Box and Fiddle
Year 26 No 06
February 2003
Price £2.00
44 Page Magazine
6 month subscription £12 + p&p £3.60
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas Cards and Seasons Greetings. We’ve had a busy round of parties and concerts and as we go to press we’re right in the middle of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival – more about that next month.
Congratulations to Bruce Dow of Culross the Printers and his wife Elaine on the birth of their son Daniel – at least he didn’t interrupt your Christmas dinner Bruce!
Many of you have said how much you enjoyed this year’s Hogmanay Show on BBC. Could the powers-that-be be starting to listen to the wishes of the viewers? Stars of the show – GiveWay, feature in this month’s magazine.
As you can see on Page 40, plans for this years AGM are already well advanced. The prestigious BAFFI Awards are about to be launched and your votes are needed! Everyone is being asked to vote for the three categories at your February or March meeting and we’ll announce the winners at the AGM.
Thanks again to everyone involved in putting the Box and Fiddle together as well as to all our readers.
See you at Musselburgh!
Karin Ingram
Give Way
by David Sherry
In the final minutes of last year the popular young Scottish traditional music group GiveWay, which comprises the Johnson sisters, entered the public domain.
From a TV studio in Glasgow, along with household names like Jackie Bird, Craig Hill, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, these four young musicians from Currie first-footed our living rooms via the programme ‘Hogmanay Live 2002’. Also there was the winner of TV’s ‘Fame Academy’, David Sneddon, a genuine talent newly minted in the format of the instant pop star show. He has a record in the charts already, but GiveWay, whose rise to prominence has been sure and steady, have taken their time; the record offers have been there but they have waited. They want to get it right.
So we are pleased to announce the waiting is over. The time is going to be this summer when the Scottish folk label Greentrax will be bringing out GiveWay’s first CD under the production eye of none other than accordion maestro and composer Phil Cunningham, who is himself a self-confessed GiveWay fan.
So who is this band? The eldest sister is Fiona, a fiddle player who is 16, then Kirsty, an accordionist (15), and the identical 13-year-old twins, Mairi, a keyboard player, and Amy, a percussionist. Together they have become one of the most booked acts in Scotland on the Accordion and Fiddle Club scene and have moved on to the broader stage, which has included TV, radio, festivals and esteemed award shows. On recalling their beginnings, the band remembers with affection that it was John Anderson of Biggar Box and Fiddle Club who gave them their first booking.
The girls, obviously talented, technically and spiritually, have been guided wisely by their parents, Steve and Morag, who live in Currie, Edinburgh. Everyone who meets the sisters, from fellow musicians, interviewers, concert-goers to hardened circuit aficionados, is instantly won over by their attractiveness and unassuming charm. Pupils at Currie Community High School, the girls are helpful and outgoing and it is not unusual to find them using their talent to benefit others; they play in old folk’s homes and just recently they entertained at a fundraiser at a local medical centre to help raise money to buy a defibrillator.
Music writer and festival organiser Hector Christie, no mean judge of musical flair, has spoken of the refreshing interview he heard on the radio, on a Robbie Shepherd programme, when the band played magnificently and talked naturally and entertainingly about their lives, influences and music.
And how did it all start for GiveWay? Eleven years ago Kirsty, then aged 4, was given a present of an accordion by her grandparents. Steve and Morag, with no significant musical experience themselves, didn’t think it would mean anything to the girl other than a novely plaything. However, quite soon after receiving the box it became obvious to the family that Kirsty realised that it was more than just an object of amusement. The young girl wasn’t just making a noise – it was tuneful!
Soon sister Fiona caught the bug, took up the fiddle and suddenly it was fun – great fun. And the Johnson girls always emphasise that it has always been this way – fun.
The idea of lessons for the two girls was obvious, and when the twins, Amy and Mairi, were growing up music was already filling the house. In the beginning, Fiona and Kirsty’s studies and lessons covered the classical music scene but the girls recall that when their teacher exposed them to Scottish traditional music something instinctive took hold. They were enchanted.
Mairi was the first of the twins to fall for the magic of the melodies and tunes that her two older sisters practiced. Not to be outdone, she took up the keyboard. Of course, there were still practice lessons, but more and more it was obvious there was fun in group playing. Soon they were a trio and even if they were unaware of it then, they were on their way.
