Box and Fiddle Year 02 No 05
February 1979
Price 15p
8 pages
7 month subscription £1.75
Editor - Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernion Road, Stranraer
Editorial
We are very fortunate living at Stranraer. Being so close to the sea and the Gulf Stream we seldom get snow.
This year we did have snow which means to us here that the rest of you must have had very bad weather and we commiserate with you. Nevertheless, according to the club reports, splendid efforts were made by members, public and artists to ‘keep the show going’. Those softies on the fitba’ park could take a lesson from you.
I have heard on the grapevine that another five have passed their accordion ‘O’ levels. I hope to get their names shortly.
Would the Torthorward and Wellbank Clubs please let our Secretary, Andrew Nairn, know your Secretaries’ names and addresses. Once this is done the list will be complete.
Andrew says there has been little response from Clubs about alterations to the Guest Artiste List. He reckons, and I agree, that the law of averages saythere must be changes to addresses etc. People are waiting for the new list and it must be printed soon. So hurry up and let him know, after all it’s to the guest artistes advantage if he or she can be contacted.
My apologies to Bob Scott from Dunfermline Club. His name was omitted from the Musselburgh Committee list. Sorry Bob.
Finally let us welcome another Club to the Association, Monklands District Accordion & Fiddle club, Secretary Mrs Morag Robertson, 77 Kippen Street, Airdrie, tele 62221.
Golden Night at Glendale
by Alan Brown
To all those readers who frequent the accordion music festivals and competitions, will Atkinson is a familiar figure, not only as a keen and knowledgeable follower of traditional Scottish music but also as an accomplished musician and adjudicator.
Will and his wife Isabella are well known around the Northumberland area where they live and Will is President of the Glendale Accordion Club at Wooler where, on the third Thursday of the month, he regularly performs on his ‘moothie’.
A couple of months ago Chairman Ron McDonald surprised Will and Bella by announcing what they thought was a well-kept secret – their Golden Wedding Anniversary – and presenting them with a cut glass rosebowl and a Hohner Accordion Music Man model.
Special Present
Now! A few words are needed about this special Hohner present. The model had been spotted on the Hohner stand at the Harrogate (north of England) musical instrument exhibition, but was an item not for sale, but only for demonstration as a promotion item.
When the Club Committee found out about the forthcoming golden wedding, contact was established with Hohner who reiterated that this particular item was not for sale. Out of interest they asked why the Club wanted it, and when told the reason, and the fact the Will Atkinson many years previously had started his playing career on a one-row Hohner chromatic accordion, they passed the information to the Directors of Hohner.
They in their kindness and interest donated the model to the Club so that the presentation could be made. Our sincere thanks go to the Directors of Hohner for their wonderful gesture.
Will and Bella, born 1908 and 1910 respectively, have listened to the whole spectrum of Scottish Dance music, as it has advanced through the last 60 to 70 years, and since their wedding day on 27th October, 1928, have danced to all the well known bands.
Proud Parents
They met at Chatton in Northumberland, Will being a lambing man and Bella in service at a nearby manor, and set up married life in the village of Lucker.
In their fifty years of married life they became the proud parents of twins, George and William, one girl Nancy, now living in Canada, and another two boys, Jack and James.
Will started his playing days on a Hohner chromatic accordion, then onto a 21-key accordion ending up on the 3-row Hohner Gaelic IV.
In those days he ran a band called the Northumbrian Minstrels and traveled many miles, on push-bike and motorbike, around the area playing at dances. Travelling, incidentally, with his accordion slung over his back. Many the story he can tell of wild, hairy journeys in ice and snow, travelling from dance to dance and then straight into the fields to work.
Since giving up the accordion Will has made a name for himself playing the ‘moothie’, which he originally played at the corner of the street as a teenager. He has played it on tracks on three LPs ‘Bonnie North Tyne’, ‘Morpeth Rant’ and ‘Corby Crag’ with Alistair Anderson (all Topic Records).
As well as playing, Will has composed the Glen Aln and Redesdale Hornpipes, and has had a composition named after him ‘Will Atkinson’ by Jimmy Lindsay. This tune was recorded by Jimmy Blue and played by Jimmy Lindsay, for the first time, at Wooler Accordion Club.
Another fact that has come to light when researching for this piece is that Will is now a film and TV star, appearing in ‘Anyman’s Kingdom’, a documentary about Northumberland, and a TV documentary from Alnmouth.
