Box and Fiddle
Year 06 No 05
January 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
Now that the Christmas and Hogmanay period is over, we can buckle down and get on with the new year. With the will we can do even better.
The police in Ayrshire seem to have been laying down the law quite hard recently. They have closed down Cumnock and Galston Clubs. They reckon it’s not on for an Accordion & Fiddle club to hold their meeting in a private social club. Kenny Thomson, Cumnock, has had to close as there is no suitable hotel in the vicinity. Galston have moved temporarily to Theo’s Restaurant.
I personally can’t see any reason why the police should do these things as there never has been, to my knowledge, any kind, or even a hint of trouble at any meetings. They have always been well conducted and stewarded.
It doesn’t help their public relations when they have to do these things.
Never mind, Tobermory is on the horizon.
Accordion’s Galore ‘82
A Belated Report on the 4th Annual Concert in memory of Will Starr
by Peter Paterson
The event took place in Motherwell’s Civic Centre on Saturday, 9th October, in the now established tradition of the Will Starr Society of ensuring the name and music of Will Starr will forever be remembered.
The show started just after 7 with the accordionists on the march. The featured pupils of the Jean Brown School of Music from Wishaw. Accordionists of all age groups marched on playing the ‘Uist Tramping Song’ to form up on stage, marking time as they played.
On the last chorus I came on stage singing the chorus with them. This introduced me to the audience and the 1982 show was truly on its way.
After saying a few words to the audience I left the stage to the Jean Brown Ensemble which set the atmosphere for the evening.
Second on the programme was a talented group of old age pensioners, the Gardenside Ladies. Owing to technical problems I could not set this act up at this point. A bit of reshuffling and young Kenny, the accordionist from ‘The Heather Lads’ took over. He treated the near capacity audience to a few lively sets. I’m sorry to say Jim Hood, the young singer of the Heather Lads Duo, could not make the show as he had a head injury from a farming accident. I have since learned he has recovered well.
Fourth on the bill was the 1982 Will Starr Memorial Shield Contest, which this year featured Jennifer Forrest, John and George Burns and Una Bryson.
As in earlier years the judges and myself were astounded at the talent of the young contestants, therefore reaching a decision, as usual, would be difficult.
I would like to stress I never take part in the judging, so the adjudication this year was entirely in the hands of Kenny of the Heather Lads and Jackie Gall, the well-known accordionist and music teacher from Coatbridge.
The John McKenna Irish Dancers went through their highly entertaining routine after the contest to the delight of the audience, then young Stewart Abercrombie came on stage to prove his accordion expertise.
After Stewart, it was the slim figure of the Irish Lord of the Accordion, Paddy Neary. I personally had never seen or heard Paddy live, but by the time he had played his first selection I knew I had heard a new, unique accordion sound. I had never been too keen on electronic accordions, but Paddy, with his arrangements and dynamic fingering, demonstrated the full potential of electronics.
At the end of Paddy’s spot he left the stage with the audience clamouring for more. An interval followed this.
Second Half
The second half started off with the full throated sound of the Jean Brown Accordion Orchestra. Jean’s arrangements were certainly played as she intended. The young musicians went through the various selections with great attack or with sensitivity as called for according to the music. They had the great applause they richly deserved.
Solo accordionist John Simpson, another of Jean’s pupils, gave us some fine music after the Orchestra.
Breaking the format a little was Freda Buddy, a young lady from Motherwell. This is the second time Freda has sung on an Accordions Galore Show. What a fine voice Freda has and she was certainly appreciated.
The John McKenna Dancers did their second spot and John himself certainly showed the intricate steps of the Irish Dance.
Nicola Paterson and Lynn Mair, the young accordion duo, followed the dancers with their fresh and easy style. They went down well.
Diane Armstrong did her guest spot next. Diane gets better and better each time I hear her. Her performance enthralled everyone. She, at the very young age of 13, is certainly an accordion star. I am certain she will become, if I may use the modern phrase, a super star in the accordion world very shortly.
The presentation of the Will Starr Memorial Shield 1982 was the next item. The judges found it hard as usual, but finally selected the Burns Accordion Duo from Cumbernauld. Second was the talented lass from Strathaven, Una Bryson and third the fine, young Jennifer Forrest who can interpret Scottish music so well.
All fine musicians in their own right and a credit to the accordion world. Margaret, Will Starr’s sister, presented the trophy and the individual trophies to the contestants. The fine international trophy, is now held by the brothers John and George Burns from Cumbernauld.
Next the Gardenside Ladies came on stage. They sang some lovely Scottish songs and a variety of other numbers. All of them were impeccably dressed in their black skirts and white blouses. Senior citizens but full of spirit. I should mention, owing to the programme reshuffle, they did a ‘skit’ called ‘The Broons’ and it was hilarious, each of them acting out a Dudley D. Walkins character from ‘The Sunday Post Broons Strip’. A very versatile group of ladies.
Then to our top of the bill – Paddy Neary again. The show, as usual, was running late. Paddy asked me “How long will I do?” I said around 15 to 20 minutes. He went on at 10.45 and was not able to finish till 11.30. His repertoire covered all aspects of music from Country and Western to love songs, plus the Irish and the Scottish, all performed in a style of his own, placing him in a category of one of the accordion greats, certainly an accordionist of our time, knowing what to select and what to play to suit any audience.
Paddy summed up when he spoke to the audience on Will Starr. He commented “Thank God for Will Starr, he paved the way for guys like me to make a living doing the thing we want to do, play the accordion.”
And with that the 1982 Accordions Galore Show came to an end, the audience still asking for more.
The Will Starr Concert for 1983 is now open to amateur accordionists of any age.
Final Accordion Bonanza
by Ian Smith
The final Accordion Bonanza was held in the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, on 12th December, the perfect way to begin the Festive Season. This was also Christmas present time for the winners of the three competitions and for once the veterans of the music world stole a march as there wasn’t a youngster in sight.
Well done Alf Silk, Sandy Ingram and John Leslie, you can still show the youngsters a thing or two. This night there were no stars. There couldn’t be as they were all stars in their own right; indeed, each star could head his own show.
The concert got off to a fine start with the Borthwick and District Pipe Band being joined by John Carmichael and his five-piece SDB, accordion, two guitars, piano and drums and they too were joined by the agile Bonanza Dancers, two ladies and four pretty lassies. This was a slick way to start and the fun was kept going by the two comperes Robbie Shepherd and Bill Torrance with their bubbling humour.
