Box and Fiddle
Year 14 No 05
January 1991
Price 50p
12 pages
8 month subscription £5.00
Editor – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
My sincere thanks to the Club scribes for their good wishes for the Festive Season. On behalf of the ‘B&F’, may I wish you all a truly happy Christmas and good New Year.
That Diary!
My apologies for the errors which appeared in the diary in the last issue. As I have said in the reply to the letter from Mr Dunbar of the Dunblane club, last year’s correspondence seems to have found it’s way into current material. Correspondence of this type is usually disposed of as soon as it has been dealt with – but the system failed on this occasion. In the case of the Perth Club, the dates for two months were shown as Tuesday the 3rd, whereas the meeting date is always 3rd Tuesday.
The Directory
Once again can I remind scribes and secretaries that entry in the Directory depends upon completion of the annual returns to the Secretary of the Association, Mr Andrew Nairn.
These forms should be accompanied by the affiliation fee. Mr Nairn passes this information to me for inclusion in the Directory. It is now unlikely that the Directory will be published again in the current season.
Tom Clark
Reeds on Cork – Fancy that now!
by Norrie Williams
Along with countless other Scottish enthusiasts I would suffer from withdrawal symptoms if I had to go without my weekly helping of ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’. If unavoidably out, a time switch and tape recorder do the necessary and the programme goes well with Tuesday morning’s rice chrispies.
Over the past few years I have been impressed by the maturity, both musical and overall, of some of the younger interviewees on the programme. A particularly good example of this was on Monday, 3rd December, when Robbie Shepherd’s guest was Robert Black, eldest son of Bill and Anne Black of Stanley. Robert is articulate and has a gentle fluent style. He spoke with authority, his comments were informative and pertinent, his choice of music first class – an intensely interesting half hour or so. I found myself hanging on every word, so let’s hear the two Roberts in discussion once again. Robbie from Aberdeen and Robert in Edinburgh.
What followed was a transcription of the interview (which, for once, I can’t be bothered typing!)
3rd Annual West of Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
I think that we can safely say that the second Saturday in November is a date for every enthusiast to put in his or her diary. Saturday, 10th November, saw the Magnum Leisure Complex in Irvine, Ayrshire, filled with accordionists, fiddlers, young and old, mums and dads, and just general music lovers all assembled for the 3rd of our annual events.
Nineteen trophies were up for grabs and most were hotly contested. The competition, as is conventional, was split into two distinct categories – the Classical and the Traditional.
In the Arran Room, judges Ian Muir – who stood in at very short notice for Archie Duncan, to judge a section in which one of Archie’s pupils competed, and Archie himself were ready to go at 10 a.m. Entries were good and plentiful and the standard high.
An hour before this in the theatre, judges Jimmy Yeaman (fiddle) and Ivor Britton (accordion) were behind – and in front of – the screens for a long day of hard adjudication.
The Committee and their helpers worked like ‘Trojans’ to make the event a friendly, exciting and worthwhile day. The venue of the Magnum itself contributed greatly to the whole event.
The venues for the competition are excellent – the Arran Room, just the right size for the Classical sections and the Theatre just perfect (providing you sit in the middle of the auditorium to avoid the sauna heat up top and the arctic cold down front!) for the Traditional fayre.
The Concert too is perfectly set in the Theatre and this year’s show – hosted by Norman Williams – was a first class climax to the gruelling earlier competitions. Our guest, Stephen Quigg, brought the flavour of variety to the show with his folk song spots. Most refreshing.
During the day, the people with the most difficult jobs are firstly, the competitors. After all, that’s what the whole day is about. That’s why it happens. While the Committee, helpers, audiences, enthusiasts, and everybody else gets a great deal of satisfaction out of the event, it really is the performers day. This year they came from ‘all airts’ to be in Irvine.
Special mention must be made of Neil Rowan who once again braved the rigours of the Sealink Ferry to come all the way from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. Now, there is real enthusiasm!
Secondly, the judges have a most difficult job. Once again the Festival was blessed with the best – Archie Duncan is indeed literally the best there is in the Classical field.
On the traditional side, Jimmy Graves, who judged from a sighted position so he could comment on technique, gave each performance a full, but always constructive dissection. In fact, I noted that some of the players had taken note of Jimmy’s comments by the time they performed a second time!
Without wishing to single any one judge out, I have to say that my heart went out to Ivor Britton, particularly in the Senior Scottish Traditional Solo Section.
Young Liam Howitt, the current Scottish champion at Perth competed, and played him the set that won him the coveted title. However, despite being the most technically brilliant player around at the present time – he is just unbelievable – Ivor stuck to his guns and made the very valid point that while he gave very high marks for the technical expertise and accuracy, he had to mark the contestant down as the section demanded ‘Traditional’ type music. As a consequence, Liam came fourth. Now, whether or not you agree with the decision is academic because there is absolutely ‘nowt’ you can do about it! Suffice to say, however, Liam accepted that verdict in a most gentlemanly and professional manner. Good on you both! Perhaps we should consider a separate section for ‘modern style’ music and performances. We will no doubt discuss it at our next Committee meeting!!
