Box and Fiddle
Year 14 No 04
December 1990
Price 50p
12 pages
8 month subscription £5.00
Editor – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Perth, 1990
These events in the Scottish music calendar seem to keep coming round with frightening speed these days. This year Perth Festival was on Saturday, 27th October, and was another resounding success. Our thanks to Bill Wilkie and his team.
Shetland, 1990
For a couple of years now I have been hearing all the wonderful reports about the Shetland Festival. Everybody who attends sings its praises. Well, this year I was there, my first visit to Shetland and I’m still breathless trying hard to get back to normality after a marvelous weekend.
Everything lived up to, and exceeded all I’ve heard. From the moment we stepped into the ‘Arrivals’ at Sumburgh Airport we were treated with kindness and hospitality second to none. We were in the very capable hands of Eileen Nicolson, the Secretary of the Festival and everything went smoothly. It must take some time organizing such a Festival, setting out venues all over the islands, artistes appearances, accommodation, transport, etc, etc. But Eileen seems to take it all in her stride. It was a great way to meet up with so many people. Leslie (Gussie) Angus, Donald Silk, Chick Kirkwood, Jim Halcrow, Margaret Couper (Margaret Anne Robertson) and so many others that I couldn’t count. There were 13 bands in total!!, playing, from all over the mainland, all there to have a great time and produce some of the finest music I’ve heard in a long time.
Tom Clark
Perth ‘90
by Tom Clark
After his 40th Anniversary Show last year, Bill Wilkie must have been thinking that he was due an easier time this year, but no such luck.
I had been trying to contact him during the week before the Festival and found it almost impossible. He never seems to stop. However, all the efforts always seem to pay off in the end, and we had yet another fine day of competitions and a great show at the evening concert.
The weather was kinder to us this year, which made the trekking from venue to venue quite enjoyable. The attendance at the main events seemed to be a bit higher than last year.
As always, the Senior Traditional event stirred the interests of the enthusiasts, and there were some outstanding performances in the early afternoon in the Main Hall. Many of these young players are now beginning to make names for themselves with their regular appearances and high standard of playing.
There was a spell in recent years after some of the well known names disappeared from the list and a vacuum seemed to be left. This is changing again and the audience look forward to the playing of players like James Coutts, Wayne Robertson, Brian Morrison (a young man to watch out for), Michael Philip and many others.
This year’s winner Liam Howitt, gave a sparkling performance, displaying brilliant technique and is going to be difficult to dislodge from his perch. Mind you, I’ve heard him on other occasions giving a much more sensitive and musical performance.
The other events in the Main Hall attracting larger audiences were the Veteran Section and the Band Section. Entries in these events were down this year. Willie Lawrie won the Veteran Section and Ian Hutson and his Band won the Band Section.
At other venues, the Classical events were up to their usual high standard and regular adjudicators, Cyril Pasby and Graham Romani, were in the in their usual seats. We have become so accustomed to seeing them there, that the Festival just wouldn’t be the same without them. Both are well known teachers and composers and are much involved with the British College of Accordionists as examiners – very busy men, yet they always seem to find the time to be at the Perth Festival.
Graham told me that he isn’t doing quite do much these days, “But I always like to get to Perth”. Graham has been playing the accordion since 1934, having studied the piano and organ at Grammar School. His accordion study was under Conway Graves and Prof. E. Pett. Accordion players all over the world are familiar with the output of Graham as a composer. One of his compositions ‘Ccacona Acredemica’ was chosen as the World Solo Test Piece in 1959.
Graham’s works include many technical books and teachers of the accordion use these over a wide range of age groups.
I managed to get Graham to promise to send a photograph and he has chosen one of him conducting an accordion orchestra in St Paul’s Cathedral in November last year (the first time an accordion orchestra had played there) – an achievement he must be proud of.
I manager to have a brief word with Cyril Pasby who had been adjudicating in the Salutation Hotel. Cyril has been an examiner for the B.C.A. since 1960, and shortly afterwards became an adjudicator for the British Federation of Music Festivals, traveling throughout the UK and abroad. He has been closely associated with the Perth Festival for about 20 years.
