Box and Fiddle
Year 23 No 07
April 2000
Price £1
32 Page Magazine
7 month subscription £10.00
Editor – Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, Biggar, ML12 6NZ
B&F Treasurer – Alan Gardiner, Cocklaw Farm, Elsrickle, Biggar.
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
Well, as indicated last month things have changed dramatically at the coal face so it’s time to look for a new volunteer as Editor. If anyone is interested they are welcome to contact me and I’ll be happy to pass on an indication of some of the ‘working practices’ involved. Basically it’s a case of finding a local printer, taking a copy along, and asking for a price for 1,800 copies to be set out and printed between the 15th and hopefully the 25th of the month (if you are to have any chance of getting them into the hands of the Clubs which meet right at the start of the month). You’ll probably have to handle distribution and postage as well. Financially the B&F is just covering itself, although as I mentioned in an earlier issue advertising revenue hasn’t lived up to previous years, so the cost will have to be carefully reviewed. Would individual subscribers, all 455 of you, please await a notification as to the Annual subscription at the start of the new season in September. Alan Gardiner will also be retiring as Box and Fiddle Treasurer since the two jobs are probably better handled in broadly the same geographical location. Between this and the Association’s Chairman and Treasurer standing down there should be plenty of business to discuss at the next AGM on Sunday, 25th June. Hopefully I’ll see you all there.
Thanks to everyone who contributed over the last three years – my only moan is that there weren’t enough of you. Many of the small items I hoped to encourage, such as ‘Tune Titles’ have fallen by the wayside since no-one took me up on them. Ah well, that’s life! A couple of items I’d hoped to receive for last month’s issue missed the deadline, so we have a fair amount of reading material in this last one of the season, to carry everyone into the summer break.
Each year a significant contingent of Scots make their way to the UK Accordion Championships which will be held this year on 6/7th May in the usual venue, the Spa Pavilion in Scarborough. I paid a visit last year for the first time and can thoroughly recommend it for a ‘weekend spree’.
I’ll conclude by wishing all Box and Fiddle readers, advertisers and contributors all the best and ask you all to support the new Editor, whoever he or she may be.
Charlie Todd
Up-Helly-Aa 2000
by Gussie Angus
If you haven’t experienced Lerwick’s Up-Helly-Aa for yourselves, you need to imagine the ultimate in self indulgence, tomfoolery and nostalgia, multiply it by two, add an accordion and fiddle festival and you begin to get the idea. The festival celebrates Shetlan’s links with its Norse past (in a peculiar Shetland fashion) and there is an authentic Viking component to the whole proceedings – rape and pillage and that sort of thing, you get the picture. The only fixed rule is that the event shall take place on the last Tuesday in January, the official end of Yule. The event is, in essence, Lerwick’s winter carnival.
For traditional music enthusiasts, the festival generally begins the weekend before as visiting bands stretch their repertoires at dances throughout the islands, limbering up on Saturday and Sunday for the big one. Monday night is command performance spot at the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club for visiting and local musicians alike. This year was no exception, sorry, Gussie had flu and Gordon Young together with Nicol McLaren compered a most successful evening. Nicol and the Band kicked off the proceedings and was quickly followed by Bryan Gear. Sandy Nixon and the Band (which included Robert Whitehead for the occasion) gave way to Mabel Gray and a piano solo spot which has become a feature of these Up-Helly-Aa eves. Sandy Legget and Da Fustra romped the process along until Bill Black and the Band, under Drum Major Gus Millar, restored strict tempo. Splendid to see Bill reunited with fiddler Judi Nicolson, now of course a naturalized Shetlander. The Cullivoe Band was taking no prisoners whilst young James Leask gave a good account of himself fronting a crowd of old campaigners. Sandy Legget just happened to discover his old band among the crowd, they had obviously recalled their sets and gave it beans. Margaret Scollay and her fine fiddle playing softened us up for the uplifting West Telferton Caledonian experience. Jim and David Halcrow, together with Alan Nicolson, gave a virtuoso accordion trio performance joined towards the end by a samba percussion band comprising Scott Gordon, Max Ketchin and Leona Scollay! Then the smooth jaunty sound of the Craig McCallum Band made way for Dennis Morrison and Scott Gordon.
Alan Nicolson’s Band ended the programme in splendid fashion before a Stramash sent the crowd home well pleased.
But, back to Up-Helly-Aa. Tuesday at 8 a.m. saw Jarl Billy Goudie and his Squad of some 50 Vikings set off to waken Lerwick, parading noisily through the town led by the Lerwick Pipe Band. This practice is much preferred by the worthy burghers of Lerwick to the drunken tar-barrellers of a century ago who rampaged through the parish defying the law towing blazing barrels of Archangel tar, terrorizing the populace and humbling the self-important. At around 10 a.m., the Jarl is joined by the Galley – a replica Viking Longship mounted on bogey wheels – and the procession wends its way to the central quayside. This is the first real opportunity for the public to view the product of the winter’s craft work. The Galley hull is authentically constructed by volunteer boat-builders from ancient plans, the head and tailpiece ornamented for the occasion. The Jarl and his Squad depict a historical figure chosen from the Sagas – this year Billy Goudie was Harald Maddadsson (Wicked Earl Harald) recoded in the Orkneyinga Saga. The Squad costumes featured metal breastplates, raven-feathered helmets, ornamental shields, axes and swords, topped with a sheepskin shoulder-piece and long velvet cloak. All this gear is hand-crafted by Squad members themselves and remains a closely guarded secret until the big day, but as always the effect was quite spectacular. The Jarl and his man quickly repaired to Lerwick’s Town Hall to be feted by the Council Leader and the Lord Lieutenant together with assembled dignitaries (and Gussie Angus), collecting the Freedom of Lerwick in passing afterwards they would spend the day visiting Lerwick hospitals and care facilities. Accompanying the Jarl and his man throughout the 24 hour festival are his trusty musicians Alan Clark, Peter Wood and Alan Nicolson on accordions (alternating on piano from time to time), Kevin Henderson on fiddle and Dodo Elphinstone on guitar and vocals. Sharp at 7.30 p.m. the real business begins with the official light-uo of 900 paraffin-soaked torches and the procession through the centre of Lerwick led by the Jarl seated in his Galley. The procession wends its way to the central park where the 900 torch holders circle the ship to traditional songs before ceremonially (and orderly) throwing their flaming brands into the hither-to resplendent longship commemorating a funeral of a Viking – in this case the official end of winter.
After a quick wash and brush-up, the torch holders transform themselves into their squads, groups of about 20 men (Up-Helly-Aa is the last bastion of male dominance) don their costumes and set out on the night’s revelries.
Squards will each choose a them to represent, often inspired by local happenings or events. Woe-betide any local transgressors from the straight and narrow during the past year – their sins will be re-enacted by Up-Helly-Aa squads to the assembled crowds and the Michael unmercifully extracted in quite scurrilous fashion. The squads visit each of the Dance Halls open for the occasion – this year there were eleven – in strict rotation, performing their ‘act’, exchanging good cheer, having a dance or two, a bite to eat perchance, occasionally a dram, and then move on to the next hall. The halls are run by ‘hostesses’ (in the nicest possible sense, of course) who offer hospitality in the form of music, food and drink as well as general good cheer – invitations to halls are prized and eagerly awaited annually. This all goes on till about 8 a.m. the following morning before fatigue and general debility takes over and Lerwick declares a holiday.
Playing at the halls this year were :-
1) Sound Hall – Graham Edwardson’s Band
2) Anderson High School – Sandy Legget and Da Fustra
3) Town Hall – The Craig McCallum Band with Jim Halcrow from 3 a.m.
4) T.A. Hall – The Waas Band
5) Shetland Hotel – Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Band
6) P&O Terminal – The West Telferton Caledonian Band
7) Islesburgh Community Centre – The Sandy Nixon Band with Robert Whitehead guesting
8) Bells Brae School – The Bill black Band
9) Gilbertson Park Games Hall – The John Inkster Band
10) Clickimin Centre – The Orkney Band
11) Sound School – ‘Yorkie’
Some of the bands packed their instruments after the last chord and headed straight for the airport and flights back to mainland reality. Before we knew where we were it was Wednesday night and folk were heading for Sandwick Social Club, The Masonic Club, Lerwick Boating Club, the R.A.F.A. Club, the Norscot Angling club………it never really stops!!! Certainly for the Jarl and his men it would be Saturday before their official festival came to a resounding conclusion. Roll on next year!!
John Huband - Obituary
by Graham Huband
The Scottish band world was shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of virtuoso accordionist John Huband on 22nd February, 2000, at the age of only 58. John possessed an unrivalled musical genius and during a fifty year career as an accordionist, both solo and a bandleader, he entertained thousands of people in venues throughout Scotland and Europe. His amazing talent ensured that he was never out of company whilst playing with some of the finest musicians in the world, notably performing with the late, legendary violinist Stephane Grapelli at the Mathers Hall in Dundee. John’s amazing ability as a musician ability as a musician which was most in evidence through his variations of stunningly difficult jazz compositions arose from a unique combination of skills which presented themselves as a natural gift. He had a computer like brain for music, possessed perfect pitch and was ambidextrous, a potent combination which allowed him to express almost anything he wished through music. His sight reading, accuracy, technical ability and phrasing meant that most tunes could be dispatched, and were rarely bettered, in a single rendition.