It should be noted that Kirsty and Fiona are also members of KODA, an exhilarating 15-piece young accordion orchestra who have been developed under the sure touch of music teacher Keith Dickson, who is an acknowledged source of encouragement and influence for all of the girls. He is one of the teachers (keyboard and accordion) they mention as significant in their development. Others that they would like to give credit to are Gill Simpson and Mairi Campbell (fiddle) and Matty Foulds and Gordon Smith (drums). As the girls became more technically accomplished they had success individually and together in various competitions and festivals all over the country, but there is no doubt that winning the Danny award at the Glasgow Celtic Connections in January 2001 was a mover and a shaker of a happening.
For a start they came up with their clever name, GiveWay. It was Fiona who noted the proliferating GIVE WAY signs on the roads and thought it was agreat idea to cash in on the free publicity by taking it up as the group’s name. (The Mecca od advertising, Madison Avenue, awaits.) They appeared on the radio, captivating Robbie Shepherd with their unaffected charm and humour, but more importantly the Danny award led to an invitation for GiveWay to support two of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham at the Stonehaven Folk Festival.
Playing their lively jigs, energetic reels and haunting airs GiveWay went down big with the Stonehaven audience. They didn’t just get encores but were requested back on stage at the end of the night by Phil and Aly. Again they won over the audience and were rebooked on the spot for the following year.
It was during the Stonehaven gig that the band met Gerry Sullivan, a sound supreme with P. A. Audio. The band have nothing but the highest praise for Gerry who has spent time helping them realise the sound they seek and has patiently taken them for lessons in stagecraft.
Although GiveWay’s success seems relentless thay have had their disappointments. For instance they were knocked back in their bid to enter the BBC Radio 2 Young Fokm Awards 2001. However, fate stepped in as it often does, and another group had to pull out of one of the semi-final heats. The sisters, obliging as always, filled in at short notice – and won. A place in the final at Broadcasting House in London was theirs, and taking firm hold of their lucky break they went on to win this prestigious award. The competition was seen by many as being the best ever. There was an array of formidable talent and the performances, from such young musicians and singers, were felt by one and all to be of the highest quality. “Just wonderful.” Those competing were Northumbrian fiddle player Peter Tickell, singer Sarah Hayes, innovative Edgbaston singer songwriter / electro experimentalist Jim Moray, unaccompanied singer Siobhan Miller, the folk rockers Celtica, and of course GiveWay.
Kirsty is quite frank and says they didn’t expect to win because the others were so good. “I didn’t hear Maddie Prior call out our name so it was a big surprise when people started pushing us out telling us we’d won! But the whole thing was great. Everyone was nice and gave us a lot of help.”
When the band returned to London for the 2002 awards as the current holders they had enlarged the group with Amy, Mairi’s twin, on percussion/drums. Amy had initially played accordion but somewhere along the way decided she wanted to try the drums. She began with a hi-hat and snare, as they say in show business, the rest is history.
As part of winning the Young Folk Award they appeared at one of Europe’s most prestigious music events, the Cambridge Folk Festival. There were about 15,000 music fans there and the girls again went down a storm. They looked calm but admit they didn’t feel it. They enjoyed meeting lots of interesting people at the event including the legendary Ralph McTell.
When the girls are asked what music they listen to or are influenced by, it is obvious their taste is wide ranging. They name Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Natalie McMaster and La Boutine Souriante but like all young girls they pay attention to the pop scene too. Kirsty mentions Robbie Williams and Blue while big sister Fiona is a fan of Coldplay, Ms Dynamite and Avril Lavigne. In fact, they admit they are open to any influence from Jennifer Lopez to the Celtic band Wolfstone. Some on the music scene, who are close to the band, feel there are comparisons to The Corrs and even Silly Wizard. And the late Joe Strummer, of The Clash, who heard the band at Cambridge, later on radio said that he felt that it was like ceilidh had met jazzman John Coltrane. High praise indeed!
And those close to the girls know they don’t just play Scottish traditional music either. Fiona has often displayed her jazz wizardry and Kirsty can go through a medley of Continental accordion music with accomplished virtuosity.
With their CD coming out in the summer, GiveWay are on the cusp of even greater popularity and fame. So how do they see the future?
Fiona has started writing tunes and pays close attention to arrangements, and they are now introducing vocals into their work. The band readily admit that the thought of touring round the country playing the music they love sounds marvelous but they have their feet firmly on the ground. They realise that anything might happen. For the two older girls there are important school exams on the horizon so the proper use of their time is important, and mum and dad will see to that.