Those of us who attend the Musselburgh Festival will know that Cyril is a regular there also. He is also well known as a teacher and has taught more than thirty professional diploma holders. Cyril says he always enjoys coming to Scotland, particularly because of the many friends he has made over the years – but back to the Festival competitions!
In the Classical Polka Section, the winner was again Liam Howitt, and once again his immaculate performance was a treat to listen to.
Still in the Polka Section, but this time in the 9 and Under age group, a young man named Jamie McKelvie delighted everybody with his performance and Graham Romani gave him first place.
Jamie is the grand-nephew of George McKelvie, second box player in the famous Shand line-up of Jimmy, Syd Chalmers, George McKelvie, Norman Whitelaw, John Whyte and Owen McCabe.
Young Jamie’s offering was extremely musical and I’m certain that we’ll be hearing an awful lot more about him in a few years time.
Bill’s concert in the evening was the usual sell-out and the packed hall was treated to some wonderful playing by Marcel Azzola, as well as a repeat performance by the finalists in the Senior Traditional Championship. I haven’t heard Marcel playing in the flesh and was disappointed that I couldn’t stay.
During the day, I found myself sitting next to Peter Bruce and he was extolling the ability of Marcel, having heard him during a rehearsal earlier.
The Dance in the Salutation Hotel in the late evening has now become a regular feature of the Festival activities and a great way to ed the day.
Bobby Crowe and his Band provided the music this year, and the ballroom at the Salutation was ‘bursting at the seams’.
Well, that’s it all over for another year – and it’s a bit frightening how quickly they come round these days. Here’s to next year.
The official winners list for 1990 is :
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
2)
3)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
2) Robert Ross (Kincardine)
3) Willie Lawrie (Kinlochleven)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) William Bradley (Balloch)
2) Freda Nicoll (Clunie)
3) Graham Bell (Chirnside)
Veterans’ Section
1) Willie Lawrie (Kinlochleven)
2) Alistair Henderson (Isle of Skye)
3) Hector Anderson (Fort William)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Lynne Christie (Keith)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Barry Howieson
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Allison Gilfillan (Perth)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3=) Lynn Gould (Huntly) & Fiona Cuthbertson (Thornhill)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional
1) Lynn Christie (Huntly)
2) Elizabeth Flanagan (St Boswells)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
Trios
1) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
The Sma’ Glen Toe-Tappers
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Kevin Hay (Fochabers)
2) Jacqueline Beaumont
3)
Junior Fiddle (Under 16)
1) Fiona Ballantyne
2) Kevin Hay (Fochabers)
3) Peter Davies
Senior Fiddle
1) Paul Anderson (Tarland)
2) Carol Anderson
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Fiona Jane Greer
2) Euan Crawford
9 Years and Under
1) Jamie McKelvie
2) Fraser Sim
3) Elaine Gunn
11 Years and Under
1) David Ritchie
2) Ross Irvine
3) Eileen Harkness
13 Years and Under
1) Lindsay Ann Allan
2) Allison Stewart
3) Gillian Campbell
15 Years and Under
1) William Friel
2) Heather MacKenzie
3) Colin McNeil
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small
2) Gavin Penny
Area Junior Championship
1) Alan Small
2) David Farmer
3) Peter Stewart
Preparatory Solo A
1) Jill Craig
2) Richard Graham
3) Stuart Crawford
Preparatory Solo B
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Solo A
1) Kevin Gardiner
2) William Gallagher
3) Scott Haggard
Elementary Solo B
1) Andrew Gunn
2) Douglas Crawford
3) Alasdair MacLeod
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Grant Law
2) Colin Train
3) Scott Muncie
Intermediate Solo
1) Stewart Wilson
2) Alex Meikle
3) James Flood
Higher Intermediate Solo
1)
2)
3)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Craig
2) Craign Cuthbertson
3) Aileen Smith
Perth Open Solo
1) Michael Philip
2) William Friel
3)
Polka (Under 16) Section A
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Gerrard Burns
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Polka (Under 16) Section B
1) David Ritchie
2) Louise Harkness
3) Jill Blackburn
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Liam Howitt
2) Pamela Mutch
3) Mhairi Craig
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1) Ashley Prichard & Kevin Wilson
2) Jill & Vicki Craig
3) Lorna Reid & Lindsay Macindewar
Elementary Duet
1) Rhona & Ross Irvine
2) David & Marcus McCloy
3) Lauren & Peter MacFarlane
Intermediate Duet
1) Kirstin & Angus Lyon (Lamington)
2) Gerrard Burns & Eileen Harkness
3) Aylene Twaddle & Jill Moffat
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Colin McNeill & Leslie Morrison
2) Lousie Harkness & Lyndsey Allan
