Box and Fiddle
Year 08 No 05
January 1985
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3.20
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Discussions are taking place with the view to changing the date of publication. We may go back to the original. That is publication on the 1st of the month and deadline for material the 15th. There have been many requests for us to do so and if that is what the majority wants, so be it.
I have written what I thought were valid criticisms of the TV programmes at Hogmanay. If you agree, the TV companies are the ones to complain to. Individually, your complain will mean nothing, but if enough noise is made they must take note ; whether it will mean action remains to be seen.
I also did a review of the Club scene. It would be helpful to hear your views too.
Debut Album for Forfar Star
by Jack Cooper
“Off she goes…” is the title of the debut album of 11-year-old Deirdre Adamson from Forfar. I first got to know Deirdre through her appearances with John Huband and the Tayside Sound when she was featured with the band at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs at venues as far apart as Banchory, Dumfries, Banff, Ayr and Rothbury.
Since then she has appeared as a solo artiste at Clubs throughout Scotland.
A few weeks ago when I went up to Forfar to see Deirdre about an article for the ‘B&F’ (and the promise of a large lemonade!!) I asked he how it all began.
Her early interest in music began whilst attending a concert in the Webster Theatre, Arbroath. The accordionist? – Tommy Ford. That was it – she just had to get a box! So three years ago, on her eighth birthday, she was presented with her first accordion – a 48-bass Hohner.
Repertoire
After a short spell with a local teacher, she moved on to John Huband at Muirhead where she has been for over two years. She joined John’s Orchestra in January, 1983, and is regularly featured a s a soloist.
Deirdre’s repertoire is very comprehensive, covering Scottish, Continental, Latin American, classical and jazz and I have a particular liking for her Continental numbers – this is reflected in her new release.
It isn’t difficult to guess where her influence lies – John Huband and Dave Stewart coming quickly to mind, but she also has a great deal of respect for fiddlers Angus Fitchet and Angus Cameron.
Deirdre’s name will not be found in any competitor’s list at the various Festivals as she prefers to be strictly an entertainer. She did actually enter a competition once and won without playing a note – she was the only entrant!
At present, Deirdre plays an 80-bass Elka, fitted with full electronic bass. She also has a 120-bass Classique which is still too heavy for her using for long spells.
Early last year, Deirdre provided the accordion backing for Lowland Folk’s record, stage and television tribute to Dundee’s blind accordionist called ‘The Ballad of blind Mattie’.
Another television appearance is scheduled for early March when she appears with two other members of the John Huband Orchestra and Freeland Barbour in a BBC2 schools programme.
In this, her first full length record, one feels the bright and lively personality in her playing and as her career develops I’m sure we will hear a lot of this talented lass.
Take the Floor
from ‘The Reel’
We could not let the year 1984 end without saying a word or two about BBC Radio Scotland’s visit to London in April. The Saturday evening programme of Scottish dance music is in fact one of the longest running programmes on radio. It certainly dates back to the 1940s, but the broadcasts this year from Stakis St Ermin’s Hotel by Jim MacLeod’s Band and from St Columbas Church Hall by McBain’s and Frank Reid’s Bands were the first ever from London.
In addition to the music each programme has about half an hour when Robbie Shepherd (The Dunecht Loon) talks to one or more people involved in the dance or music scene and plays records of their choice.
Frank Reid was interviewed earlier this year. Immediately following the Jim MacLeod programme Robbie chatted to Wilson Nicol, Bill Ireland, Stan Watts, Alan Humberstone and Ray Milbourne.
Early in September we heard Bill Farr and the finale came on 22nd September when John Laurie was interviewed. Within the next few days he had a number of letters and phone calls enquiring about The Reel from people in Scotland; and (spare his blushed he’s got to edit this lot) a gentle reprimand for getting his facts slightly confused on one subject mentioned.
Those of us involved enjoyed being part of the various broadcasts and Freeland Barbour, the Producer, has asked us to pass on his grateful thanks for all the co-operation he received.
(By courtesy of the London Branch, The RSCDS’s magazine, The Reel.)
Hogmanay ’84 Fair Comment?
by Ian Smith
If like me, you had a few friends in and as it came near midnight you had settled down nice and comfy, albeit in a slightly merry condition to bring in the New Year with either TV company, well that was where the Festivities ended.
We felt badly let down and that both channels had let the image of Scotland down and insulted the intelligence of the Scottish people.
A new low was achieved all round. Presentation, content, quality, orchestration, nil out of 100.
