine varied programme and dancing was introduced for the first time, the floor soon being filled. A fine young player is our Alan, residing at Lamington, a few miles from Biggar.
Nest it was the turn of our Club members and visitors to give us a tune. Charlie Todd (accordion and drums) and John Anderson (M.C. and accordion). He was his usual witty self and improving in his playing ‘I’m joking John!’
David Coke from Carluke, Kenneth and Steven Johnstone, two very young lads who gave us a duet on accordion and keyboard, which went down well with the audience.
Also on accordion we had Kevin Gardiner from Lanark, Jimmy Divers from Cleland, Scott Masterton from Symington, Bob Fortune from Peebles, Ian McCormack from Douglas, Walter McMillan and Bill Finnigan both from Castle Douglas, Andrew Stoddart from Penicuik, Davie Scott from Innerleithan and Ailsa Walkinshaw from Peebles.
On fiddle Annie Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank and on keyboard Keith Dickson from Dolphinton.
After the stovies the guest artistes came on again to round off a truly excellent night’s entertainment.
Peter Rae
Biggar Club returned to their new venue, the Toftcombs Hotel on Sunday, 9th October for another fantastic night of entertainment – and entertainment it was, right from the word go.
As our guests had been slightly held up with abandoned cars due to a downpour, our M.C.John, decided to start the proceedings until Fraser and Co. had a cuppa.
John was in his usual jovial mood and gave us three selections, even getting the members to have a dance but I must admit his young son Ian stole the glory, with his faultless rendering of ‘The Grandfather Clock’ – well done Ian, tell your dad the secret!
Then came our guests for the evening, the Fraser McGlynn Trio and right from the start Fraser let everyone know – you start the slanging, he will finish it (all in good fun I may add).
After dealing with John, he then went on to play some fine selections of music for dancing and listening, including some fine pipe selections – of course he enquired ‘If the man from Greenock was in”, but fortunately he was not! The highlight of his spot was when he asked for requests, and a lady asked for the ‘Mississippi Dip’. For the third tune he played ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ the right way then the Les – sorry – John Anderson way and the crowd fell apart laughing. What a showman, every wrong note perfect! But seriously Fraser and the boys gave us a real treat with the programme he had arranged and the added sense of humour was a bonus.
Then it was the turn of our local, and not so local, talent and due to the large turnout of musicians some agreed to stand down to avoid running too late.
On accordion – John Anderson, Ian Anderson, Jenny Hope, John Russell (Larkhall), Davie Coke (Carluke), Stewart Coubrough, Scott Masterton (Symington), John Mackie (Peebles), Alan Gardiner (Lamington) who makes his debut broadcast this month – all the best Alan! Jimmy Divers (Cleland), Alison and Fiona Gilfillan (Perth – nice to see you), David Miller (Forth), Stewart Lochie, Willie McFarlane (Armadale), Ian Graham (Carluke), Keith Dickson (Dolphinton) and Charlie Todd (Thankerton).
On keyboard – George Walker (Carnwath), Keith Dickson and Alan Gardiner.
On drums – Charlie Todd and Ian Graham.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson and John Houston (Kirkfieldbank).
Then it was back to our guest artistes to finish off what I would call a great night’s entertainment.
Next month we have the Bill Black SDB. Another great night in prospect.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 03 Dec 1988
The club held a very successful November meeting last Sunday. Unfortunately due to the new management policy of charging for the use of the ballroom, in the meantime it was to be the last Club night at Toftcombs, likewise, with our annual Dance in May.
However, all is not lost as the new venue is Biggar Municipal Hall, next month, same night, same time, same set-up. A bar will be available and the guest artistes the Jim Johnstone S.D.B.
Back to last week, the packed audience had come to Toftcombs for an evening of listening and dancing, and that they did. Bill Black and his Band started off the proceedings with some lively music to loosen the legs and ears. Bill played a variety of tunes and very soon he had the audience dancing away. He then introduced Neil Caul, who gave us a couiple of fine selections on the box.
Then it was Angels Smith’s turn to step forward, and by gosh she didn’t half get that fiddle swinging a couple of crackers, and had the audience begging for more, and I don’t blame them. A fine fiddle played and a fine band all round.