3) Avril Kinloch & Shona McLean
Advanced Duet
1) Robert Muir & Robert Hutchison
2) Karen Barr & Keith Robertson
Premier Duet
1) Craig Drysdale & Gordon Haddow
Preparatory Band
1)
2)
Elementary Band
1)
2)
Intermediate Band
1)
2)
Advanced Band
1)
2)
Elementary Group
1) G & B Laurie Elementary Group
2) Gillespie Elementary Group
3) Tinto Elementary Group
Intermediate Group
1) G & B Laurie Intermediate Orchestra
2)
3)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Liam Smith
2)
3)
Eann Nicolson - Obituary
Scotland lost one of its leading accordionists recently in the form of Eann Nicolson of Milton View, Newton Road, Wick.
He died at the Central Hospital, Wick, recently after a period of illness.
Fellow musician, Noel Donaldson, a wick journalist, now working in Orkney, was among many players and friends throughout the country who were saddened by Eann’s passing and looks back on his long association with the man he regarded as ‘the maestro’.
Eann’s contribution to Scottish dance music was immense. His individual style on the accordion and his talent for composition and arrangements, helped make the Wick Scottish Dance Band a success story.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – May I appeal through the ‘B&F’ for the return of music removed from my accordion case after Bill Black’s Ceilidh on the 2nd November.
Perhaps if the person or persons responsible would consider the time involved in the transcribing, arranging and writing out of nearly 300 sets, they will appreciate why I am so keen to have it returned.
Like the majority of musicians in our circle, I have always freely given copies of tunes if asked and would have gladly done so if the person(s) concerned had the decency to ask.
If the person who has my music would care to copy it and return it to me, no further questions will be asked.
Grant Crawford
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 27th Dec 90 The Garioch Blend
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 8th Dec 90 Supper Dance to Gordon Pattullo
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Dec 90 Christmas Dance to John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Dec 90 Keith Dickson & Simpson Pirie
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Dec 90 Ian Thomson SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Dec 90 Deirdre Adamson
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Dec 90 Lothian SDB
Dundee (The Marquee) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 14th Dec 90 Iain MacPhail SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - Morag Robertson & Frank Henery
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Dec 90 The Tain SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 10th Dec 90 Deirdre Adamson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Dec 90 Melanie Christie
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Dec 90 Jennifer Forrest SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) Dec 90 Jim Cleland SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 4th Dec 90 Dennis Morrison SDB
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) –
Perth (Station Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 11th Dec 90 Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) - 6th Dec 90 Roger Dobson SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) - Dec 90 Scott Leslie SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Banchory
5. Biggar
6. Brig Mill
7. Castle Douglas
8. Coalburn
9. Dingwall
10. Dunblane
11. East Kilbride
12. Highland
13. Islesteps
14. Kinlochshiel
15. Kintore
16. Livingston
17. North East
18. Ormiston
19. Peebles
20. Renfrew
21. Rothbury
22. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forfar A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Mull A&F Club
46. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
47. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Brigmill A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
81. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
82. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
84. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
85. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
86. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
87. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
88. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
89. Newcastleton Accordion Club
90. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
91. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
92. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
93. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
94. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
95. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
96. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Perth, 1990
These events in the Scottish music calendar seem to keep coming round with frightening speed these days. This year Perth Festival was on Saturday, 27th October, and was another resounding success. Our thanks to Bill Wilkie and his team.
