Box and Fiddle
Year 08 No 08
April 1985
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3.20
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
I won’t say that this season has been a success financially but musically it’s been great with some really first class performances by our youngest members.
Finance is a different story. That unmelodic lady at Westminster has been more than successful in emptying our pockets and empty pockets meant empty seats and empty seats meant much head scratching by each Club’s Treasurer. Nevertheless we have ended the season with only one casualty. It’s sad to see Cleland Club no longer with us. Is there no way that the Association could help in such cases?
Our thanks must go to Cathy Andrew, the B&F Treasurer. She has done a marvelous job but she still needs more co-operation to help her balance the books which are your books.
Please remember that our AGM is at the Salutation Hotel in Perth on 7th July at 11am and a large attendance is necessary to give a broad band of opinion. You can read the details elsewhere in this paper.
So ends another season, will it be better next year? It’s up to each one of you. Last month’s letter by John McIntee does point out some relevant facts.
High Standard at Musselburgh ’85 Festival
by Norrie Williams
One or two of Robert Burns’ best-known lines could most certainly have been written specifically for the run-up to this year’s Musselburgh Festival. When the Secretary, Sheila Williams, succumbed to the flu bug on Friday, 1st March, no words could have more aptly described yours truly than ‘Oh, what a panic’s in thy breastie’.
And when in the small hours of Festival day itself, certain ewes in the foothills bordering the Almond Valley in Perthshire decided to start giving birth, the only thing that sprung to mind was ‘The best laid schemes o’ mice and men’ etc.
Why, because this population explosion among our wooly friends had rules out one of our adjudicators. But on this score our luck was in because Association Chairman Jimmy Blue was coming to lend a hand for the day in any required capacity, so within five minutes notice he stepped into the breech, teeming up with Kenny Thomson of Cumnock to graft solidly from 9am to 5.30pm.
Following the 7am phone call from Glenalmond, Jimmy Cooper, the Chairman of Oban Festival Committee (who had arrived at 7.15 and was immediately shanghaied into carting tables around) suddenly realised that this kind of thing can and does happen and that it’s not a bad idea to have a spare adjudicator up your sleeve.
Capable Helpers
But the Secretary had done her homework and despite these early setbacks the Festival was carried successfully through the day by a large team of most willing and capable helpers from the following Clubs – Beith, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Galston, Lesmahagow, Lockerbie, Milngavie, Monklands, Newtongrange, Newton St Boswells, Perth and Renfrew. Non-club members from the Glasgow ‘Caley’, Methven and Stirling areas were also represented once again.
These tireless and very patient folk performed every task in the book without complaint – announcers, secretaries, scrutineers, doorkeepers, marshals, stewards, runners and of course in one instance accompanist for the fiddle classes.
Despite the fact that this boy’s colander-like memory had some of them doing marathon stints without relief, so that malnutrition was a distinct possibility, not one deserted his or her post. Our very warmest thanks to each and every one, you’re real toppers.
Another group who earned their corn in no uncertain terms were the adjudicators. Theirs is an onerous and responsible task and of course they run the gauntlet of parents and competitors who may not share their views. But in the opinion of those with whom I chatted they had all discharged their duties efficiently and shown good judgment.
While on this tack it may be of interest in passing to comment on our practice of changing a proportion of the panel each year. (This is of course done at other similar events). Even the judges may wonder if it is a reflection on their ability. Not so. It is to give the competitors (i.e. the heart and soul of the Festival) the best deal. Music is in the ear of the beholder and adjudicators have their own preference for style, content, interpretation, technical expertise and so on. For example, where one judge may rate technique as of prime importance – why use one note when 47 will do! – another will be looking for ‘dung in the dreel’ as it was aptly put to me by one of the panel.
This means that on occasion, certain players will have more success with one judge than another and vice versa, hence the rotation of staff.
New Faces
The three ‘new faces’ this year, Kenny Thomson, Bobby MacLeod and Ian Powrie passed with flying colours and needless to say their colleagues Rosemary Wright, Jimmy Blue and Jack Cooper (band rhythm section) did us proud once again. Where time permitted the verbal summing-up by the adjudicators was greatly appreciated by audience and competitors alike. Players, of course, lay great store by the judges’ written comments so how about this for one gem picked at random from the ‘Own Composition’ sheets – a waltz in this case “This tune has a quality that could be orchestrated beautifully and has a good musical content reminiscent of the style of Felix Burns. For its purpose this could be accepted in any band’s book.”
