Box and Fiddle
Year 06 No 06
February 1983
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
The main item on the menu in the near future, on 5th March to be precise, is the Musselburgh Festival. This has become one of the biggest and best of them all. Will this one have the drama and excitement of previous ones? To find out, come along.
As you can see by the adverts, Tobermory is once again on the horizon as are the Newtongrange and Mid Argyll Festivals and arrangements for tour own AGM and presentation dinner and well in hand too.
I would like to appeal to Club Treasurers who are behind with their payments. We need money to keep the wheels turning. Please try to settle your accounts. This appeal applies to advertisers too. We do try to give a service at least as good as a national paper and like them we need cash to oil the wheels. Thank you.
By the way, a word about the readers letters. I must have you name and address even if you use a nom de plume. Don’t try to use a fake name and address, we do check up on doubtful letters. I have one just now that when checked out proved to be fictitious.
Have a nice time at Musselburgh and if you see me please speak to me. I like to know the various places you all come from.
Life and Times of Ian Powrie
by Ian Smith
Ian Powrie was born in 1928 into a musical family, his father being a weel-kent melodeonist, having made the old 78 records and had his own dance band. He was then known as ‘The Angus Ploughman.’ His records were made in the era of Jim Cameron and Cameron Fiddlers.
Ian’s first instrument was the piano accordion, but when the family were biding at Bendochy he was tutored on the fiddle by Adam Rennie, the Coupar Angus newsagent.
His next tutor was Jim Ogilvie of Blairgowrie. You will notice the word tutor, the reason being he was learning the classical music. So far the traditional bug hadn’t bit. When it did get a grip he discovered a new way of life.
In 1942 he volunteered for the R.A.F. and got his initial training to be a pilot. He was then posted to Canada to complete his training. He was there until the end of the war.
At this time his father was manager at Bankhead, Duplin, and with a B-release he returned to the soil.
Driving tractors was a wee bit different from planes and to make the transition easier he reformed his father’s band in his own image which must have been good, for in April, 1949, he made his first broadcast. This band had Pam Brough, piano, Ian’s brother Bill on Shand Morino, Bert Smith, bass, Hugh McIntyre, drums and Ian on fiddle.
This was the age that Jimmy Shand set in motion. One can also mention the Camerons, MacLeods, Fitchets, the Hannah and the Hawthorn Band etc.
Scottish Country Dancing was on the way up and they required bands. This was an exciting, busy time and Ian and his band thrived on it.
Before the days of the band wagons, the bands used big old motor cars which very often caused problems and many adventurous and arduous journeys were undertaken. His best transport then was a Morris 16. It did over 100,000 miles without a serious breakdown.
From 1949 till 1952 there were changes in the band. His brother Bill was called up and Pam Brough left to spend more time with her growing family. The band then became Jimmy Blue, button box, Sandy MacArthur, second box, Gordon Clark, piano, Bert Smith, bass and George Grant, drums.
Ian reckons his breakthrough came with his association with Robert Wilson with his radio programme ‘Personal Appearance.’
This show built up a tremendous following owing to the popularity of Robert Wilson. It was this same Robert who introduced him to ‘The Beatles’ manager George Martin. His first record was a hit called ‘Bothy Ballads for the Gay Gordons.’
In 1960 came the decision to be a farmer or a bandleader. The band won, so he turned professional. He had come into contact with Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club.
He and his wife Leila settles down in Perth, but being full-time he soon found that he had a lot of time on his hands and began to get bored. After about a year and a half he got the chance of buying West Kirkton Farm, Auchterarder. This now meant all his spare time was spent on the farm.
He was as happy as the proverbial pig and is the first to admit that without the help of his wife he couldn’t have made it.
In 1962 the band was booked for a 23-week contract with Andy Stewart at the Glasgow Empire. What with playing at night and travelling and farming, this was his busiest year, yet he thrived on it.
He was married in 1952 to Leila and the band at the reception was quite something – Jimmy Shand, Angus Fitchet, Bobby MacLeod, Jack Evans, Bill Wilkie, Bill Powrie and Ian’s father.