I think I can safely say that no such fast fingered fantasy was displayed at the final event of the day! Just good, solid, button box playing from Charlie Kirkpatrick at the closing dance to give those with the ‘tapsational’ urge to while away for the time tapping their feet and birling their partners in a miscellany of ‘teuchter’ and modern dances befitting the end of a glorious day. Roll on next year!!
Now, here are all the section winners
Senior Accordion Solo Pipe Music (Lena & Duncan McLennan Trophy)
1) Iain Cathcart (West Kilbride)
2) William Bradley (Balloch)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Senior Accordion Solo Traditional MSR (George Fleming Trophy)
1) Iain Cathcart (West Kilbride)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) William Bradley (Balloch)
Junior Solo Accordion Pipe Music (John Carmichael Trophy)
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Alex Weir (Ayr)
Under 16 Accordion Solo – MSR (Galston Club Trophy)
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Open Own Composition – Trad (Willie Wilson Trophy)
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Lena MacLennan (Ayr)
3) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
Trio (Acc, Fiddle + 1) Own Choice (S.C.E.A. Trophy)
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Glenda Taylor
Bands – Own Choice (Margaret Davidson Trophy
1) Ballochmyle (Ayr)
2) Hazel Copland
Classical Accordion Sections
Under 12 Solo – Own Choice (Irvine Herald Trophy)
1) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Gerard Burns
3) Louise Allen (Paisley)
Under 14 Solo – Own Choice (Trophy Centre Trophy)
1) Lyndsey Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) James Harkness (Paisley)
3) Scott Gordon (Galston)
Under 16 Solo – Own Choice (A.R.A. Trophy)
1) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Louise Harkness (Paisley)
Open Solo – Own Choice (Cunningham District Council Trophy)
1) Lyndsey Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
Under 16 Duet – Own Choice (Irvine Times Trophy)
1) Gerard Burns & Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Lyndsey Ann Allan & Louise Harkness (Paisley)
Open Duet
1) Gerard Burns & Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Lyndsey Ann Allan & Louise Harkness (Paisley)
3) Suzanne & Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR (I.D.C. Trophy)
1) Jill Copland
2) James Stuart Clements
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air (Hospitality Inn Trophy)
1) James Stuart Clements
2) Pamela Adrian
3) Jill Copland
Senior Fiddle Solo – MSR (West Sound Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Douglas Ballantyne
3) Fiona Head
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air (Alex Colvin Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Douglas Ballantyne
3) Fiona Head
Open Fiddle Solo – MSR (Irene & Bill Cunningham Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Robert D. Rocke
3) Douglas Ballantyne
Open Fiddle Group – Own Choice (Irvine Cable Trophy)
No entrants
Strike Up the Band
Musselburgh ‘91
It is not only the competitors who come from far and near, our adjudicators aren’t exactly on the doorstep either – Stanley, Elgin, Cupar, Dundee, Kirriemuir and Slough.
Starting with ‘The Bills’, Black and Bryan, the first-named a familiar figure at Musselburgh needs absolutely no introduction, he was Perth Senior Scottish Champion in 1971 and has led his own very popular broadcasting band for many years.
Bill Bryan from Elgin, an engineering draughtsman by profession and winner of the ‘Daily Record golden Fiddle Award’ in 1978, was Conductor of both the Senior and Junior Elgin Strathspey and Reel Societies for quite a period. He has featured on several recordings with different groups and now teaches fiddle in any spare time he has left.
Making a welcome return to the team after 6 or 7 years, that quiet unassuming accordion player from Cupar, David Cunningham. With his own distinctive style he was frequently heard on the Scottish dance music programmes with his Trio and Quartet and also in the front line of the ‘Olympians’.
Next, a couple of troopers who although not very far up in the height stakes, have considerable stature in the Scottish dance music scene – Jack Lindsay and Davie Stewart.
Jack, a Dundonian, and a buyer with the ‘Dundee Courier and Advertiser’ learned his musical ‘trade’ at the redoubtable Routledge Bell School of Music (other notable pupils being the late Syd Chalmers and Ron Gonella) and was fiddler with the ‘Gie Gordons’ and Jimmy Lindsay (Glenalmond) broadcasting bands. He also had 2 or 3 years with Bobby Crowe and from time to time has taken on pupils. His adjudication at one or two recent Festivals has evoked very favourable comments.
Then from Kirriemuir, Davie ‘Oh, you are standing!’ Stewart, who has a sense of humour which matches his very considerable musical ability. Just look at his track record – in addition to the group of his own, he has played and recorded with – Jimmy Blue, Lindsay Ross, John Huband, Jim Johnstone, Rob Gordon, Ian Anderson, Alex MacArthur, Andy Stewart…..it just goes on and on, speaks for itself.
Last, but certainly not least, Cyril Pasby, the furthest travelled of our judges. Cyril, who has become a bit of an institution at Musselburgh, is an N.A.O. and B.C.A. examiner and adjudicator and holds Scottish classical accordion playing in very high esteem.
