Box and Fiddle
Year 07 No 06/7
February/March 1984
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3
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
May we apologise to our readers and subscribers. It was not possible to get the February paper printed and we know it caused a lot of people to miss out the news. This month, to keep you up to date, we have made this copy a 16-page paper incorporating both February and March.
A new column has been started by our lady with the charity can, Kirsty. This is a light-hearted, gossipy, column which we hope you will enjoy.
Our sympathy goes out to Alan Roy and company. Recently they had to endure a three-week tour taking in such places as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Hard cheese, Alan!
At this time of the year we seem to be getting into the habit of appealing to Club Treasurers and advertisers to part with their cash a bit quicker. It is well past the Festive Season but the cash flow our way is but a trickle.
Stanley Ceilidh
By Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone, but I’m sure it will be remembered for months to come as being one of the best yet. The Tayside Hotel in Stanley was bursting at the seams with the sound of good, solid Scottish music of all different styles, supplied by players from as far afield as Lerwick and the Isle of Skye and just about everywhere in between.
On accordion we had Neil Caul, Ian McDonald from Skye, Hector Ramsay, Robert Ross, Jim Berry, Ian McCallum, Bill Black (Doune), Andy Marshall, Bruce Quirrie, Kevin Clark, Robert and Duncan Black, Edward Galley, Jennifer Forrest, Lyn Shanks, Karen Higgins, Bert Shorthouse, Ian Cameron, Gordon Duguid, Jim Hardie, John Crawford, Raymond Howe, Colin and Gang, the Donaldson Brothers, Kirsty Bisset, Jacqueline Dick, Drewie Hawick from Lerwick, and I did manage to get a tune myself as well.
On fiddles we had Judith Davidson, last year’s senior Scottish Champion and Golden Fiddle Award Winner, Duncan Chisholm, last year’s Junior Golden Fiddle Award Winner, Inga Scott from Kintore, Mark McDougall from Tain, Margaret Quirrie, Jim Brown, Brian Cruickshanks and Stella Clark.
Drummers were in the form of George Berwick, Duncan Burns, David Scott, Jim Lawrie and it was great to see the one and only Gus Millar back having a tune.
On bass we had Bruce Scott from Edinburgh and Ally MacLeod all the way from Tobermory.
Piano accompaniment was taken over by John Gibson, Graham Berry, Gillian Simpson and Anne Black and also by quite a number of multi-instrumentalists present.
By way of a change we had Jimmy Sinclair on the pipes.
The two men who had the job of getting all that lot on and off the stage were our local compere Jim Webster and the ‘Dunnecht Loon’ himself, yes of course, Robbie Shepherd. My sincere thanks to them both for all their efforts and also for taking the collection for charity which this year amounted to £200 which will help to give a young child a bone marrow transplant.
Thanks very much to everybody for your tremendous generosity. My thanks also to the proprietors of the Tayside Hotel for making everyone so welcome and supplying first-class suppers, and the odd dram of course, and also supplying accommodation to so many of the enthusiasts who came along.
I sincerely hope to see you all once again at the Tayside Hotel in Stanley on Friday, 18th May, when we have our annual grand Scottish Dance, this year featuring the wonderful sound of Colin Finlayson and his SDB. Of course the 1984 ceilidh night is once again to be held in the Tayside, and the date is the 2nd of November. Looking forward to seeing you all than.
Once again thanks to everyone.
Musselburgh 1984
By Ian Smith
Once again the Brunton Halls at Musselburgh echoed with the sounds of the reeds of the accordions and the strings of the fiddles as battle proceeded in orderly fashion all day.
It was a beautiful spring day and the public were out in force to applaud and wonder at the dexterity and ability of these youngsters as they got on with the business in hand.
Downstairs was also a hive of activity as the various trade stands demonstrated the various instruments on show.
The organisation had worked to perfection and despite a large entry, the competitors ended dead on schedule. Well done Norrie Williams and his assistants.
The concert was, as usual, very well attended and the appreciative audience enjoyed every second of it. As for the dance, the Wallochmore Ceilidh Band saw to it that the packed hall was a knock-out. All-in-all it must be the best yet.