Shetland, 1990
For a couple of years now I have been hearing all the wonderful reports about the Shetland Festival. Everybody who attends sings its praises. Well, this year I was there, my first visit to Shetland and I’m still breathless trying hard to get back to normality after a marvelous weekend.
Everything lived up to, and exceeded all I’ve heard. From the moment we stepped into the ‘Arrivals’ at Sumburgh Airport we were treated with kindness and hospitality second to none. We were in the very capable hands of Eileen Nicolson, the Secretary of the Festival and everything went smoothly. It must take some time organizing such a Festival, setting out venues all over the islands, artistes appearances, accommodation, transport, etc, etc. But Eileen seems to take it all in her stride. It was a great way to meet up with so many people. Leslie (Gussie) Angus, Donald Silk, Chick Kirkwood, Jim Halcrow, Margaret Couper (Margaret Anne Robertson) and so many others that I couldn’t count. There were 13 bands in total!!, playing, from all over the mainland, all there to have a great time and produce some of the finest music I’ve heard in a long time.
Tom Clark
Perth ‘90
by Tom Clark
After his 40th Anniversary Show last year, Bill Wilkie must have been thinking that he was due an easier time this year, but no such luck.
I had been trying to contact him during the week before the Festival and found it almost impossible. He never seems to stop. However, all the efforts always seem to pay off in the end, and we had yet another fine day of competitions and a great show at the evening concert.
The weather was kinder to us this year, which made the trekking from venue to venue quite enjoyable. The attendance at the main events seemed to be a bit higher than last year.
As always, the Senior Traditional event stirred the interests of the enthusiasts, and there were some outstanding performances in the early afternoon in the Main Hall. Many of these young players are now beginning to make names for themselves with their regular appearances and high standard of playing.
There was a spell in recent years after some of the well known names disappeared from the list and a vacuum seemed to be left. This is changing again and the audience look forward to the playing of players like James Coutts, Wayne Robertson, Brian Morrison (a young man to watch out for), Michael Philip and many others.
This year’s winner Liam Howitt, gave a sparkling performance, displaying brilliant technique and is going to be difficult to dislodge from his perch. Mind you, I’ve heard him on other occasions giving a much more sensitive and musical performance.
The other events in the Main Hall attracting larger audiences were the Veteran Section and the Band Section. Entries in these events were down this year. Willie Lawrie won the Veteran Section and Ian Hutson and his Band won the Band Section.
At other venues, the Classical events were up to their usual high standard and regular adjudicators, Cyril Pasby and Graham Romani, were in the in their usual seats. We have become so accustomed to seeing them there, that the Festival just wouldn’t be the same without them. Both are well known teachers and composers and are much involved with the British College of Accordionists as examiners – very busy men, yet they always seem to find the time to be at the Perth Festival.
Graham told me that he isn’t doing quite do much these days, “But I always like to get to Perth”. Graham has been playing the accordion since 1934, having studied the piano and organ at Grammar School. His accordion study was under Conway Graves and Prof. E. Pett. Accordion players all over the world are familiar with the output of Graham as a composer. One of his compositions ‘Ccacona Acredemica’ was chosen as the World Solo Test Piece in 1959.
Graham’s works include many technical books and teachers of the accordion use these over a wide range of age groups.
I managed to get Graham to promise to send a photograph and he has chosen one of him conducting an accordion orchestra in St Paul’s Cathedral in November last year (the first time an accordion orchestra had played there) – an achievement he must be proud of.
I manager to have a brief word with Cyril Pasby who had been adjudicating in the Salutation Hotel. Cyril has been an examiner for the B.C.A. since 1960, and shortly afterwards became an adjudicator for the British Federation of Music Festivals, traveling throughout the UK and abroad. He has been closely associated with the Perth Festival for about 20 years.
