Box and Fiddle
Year 04 No 07
March 1981
Price 15p
8 pages
8 month subscription £2.25
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Will Clubs who are continuing through the summer please let me know your dates etc. I get quite a number of enquiries from people coming on holiday who want to know where and when they can hear Accordion and Fiddle music.
Lola Blair of Glasgow tells me that her husband Jimmy’s Senior Accordion Orchestra have been invited to Toronto, Canada from 23rd June to 8th July. Have a nice time, we know you will be good ambassadors.
Will you please welcome a new Club to our family, the Dalriada Club, Secretary Mrs O. Matheson, School House, Kilmartin, Lochgilphead. They meet in the Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead, Argyll.
Musselburgh 81 Annual Festival
by Ian Smith
On a mild winter’s day in March, the Association held its annual Festival in the spacious Brunton Halls. Even this large, modern building is not big enough, there had to be an overspill across the road to help facilitate the running of the competitions.
Even so, with over 300 young hopefuls, the main event of the day ran well over its time. It was no mean feat of the organizing abilities of Mr Alex Little and his Committee that things went to smoothly.
In the main foyer was Clinkscale’s Roadshow where a ‘banquet’ of accordions were on show and a steady flow of people crowding round proved how popular these fringe benefits are becoming.
When one looks overall at the winners list one becomes aware of another group of young competitors breaking through into the mainstream. Because of this continual process of evolution the standards are getting higher and higher. This also makes the adjudicating an ever more exacting experience. One adjudicator was heard to say his knowledge of music was taxed to the limit, so, with this in mind, all the winners should be very pleased with their trophies and to those others who tried, they were not far behind.
Once again the upstairs foyer and bar was well attended as this is the crossroads for the players and friends from a’ the airts to meet and ca’ the crack and re-live their experiences since last year. If some of the stories I heard were true it’s not only the fishermen who can tell a good tale.
The hard-working staff in the cafeteria had a long day satisfying the hungry horde who kept them busy until late at night. Thanks girls for doing a magnificent job.
After the competitions there was the ever-popular Concert where a full hall listened to some fantastic accordion and fiddle music purveyed by some of the day’s winners. At one point, Paddy Neary demonstrated the versatility of the accordion. All magnificent stuff. Immediately after the Concert the seats were cleared, the floor swept, tables set down and it was on with the dance. Over 200 couples danced to the music of John Ellis and his Highland Country Band. Waltz, two-step, eightsome reels, barn dances – they were all there and were danced to with vigour and great enjoyment. After the dance those who still had energy retired to places where ceilidhs went on to the wee sma’ hours.
Here then are the results of the Seventh Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships. Adjudicators were Douglas Cargill, Irene Dear, John Ellis, Jimmy Lindsay, Douglas Muir and Paddy Neary.
Accordion
12 and under 16 Traditional Solo
1. Colin Dewar (Kinkskettle)
2. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
3. Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Junior Duet (Traditional)
1. Yvonne & Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
3. Stewart & Grant Abercrombie (Cardenden)
Under 12 Traditional Solo
1. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
2. Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3. Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
Senior Accordion Solo
1. George Carmichael (Dundee)
2. Marian Wilson (Berwick)
3. Hugh Gellately (inverkeithing)
Senior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1. Graham Geddes (Newmacher)
2. Robert Black (Stanley)
3. George King (Gifford)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1. Edward Galley (Forfar)
2. Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
3. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
Trios
1. The Border Sound (Dunbar)
2. Duncan Black (Stanley)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
2. Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
3. Una Bryson (Strathaven)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2. Ewan Donald (Ayr)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1. Yvonne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
3. Nicola Reid (Lochgelly)
Open Classical Solo
1. Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
2. Richard Ross (Glasgow)
3. George Carmichael (Dundee)
Open classical Duet
Michael Philip & Donna Beveridge (Cardenden)
Douglas Caird & Stuart Duff (Glasgow)
Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1. Leslie Currie (Dingwall)
2. Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3. Donald McAllister (Haddington)
Junior Fiddle Solo
1. Mark Winchester (Keith)
2. David MacDougall (Muir of Ord)
3. Margaret Quirie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Slow Air
1. Leslie Currie (Dingwall)
2. Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3. Allister MacDonell
Own Composition
Graham Geddes
Youngest Competitor
Colin Brown
So endeth another successful Festival. In 12 months time there will be another where we hope to see you all again. On behalf of the Association we thank you all for participating, working and spectating.