On Tour
In 1963 the band went with Andy Stewart to Australia and New Zealand, with many appearances at theatres and TV shows and a tour of the Shetlands and shows in Liverpool.
Other well known figures he was associated with were Kenneth McKellar and Moira Anderson.
He remembers with deep affection all those friends and players he had met over the years, for now came the most momentous decision the family had ever to make. To go to Australia or stay in Scotland. After taking a hard look they eventually decided to emigrate, much to the disappointment of everyone at the time, yet the good wishes came flooding in.
When on tour with Andy Stewart he had met a friend who owned a brick-clad home conversation business and wanted to retire. By now his family had grown to four – Leila, daughter Ailsa and son Finlay.
This was a difficult and sad time. The farm had to be disposed of and the contracts for the band had to be worked out or run down. Eventually Jimmy Blue took over the band, which was a great relief all round.
The nearer the time came to leave the harder it became to keep a straight back. He never realised till then just how many friends and fans he had. It almost became too much to bear at times. But time waits for no man and soon departure time came and with it went Scotland’s loss – the Ian Powrie family.
If the reader wants to get up to date on the life of Ian Powrie be at the Presentation Dinner of the Association at Dunblane Hydro on the 25th/26th June, 1983.
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
With five Saturdays in January it means a similar number of ‘TTF’ sessions and over-all the standard was very good. The month and year got off to a flying start with John Ellis and his Highland Country Band from Elgin Town Hall on Ne’erday.
Although one or two nervous slips were noted it was the high calibre of broadcast we now expect from this band with no fewer than 46 tunes in the 15-item programme
Special praise must go to Dennis Morrison who came in on piano at short notice and to Douglas Muir who appears to have the task of compiling the sets. It seems Douglas has now adopted the attitude that if an appropriate tune cannot be found then he promptly writes one, as several very good examples of his own compositions were included in this broadcast. Featured as supporting musicians were members of the Elgin S&R Society and they played some cracking sets – how about giving them a whole ‘TTF’ spot, Freeland? If you are going to ‘rent-a-band’ than make a right job of it and rent a 30+one!
Tribute to Pipe - Major Donald MacLeod and Others
Fraser McGlynn produced a great variety of compositions by the late PM Donald MacLeod for his special programme on 8th January and also paid musical tribute to two other favourites no longer on this earth – ‘Pibroch’ Mackenzie and Ronnie Cooper. The real McGlynn sound did full justice to the music selected.
Blairgowrie
The first of two programmes recorded during December in the Town Hall, Blairgowrie, came out on 15th January when the band spot was filled by local George Bell. On this occasion George had a 50% change in his line-up with Jim Johnstone on second accordion, Bill Cormack (piano) and Sandy Beattie (bass). Once again one or two nervous slips crept in but taken overall it was a bright and breezy broadcast which included a fair sprinkling of George’s own tunes.
Evergreen Angus
The 22nd January spot was occupied by Angus Fitchet and his Band and I was looking forward very much to this one. I was, however, slightly disappointed to find that well over half the programme was the same as the Radio Forth broadcast of 11th October, 1982, and I think I have heard the Fitchet Band play better but it still had a very good sound and programme content.
Take the Floor Debut
Robert Black from Stanley led his own band on the last Saturday of the month with brother Duncan on second accordion, Brian Cruickshank (fiddle), Graeme Mitchell (piano), Alasdair MacLeod (bass) and Duncan Burns (drums). There were certainly no slips on the debut broadcast by this young band although I felt that some of the sets were a bit too brisk to dance to, but I suppose the question is – who would be dancing anyway? Well done, Robert. Haste ye back!
Features
Robbie Shepherd deserves a lot of praise for the amount of works he puts into the weekly feature spot – the January offerings being extremely interesting and for my money the most enjoyable one featured the music and background of the late Adam Rennie. I heartily agree with bass player Ed Rob when he said that any change to the band personnel would have ruined the very distinctive Rennie sound. While listening I thought what a pity there aren’t more records available of this outstanding quartet but perhaps some enterprising recording company might purchase the master discs and release an LP which I am certain would be a good seller.