His abilities however, did not bar him from listening to and appreciating the music of others, and he would try to emulate other accordionists who had taken the instrument in a new direction. A recent example was when John heard a composition by an Irish accordionist on Radio Dublin and was stunned by its brilliance. It spurred him to write his own piece, a technically advanced work called Celtica, which he intended to be performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. It was the last tune that he ever played in public when he entertained a large crowd at a special service to mark the Millennium in his local Muirhead church, just two days prior to his death.
John’s life-long love of music began at the age of seven when his late father, Victor, a keen follower of Scottish Dance Music, bought an accordion and presented it to him at their home in Perth Road, Dundee. John initially rejected the notion of playing the instrument but his raw talent soon began to shine and the bond was sealed with the accordion when he won his first competition in Broughty Ferry, just two weeks after nestling it on his knee for the first time. His development as a traditional Scottish player was rapid and in 1955 he won the Junior Scottish Championship at the Perth Festival, a feat he repeated the following year. Although he did not enjoy playing in competitions, John returned to Perth in 1971 and captured the Senior title at the first attempt. He debuted with David Findlay’s Olympians Dance Band alongside Dougie Maxwell, Doug Cargill, Jimmy Yeaman and Angus McDonald and made his first live broadcast from the BBC’s Coldside Studio in Dundee on his 15th birthday. His emergence as a musical force in Scotland was beginning to be noticed the length and breadth of the country. However, upon leaving Harris Academy in Dundee with no formal qualifications the same year, John shunned a professional music career and took a job as an office boy in the city’s infamous jute trade. Within a year he became a mill mechanic and a year later left to join a garden equipment firm run by the family of drummer Jackie Cooper, who was the dance director of the enormously popular White Heather Club television show.
Always a drifter, John then joined the Dundee Easter Co-operative Society as a carpet salesman, where he met his future wife, Pat, whom he married in 1968.
He also had two spells during the 1960’s and early 1970’s as an accordion tuner and repairer at J.T. Forbes, a long established company in Nethergate, Dundee where the would famous Jimmy Shand of Auchtermuchty and Kirriemuir box-player Davie Stewart, who was John’s no 2 in the Tayside Sound, also worked. During the early 1970’s John set up his own accordion repair and tuning business, C.M.H. Accordions with electronic specialist Dave Manby and 3- row player Bobby Campbell as partners, in an old workshop at his home in Muirhead. Ironically, the business went into liquidation in February 1982, on the occasion of his 40th birthday! Unperturbed, John devoted his time to tutoring, playing with his senior band the Tayside Sound and bringing together the fledgling Junior Muirhead Accordion Band. The talented members of the Tayside Sound line-up comprised John on lead accordion, Davie Stewart (2nd box), Rab Smillie (bass), Bill Hendry (piano) and fiddler Angus Cameron, who was later replaced by Frank Robb. The group became well known throughout Scotland and were in constant demand to play at ceilidhs, dances and weddings. The Tayside Sound recorded two albums during their career, with the Tayside blend being especially well received by a knowledgeable Scottish public. John’s focus then changed to the Muirhead Accordion Band which was entirely formed from accordionists that he tutored through his Muirhead School of Music. The Band, under John’s direction, made four separate recordings, made a successful tour of Europe in 1990, and made several trips to Ireland in the late 1990’s as the players embraced the influence of traditional Irish music and culture. During this period John was also involved in many other musical projects and regularly played with folk singer Jimmy Reid, with whom he produced the well received ‘Freewheeling Now’ album. He also joined Mull accordionist Calum McLean on ‘East Meets West’ and songwriter genius Mick Marra of Newtyle on his latest recording where he played on a track entitled Macushla. However, John never forgot his Dundee roots and throughout his career played with dozens of local artistes such as the late Jazz guitarist Jim Cruickshank whom he credited with heavily influencing his jazz career, baritone Jim Mackenzie, Joe McKay and jazz singer Yvonne Robb of Menzieshill, Dundee.
Latterly, John invited one of his longest serving pupils, Gail Cumming of Monifeith, on stage to play with him as he admired her technical accuracy which allowed him the freedom to let his fingers roam across the keyboard. His thirst for music continued unabaited until his death and many of his greatest compositions such as Ma Cherie, The Box and Fiddle Rag, Jakaneri (a tune named after his two daughters), The 5 x 2 Step, as well as a host of traditional tunes were fortunately all captured in print. Other songs such as Edzell Blues, Celtica and Patricia’s Song which he wrote after his wife took ill in 1991 and later broadcast on Robbie Shepherd’s BBC Radio Scotland show from Perth City Hall, never made it into a music book but also provide a lasting tribute to his songwriting talents. John’s music was his legacy and that was apparent by the hundreds of musicians and friends who gathered for his funeral service at Balgray Parish Church in Dundee on Friday, February 25th. The service was designed to celebrate the life, indomitable spirit, humour and music of John. There were musical interludes from Jimmy Reid, who sang the Wild Geese, jazz musicians Kevin Murray and Calum McKenzie, who performed Summertime and by Jake Donnelly, Jim Leighton, Jim McKenzie and friends who gave a rendition of ‘You’ve Got to Live a Little’. The most fitting tribute to John came at the wake after the funeral when Jimmy Reid performed and dedicated a new song, simply entitled ‘Ordinary Genius’ to his memory. John’s wife Pat, his daughters Karen and Jacqueline ands son Graham would like to that on their thanks to all his friends and fellow musicians for the wealth of support they have received since his death.
This article was lovingly written by Graham as a tribute to his dad.
Ian Crichton (1934-1999) - Obituary
by John Renton (Glen Shira, Inveraray)
The 9th December, 1999 saw the passing of Ian Crichton, ‘Rowancroft’, Marybank, Stornoway.
Ian was born in 1934 in the village of Lower Bayble on the Eye Peninsular of Lewis.
The name Ian Crichton, though well-known on his native island, did not come to the attention of the general public until the publication of his first book of compositions in 1992.
Ian, a fine 5-row button accordionist, had been composing tunes for many years and recording them onto cassettes, which he simply ‘filed away’. This came to the attention of his friend, Capt. Alex Morrison of Borve, who applied a wee bit of pressure to Ian to have his tunes transcribed and published.
As Ian could not do this himself, he enlisted the help of Charlie Sherrit, himself a fine composer, to transcribe the music from the cassettes. This now underway, Ian applied himself to learning the ‘ins and outs’ of publishing, and set about collating the music for his first book ‘Puirt a Eilan Leodhas’ Book 1.
An interesting feature of Ian’s books is the brief description of the subject of each tune. This helps to being the titles to life, and has called the books to be called ‘story books for musicians’, a Who’s Who of the Western Isles and beyond.
My first contact with Ian was due to a congratulatory call following the purchase of his first book. I was very impressed by the quality and originality of the music, especially the strong Hebridean flavour, and felt that the composer was due some ‘feedback’.
This phone call led me to being appointed his official ‘vet’, and a great friendship followed. After the death of Charlie Sherrit, Ian tried printing his music with the help of Noel Eadie and his computer, but this proved to be a tedious affair.
Incredibly, into the breach came his wife Ishbel who purchased a small keyboard and set about teaching herself how to write out Ian’s tunes. A formidable task, but quickly mastered. To date they have published seven books, and the tunes in most of them have been hand written by Ishbel. A wonderful achievement.
Ian’s career as a musician started around 1953 following a childhood dogged by health problems, including 5 years in hospital encased in plaster due to a spinal problem.
He joined the Stornoway dance band in 1953, having taught himself to play the 5-row box, and played with them for a few years before leaving to form his own band. The Stornoway Dance Band played mostly for modern dancing, but Ian’s heart was in Scottish music so he started his ‘Lewis Ceilidh Band’ which he led very successfully until the late 1960’s. He married Ishbil in 1971.
In later years Ian suffered from eyesight problems and in 1993 he had a heart attack. These problems, far from making him feel sorry for himself, released his indomitable spirit and he carried on composing almost up to the time of his death.
Ian was a man who seldom complained and, in spite of a further heart attack and finally a stroke, he remained bright, alert and optimistic – surely a lesson to us all.
In 1996, Ian was awarded the Glasgow Lewis and Harris Quaich for his great contribution to Scottish music and for the honour he had brought to his native island.
His funeral on 11th December 1999 was attended by a large gathering of friends, and he was laid to rest at the cemetery at Aignish.
The music that he has left behind will ensure that the name Ian Crichton is remembered for a long time.