Dumfries Festival
The Dumfries Festival is not a large affair, but it has quite an interest going for it. It is part of the Department of Education Music Festival and there are only two sections.
Junior Traditional Accordion
1. John Donald (Ayr)
2. Michael Garvin (Glasgow)
3. Heather Plunkett (Stranraer)
Senior Traditional Accordion
1. Gary Blair (Glasgow)
2. Ernie Currie (Dumfries)
3. Stuart Duff (Glasgow)
Afterwards there was a concert which was enjoyed by and audience which showed their appreciation.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
The question on many people’s lips at the moment – who will replace Chris Worrall as producer of ‘Take the Floor’?
The job has been advertised and looks like being Aberdeen based. But will the new man or woman be as keen to promote Scottish Dance Music as Chris has been? Well, we may be lucky – on the other hand the new Producer has more duties that ‘Take the Floor’. Amongst other things he will have a rock music programme and the Tartan Terror Show under his wing.
Ideally, for enthusiastic supporters of ‘TTF’ the new incumbent will have a wide knowledge of the Scottish music scene, particularly the dance music aspect. He will know what a band should sound like. He will understand the music and more than anything, he will be prepared to allow it to progress in a natural way. If he’s wise he will stick with the well tried format, yet not be afraid to experiment. He will introduce new faces, but maintain a balance of long established performers.
It is likely, however, that the new producer will fall down in some respects because you just cannot please all of the people all of the time.
It is perhaps a little ironic that Chris is leaving at a time when the programme is at its best.
The recent few weeks have seen some of the best recordings of good bands we’ve had for a long time.
Bobby Crowe, Andrew Rankine and the Wallochmore were all excellent recordings and with some fine playing too.
Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw had an excellent sound, probably their best yet. Pity about the pipe marches. These pipe tunes like ‘Heights of Cassino’ were composed to commemorate victories. Shame Robert massacred them!
Looking forward, if there’s any change to come it will be after June. The programmes are all scheduled till then. As I mentioned last month ‘TTF’ will go out and about again for a series of audiences and dancing programmes from around the country.
By the time this is published Robbie’s new ‘Reel Blend’ series will have started on Thursday nights. I hope he can maintain the standard of earlier series.
As yet I can find no evidence of Radio Tay catering for our tastes, but no doubt with active campaigning on behalf of the people of Tayside they will get something together.
Come to think of it Radio Clyde still don’t go overboard on the Scottish scene either. Still with dropping profits they may yet see the error of their ways. We can but hope!
‘Folks Around Robin’ on Mondays on Radio Forth continues to build in reputation. Monday, 2nd March, saw a new innovation. Iain MacPhail was asked some time ago to do something different (hasn’t he been doing that for years?!) Anyway he, with Brian Griffin, Ron Gonella, Billy Craib, Billy Thom and Davie Flockhart have put together a show which should be a cracker.
I hope to be able to review it next month.
By the way 0 don’t forget the new tune competition. Robin Brock is just desperate to get your entries. Keep them coming.
I must thank Bill Torrance for the time he afforded me to talk about the B&F and the Association recently and also congratulate the ex-Irvine Valley man on his promotion. He also won a weekend in Amsterdam recently – just shows you what comes of milk-magnificent-milk!!
I understand that radio Forth are currently looking for ideas for a third Scottish music programme. Both Steve Jack’s ‘Pure Scotch’ and Robin Brock’s ‘Folks Around Robin’ have proved so popular. Radio Forth are definitely on the ball. They have their finger on the pulse and Sandy Wilkie, who produces ‘FAR’ is very sympathetic to the Scottish cause. He’s a relative young chap (worth a bob or two that, eh?) whose main interest is rock music. But he’s sane enough to appreciate Scottish Dance music. He tells me he gets as much kick out of doing a session for ‘FAR’ as he does listening to The Who or whoever.