Coming Up
In the weeks ahead, the 26th February spot will be filled by Bill Douglas and his Band while on 5th March Graeme Mitchell will be making his BBC debut with his ‘new’ band, followed on the 12th by the Morpeth based Robert Whitehead Band. Freeland Barbour could not give me much more information at the time of going to press except that the feature spot on 19th February will be filled by some recent record releases and correspondence received from listeners. Another item lined up for future use is an interview with Ian Price, leader of the Canadian group ‘Schiehallion.’
Out and About
The ‘TTF’ team will be on the road again in March and heading north for a recording in Wick on the 29th and in Tain either the evening before or after the Wick date. Before that they will be at Musselburgh for the Association’s Festival on Saturday, 5th March. One very special outside event is being planned but exact details cannot be revealed at this stage – hopefully more news next month or via Robbie’s lips some Saturday evening.
Folks Around Robin
West Sound, Ayr, and Moray Firth Radio, Inverness, have each purchased 26 programmes of this production and will enlarge quite considerably the listening audience for the popular Radio Forth series.
Nova Scotia
By A. Gordon Archibald (Chairman of the I.G. of the C)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother graced Nova Scotia and all Scots with her presence at the opening ceremonies of the first International Gathering of the Clans held in Nova Scotia in 1979.
Nova Scotia hosted visitors from…………..
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club
John Morrison
by Murdo MacLeod
This month in our series marking the 10th anniversary of the Club, we feature one of our fiddle players, John Morrison, originally from Kintore in Aberdeenshire but now resident in Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh. John is one of that ‘band’ who has given his support from the early days and also helped to sustain the fiddle music side of things for us.
Coming from Aberdeenshire, it was natural that John should be influenced by the great Hector McAndrew, who became his guide, mentor and valued friend. One of his great pleasures is playing the slow airs which gain so much from the characteristic style of bowing that stems from the great teacher. However, John believes that the future of fiddle music is well secured in the hands of such young exponents as Gregor Borland and Douglas Lawrence.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of John’s musical career was in 1969 – City Halls, Perth to be precise, when he was among the top six Scottish fiddlers chosen by the BBC competing for the equivalent of today’s ‘Golden Fiddle Award.’ One of the judges was none other than Yehudi Menuhin. It transpired that the noted violinist was a devotee of Scottish music and fiddle music in particular. For reaching the finals, contestants were given ‘spots’ on radio and it is of interest that in his repertoire one of the tunes John included was the ‘Loch Voshmid’ hornpipe composed by the present writer’s father.
Asked who his favourite composer is he replied “Marshall – because of his great variety.” But one of his own favourite tunes – a slow air ‘Riches Denied’ – was written by J. Mackenzie Murdoch for the legendary Peter Milne, an Aberdeenshire fiddler who, unfortunately, died a pauper’s death.
John plays a Klotz violin made by that famous family of Mittenwald violin makers round about 1725. And long may he continue to do so for his own and friends’ pleasure.
We hope that his house in Balerno, where his wife Peggy, in traditional Orcadian fashion, bestows generous hospitality, will continue to echo with the sounds of Scott Skinner, McAndrew and the rest. We at the Livingston Club say “thanks a lot for responding so often to the call ‘You’re on next John’!”
Next month it is back to one of our accordionists. Who will it be? Make sure you get your copy of the Box and Fiddle.
Weekend Rally at Dunblane
The musical Weekend Rally on Saturday, 25th June, will get under way with participants arriving for lunch between 12.30 and 2pm.
The following facilities are available during the day – putting, tennis, swimming, golf, sauna and there is sure to be music somewhere around the hotel.
Dinner will be served informally in the restaurant at 6.30 to 8pm. Following dinner, general dancing will take place in the ballroom.
At approximately 11.30pm and until the early hours of Sunday morning we will have our own ceilidh music in the ballroom. The music, of course, being provided by ourselves.
On Sunday, 26th June, breakfast will be served in the restaurant at 8.30am till 10am.
The AGM will be held at 11am prompt in the Dunblane Suite.