Robert and Duncan Black appeared then and treated the audience to some great music, followed by Bill Torrance singing ‘Jock o’ Hazeldean’, with girls weaving a dream dance magic.
Another accordionist, this time Graham Geddes, who kept up the high standard. A change followed with the smooth fiddle of Angus Cameron, a treat for the fiddle conscious.
Bill Black with his button box then entertained as only Bill can.
A duet from Iain MacPhail and Brian Griffin who were joined once again by the Bonanza Dancers and so ended the first half.
The interval was necessary to enable everyone to come back to earth and get their breath back.
Second Half
Immediately the second half started, everyone was once again uplifted by the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra. It was sheer delight to listen to this fine group of talented youngsters.
The results of the competitions came next and were presented by Jimmy Clinkscale. This was for new written music. The Angus Fitchet Trophy is for a traditional fiddle tune and this was won by Sandy Ingram from Forfar for his slow air ‘Peggy Scott’s Delight.’ The Bobby MacLeod Trophy is for a Continental or Musette style piece and this was won by one of life’s gentlemen - Alf Silk from Kilmarnock. A roar of approval went up when his name was announced. The third trophy is the Iain MacPhail Cup for a traditional accordion piece. This one was also a popular winner – John Leslie from Dunbar, with his tune ‘Mr and Mrs Leslie of Grant House’ The three winners were well received, especially when they all elected to play their tunes themselves.
These trophies will be held for one year then competed for again.
The concert was going at a fair pace, no time to breathe, as this magic continued. John Carmichael and his Band and once again the dream weaving of the dancers; a duet by Robbie and Bill had the audience reeling and once again Iain and Brian, all leading up to a crescendo and without hesitation out stepped the lovely Anne Lorne Gillies in a dream of a dress and cast her spell to perfection.
All too soon it was the turn of Jim Johnstone to end a perfect night for this capacity crowd.
Our thanks must go to Jimmy Clinkscale for putting this show together. It confirms that if the theatres put on shows like this they could fill the seats.
Weekend at Pontins
by Mike Clarke (Club Accord)
If there is an accordionists heaven – then Pontins first ever accordion camp must have been close to it.
The event, held at Pontins Sand Bay Holiday Centre at Weston-Super-Mare in early November…………..
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
Here we are then, into the New Year and I expect by the time you are reading this column a fair number of resolutions will have gone to the wall. I hope that bandleaders the length and breadth of the country have resolved in 1983 they will observe the 10th Commandment i.e. they will not covet their neighbour’s second box player, fiddler, drummer, bass player or pianist.
Even if they do covet them then I hope they won’t use them for a broadcast because in 1982 I noted that more and more broadcasting bands were using less and less players which I think is a shame and quite unnecessary. Unless the young players get a chance to show their talents we’ll end up with the situation of bandleaders posting their programmes to the session men a couple of weeks before the recording date and only meeting up with them on the day !
It might be quiet a good idea in 1983 to make all broadcast live sessions – that would then sort out some of the players who quiet obviously could only be in one place at a time, as taping the sessions makes things much easier for the rent-a-band merchants. If it were to cost more to put on these live items then I suggest the BBC and others involved forget about their studio sessions and get out to halls where a few hundred spectators could attend and by making reasonable admission charges a fair percentage of the extra costs could be recouped. These comments might provoke some thought and discussion in certain quarters and bang goes my New Year resolution as I had decided not to be controversial in 1983 and to write only nice things in this column!
Looking Back
During December the ‘TTF’ sessions came from one ‘new’ band and three seasoned campaigners. Making their debut were Tommy Newcomen and the Holly Dance Band who occupied the 4th December spot and after a shaky start came good, although I think I prefer my bands to include a fiddle. Judging from Tommy’s programme content I don’t think he can get much experience of playing for Country Dancing and the speed of the only strathspey he played was far too fast and would have ‘connached’ those dancing. I hope he was tuned in the next Saturday when George Stirrat demonstrated how music for Scottish Country Dancing should be played with the timing of every selection bang on. Similarly, Rob Gordon and Jim Johnstone’s performances in succeeding weeks were of the highest standard. Special mention must be made about the excellent performances in the Christmas Day programme by the current Golden Fiddle Champion, Judith Davidson from Banchory, and Accordion Champion Jacqueline Dick from Freuchie.
Listeners must have gathered from the thunderous applause which greeted their performances in the Town Hall, Elgin, that these two most talented musicians made a tremendous impression on the capacity audience of 800 which had crammed that impressive building for Jim’s Festive contribution and also for the Ne’erday session from John Ellis which will get a further mention next month.
And Ahead
Band sessions coming up shortly on ‘TTF’ will include the evergreen Angus Fitchet on 22nd January, a first from Robert Black on the 370 wavelength with brother Duncan on second box, Graeme Mitchell (piano), Neil McMillan (bass) and Duncan Burns (drums) – this one goes out on the last Saturday of the month and I am looking forward very much to hearing it.
The ‘General’ Alex MacArthur, appears on 5th February with a session recorded just before Christmas in Blairgowrie, while the 12th February spot will be filled by an outfit from the North-East led by weel-kent fiddler Hebbie Gray from Keith. With Hebbie will be Alistair hunter and Alex Sutherland on accordions, Ian Milne (piano), Dave Barclay (bass) and Bill Kemp (drums). George Meikle leads his Lothian Dance Band, this time minus fiddle, on 19th February.
Features
Features planned include the one on guitarist Duncan Finlay which was intended to go out a few weeks ago, also we’ll be hearing some great recording of yesteryear from the great Will Hannah and Robbie will be chatting with Blairgowrie’s fiddle maestro Jimmy Ritchie. Freeland Barbour hopes to get a recording unit along to the NAAFC’s Championships at Musselburgh on 5th March to capture on tape the winners and other items of interest from this event.
Folks Around Robin
A quick telephone call to the Brock household revealed that no date has been set as yet for the return of Radio Forth’s ‘Folk’s Around Robin’ series, but hopefully I may have some more definite news for the next edition.