The sisters say that they have always been very lucky. They want to do more and learn more, but can’t really say what lies ahead for them.
However, Kirsty revealingly adds, “I used to want to be a doctor but now I think I would rather be a musician. But we’ll just have to wait and see. But no matter what – it’s great fun.”
Phil Cunningham: “Aly and I were going a gig in Stonehaven and we were told that some kids would be supporting us, little did we know how formidable these ‘kids’ were going to be. It has been amazing to see their music develop over the last few years. I think they’re great young musicians and I can’t wait to begin work on the new album with them. They’re hell of a good fun too!”
Ian Green: “GiveWay is the youngest band ever to be signed to Greentrax, and it is another milestone in our short history. All at Greentrax are absolutely delighted to welcome this talented young band onto the label.”
John Anderson: “The girls have come on tremendously – they’re very talented. At the time I gave them their break at Biggar Club they were ready – very confident and capable. They just needed that wee push to get them on stage. Of course their music teacher, Keith Dickson, teaches locally and the girls come to the club regularly.
When we started the Club Alex MacArthur always said that it could be the making of young players. He had a great ear for spotting talented young musicians, and would join them on stage to support and encourage them. We have carried on that tradition. We wish GiveWay all the best for their musical future”.
Morag Johnson (Mum):”The most important thing is that the girls are having fun….”
Canongate Cadgers in Oman
by Alex Ross
The Canongate Cadgers Ceilidh Band had already been to the Middle East in April 2002 as guest of ‘The Caledonian Society of Oman’ to play at a ceilidh.
However, with the tensions in the Middle East rising by the minute and a war between USA/UK and Iraq a real possibility we had a major dilemma when we were invited back to play at their Annual St Andrews Ball to be held in the fantastic Al Bustan Hotel, Muscat, Oman – would it be safe to travel?
As Ramadan fell last year in November, the St Andrews Ball was to be held on the 31st of October, which was a Thursday (weekends in Middle Eastern countries are on Thursdays and Fridays).
After receiving reassurance from the British Embassy that we would be safe to travel, we flew out on Monday the 28th October on the Edinburgh to London Shuttle, and then on to the long haul. We had a 9 hour flight to Abu Dhabi (Saudi Arabia) for a brief refueling stop, then off again to Muscat Airport in Oman.
As a traveling band the usual concern is damage to equipment, but as the hotel was providing all the PA and drums, we only had the accordion, MIDI unit and fiddle to take with us.
There has been much press coverage lately about damaged and missing accordions, so readers might be interested to know that I had a joiner friend make a custom built, heavy duty, plywood flight case fitted with full protective corners and fittings, lined with 4” thick, high density, polyurethane foam. I put my accordion (5 voice Fantini special with MIDI) in a jiffy bubble sleeve, and when it is placed inside the flight case there is no movement possible. If (when) dropped the energy is absorbed by the foam and bubble. I am pleased to report that, while the case has evidence of taking a beating, the ‘box’ has survived to date unscathed.
The Ball was attended by over 350 enthusiastic guests, all in black tie attire and eager to participate in the night’s dancing.
Following the meal, the entertainment commenced with the RAF Pipe Band of Oman – who were excellent and provided a varied programme of great traditional pipe tunes mixed with local Eastern rhythms. However the biggest surprise was when local Omani dancer in full traditional dress took to the floor, dancing to a lone piper accompanied by various percussion instruments. To say that they were enthusiastic would be an understatement, as they performed what could only be described as a manic ‘Strip the Willow’ routine, with some disco movements thrown in – all providing a unique visual spectacle.
It was then the turn of the MC to introduce The Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band. We started off by playing a set of high energy tunes to get the feet tapping and set the mood for the evening’s dancing programme. This was to be a combination of Scottish country dance sets such as Hamilton House and Petronella, and ceilidh dances including The Flying Scotsman, The OXO Reel as well as evergreen favourites Canadian Barn Dance, Eightsome Reel and Strip the Willow.
To allow the dancers to catch their breath between dances our caller, Marina sharp, entertained the audience with a few solo Highland dance sets. She demonstrated The Flora, Irish Jig (request from the audience), Lilt and The Sword Dance (which was performed using a pair of antique Omani swords). This was well received and greatly appreciated by the whole audience.