Believe it or not, on the Saturday night of their GoldenWedding Party, with relations gathering around including daughter and son-in-law from Canada, there were two people noticeably absent from the room at around 6.30pm. Yes! You’ve guessed it, Will and Bella were found sitting in the car outside listening to the Scottish Dance music from Radio Scotland and listening, as it happens, to one of their favourites, Jim Johnstone and his Band.
After that musical interlude the celebrations went on into the wee small hours. When asked what they were looking forward to in the future, Will and Bella both replied, “Our Diamond Wedding party and a return trip to Canada”.
Their advice for other couples and young people for a long, happy life is – plenty of exercise, good clean air (if you can find any now), plenty to eat, and a good bed. Need I say any more!!
Next article on this subject, 28th October, 1988 – Diamond Wedding.
Congratulations
To Jimmy Moir, Conductor of the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reels Society, for being awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours List for services to Scottish Fiddle Music.
1940 and All That
by Alf Silk
By 1940 we (the UK) were well and truly embroiled in a war of attrition ; a war that restricted or completely disrupted our normal life routines ; everything and everyone being directed or harnessed to the National effort, music and musicians being no exceptions.
As an accordionist I could have joined E.N.S.A. (entertainments National Service Association), but opted instead to work as an engineer in a bearings factory – and finished up doing both jobs. In fact, I was so involved that I was absolved from all other compulsory National Service duties like firewatch and A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions).
It all happened this way.
Shortly after commencing work at the factory I was approached by an old friend, Lani Hoken (stage name only) who invited me to join his Hawaiian band which by then was well booked up for the Army, RAF and War charities shows all over the southern half of Scotland. (All told the number of shows we played during the war was around 500).
Lani was himself a wonderful performer on the steel guitar but in real life was the owner of a big poultry farm in Ayrshire, and therefore came under Government control as a food supplier under the National Service Act. Hence, with shouldering his responsibility he required someone to assist in the running of his other great interest, the Hula Hawaiians. I accepted.
At the factory I worked 10 – 12 hours a day during the week and half-day Saturday and Sunday, with anything from one to four shows a week in the evenings. Quite often I returned from work to find an Army truck at the door waiting to rush me with the rest of the act and equipment to some outlandish camp – maybe in Fife.
In the factory itself I was a member of the Works’ Concert Party and on the Entertainment Committee. At lunchtimes we put on various shows (known as ‘Music While You Work’) to keep up the morale of the workers, these being held in the canteen of course. Sometimes our own Concert Party did the entertaining, but mostly we engaged outside artistes.
Among the many acts we enjoyed was the Royal Scots Fusiliers military band which also had an off-shoot dance orchestra, a member of which was one Harry Carmichael, a famous Scottish pianist with the BBC. Also in that group was a Kilmarnock pianist called Bobby Smith. Incidentally, both played the piano accordion as well.
It isn’t possible to convey by pen alone and in the space available any vivid impression of wartime conditions ; but restrictions were rigid with rationing of food, clothing, fuel ; in fact, all the basic things of our very existence. This was indeed the frugal and frustrating forties.
One of the first moved I made when I took over pert-management of the Hula Hawaiians was to apply for an E.N.S.A. permit and succeeded in acquiring it. Presentation of this permit acted almost like magic in obtaining (without ration books and – without delay) clothes and all the ‘props’ necessary for our act – especially petrol!
As coach or taxi hirers had a limited legal range of only a few miles this solved our travel problems where transport wasn’t provided by the people engaging us. The hirer we nominated to take us around was one Jimmy Forsyth of Galston who personally drove us around the countryside in a twenty seater bus.
In the course of our meanderings I met quite a number of lads in the Forces who played the accordion. Some professed to have played with bands like Edmundo Ross, Lou Preager and the like. And in Polish Army camps one could always find some excellent performers on both piano and button keyed instruments.
It was in Troon I met a man who has since become a celebrity, bandleader Frank Chacksfield, then doing his stint in the Forces.
On several occasions during this war-time itinerancy we appeared on the same bill as the late Sir Harry Lauder, the last time being a Sunday concert in the Regal Cinema, Kilmarnock. Also appearing in that show were quite a few BBC artistes including Jean Stoddart (Maisie of the McFlannels) and Nan Caldwell, violinist with the Scottish Orchestra, then conducted by the late Ian Whyte.