The Reel Blend
A reminder that Robbie Shepherd’s popular programme now goes out between 7.20pm and 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday evenings.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
A Reel Kick – John Ellis and his Highland Country Band – Lismor
Hop Scotch – John Carmichael and his Band – Steblin
The Golden Fiddle Orchestra – Lismor LILP 5118
Advert
The Heritage of Scotland
International Summer Schools
2nd July through to 3rd September, 1983
Tuition in various aspects of Scottish Culture
Tutors are likely to include the following
Dr Tom Anderson – fiddle
Mr Aly Bain – fiddle
Mr Angus Grant – fiddle
Mr Alistair Hardie – fiddle
Mr Douglas Muir - accordion
Rosemary Wright
by Jimmy Clinkscale
The British College of Accordionists has as its Vice-Principal Rosemary Wright, a woman who has made the accordion her life’s work. And life is the operative word, for Rosemary, still the right side of 30, cannot remember a time when she could not play or read music.
The daughter of music publisher, arranger, teacher and composer Francis Wright, himself Chairman of thje Board of Administration of the British College of Accordionists, that examining body covering the whole of the UK as well as Malta, Rosemary has, for as long as she can recall, been steeped in the music of the accordion.
By the time she was three she had started to play and by the time she was three-and-a-half she was reading music, before, in fact, she could even read the alphabet.
“I don’t remember learning how to play” laughs Rosemary, a Leicester lass through and through “it was just something I was always able to do.”
Solo Concert
At five years old, the stage when most children are just graduating to Primary School to learn the three ‘r’s’ Rosemary had given her first solo concert in Leicester’s Edward Wood Hall. One of her major influences, the great Charles Camilleri, was present to watch the youngster going through her paces.
As 14 she achieved her Licenciate of the British College of Accordionists (LBCA) and the following year started to teach after winning the British Junior Championship, playing her father’s composition ’Extravaganza’ without the benefit of sheet music and before an audience of over 3,000 at the Evening Gala concert.
At that time Rosemary only taught children; adults, no doubt, would have felt intimidated by this perky youngster telling them how it should be done! Passing her ABCA Teacher Diploma at the age of 17 and becoming the first accordionist to be awarded the arduous LBCA (TD) Diploma, Rosemary became an examiner with the College in 1975, since then travelling to most parts of the UK and also to Malta, teaching and conduction examinations.
“I enjoy teaching” she says. “I will instruct anyone who is willing to learn.” Rosemary says she finds girls easier to teach than boys, but as they grow older the male of the species become more persistent as girls find other things to distract them.
Teaching, she says, gives her job satisfaction.
“I enjoy imparting knowledge and I enjoy seeing the results coming from my efforts. What really frustrates me, however, is when someone has the talent but they do nothing about it, or are too lazy to want to do anything about it.”
Rosemary enjoys teaching as much as playing. She herself has given many splendid concert performances over the years, both solo and as leader of the BCA Orchestra, a position she has held since turning 20.
Incidentally, she was the first accordionist to perform with the free-bass at junior level and also the first to perform on the BBC’s local radio network, broadcasting on Radio Leicester only a few weeks after it took to the air as the Beeb’s first local radio station in 1967.
Area Champion
She was 15 at the time and can’t remember what she played, but was asked on to the programme as the East Midlands Area Champion.
During 1981, Rosemary was appointed Vice-Principal by the Governing Council of the College, joining her father Francis (who also by the way edits the revitalized ‘Accordion Times’) on the Board of Administration.
Since then she has added the A.Mus. TCL and the A.Mus. LCM to her extensive list of qualifications and continues to travel throughout the country as an examiner and adjudicator.
Standards of playing, she says, are definitely improving, but like many people who take their accordion seriously, she would like to see it treated with more respect, particularly by the universities.
Rosemary has examined in Scotland five times, and Malta twice. “People take it very seriously over there” she points out, “and standards are improving all the time.” Due, in part, no doubt, to Rosemary’s interest and commitment, although she is too modest to admit it.
She enjoys the accordion for its completeness within itself, for its variety and for its tone. But Rosemary has other strings to her bow. She also enjoys guitar and teaches acoustic guitar. Clarinet and piano are her other talents and Rosemary also used to teach these, but, understandably, finds little time to do so now.
She would like more time for writing, but this is something that will have to be put off for a rainy day – again because of time.
Teaching takes it all, but Rosemary doesn’t mind.
She is impressed by the number of candidates in Scotland eager to sit exams, but even more impressed by the number of people who play the instrument.
“The standards are very high” she explains. “even among people who just play it for entertainment, in folk clubs for example. They obviously simply enjoy playing the instrument and don’t see the need to sit exams in it. Exams are not the be all and end all of tuition. They just provide a useful yardstick for progress.”
And Rosemary is no stranger to Scotland or the Scots. As already pointed out, she is a frequent visitor north of the Border and is also in fact half-Scottish, her mother hailing from Glasgow before she met husband Francis after the last war.
High Standards
Rosemary hesitated to predict what she would be doing in the next 10 or twenty years. There are plenty of options open to her and many things she would like to do. But at the moment she is happy in her work. As long as she stays there and maintains the high standards she has set the future of accordion music, in Britain and Malta, at least is assured.
Max Houliston
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Looking back, Max Houliston could be described as one of the saviours of Scottish accordion music. For it was in the mid-60’s, in the face of declining interest in the accordion, the spread of television and heyday of the Beatles and popular music, that Max, the likeable Dumfries pub licensee and businessman, decided to launch an idea previously unheard of – an Accordion Club.
From those early days, despite a disastrous first night, the movement has spread throughout the country, until now almost any community with an interest in the accordion can boast a Club. And Clubs too have given a lot back, encouraging youngsters, promoting new faces and maintaining interest in one of the finest instruments in the world.
Max himself is staggered by way the movement has taken off. He takes up the story :
“About 1965 I realised that even in the Dumfries area there must be about a dozen players sitting at home unable to find an audience. There was no demand for them. Almost every home had a television and demand for concert parties of singers and musicians had fallen.
“I thought these people deserved to be heard so I advertised in the local paper telling everyone who could play or who wanted to hear the accordion to come along to the ‘Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’ (the Dumfries Pub that Max took on in 1963.)
That first night in April 1965 did not exactly set the heather on fire. Three players turned up, almost outnumbering the audience! Max thought it was the end but decided to give it another try in September this time announcing Glasgow fiddle player Bobby Harvey as a ‘guest artiste.’
