Box and Fiddle
Year 13 No 08
April 1990
Price 40p
12 pages
8 month subscription £4.60
Editor – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Many thanks to all secretaries and scribes. The response for material for this last issue has been good. It’s always a bit of a relief when the last issue of the season has been completed and we can look forward to a break and enjoy the Summer recess.
Everybody is looking forward to the Association Weekend which is now getting near. See you then and have a good holiday.
Tom Clark
Musselburgh 1990
by Norrie Williams
During the early morning trip to Musselburgh on Festival day, the feelings of yours truly and spouse tend to be – ‘Never again, this has got to be the last time’ – but when the car is headed west again along the City Bypass at 1 a.m. on the Sunday morning, things are seen in a different light. Why? – People, that’s why. The great camaraderie that exists in every corner of the Brunton Halls complex, the happy reunions and equally happy new introductions, folk with a common interest and enthusiasm from the length and breadth of the U.K. literally.
From Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland, that dedicated button-key competitor Neil Lowrie, from Brindister, 4 miles short of Lerwick in the Shetlands, Eileen Nicolson, organiser of the annual Music Festival there, paying her first visit to Musselburghand from the deep South, Somerset to be precise, John Chapman and Ivor Hyde, up to savour the Festival atmosphere, also for the first time.
John, from Wincanton, is a Barn Dance M.C. and caller and Ivor, who hails from Chard is a button key player, his instrument being a very exclusive 3-row Shand Morino with C/C tuning (Continental type) as opposed to the normal diatonic model. Apparently only one or two of these instruments exist.
It really is heartwarming when competitors and spectators travel such distances to support the event.
A number of years ago when seeking for information on the composer, Carl Volti, I got assistance from a certain Andy Bathgate, who had played clarinet with both the Tim Wright and George MacKintosh bands, which were based at Edinburgh’s Cavendish Ballroom.
On the occasion of my enquiries, Andy and I had only chatted over the phone, so it seemed a very special pleasure to meet him in person at this year’s Festival.
Now a sprightly 87, he told me how in his late teens he was a keen solo piping competitor, but in the immediate post-First World War period, he developed an interest in modern dance music and took up the clarinet. Pipe tunes can apparently adapt well to this particular instrument. I could have listened for hours, but there was only time for the briefest of tunes. Incidentally, Andy still has his pipes.
Another musical worthy at the Brunton Halls on March 3rd, was Dave Gibson of Newtongrange, who played piano accordion in the William Hannah Band for three years or so in the ‘40’s.
What a ‘kick’ one gets out of meeting such folk as these, with enthusiasm undiminished after 50, 60 or even more years on the Scottish music scene, and this despite the changes in format and style of some of our modern compositions.
This is what Musselburgh is all about, 9 to 90, with a common interest, all rubbing shoulders under one roof.
Veteran support was not confined to the spectator ranks alone. 74 year old Dundonian and erstwhile broadcasting bandleader, Bob Edward, fielded a fiddle group which won it’s class and N.A.A.F.C. Chairman Jimmy Blue, a mere stripling by comparison, but nevertheless, past the big SIX-0, with over 40 years playing experience and two Senior Scottish Champion titles to his name, competed in the Open Button Key section. Jimmy put up a most creditable and truly traditional performance to take second place, only one point behind that magician of the instrument, Billy McGuire.
At last year’s Festival, adjudicator Ivor Britton had suggested that efforts should be made to raise the standard within the Button Key class, and his words certainly bore fruit, as a glance at the first three placings will testify. Incidentally, the theatre had an audience of between 150 and 200 for this competition.
Ivor’s successor in the hotseat Fraser McGlynn, also no stranger to straight talking, made some interesting and very pertinent comments in his summing up of the Button Key, Pipe Music and Under 12 classes. He does not favour staccato playing, penalizing both button and piano key players for using this style and he stressed the importance of giving the notes their full value.
The adjudicators remarks after each class are not only invaluable to the competitors, but also of great interest to the audience, and help to explain placings which may differ from those decided by the dozens of ‘experts’ in the ‘body of the Kirk’.