A formidable team once again, we welcome them and look forward to their company and verdicts, on Saturday, March 2nd.
So, anything new this year – Yes, by popular request a new section has been included in the Classical programme, for a polka (and I must emplasise a Classical polka). This section is sub-divided into three age categories which depending on entry numbers may be combined if considered appropriate by the adjudicator and the organisers. Hopefully, the response will be sufficient to obviate this.
And another bit of news which should please many of the Classical competitors. Extra accommodation has become available to us within the Brunton Halls complex and now all competitions can take place under the one roof. Notice I guardedly said ‘most’ not ‘all’ because I understand that some do favour the acoustics and atmosphere in the wee church hall. However, I am sure the new surroundings in a refurbished area, will meet with approval.
It has been noticeable of late that the majority of competitive festivals, including Musselburgh, have suffered a drop in the number of entries. This has been most acute in the group classes, e.g. trio, band and fiddle, although some reductions have occurred in a number of solo classes. This may be partly due to the old chestnut of a rise and fall in the birth rate with a peak in a certain age group at the moment, all into exams and whatnot, but I also feel that, and I quote Scotrail ….’victim of their/our success’.
Although competing is about having a go and trying one’s best, win or lose, there is no doubt that success in the group classes leads to public demand for the services of the players involved and when it comes round to Festival time again they have so many ‘gigs’ and bookings that there is no time to get a trio or band together for rehearsal and lets face it, the standard now is such that a scratch group would have to be very lucky to pull it off.
From personal experience I know that the hassle involved in getting players together, music arranged and so on, but when it comes down to it, at around mid afternoon in a packed Main Hall on Festival Day, with the adrenalin (and nerves) on the go, and the audience hyped up and rooting for whoever it may be, there’s nothing to beat it. An atmosphere all of its own.
So, to all of you competitors out there, thing about it seriously, have a go, ‘strike up the band’ and make someone who has just passed the first flush of youth very happy!
And to finish the day off, we will be dancing through till about midnight with the Simon Howie Band. See you there!
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and as we have come to expect nowadays, each one seems to improve on the one before, and the generosity of those people who come either to participate or just to sit back and enjoy the music, never fails. This year, our half-time collection came to over £300 for handicapped children.
Distance seems no object where the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is involved. We had enthusiasts and musicians from as far north as the Shetland Isles, and as far south as Hexham, and from all other places in between. At this point I would like to thank sincerely all those who made the effort to come along and make the night what must be one of the best, if not THE best night in the Scottish music calendar. It never ceases to amaze me seeing all those young players sitting in with each other just enjoying a good tune.
My thanks must also go to the staff and management of the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, for all their excellent service throughout the evening and night.
Musicians taking part were as follows :-
On accordion we had Drewie Hawick from Shetland, Mark Cummine, Grant Crawford, Calum Marquis, George Rennie Jnr, George Work, Dochie McCallum, Ian McCallum, Craig McCallum, Neil McEachern, Iain Cathcart, James Coutts, Mhairi Coutts, Brian Morrison, Alastair McPhail, Jacqueline Raeburn, Ian Thomson, Kevin Clark, Bruce Quirrie, Alison Gilfillan, Fiona Gilfillan, Gary Mair and I did manage to get a wee tune myself.
On fiddles were Neil Dawson, Angie Smith, Gordon Howe, Billy Raeburn, Tom Lapsley, Margaret Quirrie, Kathleen Mair and Ian Robertson.
On piano were Owen Fielding, Anne Black and Jill Simpson.
On drums Ali McIntyre, Graham Jamieson, David Fielding and David Scott.
We also got a wee tune on the Jew’s Harp from 84-year-old Angus McKinnon from Dallas, Morayshire.
Finally, could I just say a special thanks to all those backing musicians who worked so hard all night and helped to make the ceilidh the success it was.
The ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is always held on the first Friday of November, so in 1991 it will be on the 1st of November, so enthusiasts and musicians alike, get that date in your diary now and don’t miss this night to remember.
To one and all, thanks again.
Record Review
In a Different Light – Craig McCallum SDB – Greentrax CDTrax037
The London Highland Diamond Jubilee – Andrew Rankine Band – LHCCT7
Ceilidh Dances – Bobby Harvey and his Ceilidh Band – Klub Records ZCLOC1058
Advert
‘Fergie and Farquhar’
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Re recent correspondence. It is bad enough to come home and find that one or two band copies have mysteriously disappeared, but to have a whole collection stolen! This is despicable.
As Grant Crawford says, “Most of us are generous if asked. Not all of us can write music, but a lot more of us could if we tried.”
Sandy Tulloch
Sir – I note that there is a growing tendency for a number of Club correspondents to include in their reports the names of many of the tunes played by local and guest artistes appearing at their Clubs.
While I fully appreciate the difficult task there reporters face after each meeting since the only variable from month to month on a Club night may be the guest artiste, I would suggest reports would be more interesting if individual tunes were names only as an exception rather than the rule.