A Tribute to Ian Crichton – the Musical Legend of Marybank
by Ian MacPherson (Vice Chairman of Lewis and Harris A&F Club)
It was a cold, bleak Saturday in December 1999 that his many friends, relatives and acquaintances from the Western Isles and beyond, said goodbye to a quite remarkable man – Ian Crichton from Marybank, Isle of Lewis. Ian was an accomplished accordion player and played for many years to packed dances in the Town Hall, Stornoway, and at rural halls throughout the Islands, in the days of the Lewis Ceilidh Band and other line-ups. An electrician to trade, he had been plagued with poor health over many years, but quite remarkably he became known in Scottish music circles as one of the country’s most prolific and industrious composers of traditional music. Even more remarkable was the fact that Ian could neither read nor write music, and had to rely on his wife Isobel and other friends to commit to paper the excellent tunes that his talents produced. Over the last decade, or more, Ian with the skilful assistance of his devoted wife, has published from his home ‘Rowancroft’, at Marybank on the outskirts of Stornoway, numerous books of Scottish tunes suitable for the accordion and pipes. His repertoire is immense, and although many were in his favourite 6/8 and 2/4 time, Ian had the ability to compose tunes like you or I would read the newspaper. Many who were fortunate enough to know Ian, bit it through his music, or on the bowling green where he enjoyed friendship and humour with founder members of Stornoway Bowling Club, or indeed nursing or caring for him during times of poor health, were honoured to have their own tune composed and named after them. Ian was a founder and honorary member of the Lewis & Harris A&F Club, and most musicians who visited Stornoway as guests of the Club spent some time with this generous, unassuming man, no doubt exchanging opinions on his latest compositions. His music regularly features on recordings and programmes by musicians throughout the country, and a few years ago Robbie Shepherd featured Ian in one of his ‘Take the Floor’ programmes. Despite deteriorating vision and poor health, which he faced with fortitude and a ready smile, Ian’s remarkable talents of composition continued to the end, and the traditional music world is the richer for the publishing of his sixth and latest book of tunes in February 2000. Well-known bandleader John Renton was a particularly close friend of Ian, and probably played more of his tunes than any other musician, and was frequently called on by Ian to give an opinion and support. The Lewis & Harris A&F Club are hoping that John will take a guest spot at the Club later this year, and provide a programme of Ian Crichton tunes, as a tribute to a fine musician and ‘our friend’. The Scottish music scene and beyond, the local Club scene, and the community are the poorer with the passing of Ian Crichton, and our sympathies go out to his wife Isobel and his two sisters in their sad loss. Like all musical legends, the talents of this remarkable man will live on for the benefit of future generations.
Musselburgh Festival 2000 – Dawn of a New Era
by Neil Copland
Saturday 4th March, 2000, saw the dawn of a new era as regards the ever-popular Musselburgh Festival. This year was the 26th Annual Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C., but was the first Festival of a new Millenium, a new century, and the first without former NAAFC Chairman Jimmy Blue……It was also the first Festival where all the news, views and results could be viewed ‘on-line’. Yes, Musselburgh Festival now has its very own Website on the Internet – why not pay a visit sometime – NMFC.fsnet.co.uk.
On a beautiful sunny early Spring morning, we all awoke to the prospect of another super day of all that is good amongst the younger players of our traditional (and classical) music on the accordion and/or fiddle. Entries this year were on a par with 1999 although the balance was markedly different with a considerable increase in the number of junior fiddle entries at the expense of the classical accordion classes. The loss of some of these accordionists was due to the impending school exams of the current batch of competitors and therefore we cannot be too disappointed. This reduction was more than made up by the tremendous increase in the number of junior fiddlers coming along to Musselburgh. This is due, in the main, to 2 or 3 teachers whose support is greatly appreciated by the Festival Committee. In addition the inspired choice of fiddle composer for the Open Championship Class resulted in a bumper entry of 13 players. Thanks must also go to Bobby Crowe for assisting prospective competitors with accessing music by the late Angus Fitchet. The highlight of the day for me, must be the resounding cheer given to a young competitor in the Open Fiddle Championship Section. He didn’t qualify for the final play-off, but must surely have gone home with his audience’s appreciation ringing in his ears!
The adjudication panel this year comprised no fewer than 6 new faces to our Festival, as well as 3 ‘old’ friends. All adjudicators commented favourably on the quality of playing they heard throughout the day.
The new challenges set by the management of the Brunton Halls complex meant that, for the first time in many years we had to use external venues. Hopefully, this did not cause too many problems for competitors and listeners and that everyone was able to hear their favourite sections. The need to use such halls has resulted in the requirement to schedule some sections outwith their ‘traditional’ venues. Some early timing difficulties threatened to throw the whole day into turmoil. However, by some miracle, the planned situation whereby the only competition taking place at 4 p.m. was the Band Section in the Main Hall actually materialised and the atmosphere at that point in the day was absolutely electric. There must have been around 250/270 people in the Main Hall to hear the Band competition featuring 9 entries – what a climax to a day of competitions!
After a slight delay the Concert featuring prizewinners from 2000 and previous years – Colin Dewar and Alastair McCulloch – got underway. Once again, our friends from BBC’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the highlights of another Festival Concert. These were broadcast over a 2-week period subsequent to the Festival and my thanks must go to Ken Mutch and the BBC team for their continued support of Musselburgh Festival.
Following a most successful concert, the Festival Dance was in the very capable hands of Andrew Knight and the West Telferton Ceilidh Band – what an end to our day. The music was lively and tight as we have come to expect from this talented group of musicians. During the dance it was my pleasure to conduct a Festival Raffle such as I have never seen before – more than 55 prizes – and that after having a small draw at the end of the competitions! Thanks must go to all NAAFC clubs, individuals and Festival friends for their contributions to this superb raffle.
In conclusion, I must thank everyone who helped make this year’s Festival as successful and enjoyable as any before it – competitors, teachers, parents, Committee members, advertisers, sponsors, helpers, raffle donors, adjudicators and most importantly, the listening public. Special thanks also, to Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari for her efficient service to me, and all competitors throughout the year.
If there was any aspect of this year’s Festival that readers reef could be improved, then the Committee would welcome feedback – all comments received will be discussed at the next Committee meeting in May.
All that remains is for me to say once again a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival another successful occasion – from a musical and social point of view.
See you all next year!!! Saturday, 3rd March 2001 – same time, same place (as they say). Regards and thanks to all.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Amy Johnson (Currie)
3=) Euan Geurts (Falkirk)
3=) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Tom Orr (Lanark)
3) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Neil Angus MacNeil (Aberdeen)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Sarah Downie and Luke Brady (Dundee)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
3) Fiona & Kirsty Johnson (Currie)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Lindsay-Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3=) John burns (Falkirk)
3=) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Janette Morrison (Forres)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Lindsay Weir (Livingston)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
3) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
2) Give Way (Currie)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Give Way (Currie)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Fiona Cuthbertson (Kilwinning)
3) Nicol McLaren (Blairgowrie)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Jennifer Anne Maxwell (Carlisle)
3) Duncan MacNicholl (Musselburgh)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) John Leiper (Strathaven)
2) Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Neal Galbraith (Paisley)
3) Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) no competition
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Tom Orr (Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson (Currie)
2) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill) & Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
2) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill) & Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) no competition
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Gary Forrest (Hawick)
3) Morgan Leslie (Biggar)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Robin Hamilton (North Berwick)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Morgan Leslie (Biggar)
2) Gary Forrest (Hawick)
3) Jennifer Anne Maxwell (Carlisle)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) George Burns (Kilsyth)
3) David Nisbet (Earlston)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
2) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
3) Malcolm Watson (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
2) Donna Davidson (Banchory)
3) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Fiona Johnson (Currie)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
2) Ruaridh Campbell (Callander)
3) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Ruaridh Campbell (Callander)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers ‘B’ (Inchture)
2) Banchory Fiddlers (Banchory)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Katherine Brooke (Newmacher)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Euan Geurts (Falkirk)
Me and My Dad (George Stirrat)
by Gillian Pacitti
To some he is a star, a Scottish Country Dance Band leader, but to us, his daughters, he’s just dad. Or as in most cases with daughters, a life home from an evening out. I think his most popular phone call is “Come and get me!”
All my life I have grown up with traditional Scottish music and have learned to appreciate and exceptional talent. George Barclay Stirrat was born on 9th April 1938. His father, James Stirrat, was an accordionist and brought about the musical influences in the household.
After schooling George decided that a way to combine his musical talents with a love of a military lifestyle would be to join the Royal Marines Band. At the tender age of 14 George left the quiet Glasgow suburb of Millerston to begin his military service. By doing so he quickly showed his musical ability by becoming a man of many musical talents which included playing the flute, piccolo, piano and of course what he is now best known for, the accordion. While on service on the Royal Yacht Britannia he managed to tour many exciting places with his music including Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, India and Burma to name but a few. While in the Marines Band he played for his most famous wedding, none other than Grace Kelly and Price Rainier in Monto Carlo arriving, ironically enough, aboard HMS Dalrymple, a white survey ship pressed into service for the occasion. In 1969, armed with my sister’s baby bootee as a lucky mascot, he won the Scottish Accordion Championships at Perth and took home, along with the much treasured title, a beautiful trophy which takes pride of place on the mantelpiece to this day.
His first musical broadcast on the BBC was on ‘Down at the Mains’ with Kathleen Garscadden when he did a solo spot in 1950. To date he has recorded over 30 broadcasts with the BBC his most recent being broadcast on 11th March, 2000.