Was this a deliberate attempt to give us a hint they want more money? Is this a sample of what control from London is like? Was this an attempt to internationalise Hogmanay? Whatever the thinking behind it, it fell flat in between nowhere and nothing.
Special Time
What is a ceilidh? It is a social gathering where each person does their own thing. Simple, isn’t it? Yet each year is a bigger cock-up. The only exception being the local radio stations and Grampian TV. At least they tried to give the people what they wanted and, after all, that is what it is all about.
Hogmanay is recognised as a special time in Scotland. When one goes to Spain one wants to see Spain as it is, not to eat fish and chips and complain the country is full of Spaniards.
What is the answer? There must be an answer or another tradition will be lost. Let me tell the organizers at the top, highly-paid echelons of these companies, that in present-day Scotland there is a wealth, an abundance of talent dying to be seen and heard.
Through the good intentions of the Accordion and Fiddle Association, the Folk scene, the Strathspey and Reel Societies and other organizations there are enough artistes to fill the Hogmanay spots for years to come. Not only for Hogmanay, but throughout the year. There are people who can put on shows that are very popular. People like Bill Wilkie, Jimmy Clinkscale, Bill black, John McIntee and Gibson Ross.
Out of Touch
Who are they, you ask? If you don’t know, it only shows how much out of touch you are. There are lots more. These are just a few manes that come to mind.
It is only by going back to the drawing board that one can get back to the basics and go forward in the right direction.
I write this not knowing the politics that go on inside. I write this knowing that what I saw on TV at Hogmanay was so bad it was embarrassing to watch. After five minutes on BBC and ITV we switched off and brought the New Year in in our own traditional manner.
God forbid that the rest of the world think that was is typical of Scotland.
Club Scene – A Review
by Ian Smith
Over the past few months I have noticed a decline in the numbers attending the Stranraer A&F Club ; they are notably down from last year. What could be the reason?
Gleanings from other Clubs showed that they were down a bit as well. At first nothing concrete was apparent to account for this. The local players and guest artistes were just as good as ever and the enthusiasm of the Committee was obvious. But the fact was that attendance were down.
After due consideration, various aspects came to light and I trust readers will take heart from the comments. Of course, if I am wrong, I’d be more than happy to be corrected.
Most Clubs have been on the go for an average of ten years, during which time the audiences have become very knowledgeable with our music and have become a bit bored with the same format each month.
The keen youngsters of 10 years ago are now 20. Where are they now? The older players are still there and still purveying the same tunes.
As for the guest artistes. Some are milking the Clubs for as much as they can get, forgetting that when the cow is dry there is no more milk.
The Clubs themselves are in a Catch 22 situation. If they want the best they have to increase the entry money and by doing so they create this situation.
All these points were floating about inside the cranium and it wasn’t until after a casual conversation with one, Walter Beattie of Langholm, that these thoughts crystallized.
Walter ruins his own SDB and at the Castle Douglas club we were having a general discourse on the Club scene. He made a remark – “My band and I are quite happy to go to a Club and play. The fee is not important. What is important are the folk we meet and we have met some fine folk.”
What a lovely way to go through like ; it’s folk who count not money.
For the future here are some conclusions that may help to get seats occupied.
Guest artistes should be more flexibly with their fees and their music. There is nothing wrong with a bit of variety. After all, every country has its own music, not just Scotland.
Youngsters when they get to the 16-year gap should try and get involved with others, maybe a group, orchestra or S&R Society; anything so as not to waste their talent or the very considerable expenses that their parents had to endure.
Older youngsters could give more of their time to those youngsters and try a bit of variety in their own music.
Clubs should try and vary their programme on Club nights. There’s nothing wrong with a cabaret-type night occasionally or a wee dance at the end of the night.
I hope that those Clubs which are experiencing a bit of difficulty might try some of these ideas. Each area id different, therefore the remedies will be different. Let’s move into 1985 with confidence.
Record Review
The Scottish Dance Masters AB002 (Volume 2) Iain MacPhail and Ron gonella
Elma’s Tunes – Elma Grech (Piano) with Paul Langley (Bass) and Fred Collins (Drums)
Dance Time – Jim Johnstone and his Band LILP5128
Tayside Blend – John Huband and the Tayside Sound SMLP001
Slightly Casual – The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
The Etives – AYRC015 &16
Letters to the Editor
Sir – What is happening to our beloved B&F paper? Sixteen pages, nearly eight of these advertising for different companies.
Do we need page 4, 7, 8 and 9 covering so much paper to encourage us to purchase a new instrument?