Those of us who attend the Musselburgh Festival will know that Cyril is a regular there also. He is also well known as a teacher and has taught more than thirty professional diploma holders. Cyril says he always enjoys coming to Scotland, particularly because of the many friends he has made over the years – but back to the Festival competitions!
In the Classical Polka Section, the winner was again Liam Howitt, and once again his immaculate performance was a treat to listen to.
Still in the Polka Section, but this time in the 9 and Under age group, a young man named Jamie McKelvie delighted everybody with his performance and Graham Romani gave him first place.
Jamie is the grand-nephew of George McKelvie, second box player in the famous Shand line-up of Jimmy, Syd Chalmers, George McKelvie, Norman Whitelaw, John Whyte and Owen McCabe.
Young Jamie’s offering was extremely musical and I’m certain that we’ll be hearing an awful lot more about him in a few years time.
Bill’s concert in the evening was the usual sell-out and the packed hall was treated to some wonderful playing by Marcel Azzola, as well as a repeat performance by the finalists in the Senior Traditional Championship. I haven’t heard Marcel playing in the flesh and was disappointed that I couldn’t stay.
During the day, I found myself sitting next to Peter Bruce and he was extolling the ability of Marcel, having heard him during a rehearsal earlier.
The Dance in the Salutation Hotel in the late evening has now become a regular feature of the Festival activities and a great way to ed the day.
Bobby Crowe and his Band provided the music this year, and the ballroom at the Salutation was ‘bursting at the seams’.
Well, that’s it all over for another year – and it’s a bit frightening how quickly they come round these days. Here’s to next year.
The official winners list for 1990 is :
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
2)
3)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
2) Robert Ross (Kincardine)
3) Willie Lawrie (Kinlochleven)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) William Bradley (Balloch)
2) Freda Nicoll (Clunie)
3) Graham Bell (Chirnside)
Veterans’ Section
1) Willie Lawrie (Kinlochleven)
2) Alistair Henderson (Isle of Skye)
3) Hector Anderson (Fort William)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Lynne Christie (Keith)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Barry Howieson
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Allison Gilfillan (Perth)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3=) Lynn Gould (Huntly) & Fiona Cuthbertson (Thornhill)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional
1) Lynn Christie (Huntly)
2) Elizabeth Flanagan (St Boswells)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
Trios
1) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
The Sma’ Glen Toe-Tappers
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Kevin Hay (Fochabers)
2) Jacqueline Beaumont
3)
Junior Fiddle (Under 16)
1) Fiona Ballantyne
2) Kevin Hay (Fochabers)
3) Peter Davies
Senior Fiddle
1) Paul Anderson (Tarland)
2) Carol Anderson
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Fiona Jane Greer
2) Euan Crawford
9 Years and Under
1) Jamie McKelvie
2) Fraser Sim
3) Elaine Gunn
11 Years and Under
1) David Ritchie
2) Ross Irvine
3) Eileen Harkness
13 Years and Under
1) Lindsay Ann Allan
2) Allison Stewart
3) Gillian Campbell
15 Years and Under
1) William Friel
2) Heather MacKenzie
3) Colin McNeil
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small
2) Gavin Penny
Area Junior Championship
1) Alan Small
2) David Farmer
3) Peter Stewart
Preparatory Solo A
1) Jill Craig
2) Richard Graham
3) Stuart Crawford
Preparatory Solo B
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Solo A
1) Kevin Gardiner
2) William Gallagher
3) Scott Haggard
Elementary Solo B
1) Andrew Gunn
2) Douglas Crawford
3) Alasdair MacLeod
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Grant Law
2) Colin Train
3) Scott Muncie
Intermediate Solo
1) Stewart Wilson
2) Alex Meikle
3) James Flood
Higher Intermediate Solo
1)
2)
3)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Craig
2) Craign Cuthbertson
3) Aileen Smith
Perth Open Solo
1) Michael Philip
2) William Friel
3)
Polka (Under 16) Section A
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Gerrard Burns
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Polka (Under 16) Section B
1) David Ritchie
2) Louise Harkness
3) Jill Blackburn
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Liam Howitt
2) Pamela Mutch
3) Mhairi Craig
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1) Ashley Prichard & Kevin Wilson
2) Jill & Vicki Craig
3) Lorna Reid & Lindsay Macindewar
Elementary Duet
1) Rhona & Ross Irvine
2) David & Marcus McCloy
3) Lauren & Peter MacFarlane
Intermediate Duet
1) Kirstin & Angus Lyon (Lamington)
2) Gerrard Burns & Eileen Harkness
3) Aylene Twaddle & Jill Moffat