He has toured many theatres all over Britain and has recorded an LP as well as appearing on disc with Callum Kennedy and Bert Shorthouse. Many of his compositions have been broadcast by other bandleaders and several have been published.
I have heard him mentioned on numerous occasions as being one of the ‘best in the business’ and one of his greatest influences is Sir Jimmy Shand. My two sisters and I have spent many Christmases scouring the shops looking for a Jimmy Shand record that he hasn’t got!
To all of his family though, he is the Best and always will be.
Donation to Charity from ‘Willie’s Last Session’
Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital can now have their drugs administered by the latest high-tech instruments thanks to a recent £2,500 donation. The cash is Royalties from the CD ‘Willie’s Last Session’ featuring the late Willie Hunter and the Cullivoe Band, launched at the 1999 Shetland A&F Festival. The recording was taped one Sunday afternoon in January 1994 in Billy Kay’s studio, eleven days before Willie died. The decision was subsequently taken to produce it as a CD with proceeds going to local cancer charities. Ian Green, of Greentrax Records, readily agreed to undertake the production and forego all royalties, making a substantial personal cash donation to the fund. The gift was presented by Willie’s widow, Pat, at a brief but poignant ceremony at the Shetland A&F Club on 24th February 2000.
Joan Russell – Obituary
by George & Gillian
Shetland A&F Club’s audience, on 24th February, heard a short tribute by chairman, Gussie Angus, to one of its founder members, Joan Russell, who died on 19th February, aged 67, after a long illness. Joan’s principal recreational interest from a very early age was traditional music. She was an accomplished accordionist and, during the 1950’s, played with the famous Islesburgh Dance Band led by the late Dr. Tom Anderson. Along with a small group of other enthusiasts, she formed the Shetland A&F Club in 1979. Joan was also an active Committee member of the Club for some time. Over the years the Russell household became a favourite venue for many of Scotland’s leading traditional musicians who regularly visit Shetland these days. Many became close friends and one, Maureen Rutherford, made the long journey north for the funeral to play the organ for her Shetland Mammy. To a kirk packed with mourners Mo performed a piece specially written for the occasion by another friend, Nicol McLaren.
Joan and husband, Jim, were married in 1957 and, whilst the marriage was not blessed with children, theirs was a particularly strong and happy bond. They were immersed in their extended families and enjoyed a wide and diverse circle of friends.
During April 1999 Joan was diagnosed as suffering from cancer. She received her diagnosis with quiet acceptance and responded to her worsening condition with extraordinary courage, great dignity and quiet humour. She was full of praise for her doctors, nurses and carers. It was somehow tragically fitting that the MacMillan Nurse was amongst those, a post Joan herself helped to establish as a member of the Shetland Macmillan Nurse Appeal Fund. The Shetland A&F Club intend to hold a special Club Night with proceeds t o cancer charities. Joan is survived by her sister, Betty, who lives in Leicestershire and her husband, Jim.
The Simon Howie Gallery
Photographs
CD Reviews
Donny & Diane’s Highland Ceilidh Band ‘In the Highland Tradition’ – SMR103CD
Ceilidh and Old Time Dancing – Davie Stewart SDB
Whizzkeys – Jimmy Cassidy – SMR102CD
Roy Hendrie SDB – Scottish Dances Vol 11 – HRMCD511
Letters to the Editor
I write in response to Mr Andrew Dunbar’s letter in the March issue of the B&F, which in turn, was in response to Bill Black’s correspondence the previous month. Whilst agreeing with a great many of the points he made, I would take issue with his observation relating to ‘less than strenuous performances’ by Guest Artistes at A&F Clubs. Being the wife and mother of accordionists, both of whom consider themselves privileged to be asked to guest at Clubs, I can state unequivocally, that they feel more under pressure at these engagements than any other. They know that they are under clode scrutiny from the audience, being judged not only on the content of their chosen programme, but on the way in which said programme is delivered. They would not dream of turning up at a Club and merely churning out well worn sets, and instead, spend hour after hour (my ears can testify to that!) in the preceding weeks leading up to a guest spot, perfecting new, and different material. They are very aware that people may have traveled some distance especially to hear them, and make a real effort to deliver the goods as expected. They are not storytellers, they prefer to devote the time allotted to provide a full and entertaining programme of music.
On the subject of travel, I have to heartily endorse the comments made by Bill in his original letter. I have known ‘the boys’ to be away from home for up to 9 or 10 hours (taking time off work if necessary), having covered a distance of 300 miles, and accepting a fee that would not even cover the cost of running the car. (And no, we DON’T run a BMW!) We are all aware that Clubs are a non profit making enterprise, varying considerably in size, but again, as Bill rightly pointed out, it would cost a minimum £5 to gain entry to a Cinema (and that’s without the added Popcorn, Juice not forgetting the obligatory fish supper on the way home!) and I can’t imagine there would be too much hostility, in the event of entrance fees being increased slightly. $4 is, after all, no more than the price of a gallon of petrol! For my own part, I have on many occasions, paid £25 or more, for a ticket to se a band in Glasgow (of the NON Scottish variety), watched them perform for an hour, driven 80 miles home, and been perfectly happy to do so. The point being, that people WILL happily pay to watch, and listen, to polished performers, and I see no reason why master or mistresses (meant in the best possible taste) of Traditional Scottish Music should be treated differently from any other class of musician. I must stress, that the gentlemen with whom I have association, have NEVER groused about fees, enjoying the whole atmosphere and ‘crack’ of the Club scene, and, at the same time appreciating the opportunity to keep their personal standard up. I would defy anyone to name any other service (and that’s what it IS after all), that provides such good value for money, but at the same time CAN, and very often does, leave a gaping hole in the pocket! Music MAY, quite rightly, be considered by some to be no more than a hobby, but, sadly, in today’s uncertain economic climate, it is, in many cases, a very important supplement to the ‘day to day’ income, and I can personally vouch for the hours of hard work and research (new tunes etc) that go in to perfecting the art – no musician can ever claim to have completed their apprenticeship!
Mrs Norma Lindsay, Amulree, Perthshire
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
1st April 2000 – John Renton SDB – feature on the Pheonix A&F Club
8th April 2000 – Ian Thomson SDB + listeners letters and discs
15th April 2000 – Marian Anderson SDB + feature
22nd April 2000 – Strathmore Sound + feature
29th April 2000 – OB tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Apr 00 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 12th Apr 00 - tbc
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Apr 00 – West Telferton Cale CB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Apr 00 – Jimmy Lindsay (3-row)
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Apr 00 – Black Rose CB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Apr 00 – James Coutts SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Apr 00 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Apr 00 – Wyvis Sound (David MacKenzie Band)
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Apr 00 – Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Apr 00 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Apr 00 – Andy Greig SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Apr 00 – David Cunningham SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - Season ended
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Apr 00 - Donal Ring CB
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 4th Apr 00 – Marian Anderson SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 13th Apr 00 – Gary Blair
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Nicol McLAren SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Apr 00 – Morag Robertson Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 9th Apr 00 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 6th Apr 00 – David Ross
Cults (Cults Sports & Social Club) 12th Apr 00 – Alan McIntosh SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Apr 00 – Wayne Robertson
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 – West Telferton Cale CB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Burns Brothers
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Apr 00 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Season ended
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – Season ended
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th Apr 00 – David Oswald SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 30th Apr 00 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Apr 00 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Apr 00 – Sandy Legget Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – Season ended
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 20th Apr 00 - AGM
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Apr 00 – Meoran Ciuil
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Apr 00 – Andy Greig SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Apr 00 - Cailins
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Apr 00 – Lothian SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 12th Apr 00 – Davy Stewart & Rab Smillie
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Apr 00 – Peter Bruce
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Apr 00 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Apr 00 – David Sturgeon SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 – Forres Club
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 21st Apr 00 – Dance Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – Season ended
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Apr 00 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Apr 00 – The Laxdale Fiddlers
Livingston (Cairn Hotel) - 18th Apr 00 – The Bon Accords
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Apr 00 – David Vernon
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) Season ended
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 - tbc
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 9th Apr 00 – All players welcome
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - Season ended
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – Season ended
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Apr 00 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Apr 00 – Bill Black SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Apr 00 – Graham Bell SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Niel Galloway SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 4th Apr 00 – Jimmy Cassidy
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Apr 00 – Sandy Legget SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Apr 00 – Meoran Ciuil
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - Season ended
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Apr 00 - tbc
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 15th Apr 00 – Club Night
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 12th Apr 00 – Scott Leslie Band
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Apr 00 – Inverness A&F Club
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Apr 00 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Apr 00 – Tommy Edmondson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Ian H. Cruickshank Trio
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Apr 00 - tbc
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Campsie
5. Coalburn
6. Crieff
7. Cults
8. Dingwall & District
9. Dunoon & Cowal
10. East Kilbride
11. Forres
12. Galston
13. Glendale
14. Glenrothes
15. Gretna
16. Highland
17. Inveraray
18. Isle of Skye
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Lewis & Harris
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Montrose
27. Newmill-on-Teviot
28. Newtongrange
29. Oban
30 Perth
31. Peebles
32. Premier
33. Renfrew
34. Rothbury
35. Stirling
36. Shetland
37. Thornhill
38. Thurso
39. Turriff
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Alan Gardiner, Cocklaw Farm, Elsrickle, Biggar.