Club officials attending the AGM on Sunday, 26th June, at 11am who do not intend participating in the Weekend Rally should notify the NAAFC Secretary, Andrew Nairn, West Baldridge Farm, Dunfermline, so that refreshments may be arranged.
The presentation luncheon to honour Ian Powrie will commence at 2.30pm.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 23 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Elgin S&R Society
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 26 Feb Colin Finlayson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Anderson SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 3 Mar 83 Tommy Ford
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 26 Feb Colin Finlayson SDB
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 31 Mar 83 50-50 Dance Robert Whitehead SDB
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 8 Mar 83 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3 Mar 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 1 Mar 83 Iain MacPhail Quartet
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28 Feb 83 Alex McPhee SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9 Mar 83 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Billy Anderson Trio 21 Mar 83 Moray Players
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam Hotel) – 23 Feb 83 Grant Crawford SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Mar 83 Florence & Mackie Burns
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10 Mar 83 Graham Ross & the Strathalmond SDB
Livingston (Masonic Hall, Mid Calder) – 17 Mar 83 Tommy Ford & Jim Clelland
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 29 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 3 Mar 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 7 Mar 83 Lena Huner (accordion) & Jim Devlin (fiddle)
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28 Feb 83 Robert MacLeod SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 17 Mar 83 Davie Gibson
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 2 Feb 83 Walter Perrie Ensemble
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – Feb 83 Jacqueline Dick Trio March Dundee A&F Club Junior Band May Wallochmore CB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 7 Mar 83 Peter Bruce
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 4 Mar 83 Dinner Dance Rob Gordon SDB 7 Mar 83 Winchester Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) – 27 Feb 83 Stuart McKeown SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Belford
5. Bridge of Allan (Walmer)
6. Castle Douglas
7. Crieff & District
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee & District
10. Dunfermline & District
11. East Kilbride
12. Edinburgh
13. Fintry
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. Lochaber (Fort William)
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. Ormiston
24. Peebles
25. Perth & District
26. Shetland
27. Thurso
28. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (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 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lochaber A&F Club (prev Fort William A&F Club Oct 1980)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Monkland A&F Club
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
49. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – 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)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
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. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
The main item on the menu in the near future, on 5th March to be precise, is the Musselburgh Festival. This has become one of the biggest and best of them all. Will this one have the drama and excitement of previous ones? To find out, come along.
As you can see by the adverts, Tobermory is once again on the horizon as are the Newtongrange and Mid Argyll Festivals and arrangements for tour own AGM and presentation dinner and well in hand too.
I would like to appeal to Club Treasurers who are behind with their payments. We need money to keep the wheels turning. Please try to settle your accounts. This appeal applies to advertisers too. We do try to give a service at least as good as a national paper and like them we need cash to oil the wheels. Thank you.
By the way, a word about the readers letters. I must have you name and address even if you use a nom de plume. Don’t try to use a fake name and address, we do check up on doubtful letters. I have one just now that when checked out proved to be fictitious.
Have a nice time at Musselburgh and if you see me please speak to me. I like to know the various places you all come from.
Life and Times of Ian Powrie
by Ian Smith
Ian Powrie was born in 1928 into a musical family, his father being a weel-kent melodeonist, having made the old 78 records and had his own dance band. He was then known as ‘The Angus Ploughman.’ His records were made in the era of Jim Cameron and Cameron Fiddlers.
Ian’s first instrument was the piano accordion, but when the family were biding at Bendochy he was tutored on the fiddle by Adam Rennie, the Coupar Angus newsagent.
His next tutor was Jim Ogilvie of Blairgowrie. You will notice the word tutor, the reason being he was learning the classical music. So far the traditional bug hadn’t bit. When it did get a grip he discovered a new way of life.
In 1942 he volunteered for the R.A.F. and got his initial training to be a pilot. He was then posted to Canada to complete his training. He was there until the end of the war.
At this time his father was manager at Bankhead, Duplin, and with a B-release he returned to the soil.
Driving tractors was a wee bit different from planes and to make the transition easier he reformed his father’s band in his own image which must have been good, for in April, 1949, he made his first broadcast. This band had Pam Brough, piano, Ian’s brother Bill on Shand Morino, Bert Smith, bass, Hugh McIntyre, drums and Ian on fiddle.