The audience trebled and went on doing that month by month. Word spread that something was going on in the Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn until the lounge bar was packed every month.
“People were even coming from as far afield as Langholm” recalls Max. “They had never heard of an Accordion Club and thought they must come and hear what was going on.”
Those enthusiasts then started their own Club in Langholm and another was started in Gretna by Jimmy Norman and from there the rest is history. Straiton, Galston, Milgavie, Newton St Boswells, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen - Clubs spread northward throughout the country until today some of the best can be heard in the north, in places like the Orkneys and the Shetlands.
“An Accordion Club is marvelous for any youngster” says Max. “They can come along, see how it should be done and get the chance to perform themselves.”
He still can’t quite work out why no-one thought of the idea before. But he reckons he had all the ingredients – a place to perform and his own talent on the piano accordion. “I could start the thing off you see. The opening spot is the worst in any club. But I warmed up the audience and the other players could come on and enjoy themselves.”
Max certainly knows how important it is to be encouraged by others. Three people have featured significantly in his development as a player – his great hero Bobby MacLeod and his old friends and members of his band for almost 20 years, Ian Austin and Gordon Young, both ‘Doonhamers’ hike Max himself.
He began playing when he was ten. His father, Robert, had played button accordion but it was after a friend had given the family a present of a piano accordion that Max started taking lessons in Dumfries with Alex Carter, who died only recently. Carter also taught Max’s near neighbour and close friend Ian Holmes.
That accordion has since disappeared in the mists of time. But Max still plays the accordion – the Hohner Morino Domino V – he first picked up 20 years ago.
He wanted it because he saw Bobby MacLeod playing it one when he came to nearly Moniaive with his band.
“That was the big breakthrough for me” says Max. “After hearing Bobby, I remember leaving the dance hall and thinking ‘I must get home and start practicing right away,’ It was so marvelous to hear him. It was so alive. I just wanted to be like him. It was a magic evening that I will never forget. I thought if I couldn’t play like him I might as well get the same instrument.”
There is a dividing line down Scotland, says Max. The folk on the west still play like Bobby MacLeod and those on the east like Jimmy Shand. First impressions are obviously lasting impressions.
It was after Max came out of two years National Service (during which he played in the Royal Signals Corps Dance Band) that he met up with Ian Austin (now a full-time music teacher) and Gordon Young.
They opened Max’s eyes to the joys of arrangements.
“If I hadn’t met them I would probably have stayed with musicians who would have kept me at the same level.” He reveals. “We started up a band, and for once the leader was probably the poorest musician! They were a bit older than I was, knew the game inside out, and pointed me in the right direction.”
That, says Max, was the turning point. He realised there was more to playing than simply assembling a hotch-potch of musicians and hoping for the best. He also acknowledges a debt to the late Davie Whitehead, ex pianist with the Bobby MacLeod band, who taught him much about modern arrangements.
By 1965, the same year that Max began the Accordion Club, the band had passed an audition with the BBC and performed on the radio in a programme called ‘For Your Entertainment.’
From there they expanded into a six-piece and began broadcasting and touring on a regular basis, including trips to Canada and the south of England.
The band is still the same as it was then and playing better than ever. Max is first accordion, Ian Austin on piano and Gordon Young, bass. The three newcomers are Leadhills gamekeeper Kenny Wilson on fiddle, Billy Thom from Dunblane on drums and Archie Duncan, formerly a resident accordionist with the BBC, on second accordion.
But he has never considered turning professional. “Touring with David Webster down south and in Canada taught me that I just wasn’t suited to living out of a suitcase.” He says. “I’m much too happy with my home life.”
Music is not now the most important thing in Max’s life. He has plenty of other interests to occupy his time. Like, for example, a sports centre next to his sprawling 19th century home on the outskirts of Dumfries. Like the Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn and Oughton’s a former Reo Stakis Restaurant and the new venue for the Accordion Club.
Max still plays of course – four nights a week in the Hole I’ the Wa’ but he admits he just doesn’t have the time to practice as often as he would like.
The Accordion Clubs, he says, have greatly improved the standard of playing.
“It is way above what it was when I started. I don’t know anyone nowadays who goes into a studio without being able to read music. People go to teachers and realise that, if you want to be like the Jim Johnstones and the Paddy Nearys, you must learn the instrument and practice.
“to be quite honest, I find the standard frightening today. I go to Clubs and think ‘why did they invite me here?’ There are semi-professionals on the radio today who are as good as any professional, simply through dedication.”
Modest as ever, that’s our Max. But if it hadn’t been for him would things be as rosy today? That’s something you can talk over – maybe even at the next meeting of you local Accordion Club!
Letters to the Editor
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 26 Jan 83 Willie McFarlane SDB 23 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 27 Jan 83 Winchester Trio
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 5 Feb 83 Anda Campbell SDB 26 Feb 83 Colin Finlayson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 8 Feb 83 Iain MacPhail Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3 Feb 83 Currie Brothers
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) –
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 27 Jan 83 Iain Peterson Trio
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 24 Jan 83 Alex Fitzsimmons Fintry Ceilidh Band
Forres (Brig Motel) – 26 Jan 83 Burns Night 9 Feb 83 Highland Club
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) – 8 Feb 83 Paddy Neary
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 14 Feb 83
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Billy Anderson Trio
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam Hotel) – 26 Jan 83 Alan Roy
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Feb 83 The Grampian Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10 Feb 83 Kerry & David
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 17 Feb 83 Dunblane Club
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 3 Feb 83 Ian Holmes Trio
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 7 Feb 83 Tommy Ford & Jim Cleland
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31 Jan 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
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 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 27 Jan 83 Jimmy Blue and Willie Simpson
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15 Feb 83 Jacqueline Dick SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 14 Feb 83 Stuart Anderson
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 7 Feb 83 Dounreay S&R Society and Thurso Pipers
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Campbeltown
5. Castle Douglas
6. Dalriada
7. Dunblane & District
8. Dundee & District
9. Dunfermline & District
10. Forres
11. Fort William
12. Galashiels
13. Highland
14. Kelso
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingstone
18. M.A.F.I.A.
19. North Cumbria
20. Ormiston
21. Perth & District
22. Shetland
23. Stranraer
24. Thurso
25. 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. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
14. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
15. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
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. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monkland A&F Club
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
48. 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)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire) (c March 1982)
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
Now that the Christmas and Hogmanay period is over, we can buckle down and get on with the new year. With the will we can do even better.