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
Well, as indicated last month things have changed dramatically at the coal face so it’s time to look for a new volunteer as Editor. If anyone is interested they are welcome to contact me and I’ll be happy to pass on an indication of some of the ‘working practices’ involved. Basically it’s a case of finding a local printer, taking a copy along, and asking for a price for 1,800 copies to be set out and printed between the 15th and hopefully the 25th of the month (if you are to have any chance of getting them into the hands of the Clubs which meet right at the start of the month). You’ll probably have to handle distribution and postage as well. Financially the B&F is just covering itself, although as I mentioned in an earlier issue advertising revenue hasn’t lived up to previous years, so the cost will have to be carefully reviewed. Would individual subscribers, all 455 of you, please await a notification as to the Annual subscription at the start of the new season in September. Alan Gardiner will also be retiring as Box and Fiddle Treasurer since the two jobs are probably better handled in broadly the same geographical location. Between this and the Association’s Chairman and Treasurer standing down there should be plenty of business to discuss at the next AGM on Sunday, 25th June. Hopefully I’ll see you all there.
Thanks to everyone who contributed over the last three years – my only moan is that there weren’t enough of you. Many of the small items I hoped to encourage, such as ‘Tune Titles’ have fallen by the wayside since no-one took me up on them. Ah well, that’s life! A couple of items I’d hoped to receive for last month’s issue missed the deadline, so we have a fair amount of reading material in this last one of the season, to carry everyone into the summer break.
Each year a significant contingent of Scots make their way to the UK Accordion Championships which will be held this year on 6/7th May in the usual venue, the Spa Pavilion in Scarborough. I paid a visit last year for the first time and can thoroughly recommend it for a ‘weekend spree’.
I’ll conclude by wishing all Box and Fiddle readers, advertisers and contributors all the best and ask you all to support the new Editor, whoever he or she may be.
Charlie Todd
Up-Helly-Aa 2000
by Gussie Angus
If you haven’t experienced Lerwick’s Up-Helly-Aa for yourselves, you need to imagine the ultimate in self indulgence, tomfoolery and nostalgia, multiply it by two, add an accordion and fiddle festival and you begin to get the idea. The festival celebrates Shetlan’s links with its Norse past (in a peculiar Shetland fashion) and there is an authentic Viking component to the whole proceedings – rape and pillage and that sort of thing, you get the picture. The only fixed rule is that the event shall take place on the last Tuesday in January, the official end of Yule. The event is, in essence, Lerwick’s winter carnival.
For traditional music enthusiasts, the festival generally begins the weekend before as visiting bands stretch their repertoires at dances throughout the islands, limbering up on Saturday and Sunday for the big one. Monday night is command performance spot at the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club for visiting and local musicians alike. This year was no exception, sorry, Gussie had flu and Gordon Young together with Nicol McLaren compered a most successful evening. Nicol and the Band kicked off the proceedings and was quickly followed by Bryan Gear. Sandy Nixon and the Band (which included Robert Whitehead for the occasion) gave way to Mabel Gray and a piano solo spot which has become a feature of these Up-Helly-Aa eves. Sandy Legget and Da Fustra romped the process along until Bill Black and the Band, under Drum Major Gus Millar, restored strict tempo. Splendid to see Bill reunited with fiddler Judi Nicolson, now of course a naturalized Shetlander. The Cullivoe Band was taking no prisoners whilst young James Leask gave a good account of himself fronting a crowd of old campaigners. Sandy Legget just happened to discover his old band among the crowd, they had obviously recalled their sets and gave it beans. Margaret Scollay and her fine fiddle playing softened us up for the uplifting West Telferton Caledonian experience. Jim and David Halcrow, together with Alan Nicolson, gave a virtuoso accordion trio performance joined towards the end by a samba percussion band comprising Scott Gordon, Max Ketchin and Leona Scollay! Then the smooth jaunty sound of the Craig McCallum Band made way for Dennis Morrison and Scott Gordon.
Alan Nicolson’s Band ended the programme in splendid fashion before a Stramash sent the crowd home well pleased.
But, back to Up-Helly-Aa. Tuesday at 8 a.m. saw Jarl Billy Goudie and his Squad of some 50 Vikings set off to waken Lerwick, parading noisily through the town led by the Lerwick Pipe Band. This practice is much preferred by the worthy burghers of Lerwick to the drunken tar-barrellers of a century ago who rampaged through the parish defying the law towing blazing barrels of Archangel tar, terrorizing the populace and humbling the self-important. At around 10 a.m., the Jarl is joined by the Galley – a replica Viking Longship mounted on bogey wheels – and the procession wends its way to the central quayside. This is the first real opportunity for the public to view the product of the winter’s craft work. The Galley hull is authentically constructed by volunteer boat-builders from ancient plans, the head and tailpiece ornamented for the occasion. The Jarl and his Squad depict a historical figure chosen from the Sagas – this year Billy Goudie was Harald Maddadsson (Wicked Earl Harald) recoded in the Orkneyinga Saga. The Squad costumes featured metal breastplates, raven-feathered helmets, ornamental shields, axes and swords, topped with a sheepskin shoulder-piece and long velvet cloak. All this gear is hand-crafted by Squad members themselves and remains a closely guarded secret until the big day, but as always the effect was quite spectacular. The Jarl and his man quickly repaired to Lerwick’s Town Hall to be feted by the Council Leader and the Lord Lieutenant together with assembled dignitaries (and Gussie Angus), collecting the Freedom of Lerwick in passing afterwards they would spend the day visiting Lerwick hospitals and care facilities. Accompanying the Jarl and his man throughout the 24 hour festival are his trusty musicians Alan Clark, Peter Wood and Alan Nicolson on accordions (alternating on piano from time to time), Kevin Henderson on fiddle and Dodo Elphinstone on guitar and vocals. Sharp at 7.30 p.m. the real business begins with the official light-uo of 900 paraffin-soaked torches and the procession through the centre of Lerwick led by the Jarl seated in his Galley. The procession wends its way to the central park where the 900 torch holders circle the ship to traditional songs before ceremonially (and orderly) throwing their flaming brands into the hither-to resplendent longship commemorating a funeral of a Viking – in this case the official end of winter.
After a quick wash and brush-up, the torch holders transform themselves into their squads, groups of about 20 men (Up-Helly-Aa is the last bastion of male dominance) don their costumes and set out on the night’s revelries.
Squards will each choose a them to represent, often inspired by local happenings or events. Woe-betide any local transgressors from the straight and narrow during the past year – their sins will be re-enacted by Up-Helly-Aa squads to the assembled crowds and the Michael unmercifully extracted in quite scurrilous fashion. The squads visit each of the Dance Halls open for the occasion – this year there were eleven – in strict rotation, performing their ‘act’, exchanging good cheer, having a dance or two, a bite to eat perchance, occasionally a dram, and then move on to the next hall. The halls are run by ‘hostesses’ (in the nicest possible sense, of course) who offer hospitality in the form of music, food and drink as well as general good cheer – invitations to halls are prized and eagerly awaited annually. This all goes on till about 8 a.m. the following morning before fatigue and general debility takes over and Lerwick declares a holiday.
Playing at the halls this year were :-
1) Sound Hall – Graham Edwardson’s Band
2) Anderson High School – Sandy Legget and Da Fustra
3) Town Hall – The Craig McCallum Band with Jim Halcrow from 3 a.m.
4) T.A. Hall – The Waas Band
5) Shetland Hotel – Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Band
6) P&O Terminal – The West Telferton Caledonian Band
7) Islesburgh Community Centre – The Sandy Nixon Band with Robert Whitehead guesting
8) Bells Brae School – The Bill black Band
9) Gilbertson Park Games Hall – The John Inkster Band
10) Clickimin Centre – The Orkney Band
11) Sound School – ‘Yorkie’
Some of the bands packed their instruments after the last chord and headed straight for the airport and flights back to mainland reality. Before we knew where we were it was Wednesday night and folk were heading for Sandwick Social Club, The Masonic Club, Lerwick Boating Club, the R.A.F.A. Club, the Norscot Angling club………it never really stops!!! Certainly for the Jarl and his men it would be Saturday before their official festival came to a resounding conclusion. Roll on next year!!
John Huband - Obituary
by Graham Huband
The Scottish band world was shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of virtuoso accordionist John Huband on 22nd February, 2000, at the age of only 58. John possessed an unrivalled musical genius and during a fifty year career as an accordionist, both solo and a bandleader, he entertained thousands of people in venues throughout Scotland and Europe. His amazing talent ensured that he was never out of company whilst playing with some of the finest musicians in the world, notably performing with the late, legendary violinist Stephane Grapelli at the Mathers Hall in Dundee. John’s amazing ability as a musician ability as a musician which was most in evidence through his variations of stunningly difficult jazz compositions arose from a unique combination of skills which presented themselves as a natural gift. He had a computer like brain for music, possessed perfect pitch and was ambidextrous, a potent combination which allowed him to express almost anything he wished through music. His sight reading, accuracy, technical ability and phrasing meant that most tunes could be dispatched, and were rarely bettered, in a single rendition.