Yes, the ‘B&F’ needs the income and these pages obviously are a great source of income, but, Sir, is this what our readers want?
Many of these companies advertising would do well and better if they approached and attended the many Clubs with their wares. Most Clubs would welcome them and a small donation from them to their Club funds, accompanied by a smaller space in our paper, but still paying the appropriate price of advertising, bearing in mind the circulation of the paper is in the main among their potential customers.
What has happened Sir, to the many letter to the Editor? Surely there are many more Clubs in the Association not submitting news or diary dates. Is it not possible to have more news from south of the border, and over the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland?
What has happened to the Reel Blend? Surely not abandoned? This always proved good reading, although at time controversial.
Cathy Andrew now seems to be getting the financial situation of the ‘B&F’ into a better perspective. It is now up to the Clubs to put the reading of the paper into mainly news and not big pages of adverts.
Jack Gray
Chairman – Lesmahagow A&F club
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23rd Jan 85 Club Night
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 3rd Feb 85 Jimmy Shand Jnr
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20th Jan 85 Robert Black SDB (5 piece)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 24th Feb 85 Mike clark
Belford (Community Club) – 28th Feb 85 John Leslie
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) – 14th Feb 85 Alex McPhee SDB
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 24th Jan
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 18th Feb 85 Club Night
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 12th Feb 85 Iain MacPhail SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 5th Feb 85 Ian Cruickshank SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 31st Jan 85 Raymond Chuchuk
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 6th Feb 85 Currie Brothers
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Feb 85 Currie Brothers
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only – 13th Feb 85 Tommy ford
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Feb 85 Colin Finlayson SDB
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 21st Feb 85 Glendaruel SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 15th Feb 85 Annual Dance Jack Delaney SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 18th Feb 85 Oakbank Sound
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Jan 85 Jim Johnstone SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) – 19th Feb 85 Visit by Newtongrange Club
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31st Jan 85 Sandy Nixon SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 12th Feb 85 Alan Roy
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4th Feb 85 Walter Beattie SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Feb 85 MacDuff S&R Society
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Beith
5. Crieff & District
6. Dalriada
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee
10. Dunfermline & District
11. Edinburgh
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Highland
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingston
18. M.A.F.I.A.
19. Perth & District
20. Renfrew
21. Shetland
22. Thurso
23. Walmer
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (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 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
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. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – 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)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. 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?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Discussions are taking place with the view to changing the date of publication. We may go back to the original. That is publication on the 1st of the month and deadline for material the 15th. There have been many requests for us to do so and if that is what the majority wants, so be it.
I have written what I thought were valid criticisms of the TV programmes at Hogmanay. If you agree, the TV companies are the ones to complain to. Individually, your complain will mean nothing, but if enough noise is made they must take note ; whether it will mean action remains to be seen.
I also did a review of the Club scene. It would be helpful to hear your views too.
Debut Album for Forfar Star
by Jack Cooper
“Off she goes…” is the title of the debut album of 11-year-old Deirdre Adamson from Forfar. I first got to know Deirdre through her appearances with John Huband and the Tayside Sound when she was featured with the band at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs at venues as far apart as Banchory, Dumfries, Banff, Ayr and Rothbury.
Since then she has appeared as a solo artiste at Clubs throughout Scotland.
A few weeks ago when I went up to Forfar to see Deirdre about an article for the ‘B&F’ (and the promise of a large lemonade!!) I asked he how it all began.
Her early interest in music began whilst attending a concert in the Webster Theatre, Arbroath. The accordionist? – Tommy Ford. That was it – she just had to get a box! So three years ago, on her eighth birthday, she was presented with her first accordion – a 48-bass Hohner.
Repertoire
After a short spell with a local teacher, she moved on to John Huband at Muirhead where she has been for over two years. She joined John’s Orchestra in January, 1983, and is regularly featured a s a soloist.
Deirdre’s repertoire is very comprehensive, covering Scottish, Continental, Latin American, classical and jazz and I have a particular liking for her Continental numbers – this is reflected in her new release.
It isn’t difficult to guess where her influence lies – John Huband and Dave Stewart coming quickly to mind, but she also has a great deal of respect for fiddlers Angus Fitchet and Angus Cameron.
Deirdre’s name will not be found in any competitor’s list at the various Festivals as she prefers to be strictly an entertainer. She did actually enter a competition once and won without playing a note – she was the only entrant!
At present, Deirdre plays an 80-bass Elka, fitted with full electronic bass. She also has a 120-bass Classique which is still too heavy for her using for long spells.