That same year (1944) in the old Queen’s Theatre in Glasgow I met young Will Starr. This was our second meeting, the first being about a year previous in the Concert Hall, Troon. He was a very experienced performer even in those days.
During the turbulent years of this era I met many people, but such meetings were like the events themselves, mostly transitory, and with the passage of time have lost their perspective. But it’s strange how some insignificant happening will remain vivid in one’s mind for instance.
At a plastics factory in Fife where we were entertaining (I hope) the personnel at the lunch hour, I was introduced to the manager, “Alf Silk to Alf Cotton”. Everyone laughed at the coincidence.
It was in the early forties I first met a man who had done more for the accordion movement than anyone, the late Bob Adamson of Cumnock. Despite all the difficulties, Bob succeeded in carrying on teaching throughout the war years thus keeping the accordion flag flying in Ayrshire. I should like to couple another name to this claim ; a great friend and colleague of mine, the late Jim Carson.
For a long time after the cessation of hostilities the war-time controls and bugbears were still with us, but everyone (especially us accordion fanatics) looked forward to better things from the next decade.
Calling all Accordionists
by Peter Paterson
Just under three years ago, on 6th March, 1976, the accordion world of Scotland lost one of its greatest musicians – Will Starr.
Will Starr, alongside Jimmy Shand, were the forerunners of traditional Scottish accordion music as we know it today. There, in the mid forties and into the fifties they set a standards which, over the years, gave inspiration to a great many accordion stars in prominence at the present time.
Trail Blazed
Jimmy Shand and his band, the strict tempo Scottish dance band, blazed the trail throughout the world playing their way into musical history. The quiet man Jimmy leading them with his own approach to Scottish music which set him apart and made him famous.
Will Starr on the other hand carved his name around the world also as a solo performer, his music certainly set toes a-tapping ; a wee bit too fast at times for dancing. With his style of playing he showed exactly what could be done on the accordion. Now anyone listening to his recorded music cannot help but fell that extra special quality coming through that marked his great talent.
The Will Starr Society of Great Britain came into being last year by the efforts of a Scotsman now living in England, Mr Jim Gibson. He started the ball rolling as they say. Since then the Society has had considerable response, from all over the world people have written in making enquiries.
The membership of the Society is now quite considerable giving encouragement to the organizers whose aim is to keep alive the music and the name of Will Starr for future generations of accordionists.
After some thought and planning the Society has conceived a venture that must give a great boost to the accordion world in general and more so for the Strathclyde Region.
The Society’s organiser Mr Peter Paterson, along with Mr James McEwan, a prominent accordion teacher from Airdrie, are working together to produce a show called ‘Accordions Galore’. Mr Paterson has taken the bull by the horns and booked the Civic Centre Concert Hall in Motherwell for the Show. The date set is Sunday, 21st October, 1979.
The main feature of the show will be the finals for the Will Starr Memorial Shield – this is a new trophy in which any amateur accordionist in Scotland or England or aye anywhere can compete for.
One other important item of the show will be the formation of an accordion orchestra, this will depend on the co-operation of the clubs etc. More details of this event will be given to anyone interested? These events we hope will become annual and may prove to be the highlight for accordionists in the years to come.
International Trophy
The shield itself is an international trophy, it’s being made in Winnipeg, Canada, in fine Canadian timber. It is then to be gifted to the Will Starr Society of Great Britain from the Sons of Scotland in Manitoba. A fitting gesture to Will Starr from his many admirers in Canada.
It is now up to us in Scotland to do our part, we are now seeking the help of all Accordion Clubs in Scotland to help with this venture.