Next it was the turn of our local and not so local talent. On accordion Jenny Hope, young Ian Anderson, whose rendering of the ‘Grandfather clock’ put his dad to shame. By the way, on the subject, Johnis thinking of releasing his version on tape, any takers?
Accordionists – John Anderson, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Tom Porteous, Charlie Todd, Stewart Holmes, John Laidlaw, Ian Graham, Jimmy Divers, Morag Robertson, Jason Dove, Alec Graham, and last but not least, fresh from ‘Take the Floor’ Alan Gardiner – Well done Alan, a fine performance.
On keyboard were George Walker, Dorothy Lawson and Ian Wilson.
On drums Roy Doolan, Aly McIntyre and Charlie Todd.
On fiddle John Houston and Annie Robertson.
After the raffle and stovie time, it was back to the guest artistes and once again a fine performance form the Bill Black Band. At the close a stramash with all the players brought a really excellent night to a close.
Remember next month, second Sunday in the Municipal Hall opposite the Clydesdale Hotel.
See you then.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 05 Feb 1989
Biggar held their December meeting in their new venue, the Municipal Hall, on Sunday 11th, and it proved to be a wise move with an audience of more than 200 attending, and room for all.
Jim Johnstone and his Band were the guests for the evening and do I really have to say more? Right from the first note he had the audience dancing and laughing in any order. Jim’s ability to ‘suss out’ the audience’s wants is second to none.
The programme started with a set of reels followed by a great new waltz tune, composed recently by Jim – and another winner, ‘A Waltz for Tracy’. When the next set was played he warned the dancers the ‘Pea Strae’ was the following dance and to get their jackets off, ready to start, this was to be a demonstration with three teams taking part, none won!
As a break from dancing the usual banter between Jim and Bobby Colgan took place, coming out with some cracking stories, then Bobby took the ‘mike’ and gave us a song.
Marie Fielding, was then introduced and played a couple of Canadian reels to the much appreciative audience, then after an enquiry to John ‘if the kettle was on’ ended the first part of his show.
Then came the turn of the Club members and visitors who all gave shining performances on their instruments, and I may add, it is nice to see new faces at the Club, up to give us a tune, young and old, novice or old hands, that’s what the Club scene is all about. Without them where would we be, they all need encouragement, so do I at times!
On accordion – John Russell, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Scott Masterton, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, Kenneth and Steven Johnstone, Jason Dove, Charlie Todd, Colin McKinnon, and all the way from Luss, Alistair McPhail, Morag Robertson.
On Second accordion - Ian and Alec Graham.
On keyboard – Ian Wilson, George Walker, Alec Graham.
On drums – David Wright, Billy Goodfellow, Charlie Todd, Alister McIntyre.
On fiddle – John Houston and Annie Robertson from Kirkfieldbank.
Some, including our M.C. John Anderson, son Iain, Jenny Hope and Stewart Holmes had to stand down do to time, however John Anderson is now famous – a tune has been written for him, and been recorded for him, complete with the ‘Grandfather Clock’ in the background – maybe Robbie S. might plug it!
After a fine cup of soup and Fence bread it was back to the guest artistes and were they not half in a fine playing mood. Starting off with two rounds ‘Eva Three Step’ followed by a ‘polka’, back to Bobby for the ‘Auld Meal Mill’ followed by a sing-along medley which soon had the crowd singing.
Back to Marie for a couple of fine ‘Hoe-down’ tunes, we were then introduced to John Gibson, the band’s new piano player, who we were told was also an excellent singer, and too right he was, a lovely song, well sung.
All to soon the night was over, finishing on a ‘high’ as always and finishing our 1988 with style. Jim said at the end “The talented musicians on stage with him”, how right he is. The tight sound, varied programme, played to perfection, the patter, what more do you want!
Biggar Club has seen some changes this year, but for the better. May I, on behalf of Biggar Club, wish everyone in the Club scene ‘A very Happy and Musical 1989’.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 06 Mar 1989
A Happy New Year to one and all, and that’s how Biggar’s first meeting of the season in January at the Municipal Hall turned out to be. A happy crowd, singing, dancing and listening and that is what it is all about.
To start the evening off Archie Duncan and Frank Henery took the stage and soon everyone was captivated with his style and brand of music, and wit. We even enjoyed a fifteen minute version of ‘Workers Playtime’, the BBC programme that even I can remember. In all an excellent programme with some very enjoyable selections.