Further to providing the Highland dancing demonstration, the band also has a great vocalist in Suzanne Adam. At various intervals during the night she sang songs including Ye Banks and Braes, Jock o’ Hazeldean and Dougie McLean’s much acclaimed Caledonia which, when sung to an ‘Ex Pat’ audience, ensured that there was hardly a dry eye left in the hall.
We continued with the dance programme, playing many encores, and even adding a few request dances – so much so that Auld Lang Syne was put up at almost 3.00 a.m. A night to remember!
The Caledonian Society of Oman did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable. They put us up in a truly world class hotel and took us to see the various sights of interest, including the local forts and markets. All of this made our trip an unforgettable adventure, which we would highly recommend to any other bands lucky enough to have a similar offer.
The Canongate Cadjers are – Alex Ross (accordion), Marina Sharp (caller/dancer), Suzanne Adam (fiddle/vocals) and Kenneth Ross (drums).
Happy 30th Birthday Balloch
Photographs
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Hello, to the folks that called …………………..
CD Reviews
Special Requests Vol 5 – Colin Dewar SDB – SRCD005
Wired Up to The Moon – Ian Cruickshanks SDB – Thane Multimedia Ltd CDN002
Book Review
The MacKintosh Collection – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
1st Feb 03 – Neil Barron SDB + feature on Balloch A&F Club’s 30th Anniversary
8th Feb 03 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB + Session from The queens Hall with Maddrim & Bryan Gear
15th Feb 03 – Craigowl SDB + feature tbc
22nd Feb 03 – David Cunningham SDB + Guests (Live from RMS Queen Mary, California)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 25th Feb 03 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) Feb 03 -
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Feb 03 – David Bell & the Lyne Valley
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 03 – Wayne Robertson & Davie Stewart
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Feb 03 – Ray Carse
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Feb 03 – Iain Anderson
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – Feb 03
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Feb 03 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 17th Feb 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Belford (Community Centre) – 27th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget Trio
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 03 – Club Night
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 03 – Joyce Ramsay & Friends
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Feb 03 – Romano Viazzani
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Feb 03 – Jimmy Cassidy
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Feb 03 - GiveWay
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 6th Feb 03 – Bon Accords
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 9th Feb 03 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Feb 03 – Colin Dewar
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 12th Feb 03 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) Feb 03
Dingwall (National Hotel) – Feb 03
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Feb 03 – Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Feb 03 – Tom Alexander
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Feb 03
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) – 27th Feb 03 – David Vernon
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Junior Ythan Fiddlers
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 03 – Bill Black SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 23rd Feb 03 – Montrose A&F Club
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Feb 03 – Dingwall A&F Club
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Feb 03 – Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Feb 03 – Wayne Robertson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 20th Feb 03 - GiveWay
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Feb 03 – Roy Magna & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Feb 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Feb 03 - tba
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Feb 03 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Feb 03 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 13th Feb 03 – Iain Cameron Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Feb 03 – Duncan Black Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Feb 03 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Feb 03 – Frank Thompson Trio
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Feb 03 – Derek Edmonds SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 12th Feb 03 – Stuart Anderson
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Feb 03 – Alan Ross SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Feb 03 – Jock Fraser Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Feb 03 – John Morgan
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Feb 03 – Richard Smith Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Feb 03 – Nicky McMichan Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Feb 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 27th Feb 03 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Feb 03 – Gary Donaldson
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 03 – David Oswald Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – Feb 03
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Feb 03 – Ian Thomson SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – Feb 03
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – Feb 03
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 4th Feb 03 – Alistair McCulloch & Morag McAskill
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 03 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Feb 03 – James Coutts SDB
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Feb 03 – Robert Black
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 13th Feb 03 – Local Night 27th Feb 03 – Robert Black
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - Feb 03
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 11th Feb 03 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 03 – Local night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 6th Feb 03 – Charlie & Ian Armour
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – Feb 03
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Feb 03 – James Coutts
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – David MacKenzie & the Wyvis Sound
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith & District
9. Belford
10. Biggar
11. Blairgowrie
12. Button-Key
13. Campsie
14. Carlisle
15. Coalburn
16. Cults
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. Ellon
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Galston
25. Glendale
26. Glenrothes & District
27. Gretna
28. Highland
29. Inveraray
30. Islesteps
31. Kelso
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Montrose
37. Newmill
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Perth
41. Premier
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Shetland
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Turriff
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. Vancouver
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
78. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85. Callander A&F Club (
86. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Club Accord
89. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
119. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas Cards and Seasons Greetings. We’ve had a busy round of parties and concerts and as we go to press we’re right in the middle of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival – more about that next month.