If that’s not encouragement I don’t know what is. We salute our adjudicators for their courage and dedication.
On the publicity and public relations front the Association owes a great deal to local press and radio stations. The ‘East Lothian Courier’ carried two pre-Festival write-ups and an appraisal plus results after the event. The ‘Dunfermline Free Press’ and ‘Fife Leader’ gave good coverage as did this paper. Which reminds me, Editor Ian Smith was there as always conscientiously but unobtrusively collecting the results as each class finished.
Excellent radio publicity for the event was given by
Radio Forth (Robin Brock)
Radio Tay (Billy Anderson)
Radio West Sound (John Carmichael) and
Radio Highland (Andy Ross)
The BBC pulled out all the stops with a lot of advance coverage on ‘TTF’ and on Festival day we were joined once again by the TTF team with some fresh faces this time round. The irrepressible Robbie was accompanied by Producer Ken Mutch, Joyce Reid (continuity, in natty colourful track suit which made her readily identifiable in the crowd) and finally recording engineers Brian Webb and David Steele.
As always these professionals went about their business in the most unobtrusive and pleasant manner with patience unlimited. We look forward to hearing the results of their labours and to hopefully welcoming them back next year.
I am sure that most will agree that the Brunton Halls complex has a unique atmosphere admirably suited to an occasion such as this. Everything was once again immaculate and shipshape for our enjoyment and the hall staff just couldn’t do enough to help.
The same was true of the local Congregational Church hall which was bright, warm and couthie. Thanks to the church board for the continuing use of their premises – greatly appreciated, we’d be lost without them.
Impact
On entering the Brunton Halls the foyer itself makes an immediate impact, creating a welcoming atmosphere which on Festival day is enhanced by displays of music, accordions and audio equipment. We are grateful to those who supported us in this way – Bell Accordions (Edinburgh & Motherwell), Charnwood Music (Leicester), Clinkscale Accordions (Melrose) and Gordon Simpson (Edinburgh).
On a long day like this one must eat and drink and as before first-class refreshments were dispensed with utmost efficiency and courtesy by our regular caterers, Harwells of Edinburgh. The choice of food was excellent and the quality of the highest. This firm are really becoming one of the family.
And now to the other meat and drink of the Festival, the music provided by the competitors in the 19 classes. One adjudicator commented that it had now really come home to him just how much effort the young players put in to prepare for this event. I would endorse that – it is heartbreaking that all cannot be placed but as we’ve said before it is the trying not the winning that counts.
Throughout all sections the playing was up to the very high standard that we have come to expect at Musselburgh. In the 43 strong Under-16 Traditional Accordion Solo class, several players were knocking very loudly indeed at the senior door! This year, because of circumstances, I was unable to hear much solo work, but, surprise surprise, I managed to get myself ‘trapped’ in the Main Hall during the band competition. It is hard to credit the continual rise in the standard in this class – the originality of content, the ingenuity in the arranging and harmony have to be heard to be believed.
Atmosphere
Deservedly the Main Hall was full to capacity at this point with folk two and three deep round the walls. Standing at the very back was able to soak in the unique atmosphere. It is during the group playing that Musselburgh all comes together, a time for the audience to let their hair down and give vent to their enthusiasm, a time for four adjudicators to do their nuts trying to accomplish the impossible and pick a winner, a time when each player gives of their best to support his or her team-mates and a time when the music produces a very strong emotional bond between audience and players.
It’s at this point that one can say ‘THIS IS MUSSELBURGH’.
But I digress. The bands finished dead on time at 5.30pm Then a burst of feverish activity by the stewards to clear the hall and prepare for the concert and a brief respite for some to grab a bite.
But not for Andrew Nairn of West Baldridge, Dunfermline who had been announcing for a good part of the day, had nipped home to change, and now immaculate in dinner suit, was back to compere the concert. By 6.30 we had to try and cobble a programme together, no easy matter as the majority of the various class winners had scattered on the four winds! Andrew was deputizing for Alex Little (MC) who was once again taking things a wee bit easier under doctor’s orders – we all wish him a speedy recovery to 100%.