The police in Ayrshire seem to have been laying down the law quite hard recently. They have closed down Cumnock and Galston Clubs. They reckon it’s not on for an Accordion & Fiddle club to hold their meeting in a private social club. Kenny Thomson, Cumnock, has had to close as there is no suitable hotel in the vicinity. Galston have moved temporarily to Theo’s Restaurant.
I personally can’t see any reason why the police should do these things as there never has been, to my knowledge, any kind, or even a hint of trouble at any meetings. They have always been well conducted and stewarded.
It doesn’t help their public relations when they have to do these things.
Never mind, Tobermory is on the horizon.
Accordion’s Galore ‘82
A Belated Report on the 4th Annual Concert in memory of Will Starr
by Peter Paterson
The event took place in Motherwell’s Civic Centre on Saturday, 9th October, in the now established tradition of the Will Starr Society of ensuring the name and music of Will Starr will forever be remembered.
The show started just after 7 with the accordionists on the march. The featured pupils of the Jean Brown School of Music from Wishaw. Accordionists of all age groups marched on playing the ‘Uist Tramping Song’ to form up on stage, marking time as they played.
On the last chorus I came on stage singing the chorus with them. This introduced me to the audience and the 1982 show was truly on its way.
After saying a few words to the audience I left the stage to the Jean Brown Ensemble which set the atmosphere for the evening.
Second on the programme was a talented group of old age pensioners, the Gardenside Ladies. Owing to technical problems I could not set this act up at this point. A bit of reshuffling and young Kenny, the accordionist from ‘The Heather Lads’ took over. He treated the near capacity audience to a few lively sets. I’m sorry to say Jim Hood, the young singer of the Heather Lads Duo, could not make the show as he had a head injury from a farming accident. I have since learned he has recovered well.
Fourth on the bill was the 1982 Will Starr Memorial Shield Contest, which this year featured Jennifer Forrest, John and George Burns and Una Bryson.
As in earlier years the judges and myself were astounded at the talent of the young contestants, therefore reaching a decision, as usual, would be difficult.
I would like to stress I never take part in the judging, so the adjudication this year was entirely in the hands of Kenny of the Heather Lads and Jackie Gall, the well-known accordionist and music teacher from Coatbridge.
The John McKenna Irish Dancers went through their highly entertaining routine after the contest to the delight of the audience, then young Stewart Abercrombie came on stage to prove his accordion expertise.
After Stewart, it was the slim figure of the Irish Lord of the Accordion, Paddy Neary. I personally had never seen or heard Paddy live, but by the time he had played his first selection I knew I had heard a new, unique accordion sound. I had never been too keen on electronic accordions, but Paddy, with his arrangements and dynamic fingering, demonstrated the full potential of electronics.
At the end of Paddy’s spot he left the stage with the audience clamouring for more. An interval followed this.
Second Half
The second half started off with the full throated sound of the Jean Brown Accordion Orchestra. Jean’s arrangements were certainly played as she intended. The young musicians went through the various selections with great attack or with sensitivity as called for according to the music. They had the great applause they richly deserved.
Solo accordionist John Simpson, another of Jean’s pupils, gave us some fine music after the Orchestra.
Breaking the format a little was Freda Buddy, a young lady from Motherwell. This is the second time Freda has sung on an Accordions Galore Show. What a fine voice Freda has and she was certainly appreciated.
The John McKenna Dancers did their second spot and John himself certainly showed the intricate steps of the Irish Dance.
Nicola Paterson and Lynn Mair, the young accordion duo, followed the dancers with their fresh and easy style. They went down well.
Diane Armstrong did her guest spot next. Diane gets better and better each time I hear her. Her performance enthralled everyone. She, at the very young age of 13, is certainly an accordion star. I am certain she will become, if I may use the modern phrase, a super star in the accordion world very shortly.
The presentation of the Will Starr Memorial Shield 1982 was the next item. The judges found it hard as usual, but finally selected the Burns Accordion Duo from Cumbernauld. Second was the talented lass from Strathaven, Una Bryson and third the fine, young Jennifer Forrest who can interpret Scottish music so well.
All fine musicians in their own right and a credit to the accordion world. Margaret, Will Starr’s sister, presented the trophy and the individual trophies to the contestants. The fine international trophy, is now held by the brothers John and George Burns from Cumbernauld.
Next the Gardenside Ladies came on stage. They sang some lovely Scottish songs and a variety of other numbers. All of them were impeccably dressed in their black skirts and white blouses. Senior citizens but full of spirit. I should mention, owing to the programme reshuffle, they did a ‘skit’ called ‘The Broons’ and it was hilarious, each of them acting out a Dudley D. Walkins character from ‘The Sunday Post Broons Strip’. A very versatile group of ladies.
Then to our top of the bill – Paddy Neary again. The show, as usual, was running late. Paddy asked me “How long will I do?” I said around 15 to 20 minutes. He went on at 10.45 and was not able to finish till 11.30. His repertoire covered all aspects of music from Country and Western to love songs, plus the Irish and the Scottish, all performed in a style of his own, placing him in a category of one of the accordion greats, certainly an accordionist of our time, knowing what to select and what to play to suit any audience.
Paddy summed up when he spoke to the audience on Will Starr. He commented “Thank God for Will Starr, he paved the way for guys like me to make a living doing the thing we want to do, play the accordion.”
And with that the 1982 Accordions Galore Show came to an end, the audience still asking for more.
The Will Starr Concert for 1983 is now open to amateur accordionists of any age.
Final Accordion Bonanza
by Ian Smith
The final Accordion Bonanza was held in the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, on 12th December, the perfect way to begin the Festive Season. This was also Christmas present time for the winners of the three competitions and for once the veterans of the music world stole a march as there wasn’t a youngster in sight.
Well done Alf Silk, Sandy Ingram and John Leslie, you can still show the youngsters a thing or two. This night there were no stars. There couldn’t be as they were all stars in their own right; indeed, each star could head his own show.
The concert got off to a fine start with the Borthwick and District Pipe Band being joined by John Carmichael and his five-piece SDB, accordion, two guitars, piano and drums and they too were joined by the agile Bonanza Dancers, two ladies and four pretty lassies. This was a slick way to start and the fun was kept going by the two comperes Robbie Shepherd and Bill Torrance with their bubbling humour.