Congratulations to Bruce Dow of Culross the Printers and his wife Elaine on the birth of their son Daniel – at least he didn’t interrupt your Christmas dinner Bruce!
Many of you have said how much you enjoyed this year’s Hogmanay Show on BBC. Could the powers-that-be be starting to listen to the wishes of the viewers? Stars of the show – GiveWay, feature in this month’s magazine.
As you can see on Page 40, plans for this years AGM are already well advanced. The prestigious BAFFI Awards are about to be launched and your votes are needed! Everyone is being asked to vote for the three categories at your February or March meeting and we’ll announce the winners at the AGM.
Thanks again to everyone involved in putting the Box and Fiddle together as well as to all our readers.
See you at Musselburgh!
Karin Ingram
Give Way
by David Sherry
In the final minutes of last year the popular young Scottish traditional music group GiveWay, which comprises the Johnson sisters, entered the public domain.
From a TV studio in Glasgow, along with household names like Jackie Bird, Craig Hill, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, these four young musicians from Currie first-footed our living rooms via the programme ‘Hogmanay Live 2002’. Also there was the winner of TV’s ‘Fame Academy’, David Sneddon, a genuine talent newly minted in the format of the instant pop star show. He has a record in the charts already, but GiveWay, whose rise to prominence has been sure and steady, have taken their time; the record offers have been there but they have waited. They want to get it right.
So we are pleased to announce the waiting is over. The time is going to be this summer when the Scottish folk label Greentrax will be bringing out GiveWay’s first CD under the production eye of none other than accordion maestro and composer Phil Cunningham, who is himself a self-confessed GiveWay fan.
So who is this band? The eldest sister is Fiona, a fiddle player who is 16, then Kirsty, an accordionist (15), and the identical 13-year-old twins, Mairi, a keyboard player, and Amy, a percussionist. Together they have become one of the most booked acts in Scotland on the Accordion and Fiddle Club scene and have moved on to the broader stage, which has included TV, radio, festivals and esteemed award shows. On recalling their beginnings, the band remembers with affection that it was John Anderson of Biggar Box and Fiddle Club who gave them their first booking.
The girls, obviously talented, technically and spiritually, have been guided wisely by their parents, Steve and Morag, who live in Currie, Edinburgh. Everyone who meets the sisters, from fellow musicians, interviewers, concert-goers to hardened circuit aficionados, is instantly won over by their attractiveness and unassuming charm. Pupils at Currie Community High School, the girls are helpful and outgoing and it is not unusual to find them using their talent to benefit others; they play in old folk’s homes and just recently they entertained at a fundraiser at a local medical centre to help raise money to buy a defibrillator.
Music writer and festival organiser Hector Christie, no mean judge of musical flair, has spoken of the refreshing interview he heard on the radio, on a Robbie Shepherd programme, when the band played magnificently and talked naturally and entertainingly about their lives, influences and music.
And how did it all start for GiveWay? Eleven years ago Kirsty, then aged 4, was given a present of an accordion by her grandparents. Steve and Morag, with no significant musical experience themselves, didn’t think it would mean anything to the girl other than a novely plaything. However, quite soon after receiving the box it became obvious to the family that Kirsty realised that it was more than just an object of amusement. The young girl wasn’t just making a noise – it was tuneful!
Soon sister Fiona caught the bug, took up the fiddle and suddenly it was fun – great fun. And the Johnson girls always emphasise that it has always been this way – fun.
The idea of lessons for the two girls was obvious, and when the twins, Amy and Mairi, were growing up music was already filling the house. In the beginning, Fiona and Kirsty’s studies and lessons covered the classical music scene but the girls recall that when their teacher exposed them to Scottish traditional music something instinctive took hold. They were enchanted.
Mairi was the first of the twins to fall for the magic of the melodies and tunes that her two older sisters practiced. Not to be outdone, she took up the keyboard. Of course, there were still practice lessons, but more and more it was obvious there was fun in group playing. Soon they were a trio and even if they were unaware of it then, they were on their way.