Robin Brock too is a natural choice for the programme. He’s been involved with Scottish bands for more years than he cares to remember. He has said regularly that he gets more out of the music than he puts in – now he feels he’s got the chance to repay some of the deficit. He certainly is succeeding. His programme is both entertaining and informative and now that he takes a great personal pride in helping to obtain high quality sounds from the bands he records.
Sandy and Robin make a first class team, bringing us the best sounds around in Scottish Dance music. Long may it continue.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Andrew Rankine is a busy man again on the Scottish scene. Glad to see it too. His exile to Leicester has kept him away too long.
Following two very successful broadcasts lately and another in the pipeline, Andrew has been invited by the R.S.C.D.S. to make an LP of nine full length dances. Andrew is following in the footsteps of The Olympians, Jimmy Lindsay and Bobby Crowe. This year’s LP will contain nine leaflet dances since no book is published this year.
The record will be made at Craighall Studios on Sunday, 8th March, and the band line up is that which won such high acclaim on Radio forth and BBC earlier this year. Jack Delaney on second box, Stan Saunders bass, Bill Hendry piano and Gus Millar on drums.
I’m sure that not only the dancers, but Andrew’s many friends will look forward to the release date with anticipation.
Now to this month’s batch of releases and once again the biggest output comes from one of Scotland’s smallest studios – David Silver’s Bluebell.
Take the North Road – John Carmichael and his Band – BBR 120
A Fiddlers Tribute to Scott Skinner – Bill Brian of Elgin – BBR 133
Hoochter Teuchter – George Smith and the Hebrideans – BBR 136
A ceilidh Night with the Strathalmond Scottish Dance Band – a private recording
Letters to the Editor
Dear Sir – Happy New Year!
Can you play?
Can you take part?
Can you enjoy yourself?
Can you --- without depending on others?
Can you help to swell the funds at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for those who depend on others by buying tickets for Kirsty’s Ceilidh Dance and Cabaret in the Albert Hall, Stirling on Friday, 20th March 1981, 8pm to 1am.
Iain MacPhail’s SDB will play and tickets are £2 – proceeds from dance and raffles and donations of money go to Stoke Mandeville Hospital Fund, after expenses for hall and band.
Please help to make this another accordion bonanza. It is hoped professional and amateur players will join in if free on the date so we hope to have a gathering of the clans and a grand stramash. So bring along the instruments if possible, and all donations welcome.
Thank you and best wishes
Kirsty Bissett
Dear Sir
I was indeed angry to read in the December B&F Derek Hamilton’s remarks about Robbie Shepherd’s accent.
First of all, his accent is not Aberdeen. It is Aberdeenshire, there is a difference.
Secondly, I fail to appreciate how losing his native accent would improve the programme.
There are other accents, which politeness bars me from mentioning, that are less pleasant to the ear than the accent of Aberdeenshire.
Keep you couthie accent Robbie, we love it.
May I finish by quoting these lines of Helen B. Cruickshank.
What ails ye at yer mither tongue?
Hae ye forgot the tang o’ it?
The gurly gutturals, malmy sounds
The dirly words, the sang o’ it?
Helen McConnachie
Advert
Musical Rally Weekend
At the Dunblane Hydro, on Saturday, 27th June – Sunday, 28th June 1981
Presentation Luncheon to honour Angus Fitchet will commence at 12.30pm for 1pm on Sunday
Remittance £24 to include lunch on Saturday 27th, + dinner, bed and breakfast on the 28th + free admission to Dance on Saturday evening and Presentation Lunch on Sunday.
Or Sunday Presentation Lunch only at £5 per person
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) – 31 Mar 81 Tommy Ford
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 25 Mar 81 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
Balloch (Loch Lomond Hotel) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) – 13 Apr 81 Bill Black 1 May 81 Annual Dance Bill Black SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 4 Apr 81 Bill Black
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Chrissie Leatham Club (Hearts’ Supporters Club, Tynecastle) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) -
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 13 Apr 81 The Hamefarers
Cumnock (Tup Inn) – 22 Jan 81 Dave Scott
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 24 Mar 81 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) – 19 Mar 81 Walter Perrie
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 26 Mar 81 Willie McGuire
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) – 21 Apr 81 Fraser McGlynn SDB
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 3 Apr 81 George Bell SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 2 Apr 81 cancelled
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 22 Mar 81 (Special) Alan Roy 8 Apr Iain MacPhail SDB 15 Apr (Special) The Hamefarers SDB
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 21Apr 81 Addie Harper Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 3 Apr 81 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB 18 May 81 Lothian SDB and Trio Competition
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 27 Jan 81 Lothian SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 1 Apr 81 Tommy Ford
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) –
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 16 Apr 81 G.A.