With the progressive drop in entries over the last few years – a trend common to the majority of Festivals for whatever reason – Musselburgh is currently leveling out at around the very manageable 220-230 mark, which allows ample time for the adjudicators to express their views.
As already mentioned, opinions can differ radically on the marking, but a very pleasing aspect which was much in evidence this year was the very philosophical attitude of even the youngest competitors to the judges’ decisions, whether favourable or not. This is good – very good. Oh, that we could all adopt this attitude.
A drop in numbers in some classes this year, notably the Trio and Band sections was off-set by an increase or consolidation in others. The fiddle classes were all well supported with a good standard overall, likewise the Senior Scottish accordion, and the Open Classical Solo and Duet turnout showed a very encouraging rise in numbers – Cyril Pasby, the adjudicator, waxed positively lyrical about the standard.
Despite the smaller entries, the Trios, Fiddle Groups and Bands played to a full hall, coming away with some tremendous playing and ingenious arrangements.
One possible reason for the drop in these sections is the amount of preparation required and the difficulty of getting so many players free on the crucial date. Wit the group playing at its present standard, gone are the days when one could hope to get away with a scratch outfit.
The very popular All-Winners Concert, which was recorded by the ‘Take the Floor’ team under producer, Ken Mutch, was a high pressure affair with no less than sixteen items, one of these being the 5 player final for the Senior Scottish. This all had to be squashed into 2 hours, an almost impossible task, but no problem to that doyen of comperes, Alex Little of Dumfries.
Alex, whose contribution to Musselburgh from its early days has been a major one, made it all look ridiculously easy, coping so effectively with both the unaccustomed emergencies and the incompetence of his accomplice!
Highlights from the Concert went out on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ less than 48 hours after the event, thanks to a great effort by Ken Mutch and his team, who as always went about their business on Festival day without causing even the sensation of a ripple.
When the lights went up after the finale with the winning band, equally strenuous efforts by the working party under the tireless Joe Greer of Dunfermline, transformed the hall in jig time and the dance got under way. This was a lively affair, attended by 500 folk and with the competent Craig McCallum Band officiating, but the combination of a fairly high velocity with a rather sticky floor posed problems for some of the more mature dancers. ‘Slipperine’ is on next year’s shopping list.
Midnight came all too soon and another Musselburgh was in the bag and without feeling smug, we were happy with it.
But affairs like this don’t just happen, a lot of help is required and so willingly given, and I would like to record my warmest thanks to all those who assisted in whatever capacity or in whatever way. To all the adjudicators for a difficult job well done and to the following Radio Stations for their invaluable pre-Festival publicity and after-Festival coverage :-
Radio Clyde – Jim MacLeod
Radio West Sound – John Carmichael
Radio Forth – Robin Brock
Radio Moray – Andy Ross
Radio Highland – Rory MacLeod
Radio Tay – Ian Anderson
B.B.C.Radio Scotland – Art Sutter and Robbie shepherd
To members of the following organizations and Accordion and Fiddle Clubs for their uncomplaining and tireless support as marshals, accompanists, announcers, secretaries, scrutineers, stewards, receptionists, etc :- Aberdeen, Airdrie, Balloch, Beith, Conon Bridge, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Forres, Glasgow, Lesmahagow, Lochgelly, Mauchline, Milngavie, Newtongrange, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew and Torthortwald. To all those individuals and Clubs who contributed raffle prizes. And on the subject of the raffle :- London Return for 2 – a special thank you to the company ‘Caledonian Express / Stagecoach’, who were happy to be associated with the Festival and who donated the raffle star prizes – two return coach tickets to London from any pick-up point on their U.K. network.
Thanks also to John McQueen of Dumfries for the donation of two medals for the youngest competitors (girl and boy) and to Mr Lamb, the caterer from Edinburgh for coping so effectively with the inner man (and woman), over a very long day.