Any Club or individual who may be interested get in touch with : Mr Peter Paterson, 25 Viewfield Road, Bellshill.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Accordion Sounds of Stuart Anderson EMI Note NTS153
Paddy Neary’s Accordion Magic Nevis NEV LP138
My Native Highland Home Bill Douglas and his Band Thistle BSC135SS
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) 27th Feb 79 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Alnwick (Nag’s Head)
Balloch (Balloch Hotel) 18th Feb 79 George Stirrat
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel)
Beith (Anderson Hotel) 19th Feb 79 Jimmy Cassidy
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) 12th Feb 79 Jim Johnstone and his SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel)
Cumnock (Tup Inn)
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel)
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom) 6th Feb 79 Billy Anderson Trio
Falkirk (Park Hotel)
Forres (Brig Motel) 14th Feb 79 Elgin S&R Society
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford) 12th Feb 79 Tommy Ford
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler)
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) 12th Feb 79 Willie Simpson Trio, 31st Mar 79 Festival
Kelso (Queen’s Head Hotel) 28th Feb 79 Alistair Hunter Trio
Kintore (Crown Hotel)
Langholm (Crown Hotel)
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) 27th Feb 79 Alistair Hunter Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull)
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn - Penton) 23rd Feb 79 Dinner Dance Blackthorne Band
21st Mar 79 Shannon Bros (Ireland)
North East (Seafield Arms) 6th Feb 79 Bill Brian
Oban (Park Hotel)
Perth (Salutation Hotel) 20th Feb 79 Graeme Mitchell
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Straiton (Bellisle Hotel, Ayr) 3rd Mar 79 Festival
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) 5th Mar 79 Wallachmore Ceilidh Band
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wellbank (venue?)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) 20th Feb 79 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Buchan
7. Cumnock
8. Dumfries
9. Dunfermline
10. Forres
11. Galston
12. Glendale
13. Highland
14. Kelso
15. Kintore
16. M.A.F.I.A.
17. Monklands
18. North East
19. North Cumbria
20. Straiton
21. Stranraer
22. Wellbank
23. Wick
BASED ON THE ABOVE THE FULL CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT FEB 1979 BECOMES (This is a record of all the Clubs who have ever been members of the Association. I will add in opening, and where appropriate, closing dates if and when I come across them) :-
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
6. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
7. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
8. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Coquetdale (?)
11. Coupar Angus A&F Club
12. Cumbria (or North Cumbria) Accordion Club
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
15. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
16. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
17. Dundee & District A&F Club
18. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
19. Falkirk A&F Club
20. Fintry A&F Club
21. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
22. Galston A&F Club
23. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
24. Gretna (June 1966)
25. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
26. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
27. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
28. Kintore A&F Club
29. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
30. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
31. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
32. M.A.F.I.A.
33. Newcastleton Accordion Club
34. Monklands A&F Club
35 Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
36 North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
37 Oban A&F Club (1975)
38 Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
39 Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
40. Renfrew A&F Club
41 Rothbury Accordion Club (1974)
42 Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
43 Straiton Accordion Club
44 Stranraer & District Accordion Club
45 Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
46 Wellbank A&F Club
47 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
We are very fortunate living at Stranraer. Being so close to the sea and the Gulf Stream we seldom get snow.
This year we did have snow which means to us here that the rest of you must have had very bad weather and we commiserate with you. Nevertheless, according to the club reports, splendid efforts were made by members, public and artists to ‘keep the show going’. Those softies on the fitba’ park could take a lesson from you.
I have heard on the grapevine that another five have passed their accordion ‘O’ levels. I hope to get their names shortly.
Would the Torthorward and Wellbank Clubs please let our Secretary, Andrew Nairn, know your Secretaries’ names and addresses. Once this is done the list will be complete.
Andrew says there has been little response from Clubs about alterations to the Guest Artiste List. He reckons, and I agree, that the law of averages saythere must be changes to addresses etc. People are waiting for the new list and it must be printed soon. So hurry up and let him know, after all it’s to the guest artistes advantage if he or she can be contacted.
My apologies to Bob Scott from Dunfermline Club. His name was omitted from the Musselburgh Committee list. Sorry Bob.
Finally let us welcome another Club to the Association, Monklands District Accordion & Fiddle club, Secretary Mrs Morag Robertson, 77 Kippen Street, Airdrie, tele 62221.
Golden Night at Glendale
by Alan Brown
To all those readers who frequent the accordion music festivals and competitions, will Atkinson is a familiar figure, not only as a keen and knowledgeable follower of traditional Scottish music but also as an accomplished musician and adjudicator.
Will and his wife Isabella are well known around the Northumberland area where they live and Will is President of the Glendale Accordion Club at Wooler where, on the third Thursday of the month, he regularly performs on his ‘moothie’.
A couple of months ago Chairman Ron McDonald surprised Will and Bella by announcing what they thought was a well-kept secret – their Golden Wedding Anniversary – and presenting them with a cut glass rosebowl and a Hohner Accordion Music Man model.
Special Present
Now! A few words are needed about this special Hohner present. The model had been spotted on the Hohner stand at the Harrogate (north of England) musical instrument exhibition, but was an item not for sale, but only for demonstration as a promotion item.