It should be noted that Kirsty and Fiona are also members of KODA, an exhilarating 15-piece young accordion orchestra who have been developed under the sure touch of music teacher Keith Dickson, who is an acknowledged source of encouragement and influence for all of the girls. He is one of the teachers (keyboard and accordion) they mention as significant in their development. Others that they would like to give credit to are Gill Simpson and Mairi Campbell (fiddle) and Matty Foulds and Gordon Smith (drums). As the girls became more technically accomplished they had success individually and together in various competitions and festivals all over the country, but there is no doubt that winning the Danny award at the Glasgow Celtic Connections in January 2001 was a mover and a shaker of a happening.
For a start they came up with their clever name, GiveWay. It was Fiona who noted the proliferating GIVE WAY signs on the roads and thought it was agreat idea to cash in on the free publicity by taking it up as the group’s name. (The Mecca od advertising, Madison Avenue, awaits.) They appeared on the radio, captivating Robbie Shepherd with their unaffected charm and humour, but more importantly the Danny award led to an invitation for GiveWay to support two of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham at the Stonehaven Folk Festival.
Playing their lively jigs, energetic reels and haunting airs GiveWay went down big with the Stonehaven audience. They didn’t just get encores but were requested back on stage at the end of the night by Phil and Aly. Again they won over the audience and were rebooked on the spot for the following year.
It was during the Stonehaven gig that the band met Gerry Sullivan, a sound supreme with P. A. Audio. The band have nothing but the highest praise for Gerry who has spent time helping them realise the sound they seek and has patiently taken them for lessons in stagecraft.
Although GiveWay’s success seems relentless thay have had their disappointments. For instance they were knocked back in their bid to enter the BBC Radio 2 Young Fokm Awards 2001. However, fate stepped in as it often does, and another group had to pull out of one of the semi-final heats. The sisters, obliging as always, filled in at short notice – and won. A place in the final at Broadcasting House in London was theirs, and taking firm hold of their lucky break they went on to win this prestigious award. The competition was seen by many as being the best ever. There was an array of formidable talent and the performances, from such young musicians and singers, were felt by one and all to be of the highest quality. “Just wonderful.” Those competing were Northumbrian fiddle player Peter Tickell, singer Sarah Hayes, innovative Edgbaston singer songwriter / electro experimentalist Jim Moray, unaccompanied singer Siobhan Miller, the folk rockers Celtica, and of course GiveWay.
Kirsty is quite frank and says they didn’t expect to win because the others were so good. “I didn’t hear Maddie Prior call out our name so it was a big surprise when people started pushing us out telling us we’d won! But the whole thing was great. Everyone was nice and gave us a lot of help.”
When the band returned to London for the 2002 awards as the current holders they had enlarged the group with Amy, Mairi’s twin, on percussion/drums. Amy had initially played accordion but somewhere along the way decided she wanted to try the drums. She began with a hi-hat and snare, as they say in show business, the rest is history.
As part of winning the Young Folk Award they appeared at one of Europe’s most prestigious music events, the Cambridge Folk Festival. There were about 15,000 music fans there and the girls again went down a storm. They looked calm but admit they didn’t feel it. They enjoyed meeting lots of interesting people at the event including the legendary Ralph McTell.
When the girls are asked what music they listen to or are influenced by, it is obvious their taste is wide ranging. They name Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Natalie McMaster and La Boutine Souriante but like all young girls they pay attention to the pop scene too. Kirsty mentions Robbie Williams and Blue while big sister Fiona is a fan of Coldplay, Ms Dynamite and Avril Lavigne. In fact, they admit they are open to any influence from Jennifer Lopez to the Celtic band Wolfstone. Some on the music scene, who are close to the band, feel there are comparisons to The Corrs and even Silly Wizard. And the late Joe Strummer, of The Clash, who heard the band at Cambridge, later on radio said that he felt that it was like ceilidh had met jazzman John Coltrane. High praise indeed!
And those close to the girls know they don’t just play Scottish traditional music either. Fiona has often displayed her jazz wizardry and Kirsty can go through a medley of Continental accordion music with accomplished virtuosity.
With their CD coming out in the summer, GiveWay are on the cusp of even greater popularity and fame. So how do they see the future?
Fiona has started writing tunes and pays close attention to arrangements, and they are now introducing vocals into their work. The band readily admit that the thought of touring round the country playing the music they love sounds marvelous but they have their feet firmly on the ground. They realise that anything might happen. For the two older girls there are important school exams on the horizon so the proper use of their time is important, and mum and dad will see to that.