We would also like to thank the caretaker of the local Congregational Church for preparing the hall premises for our use and to the staff of the Brunton Hall for the assistance and cooperation to, and during the Festival itself, and not forgetting all the competitors who came from far and near to support the event. Without them there wouldn’t have been one, it’s as simple as that. And finally, on an even more personal note, my thanks to N.A.A.F.C. Chairman, Jimmy Blue, and the members of the Executive Committee, who have given backing and support all along the line and to my own Festival Committee for all their hard work throughout the year, Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson, and my secretary, my wife, Sheila.
See you next year.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
3) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Alex Weir (Ayr)
3) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kevin Swinton & Ross Lowthian (St Boswells)
2) Kenneth Johnstone (Crawfordjohn) & Scott Masterton (Symington)
3)
Youngest Competitors
Lorna MacAskill (Ormiston)
Brian Aitcheson (Galashiels)
Senior Accordion
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
2) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
3) Robert Ross (Kincardine)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Jimmy Blue (Forgandenny)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
Trio
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Marie Fielding (Edinburgh)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Ian Thomson (Stirling)
Own Composition
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
3) Peter Joyce (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
3) Lorna Mitchell (Ormiston)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Kevin Swinton (St Boswells)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Pauline Laverie (Castle Douglas)
3) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
Open Classical Solo
1) James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Bernadette Meechan (Wishaw)
3) Craig Drysdale (Kirkcaldy)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) no entries
2)
Open Classical Duet
1) Suzanne & Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
2) Fiona Cuthbertson & Pauline Laverie (Dumfries)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Gillian Rise (Monifeith)
2) Paul Mitchell (Bo’ness)
3) Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Fiona Ballantine (Perth)
2) Gillian Rise (Monifeith)
3) Julie Dey (Wick)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Marie Fielding (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Carol Anderson (Bucksburn)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
Fiddle Group
Bob Edward (Dundee)
Letters to the Editor
Sir – The adjudicators of the Button Key section at Musselburgh made a blanked condemnation of what he termed the staccato style of playing. I, like many others were bewildered, some were incensed, others said they didn’t know what he was talking about, including one competitor who asked me what the word staccato meant.
What the devotees of traditional Scottish music want is to be entertained and to enjoy their dancing etc. They are content to leave the academic purity to the Summer School at Stirling University. If a playing style is acceptable to the lay people who pay the money, it becomes valid.
I joined the ranks of the incensed later on in the café where a few of us were joined by a very well known button box player, but to save him future embarrassment I won’t name him. He said that he was in complete agreement with the adjudicator which he is entitled to be, but then he said ‘Shand also plays that style and it is wrong’.
This is where his case fails, as the paying customer is the final judge of what is acceptable and what is not, the staccato style of Shand had been so far the most successful of any style yet devised hence it is a valid style and is obviously being accepted by those who matter the most, the paying customer.
We are not in the main interested in the academic purity of the music or we would have gone to Schubert, not Shand. We go to dances, clubs, concerts etc for one thing only, to be entertained and not educated, or we would go to night school.
As Robbie Shepherd puts it so well, ‘keep the music going and try another reel’.