When the Club Committee found out about the forthcoming golden wedding, contact was established with Hohner who reiterated that this particular item was not for sale. Out of interest they asked why the Club wanted it, and when told the reason, and the fact the Will Atkinson many years previously had started his playing career on a one-row Hohner chromatic accordion, they passed the information to the Directors of Hohner.
They in their kindness and interest donated the model to the Club so that the presentation could be made. Our sincere thanks go to the Directors of Hohner for their wonderful gesture.
Will and Bella, born 1908 and 1910 respectively, have listened to the whole spectrum of Scottish Dance music, as it has advanced through the last 60 to 70 years, and since their wedding day on 27th October, 1928, have danced to all the well known bands.
Proud Parents
They met at Chatton in Northumberland, Will being a lambing man and Bella in service at a nearby manor, and set up married life in the village of Lucker.
In their fifty years of married life they became the proud parents of twins, George and William, one girl Nancy, now living in Canada, and another two boys, Jack and James.
Will started his playing days on a Hohner chromatic accordion, then onto a 21-key accordion ending up on the 3-row Hohner Gaelic IV.
In those days he ran a band called the Northumbrian Minstrels and traveled many miles, on push-bike and motorbike, around the area playing at dances. Travelling, incidentally, with his accordion slung over his back. Many the story he can tell of wild, hairy journeys in ice and snow, travelling from dance to dance and then straight into the fields to work.
Since giving up the accordion Will has made a name for himself playing the ‘moothie’, which he originally played at the corner of the street as a teenager. He has played it on tracks on three LPs ‘Bonnie North Tyne’, ‘Morpeth Rant’ and ‘Corby Crag’ with Alistair Anderson (all Topic Records).
As well as playing, Will has composed the Glen Aln and Redesdale Hornpipes, and has had a composition named after him ‘Will Atkinson’ by Jimmy Lindsay. This tune was recorded by Jimmy Blue and played by Jimmy Lindsay, for the first time, at Wooler Accordion Club.
Another fact that has come to light when researching for this piece is that Will is now a film and TV star, appearing in ‘Anyman’s Kingdom’, a documentary about Northumberland, and a TV documentary from Alnmouth.
Believe it or not, on the Saturday night of their GoldenWedding Party, with relations gathering around including daughter and son-in-law from Canada, there were two people noticeably absent from the room at around 6.30pm. Yes! You’ve guessed it, Will and Bella were found sitting in the car outside listening to the Scottish Dance music from Radio Scotland and listening, as it happens, to one of their favourites, Jim Johnstone and his Band.
After that musical interlude the celebrations went on into the wee small hours. When asked what they were looking forward to in the future, Will and Bella both replied, “Our Diamond Wedding party and a return trip to Canada”.
Their advice for other couples and young people for a long, happy life is – plenty of exercise, good clean air (if you can find any now), plenty to eat, and a good bed. Need I say any more!!
Next article on this subject, 28th October, 1988 – Diamond Wedding.
Congratulations
To Jimmy Moir, Conductor of the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reels Society, for being awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours List for services to Scottish Fiddle Music.
1940 and All That
by Alf Silk
By 1940 we (the UK) were well and truly embroiled in a war of attrition ; a war that restricted or completely disrupted our normal life routines ; everything and everyone being directed or harnessed to the National effort, music and musicians being no exceptions.
As an accordionist I could have joined E.N.S.A. (entertainments National Service Association), but opted instead to work as an engineer in a bearings factory – and finished up doing both jobs. In fact, I was so involved that I was absolved from all other compulsory National Service duties like firewatch and A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions).
It all happened this way.
Shortly after commencing work at the factory I was approached by an old friend, Lani Hoken (stage name only) who invited me to join his Hawaiian band which by then was well booked up for the Army, RAF and War charities shows all over the southern half of Scotland. (All told the number of shows we played during the war was around 500).
Lani was himself a wonderful performer on the steel guitar but in real life was the owner of a big poultry farm in Ayrshire, and therefore came under Government control as a food supplier under the National Service Act. Hence, with shouldering his responsibility he required someone to assist in the running of his other great interest, the Hula Hawaiians. I accepted.
At the factory I worked 10 – 12 hours a day during the week and half-day Saturday and Sunday, with anything from one to four shows a week in the evenings. Quite often I returned from work to find an Army truck at the door waiting to rush me with the rest of the act and equipment to some outlandish camp – maybe in Fife.