This was the age that Jimmy Shand set in motion. One can also mention the Camerons, MacLeods, Fitchets, the Hannah and the Hawthorn Band etc.
Scottish Country Dancing was on the way up and they required bands. This was an exciting, busy time and Ian and his band thrived on it.
Before the days of the band wagons, the bands used big old motor cars which very often caused problems and many adventurous and arduous journeys were undertaken. His best transport then was a Morris 16. It did over 100,000 miles without a serious breakdown.
From 1949 till 1952 there were changes in the band. His brother Bill was called up and Pam Brough left to spend more time with her growing family. The band then became Jimmy Blue, button box, Sandy MacArthur, second box, Gordon Clark, piano, Bert Smith, bass and George Grant, drums.
Ian reckons his breakthrough came with his association with Robert Wilson with his radio programme ‘Personal Appearance.’
This show built up a tremendous following owing to the popularity of Robert Wilson. It was this same Robert who introduced him to ‘The Beatles’ manager George Martin. His first record was a hit called ‘Bothy Ballads for the Gay Gordons.’
In 1960 came the decision to be a farmer or a bandleader. The band won, so he turned professional. He had come into contact with Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club.
He and his wife Leila settles down in Perth, but being full-time he soon found that he had a lot of time on his hands and began to get bored. After about a year and a half he got the chance of buying West Kirkton Farm, Auchterarder. This now meant all his spare time was spent on the farm.
He was as happy as the proverbial pig and is the first to admit that without the help of his wife he couldn’t have made it.
In 1962 the band was booked for a 23-week contract with Andy Stewart at the Glasgow Empire. What with playing at night and travelling and farming, this was his busiest year, yet he thrived on it.
He was married in 1952 to Leila and the band at the reception was quite something – Jimmy Shand, Angus Fitchet, Bobby MacLeod, Jack Evans, Bill Wilkie, Bill Powrie and Ian’s father.
On Tour
In 1963 the band went with Andy Stewart to Australia and New Zealand, with many appearances at theatres and TV shows and a tour of the Shetlands and shows in Liverpool.
Other well known figures he was associated with were Kenneth McKellar and Moira Anderson.
He remembers with deep affection all those friends and players he had met over the years, for now came the most momentous decision the family had ever to make. To go to Australia or stay in Scotland. After taking a hard look they eventually decided to emigrate, much to the disappointment of everyone at the time, yet the good wishes came flooding in.
When on tour with Andy Stewart he had met a friend who owned a brick-clad home conversation business and wanted to retire. By now his family had grown to four – Leila, daughter Ailsa and son Finlay.
This was a difficult and sad time. The farm had to be disposed of and the contracts for the band had to be worked out or run down. Eventually Jimmy Blue took over the band, which was a great relief all round.
The nearer the time came to leave the harder it became to keep a straight back. He never realised till then just how many friends and fans he had. It almost became too much to bear at times. But time waits for no man and soon departure time came and with it went Scotland’s loss – the Ian Powrie family.
If the reader wants to get up to date on the life of Ian Powrie be at the Presentation Dinner of the Association at Dunblane Hydro on the 25th/26th June, 1983.
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
With five Saturdays in January it means a similar number of ‘TTF’ sessions and over-all the standard was very good. The month and year got off to a flying start with John Ellis and his Highland Country Band from Elgin Town Hall on Ne’erday.
Although one or two nervous slips were noted it was the high calibre of broadcast we now expect from this band with no fewer than 46 tunes in the 15-item programme
Special praise must go to Dennis Morrison who came in on piano at short notice and to Douglas Muir who appears to have the task of compiling the sets. It seems Douglas has now adopted the attitude that if an appropriate tune cannot be found then he promptly writes one, as several very good examples of his own compositions were included in this broadcast. Featured as supporting musicians were members of the Elgin S&R Society and they played some cracking sets – how about giving them a whole ‘TTF’ spot, Freeland? If you are going to ‘rent-a-band’ than make a right job of it and rent a 30+one!