The premier award this year was won by 17-year-old Edward Galley from Forfar. Edward has been in and out of the medal places for some time now but at last his perseverance has paid off.
Raymond Laidlaw, Pencaitland, another great young player, came second and yet another fantastic player, Colin Dewar from Kingskettle, came third.
Here is the full list of winners :-
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
3) Niall Kirkpatrick (Glasgow)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Edward Galley (Forfar)
2) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
3) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
4=) James Grand (Eyemouth) & Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
Trio
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
Band
1) Craig McCallum (Penicuik)
2) West Telferton Caledonian Dance Band (Edinburgh)
Senior Accordion Solo, Pipe Music
1) Edward Galley (Forfar)
2) Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
3) Richard Ross (Glasgow)
Junior Accordion Solo, Pipe Music
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Lorna McWhinney (Balloch)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Junior Duet Traditional
1) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Paul & David Anderson (Tarland)
3) Lynette Wood (Whitburn) & Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
Under 12 Traditional
1) Allan Frater (Uphall)
2) Colin Brown (Balerno)
3) Jennifer Hamilton (Whitburn)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Angeline Jane McCloy (Newmains)
2) Allan Frater (Uphall)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) David Preston (Shotts)
2) Fiona Kenneth (Dundee)
3) Lara Halliday (Glasgow)
Under 16 Classical Solo1) Elaine Hastie (Carluke)
2) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
3) Julie Forsyth (Foulden)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Ian Lothian & Wendy Davidson (Selkirk)
2) Sandy Legget & Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
3) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
Open Classical Duet
1) Alan & David Preston (Shotts)
2) Graeme Munro & Colin McLaren (Haddington)
3) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
Open Classical Solo
1) Alan Preston (Shotts)
2) David Preston (Shotts)
3) James Grant (Eyemouth)
Own Composition
1) Marion Anderson (Duns)
2) Stuart McKeown (Milngavie)
3) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Junior Fiddle Solo
1) Alison Smith (Edinburgh)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Tracey C. Moir (Banchory)
Junior Fiddle, Slow Air
1) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
2) Angela Franci (Dundee)
3) Lorna Leitch (Ayr)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
2) Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3) Stella Clark (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle, Slow Air
1) Stella Clark (Dundee)
2) Margaret Ellis (Duntrune)
3) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
Next month there will be a thank-you write-up from the Festival Chairman. In the meantime, thanks to all you competitors for your hours of practice and to their parents for their interest in their children and to the public for attending in such large numbers to support the Musselburgh Festival.
Annual Weekend Gathering and Presentation Luncheon
We look forward to meeting all musicians and their friends at the Annual Weekend Gathering which is scheduled for the week ending 30th June / 1st July, 1984, for the Stakis Dunblane Hotel.
The Gathering is the social event of the year. It gives you the musicians the opportunity of meeting and playing with musical friends old and new and joining in with the personalities of the Scottish music scene.
The weekend commences with an informal lunch on Saturday, 12.30pm – 2pm in the restaurant. The afternoon is free for music making, swimming, saunas, putting, in fact anything you fancy, well almost anything!!
Following the informal dinner in the restaurant, 6.30pm onwards, there is general dancing in the ballroom until 11.30pm followed by our own ‘cairy on’!!! till we drop! Either guttered or just plain tired.
Breakfast (if you are up in time) is between 8am and 9.30am.
The AGM will commence at 11am prompt on Sunday morning – then time for a dram or two before going into the ballroom for the Presentation Luncheon at 2.30pm.
Jack Cooper
Born a Starr
By Peter Paterson
Take a name from the world of showbusiness, check it out, and in many cases you will find it’s only a stage name. A name chosen to catch the eye and one easy to remember.
William Starrs, born in the village of Croy, near Kilsyth on 29th April, 1923, did not need to do that. Fate or destiny had arranged things that a Starr he was from birth.
He was the second eldest in a family of five girls and three boys. In those days large families seemed to be the thing. Like the old saying goes, large families are happy families, from all reports this was so in the Starrs family.