Robert and Duncan Black appeared then and treated the audience to some great music, followed by Bill Torrance singing ‘Jock o’ Hazeldean’, with girls weaving a dream dance magic.
Another accordionist, this time Graham Geddes, who kept up the high standard. A change followed with the smooth fiddle of Angus Cameron, a treat for the fiddle conscious.
Bill Black with his button box then entertained as only Bill can.
A duet from Iain MacPhail and Brian Griffin who were joined once again by the Bonanza Dancers and so ended the first half.
The interval was necessary to enable everyone to come back to earth and get their breath back.
Second Half
Immediately the second half started, everyone was once again uplifted by the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra. It was sheer delight to listen to this fine group of talented youngsters.
The results of the competitions came next and were presented by Jimmy Clinkscale. This was for new written music. The Angus Fitchet Trophy is for a traditional fiddle tune and this was won by Sandy Ingram from Forfar for his slow air ‘Peggy Scott’s Delight.’ The Bobby MacLeod Trophy is for a Continental or Musette style piece and this was won by one of life’s gentlemen - Alf Silk from Kilmarnock. A roar of approval went up when his name was announced. The third trophy is the Iain MacPhail Cup for a traditional accordion piece. This one was also a popular winner – John Leslie from Dunbar, with his tune ‘Mr and Mrs Leslie of Grant House’ The three winners were well received, especially when they all elected to play their tunes themselves.
These trophies will be held for one year then competed for again.
The concert was going at a fair pace, no time to breathe, as this magic continued. John Carmichael and his Band and once again the dream weaving of the dancers; a duet by Robbie and Bill had the audience reeling and once again Iain and Brian, all leading up to a crescendo and without hesitation out stepped the lovely Anne Lorne Gillies in a dream of a dress and cast her spell to perfection.
All too soon it was the turn of Jim Johnstone to end a perfect night for this capacity crowd.
Our thanks must go to Jimmy Clinkscale for putting this show together. It confirms that if the theatres put on shows like this they could fill the seats.
Weekend at Pontins
by Mike Clarke (Club Accord)
If there is an accordionists heaven – then Pontins first ever accordion camp must have been close to it.
The event, held at Pontins Sand Bay Holiday Centre at Weston-Super-Mare in early November…………..
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
Here we are then, into the New Year and I expect by the time you are reading this column a fair number of resolutions will have gone to the wall. I hope that bandleaders the length and breadth of the country have resolved in 1983 they will observe the 10th Commandment i.e. they will not covet their neighbour’s second box player, fiddler, drummer, bass player or pianist.
Even if they do covet them then I hope they won’t use them for a broadcast because in 1982 I noted that more and more broadcasting bands were using less and less players which I think is a shame and quite unnecessary. Unless the young players get a chance to show their talents we’ll end up with the situation of bandleaders posting their programmes to the session men a couple of weeks before the recording date and only meeting up with them on the day !
It might be quiet a good idea in 1983 to make all broadcast live sessions – that would then sort out some of the players who quiet obviously could only be in one place at a time, as taping the sessions makes things much easier for the rent-a-band merchants. If it were to cost more to put on these live items then I suggest the BBC and others involved forget about their studio sessions and get out to halls where a few hundred spectators could attend and by making reasonable admission charges a fair percentage of the extra costs could be recouped. These comments might provoke some thought and discussion in certain quarters and bang goes my New Year resolution as I had decided not to be controversial in 1983 and to write only nice things in this column!
Looking Back
During December the ‘TTF’ sessions came from one ‘new’ band and three seasoned campaigners. Making their debut were Tommy Newcomen and the Holly Dance Band who occupied the 4th December spot and after a shaky start came good, although I think I prefer my bands to include a fiddle. Judging from Tommy’s programme content I don’t think he can get much experience of playing for Country Dancing and the speed of the only strathspey he played was far too fast and would have ‘connached’ those dancing. I hope he was tuned in the next Saturday when George Stirrat demonstrated how music for Scottish Country Dancing should be played with the timing of every selection bang on. Similarly, Rob Gordon and Jim Johnstone’s performances in succeeding weeks were of the highest standard. Special mention must be made about the excellent performances in the Christmas Day programme by the current Golden Fiddle Champion, Judith Davidson from Banchory, and Accordion Champion Jacqueline Dick from Freuchie.
Listeners must have gathered from the thunderous applause which greeted their performances in the Town Hall, Elgin, that these two most talented musicians made a tremendous impression on the capacity audience of 800 which had crammed that impressive building for Jim’s Festive contribution and also for the Ne’erday session from John Ellis which will get a further mention next month.
And Ahead
Band sessions coming up shortly on ‘TTF’ will include the evergreen Angus Fitchet on 22nd January, a first from Robert Black on the 370 wavelength with brother Duncan on second box, Graeme Mitchell (piano), Neil McMillan (bass) and Duncan Burns (drums) – this one goes out on the last Saturday of the month and I am looking forward very much to hearing it.
The ‘General’ Alex MacArthur, appears on 5th February with a session recorded just before Christmas in Blairgowrie, while the 12th February spot will be filled by an outfit from the North-East led by weel-kent fiddler Hebbie Gray from Keith. With Hebbie will be Alistair hunter and Alex Sutherland on accordions, Ian Milne (piano), Dave Barclay (bass) and Bill Kemp (drums). George Meikle leads his Lothian Dance Band, this time minus fiddle, on 19th February.
Features
Features planned include the one on guitarist Duncan Finlay which was intended to go out a few weeks ago, also we’ll be hearing some great recording of yesteryear from the great Will Hannah and Robbie will be chatting with Blairgowrie’s fiddle maestro Jimmy Ritchie. Freeland Barbour hopes to get a recording unit along to the NAAFC’s Championships at Musselburgh on 5th March to capture on tape the winners and other items of interest from this event.
Folks Around Robin
A quick telephone call to the Brock household revealed that no date has been set as yet for the return of Radio Forth’s ‘Folk’s Around Robin’ series, but hopefully I may have some more definite news for the next edition.
