Box and Fiddle
Year 18 No 03
November 1994
Introducing the Clubs
No 24 Highland A&F Club
by ?
Talented accordion teacher Alastair Watters was the man responsible for forming a Committee in 1973 which comprised Denis MacKenzie (chairman), Al Watters (Secretary), Walter Larson (Treasurer) and Committee members Mary McKenzie, husband Comrie and Rory MacLeod to act as compere.
The first musical evening took place in November, 1973, in the Cummings Hotel, Inverness. The place was packed with players and enthusiasts alike, and the night was a tremendous success. There were two guest artistes, Tommy Kettles, that very talented solo box player, and Jim Johnstone and his Band. Needless to say, in those early days the Club did not have any equipment, but borrowed this from local musicians who came along with their box and amplifier!
Shortly after the Club moved to new premises, in the Ice Rink, and was able to purchase sound equipment which greatly enhanced the performance of the players taking part, and the enjoyment of the listening enthusiasts.
The hard-working Committee stayed the same for many years until, sadly, Al Watters left the area. He was missed by all for without him, perhaps there may never have been a Club, but fortunately the enthusiasm he generated was transmitted to everybody and the Committee were re-elected year-upon-year. The new Chairman, Ian Redford, took the ‘helm’. A gentle giant from Kirriemuir, who played a mean Shand Morino, and being a personal friend of that great maestro JIMMY SHAND, here was a man who created a great sense of harmony, and there was always a buzz when he was around. Sadly Ian died in October, 1988, and his passing left a great vacuum within the whole of the Highlands and beyond.
In the early days the Club recorded an L.P. produced by Bryce Laing called ‘Buttons and Keys’ which featured John Huband and his Band as well as local artistes, also the local B.B.C. Radio Highland came and recorded a typical Club night.
As well as encouraging young players, the Club has various competitions, and one highlight of previous years has been the Annual Concert in Eden Court Theatre which features the Club Orchestra and the ‘crème de la crème’ of Scottish musical talent from the Club and a top Broadcasting Band – always a sell-out!
Within the Club there are a few very dedicated musicians who form the Orchestra, and they do a tremendous amount of playing for charity and travel extensively to do so.
One of the hallmarks of the Club is the cheerful atmosphere created by the hard-working committees, who from the early days have that ‘buzz’ that is one of the essential ingredients of any successful Club, and the informality and ‘buzz’ are still there!
Most of Scotland’s top musicians have at some time or another appeared at the Club and it’s only fitting that they have two great artistes for their special 21st Birthday on November 21. Ian Cruickshanks from Kirriemuir, that top class button box player, and welcome back to Jim Johnstone and his band who of course played at the opening night of the Club 21 years ago.
It promises to be a fantastic night so why not go along and join in – feel the buzz, you will be most welcome whether a player or not.
Hope to see you there.
No 24 Highland A&F Club
by ?
Talented accordion teacher Alastair Watters was the man responsible for forming a Committee in 1973 which comprised Denis MacKenzie (chairman), Al Watters (Secretary), Walter Larson (Treasurer) and Committee members Mary McKenzie, husband Comrie and Rory MacLeod to act as compere.
The first musical evening took place in November, 1973, in the Cummings Hotel, Inverness. The place was packed with players and enthusiasts alike, and the night was a tremendous success. There were two guest artistes, Tommy Kettles, that very talented solo box player, and Jim Johnstone and his Band. Needless to say, in those early days the Club did not have any equipment, but borrowed this from local musicians who came along with their box and amplifier!
Shortly after the Club moved to new premises, in the Ice Rink, and was able to purchase sound equipment which greatly enhanced the performance of the players taking part, and the enjoyment of the listening enthusiasts.
The hard-working Committee stayed the same for many years until, sadly, Al Watters left the area. He was missed by all for without him, perhaps there may never have been a Club, but fortunately the enthusiasm he generated was transmitted to everybody and the Committee were re-elected year-upon-year. The new Chairman, Ian Redford, took the ‘helm’. A gentle giant from Kirriemuir, who played a mean Shand Morino, and being a personal friend of that great maestro JIMMY SHAND, here was a man who created a great sense of harmony, and there was always a buzz when he was around. Sadly Ian died in October, 1988, and his passing left a great vacuum within the whole of the Highlands and beyond.
In the early days the Club recorded an L.P. produced by Bryce Laing called ‘Buttons and Keys’ which featured John Huband and his Band as well as local artistes, also the local B.B.C. Radio Highland came and recorded a typical Club night.
As well as encouraging young players, the Club has various competitions, and one highlight of previous years has been the Annual Concert in Eden Court Theatre which features the Club Orchestra and the ‘crème de la crème’ of Scottish musical talent from the Club and a top Broadcasting Band – always a sell-out!
Within the Club there are a few very dedicated musicians who form the Orchestra, and they do a tremendous amount of playing for charity and travel extensively to do so.
One of the hallmarks of the Club is the cheerful atmosphere created by the hard-working committees, who from the early days have that ‘buzz’ that is one of the essential ingredients of any successful Club, and the informality and ‘buzz’ are still there!
Most of Scotland’s top musicians have at some time or another appeared at the Club and it’s only fitting that they have two great artistes for their special 21st Birthday on November 21. Ian Cruickshanks from Kirriemuir, that top class button box player, and welcome back to Jim Johnstone and his band who of course played at the opening night of the Club 21 years ago.
It promises to be a fantastic night so why not go along and join in – feel the buzz, you will be most welcome whether a player or not.
Hope to see you there.