In the factory itself I was a member of the Works’ Concert Party and on the Entertainment Committee. At lunchtimes we put on various shows (known as ‘Music While You Work’) to keep up the morale of the workers, these being held in the canteen of course. Sometimes our own Concert Party did the entertaining, but mostly we engaged outside artistes.
Among the many acts we enjoyed was the Royal Scots Fusiliers military band which also had an off-shoot dance orchestra, a member of which was one Harry Carmichael, a famous Scottish pianist with the BBC. Also in that group was a Kilmarnock pianist called Bobby Smith. Incidentally, both played the piano accordion as well.
It isn’t possible to convey by pen alone and in the space available any vivid impression of wartime conditions ; but restrictions were rigid with rationing of food, clothing, fuel ; in fact, all the basic things of our very existence. This was indeed the frugal and frustrating forties.
One of the first moved I made when I took over pert-management of the Hula Hawaiians was to apply for an E.N.S.A. permit and succeeded in acquiring it. Presentation of this permit acted almost like magic in obtaining (without ration books and – without delay) clothes and all the ‘props’ necessary for our act – especially petrol!
As coach or taxi hirers had a limited legal range of only a few miles this solved our travel problems where transport wasn’t provided by the people engaging us. The hirer we nominated to take us around was one Jimmy Forsyth of Galston who personally drove us around the countryside in a twenty seater bus.
In the course of our meanderings I met quite a number of lads in the Forces who played the accordion. Some professed to have played with bands like Edmundo Ross, Lou Preager and the like. And in Polish Army camps one could always find some excellent performers on both piano and button keyed instruments.
It was in Troon I met a man who has since become a celebrity, bandleader Frank Chacksfield, then doing his stint in the Forces.
On several occasions during this war-time itinerancy we appeared on the same bill as the late Sir Harry Lauder, the last time being a Sunday concert in the Regal Cinema, Kilmarnock. Also appearing in that show were quite a few BBC artistes including Jean Stoddart (Maisie of the McFlannels) and Nan Caldwell, violinist with the Scottish Orchestra, then conducted by the late Ian Whyte.
That same year (1944) in the old Queen’s Theatre in Glasgow I met young Will Starr. This was our second meeting, the first being about a year previous in the Concert Hall, Troon. He was a very experienced performer even in those days.
During the turbulent years of this era I met many people, but such meetings were like the events themselves, mostly transitory, and with the passage of time have lost their perspective. But it’s strange how some insignificant happening will remain vivid in one’s mind for instance.
At a plastics factory in Fife where we were entertaining (I hope) the personnel at the lunch hour, I was introduced to the manager, “Alf Silk to Alf Cotton”. Everyone laughed at the coincidence.
It was in the early forties I first met a man who had done more for the accordion movement than anyone, the late Bob Adamson of Cumnock. Despite all the difficulties, Bob succeeded in carrying on teaching throughout the war years thus keeping the accordion flag flying in Ayrshire. I should like to couple another name to this claim ; a great friend and colleague of mine, the late Jim Carson.
For a long time after the cessation of hostilities the war-time controls and bugbears were still with us, but everyone (especially us accordion fanatics) looked forward to better things from the next decade.
Calling all Accordionists
by Peter Paterson
Just under three years ago, on 6th March, 1976, the accordion world of Scotland lost one of its greatest musicians – Will Starr.
Will Starr, alongside Jimmy Shand, were the forerunners of traditional Scottish accordion music as we know it today. There, in the mid forties and into the fifties they set a standards which, over the years, gave inspiration to a great many accordion stars in prominence at the present time.
Trail Blazed
Jimmy Shand and his band, the strict tempo Scottish dance band, blazed the trail throughout the world playing their way into musical history. The quiet man Jimmy leading them with his own approach to Scottish music which set him apart and made him famous.
Will Starr on the other hand carved his name around the world also as a solo performer, his music certainly set toes a-tapping ; a wee bit too fast at times for dancing. With his style of playing he showed exactly what could be done on the accordion. Now anyone listening to his recorded music cannot help but fell that extra special quality coming through that marked his great talent.
The Will Starr Society of Great Britain came into being last year by the efforts of a Scotsman now living in England, Mr Jim Gibson. He started the ball rolling as they say. Since then the Society has had considerable response, from all over the world people have written in making enquiries.
The membership of the Society is now quite considerable giving encouragement to the organizers whose aim is to keep alive the music and the name of Will Starr for future generations of accordionists.