Croy being a mining community, it was the way that most adult labour earned their living, in the pits. William’s father, Joseph, was no exception.
Susan, William’s mother, like most miners’ wives found life hard going with all that it took looking after a big family. William was two years old or thereabouts when our story starts.
Susan and Joe were astounded one day when the strains of Joe’s melodeon were heard echoing through the house.
When seeking out the source, lo and behold it was young William playing the old melodeon and knocking out a tune on it at that. Joe Starrs knew even at that time his lad showed a certain spark of talent.
From then on he encouraged this, and young William did not let him down, his dedication and practice over the next few years certainly confirmed his father’s early assumptions.
By the time William was nine he was well-known in his area as a very accomplished accordion player and indeed a child prodigy.
At the age of ten William really started on the road to fame. He won the Scottish Amateur Accordion Championship.
At this stage he was playing a Franchetti three-row button box. The three-row box was to be his trade mark from then on, although I would like to stress the four-row he had in the last years of his life was still basically a three-row with a dummy inside row added. This made the accordion look like a Continental instrument but for my own personal taste the three-row looked more distinctive in regards to Will Starr’s stage presence.
As most accordion enthusiasts know the box that Will played was called a Diatonic British Chromatic accordion. Two notes can be had on each treble button from the press and draw of the bellows.
Control of the bellows is most important. Will Starr was a complete master of the bellows operations, especially on the jigs and reels the bellows never moved out more than around six inches. This type of accordion is the ultimate for Scottish music. Will, with his master touch, could emphasis notes in his playing with pressure applied to his bellows action. This was his accordion.
Hih sister Rose told me that he was a fair hand at the piano box and, of course, the five-row Continental accordion. I can imagine he was.
After winning the Scottish Championship title he went from strength to strength. As his story is told at around thirteen he was playing at a dinner in Glasgow’s Grand Hotel. This being a big affair, lots of dignitaries attended, among them was the late Sir Ian Colquhoun.
After William did his spot, Sir Ian spoke to him. Being impressed with Will’s playing he then introduced him to Jock Kilpatrick of Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre. After that meeting William went more or less professional and did a few resident shows with the late Harry Gordon.
Although working the theatres at night, William did a day job in the local coalmine.
This was a far cry from the glamour and the lights of showbusiness. He was working under the title of a mining scheme at that time and was classed as a Bevin Boy.
Although he quite liked the friendly spirit and closeness of working with the lads on this scheme, the call of the stage was stronger and soon it would not be denied as the turning point in his life was soon to be reached.
In the next issue William Starr embarks on his life-long association with Robert Wilson and the name of Will Starr really moved into the realms of Scottish showbusiness and aye, the world.
Livingston Accordion & Fiddle Club (Tenth Anniversary)
By Murdo McLeod
This month we feature a lady in our series of pen sketches of faithful players who have sustained our club over the past ten years.
Peggy Baillie represents the real spirit of Accordion Clubs, the lass or laddie who has not had the benefit of tuition or early training, but is consumed by the love of our Scottish music and play by ear, as they say. It is a real pleasure to feature Peggy in these columns as she has been one of our supporters through thick and thin since the early days at the Meadow-head Hotel.
Born just a little over 21 years ago(!) in the village of Swinton in Berwickshire where her father was a cattleman on local farms. Robert Dunse, her father, was himself a talented musician in the bother mould, playing melodeon and fiddle, reminiscent of other famous bothie musicians. One can imagine the early influence the ‘bothie nichts’ must have had on young Peggy and at this time must have been implanted the love of music which has now led to Peggy herself learning the box later on in life.
After moving with her husband, John, to Mid-Calder about 17 years ago, Peggy, seven years later, bought a small Royal standard accordion and took lessons from Jack Ness in Broxburn, although Peggy prefers to be classed as an ear player.
Recently she graduated to a full sized Guerinni, a lovely box with which she kindly entertains us at old folks ‘doo’s’ and our own Club at the Golden Hind.