Tribute to Pipe - Major Donald MacLeod and Others
Fraser McGlynn produced a great variety of compositions by the late PM Donald MacLeod for his special programme on 8th January and also paid musical tribute to two other favourites no longer on this earth – ‘Pibroch’ Mackenzie and Ronnie Cooper. The real McGlynn sound did full justice to the music selected.
Blairgowrie
The first of two programmes recorded during December in the Town Hall, Blairgowrie, came out on 15th January when the band spot was filled by local George Bell. On this occasion George had a 50% change in his line-up with Jim Johnstone on second accordion, Bill Cormack (piano) and Sandy Beattie (bass). Once again one or two nervous slips crept in but taken overall it was a bright and breezy broadcast which included a fair sprinkling of George’s own tunes.
Evergreen Angus
The 22nd January spot was occupied by Angus Fitchet and his Band and I was looking forward very much to this one. I was, however, slightly disappointed to find that well over half the programme was the same as the Radio Forth broadcast of 11th October, 1982, and I think I have heard the Fitchet Band play better but it still had a very good sound and programme content.
Take the Floor Debut
Robert Black from Stanley led his own band on the last Saturday of the month with brother Duncan on second accordion, Brian Cruickshank (fiddle), Graeme Mitchell (piano), Alasdair MacLeod (bass) and Duncan Burns (drums). There were certainly no slips on the debut broadcast by this young band although I felt that some of the sets were a bit too brisk to dance to, but I suppose the question is – who would be dancing anyway? Well done, Robert. Haste ye back!
Features
Robbie Shepherd deserves a lot of praise for the amount of works he puts into the weekly feature spot – the January offerings being extremely interesting and for my money the most enjoyable one featured the music and background of the late Adam Rennie. I heartily agree with bass player Ed Rob when he said that any change to the band personnel would have ruined the very distinctive Rennie sound. While listening I thought what a pity there aren’t more records available of this outstanding quartet but perhaps some enterprising recording company might purchase the master discs and release an LP which I am certain would be a good seller.
Coming Up
In the weeks ahead, the 26th February spot will be filled by Bill Douglas and his Band while on 5th March Graeme Mitchell will be making his BBC debut with his ‘new’ band, followed on the 12th by the Morpeth based Robert Whitehead Band. Freeland Barbour could not give me much more information at the time of going to press except that the feature spot on 19th February will be filled by some recent record releases and correspondence received from listeners. Another item lined up for future use is an interview with Ian Price, leader of the Canadian group ‘Schiehallion.’
Out and About
The ‘TTF’ team will be on the road again in March and heading north for a recording in Wick on the 29th and in Tain either the evening before or after the Wick date. Before that they will be at Musselburgh for the Association’s Festival on Saturday, 5th March. One very special outside event is being planned but exact details cannot be revealed at this stage – hopefully more news next month or via Robbie’s lips some Saturday evening.
Folks Around Robin
West Sound, Ayr, and Moray Firth Radio, Inverness, have each purchased 26 programmes of this production and will enlarge quite considerably the listening audience for the popular Radio Forth series.
Nova Scotia
By A. Gordon Archibald (Chairman of the I.G. of the C)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother graced Nova Scotia and all Scots with her presence at the opening ceremonies of the first International Gathering of the Clans held in Nova Scotia in 1979.
Nova Scotia hosted visitors from…………..
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club
John Morrison
by Murdo MacLeod
This month in our series marking the 10th anniversary of the Club, we feature one of our fiddle players, John Morrison, originally from Kintore in Aberdeenshire but now resident in Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh. John is one of that ‘band’ who has given his support from the early days and also helped to sustain the fiddle music side of things for us.
Coming from Aberdeenshire, it was natural that John should be influenced by the great Hector McAndrew, who became his guide, mentor and valued friend. One of his great pleasures is playing the slow airs which gain so much from the characteristic style of bowing that stems from the great teacher. However, John believes that the future of fiddle music is well secured in the hands of such young exponents as Gregor Borland and Douglas Lawrence.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of John’s musical career was in 1969 – City Halls, Perth to be precise, when he was among the top six Scottish fiddlers chosen by the BBC competing for the equivalent of today’s ‘Golden Fiddle Award.’ One of the judges was none other than Yehudi Menuhin. It transpired that the noted violinist was a devotee of Scottish music and fiddle music in particular. For reaching the finals, contestants were given ‘spots’ on radio and it is of interest that in his repertoire one of the tunes John included was the ‘Loch Voshmid’ hornpipe composed by the present writer’s father.