For example – if an artiste plays a new or unusual tune or an own composition, it would merit a mention, as would interesting stories behind the tune titles (e.g. the origins of ‘The High road to Linton’ mentioned in the Ettrick & Yarrow report in the Oct/Nov issue).
The resultant reports can either remain shorter or correspondents can look for alternative means of supplementing them. Possibly Club reporters should periodically invite fellow committee members to make a report for a month, and if asked, these ‘ad hoc’ reporters should adopt a positive attitude and give it a try, it’s the ‘B&F’ not the ‘Scotsman’ you are being asked to contribute to, so don’t panic.
Everyone has a different style of writing, therefore the results should add variety to the paper.
Since I’ve finally got round to writing to you I may as well take the opportunity to raise a few more points. First of all to thank you personally and on behalf of Biggar and Lesmahagow Clubs for all the effort you put into the paper. It is the lifeline of the Association and I can appreciate the amount of voluntary work it takes to actieve. Our opinions probably differ as to the contribution made to the Association by some of your fellow Committee members, which is why Lesmahagow gave up attending the Association’s A.G.M.
The series of old band photographs which you ran in the paper a couple of years ago, I found extremely interesting. Readers were asked to write in and identify the band personnel. You commented eventually that response had been very poor but I would suggest that this was due to the fact that many of the younger generation, who let’s face it, make up a large part of the following for traditional music, seldom knew all six of the personnel in any given band. The most I ever got were five of the members of the Lindsay Ross Band, which I didn’t feel was worth entering. Doubtless, there were many similar instances, but this is not to say that there was no interest in these old photographs. Quite the contrary I would say, since most of us still jump at the chance to listen to recordings of these excellent and sadly now defunct bands.
The photographs are even more interesting of course, when included with an article such as Norrie’s write up on the life of Jimmy Blue.
One of the saddest events in my own area was the untimely passing of Sandy MacArthur, with his wealth of stories about bands and bandsmen in the heyday of Scottish Dance music. In essence therefore, I would suggest that these old photographs are well worth publishing. How about a few of David Findlay, whom I never met, but whom we all admired greatly for his broadcasting and musicianship?
Occasionally you publish letters concerning what could be called ‘Administrative Matters’, such as Club Secretaries complaining that they haven’t received the papers on time or their report does not appear in a particular issue when they are sure it was submitted in time. While I appreciate the fact that you publish these demonstrates that you are not attempting any cover-ups, I always feel that a prompt, personal reply to the writer explaining the problems and solutions should suffice, since they certainly don’t make interesting reading for the rest of us.
Features on well known players are amongst the most interesting items in the paper. A few spring to mind in the Borders such as Eric Goodfellow, Jimmy Edwards from Moffat (the owner of one of the original Shand Morino’s) and of course, the late, Sandy MacArthur.
Since the majority of bandleaders play Hohners, an article on the history and development of their accordions would be interesting. Do you have any contacts who could write such an account? What about the company’s own publicity department?
Anyway, that’s all that springs to mind at the moment. All the best for the future
Charlie Todd
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 6th Jan 91 John Duncan & Wayne Robertson
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 3rd Jan 91 Willie McFarlane SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Jan 91 Neil MacEachern SDB
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 23rd Jan 91 Jean McConnachie Quartet
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Jan 91 Fiddlers 3 + 2
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Jan 91 Perth S&R Society
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 9th Jan 91 Archie McKillop & Friends
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Jan 91 Paddy Neary
Dundee (The Marquee) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 31st Jan 91 Richard Ross Quartet
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 16th Jan 91 Bob Hobkirk & Friends
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Jan 91 The Armour Brothers
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Jan 91 Gregor Borland
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Jan 91 Ian Powrie
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 15th Jan 91 Angus Oliver Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) – 21st Jan 91 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Jan 91 Alan Gardiner SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 8th Jan 91 Jennifer Wilson Accordion Band
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 17th Jan 91 John Leslie Youth Orchestra
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 22nd Jan 91 Craigowl SDB
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 8th Jan 91 Archie Duncan
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) - 17th Jan 91 Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Banff
4. Belford
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dundee
10. Dunoon & Cowal
11. East Kilbride
12. Ettrick & Yarrow
13. Forres
14. Gretna
15. Highland
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. Livingston
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Mauchline
22. Montrose
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Ormiston
26. Peebles
27. Perth
28. Rothbury
29. Shetland
30. Thurso
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Coalburn A&F Club
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (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. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forfar A&F Club
29. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
30. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
31. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
32. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
33. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
37. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
38. Kintore A&F Club
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Mull A&F Club
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
49. 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)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Sutherland A&F Club (
60. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
61. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
62. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
63. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
64. 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?)
65. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
66. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
67. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
68. Buchan A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
81. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
82. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
84. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
85. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
86. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
87. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
88. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
89. Newcastleton Accordion Club
90. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
91. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
92. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
93. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
94. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
95. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
96. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
My sincere thanks to the Club scribes for their good wishes for the Festive Season. On behalf of the ‘B&F’, may I wish you all a truly happy Christmas and good New Year.