Next came the turn of our members and visitors in solos and bands, and some fine performances too. Young Iain Anderson can now play Grand……… Clock – note perfect! Sorry John, and even telling his dad to stop making mistakes, nice one Iain.
On accordion – Jenny hope, Iain Anderson, John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Davy Coke, Scott Masterton, Alan Gardiner, Tom Porteous, Peter Wood, Walter McMillan, Bill Finnigan, Jason Dove, Keith Dickson and Ian Graham.
On keyboard were George Walker, Ian Wilson and Dorothy Lawson.
On fiddle were Annie Robertson and John Houston.
On drums were Alister McIntyre and Charlie Todd
After the soup and French bread it was back to Archie and Frank to finish off a first class evening who having heard about our President and M.C.’s success with ‘The Tune’ they asked John to lead them off with a medley. You’ve guessed it, they knew it also, mind you John played a set of marches with only one mistake so he must have made a New Year Resolution.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 07 Apr 1989
The February meeting of the club was held in our new home, Biggar Municipal Hall on Sunday the 12th.
Despite a cold night, with bad roads, a full house was entertained by some excellent playing in the form of Peter Wood and his Band. Peter, a regular attender at our Club for several years, in fact he was weaned at Biggar Club, took the stage and soon he had the hall filled with some fine music, well played, and plenty of it. The dancers in the audience a bit reluctant to do ‘Duke of Perth’ , but soon rose to the ‘Mississippi Dip’. In all a first class performance from this fine young band, they will go places – keep it up.
After the guest artistes the player no Club can do without :-
On accordion – Fiona Cuthbertson (Thotnhill), Agnes Hope (Lesmahagow), Scott Masterton (Symington), Bob Fortune (Peebles), Craig McCallum (Penicuik), Jimmy Divers (Cleland), Alan Gardiner (Lamington), Iain Anderson and dad John Anderson, Ian Rankine (Lochmaben), Tom Porteous (Moffat), Jimmy Edwards (Moffat), David Vernon (Edinburgh), Jason Dove (Broughton), Walter McMilland and Bill Finnigan (Castle Douglas), a couple who stepped down, Jenny Hope and Colin McKinnon.
Second accordion – Alec Graham (Carluke).
Singer was John McCaskie (Dumfries)
On keyboard – George Walker, Richard Currie, Alec Graham.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Alister McIntyre, Roy Doolan, Willie Simpson, Ian Graham.
On fiddle – John Houston and Annie Robertson.
In all, an evening of high class entertainment once again at Biggar, well worth a visit but come early.
Our next meeting is on the 12th of March when Jack Delaney will be our guest.
Peter Rae
Biggar Club held their March meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday, 12th March.
Once again I have to report a capacity audience to welcome Jack Delaney and his Band from Alloa.
At 7.30 p.s. sharp the band took the stage and gave us 30 minutes of fine Scottish music, giving Jacqui Dick a shot at lead for a couple of numbers, a most interesting and enjoyable performance, well appreciated by the large audience.
Next, our Chairman, due to a leg injury (a clock fell on it!) was out of the dancing but he was in fine form to introduce the 33 players who had come from far and near to entertain the Biggar fans, and entertain them they did.
On lead accordion – Pauline Laverie, Fiona Cuthbertson, Jim Kilpatrick, Pam Gray, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Agnes Hope, Kenny and Stephen Johnstone, Alan Gardiner, Morag Robertson, Douglas McDonald (Aberfeldy), Jimmy Edwards, Karin Leitch, Tom Porteous, Colin McKinnon, our John (still suffering) Anderson and Jenny Hope.
On second accordion – Ian and Alec Graham.
On keyboard – George Walker, Alan Gardiner, Owen Fielding, Anne Rutherford, Dorothy Lawson and Alec Graham.
On drums Billy O’Donnell, Bill Weir, Alistair McIntyre and Graham Jamieson.
On fiddle Annie Robertson, John Houston, John and Joanne Slater and Iain Henderson.
Keyboard and accordion, the talented duo, The Johnstone Brothers from Crawfordjohn.
In all a fine mixture of music to suit all tastes in the music scene.