His abilities however, did not bar him from listening to and appreciating the music of others, and he would try to emulate other accordionists who had taken the instrument in a new direction. A recent example was when John heard a composition by an Irish accordionist on Radio Dublin and was stunned by its brilliance. It spurred him to write his own piece, a technically advanced work called Celtica, which he intended to be performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. It was the last tune that he ever played in public when he entertained a large crowd at a special service to mark the Millennium in his local Muirhead church, just two days prior to his death.
John’s life-long love of music began at the age of seven when his late father, Victor, a keen follower of Scottish Dance Music, bought an accordion and presented it to him at their home in Perth Road, Dundee. John initially rejected the notion of playing the instrument but his raw talent soon began to shine and the bond was sealed with the accordion when he won his first competition in Broughty Ferry, just two weeks after nestling it on his knee for the first time. His development as a traditional Scottish player was rapid and in 1955 he won the Junior Scottish Championship at the Perth Festival, a feat he repeated the following year. Although he did not enjoy playing in competitions, John returned to Perth in 1971 and captured the Senior title at the first attempt. He debuted with David Findlay’s Olympians Dance Band alongside Dougie Maxwell, Doug Cargill, Jimmy Yeaman and Angus McDonald and made his first live broadcast from the BBC’s Coldside Studio in Dundee on his 15th birthday. His emergence as a musical force in Scotland was beginning to be noticed the length and breadth of the country. However, upon leaving Harris Academy in Dundee with no formal qualifications the same year, John shunned a professional music career and took a job as an office boy in the city’s infamous jute trade. Within a year he became a mill mechanic and a year later left to join a garden equipment firm run by the family of drummer Jackie Cooper, who was the dance director of the enormously popular White Heather Club television show.
Always a drifter, John then joined the Dundee Easter Co-operative Society as a carpet salesman, where he met his future wife, Pat, whom he married in 1968.
He also had two spells during the 1960’s and early 1970’s as an accordion tuner and repairer at J.T. Forbes, a long established company in Nethergate, Dundee where the would famous Jimmy Shand of Auchtermuchty and Kirriemuir box-player Davie Stewart, who was John’s no 2 in the Tayside Sound, also worked. During the early 1970’s John set up his own accordion repair and tuning business, C.M.H. Accordions with electronic specialist Dave Manby and 3- row player Bobby Campbell as partners, in an old workshop at his home in Muirhead. Ironically, the business went into liquidation in February 1982, on the occasion of his 40th birthday! Unperturbed, John devoted his time to tutoring, playing with his senior band the Tayside Sound and bringing together the fledgling Junior Muirhead Accordion Band. The talented members of the Tayside Sound line-up comprised John on lead accordion, Davie Stewart (2nd box), Rab Smillie (bass), Bill Hendry (piano) and fiddler Angus Cameron, who was later replaced by Frank Robb. The group became well known throughout Scotland and were in constant demand to play at ceilidhs, dances and weddings. The Tayside Sound recorded two albums during their career, with the Tayside blend being especially well received by a knowledgeable Scottish public. John’s focus then changed to the Muirhead Accordion Band which was entirely formed from accordionists that he tutored through his Muirhead School of Music. The Band, under John’s direction, made four separate recordings, made a successful tour of Europe in 1990, and made several trips to Ireland in the late 1990’s as the players embraced the influence of traditional Irish music and culture. During this period John was also involved in many other musical projects and regularly played with folk singer Jimmy Reid, with whom he produced the well received ‘Freewheeling Now’ album. He also joined Mull accordionist Calum McLean on ‘East Meets West’ and songwriter genius Mick Marra of Newtyle on his latest recording where he played on a track entitled Macushla. However, John never forgot his Dundee roots and throughout his career played with dozens of local artistes such as the late Jazz guitarist Jim Cruickshank whom he credited with heavily influencing his jazz career, baritone Jim Mackenzie, Joe McKay and jazz singer Yvonne Robb of Menzieshill, Dundee.
Latterly, John invited one of his longest serving pupils, Gail Cumming of Monifeith, on stage to play with him as he admired her technical accuracy which allowed him the freedom to let his fingers roam across the keyboard. His thirst for music continued unabaited until his death and many of his greatest compositions such as Ma Cherie, The Box and Fiddle Rag, Jakaneri (a tune named after his two daughters), The 5 x 2 Step, as well as a host of traditional tunes were fortunately all captured in print. Other songs such as Edzell Blues, Celtica and Patricia’s Song which he wrote after his wife took ill in 1991 and later broadcast on Robbie Shepherd’s BBC Radio Scotland show from Perth City Hall, never made it into a music book but also provide a lasting tribute to his songwriting talents. John’s music was his legacy and that was apparent by the hundreds of musicians and friends who gathered for his funeral service at Balgray Parish Church in Dundee on Friday, February 25th. The service was designed to celebrate the life, indomitable spirit, humour and music of John. There were musical interludes from Jimmy Reid, who sang the Wild Geese, jazz musicians Kevin Murray and Calum McKenzie, who performed Summertime and by Jake Donnelly, Jim Leighton, Jim McKenzie and friends who gave a rendition of ‘You’ve Got to Live a Little’. The most fitting tribute to John came at the wake after the funeral when Jimmy Reid performed and dedicated a new song, simply entitled ‘Ordinary Genius’ to his memory. John’s wife Pat, his daughters Karen and Jacqueline ands son Graham would like to that on their thanks to all his friends and fellow musicians for the wealth of support they have received since his death.
This article was lovingly written by Graham as a tribute to his dad.
Ian Crichton (1934-1999) - Obituary
by John Renton (Glen Shira, Inveraray)
The 9th December, 1999 saw the passing of Ian Crichton, ‘Rowancroft’, Marybank, Stornoway.
Ian was born in 1934 in the village of Lower Bayble on the Eye Peninsular of Lewis.
The name Ian Crichton, though well-known on his native island, did not come to the attention of the general public until the publication of his first book of compositions in 1992.
Ian, a fine 5-row button accordionist, had been composing tunes for many years and recording them onto cassettes, which he simply ‘filed away’. This came to the attention of his friend, Capt. Alex Morrison of Borve, who applied a wee bit of pressure to Ian to have his tunes transcribed and published.
As Ian could not do this himself, he enlisted the help of Charlie Sherrit, himself a fine composer, to transcribe the music from the cassettes. This now underway, Ian applied himself to learning the ‘ins and outs’ of publishing, and set about collating the music for his first book ‘Puirt a Eilan Leodhas’ Book 1.
An interesting feature of Ian’s books is the brief description of the subject of each tune. This helps to being the titles to life, and has called the books to be called ‘story books for musicians’, a Who’s Who of the Western Isles and beyond.
My first contact with Ian was due to a congratulatory call following the purchase of his first book. I was very impressed by the quality and originality of the music, especially the strong Hebridean flavour, and felt that the composer was due some ‘feedback’.
This phone call led me to being appointed his official ‘vet’, and a great friendship followed. After the death of Charlie Sherrit, Ian tried printing his music with the help of Noel Eadie and his computer, but this proved to be a tedious affair.
Incredibly, into the breach came his wife Ishbel who purchased a small keyboard and set about teaching herself how to write out Ian’s tunes. A formidable task, but quickly mastered. To date they have published seven books, and the tunes in most of them have been hand written by Ishbel. A wonderful achievement.
Ian’s career as a musician started around 1953 following a childhood dogged by health problems, including 5 years in hospital encased in plaster due to a spinal problem.
He joined the Stornoway dance band in 1953, having taught himself to play the 5-row box, and played with them for a few years before leaving to form his own band. The Stornoway Dance Band played mostly for modern dancing, but Ian’s heart was in Scottish music so he started his ‘Lewis Ceilidh Band’ which he led very successfully until the late 1960’s. He married Ishbil in 1971.
In later years Ian suffered from eyesight problems and in 1993 he had a heart attack. These problems, far from making him feel sorry for himself, released his indomitable spirit and he carried on composing almost up to the time of his death.
Ian was a man who seldom complained and, in spite of a further heart attack and finally a stroke, he remained bright, alert and optimistic – surely a lesson to us all.
In 1996, Ian was awarded the Glasgow Lewis and Harris Quaich for his great contribution to Scottish music and for the honour he had brought to his native island.
His funeral on 11th December 1999 was attended by a large gathering of friends, and he was laid to rest at the cemetery at Aignish.
The music that he has left behind will ensure that the name Ian Crichton is remembered for a long time.