That Diary!
My apologies for the errors which appeared in the diary in the last issue. As I have said in the reply to the letter from Mr Dunbar of the Dunblane club, last year’s correspondence seems to have found it’s way into current material. Correspondence of this type is usually disposed of as soon as it has been dealt with – but the system failed on this occasion. In the case of the Perth Club, the dates for two months were shown as Tuesday the 3rd, whereas the meeting date is always 3rd Tuesday.
The Directory
Once again can I remind scribes and secretaries that entry in the Directory depends upon completion of the annual returns to the Secretary of the Association, Mr Andrew Nairn.
These forms should be accompanied by the affiliation fee. Mr Nairn passes this information to me for inclusion in the Directory. It is now unlikely that the Directory will be published again in the current season.
Tom Clark
Reeds on Cork – Fancy that now!
by Norrie Williams
Along with countless other Scottish enthusiasts I would suffer from withdrawal symptoms if I had to go without my weekly helping of ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’. If unavoidably out, a time switch and tape recorder do the necessary and the programme goes well with Tuesday morning’s rice chrispies.
Over the past few years I have been impressed by the maturity, both musical and overall, of some of the younger interviewees on the programme. A particularly good example of this was on Monday, 3rd December, when Robbie Shepherd’s guest was Robert Black, eldest son of Bill and Anne Black of Stanley. Robert is articulate and has a gentle fluent style. He spoke with authority, his comments were informative and pertinent, his choice of music first class – an intensely interesting half hour or so. I found myself hanging on every word, so let’s hear the two Roberts in discussion once again. Robbie from Aberdeen and Robert in Edinburgh.
What followed was a transcription of the interview (which, for once, I can’t be bothered typing!)
3rd Annual West of Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
I think that we can safely say that the second Saturday in November is a date for every enthusiast to put in his or her diary. Saturday, 10th November, saw the Magnum Leisure Complex in Irvine, Ayrshire, filled with accordionists, fiddlers, young and old, mums and dads, and just general music lovers all assembled for the 3rd of our annual events.
Nineteen trophies were up for grabs and most were hotly contested. The competition, as is conventional, was split into two distinct categories – the Classical and the Traditional.
In the Arran Room, judges Ian Muir – who stood in at very short notice for Archie Duncan, to judge a section in which one of Archie’s pupils competed, and Archie himself were ready to go at 10 a.m. Entries were good and plentiful and the standard high.
An hour before this in the theatre, judges Jimmy Yeaman (fiddle) and Ivor Britton (accordion) were behind – and in front of – the screens for a long day of hard adjudication.
The Committee and their helpers worked like ‘Trojans’ to make the event a friendly, exciting and worthwhile day. The venue of the Magnum itself contributed greatly to the whole event.
The venues for the competition are excellent – the Arran Room, just the right size for the Classical sections and the Theatre just perfect (providing you sit in the middle of the auditorium to avoid the sauna heat up top and the arctic cold down front!) for the Traditional fayre.
The Concert too is perfectly set in the Theatre and this year’s show – hosted by Norman Williams – was a first class climax to the gruelling earlier competitions. Our guest, Stephen Quigg, brought the flavour of variety to the show with his folk song spots. Most refreshing.
During the day, the people with the most difficult jobs are firstly, the competitors. After all, that’s what the whole day is about. That’s why it happens. While the Committee, helpers, audiences, enthusiasts, and everybody else gets a great deal of satisfaction out of the event, it really is the performers day. This year they came from ‘all airts’ to be in Irvine.
Special mention must be made of Neil Rowan who once again braved the rigours of the Sealink Ferry to come all the way from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. Now, there is real enthusiasm!
Secondly, the judges have a most difficult job. Once again the Festival was blessed with the best – Archie Duncan is indeed literally the best there is in the Classical field.
On the traditional side, Jimmy Graves, who judged from a sighted position so he could comment on technique, gave each performance a full, but always constructive dissection. In fact, I noted that some of the players had taken note of Jimmy’s comments by the time they performed a second time!
Without wishing to single any one judge out, I have to say that my heart went out to Ivor Britton, particularly in the Senior Scottish Traditional Solo Section.
Young Liam Howitt, the current Scottish champion at Perth competed, and played him the set that won him the coveted title. However, despite being the most technically brilliant player around at the present time – he is just unbelievable – Ivor stuck to his guns and made the very valid point that while he gave very high marks for the technical expertise and accuracy, he had to mark the contestant down as the section demanded ‘Traditional’ type music. As a consequence, Liam came fourth. Now, whether or not you agree with the decision is academic because there is absolutely ‘nowt’ you can do about it! Suffice to say, however, Liam accepted that verdict in a most gentlemanly and professional manner. Good on you both! Perhaps we should consider a separate section for ‘modern style’ music and performances. We will no doubt discuss it at our next Committee meeting!!