Despite the panic and bedlam behind the scenes, Andrew kept the head and did a great job. The finals of the Senior Accordion Pipe Music Section added spice to the menu. One hesitates to single out any artistes for special mention because all were so good in their own way, but I’m sure I will be forgiven for spotlighting two of the young players who typified their age groups with their personality and performance – 10-year-old Glenda Taylor of Beith, the youngest competitor in the Festival, and the two-row button key player from Windygates in Fife, Bruce Lindsay Jnr. Look away and it was just Jimmy Shand playing.
The concert finished on a high note with rousing selections from the winning band – what else?
Another feverish burst of activity by those dedicated helpers and the hall was ready for the dance and what a dance, over 500 happy souls sweating it out literally in such tropical temperatures to the music of Jim Johnstone’s five-piece band and my goodness that band was in form right enough – a great finish to a great day.
Finally, acknowledgements are due to all Clubs who contributed to the raffle, to the British College of Accordionists for their assistance in selecting the classical test pieces and to the Festival Organising Committee who are
Mrs Joan Blue
Tom Clark
Eddie MacDonald
Bob Scott
Willie Wilson
And Secretary Sheila Williams – how we missed her on the day.
Newtongrange Account
by Ian Smith
On Sunday, 14th April, there met from a’ the airts competitors, parents and public to have a great day and enjoy meeting once again the acquaintances from last year.
This year there were more than ever and a great time was had by all. That is, once the tensions of competition had subsided.
The Committee, under the leadership of Mr and Mrs Smith, saw to it that everything went smoothly, which it did with the added help of Joe Greer who turned up and augmented the Committee.
Margaret Smith wishes to thank everybody who helped in any way and she also thanks everyone who turned up to compete and spectate.
The winners were :-
Accordion
Up to 11 Years (Jim Johnstone Trophy)
1) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels)
12 to 16 Years (Dean Tavern Trophy)
1) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Colin Brown (Balerno)
Seniors (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy)
1) Jim Bell (Edinburgh)
2) James Grant (Eyemouth)
Pipe Music Section
Up to 16 Years (Edinburgh Evening News Trophy
Alan Gardiner (Lamington)
Peter Wood (Crawfordjohn)
Seniors (Midlothian District Council Trophy)
Kevin Gunn (Wick)
Bryan Coghill (Wick)
Fiddles
Under 12 Years (Gilbert Lang Trophy)
Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Dianne Keith Aberdeen
12 to 16 Years (John Lincoln Trophy)
Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
Mark McDougall (Muir of Ord)
Seniors (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy)
Jean Ann Callander (Aberdeen)
Cameron Gaskill (Edinburgh)
Slow Air Section
12 to 15 Years (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy
Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Seniors (Margaret & George Smith Trophy
Bob Edwards (Dundee)
Margaret Ellis
Youngest Accordionist – Sally Runciman (8)
Youngest Fiddler – Patricia Jessiman (9)
Adjudicators
Accordion – Bobby Crowe and Ian Holmes
Fiddle – Angus Fitchet
A very successful concert at night ended a perfect day with everyone promising to be back next year and to bring a friend.
Newtongrange is the friendly Club with an outgoing and enthusiastic following and this was brought to the fore on Saturday, 6th April 1985.
They had organised a dance in aid of funds for the B&F newspaper. A happy crowd danced and enjoyed the music of Jimmy and Joan Blue, Ian Powrie and Jack Cooper. With the donation by the dean Tavern of the pies and peas the magnificent sum of £150 was handed to the Editor.
This was a fine gesture by the Newtongrange Club and we of the paper appreciate it very much. It is also nice to feel that someone out there does appreciate our efforts.
In Memory of Ronald Cooper
On Tuesday, 2nd Apil, the Shetland A&F Club presented to the Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick a ‘Kings Fund’ bed, together with a ‘Mecanaid’ bed, as a memorial to one of Shetland’s best loved musicians – Ronald Cooper.
The beds were officially handed over by the Club Chairman, Frank Chadwick, in the presence of a number of local musicians, friends and relatives of Ronald and senior members of the hospital management.