The Reel Blend
A reminder that Robbie Shepherd’s popular programme now goes out between 7.20pm and 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday evenings.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
A Reel Kick – John Ellis and his Highland Country Band – Lismor
Hop Scotch – John Carmichael and his Band – Steblin
The Golden Fiddle Orchestra – Lismor LILP 5118
Advert
The Heritage of Scotland
International Summer Schools
2nd July through to 3rd September, 1983
Tuition in various aspects of Scottish Culture
Tutors are likely to include the following
Dr Tom Anderson – fiddle
Mr Aly Bain – fiddle
Mr Angus Grant – fiddle
Mr Alistair Hardie – fiddle
Mr Douglas Muir - accordion
Rosemary Wright
by Jimmy Clinkscale
The British College of Accordionists has as its Vice-Principal Rosemary Wright, a woman who has made the accordion her life’s work. And life is the operative word, for Rosemary, still the right side of 30, cannot remember a time when she could not play or read music.
The daughter of music publisher, arranger, teacher and composer Francis Wright, himself Chairman of thje Board of Administration of the British College of Accordionists, that examining body covering the whole of the UK as well as Malta, Rosemary has, for as long as she can recall, been steeped in the music of the accordion.
By the time she was three she had started to play and by the time she was three-and-a-half she was reading music, before, in fact, she could even read the alphabet.
“I don’t remember learning how to play” laughs Rosemary, a Leicester lass through and through “it was just something I was always able to do.”
Solo Concert
At five years old, the stage when most children are just graduating to Primary School to learn the three ‘r’s’ Rosemary had given her first solo concert in Leicester’s Edward Wood Hall. One of her major influences, the great Charles Camilleri, was present to watch the youngster going through her paces.
As 14 she achieved her Licenciate of the British College of Accordionists (LBCA) and the following year started to teach after winning the British Junior Championship, playing her father’s composition ’Extravaganza’ without the benefit of sheet music and before an audience of over 3,000 at the Evening Gala concert.
At that time Rosemary only taught children; adults, no doubt, would have felt intimidated by this perky youngster telling them how it should be done! Passing her ABCA Teacher Diploma at the age of 17 and becoming the first accordionist to be awarded the arduous LBCA (TD) Diploma, Rosemary became an examiner with the College in 1975, since then travelling to most parts of the UK and also to Malta, teaching and conduction examinations.
“I enjoy teaching” she says. “I will instruct anyone who is willing to learn.” Rosemary says she finds girls easier to teach than boys, but as they grow older the male of the species become more persistent as girls find other things to distract them.
Teaching, she says, gives her job satisfaction.
“I enjoy imparting knowledge and I enjoy seeing the results coming from my efforts. What really frustrates me, however, is when someone has the talent but they do nothing about it, or are too lazy to want to do anything about it.”
Rosemary enjoys teaching as much as playing. She herself has given many splendid concert performances over the years, both solo and as leader of the BCA Orchestra, a position she has held since turning 20.
Incidentally, she was the first accordionist to perform with the free-bass at junior level and also the first to perform on the BBC’s local radio network, broadcasting on Radio Leicester only a few weeks after it took to the air as the Beeb’s first local radio station in 1967.
Area Champion
She was 15 at the time and can’t remember what she played, but was asked on to the programme as the East Midlands Area Champion.
During 1981, Rosemary was appointed Vice-Principal by the Governing Council of the College, joining her father Francis (who also by the way edits the revitalized ‘Accordion Times’) on the Board of Administration.
Since then she has added the A.Mus. TCL and the A.Mus. LCM to her extensive list of qualifications and continues to travel throughout the country as an examiner and adjudicator.
Standards of playing, she says, are definitely improving, but like many people who take their accordion seriously, she would like to see it treated with more respect, particularly by the universities.
Rosemary has examined in Scotland five times, and Malta twice. “People take it very seriously over there” she points out, “and standards are improving all the time.” Due, in part, no doubt, to Rosemary’s interest and commitment, although she is too modest to admit it.
She enjoys the accordion for its completeness within itself, for its variety and for its tone. But Rosemary has other strings to her bow. She also enjoys guitar and teaches acoustic guitar. Clarinet and piano are her other talents and Rosemary also used to teach these, but, understandably, finds little time to do so now.
She would like more time for writing, but this is something that will have to be put off for a rainy day – again because of time.
Teaching takes it all, but Rosemary doesn’t mind.
She is impressed by the number of candidates in Scotland eager to sit exams, but even more impressed by the number of people who play the instrument.
“The standards are very high” she explains. “even among people who just play it for entertainment, in folk clubs for example. They obviously simply enjoy playing the instrument and don’t see the need to sit exams in it. Exams are not the be all and end all of tuition. They just provide a useful yardstick for progress.”
And Rosemary is no stranger to Scotland or the Scots. As already pointed out, she is a frequent visitor north of the Border and is also in fact half-Scottish, her mother hailing from Glasgow before she met husband Francis after the last war.
High Standards
Rosemary hesitated to predict what she would be doing in the next 10 or twenty years. There are plenty of options open to her and many things she would like to do. But at the moment she is happy in her work. As long as she stays there and maintains the high standards she has set the future of accordion music, in Britain and Malta, at least is assured.
Max Houliston
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Looking back, Max Houliston could be described as one of the saviours of Scottish accordion music. For it was in the mid-60’s, in the face of declining interest in the accordion, the spread of television and heyday of the Beatles and popular music, that Max, the likeable Dumfries pub licensee and businessman, decided to launch an idea previously unheard of – an Accordion Club.
From those early days, despite a disastrous first night, the movement has spread throughout the country, until now almost any community with an interest in the accordion can boast a Club. And Clubs too have given a lot back, encouraging youngsters, promoting new faces and maintaining interest in one of the finest instruments in the world.
Max himself is staggered by way the movement has taken off. He takes up the story :
“About 1965 I realised that even in the Dumfries area there must be about a dozen players sitting at home unable to find an audience. There was no demand for them. Almost every home had a television and demand for concert parties of singers and musicians had fallen.
“I thought these people deserved to be heard so I advertised in the local paper telling everyone who could play or who wanted to hear the accordion to come along to the ‘Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’ (the Dumfries Pub that Max took on in 1963.)
That first night in April 1965 did not exactly set the heather on fire. Three players turned up, almost outnumbering the audience! Max thought it was the end but decided to give it another try in September this time announcing Glasgow fiddle player Bobby Harvey as a ‘guest artiste.’
The audience trebled and went on doing that month by month. Word spread that something was going on in the Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn until the lounge bar was packed every month.