Early last year, Deirdre provided the accordion backing for Lowland Folk’s record, stage and television tribute to Dundee’s blind accordionist called ‘The Ballad of blind Mattie’.
Another television appearance is scheduled for early March when she appears with two other members of the John Huband Orchestra and Freeland Barbour in a BBC2 schools programme.
In this, her first full length record, one feels the bright and lively personality in her playing and as her career develops I’m sure we will hear a lot of this talented lass.
Take the Floor
from ‘The Reel’
We could not let the year 1984 end without saying a word or two about BBC Radio Scotland’s visit to London in April. The Saturday evening programme of Scottish dance music is in fact one of the longest running programmes on radio. It certainly dates back to the 1940s, but the broadcasts this year from Stakis St Ermin’s Hotel by Jim MacLeod’s Band and from St Columbas Church Hall by McBain’s and Frank Reid’s Bands were the first ever from London.
In addition to the music each programme has about half an hour when Robbie Shepherd (The Dunecht Loon) talks to one or more people involved in the dance or music scene and plays records of their choice.
Frank Reid was interviewed earlier this year. Immediately following the Jim MacLeod programme Robbie chatted to Wilson Nicol, Bill Ireland, Stan Watts, Alan Humberstone and Ray Milbourne.
Early in September we heard Bill Farr and the finale came on 22nd September when John Laurie was interviewed. Within the next few days he had a number of letters and phone calls enquiring about The Reel from people in Scotland; and (spare his blushed he’s got to edit this lot) a gentle reprimand for getting his facts slightly confused on one subject mentioned.
Those of us involved enjoyed being part of the various broadcasts and Freeland Barbour, the Producer, has asked us to pass on his grateful thanks for all the co-operation he received.
(By courtesy of the London Branch, The RSCDS’s magazine, The Reel.)
Hogmanay ’84 Fair Comment?
by Ian Smith
If like me, you had a few friends in and as it came near midnight you had settled down nice and comfy, albeit in a slightly merry condition to bring in the New Year with either TV company, well that was where the Festivities ended.
We felt badly let down and that both channels had let the image of Scotland down and insulted the intelligence of the Scottish people.
A new low was achieved all round. Presentation, content, quality, orchestration, nil out of 100.
Was this a deliberate attempt to give us a hint they want more money? Is this a sample of what control from London is like? Was this an attempt to internationalise Hogmanay? Whatever the thinking behind it, it fell flat in between nowhere and nothing.
Special Time
What is a ceilidh? It is a social gathering where each person does their own thing. Simple, isn’t it? Yet each year is a bigger cock-up. The only exception being the local radio stations and Grampian TV. At least they tried to give the people what they wanted and, after all, that is what it is all about.
Hogmanay is recognised as a special time in Scotland. When one goes to Spain one wants to see Spain as it is, not to eat fish and chips and complain the country is full of Spaniards.
What is the answer? There must be an answer or another tradition will be lost. Let me tell the organizers at the top, highly-paid echelons of these companies, that in present-day Scotland there is a wealth, an abundance of talent dying to be seen and heard.
Through the good intentions of the Accordion and Fiddle Association, the Folk scene, the Strathspey and Reel Societies and other organizations there are enough artistes to fill the Hogmanay spots for years to come. Not only for Hogmanay, but throughout the year. There are people who can put on shows that are very popular. People like Bill Wilkie, Jimmy Clinkscale, Bill black, John McIntee and Gibson Ross.
Out of Touch
Who are they, you ask? If you don’t know, it only shows how much out of touch you are. There are lots more. These are just a few manes that come to mind.
It is only by going back to the drawing board that one can get back to the basics and go forward in the right direction.
I write this not knowing the politics that go on inside. I write this knowing that what I saw on TV at Hogmanay was so bad it was embarrassing to watch. After five minutes on BBC and ITV we switched off and brought the New Year in in our own traditional manner.
God forbid that the rest of the world think that was is typical of Scotland.
Club Scene – A Review
by Ian Smith
Over the past few months I have noticed a decline in the numbers attending the Stranraer A&F Club ; they are notably down from last year. What could be the reason?
Gleanings from other Clubs showed that they were down a bit as well. At first nothing concrete was apparent to account for this. The local players and guest artistes were just as good as ever and the enthusiasm of the Committee was obvious. But the fact was that attendance were down.
After due consideration, various aspects came to light and I trust readers will take heart from the comments. Of course, if I am wrong, I’d be more than happy to be corrected.
Most Clubs have been on the go for an average of ten years, during which time the audiences have become very knowledgeable with our music and have become a bit bored with the same format each month.