A Tribute to Ian Crichton – the Musical Legend of Marybank
by Ian MacPherson (Vice Chairman of Lewis and Harris A&F Club)
It was a cold, bleak Saturday in December 1999 that his many friends, relatives and acquaintances from the Western Isles and beyond, said goodbye to a quite remarkable man – Ian Crichton from Marybank, Isle of Lewis. Ian was an accomplished accordion player and played for many years to packed dances in the Town Hall, Stornoway, and at rural halls throughout the Islands, in the days of the Lewis Ceilidh Band and other line-ups. An electrician to trade, he had been plagued with poor health over many years, but quite remarkably he became known in Scottish music circles as one of the country’s most prolific and industrious composers of traditional music. Even more remarkable was the fact that Ian could neither read nor write music, and had to rely on his wife Isobel and other friends to commit to paper the excellent tunes that his talents produced. Over the last decade, or more, Ian with the skilful assistance of his devoted wife, has published from his home ‘Rowancroft’, at Marybank on the outskirts of Stornoway, numerous books of Scottish tunes suitable for the accordion and pipes. His repertoire is immense, and although many were in his favourite 6/8 and 2/4 time, Ian had the ability to compose tunes like you or I would read the newspaper. Many who were fortunate enough to know Ian, bit it through his music, or on the bowling green where he enjoyed friendship and humour with founder members of Stornoway Bowling Club, or indeed nursing or caring for him during times of poor health, were honoured to have their own tune composed and named after them. Ian was a founder and honorary member of the Lewis & Harris A&F Club, and most musicians who visited Stornoway as guests of the Club spent some time with this generous, unassuming man, no doubt exchanging opinions on his latest compositions. His music regularly features on recordings and programmes by musicians throughout the country, and a few years ago Robbie Shepherd featured Ian in one of his ‘Take the Floor’ programmes. Despite deteriorating vision and poor health, which he faced with fortitude and a ready smile, Ian’s remarkable talents of composition continued to the end, and the traditional music world is the richer for the publishing of his sixth and latest book of tunes in February 2000. Well-known bandleader John Renton was a particularly close friend of Ian, and probably played more of his tunes than any other musician, and was frequently called on by Ian to give an opinion and support. The Lewis & Harris A&F Club are hoping that John will take a guest spot at the Club later this year, and provide a programme of Ian Crichton tunes, as a tribute to a fine musician and ‘our friend’. The Scottish music scene and beyond, the local Club scene, and the community are the poorer with the passing of Ian Crichton, and our sympathies go out to his wife Isobel and his two sisters in their sad loss. Like all musical legends, the talents of this remarkable man will live on for the benefit of future generations.
Musselburgh Festival 2000 – Dawn of a New Era
by Neil Copland
Saturday 4th March, 2000, saw the dawn of a new era as regards the ever-popular Musselburgh Festival. This year was the 26th Annual Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C., but was the first Festival of a new Millenium, a new century, and the first without former NAAFC Chairman Jimmy Blue……It was also the first Festival where all the news, views and results could be viewed ‘on-line’. Yes, Musselburgh Festival now has its very own Website on the Internet – why not pay a visit sometime – NMFC.fsnet.co.uk.
On a beautiful sunny early Spring morning, we all awoke to the prospect of another super day of all that is good amongst the younger players of our traditional (and classical) music on the accordion and/or fiddle. Entries this year were on a par with 1999 although the balance was markedly different with a considerable increase in the number of junior fiddle entries at the expense of the classical accordion classes. The loss of some of these accordionists was due to the impending school exams of the current batch of competitors and therefore we cannot be too disappointed. This reduction was more than made up by the tremendous increase in the number of junior fiddlers coming along to Musselburgh. This is due, in the main, to 2 or 3 teachers whose support is greatly appreciated by the Festival Committee. In addition the inspired choice of fiddle composer for the Open Championship Class resulted in a bumper entry of 13 players. Thanks must also go to Bobby Crowe for assisting prospective competitors with accessing music by the late Angus Fitchet. The highlight of the day for me, must be the resounding cheer given to a young competitor in the Open Fiddle Championship Section. He didn’t qualify for the final play-off, but must surely have gone home with his audience’s appreciation ringing in his ears!
The adjudication panel this year comprised no fewer than 6 new faces to our Festival, as well as 3 ‘old’ friends. All adjudicators commented favourably on the quality of playing they heard throughout the day.
The new challenges set by the management of the Brunton Halls complex meant that, for the first time in many years we had to use external venues. Hopefully, this did not cause too many problems for competitors and listeners and that everyone was able to hear their favourite sections. The need to use such halls has resulted in the requirement to schedule some sections outwith their ‘traditional’ venues. Some early timing difficulties threatened to throw the whole day into turmoil. However, by some miracle, the planned situation whereby the only competition taking place at 4 p.m. was the Band Section in the Main Hall actually materialised and the atmosphere at that point in the day was absolutely electric. There must have been around 250/270 people in the Main Hall to hear the Band competition featuring 9 entries – what a climax to a day of competitions!
After a slight delay the Concert featuring prizewinners from 2000 and previous years – Colin Dewar and Alastair McCulloch – got underway. Once again, our friends from BBC’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the highlights of another Festival Concert. These were broadcast over a 2-week period subsequent to the Festival and my thanks must go to Ken Mutch and the BBC team for their continued support of Musselburgh Festival.
Following a most successful concert, the Festival Dance was in the very capable hands of Andrew Knight and the West Telferton Ceilidh Band – what an end to our day. The music was lively and tight as we have come to expect from this talented group of musicians. During the dance it was my pleasure to conduct a Festival Raffle such as I have never seen before – more than 55 prizes – and that after having a small draw at the end of the competitions! Thanks must go to all NAAFC clubs, individuals and Festival friends for their contributions to this superb raffle.
In conclusion, I must thank everyone who helped make this year’s Festival as successful and enjoyable as any before it – competitors, teachers, parents, Committee members, advertisers, sponsors, helpers, raffle donors, adjudicators and most importantly, the listening public. Special thanks also, to Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari for her efficient service to me, and all competitors throughout the year.
If there was any aspect of this year’s Festival that readers reef could be improved, then the Committee would welcome feedback – all comments received will be discussed at the next Committee meeting in May.
All that remains is for me to say once again a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival another successful occasion – from a musical and social point of view.
See you all next year!!! Saturday, 3rd March 2001 – same time, same place (as they say). Regards and thanks to all.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Amy Johnson (Currie)
3=) Euan Geurts (Falkirk)
3=) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Tom Orr (Lanark)
3) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Neil Angus MacNeil (Aberdeen)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Sarah Downie and Luke Brady (Dundee)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
3) Fiona & Kirsty Johnson (Currie)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Lindsay-Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3=) John burns (Falkirk)
3=) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Janette Morrison (Forres)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Lindsay Weir (Livingston)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
3) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
2) Give Way (Currie)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Give Way (Currie)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Fiona Cuthbertson (Kilwinning)
3) Nicol McLaren (Blairgowrie)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Jennifer Anne Maxwell (Carlisle)
3) Duncan MacNicholl (Musselburgh)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) John Leiper (Strathaven)
2) Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Neal Galbraith (Paisley)
3) Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) no competition
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Tom Orr (Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson (Currie)
2) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill) & Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Alloway)
2) Lisa McKennan (Newarthill) & Kirsty Findlater (Hamilton)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) no competition
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Gary Forrest (Hawick)
3) Morgan Leslie (Biggar)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Robin Hamilton (North Berwick)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lockerbie)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Morgan Leslie (Biggar)
2) Gary Forrest (Hawick)
3) Jennifer Anne Maxwell (Carlisle)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) George Burns (Kilsyth)
3) David Nisbet (Earlston)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
2) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
3) Malcolm Watson (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
2) Donna Davidson (Banchory)
3) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Fiona Johnson (Currie)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
2) Ruaridh Campbell (Callander)
3) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Clare Gullan (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Ruaridh Campbell (Callander)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers ‘B’ (Inchture)
2) Banchory Fiddlers (Banchory)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Katherine Brooke (Newmacher)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Euan Geurts (Falkirk)
Me and My Dad (George Stirrat)
by Gillian Pacitti
To some he is a star, a Scottish Country Dance Band leader, but to us, his daughters, he’s just dad. Or as in most cases with daughters, a life home from an evening out. I think his most popular phone call is “Come and get me!”
All my life I have grown up with traditional Scottish music and have learned to appreciate and exceptional talent. George Barclay Stirrat was born on 9th April 1938. His father, James Stirrat, was an accordionist and brought about the musical influences in the household.
After schooling George decided that a way to combine his musical talents with a love of a military lifestyle would be to join the Royal Marines Band. At the tender age of 14 George left the quiet Glasgow suburb of Millerston to begin his military service. By doing so he quickly showed his musical ability by becoming a man of many musical talents which included playing the flute, piccolo, piano and of course what he is now best known for, the accordion. While on service on the Royal Yacht Britannia he managed to tour many exciting places with his music including Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, India and Burma to name but a few. While in the Marines Band he played for his most famous wedding, none other than Grace Kelly and Price Rainier in Monto Carlo arriving, ironically enough, aboard HMS Dalrymple, a white survey ship pressed into service for the occasion. In 1969, armed with my sister’s baby bootee as a lucky mascot, he won the Scottish Accordion Championships at Perth and took home, along with the much treasured title, a beautiful trophy which takes pride of place on the mantelpiece to this day.
His first musical broadcast on the BBC was on ‘Down at the Mains’ with Kathleen Garscadden when he did a solo spot in 1950. To date he has recorded over 30 broadcasts with the BBC his most recent being broadcast on 11th March, 2000.
He has toured many theatres all over Britain and has recorded an LP as well as appearing on disc with Callum Kennedy and Bert Shorthouse. Many of his compositions have been broadcast by other bandleaders and several have been published.