Jim Duncan
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 6th May 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
3rd June 90 Susanne Gray SDB
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 5th Apr 90 Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
3rd May 90 Sandy Nixon SDB
7th June 90 Gordon Shand SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) – 22nd Apr 90 Douglas Caird SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Apr 90 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Apr 90 Bill Black SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Apr 90 Dochie McCallum Band
8th May 90 Alan Gardiner SDB
12 June 90 Dick Black Band
10th July 90 The Garioch Blend
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Stuart McKeown SDB
19th May 90 Dance to Colin Ferguson SDB
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) - 19th Apr 90 Billy McGuire
17th May 90 Morag Robertson & Frank Henery
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Billy Anderson & Albany
15th May 90 Bill black SDB, Jimmy Yeaman & the Kelvin Ceilidh Band
Dundee (The Marquee) – 5th Apt 90 Craig McCallum SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th Apr 90 Tartan Lads, Donaldson Brothers, Jimmy McKillop & Ballochmyle Dance Band
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 26th April 90 AGM & Club Night
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Apr 90 Milton Fiddlers
28th May 90 Simon Howie SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Apr 90 Kintore Club
27th May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
24th June 90 Jennifer Forrest SDB
29th July 90 Mark Bousie
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Apr 90 Neil Copland SDB
9th May 90 Alistair Hunter Trio
11th July 90 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 9th Apr 90 Dumfries Club
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Apr 90 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
21st May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 3rd Apr 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
4th May 90 End of Season Dance to Colin Dewar SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 7th Apr 90 Dinner Dance in the Tait Hall
25th Apr 90 Michael Philip SDB
20th May 90 West Telferton Caledonian SDB
13th Jun 90 Suzanne Gray SDB
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Bill Black SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
10th May 90 Burns Brothers
5th May 90 Spring Dance to Jim Johnstone
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 17th Apr 90 Donaldson Brothers
15th May 90 Ian Holmes Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 24th Apr 90 Simon Howie Trio
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Apr 90 Morag Robertson
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Garioch Blend
2nd May 90 Banchory S&R Society
June 90 Ythan Fiddlers
4th July 90 Craigowl SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 3rd Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 19th Apr 90 Sandy Nixon SDB
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) – 19th Apr 90 Angus Oliver & Almanac
25th May 90 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Billy McGuire
15th May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 10th Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) - Apr 90 Marian Anderson SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 7th May 90 Donald Shaw & Charlie McKerron
19th May 90 Ceilidh
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Apr 90 Jennifer Wilson’s pupils
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Coalburn
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dunoon & Cowal
10. East Kilbride
11. Fintry
12. Forres
13. Highland
14. Isle of Skye
15. Islesteps
16. Kelso
17. Kinlochshiel
18. Kintore
19. Lesmahagow
20. Livingston
21. Lockerbie
22. M.A.F.I.A.
23. Mauchline
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Rothbury
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1989 (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. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
3. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Fintry A&F Club
26. Forfar A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Mull A&F Club
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
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)
63. 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?)
64. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
80. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
81. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
82. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
83. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
84. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
85. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
86. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
87. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
88. Newcastleton Accordion Club
89. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
90. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
91. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
92. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
93. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
94. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
95. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Many thanks to all secretaries and scribes. The response for material for this last issue has been good. It’s always a bit of a relief when the last issue of the season has been completed and we can look forward to a break and enjoy the Summer recess.
Everybody is looking forward to the Association Weekend which is now getting near. See you then and have a good holiday.
Tom Clark
Musselburgh 1990
by Norrie Williams
During the early morning trip to Musselburgh on Festival day, the feelings of yours truly and spouse tend to be – ‘Never again, this has got to be the last time’ – but when the car is headed west again along the City Bypass at 1 a.m. on the Sunday morning, things are seen in a different light. Why? – People, that’s why. The great camaraderie that exists in every corner of the Brunton Halls complex, the happy reunions and equally happy new introductions, folk with a common interest and enthusiasm from the length and breadth of the U.K. literally.
From Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland, that dedicated button-key competitor Neil Lowrie, from Brindister, 4 miles short of Lerwick in the Shetlands, Eileen Nicolson, organiser of the annual Music Festival there, paying her first visit to Musselburghand from the deep South, Somerset to be precise, John Chapman and Ivor Hyde, up to savour the Festival atmosphere, also for the first time.
John, from Wincanton, is a Barn Dance M.C. and caller and Ivor, who hails from Chard is a button key player, his instrument being a very exclusive 3-row Shand Morino with C/C tuning (Continental type) as opposed to the normal diatonic model. Apparently only one or two of these instruments exist.
It really is heartwarming when competitors and spectators travel such distances to support the event.
A number of years ago when seeking for information on the composer, Carl Volti, I got assistance from a certain Andy Bathgate, who had played clarinet with both the Tim Wright and George MacKintosh bands, which were based at Edinburgh’s Cavendish Ballroom.
On the occasion of my enquiries, Andy and I had only chatted over the phone, so it seemed a very special pleasure to meet him in person at this year’s Festival.
Now a sprightly 87, he told me how in his late teens he was a keen solo piping competitor, but in the immediate post-First World War period, he developed an interest in modern dance music and took up the clarinet. Pipe tunes can apparently adapt well to this particular instrument. I could have listened for hours, but there was only time for the briefest of tunes. Incidentally, Andy still has his pipes.