The keen youngsters of 10 years ago are now 20. Where are they now? The older players are still there and still purveying the same tunes.
As for the guest artistes. Some are milking the Clubs for as much as they can get, forgetting that when the cow is dry there is no more milk.
The Clubs themselves are in a Catch 22 situation. If they want the best they have to increase the entry money and by doing so they create this situation.
All these points were floating about inside the cranium and it wasn’t until after a casual conversation with one, Walter Beattie of Langholm, that these thoughts crystallized.
Walter ruins his own SDB and at the Castle Douglas club we were having a general discourse on the Club scene. He made a remark – “My band and I are quite happy to go to a Club and play. The fee is not important. What is important are the folk we meet and we have met some fine folk.”
What a lovely way to go through like ; it’s folk who count not money.
For the future here are some conclusions that may help to get seats occupied.
Guest artistes should be more flexibly with their fees and their music. There is nothing wrong with a bit of variety. After all, every country has its own music, not just Scotland.
Youngsters when they get to the 16-year gap should try and get involved with others, maybe a group, orchestra or S&R Society; anything so as not to waste their talent or the very considerable expenses that their parents had to endure.
Older youngsters could give more of their time to those youngsters and try a bit of variety in their own music.
Clubs should try and vary their programme on Club nights. There’s nothing wrong with a cabaret-type night occasionally or a wee dance at the end of the night.
I hope that those Clubs which are experiencing a bit of difficulty might try some of these ideas. Each area id different, therefore the remedies will be different. Let’s move into 1985 with confidence.
Record Review
The Scottish Dance Masters AB002 (Volume 2) Iain MacPhail and Ron gonella
Elma’s Tunes – Elma Grech (Piano) with Paul Langley (Bass) and Fred Collins (Drums)
Dance Time – Jim Johnstone and his Band LILP5128
Tayside Blend – John Huband and the Tayside Sound SMLP001
Slightly Casual – The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
The Etives – AYRC015 &16
Letters to the Editor
Sir – What is happening to our beloved B&F paper? Sixteen pages, nearly eight of these advertising for different companies.
Do we need page 4, 7, 8 and 9 covering so much paper to encourage us to purchase a new instrument?
Yes, the ‘B&F’ needs the income and these pages obviously are a great source of income, but, Sir, is this what our readers want?
Many of these companies advertising would do well and better if they approached and attended the many Clubs with their wares. Most Clubs would welcome them and a small donation from them to their Club funds, accompanied by a smaller space in our paper, but still paying the appropriate price of advertising, bearing in mind the circulation of the paper is in the main among their potential customers.
What has happened Sir, to the many letter to the Editor? Surely there are many more Clubs in the Association not submitting news or diary dates. Is it not possible to have more news from south of the border, and over the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland?
What has happened to the Reel Blend? Surely not abandoned? This always proved good reading, although at time controversial.
Cathy Andrew now seems to be getting the financial situation of the ‘B&F’ into a better perspective. It is now up to the Clubs to put the reading of the paper into mainly news and not big pages of adverts.
Jack Gray
Chairman – Lesmahagow A&F club
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23rd Jan 85 Club Night
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 3rd Feb 85 Jimmy Shand Jnr
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20th Jan 85 Robert Black SDB (5 piece)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 24th Feb 85 Mike clark
Belford (Community Club) – 28th Feb 85 John Leslie
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) – 14th Feb 85 Alex McPhee SDB
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 24th Jan
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 18th Feb 85 Club Night
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 12th Feb 85 Iain MacPhail SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 5th Feb 85 Ian Cruickshank SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 31st Jan 85 Raymond Chuchuk
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 6th Feb 85 Currie Brothers
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Feb 85 Currie Brothers
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only – 13th Feb 85 Tommy ford
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Feb 85 Colin Finlayson SDB
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 21st Feb 85 Glendaruel SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 15th Feb 85 Annual Dance Jack Delaney SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 18th Feb 85 Oakbank Sound
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Jan 85 Jim Johnstone SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) – 19th Feb 85 Visit by Newtongrange Club
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31st Jan 85 Sandy Nixon SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 12th Feb 85 Alan Roy
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4th Feb 85 Walter Beattie SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Feb 85 MacDuff S&R Society
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Beith
5. Crieff & District
6. Dalriada
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee
10. Dunfermline & District
11. Edinburgh
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Highland
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingston
18. M.A.F.I.A.
19. Perth & District
20. Renfrew
21. Shetland
22. Thurso
23. Walmer
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (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 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
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. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – 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)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. 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?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
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