Peggy Baillie is well known in the Mid-Calder village where she was for many years the courteous and friendly grocery assistant at the local grocery shop which has now changed hands and made Peggy redundant. The Border spirit of independence soon shone through and Peggy is now happily once again engaged in work at Drumshoreland Old Folks’ Hospital.
We note in passing that Jock Webster, a name to conjure with in West Lothian accordion circles is a patient at the hospital and knowing Peggy we feel sure that she will be a welcome and knowledgeable visitor at Jock’s bedside.
Peggy makes some interesting comments on Accordion Clubs, pointing out that they, to her mind, fulfill a gap in local community entertainment as was experienced in her younger days on the farms – the need for folk to participate in live entertainment.
Also, while fully endorsing the high standard shown by the young musicians, she feels that ordinary players on whom Clubs depend sometimes feel at a disadvantage in going on stage. Perhaps there is a gentle lesson here, and need to encourage not only the young aspirant, but also the older person who would like to play a tune or two for the fun of it. We agree!
Peggy rates as her favourites John Ellis and his band, John Huband and Iain MacPhail and not forgetting the local Oakbank Sound.
We wish Peggy many years of playing and coming to our Club, and thank her for helping to keep the music going when in the past we were often short of players. All the best in your new job and we think that the patients are going to belefit, not only from your cooking, but also your music.
Moran Taing
Letters to the Editor
Sir – To put into words how grateful I am to have traveled the width and breadth of Scotland and beyond, to have played with such a great team of boys and to have experienced first-hand the talents of players whom I had admired before only on record, broadcasts and TV, is nearly impossible.
Firstly, I thank you all for giving me the opportunity. I never dreamed that I would play once with the Wallochs, never mind for four months.
Every moment is treasured, never to be forgotten. Also a big thank you for the snare drum presented to me recently. You all know how much this means to me and it will be played and cared for with pride.
Alasdair MacIntyre
Bunessan, Isle of Mull
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 25 Apr 84 Ian Skinner
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 1 Apr 84 Fraser McGlynn
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26 Mar 84 Florence & Mackie Burns
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 26 Apr 84 Garioch Fiddlers
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 29 Mar 84 Iain MacPhail
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callendar (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 16 Apr 84 Tommy Ford
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 5 Apr 84 General MacArthur SDB
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 10 Apr 84 Alex McPhie SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 3 Apr 84 Neil Rowan 6 Apr 84 Dinner Dance Ian McCallum SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 29 Mar 84 Oakbank Sound
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 4 Apr 84 Leonard Turnevicius (Gala Evening)
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 26 Mar 84 Dick Black SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11 Apr 84 Richard Ross SDB
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 13 Apr 84 Annual Dance Neil Strachan SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 30 Mar 84 Dinner Dance Graeme Mitchell SDB 16 Apr 84 John Ellis HDB
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28 Mar 84 Mike Clark
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4 Apr 84 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12 Apr 84 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 19 Apr 84 Robert Whitehead Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 31 Jan 84
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 29 Mar 84 Currie Brothers
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Mar t.b.c. 17 Apr 84 Peebles Club
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 2 Apr 84 Addie Harper Trio
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banff
6. Belford
7. Castle Douglas
8. Cleland
9. Crieff & District
10. Dalriada
11. Dingwall
12. Dundee
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Edinburgh
16. Forres
17. Fort William
18. Glendale (Wooler)
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. M.A.F.I.A.
26. Newtongrange
27. Newton St Boswells
28. Ormiston
29. Premier
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
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. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. 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)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
68. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
69. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
70. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
71. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
72. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
73. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
75. Newcastleton Accordion Club
76. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
77. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
78. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
79. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
80. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
81. 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
May we apologise to our readers and subscribers. It was not possible to get the February paper printed and we know it caused a lot of people to miss out the news. This month, to keep you up to date, we have made this copy a 16-page paper incorporating both February and March.
A new column has been started by our lady with the charity can, Kirsty. This is a light-hearted, gossipy, column which we hope you will enjoy.
Our sympathy goes out to Alan Roy and company. Recently they had to endure a three-week tour taking in such places as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Hard cheese, Alan!