“People were even coming from as far afield as Langholm” recalls Max. “They had never heard of an Accordion Club and thought they must come and hear what was going on.”
Those enthusiasts then started their own Club in Langholm and another was started in Gretna by Jimmy Norman and from there the rest is history. Straiton, Galston, Milgavie, Newton St Boswells, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen - Clubs spread northward throughout the country until today some of the best can be heard in the north, in places like the Orkneys and the Shetlands.
“An Accordion Club is marvelous for any youngster” says Max. “They can come along, see how it should be done and get the chance to perform themselves.”
He still can’t quite work out why no-one thought of the idea before. But he reckons he had all the ingredients – a place to perform and his own talent on the piano accordion. “I could start the thing off you see. The opening spot is the worst in any club. But I warmed up the audience and the other players could come on and enjoy themselves.”
Max certainly knows how important it is to be encouraged by others. Three people have featured significantly in his development as a player – his great hero Bobby MacLeod and his old friends and members of his band for almost 20 years, Ian Austin and Gordon Young, both ‘Doonhamers’ hike Max himself.
He began playing when he was ten. His father, Robert, had played button accordion but it was after a friend had given the family a present of a piano accordion that Max started taking lessons in Dumfries with Alex Carter, who died only recently. Carter also taught Max’s near neighbour and close friend Ian Holmes.
That accordion has since disappeared in the mists of time. But Max still plays the accordion – the Hohner Morino Domino V – he first picked up 20 years ago.
He wanted it because he saw Bobby MacLeod playing it one when he came to nearly Moniaive with his band.
“That was the big breakthrough for me” says Max. “After hearing Bobby, I remember leaving the dance hall and thinking ‘I must get home and start practicing right away,’ It was so marvelous to hear him. It was so alive. I just wanted to be like him. It was a magic evening that I will never forget. I thought if I couldn’t play like him I might as well get the same instrument.”
There is a dividing line down Scotland, says Max. The folk on the west still play like Bobby MacLeod and those on the east like Jimmy Shand. First impressions are obviously lasting impressions.
It was after Max came out of two years National Service (during which he played in the Royal Signals Corps Dance Band) that he met up with Ian Austin (now a full-time music teacher) and Gordon Young.
They opened Max’s eyes to the joys of arrangements.
“If I hadn’t met them I would probably have stayed with musicians who would have kept me at the same level.” He reveals. “We started up a band, and for once the leader was probably the poorest musician! They were a bit older than I was, knew the game inside out, and pointed me in the right direction.”
That, says Max, was the turning point. He realised there was more to playing than simply assembling a hotch-potch of musicians and hoping for the best. He also acknowledges a debt to the late Davie Whitehead, ex pianist with the Bobby MacLeod band, who taught him much about modern arrangements.
By 1965, the same year that Max began the Accordion Club, the band had passed an audition with the BBC and performed on the radio in a programme called ‘For Your Entertainment.’
From there they expanded into a six-piece and began broadcasting and touring on a regular basis, including trips to Canada and the south of England.
The band is still the same as it was then and playing better than ever. Max is first accordion, Ian Austin on piano and Gordon Young, bass. The three newcomers are Leadhills gamekeeper Kenny Wilson on fiddle, Billy Thom from Dunblane on drums and Archie Duncan, formerly a resident accordionist with the BBC, on second accordion.
But he has never considered turning professional. “Touring with David Webster down south and in Canada taught me that I just wasn’t suited to living out of a suitcase.” He says. “I’m much too happy with my home life.”
Music is not now the most important thing in Max’s life. He has plenty of other interests to occupy his time. Like, for example, a sports centre next to his sprawling 19th century home on the outskirts of Dumfries. Like the Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn and Oughton’s a former Reo Stakis Restaurant and the new venue for the Accordion Club.
Max still plays of course – four nights a week in the Hole I’ the Wa’ but he admits he just doesn’t have the time to practice as often as he would like.
The Accordion Clubs, he says, have greatly improved the standard of playing.
“It is way above what it was when I started. I don’t know anyone nowadays who goes into a studio without being able to read music. People go to teachers and realise that, if you want to be like the Jim Johnstones and the Paddy Nearys, you must learn the instrument and practice.
“to be quite honest, I find the standard frightening today. I go to Clubs and think ‘why did they invite me here?’ There are semi-professionals on the radio today who are as good as any professional, simply through dedication.”
Modest as ever, that’s our Max. But if it hadn’t been for him would things be as rosy today? That’s something you can talk over – maybe even at the next meeting of you local Accordion Club!
Letters to the Editor
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 26 Jan 83 Willie McFarlane SDB 23 Feb 83 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 27 Jan 83 Winchester Trio
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Feb 83 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 5 Feb 83 Anda Campbell SDB 26 Feb 83 Colin Finlayson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 8 Feb 83 Iain MacPhail Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3 Feb 83 Currie Brothers
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) –
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 27 Jan 83 Iain Peterson Trio
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 24 Jan 83 Alex Fitzsimmons Fintry Ceilidh Band
Forres (Brig Motel) – 26 Jan 83 Burns Night 9 Feb 83 Highland Club
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) – 8 Feb 83 Paddy Neary
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) – 14 Feb 83
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Feb 83 Billy Anderson Trio
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam Hotel) – 26 Jan 83 Alan Roy
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Feb 83 The Grampian Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10 Feb 83 Kerry & David
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 17 Feb 83 Dunblane Club
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 3 Feb 83 Ian Holmes Trio
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 7 Feb 83 Tommy Ford & Jim Cleland
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31 Jan 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
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 Feb 83 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 27 Jan 83 Jimmy Blue and Willie Simpson
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15 Feb 83 Jacqueline Dick SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 14 Feb 83 Stuart Anderson
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 7 Feb 83 Dounreay S&R Society and Thurso Pipers
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Campbeltown
5. Castle Douglas
6. Dalriada
7. Dunblane & District
8. Dundee & District
9. Dunfermline & District
10. Forres
11. Fort William
12. Galashiels
13. Highland
14. Kelso
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingstone
18. M.A.F.I.A.
19. North Cumbria
20. Ormiston
21. Perth & District
22. Shetland
23. Stranraer
24. Thurso
25. 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. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
14. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
15. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
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. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monkland A&F Club
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
48. 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)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire) (c March 1982)
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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