I think I can safely say that no such fast fingered fantasy was displayed at the final event of the day! Just good, solid, button box playing from Charlie Kirkpatrick at the closing dance to give those with the ‘tapsational’ urge to while away for the time tapping their feet and birling their partners in a miscellany of ‘teuchter’ and modern dances befitting the end of a glorious day. Roll on next year!!
Now, here are all the section winners
Senior Accordion Solo Pipe Music (Lena & Duncan McLennan Trophy)
1) Iain Cathcart (West Kilbride)
2) William Bradley (Balloch)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Senior Accordion Solo Traditional MSR (George Fleming Trophy)
1) Iain Cathcart (West Kilbride)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) William Bradley (Balloch)
Junior Solo Accordion Pipe Music (John Carmichael Trophy)
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Alex Weir (Ayr)
Under 16 Accordion Solo – MSR (Galston Club Trophy)
1) Alex Weir (Ayr)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Open Own Composition – Trad (Willie Wilson Trophy)
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Lena MacLennan (Ayr)
3) Alistair McCulloch (Ayr)
Trio (Acc, Fiddle + 1) Own Choice (S.C.E.A. Trophy)
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Glenda Taylor
Bands – Own Choice (Margaret Davidson Trophy
1) Ballochmyle (Ayr)
2) Hazel Copland
Classical Accordion Sections
Under 12 Solo – Own Choice (Irvine Herald Trophy)
1) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Gerard Burns
3) Louise Allen (Paisley)
Under 14 Solo – Own Choice (Trophy Centre Trophy)
1) Lyndsey Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) James Harkness (Paisley)
3) Scott Gordon (Galston)
Under 16 Solo – Own Choice (A.R.A. Trophy)
1) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Louise Harkness (Paisley)
Open Solo – Own Choice (Cunningham District Council Trophy)
1) Lyndsey Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
Under 16 Duet – Own Choice (Irvine Times Trophy)
1) Gerard Burns & Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Lyndsey Ann Allan & Louise Harkness (Paisley)
Open Duet
1) Gerard Burns & Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Lyndsey Ann Allan & Louise Harkness (Paisley)
3) Suzanne & Craig Colraine (Clydebank)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR (I.D.C. Trophy)
1) Jill Copland
2) James Stuart Clements
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air (Hospitality Inn Trophy)
1) James Stuart Clements
2) Pamela Adrian
3) Jill Copland
Senior Fiddle Solo – MSR (West Sound Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Douglas Ballantyne
3) Fiona Head
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air (Alex Colvin Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Douglas Ballantyne
3) Fiona Head
Open Fiddle Solo – MSR (Irene & Bill Cunningham Trophy)
1) Alastair McCulloch (Ayr)
2) Robert D. Rocke
3) Douglas Ballantyne
Open Fiddle Group – Own Choice (Irvine Cable Trophy)
No entrants
Strike Up the Band
Musselburgh ‘91
It is not only the competitors who come from far and near, our adjudicators aren’t exactly on the doorstep either – Stanley, Elgin, Cupar, Dundee, Kirriemuir and Slough.
Starting with ‘The Bills’, Black and Bryan, the first-named a familiar figure at Musselburgh needs absolutely no introduction, he was Perth Senior Scottish Champion in 1971 and has led his own very popular broadcasting band for many years.
Bill Bryan from Elgin, an engineering draughtsman by profession and winner of the ‘Daily Record golden Fiddle Award’ in 1978, was Conductor of both the Senior and Junior Elgin Strathspey and Reel Societies for quite a period. He has featured on several recordings with different groups and now teaches fiddle in any spare time he has left.
Making a welcome return to the team after 6 or 7 years, that quiet unassuming accordion player from Cupar, David Cunningham. With his own distinctive style he was frequently heard on the Scottish dance music programmes with his Trio and Quartet and also in the front line of the ‘Olympians’.
Next, a couple of troopers who although not very far up in the height stakes, have considerable stature in the Scottish dance music scene – Jack Lindsay and Davie Stewart.
Jack, a Dundonian, and a buyer with the ‘Dundee Courier and Advertiser’ learned his musical ‘trade’ at the redoubtable Routledge Bell School of Music (other notable pupils being the late Syd Chalmers and Ron Gonella) and was fiddler with the ‘Gie Gordons’ and Jimmy Lindsay (Glenalmond) broadcasting bands. He also had 2 or 3 years with Bobby Crowe and from time to time has taken on pupils. His adjudication at one or two recent Festivals has evoked very favourable comments.
Then from Kirriemuir, Davie ‘Oh, you are standing!’ Stewart, who has a sense of humour which matches his very considerable musical ability. Just look at his track record – in addition to the group of his own, he has played and recorded with – Jimmy Blue, Lindsay Ross, John Huband, Jim Johnstone, Rob Gordon, Ian Anderson, Alex MacArthur, Andy Stewart…..it just goes on and on, speaks for itself.
Last, but certainly not least, Cyril Pasby, the furthest travelled of our judges. Cyril, who has become a bit of an institution at Musselburgh, is an N.A.O. and B.C.A. examiner and adjudicator and holds Scottish classical accordion playing in very high esteem.