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 31 Mar 81 Eric Goodfellow Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 2 Apr 81 Paddy Neary
Monklands (George Hotel, Coatbridge) – 6 Apr 81 Malcolm McLean & Frank Henery
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 16 May 81 A&F Festival
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) – 5 Feb 81 Donaldson Brothers
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 30 Apr 81 Dinner Dance Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 14 Apr 81 The Hamefarers 19 May Wallochmore Ceilidh Band
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 6 Apr 81 Peter Bruce
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Biggar
6. Campbeltown
7. Castle Douglas
8. Chrissie Leatham
9. Cumnock & District
10. Dalriada
11. Denny & Dunipace
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee & District
14. Falkirk
15. Fort William
16. Forres
17. Glendale (Wooler)
18. Highland
19. Kintore
20. Lesmahagow
21. Livingston
22. Lockerbie
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. Monklands
25. Newtongrange
26. North Cumbria
27. North East
28. Oban
29. Ormiston
30. Perth & District
31. Stranraer
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1980 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
13. Coupar Angus A&F Club
14. Cumnock A&F Club
15. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
16. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Falkirk A&F Club
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
27. Galston A&F Club (1969)
28. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
29. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
31. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
32. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
33. Kintore A&F Club
34.. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
35. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
36. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
38. M.A.F.I.A.
39. Monklands A&F Club
40. Newcastleton Accordion Club
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
42. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
43. New Cumnock A&F Club
44. North Cumbria A&F Club
45. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
46. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
47. Orkney A&F Club
48. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
49. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
50. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
51. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
52. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
53. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
54. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
55. 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?)
56. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
57. Coquetdale
58. Club Accord
59. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
60. Fintry A&F Club
61. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
62. Renfrew A&F Club
63. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
64. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Will Clubs who are continuing through the summer please let me know your dates etc. I get quite a number of enquiries from people coming on holiday who want to know where and when they can hear Accordion and Fiddle music.
Lola Blair of Glasgow tells me that her husband Jimmy’s Senior Accordion Orchestra have been invited to Toronto, Canada from 23rd June to 8th July. Have a nice time, we know you will be good ambassadors.
Will you please welcome a new Club to our family, the Dalriada Club, Secretary Mrs O. Matheson, School House, Kilmartin, Lochgilphead. They meet in the Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead, Argyll.
Musselburgh 81 Annual Festival
by Ian Smith
On a mild winter’s day in March, the Association held its annual Festival in the spacious Brunton Halls. Even this large, modern building is not big enough, there had to be an overspill across the road to help facilitate the running of the competitions.
Even so, with over 300 young hopefuls, the main event of the day ran well over its time. It was no mean feat of the organizing abilities of Mr Alex Little and his Committee that things went to smoothly.
In the main foyer was Clinkscale’s Roadshow where a ‘banquet’ of accordions were on show and a steady flow of people crowding round proved how popular these fringe benefits are becoming.
When one looks overall at the winners list one becomes aware of another group of young competitors breaking through into the mainstream. Because of this continual process of evolution the standards are getting higher and higher. This also makes the adjudicating an ever more exacting experience. One adjudicator was heard to say his knowledge of music was taxed to the limit, so, with this in mind, all the winners should be very pleased with their trophies and to those others who tried, they were not far behind.
Once again the upstairs foyer and bar was well attended as this is the crossroads for the players and friends from a’ the airts to meet and ca’ the crack and re-live their experiences since last year. If some of the stories I heard were true it’s not only the fishermen who can tell a good tale.
The hard-working staff in the cafeteria had a long day satisfying the hungry horde who kept them busy until late at night. Thanks girls for doing a magnificent job.