After the soup and French bread supper, it was back to our guest artistes to round off the evening, and again the Delaney magic was there to satisfy our listening demands. Once again a fantastic evening’s entertainment.
Next month, on the 9th of April, the Currie Brothers. Come early and judge for yourself, the new look Biggar Club.
Peter Rae
We're back ! Hullo to everyone in the scene.
Biggar Club has been going from strength to strength over the past years, with several of our young stars going on to form Broadcasting Dance Bands, and play to busy diaries, but they are still enthuastic members of the Club, turning up to give us a tune.
This year we are trying out a new format, a new venue, a new day.
The format - guest artiste first on at 7.30pm, followed by our local Club talent, stovie time, then guest artistes to play, and dancing will be on the cards.
Our very own Les Dawson (sorry, John Anderson) is the Master of Ceremonies, and he is usually game for a laugh.
Seriously, John and the team have done an excellent job and kept the Club going from strength to strength.
The night - the second Sunday of the month, September to April.
The venue - Toftcombs Hotel, Biggar, one mile out of town on the A702 road to Edinburgh.
We look forward to seeing and hearing players and listeners.
Kick-off, September 11th, at 7.30pm. See you then.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
September 1988
Dear Editor – With ref. to letter Margaret Grieve, Milngavie, in the September ‘B&F’. How can she justify ‘the Scottish style can be very monotonous unless one is dancing’. I have been a Scottish Dance music fan for several years and I am not old or even middle age yet! – and I don’t hear bands or individuals, as monotonous, far from it. You could ask twenty different bands to play one set of reels, for example, record them, and play them back one after the other, and you will find that not one bandleader will produce the same result, each one with their own interpretation of the tunes.
Take the Jim Johnstone Band, has one sat and watched how his box dances in his arms as he plays, night after night – does he think it is monotonous? I don’t think so, he enjoys every bit of it. After all, no Scottish dance band can command a fee like the pop stars of today. I don’t think they play for the money they receive, they play for the pleasure they give to people like myself, who enjoy listening. Unlike ‘Pop’ music, the tunes never age, the style changes with the talent, who arranges, these timeless tunes.
Some of the new compositions are A1, too numerous to list. Okay, the Currie Brothers are good, I too like their style, the variety of programme, the introduction of electronics, and banjo, guitar. But quite frankly if one is bored at an Accordion and Fiddle Club, she should not have been there in the first place….
Keep up the good ‘Scottish Style’, boys and girls, I think lots will agree with me, ‘Scottish Dance Music’ is magic and long may it be played, the Scottish way.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
Oct / Nov 1988
Dear Editor
With reference to Mr McCaskie's letter on the format of the Clubs, I, as an enthusiast of the Scottish Dance Music, listening to approx. 7 hours per week on tape, in car, and more, if it is Club weeks, feel I am in a position to comment on the remarks.
I have attended Biggar Club from the start, at the Clydesdale Hotel, as the musicians called it the 'Jury Room.'
To the present format of dancing, if wanting to, at the Municipal Hall and hearing (I am the one on the stage recording) a more relaxed person on stage, enjoying themselves, as it should be, playing, to the audience. The noise level has been reduced, it has not a dance atmosphere, and judging by the numbers that return, meeting after meeting, it is a good environment for the Club.
I have heard artistes stating, they don't like the 'Jury' scene. They get too tensed up, even hours before the gig.
But, let's be realistic. Clubs are set up for enjoyment and if the players are not enjoying playing, the music transmitted is not as enjoyable, and the paying public don't come back - and where do we stand - no Club's to go to, and no Scottish music to listen to. at least I don't want that.
Peter Rae
Box and Fiddle
April 1989
Biggar held their opening meeting in their new venue, the Toftcombs Hotel, on Sunday 11th September. The new venue and format proved a great success.
Guests for the evening, the Alan Gardiner SDB, started off the evening with a fine varied programme and dancing was introduced for the first time, the floor soon being filled. A fine young player is our Alan, residing at Lamington, a few miles from Biggar.
Nest it was the turn of our Club members and visitors to give us a tune. Charlie Todd (accordion and drums) and John Anderson (M.C. and accordion). He was his usual witty self and improving in his playing ‘I’m joking John!’