A formidable team once again, we welcome them and look forward to their company and verdicts, on Saturday, March 2nd.
So, anything new this year – Yes, by popular request a new section has been included in the Classical programme, for a polka (and I must emplasise a Classical polka). This section is sub-divided into three age categories which depending on entry numbers may be combined if considered appropriate by the adjudicator and the organisers. Hopefully, the response will be sufficient to obviate this.
And another bit of news which should please many of the Classical competitors. Extra accommodation has become available to us within the Brunton Halls complex and now all competitions can take place under the one roof. Notice I guardedly said ‘most’ not ‘all’ because I understand that some do favour the acoustics and atmosphere in the wee church hall. However, I am sure the new surroundings in a refurbished area, will meet with approval.
It has been noticeable of late that the majority of competitive festivals, including Musselburgh, have suffered a drop in the number of entries. This has been most acute in the group classes, e.g. trio, band and fiddle, although some reductions have occurred in a number of solo classes. This may be partly due to the old chestnut of a rise and fall in the birth rate with a peak in a certain age group at the moment, all into exams and whatnot, but I also feel that, and I quote Scotrail ….’victim of their/our success’.
Although competing is about having a go and trying one’s best, win or lose, there is no doubt that success in the group classes leads to public demand for the services of the players involved and when it comes round to Festival time again they have so many ‘gigs’ and bookings that there is no time to get a trio or band together for rehearsal and lets face it, the standard now is such that a scratch group would have to be very lucky to pull it off.
From personal experience I know that the hassle involved in getting players together, music arranged and so on, but when it comes down to it, at around mid afternoon in a packed Main Hall on Festival Day, with the adrenalin (and nerves) on the go, and the audience hyped up and rooting for whoever it may be, there’s nothing to beat it. An atmosphere all of its own.
So, to all of you competitors out there, thing about it seriously, have a go, ‘strike up the band’ and make someone who has just passed the first flush of youth very happy!
And to finish the day off, we will be dancing through till about midnight with the Simon Howie Band. See you there!
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and as we have come to expect nowadays, each one seems to improve on the one before, and the generosity of those people who come either to participate or just to sit back and enjoy the music, never fails. This year, our half-time collection came to over £300 for handicapped children.
Distance seems no object where the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is involved. We had enthusiasts and musicians from as far north as the Shetland Isles, and as far south as Hexham, and from all other places in between. At this point I would like to thank sincerely all those who made the effort to come along and make the night what must be one of the best, if not THE best night in the Scottish music calendar. It never ceases to amaze me seeing all those young players sitting in with each other just enjoying a good tune.
My thanks must also go to the staff and management of the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, for all their excellent service throughout the evening and night.
Musicians taking part were as follows :-
On accordion we had Drewie Hawick from Shetland, Mark Cummine, Grant Crawford, Calum Marquis, George Rennie Jnr, George Work, Dochie McCallum, Ian McCallum, Craig McCallum, Neil McEachern, Iain Cathcart, James Coutts, Mhairi Coutts, Brian Morrison, Alastair McPhail, Jacqueline Raeburn, Ian Thomson, Kevin Clark, Bruce Quirrie, Alison Gilfillan, Fiona Gilfillan, Gary Mair and I did manage to get a wee tune myself.
On fiddles were Neil Dawson, Angie Smith, Gordon Howe, Billy Raeburn, Tom Lapsley, Margaret Quirrie, Kathleen Mair and Ian Robertson.
On piano were Owen Fielding, Anne Black and Jill Simpson.
On drums Ali McIntyre, Graham Jamieson, David Fielding and David Scott.
We also got a wee tune on the Jew’s Harp from 84-year-old Angus McKinnon from Dallas, Morayshire.
Finally, could I just say a special thanks to all those backing musicians who worked so hard all night and helped to make the ceilidh the success it was.
The ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is always held on the first Friday of November, so in 1991 it will be on the 1st of November, so enthusiasts and musicians alike, get that date in your diary now and don’t miss this night to remember.
To one and all, thanks again.
Record Review
In a Different Light – Craig McCallum SDB – Greentrax CDTrax037
The London Highland Diamond Jubilee – Andrew Rankine Band – LHCCT7
Ceilidh Dances – Bobby Harvey and his Ceilidh Band – Klub Records ZCLOC1058
Advert
‘Fergie and Farquhar’
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Re recent correspondence. It is bad enough to come home and find that one or two band copies have mysteriously disappeared, but to have a whole collection stolen! This is despicable.
As Grant Crawford says, “Most of us are generous if asked. Not all of us can write music, but a lot more of us could if we tried.”
Sandy Tulloch
Sir – I note that there is a growing tendency for a number of Club correspondents to include in their reports the names of many of the tunes played by local and guest artistes appearing at their Clubs.
While I fully appreciate the difficult task there reporters face after each meeting since the only variable from month to month on a Club night may be the guest artiste, I would suggest reports would be more interesting if individual tunes were names only as an exception rather than the rule.