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Colin McNeill & Leslie Morrison
2) Lousie Harkness & Lyndsey Allan
3) Avril Kinloch & Shona McLean
Advanced Duet
1) Robert Muir & Robert Hutchison
2) Karen Barr & Keith Robertson
Premier Duet
1) Craig Drysdale & Gordon Haddow
Preparatory Band
1)
2)
Elementary Band
1)
2)
Intermediate Band
1)
2)
Advanced Band
1)
2)
Elementary Group
1) G & B Laurie Elementary Group
2) Gillespie Elementary Group
3) Tinto Elementary Group
Intermediate Group
1) G & B Laurie Intermediate Orchestra
2)
3)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Liam Smith
2)
3)
Eann Nicolson - Obituary
Scotland lost one of its leading accordionists recently in the form of Eann Nicolson of Milton View, Newton Road, Wick.
He died at the Central Hospital, Wick, recently after a period of illness.
Fellow musician, Noel Donaldson, a wick journalist, now working in Orkney, was among many players and friends throughout the country who were saddened by Eann’s passing and looks back on his long association with the man he regarded as ‘the maestro’.
Eann’s contribution to Scottish dance music was immense. His individual style on the accordion and his talent for composition and arrangements, helped make the Wick Scottish Dance Band a success story.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – May I appeal through the ‘B&F’ for the return of music removed from my accordion case after Bill Black’s Ceilidh on the 2nd November.
Perhaps if the person or persons responsible would consider the time involved in the transcribing, arranging and writing out of nearly 300 sets, they will appreciate why I am so keen to have it returned.
Like the majority of musicians in our circle, I have always freely given copies of tunes if asked and would have gladly done so if the person(s) concerned had the decency to ask.
If the person who has my music would care to copy it and return it to me, no further questions will be asked.
Grant Crawford
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 27th Dec 90 The Garioch Blend
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 8th Dec 90 Supper Dance to Gordon Pattullo
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Dec 90 Christmas Dance to John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Dec 90 Keith Dickson & Simpson Pirie
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Dec 90 Ian Thomson SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Dec 90 Deirdre Adamson
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Dec 90 Lothian SDB
Dundee (The Marquee) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 14th Dec 90 Iain MacPhail SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - Morag Robertson & Frank Henery
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Dec 90 The Tain SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 10th Dec 90 Deirdre Adamson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Dec 90 Melanie Christie
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Dec 90 Jennifer Forrest SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) Dec 90 Jim Cleland SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 4th Dec 90 Dennis Morrison SDB
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) –
Perth (Station Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 11th Dec 90 Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) - 6th Dec 90 Roger Dobson SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) - Dec 90 Scott Leslie SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Banchory
5. Biggar
6. Brig Mill
7. Castle Douglas
8. Coalburn
9. Dingwall
10. Dunblane
11. East Kilbride
12. Highland
13. Islesteps
14. Kinlochshiel
15. Kintore
16. Livingston
17. North East
18. Ormiston
19. Peebles
20. Renfrew
21. Rothbury
22. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forfar A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Mull A&F Club
46. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
47. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Brigmill A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
81. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
82. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
84. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
85. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
86. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
87. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
88. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
89. Newcastleton Accordion Club
90. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
91. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
92. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
93. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
94. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
95. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
96. Wellbank A&F Club
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