After some thought and planning the Society has conceived a venture that must give a great boost to the accordion world in general and more so for the Strathclyde Region.
The Society’s organiser Mr Peter Paterson, along with Mr James McEwan, a prominent accordion teacher from Airdrie, are working together to produce a show called ‘Accordions Galore’. Mr Paterson has taken the bull by the horns and booked the Civic Centre Concert Hall in Motherwell for the Show. The date set is Sunday, 21st October, 1979.
The main feature of the show will be the finals for the Will Starr Memorial Shield – this is a new trophy in which any amateur accordionist in Scotland or England or aye anywhere can compete for.
One other important item of the show will be the formation of an accordion orchestra, this will depend on the co-operation of the clubs etc. More details of this event will be given to anyone interested? These events we hope will become annual and may prove to be the highlight for accordionists in the years to come.
International Trophy
The shield itself is an international trophy, it’s being made in Winnipeg, Canada, in fine Canadian timber. It is then to be gifted to the Will Starr Society of Great Britain from the Sons of Scotland in Manitoba. A fitting gesture to Will Starr from his many admirers in Canada.
It is now up to us in Scotland to do our part, we are now seeking the help of all Accordion Clubs in Scotland to help with this venture.
Any Club or individual who may be interested get in touch with : Mr Peter Paterson, 25 Viewfield Road, Bellshill.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Accordion Sounds of Stuart Anderson EMI Note NTS153
Paddy Neary’s Accordion Magic Nevis NEV LP138
My Native Highland Home Bill Douglas and his Band Thistle BSC135SS
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) 27th Feb 79 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Alnwick (Nag’s Head)
Balloch (Balloch Hotel) 18th Feb 79 George Stirrat
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel)
Beith (Anderson Hotel) 19th Feb 79 Jimmy Cassidy
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) 12th Feb 79 Jim Johnstone and his SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel)
Cumnock (Tup Inn)
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel)
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom) 6th Feb 79 Billy Anderson Trio
Falkirk (Park Hotel)
Forres (Brig Motel) 14th Feb 79 Elgin S&R Society
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford) 12th Feb 79 Tommy Ford
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler)
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) 12th Feb 79 Willie Simpson Trio, 31st Mar 79 Festival
Kelso (Queen’s Head Hotel) 28th Feb 79 Alistair Hunter Trio
Kintore (Crown Hotel)
Langholm (Crown Hotel)
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) 27th Feb 79 Alistair Hunter Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull)
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn - Penton) 23rd Feb 79 Dinner Dance Blackthorne Band
21st Mar 79 Shannon Bros (Ireland)
North East (Seafield Arms) 6th Feb 79 Bill Brian
Oban (Park Hotel)
Perth (Salutation Hotel) 20th Feb 79 Graeme Mitchell
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Straiton (Bellisle Hotel, Ayr) 3rd Mar 79 Festival
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) 5th Mar 79 Wallachmore Ceilidh Band
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wellbank (venue?)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) 20th Feb 79 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Buchan
7. Cumnock
8. Dumfries
9. Dunfermline
10. Forres
11. Galston
12. Glendale
13. Highland
14. Kelso
15. Kintore
16. M.A.F.I.A.
17. Monklands
18. North East
19. North Cumbria
20. Straiton
21. Stranraer
22. Wellbank
23. Wick
BASED ON THE ABOVE THE FULL CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT FEB 1979 BECOMES (This is a record of all the Clubs who have ever been members of the Association. I will add in opening, and where appropriate, closing dates if and when I come across them) :-
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
6. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
7. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
8. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Coquetdale (?)
11. Coupar Angus A&F Club
12. Cumbria (or North Cumbria) Accordion Club
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
15. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
16. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
17. Dundee & District A&F Club
18. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
19. Falkirk A&F Club
20. Fintry A&F Club
21. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
22. Galston A&F Club
23. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
24. Gretna (June 1966)
25. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
26. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
27. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
28. Kintore A&F Club
29. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
30. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
31. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
32. M.A.F.I.A.
33. Newcastleton Accordion Club
34. Monklands A&F Club
35 Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
36 North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
37 Oban A&F Club (1975)
38 Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
39 Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
40. Renfrew A&F Club
41 Rothbury Accordion Club (1974)
42 Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
43 Straiton Accordion Club
44 Stranraer & District Accordion Club
45 Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
46 Wellbank A&F Club
47 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)