In making the presentation Mr Chadwick reminded those present that it was on 21st April, 1983, that members of the Club had come together for a special night of music in Ronald Cooper’s honour and had collected among themselves the grand sum of £1,200 to be used to provide an item of equipment for the Gilbert Bain hospital to serve as a memorial.
After discussion with the hospital management it was decided that the most suitable and useful donation would be a special type of bed. It took a long time to make the arrangements, but after almost two years the beds were at last installed.
The beds were then formally handed over by the Chairman on behalf of all the members of the Club as a tribute to Rinald Cooper in the hope that whoever had cause to use them would make a quick return to good health.
In accepting the beds on behalf of the Gilbert Bain Hospital, Mr Cummings, himself a member of the Club, said that it was fitting that Ronald should be remembered here where he had been well known and liked by many of the hospital staff and he would always be remembered for his musical talent and his great personality.
After the presentation, some 20 of the Club’s musicians gave a selection of music in the reception hall for the hospital patients.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 24th April 85 Fraser McGlynn 22nd May Tartan Lads 26th June tba
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 5th May 1985 Bobby MacLeod
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21st April 1985 Allan Smith SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 25th April Oakbank Sound 30th May Robin Brock 27th June Neil Rowan 26th Sept Robert Black
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 2nd May 85 Jim Johnstone
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 17th June Barn Dance Oakbank Sound
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 25th April 85 Brian Griffin Trio
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 1st May 85 Janek Kowalski and Two Gordon Ceilidh Band
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 22nd April 85 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Forres (Brig Motel) –
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 8th April Ian Anderson Trio 20th May 85 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 24th April 85 Jacqueline Dick and Jack Delaney 29th May Fiddlers 3 + 2
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th May 85 Robert Black SDB
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 20th May 85 Currie Brothers
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Sept 85 Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue Quartet
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 22ns May 85 Currie Brothers
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31st May 85 Annual Dance Alex MacArthur SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Balloch
2. Banff
3. Belford
4. Callander
5. Cleland
6. Crieff
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dunfermline & District
10. East Kilbride
11. Edinburgh
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Montrose
21. Newtongrange
22. Newton St Boswells
23. Perth & District
24. Renfrew
25. Shetland
26. Thurso
27. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
I won’t say that this season has been a success financially but musically it’s been great with some really first class performances by our youngest members.
Finance is a different story. That unmelodic lady at Westminster has been more than successful in emptying our pockets and empty pockets meant empty seats and empty seats meant much head scratching by each Club’s Treasurer. Nevertheless we have ended the season with only one casualty. It’s sad to see Cleland Club no longer with us. Is there no way that the Association could help in such cases?
Our thanks must go to Cathy Andrew, the B&F Treasurer. She has done a marvelous job but she still needs more co-operation to help her balance the books which are your books.
Please remember that our AGM is at the Salutation Hotel in Perth on 7th July at 11am and a large attendance is necessary to give a broad band of opinion. You can read the details elsewhere in this paper.
So ends another season, will it be better next year? It’s up to each one of you. Last month’s letter by John McIntee does point out some relevant facts.
High Standard at Musselburgh ’85 Festival
by Norrie Williams
One or two of Robert Burns’ best-known lines could most certainly have been written specifically for the run-up to this year’s Musselburgh Festival. When the Secretary, Sheila Williams, succumbed to the flu bug on Friday, 1st March, no words could have more aptly described yours truly than ‘Oh, what a panic’s in thy breastie’.
And when in the small hours of Festival day itself, certain ewes in the foothills bordering the Almond Valley in Perthshire decided to start giving birth, the only thing that sprung to mind was ‘The best laid schemes o’ mice and men’ etc.
Why, because this population explosion among our wooly friends had rules out one of our adjudicators. But on this score our luck was in because Association Chairman Jimmy Blue was coming to lend a hand for the day in any required capacity, so within five minutes notice he stepped into the breech, teeming up with Kenny Thomson of Cumnock to graft solidly from 9am to 5.30pm.
Following the 7am phone call from Glenalmond, Jimmy Cooper, the Chairman of Oban Festival Committee (who had arrived at 7.15 and was immediately shanghaied into carting tables around) suddenly realised that this kind of thing can and does happen and that it’s not a bad idea to have a spare adjudicator up your sleeve.