After the competitions there was the ever-popular Concert where a full hall listened to some fantastic accordion and fiddle music purveyed by some of the day’s winners. At one point, Paddy Neary demonstrated the versatility of the accordion. All magnificent stuff. Immediately after the Concert the seats were cleared, the floor swept, tables set down and it was on with the dance. Over 200 couples danced to the music of John Ellis and his Highland Country Band. Waltz, two-step, eightsome reels, barn dances – they were all there and were danced to with vigour and great enjoyment. After the dance those who still had energy retired to places where ceilidhs went on to the wee sma’ hours.
Here then are the results of the Seventh Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships. Adjudicators were Douglas Cargill, Irene Dear, John Ellis, Jimmy Lindsay, Douglas Muir and Paddy Neary.
Accordion
12 and under 16 Traditional Solo
1. Colin Dewar (Kinkskettle)
2. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
3. Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Junior Duet (Traditional)
1. Yvonne & Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
3. Stewart & Grant Abercrombie (Cardenden)
Under 12 Traditional Solo
1. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
2. Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3. Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
Senior Accordion Solo
1. George Carmichael (Dundee)
2. Marian Wilson (Berwick)
3. Hugh Gellately (inverkeithing)
Senior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1. Graham Geddes (Newmacher)
2. Robert Black (Stanley)
3. George King (Gifford)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1. Edward Galley (Forfar)
2. Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
3. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
Trios
1. The Border Sound (Dunbar)
2. Duncan Black (Stanley)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1. Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
2. Lynne Mathieson (Blackburn)
3. Una Bryson (Strathaven)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2. Ewan Donald (Ayr)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1. Yvonne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
3. Nicola Reid (Lochgelly)
Open Classical Solo
1. Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
2. Richard Ross (Glasgow)
3. George Carmichael (Dundee)
Open classical Duet
Michael Philip & Donna Beveridge (Cardenden)
Douglas Caird & Stuart Duff (Glasgow)
Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1. Leslie Currie (Dingwall)
2. Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3. Donald McAllister (Haddington)
Junior Fiddle Solo
1. Mark Winchester (Keith)
2. David MacDougall (Muir of Ord)
3. Margaret Quirie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Slow Air
1. Leslie Currie (Dingwall)
2. Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3. Allister MacDonell
Own Composition
Graham Geddes
Youngest Competitor
Colin Brown
So endeth another successful Festival. In 12 months time there will be another where we hope to see you all again. On behalf of the Association we thank you all for participating, working and spectating.
Dumfries Festival
The Dumfries Festival is not a large affair, but it has quite an interest going for it. It is part of the Department of Education Music Festival and there are only two sections.
Junior Traditional Accordion
1. John Donald (Ayr)
2. Michael Garvin (Glasgow)
3. Heather Plunkett (Stranraer)
Senior Traditional Accordion
1. Gary Blair (Glasgow)
2. Ernie Currie (Dumfries)
3. Stuart Duff (Glasgow)
Afterwards there was a concert which was enjoyed by and audience which showed their appreciation.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
The question on many people’s lips at the moment – who will replace Chris Worrall as producer of ‘Take the Floor’?
The job has been advertised and looks like being Aberdeen based. But will the new man or woman be as keen to promote Scottish Dance Music as Chris has been? Well, we may be lucky – on the other hand the new Producer has more duties that ‘Take the Floor’. Amongst other things he will have a rock music programme and the Tartan Terror Show under his wing.
Ideally, for enthusiastic supporters of ‘TTF’ the new incumbent will have a wide knowledge of the Scottish music scene, particularly the dance music aspect. He will know what a band should sound like. He will understand the music and more than anything, he will be prepared to allow it to progress in a natural way. If he’s wise he will stick with the well tried format, yet not be afraid to experiment. He will introduce new faces, but maintain a balance of long established performers.
It is likely, however, that the new producer will fall down in some respects because you just cannot please all of the people all of the time.
It is perhaps a little ironic that Chris is leaving at a time when the programme is at its best.
The recent few weeks have seen some of the best recordings of good bands we’ve had for a long time.
Bobby Crowe, Andrew Rankine and the Wallochmore were all excellent recordings and with some fine playing too.
Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw had an excellent sound, probably their best yet. Pity about the pipe marches. These pipe tunes like ‘Heights of Cassino’ were composed to commemorate victories. Shame Robert massacred them!