Another musical worthy at the Brunton Halls on March 3rd, was Dave Gibson of Newtongrange, who played piano accordion in the William Hannah Band for three years or so in the ‘40’s.
What a ‘kick’ one gets out of meeting such folk as these, with enthusiasm undiminished after 50, 60 or even more years on the Scottish music scene, and this despite the changes in format and style of some of our modern compositions.
This is what Musselburgh is all about, 9 to 90, with a common interest, all rubbing shoulders under one roof.
Veteran support was not confined to the spectator ranks alone. 74 year old Dundonian and erstwhile broadcasting bandleader, Bob Edward, fielded a fiddle group which won it’s class and N.A.A.F.C. Chairman Jimmy Blue, a mere stripling by comparison, but nevertheless, past the big SIX-0, with over 40 years playing experience and two Senior Scottish Champion titles to his name, competed in the Open Button Key section. Jimmy put up a most creditable and truly traditional performance to take second place, only one point behind that magician of the instrument, Billy McGuire.
At last year’s Festival, adjudicator Ivor Britton had suggested that efforts should be made to raise the standard within the Button Key class, and his words certainly bore fruit, as a glance at the first three placings will testify. Incidentally, the theatre had an audience of between 150 and 200 for this competition.
Ivor’s successor in the hotseat Fraser McGlynn, also no stranger to straight talking, made some interesting and very pertinent comments in his summing up of the Button Key, Pipe Music and Under 12 classes. He does not favour staccato playing, penalizing both button and piano key players for using this style and he stressed the importance of giving the notes their full value.
The adjudicators remarks after each class are not only invaluable to the competitors, but also of great interest to the audience, and help to explain placings which may differ from those decided by the dozens of ‘experts’ in the ‘body of the Kirk’.
With the progressive drop in entries over the last few years – a trend common to the majority of Festivals for whatever reason – Musselburgh is currently leveling out at around the very manageable 220-230 mark, which allows ample time for the adjudicators to express their views.
As already mentioned, opinions can differ radically on the marking, but a very pleasing aspect which was much in evidence this year was the very philosophical attitude of even the youngest competitors to the judges’ decisions, whether favourable or not. This is good – very good. Oh, that we could all adopt this attitude.
A drop in numbers in some classes this year, notably the Trio and Band sections was off-set by an increase or consolidation in others. The fiddle classes were all well supported with a good standard overall, likewise the Senior Scottish accordion, and the Open Classical Solo and Duet turnout showed a very encouraging rise in numbers – Cyril Pasby, the adjudicator, waxed positively lyrical about the standard.
Despite the smaller entries, the Trios, Fiddle Groups and Bands played to a full hall, coming away with some tremendous playing and ingenious arrangements.
One possible reason for the drop in these sections is the amount of preparation required and the difficulty of getting so many players free on the crucial date. Wit the group playing at its present standard, gone are the days when one could hope to get away with a scratch outfit.
The very popular All-Winners Concert, which was recorded by the ‘Take the Floor’ team under producer, Ken Mutch, was a high pressure affair with no less than sixteen items, one of these being the 5 player final for the Senior Scottish. This all had to be squashed into 2 hours, an almost impossible task, but no problem to that doyen of comperes, Alex Little of Dumfries.
Alex, whose contribution to Musselburgh from its early days has been a major one, made it all look ridiculously easy, coping so effectively with both the unaccustomed emergencies and the incompetence of his accomplice!
Highlights from the Concert went out on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ less than 48 hours after the event, thanks to a great effort by Ken Mutch and his team, who as always went about their business on Festival day without causing even the sensation of a ripple.
When the lights went up after the finale with the winning band, equally strenuous efforts by the working party under the tireless Joe Greer of Dunfermline, transformed the hall in jig time and the dance got under way. This was a lively affair, attended by 500 folk and with the competent Craig McCallum Band officiating, but the combination of a fairly high velocity with a rather sticky floor posed problems for some of the more mature dancers. ‘Slipperine’ is on next year’s shopping list.