Asked who his favourite composer is he replied “Marshall – because of his great variety.” But one of his own favourite tunes – a slow air ‘Riches Denied’ – was written by J. Mackenzie Murdoch for the legendary Peter Milne, an Aberdeenshire fiddler who, unfortunately, died a pauper’s death.
John plays a Klotz violin made by that famous family of Mittenwald violin makers round about 1725. And long may he continue to do so for his own and friends’ pleasure.
We hope that his house in Balerno, where his wife Peggy, in traditional Orcadian fashion, bestows generous hospitality, will continue to echo with the sounds of Scott Skinner, McAndrew and the rest. We at the Livingston Club say “thanks a lot for responding so often to the call ‘You’re on next John’!”
Next month it is back to one of our accordionists. Who will it be? Make sure you get your copy of the Box and Fiddle.
Weekend Rally at Dunblane
The musical Weekend Rally on Saturday, 25th June, will get under way with participants arriving for lunch between 12.30 and 2pm.
The following facilities are available during the day – putting, tennis, swimming, golf, sauna and there is sure to be music somewhere around the hotel.
Dinner will be served informally in the restaurant at 6.30 to 8pm. Following dinner, general dancing will take place in the ballroom.
At approximately 11.30pm and until the early hours of Sunday morning we will have our own ceilidh music in the ballroom. The music, of course, being provided by ourselves.
On Sunday, 26th June, breakfast will be served in the restaurant at 8.30am till 10am.
The AGM will be held at 11am prompt in the Dunblane Suite.
Club officials attending the AGM on Sunday, 26th June, at 11am who do not intend participating in the Weekend Rally should notify the NAAFC Secretary, Andrew Nairn, West Baldridge Farm, Dunfermline, so that refreshments may be arranged.
The presentation luncheon to honour Ian Powrie will commence at 2.30pm.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 23 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Elgin S&R Society
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 26 Feb Colin Finlayson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Anderson SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 3 Mar 83 Tommy Ford
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 26 Feb Colin Finlayson SDB
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 31 Mar 83 50-50 Dance Robert Whitehead SDB
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 8 Mar 83 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3 Mar 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 1 Mar 83 Iain MacPhail Quartet
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 24 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28 Feb 83 Alex McPhee SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9 Mar 83 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Billy Anderson Trio 21 Mar 83 Moray Players
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam Hotel) – 23 Feb 83 Grant Crawford SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Mar 83 Florence & Mackie Burns
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10 Mar 83 Graham Ross & the Strathalmond SDB
Livingston (Masonic Hall, Mid Calder) – 17 Mar 83 Tommy Ford & Jim Clelland
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 29 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 3 Mar 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 7 Mar 83 Lena Huner (accordion) & Jim Devlin (fiddle)
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28 Feb 83 Robert MacLeod SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 17 Mar 83 Davie Gibson
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 2 Feb 83 Walter Perrie Ensemble
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – Feb 83 Jacqueline Dick Trio March Dundee A&F Club Junior Band May Wallochmore CB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 7 Mar 83 Peter Bruce
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 4 Mar 83 Dinner Dance Rob Gordon SDB 7 Mar 83 Winchester Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) – 27 Feb 83 Stuart McKeown SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Belford
5. Bridge of Allan (Walmer)
6. Castle Douglas
7. Crieff & District
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee & District
10. Dunfermline & District
11. East Kilbride
12. Edinburgh
13. Fintry
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. Lochaber (Fort William)
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. Ormiston
24. Peebles
25. Perth & District
26. Shetland
27. Thurso
28. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (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 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lochaber A&F Club (prev Fort William A&F Club Oct 1980)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Monkland A&F Club
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
49. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – 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)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
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. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
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