Capable Helpers
But the Secretary had done her homework and despite these early setbacks the Festival was carried successfully through the day by a large team of most willing and capable helpers from the following Clubs – Beith, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Galston, Lesmahagow, Lockerbie, Milngavie, Monklands, Newtongrange, Newton St Boswells, Perth and Renfrew. Non-club members from the Glasgow ‘Caley’, Methven and Stirling areas were also represented once again.
These tireless and very patient folk performed every task in the book without complaint – announcers, secretaries, scrutineers, doorkeepers, marshals, stewards, runners and of course in one instance accompanist for the fiddle classes.
Despite the fact that this boy’s colander-like memory had some of them doing marathon stints without relief, so that malnutrition was a distinct possibility, not one deserted his or her post. Our very warmest thanks to each and every one, you’re real toppers.
Another group who earned their corn in no uncertain terms were the adjudicators. Theirs is an onerous and responsible task and of course they run the gauntlet of parents and competitors who may not share their views. But in the opinion of those with whom I chatted they had all discharged their duties efficiently and shown good judgment.
While on this tack it may be of interest in passing to comment on our practice of changing a proportion of the panel each year. (This is of course done at other similar events). Even the judges may wonder if it is a reflection on their ability. Not so. It is to give the competitors (i.e. the heart and soul of the Festival) the best deal. Music is in the ear of the beholder and adjudicators have their own preference for style, content, interpretation, technical expertise and so on. For example, where one judge may rate technique as of prime importance – why use one note when 47 will do! – another will be looking for ‘dung in the dreel’ as it was aptly put to me by one of the panel.
This means that on occasion, certain players will have more success with one judge than another and vice versa, hence the rotation of staff.
New Faces
The three ‘new faces’ this year, Kenny Thomson, Bobby MacLeod and Ian Powrie passed with flying colours and needless to say their colleagues Rosemary Wright, Jimmy Blue and Jack Cooper (band rhythm section) did us proud once again. Where time permitted the verbal summing-up by the adjudicators was greatly appreciated by audience and competitors alike. Players, of course, lay great store by the judges’ written comments so how about this for one gem picked at random from the ‘Own Composition’ sheets – a waltz in this case “This tune has a quality that could be orchestrated beautifully and has a good musical content reminiscent of the style of Felix Burns. For its purpose this could be accepted in any band’s book.”
If that’s not encouragement I don’t know what is. We salute our adjudicators for their courage and dedication.
On the publicity and public relations front the Association owes a great deal to local press and radio stations. The ‘East Lothian Courier’ carried two pre-Festival write-ups and an appraisal plus results after the event. The ‘Dunfermline Free Press’ and ‘Fife Leader’ gave good coverage as did this paper. Which reminds me, Editor Ian Smith was there as always conscientiously but unobtrusively collecting the results as each class finished.
Excellent radio publicity for the event was given by
Radio Forth (Robin Brock)
Radio Tay (Billy Anderson)
Radio West Sound (John Carmichael) and
Radio Highland (Andy Ross)
The BBC pulled out all the stops with a lot of advance coverage on ‘TTF’ and on Festival day we were joined once again by the TTF team with some fresh faces this time round. The irrepressible Robbie was accompanied by Producer Ken Mutch, Joyce Reid (continuity, in natty colourful track suit which made her readily identifiable in the crowd) and finally recording engineers Brian Webb and David Steele.
As always these professionals went about their business in the most unobtrusive and pleasant manner with patience unlimited. We look forward to hearing the results of their labours and to hopefully welcoming them back next year.
I am sure that most will agree that the Brunton Halls complex has a unique atmosphere admirably suited to an occasion such as this. Everything was once again immaculate and shipshape for our enjoyment and the hall staff just couldn’t do enough to help.
The same was true of the local Congregational Church hall which was bright, warm and couthie. Thanks to the church board for the continuing use of their premises – greatly appreciated, we’d be lost without them.
Impact
On entering the Brunton Halls the foyer itself makes an immediate impact, creating a welcoming atmosphere which on Festival day is enhanced by displays of music, accordions and audio equipment. We are grateful to those who supported us in this way – Bell Accordions (Edinburgh & Motherwell), Charnwood Music (Leicester), Clinkscale Accordions (Melrose) and Gordon Simpson (Edinburgh).