David Coke from Carluke, Kenneth and Steven Johnstone, two very young lads who gave us a duet on accordion and keyboard, which went down well with the audience.
Also on accordion we had Kevin Gardiner from Lanark, Jimmy Divers from Cleland, Scott Masterton from Symington, Bob Fortune from Peebles, Ian McCormack from Douglas, Walter McMillan and Bill Finnigan both from Castle Douglas, Andrew Stoddart from Penicuik, Davie Scott from Innerleithan and Ailsa Walkinshaw from Peebles.
On fiddle Annie Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank and on keyboard Keith Dickson from Dolphinton.
After the stovies the guest artistes came on again to round off a truly excellent night’s entertainment.
Peter Rae
Biggar Club returned to their new venue, the Toftcombs Hotel on Sunday, 9th October for another fantastic night of entertainment – and entertainment it was, right from the word go.
As our guests had been slightly held up with abandoned cars due to a downpour, our M.C.John, decided to start the proceedings until Fraser and Co. had a cuppa.
John was in his usual jovial mood and gave us three selections, even getting the members to have a dance but I must admit his young son Ian stole the glory, with his faultless rendering of ‘The Grandfather Clock’ – well done Ian, tell your dad the secret!
Then came our guests for the evening, the Fraser McGlynn Trio and right from the start Fraser let everyone know – you start the slanging, he will finish it (all in good fun I may add).
After dealing with John, he then went on to play some fine selections of music for dancing and listening, including some fine pipe selections – of course he enquired ‘If the man from Greenock was in”, but fortunately he was not! The highlight of his spot was when he asked for requests, and a lady asked for the ‘Mississippi Dip’. For the third tune he played ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ the right way then the Les – sorry – John Anderson way and the crowd fell apart laughing. What a showman, every wrong note perfect! But seriously Fraser and the boys gave us a real treat with the programme he had arranged and the added sense of humour was a bonus.
Then it was the turn of our local, and not so local, talent and due to the large turnout of musicians some agreed to stand down to avoid running too late.
On accordion – John Anderson, Ian Anderson, Jenny Hope, John Russell (Larkhall), Davie Coke (Carluke), Stewart Coubrough, Scott Masterton (Symington), John Mackie (Peebles), Alan Gardiner (Lamington) who makes his debut broadcast this month – all the best Alan! Jimmy Divers (Cleland), Alison and Fiona Gilfillan (Perth – nice to see you), David Miller (Forth), Stewart Lochie, Willie McFarlane (Armadale), Ian Graham (Carluke), Keith Dickson (Dolphinton) and Charlie Todd (Thankerton).
On keyboard – George Walker (Carnwath), Keith Dickson and Alan Gardiner.
On drums – Charlie Todd and Ian Graham.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson and John Houston (Kirkfieldbank).
Then it was back to our guest artistes to finish off what I would call a great night’s entertainment.
Next month we have the Bill Black SDB. Another great night in prospect.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 03 Dec 1988
The club held a very successful November meeting last Sunday. Unfortunately due to the new management policy of charging for the use of the ballroom, in the meantime it was to be the last Club night at Toftcombs, likewise, with our annual Dance in May.
However, all is not lost as the new venue is Biggar Municipal Hall, next month, same night, same time, same set-up. A bar will be available and the guest artistes the Jim Johnstone S.D.B.
Back to last week, the packed audience had come to Toftcombs for an evening of listening and dancing, and that they did. Bill Black and his Band started off the proceedings with some lively music to loosen the legs and ears. Bill played a variety of tunes and very soon he had the audience dancing away. He then introduced Neil Caul, who gave us a couiple of fine selections on the box.
Then it was Angels Smith’s turn to step forward, and by gosh she didn’t half get that fiddle swinging a couple of crackers, and had the audience begging for more, and I don’t blame them. A fine fiddle played and a fine band all round.
Next it was the turn of our local and not so local talent. On accordion Jenny Hope, young Ian Anderson, whose rendering of the ‘Grandfather clock’ put his dad to shame. By the way, on the subject, Johnis thinking of releasing his version on tape, any takers?
Accordionists – John Anderson, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Tom Porteous, Charlie Todd, Stewart Holmes, John Laidlaw, Ian Graham, Jimmy Divers, Morag Robertson, Jason Dove, Alec Graham, and last but not least, fresh from ‘Take the Floor’ Alan Gardiner – Well done Alan, a fine performance.