The sisters say that they have always been very lucky. They want to do more and learn more, but can’t really say what lies ahead for them.
However, Kirsty revealingly adds, “I used to want to be a doctor but now I think I would rather be a musician. But we’ll just have to wait and see. But no matter what – it’s great fun.”
Phil Cunningham: “Aly and I were going a gig in Stonehaven and we were told that some kids would be supporting us, little did we know how formidable these ‘kids’ were going to be. It has been amazing to see their music develop over the last few years. I think they’re great young musicians and I can’t wait to begin work on the new album with them. They’re hell of a good fun too!”
Ian Green: “GiveWay is the youngest band ever to be signed to Greentrax, and it is another milestone in our short history. All at Greentrax are absolutely delighted to welcome this talented young band onto the label.”
John Anderson: “The girls have come on tremendously – they’re very talented. At the time I gave them their break at Biggar Club they were ready – very confident and capable. They just needed that wee push to get them on stage. Of course their music teacher, Keith Dickson, teaches locally and the girls come to the club regularly.
When we started the Club Alex MacArthur always said that it could be the making of young players. He had a great ear for spotting talented young musicians, and would join them on stage to support and encourage them. We have carried on that tradition. We wish GiveWay all the best for their musical future”.
Morag Johnson (Mum):”The most important thing is that the girls are having fun….”
Canongate Cadgers in Oman
by Alex Ross
The Canongate Cadgers Ceilidh Band had already been to the Middle East in April 2002 as guest of ‘The Caledonian Society of Oman’ to play at a ceilidh.
However, with the tensions in the Middle East rising by the minute and a war between USA/UK and Iraq a real possibility we had a major dilemma when we were invited back to play at their Annual St Andrews Ball to be held in the fantastic Al Bustan Hotel, Muscat, Oman – would it be safe to travel?
As Ramadan fell last year in November, the St Andrews Ball was to be held on the 31st of October, which was a Thursday (weekends in Middle Eastern countries are on Thursdays and Fridays).
After receiving reassurance from the British Embassy that we would be safe to travel, we flew out on Monday the 28th October on the Edinburgh to London Shuttle, and then on to the long haul. We had a 9 hour flight to Abu Dhabi (Saudi Arabia) for a brief refueling stop, then off again to Muscat Airport in Oman.
As a traveling band the usual concern is damage to equipment, but as the hotel was providing all the PA and drums, we only had the accordion, MIDI unit and fiddle to take with us.
There has been much press coverage lately about damaged and missing accordions, so readers might be interested to know that I had a joiner friend make a custom built, heavy duty, plywood flight case fitted with full protective corners and fittings, lined with 4” thick, high density, polyurethane foam. I put my accordion (5 voice Fantini special with MIDI) in a jiffy bubble sleeve, and when it is placed inside the flight case there is no movement possible. If (when) dropped the energy is absorbed by the foam and bubble. I am pleased to report that, while the case has evidence of taking a beating, the ‘box’ has survived to date unscathed.
The Ball was attended by over 350 enthusiastic guests, all in black tie attire and eager to participate in the night’s dancing.
Following the meal, the entertainment commenced with the RAF Pipe Band of Oman – who were excellent and provided a varied programme of great traditional pipe tunes mixed with local Eastern rhythms. However the biggest surprise was when local Omani dancer in full traditional dress took to the floor, dancing to a lone piper accompanied by various percussion instruments. To say that they were enthusiastic would be an understatement, as they performed what could only be described as a manic ‘Strip the Willow’ routine, with some disco movements thrown in – all providing a unique visual spectacle.
It was then the turn of the MC to introduce The Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band. We started off by playing a set of high energy tunes to get the feet tapping and set the mood for the evening’s dancing programme. This was to be a combination of Scottish country dance sets such as Hamilton House and Petronella, and ceilidh dances including The Flying Scotsman, The OXO Reel as well as evergreen favourites Canadian Barn Dance, Eightsome Reel and Strip the Willow.
To allow the dancers to catch their breath between dances our caller, Marina sharp, entertained the audience with a few solo Highland dance sets. She demonstrated The Flora, Irish Jig (request from the audience), Lilt and The Sword Dance (which was performed using a pair of antique Omani swords). This was well received and greatly appreciated by the whole audience.
Further to providing the Highland dancing demonstration, the band also has a great vocalist in Suzanne Adam. At various intervals during the night she sang songs including Ye Banks and Braes, Jock o’ Hazeldean and Dougie McLean’s much acclaimed Caledonia which, when sung to an ‘Ex Pat’ audience, ensured that there was hardly a dry eye left in the hall.