Looking forward, if there’s any change to come it will be after June. The programmes are all scheduled till then. As I mentioned last month ‘TTF’ will go out and about again for a series of audiences and dancing programmes from around the country.
By the time this is published Robbie’s new ‘Reel Blend’ series will have started on Thursday nights. I hope he can maintain the standard of earlier series.
As yet I can find no evidence of Radio Tay catering for our tastes, but no doubt with active campaigning on behalf of the people of Tayside they will get something together.
Come to think of it Radio Clyde still don’t go overboard on the Scottish scene either. Still with dropping profits they may yet see the error of their ways. We can but hope!
‘Folks Around Robin’ on Mondays on Radio Forth continues to build in reputation. Monday, 2nd March, saw a new innovation. Iain MacPhail was asked some time ago to do something different (hasn’t he been doing that for years?!) Anyway he, with Brian Griffin, Ron Gonella, Billy Craib, Billy Thom and Davie Flockhart have put together a show which should be a cracker.
I hope to be able to review it next month.
By the way 0 don’t forget the new tune competition. Robin Brock is just desperate to get your entries. Keep them coming.
I must thank Bill Torrance for the time he afforded me to talk about the B&F and the Association recently and also congratulate the ex-Irvine Valley man on his promotion. He also won a weekend in Amsterdam recently – just shows you what comes of milk-magnificent-milk!!
I understand that radio Forth are currently looking for ideas for a third Scottish music programme. Both Steve Jack’s ‘Pure Scotch’ and Robin Brock’s ‘Folks Around Robin’ have proved so popular. Radio Forth are definitely on the ball. They have their finger on the pulse and Sandy Wilkie, who produces ‘FAR’ is very sympathetic to the Scottish cause. He’s a relative young chap (worth a bob or two that, eh?) whose main interest is rock music. But he’s sane enough to appreciate Scottish Dance music. He tells me he gets as much kick out of doing a session for ‘FAR’ as he does listening to The Who or whoever.
Robin Brock too is a natural choice for the programme. He’s been involved with Scottish bands for more years than he cares to remember. He has said regularly that he gets more out of the music than he puts in – now he feels he’s got the chance to repay some of the deficit. He certainly is succeeding. His programme is both entertaining and informative and now that he takes a great personal pride in helping to obtain high quality sounds from the bands he records.
Sandy and Robin make a first class team, bringing us the best sounds around in Scottish Dance music. Long may it continue.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Andrew Rankine is a busy man again on the Scottish scene. Glad to see it too. His exile to Leicester has kept him away too long.
Following two very successful broadcasts lately and another in the pipeline, Andrew has been invited by the R.S.C.D.S. to make an LP of nine full length dances. Andrew is following in the footsteps of The Olympians, Jimmy Lindsay and Bobby Crowe. This year’s LP will contain nine leaflet dances since no book is published this year.
The record will be made at Craighall Studios on Sunday, 8th March, and the band line up is that which won such high acclaim on Radio forth and BBC earlier this year. Jack Delaney on second box, Stan Saunders bass, Bill Hendry piano and Gus Millar on drums.
I’m sure that not only the dancers, but Andrew’s many friends will look forward to the release date with anticipation.
Now to this month’s batch of releases and once again the biggest output comes from one of Scotland’s smallest studios – David Silver’s Bluebell.
Take the North Road – John Carmichael and his Band – BBR 120
A Fiddlers Tribute to Scott Skinner – Bill Brian of Elgin – BBR 133
Hoochter Teuchter – George Smith and the Hebrideans – BBR 136
A ceilidh Night with the Strathalmond Scottish Dance Band – a private recording
Letters to the Editor
Dear Sir – Happy New Year!
Can you play?
Can you take part?
Can you enjoy yourself?
Can you --- without depending on others?
Can you help to swell the funds at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for those who depend on others by buying tickets for Kirsty’s Ceilidh Dance and Cabaret in the Albert Hall, Stirling on Friday, 20th March 1981, 8pm to 1am.
Iain MacPhail’s SDB will play and tickets are £2 – proceeds from dance and raffles and donations of money go to Stoke Mandeville Hospital Fund, after expenses for hall and band.
Please help to make this another accordion bonanza. It is hoped professional and amateur players will join in if free on the date so we hope to have a gathering of the clans and a grand stramash. So bring along the instruments if possible, and all donations welcome.