On keyboard were George Walker, Dorothy Lawson and Ian Wilson.
On drums Roy Doolan, Aly McIntyre and Charlie Todd.
On fiddle John Houston and Annie Robertson.
After the raffle and stovie time, it was back to the guest artistes and once again a fine performance form the Bill Black Band. At the close a stramash with all the players brought a really excellent night to a close.
Remember next month, second Sunday in the Municipal Hall opposite the Clydesdale Hotel.
See you then.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 05 Feb 1989
Biggar held their December meeting in their new venue, the Municipal Hall, on Sunday 11th, and it proved to be a wise move with an audience of more than 200 attending, and room for all.
Jim Johnstone and his Band were the guests for the evening and do I really have to say more? Right from the first note he had the audience dancing and laughing in any order. Jim’s ability to ‘suss out’ the audience’s wants is second to none.
The programme started with a set of reels followed by a great new waltz tune, composed recently by Jim – and another winner, ‘A Waltz for Tracy’. When the next set was played he warned the dancers the ‘Pea Strae’ was the following dance and to get their jackets off, ready to start, this was to be a demonstration with three teams taking part, none won!
As a break from dancing the usual banter between Jim and Bobby Colgan took place, coming out with some cracking stories, then Bobby took the ‘mike’ and gave us a song.
Marie Fielding, was then introduced and played a couple of Canadian reels to the much appreciative audience, then after an enquiry to John ‘if the kettle was on’ ended the first part of his show.
Then came the turn of the Club members and visitors who all gave shining performances on their instruments, and I may add, it is nice to see new faces at the Club, up to give us a tune, young and old, novice or old hands, that’s what the Club scene is all about. Without them where would we be, they all need encouragement, so do I at times!
On accordion – John Russell, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Scott Masterton, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, Kenneth and Steven Johnstone, Jason Dove, Charlie Todd, Colin McKinnon, and all the way from Luss, Alistair McPhail, Morag Robertson.
On Second accordion - Ian and Alec Graham.
On keyboard – Ian Wilson, George Walker, Alec Graham.
On drums – David Wright, Billy Goodfellow, Charlie Todd, Alister McIntyre.
On fiddle – John Houston and Annie Robertson from Kirkfieldbank.
Some, including our M.C. John Anderson, son Iain, Jenny Hope and Stewart Holmes had to stand down do to time, however John Anderson is now famous – a tune has been written for him, and been recorded for him, complete with the ‘Grandfather Clock’ in the background – maybe Robbie S. might plug it!
After a fine cup of soup and Fence bread it was back to the guest artistes and were they not half in a fine playing mood. Starting off with two rounds ‘Eva Three Step’ followed by a ‘polka’, back to Bobby for the ‘Auld Meal Mill’ followed by a sing-along medley which soon had the crowd singing.
Back to Marie for a couple of fine ‘Hoe-down’ tunes, we were then introduced to John Gibson, the band’s new piano player, who we were told was also an excellent singer, and too right he was, a lovely song, well sung.
All to soon the night was over, finishing on a ‘high’ as always and finishing our 1988 with style. Jim said at the end “The talented musicians on stage with him”, how right he is. The tight sound, varied programme, played to perfection, the patter, what more do you want!
Biggar Club has seen some changes this year, but for the better. May I, on behalf of Biggar Club, wish everyone in the Club scene ‘A very Happy and Musical 1989’.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 06 Mar 1989
A Happy New Year to one and all, and that’s how Biggar’s first meeting of the season in January at the Municipal Hall turned out to be. A happy crowd, singing, dancing and listening and that is what it is all about.
To start the evening off Archie Duncan and Frank Henery took the stage and soon everyone was captivated with his style and brand of music, and wit. We even enjoyed a fifteen minute version of ‘Workers Playtime’, the BBC programme that even I can remember. In all an excellent programme with some very enjoyable selections.
Next came the turn of our members and visitors in solos and bands, and some fine performances too. Young Iain Anderson can now play Grand……… Clock – note perfect! Sorry John, and even telling his dad to stop making mistakes, nice one Iain.