Midnight came all too soon and another Musselburgh was in the bag and without feeling smug, we were happy with it.
But affairs like this don’t just happen, a lot of help is required and so willingly given, and I would like to record my warmest thanks to all those who assisted in whatever capacity or in whatever way. To all the adjudicators for a difficult job well done and to the following Radio Stations for their invaluable pre-Festival publicity and after-Festival coverage :-
Radio Clyde – Jim MacLeod
Radio West Sound – John Carmichael
Radio Forth – Robin Brock
Radio Moray – Andy Ross
Radio Highland – Rory MacLeod
Radio Tay – Ian Anderson
B.B.C.Radio Scotland – Art Sutter and Robbie shepherd
To members of the following organizations and Accordion and Fiddle Clubs for their uncomplaining and tireless support as marshals, accompanists, announcers, secretaries, scrutineers, stewards, receptionists, etc :- Aberdeen, Airdrie, Balloch, Beith, Conon Bridge, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Forres, Glasgow, Lesmahagow, Lochgelly, Mauchline, Milngavie, Newtongrange, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew and Torthortwald. To all those individuals and Clubs who contributed raffle prizes. And on the subject of the raffle :- London Return for 2 – a special thank you to the company ‘Caledonian Express / Stagecoach’, who were happy to be associated with the Festival and who donated the raffle star prizes – two return coach tickets to London from any pick-up point on their U.K. network.
Thanks also to John McQueen of Dumfries for the donation of two medals for the youngest competitors (girl and boy) and to Mr Lamb, the caterer from Edinburgh for coping so effectively with the inner man (and woman), over a very long day.
We would also like to thank the caretaker of the local Congregational Church for preparing the hall premises for our use and to the staff of the Brunton Hall for the assistance and cooperation to, and during the Festival itself, and not forgetting all the competitors who came from far and near to support the event. Without them there wouldn’t have been one, it’s as simple as that. And finally, on an even more personal note, my thanks to N.A.A.F.C. Chairman, Jimmy Blue, and the members of the Executive Committee, who have given backing and support all along the line and to my own Festival Committee for all their hard work throughout the year, Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson, and my secretary, my wife, Sheila.
See you next year.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
3) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Alex Weir (Ayr)
3) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kevin Swinton & Ross Lowthian (St Boswells)
2) Kenneth Johnstone (Crawfordjohn) & Scott Masterton (Symington)
3)
Youngest Competitors
Lorna MacAskill (Ormiston)
Brian Aitcheson (Galashiels)
Senior Accordion
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
2) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
3) Robert Ross (Kincardine)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Jimmy Blue (Forgandenny)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
Trio
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Marie Fielding (Edinburgh)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Ian Thomson (Stirling)
Own Composition
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
3) Peter Joyce (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
3) Lorna Mitchell (Ormiston)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Kevin Swinton (St Boswells)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Pauline Laverie (Castle Douglas)
3) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
Open Classical Solo
1) James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Bernadette Meechan (Wishaw)
3) Craig Drysdale (Kirkcaldy)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) no entries
2)
Open Classical Duet
1) Suzanne & Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
2) Fiona Cuthbertson & Pauline Laverie (Dumfries)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Gillian Rise (Monifeith)
2) Paul Mitchell (Bo’ness)
3) Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Fiona Ballantine (Perth)
2) Gillian Rise (Monifeith)
3) Julie Dey (Wick)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Marie Fielding (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Carol Anderson (Bucksburn)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
Fiddle Group
Bob Edward (Dundee)
Letters to the Editor
Sir – The adjudicators of the Button Key section at Musselburgh made a blanked condemnation of what he termed the staccato style of playing. I, like many others were bewildered, some were incensed, others said they didn’t know what he was talking about, including one competitor who asked me what the word staccato meant.
What the devotees of traditional Scottish music want is to be entertained and to enjoy their dancing etc. They are content to leave the academic purity to the Summer School at Stirling University. If a playing style is acceptable to the lay people who pay the money, it becomes valid.