At this time of the year we seem to be getting into the habit of appealing to Club Treasurers and advertisers to part with their cash a bit quicker. It is well past the Festive Season but the cash flow our way is but a trickle.
Stanley Ceilidh
By Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone, but I’m sure it will be remembered for months to come as being one of the best yet. The Tayside Hotel in Stanley was bursting at the seams with the sound of good, solid Scottish music of all different styles, supplied by players from as far afield as Lerwick and the Isle of Skye and just about everywhere in between.
On accordion we had Neil Caul, Ian McDonald from Skye, Hector Ramsay, Robert Ross, Jim Berry, Ian McCallum, Bill Black (Doune), Andy Marshall, Bruce Quirrie, Kevin Clark, Robert and Duncan Black, Edward Galley, Jennifer Forrest, Lyn Shanks, Karen Higgins, Bert Shorthouse, Ian Cameron, Gordon Duguid, Jim Hardie, John Crawford, Raymond Howe, Colin and Gang, the Donaldson Brothers, Kirsty Bisset, Jacqueline Dick, Drewie Hawick from Lerwick, and I did manage to get a tune myself as well.
On fiddles we had Judith Davidson, last year’s senior Scottish Champion and Golden Fiddle Award Winner, Duncan Chisholm, last year’s Junior Golden Fiddle Award Winner, Inga Scott from Kintore, Mark McDougall from Tain, Margaret Quirrie, Jim Brown, Brian Cruickshanks and Stella Clark.
Drummers were in the form of George Berwick, Duncan Burns, David Scott, Jim Lawrie and it was great to see the one and only Gus Millar back having a tune.
On bass we had Bruce Scott from Edinburgh and Ally MacLeod all the way from Tobermory.
Piano accompaniment was taken over by John Gibson, Graham Berry, Gillian Simpson and Anne Black and also by quite a number of multi-instrumentalists present.
By way of a change we had Jimmy Sinclair on the pipes.
The two men who had the job of getting all that lot on and off the stage were our local compere Jim Webster and the ‘Dunnecht Loon’ himself, yes of course, Robbie Shepherd. My sincere thanks to them both for all their efforts and also for taking the collection for charity which this year amounted to £200 which will help to give a young child a bone marrow transplant.
Thanks very much to everybody for your tremendous generosity. My thanks also to the proprietors of the Tayside Hotel for making everyone so welcome and supplying first-class suppers, and the odd dram of course, and also supplying accommodation to so many of the enthusiasts who came along.
I sincerely hope to see you all once again at the Tayside Hotel in Stanley on Friday, 18th May, when we have our annual grand Scottish Dance, this year featuring the wonderful sound of Colin Finlayson and his SDB. Of course the 1984 ceilidh night is once again to be held in the Tayside, and the date is the 2nd of November. Looking forward to seeing you all than.
Once again thanks to everyone.
Musselburgh 1984
By Ian Smith
Once again the Brunton Halls at Musselburgh echoed with the sounds of the reeds of the accordions and the strings of the fiddles as battle proceeded in orderly fashion all day.
It was a beautiful spring day and the public were out in force to applaud and wonder at the dexterity and ability of these youngsters as they got on with the business in hand.
Downstairs was also a hive of activity as the various trade stands demonstrated the various instruments on show.
The organisation had worked to perfection and despite a large entry, the competitors ended dead on schedule. Well done Norrie Williams and his assistants.
The concert was, as usual, very well attended and the appreciative audience enjoyed every second of it. As for the dance, the Wallochmore Ceilidh Band saw to it that the packed hall was a knock-out. All-in-all it must be the best yet.
The premier award this year was won by 17-year-old Edward Galley from Forfar. Edward has been in and out of the medal places for some time now but at last his perseverance has paid off.
Raymond Laidlaw, Pencaitland, another great young player, came second and yet another fantastic player, Colin Dewar from Kingskettle, came third.