On accordion – Jenny hope, Iain Anderson, John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Davy Coke, Scott Masterton, Alan Gardiner, Tom Porteous, Peter Wood, Walter McMillan, Bill Finnigan, Jason Dove, Keith Dickson and Ian Graham.
On keyboard were George Walker, Ian Wilson and Dorothy Lawson.
On fiddle were Annie Robertson and John Houston.
On drums were Alister McIntyre and Charlie Todd
After the soup and French bread it was back to Archie and Frank to finish off a first class evening who having heard about our President and M.C.’s success with ‘The Tune’ they asked John to lead them off with a medley. You’ve guessed it, they knew it also, mind you John played a set of marches with only one mistake so he must have made a New Year Resolution.
Peter Rae
Year 12 No 07 Apr 1989
The February meeting of the club was held in our new home, Biggar Municipal Hall on Sunday the 12th.
Despite a cold night, with bad roads, a full house was entertained by some excellent playing in the form of Peter Wood and his Band. Peter, a regular attender at our Club for several years, in fact he was weaned at Biggar Club, took the stage and soon he had the hall filled with some fine music, well played, and plenty of it. The dancers in the audience a bit reluctant to do ‘Duke of Perth’ , but soon rose to the ‘Mississippi Dip’. In all a first class performance from this fine young band, they will go places – keep it up.
After the guest artistes the player no Club can do without :-
On accordion – Fiona Cuthbertson (Thotnhill), Agnes Hope (Lesmahagow), Scott Masterton (Symington), Bob Fortune (Peebles), Craig McCallum (Penicuik), Jimmy Divers (Cleland), Alan Gardiner (Lamington), Iain Anderson and dad John Anderson, Ian Rankine (Lochmaben), Tom Porteous (Moffat), Jimmy Edwards (Moffat), David Vernon (Edinburgh), Jason Dove (Broughton), Walter McMilland and Bill Finnigan (Castle Douglas), a couple who stepped down, Jenny Hope and Colin McKinnon.
Second accordion – Alec Graham (Carluke).
Singer was John McCaskie (Dumfries)
On keyboard – George Walker, Richard Currie, Alec Graham.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Alister McIntyre, Roy Doolan, Willie Simpson, Ian Graham.
On fiddle – John Houston and Annie Robertson.
In all, an evening of high class entertainment once again at Biggar, well worth a visit but come early.
Our next meeting is on the 12th of March when Jack Delaney will be our guest.
Peter Rae
Biggar Club held their March meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday, 12th March.
Once again I have to report a capacity audience to welcome Jack Delaney and his Band from Alloa.
At 7.30 p.s. sharp the band took the stage and gave us 30 minutes of fine Scottish music, giving Jacqui Dick a shot at lead for a couple of numbers, a most interesting and enjoyable performance, well appreciated by the large audience.
Next, our Chairman, due to a leg injury (a clock fell on it!) was out of the dancing but he was in fine form to introduce the 33 players who had come from far and near to entertain the Biggar fans, and entertain them they did.
On lead accordion – Pauline Laverie, Fiona Cuthbertson, Jim Kilpatrick, Pam Gray, Bob Fortune, Davy Coke, Agnes Hope, Kenny and Stephen Johnstone, Alan Gardiner, Morag Robertson, Douglas McDonald (Aberfeldy), Jimmy Edwards, Karin Leitch, Tom Porteous, Colin McKinnon, our John (still suffering) Anderson and Jenny Hope.
On second accordion – Ian and Alec Graham.
On keyboard – George Walker, Alan Gardiner, Owen Fielding, Anne Rutherford, Dorothy Lawson and Alec Graham.
On drums Billy O’Donnell, Bill Weir, Alistair McIntyre and Graham Jamieson.
On fiddle Annie Robertson, John Houston, John and Joanne Slater and Iain Henderson.
Keyboard and accordion, the talented duo, The Johnstone Brothers from Crawfordjohn.
In all a fine mixture of music to suit all tastes in the music scene.
After the soup and French bread supper, it was back to our guest artistes to round off the evening, and again the Delaney magic was there to satisfy our listening demands. Once again a fantastic evening’s entertainment.
Next month, on the 9th of April, the Currie Brothers. Come early and judge for yourself, the new look Biggar Club.
Peter Rae