I have heard him mentioned on numerous occasions as being one of the ‘best in the business’ and one of his greatest influences is Sir Jimmy Shand. My two sisters and I have spent many Christmases scouring the shops looking for a Jimmy Shand record that he hasn’t got!
To all of his family though, he is the Best and always will be.
Donation to Charity from ‘Willie’s Last Session’
Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital can now have their drugs administered by the latest high-tech instruments thanks to a recent £2,500 donation. The cash is Royalties from the CD ‘Willie’s Last Session’ featuring the late Willie Hunter and the Cullivoe Band, launched at the 1999 Shetland A&F Festival. The recording was taped one Sunday afternoon in January 1994 in Billy Kay’s studio, eleven days before Willie died. The decision was subsequently taken to produce it as a CD with proceeds going to local cancer charities. Ian Green, of Greentrax Records, readily agreed to undertake the production and forego all royalties, making a substantial personal cash donation to the fund. The gift was presented by Willie’s widow, Pat, at a brief but poignant ceremony at the Shetland A&F Club on 24th February 2000.
Joan Russell – Obituary
by George & Gillian
Shetland A&F Club’s audience, on 24th February, heard a short tribute by chairman, Gussie Angus, to one of its founder members, Joan Russell, who died on 19th February, aged 67, after a long illness. Joan’s principal recreational interest from a very early age was traditional music. She was an accomplished accordionist and, during the 1950’s, played with the famous Islesburgh Dance Band led by the late Dr. Tom Anderson. Along with a small group of other enthusiasts, she formed the Shetland A&F Club in 1979. Joan was also an active Committee member of the Club for some time. Over the years the Russell household became a favourite venue for many of Scotland’s leading traditional musicians who regularly visit Shetland these days. Many became close friends and one, Maureen Rutherford, made the long journey north for the funeral to play the organ for her Shetland Mammy. To a kirk packed with mourners Mo performed a piece specially written for the occasion by another friend, Nicol McLaren.
Joan and husband, Jim, were married in 1957 and, whilst the marriage was not blessed with children, theirs was a particularly strong and happy bond. They were immersed in their extended families and enjoyed a wide and diverse circle of friends.
During April 1999 Joan was diagnosed as suffering from cancer. She received her diagnosis with quiet acceptance and responded to her worsening condition with extraordinary courage, great dignity and quiet humour. She was full of praise for her doctors, nurses and carers. It was somehow tragically fitting that the MacMillan Nurse was amongst those, a post Joan herself helped to establish as a member of the Shetland Macmillan Nurse Appeal Fund. The Shetland A&F Club intend to hold a special Club Night with proceeds t o cancer charities. Joan is survived by her sister, Betty, who lives in Leicestershire and her husband, Jim.
The Simon Howie Gallery
Photographs
CD Reviews
Donny & Diane’s Highland Ceilidh Band ‘In the Highland Tradition’ – SMR103CD
Ceilidh and Old Time Dancing – Davie Stewart SDB
Whizzkeys – Jimmy Cassidy – SMR102CD
Roy Hendrie SDB – Scottish Dances Vol 11 – HRMCD511
Letters to the Editor
I write in response to Mr Andrew Dunbar’s letter in the March issue of the B&F, which in turn, was in response to Bill Black’s correspondence the previous month. Whilst agreeing with a great many of the points he made, I would take issue with his observation relating to ‘less than strenuous performances’ by Guest Artistes at A&F Clubs. Being the wife and mother of accordionists, both of whom consider themselves privileged to be asked to guest at Clubs, I can state unequivocally, that they feel more under pressure at these engagements than any other. They know that they are under clode scrutiny from the audience, being judged not only on the content of their chosen programme, but on the way in which said programme is delivered. They would not dream of turning up at a Club and merely churning out well worn sets, and instead, spend hour after hour (my ears can testify to that!) in the preceding weeks leading up to a guest spot, perfecting new, and different material. They are very aware that people may have traveled some distance especially to hear them, and make a real effort to deliver the goods as expected. They are not storytellers, they prefer to devote the time allotted to provide a full and entertaining programme of music.
On the subject of travel, I have to heartily endorse the comments made by Bill in his original letter. I have known ‘the boys’ to be away from home for up to 9 or 10 hours (taking time off work if necessary), having covered a distance of 300 miles, and accepting a fee that would not even cover the cost of running the car. (And no, we DON’T run a BMW!) We are all aware that Clubs are a non profit making enterprise, varying considerably in size, but again, as Bill rightly pointed out, it would cost a minimum £5 to gain entry to a Cinema (and that’s without the added Popcorn, Juice not forgetting the obligatory fish supper on the way home!) and I can’t imagine there would be too much hostility, in the event of entrance fees being increased slightly. $4 is, after all, no more than the price of a gallon of petrol! For my own part, I have on many occasions, paid £25 or more, for a ticket to se a band in Glasgow (of the NON Scottish variety), watched them perform for an hour, driven 80 miles home, and been perfectly happy to do so. The point being, that people WILL happily pay to watch, and listen, to polished performers, and I see no reason why master or mistresses (meant in the best possible taste) of Traditional Scottish Music should be treated differently from any other class of musician. I must stress, that the gentlemen with whom I have association, have NEVER groused about fees, enjoying the whole atmosphere and ‘crack’ of the Club scene, and, at the same time appreciating the opportunity to keep their personal standard up. I would defy anyone to name any other service (and that’s what it IS after all), that provides such good value for money, but at the same time CAN, and very often does, leave a gaping hole in the pocket! Music MAY, quite rightly, be considered by some to be no more than a hobby, but, sadly, in today’s uncertain economic climate, it is, in many cases, a very important supplement to the ‘day to day’ income, and I can personally vouch for the hours of hard work and research (new tunes etc) that go in to perfecting the art – no musician can ever claim to have completed their apprenticeship!
Mrs Norma Lindsay, Amulree, Perthshire
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
1st April 2000 – John Renton SDB – feature on the Pheonix A&F Club
8th April 2000 – Ian Thomson SDB + listeners letters and discs
15th April 2000 – Marian Anderson SDB + feature
22nd April 2000 – Strathmore Sound + feature
29th April 2000 – OB tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Apr 00 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 12th Apr 00 - tbc
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Apr 00 – West Telferton Cale CB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Apr 00 – Jimmy Lindsay (3-row)
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Apr 00 – Black Rose CB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Apr 00 – James Coutts SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Apr 00 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Apr 00 – Wyvis Sound (David MacKenzie Band)
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Apr 00 – Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Apr 00 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Apr 00 – Andy Greig SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Apr 00 – David Cunningham SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - Season ended
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Apr 00 - Donal Ring CB
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 4th Apr 00 – Marian Anderson SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 13th Apr 00 – Gary Blair
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Nicol McLAren SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Apr 00 – Morag Robertson Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 9th Apr 00 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 6th Apr 00 – David Ross
Cults (Cults Sports & Social Club) 12th Apr 00 – Alan McIntosh SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Apr 00 – Wayne Robertson
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 – West Telferton Cale CB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Burns Brothers
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Apr 00 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Season ended
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – Season ended
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th Apr 00 – David Oswald SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 30th Apr 00 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Apr 00 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Apr 00 – Sandy Legget Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – Season ended
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 20th Apr 00 - AGM
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Apr 00 – Meoran Ciuil
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Apr 00 – Andy Greig SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Apr 00 - Cailins
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Apr 00 – Lothian SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 12th Apr 00 – Davy Stewart & Rab Smillie
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Apr 00 – Peter Bruce
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Apr 00 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Apr 00 – David Sturgeon SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 – Forres Club
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 21st Apr 00 – Dance Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – Season ended
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Apr 00 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Apr 00 – The Laxdale Fiddlers
Livingston (Cairn Hotel) - 18th Apr 00 – The Bon Accords
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Apr 00 – David Vernon
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) Season ended
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Apr 00 - tbc
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 9th Apr 00 – All players welcome
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - Season ended
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – Season ended
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Apr 00 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Apr 00 – Bill Black SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Apr 00 – Graham Bell SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Niel Galloway SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 4th Apr 00 – Jimmy Cassidy
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Apr 00 – Sandy Legget SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Apr 00 – Meoran Ciuil
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - Season ended
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Apr 00 - tbc
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 15th Apr 00 – Club Night
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 12th Apr 00 – Scott Leslie Band
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Apr 00 – Inverness A&F Club
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Apr 00 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Apr 00 – Tommy Edmondson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 18th Apr 00 – Ian H. Cruickshank Trio
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Apr 00 - tbc
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Campsie
5. Coalburn
6. Crieff
7. Cults
8. Dingwall & District
9. Dunoon & Cowal
10. East Kilbride
11. Forres
12. Galston
13. Glendale
14. Glenrothes
15. Gretna
16. Highland
17. Inveraray
18. Isle of Skye
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Lewis & Harris
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Montrose
27. Newmill-on-Teviot
28. Newtongrange
29. Oban
30 Perth
31. Peebles
32. Premier
33. Renfrew
34. Rothbury
35. Stirling
36. Shetland
37. Thornhill
38. Thurso
39. Turriff
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30