Here is the full list of winners :-
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
3) Niall Kirkpatrick (Glasgow)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Edward Galley (Forfar)
2) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
3) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
4=) James Grand (Eyemouth) & Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
Trio
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
Band
1) Craig McCallum (Penicuik)
2) West Telferton Caledonian Dance Band (Edinburgh)
Senior Accordion Solo, Pipe Music
1) Edward Galley (Forfar)
2) Jennifer Forrest (Airdrie)
3) Richard Ross (Glasgow)
Junior Accordion Solo, Pipe Music
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Lorna McWhinney (Balloch)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Junior Duet Traditional
1) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Paul & David Anderson (Tarland)
3) Lynette Wood (Whitburn) & Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
Under 12 Traditional
1) Allan Frater (Uphall)
2) Colin Brown (Balerno)
3) Jennifer Hamilton (Whitburn)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Angeline Jane McCloy (Newmains)
2) Allan Frater (Uphall)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) David Preston (Shotts)
2) Fiona Kenneth (Dundee)
3) Lara Halliday (Glasgow)
Under 16 Classical Solo1) Elaine Hastie (Carluke)
2) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
3) Julie Forsyth (Foulden)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Ian Lothian & Wendy Davidson (Selkirk)
2) Sandy Legget & Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
3) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
Open Classical Duet
1) Alan & David Preston (Shotts)
2) Graeme Munro & Colin McLaren (Haddington)
3) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
Open Classical Solo
1) Alan Preston (Shotts)
2) David Preston (Shotts)
3) James Grant (Eyemouth)
Own Composition
1) Marion Anderson (Duns)
2) Stuart McKeown (Milngavie)
3) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Junior Fiddle Solo
1) Alison Smith (Edinburgh)
2) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
3) Tracey C. Moir (Banchory)
Junior Fiddle, Slow Air
1) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
2) Angela Franci (Dundee)
3) Lorna Leitch (Ayr)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
2) Gregor Borland (Inverness)
3) Stella Clark (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle, Slow Air
1) Stella Clark (Dundee)
2) Margaret Ellis (Duntrune)
3) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
Next month there will be a thank-you write-up from the Festival Chairman. In the meantime, thanks to all you competitors for your hours of practice and to their parents for their interest in their children and to the public for attending in such large numbers to support the Musselburgh Festival.
Annual Weekend Gathering and Presentation Luncheon
We look forward to meeting all musicians and their friends at the Annual Weekend Gathering which is scheduled for the week ending 30th June / 1st July, 1984, for the Stakis Dunblane Hotel.
The Gathering is the social event of the year. It gives you the musicians the opportunity of meeting and playing with musical friends old and new and joining in with the personalities of the Scottish music scene.
The weekend commences with an informal lunch on Saturday, 12.30pm – 2pm in the restaurant. The afternoon is free for music making, swimming, saunas, putting, in fact anything you fancy, well almost anything!!
Following the informal dinner in the restaurant, 6.30pm onwards, there is general dancing in the ballroom until 11.30pm followed by our own ‘cairy on’!!! till we drop! Either guttered or just plain tired.
Breakfast (if you are up in time) is between 8am and 9.30am.
The AGM will commence at 11am prompt on Sunday morning – then time for a dram or two before going into the ballroom for the Presentation Luncheon at 2.30pm.
Jack Cooper
Born a Starr
By Peter Paterson
Take a name from the world of showbusiness, check it out, and in many cases you will find it’s only a stage name. A name chosen to catch the eye and one easy to remember.
William Starrs, born in the village of Croy, near Kilsyth on 29th April, 1923, did not need to do that. Fate or destiny had arranged things that a Starr he was from birth.
He was the second eldest in a family of five girls and three boys. In those days large families seemed to be the thing. Like the old saying goes, large families are happy families, from all reports this was so in the Starrs family.
Croy being a mining community, it was the way that most adult labour earned their living, in the pits. William’s father, Joseph, was no exception.
Susan, William’s mother, like most miners’ wives found life hard going with all that it took looking after a big family. William was two years old or thereabouts when our story starts.
Susan and Joe were astounded one day when the strains of Joe’s melodeon were heard echoing through the house.