I joined the ranks of the incensed later on in the café where a few of us were joined by a very well known button box player, but to save him future embarrassment I won’t name him. He said that he was in complete agreement with the adjudicator which he is entitled to be, but then he said ‘Shand also plays that style and it is wrong’.
This is where his case fails, as the paying customer is the final judge of what is acceptable and what is not, the staccato style of Shand had been so far the most successful of any style yet devised hence it is a valid style and is obviously being accepted by those who matter the most, the paying customer.
We are not in the main interested in the academic purity of the music or we would have gone to Schubert, not Shand. We go to dances, clubs, concerts etc for one thing only, to be entertained and not educated, or we would go to night school.
As Robbie Shepherd puts it so well, ‘keep the music going and try another reel’.
Jim Duncan
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 6th May 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
3rd June 90 Susanne Gray SDB
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 5th Apr 90 Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
3rd May 90 Sandy Nixon SDB
7th June 90 Gordon Shand SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) – 22nd Apr 90 Douglas Caird SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Apr 90 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Apr 90 Bill Black SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Apr 90 Dochie McCallum Band
8th May 90 Alan Gardiner SDB
12 June 90 Dick Black Band
10th July 90 The Garioch Blend
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Stuart McKeown SDB
19th May 90 Dance to Colin Ferguson SDB
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) - 19th Apr 90 Billy McGuire
17th May 90 Morag Robertson & Frank Henery
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Billy Anderson & Albany
15th May 90 Bill black SDB, Jimmy Yeaman & the Kelvin Ceilidh Band
Dundee (The Marquee) – 5th Apt 90 Craig McCallum SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th Apr 90 Tartan Lads, Donaldson Brothers, Jimmy McKillop & Ballochmyle Dance Band
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 26th April 90 AGM & Club Night
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Apr 90 Milton Fiddlers
28th May 90 Simon Howie SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Apr 90 Kintore Club
27th May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
24th June 90 Jennifer Forrest SDB
29th July 90 Mark Bousie
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Apr 90 Neil Copland SDB
9th May 90 Alistair Hunter Trio
11th July 90 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 9th Apr 90 Dumfries Club
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Apr 90 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
21st May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 3rd Apr 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
4th May 90 End of Season Dance to Colin Dewar SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 7th Apr 90 Dinner Dance in the Tait Hall
25th Apr 90 Michael Philip SDB
20th May 90 West Telferton Caledonian SDB
13th Jun 90 Suzanne Gray SDB
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Bill Black SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
10th May 90 Burns Brothers
5th May 90 Spring Dance to Jim Johnstone
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 17th Apr 90 Donaldson Brothers
15th May 90 Ian Holmes Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 24th Apr 90 Simon Howie Trio
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Apr 90 Morag Robertson
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Apr 90 Garioch Blend
2nd May 90 Banchory S&R Society
June 90 Ythan Fiddlers
4th July 90 Craigowl SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 3rd Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 19th Apr 90 Sandy Nixon SDB
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) – 19th Apr 90 Angus Oliver & Almanac
25th May 90 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) – 17th Apr 90 Billy McGuire
15th May 90 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 10th Apr 90 Jim Johnstone SDB
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) - Apr 90 Marian Anderson SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 7th May 90 Donald Shaw & Charlie McKerron
19th May 90 Ceilidh
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Apr 90 Jennifer Wilson’s pupils
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Coalburn
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dunoon & Cowal
10. East Kilbride
11. Fintry
12. Forres
13. Highland
14. Isle of Skye
15. Islesteps
16. Kelso
17. Kinlochshiel
18. Kintore
19. Lesmahagow
20. Livingston
21. Lockerbie
22. M.A.F.I.A.
23. Mauchline
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Rothbury
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1989 (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. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
3. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Fintry A&F Club
26. Forfar A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Mull A&F Club
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
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)
63. 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?)
64. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
80. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
81. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
82. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
83. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
84. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
85. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
86. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
87. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
88. Newcastleton Accordion Club
89. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
90. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
91. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
92. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
93. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
94. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
95. Wellbank A&F Club
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