Thank you and best wishes
Kirsty Bissett
Dear Sir
I was indeed angry to read in the December B&F Derek Hamilton’s remarks about Robbie Shepherd’s accent.
First of all, his accent is not Aberdeen. It is Aberdeenshire, there is a difference.
Secondly, I fail to appreciate how losing his native accent would improve the programme.
There are other accents, which politeness bars me from mentioning, that are less pleasant to the ear than the accent of Aberdeenshire.
Keep you couthie accent Robbie, we love it.
May I finish by quoting these lines of Helen B. Cruickshank.
What ails ye at yer mither tongue?
Hae ye forgot the tang o’ it?
The gurly gutturals, malmy sounds
The dirly words, the sang o’ it?
Helen McConnachie
Advert
Musical Rally Weekend
At the Dunblane Hydro, on Saturday, 27th June – Sunday, 28th June 1981
Presentation Luncheon to honour Angus Fitchet will commence at 12.30pm for 1pm on Sunday
Remittance £24 to include lunch on Saturday 27th, + dinner, bed and breakfast on the 28th + free admission to Dance on Saturday evening and Presentation Lunch on Sunday.
Or Sunday Presentation Lunch only at £5 per person
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) – 31 Mar 81 Tommy Ford
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 25 Mar 81 Iain MacPhail & Brian Griffin
Balloch (Loch Lomond Hotel) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) – 13 Apr 81 Bill Black 1 May 81 Annual Dance Bill Black SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 4 Apr 81 Bill Black
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Chrissie Leatham Club (Hearts’ Supporters Club, Tynecastle) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) -
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 13 Apr 81 The Hamefarers
Cumnock (Tup Inn) – 22 Jan 81 Dave Scott
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 24 Mar 81 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) – 19 Mar 81 Walter Perrie
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 26 Mar 81 Willie McGuire
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) – 21 Apr 81 Fraser McGlynn SDB
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 3 Apr 81 George Bell SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 2 Apr 81 cancelled
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 22 Mar 81 (Special) Alan Roy 8 Apr Iain MacPhail SDB 15 Apr (Special) The Hamefarers SDB
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 21Apr 81 Addie Harper Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 3 Apr 81 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB 18 May 81 Lothian SDB and Trio Competition
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 27 Jan 81 Lothian SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 1 Apr 81 Tommy Ford
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) –
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 16 Apr 81 G.A.
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 31 Mar 81 Eric Goodfellow Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 2 Apr 81 Paddy Neary
Monklands (George Hotel, Coatbridge) – 6 Apr 81 Malcolm McLean & Frank Henery
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 16 May 81 A&F Festival
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) – 5 Feb 81 Donaldson Brothers
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 30 Apr 81 Dinner Dance Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 14 Apr 81 The Hamefarers 19 May Wallochmore Ceilidh Band
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 6 Apr 81 Peter Bruce
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Biggar
6. Campbeltown
7. Castle Douglas
8. Chrissie Leatham
9. Cumnock & District
10. Dalriada
11. Denny & Dunipace
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee & District
14. Falkirk
15. Fort William
16. Forres
17. Glendale (Wooler)
18. Highland
19. Kintore
20. Lesmahagow
21. Livingston
22. Lockerbie
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. Monklands
25. Newtongrange
26. North Cumbria
27. North East
28. Oban
29. Ormiston
30. Perth & District
31. Stranraer
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1980 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
13. Coupar Angus A&F Club
14. Cumnock A&F Club
15. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
16. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Falkirk A&F Club
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
27. Galston A&F Club (1969)
28. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
29. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
31. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
32. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
33. Kintore A&F Club
34.. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
35. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
36. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
38. M.A.F.I.A.
39. Monklands A&F Club
40. Newcastleton Accordion Club
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
42. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
43. New Cumnock A&F Club
44. North Cumbria A&F Club
45. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
46. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
47. Orkney A&F Club
48. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
49. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
50. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
51. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
52. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
53. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
54. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
55. 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?)
56. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
57. Coquetdale
58. Club Accord
59. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
60. Fintry A&F Club
61. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
62. Renfrew A&F Club
63. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
64. Wellbank A&F Club
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