We continued with the dance programme, playing many encores, and even adding a few request dances – so much so that Auld Lang Syne was put up at almost 3.00 a.m. A night to remember!
The Caledonian Society of Oman did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable. They put us up in a truly world class hotel and took us to see the various sights of interest, including the local forts and markets. All of this made our trip an unforgettable adventure, which we would highly recommend to any other bands lucky enough to have a similar offer.
The Canongate Cadjers are – Alex Ross (accordion), Marina Sharp (caller/dancer), Suzanne Adam (fiddle/vocals) and Kenneth Ross (drums).
Happy 30th Birthday Balloch
Photographs
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Hello, to the folks that called …………………..
CD Reviews
Special Requests Vol 5 – Colin Dewar SDB – SRCD005
Wired Up to The Moon – Ian Cruickshanks SDB – Thane Multimedia Ltd CDN002
Book Review
The MacKintosh Collection – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
1st Feb 03 – Neil Barron SDB + feature on Balloch A&F Club’s 30th Anniversary
8th Feb 03 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB + Session from The queens Hall with Maddrim & Bryan Gear
15th Feb 03 – Craigowl SDB + feature tbc
22nd Feb 03 – David Cunningham SDB + Guests (Live from RMS Queen Mary, California)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 25th Feb 03 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) Feb 03 -
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Feb 03 – David Bell & the Lyne Valley
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 03 – Wayne Robertson & Davie Stewart
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Feb 03 – Ray Carse
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Feb 03 – Iain Anderson
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – Feb 03
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Feb 03 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 17th Feb 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Belford (Community Centre) – 27th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget Trio
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 03 – Club Night
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 03 – Joyce Ramsay & Friends
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Feb 03 – Romano Viazzani
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Feb 03 – Jimmy Cassidy
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Feb 03 - GiveWay
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 6th Feb 03 – Bon Accords
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 03 – Sandy Legget SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 9th Feb 03 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Feb 03 – Colin Dewar
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 12th Feb 03 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) Feb 03
Dingwall (National Hotel) – Feb 03
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Feb 03 – Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Feb 03 – Tom Alexander
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Feb 03
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) – 27th Feb 03 – David Vernon
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Junior Ythan Fiddlers
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 03 – Bill Black SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 23rd Feb 03 – Montrose A&F Club
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Feb 03 – Dingwall A&F Club
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Feb 03 – Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Feb 03 – Wayne Robertson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 20th Feb 03 - GiveWay
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Feb 03 – Roy Magna & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Feb 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Feb 03 - tba
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Feb 03 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Feb 03 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 13th Feb 03 – Iain Cameron Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Feb 03 – Duncan Black Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Feb 03 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Feb 03 – Frank Thompson Trio
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Feb 03 – Derek Edmonds SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 12th Feb 03 – Stuart Anderson
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Feb 03 – Alan Ross SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Feb 03 – Jock Fraser Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Feb 03 – John Morgan
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Feb 03 – Richard Smith Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Feb 03 – Nicky McMichan Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Feb 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 27th Feb 03 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Feb 03 – Gary Donaldson
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 03 – David Oswald Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – Feb 03
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Feb 03 – Ian Thomson SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – Feb 03
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – Feb 03
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 4th Feb 03 – Alistair McCulloch & Morag McAskill
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 03 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Feb 03 – James Coutts SDB
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Feb 03 – Robert Black
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 13th Feb 03 – Local Night 27th Feb 03 – Robert Black
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - Feb 03
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 11th Feb 03 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 03 – Local night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 6th Feb 03 – Charlie & Ian Armour
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – Feb 03
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Feb 03 – James Coutts
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Feb 03 – David MacKenzie & the Wyvis Sound
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith & District
9. Belford
10. Biggar
11. Blairgowrie
12. Button-Key
13. Campsie
14. Carlisle
15. Coalburn
16. Cults
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. Ellon
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Galston
25. Glendale
26. Glenrothes & District
27. Gretna
28. Highland
29. Inveraray
30. Islesteps
31. Kelso
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Montrose
37. Newmill
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Perth
41. Premier
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Shetland
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Turriff
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. Vancouver
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
78. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85. Callander A&F Club (
86. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Club Accord
89. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
119. Wellbank A&F Club
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