On a long day like this one must eat and drink and as before first-class refreshments were dispensed with utmost efficiency and courtesy by our regular caterers, Harwells of Edinburgh. The choice of food was excellent and the quality of the highest. This firm are really becoming one of the family.
And now to the other meat and drink of the Festival, the music provided by the competitors in the 19 classes. One adjudicator commented that it had now really come home to him just how much effort the young players put in to prepare for this event. I would endorse that – it is heartbreaking that all cannot be placed but as we’ve said before it is the trying not the winning that counts.
Throughout all sections the playing was up to the very high standard that we have come to expect at Musselburgh. In the 43 strong Under-16 Traditional Accordion Solo class, several players were knocking very loudly indeed at the senior door! This year, because of circumstances, I was unable to hear much solo work, but, surprise surprise, I managed to get myself ‘trapped’ in the Main Hall during the band competition. It is hard to credit the continual rise in the standard in this class – the originality of content, the ingenuity in the arranging and harmony have to be heard to be believed.
Atmosphere
Deservedly the Main Hall was full to capacity at this point with folk two and three deep round the walls. Standing at the very back was able to soak in the unique atmosphere. It is during the group playing that Musselburgh all comes together, a time for the audience to let their hair down and give vent to their enthusiasm, a time for four adjudicators to do their nuts trying to accomplish the impossible and pick a winner, a time when each player gives of their best to support his or her team-mates and a time when the music produces a very strong emotional bond between audience and players.
It’s at this point that one can say ‘THIS IS MUSSELBURGH’.
But I digress. The bands finished dead on time at 5.30pm Then a burst of feverish activity by the stewards to clear the hall and prepare for the concert and a brief respite for some to grab a bite.
But not for Andrew Nairn of West Baldridge, Dunfermline who had been announcing for a good part of the day, had nipped home to change, and now immaculate in dinner suit, was back to compere the concert. By 6.30 we had to try and cobble a programme together, no easy matter as the majority of the various class winners had scattered on the four winds! Andrew was deputizing for Alex Little (MC) who was once again taking things a wee bit easier under doctor’s orders – we all wish him a speedy recovery to 100%.
Despite the panic and bedlam behind the scenes, Andrew kept the head and did a great job. The finals of the Senior Accordion Pipe Music Section added spice to the menu. One hesitates to single out any artistes for special mention because all were so good in their own way, but I’m sure I will be forgiven for spotlighting two of the young players who typified their age groups with their personality and performance – 10-year-old Glenda Taylor of Beith, the youngest competitor in the Festival, and the two-row button key player from Windygates in Fife, Bruce Lindsay Jnr. Look away and it was just Jimmy Shand playing.
The concert finished on a high note with rousing selections from the winning band – what else?
Another feverish burst of activity by those dedicated helpers and the hall was ready for the dance and what a dance, over 500 happy souls sweating it out literally in such tropical temperatures to the music of Jim Johnstone’s five-piece band and my goodness that band was in form right enough – a great finish to a great day.
Finally, acknowledgements are due to all Clubs who contributed to the raffle, to the British College of Accordionists for their assistance in selecting the classical test pieces and to the Festival Organising Committee who are
Mrs Joan Blue
Tom Clark
Eddie MacDonald
Bob Scott
Willie Wilson
And Secretary Sheila Williams – how we missed her on the day.
Newtongrange Account
by Ian Smith
On Sunday, 14th April, there met from a’ the airts competitors, parents and public to have a great day and enjoy meeting once again the acquaintances from last year.
This year there were more than ever and a great time was had by all. That is, once the tensions of competition had subsided.
The Committee, under the leadership of Mr and Mrs Smith, saw to it that everything went smoothly, which it did with the added help of Joe Greer who turned up and augmented the Committee.
Margaret Smith wishes to thank everybody who helped in any way and she also thanks everyone who turned up to compete and spectate.