For example – if an artiste plays a new or unusual tune or an own composition, it would merit a mention, as would interesting stories behind the tune titles (e.g. the origins of ‘The High road to Linton’ mentioned in the Ettrick & Yarrow report in the Oct/Nov issue).
The resultant reports can either remain shorter or correspondents can look for alternative means of supplementing them. Possibly Club reporters should periodically invite fellow committee members to make a report for a month, and if asked, these ‘ad hoc’ reporters should adopt a positive attitude and give it a try, it’s the ‘B&F’ not the ‘Scotsman’ you are being asked to contribute to, so don’t panic.
Everyone has a different style of writing, therefore the results should add variety to the paper.
Since I’ve finally got round to writing to you I may as well take the opportunity to raise a few more points. First of all to thank you personally and on behalf of Biggar and Lesmahagow Clubs for all the effort you put into the paper. It is the lifeline of the Association and I can appreciate the amount of voluntary work it takes to actieve. Our opinions probably differ as to the contribution made to the Association by some of your fellow Committee members, which is why Lesmahagow gave up attending the Association’s A.G.M.
The series of old band photographs which you ran in the paper a couple of years ago, I found extremely interesting. Readers were asked to write in and identify the band personnel. You commented eventually that response had been very poor but I would suggest that this was due to the fact that many of the younger generation, who let’s face it, make up a large part of the following for traditional music, seldom knew all six of the personnel in any given band. The most I ever got were five of the members of the Lindsay Ross Band, which I didn’t feel was worth entering. Doubtless, there were many similar instances, but this is not to say that there was no interest in these old photographs. Quite the contrary I would say, since most of us still jump at the chance to listen to recordings of these excellent and sadly now defunct bands.
The photographs are even more interesting of course, when included with an article such as Norrie’s write up on the life of Jimmy Blue.
One of the saddest events in my own area was the untimely passing of Sandy MacArthur, with his wealth of stories about bands and bandsmen in the heyday of Scottish Dance music. In essence therefore, I would suggest that these old photographs are well worth publishing. How about a few of David Findlay, whom I never met, but whom we all admired greatly for his broadcasting and musicianship?
Occasionally you publish letters concerning what could be called ‘Administrative Matters’, such as Club Secretaries complaining that they haven’t received the papers on time or their report does not appear in a particular issue when they are sure it was submitted in time. While I appreciate the fact that you publish these demonstrates that you are not attempting any cover-ups, I always feel that a prompt, personal reply to the writer explaining the problems and solutions should suffice, since they certainly don’t make interesting reading for the rest of us.
Features on well known players are amongst the most interesting items in the paper. A few spring to mind in the Borders such as Eric Goodfellow, Jimmy Edwards from Moffat (the owner of one of the original Shand Morino’s) and of course, the late, Sandy MacArthur.
Since the majority of bandleaders play Hohners, an article on the history and development of their accordions would be interesting. Do you have any contacts who could write such an account? What about the company’s own publicity department?
Anyway, that’s all that springs to mind at the moment. All the best for the future
Charlie Todd
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath ( ) - 6th Jan 91 John Duncan & Wayne Robertson
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 3rd Jan 91 Willie McFarlane SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Jan 91 Neil MacEachern SDB
Balloch (St Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 23rd Jan 91 Jean McConnachie Quartet
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Jan 91 Fiddlers 3 + 2
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Jan 91 Perth S&R Society
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 9th Jan 91 Archie McKillop & Friends
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Jan 91 Paddy Neary
Dundee (The Marquee) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 31st Jan 91 Richard Ross Quartet
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 16th Jan 91 Bob Hobkirk & Friends
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Jan 91 The Armour Brothers
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Jan 91 Gregor Borland
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Jan 91 Ian Powrie
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 15th Jan 91 Angus Oliver Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) – 21st Jan 91 Deirdre Adamson Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Jan 91 Alan Gardiner SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 8th Jan 91 Jennifer Wilson Accordion Band
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 17th Jan 91 John Leslie Youth Orchestra
Peebles (Greentree Hotel) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 22nd Jan 91 Craigowl SDB
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 8th Jan 91 Archie Duncan
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) - 17th Jan 91 Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Banff
4. Belford
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Dingwall
8. Dunblane
9. Dundee
10. Dunoon & Cowal
11. East Kilbride
12. Ettrick & Yarrow
13. Forres
14. Gretna
15. Highland
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. Livingston
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Mauchline
22. Montrose
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Ormiston
26. Peebles
27. Perth
28. Rothbury
29. Shetland
30. Thurso
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Coalburn A&F Club
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (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. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forfar A&F Club
29. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
30. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
31. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
32. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
33. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
37. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
38. Kintore A&F Club
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Mull A&F Club
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
49. 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)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Sutherland A&F Club (
60. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
61. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
62. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
63. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
64. 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?)
65. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
66. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
67. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
68. Buchan A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
81. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
82. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
84. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
85. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
86. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
87. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
88. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
89. Newcastleton Accordion Club
90. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
91. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
92. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
93. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
94. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
95. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
96. Wellbank A&F Club
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