The winners were :-
Accordion
Up to 11 Years (Jim Johnstone Trophy)
1) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels)
12 to 16 Years (Dean Tavern Trophy)
1) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Colin Brown (Balerno)
Seniors (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy)
1) Jim Bell (Edinburgh)
2) James Grant (Eyemouth)
Pipe Music Section
Up to 16 Years (Edinburgh Evening News Trophy
Alan Gardiner (Lamington)
Peter Wood (Crawfordjohn)
Seniors (Midlothian District Council Trophy)
Kevin Gunn (Wick)
Bryan Coghill (Wick)
Fiddles
Under 12 Years (Gilbert Lang Trophy)
Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Dianne Keith Aberdeen
12 to 16 Years (John Lincoln Trophy)
Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
Mark McDougall (Muir of Ord)
Seniors (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy)
Jean Ann Callander (Aberdeen)
Cameron Gaskill (Edinburgh)
Slow Air Section
12 to 15 Years (Newtongrange A&FC Trophy
Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Seniors (Margaret & George Smith Trophy
Bob Edwards (Dundee)
Margaret Ellis
Youngest Accordionist – Sally Runciman (8)
Youngest Fiddler – Patricia Jessiman (9)
Adjudicators
Accordion – Bobby Crowe and Ian Holmes
Fiddle – Angus Fitchet
A very successful concert at night ended a perfect day with everyone promising to be back next year and to bring a friend.
Newtongrange is the friendly Club with an outgoing and enthusiastic following and this was brought to the fore on Saturday, 6th April 1985.
They had organised a dance in aid of funds for the B&F newspaper. A happy crowd danced and enjoyed the music of Jimmy and Joan Blue, Ian Powrie and Jack Cooper. With the donation by the dean Tavern of the pies and peas the magnificent sum of £150 was handed to the Editor.
This was a fine gesture by the Newtongrange Club and we of the paper appreciate it very much. It is also nice to feel that someone out there does appreciate our efforts.
In Memory of Ronald Cooper
On Tuesday, 2nd Apil, the Shetland A&F Club presented to the Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick a ‘Kings Fund’ bed, together with a ‘Mecanaid’ bed, as a memorial to one of Shetland’s best loved musicians – Ronald Cooper.
The beds were officially handed over by the Club Chairman, Frank Chadwick, in the presence of a number of local musicians, friends and relatives of Ronald and senior members of the hospital management.
In making the presentation Mr Chadwick reminded those present that it was on 21st April, 1983, that members of the Club had come together for a special night of music in Ronald Cooper’s honour and had collected among themselves the grand sum of £1,200 to be used to provide an item of equipment for the Gilbert Bain hospital to serve as a memorial.
After discussion with the hospital management it was decided that the most suitable and useful donation would be a special type of bed. It took a long time to make the arrangements, but after almost two years the beds were at last installed.
The beds were then formally handed over by the Chairman on behalf of all the members of the Club as a tribute to Rinald Cooper in the hope that whoever had cause to use them would make a quick return to good health.
In accepting the beds on behalf of the Gilbert Bain Hospital, Mr Cummings, himself a member of the Club, said that it was fitting that Ronald should be remembered here where he had been well known and liked by many of the hospital staff and he would always be remembered for his musical talent and his great personality.
After the presentation, some 20 of the Club’s musicians gave a selection of music in the reception hall for the hospital patients.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 24th April 85 Fraser McGlynn 22nd May Tartan Lads 26th June tba
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 5th May 1985 Bobby MacLeod
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21st April 1985 Allan Smith SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 25th April Oakbank Sound 30th May Robin Brock 27th June Neil Rowan 26th Sept Robert Black
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 2nd May 85 Jim Johnstone
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 17th June Barn Dance Oakbank Sound
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 25th April 85 Brian Griffin Trio
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 1st May 85 Janek Kowalski and Two Gordon Ceilidh Band
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 22nd April 85 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Forres (Brig Motel) –
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 8th April Ian Anderson Trio 20th May 85 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 24th April 85 Jacqueline Dick and Jack Delaney 29th May Fiddlers 3 + 2
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th May 85 Robert Black SDB
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 20th May 85 Currie Brothers
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Sept 85 Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue Quartet
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 22ns May 85 Currie Brothers
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31st May 85 Annual Dance Alex MacArthur SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Balloch
2. Banff
3. Belford
4. Callander
5. Cleland
6. Crieff
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dunfermline & District
10. East Kilbride
11. Edinburgh
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Montrose
21. Newtongrange
22. Newton St Boswells
23. Perth & District
24. Renfrew
25. Shetland
26. Thurso
27. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
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