When seeking out the source, lo and behold it was young William playing the old melodeon and knocking out a tune on it at that. Joe Starrs knew even at that time his lad showed a certain spark of talent.
From then on he encouraged this, and young William did not let him down, his dedication and practice over the next few years certainly confirmed his father’s early assumptions.
By the time William was nine he was well-known in his area as a very accomplished accordion player and indeed a child prodigy.
At the age of ten William really started on the road to fame. He won the Scottish Amateur Accordion Championship.
At this stage he was playing a Franchetti three-row button box. The three-row box was to be his trade mark from then on, although I would like to stress the four-row he had in the last years of his life was still basically a three-row with a dummy inside row added. This made the accordion look like a Continental instrument but for my own personal taste the three-row looked more distinctive in regards to Will Starr’s stage presence.
As most accordion enthusiasts know the box that Will played was called a Diatonic British Chromatic accordion. Two notes can be had on each treble button from the press and draw of the bellows.
Control of the bellows is most important. Will Starr was a complete master of the bellows operations, especially on the jigs and reels the bellows never moved out more than around six inches. This type of accordion is the ultimate for Scottish music. Will, with his master touch, could emphasis notes in his playing with pressure applied to his bellows action. This was his accordion.
Hih sister Rose told me that he was a fair hand at the piano box and, of course, the five-row Continental accordion. I can imagine he was.
After winning the Scottish Championship title he went from strength to strength. As his story is told at around thirteen he was playing at a dinner in Glasgow’s Grand Hotel. This being a big affair, lots of dignitaries attended, among them was the late Sir Ian Colquhoun.
After William did his spot, Sir Ian spoke to him. Being impressed with Will’s playing he then introduced him to Jock Kilpatrick of Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre. After that meeting William went more or less professional and did a few resident shows with the late Harry Gordon.
Although working the theatres at night, William did a day job in the local coalmine.
This was a far cry from the glamour and the lights of showbusiness. He was working under the title of a mining scheme at that time and was classed as a Bevin Boy.
Although he quite liked the friendly spirit and closeness of working with the lads on this scheme, the call of the stage was stronger and soon it would not be denied as the turning point in his life was soon to be reached.
In the next issue William Starr embarks on his life-long association with Robert Wilson and the name of Will Starr really moved into the realms of Scottish showbusiness and aye, the world.
Livingston Accordion & Fiddle Club (Tenth Anniversary)
By Murdo McLeod
This month we feature a lady in our series of pen sketches of faithful players who have sustained our club over the past ten years.
Peggy Baillie represents the real spirit of Accordion Clubs, the lass or laddie who has not had the benefit of tuition or early training, but is consumed by the love of our Scottish music and play by ear, as they say. It is a real pleasure to feature Peggy in these columns as she has been one of our supporters through thick and thin since the early days at the Meadow-head Hotel.
Born just a little over 21 years ago(!) in the village of Swinton in Berwickshire where her father was a cattleman on local farms. Robert Dunse, her father, was himself a talented musician in the bother mould, playing melodeon and fiddle, reminiscent of other famous bothie musicians. One can imagine the early influence the ‘bothie nichts’ must have had on young Peggy and at this time must have been implanted the love of music which has now led to Peggy herself learning the box later on in life.
After moving with her husband, John, to Mid-Calder about 17 years ago, Peggy, seven years later, bought a small Royal standard accordion and took lessons from Jack Ness in Broxburn, although Peggy prefers to be classed as an ear player.
Recently she graduated to a full sized Guerinni, a lovely box with which she kindly entertains us at old folks ‘doo’s’ and our own Club at the Golden Hind.
Peggy Baillie is well known in the Mid-Calder village where she was for many years the courteous and friendly grocery assistant at the local grocery shop which has now changed hands and made Peggy redundant. The Border spirit of independence soon shone through and Peggy is now happily once again engaged in work at Drumshoreland Old Folks’ Hospital.
We note in passing that Jock Webster, a name to conjure with in West Lothian accordion circles is a patient at the hospital and knowing Peggy we feel sure that she will be a welcome and knowledgeable visitor at Jock’s bedside.
Peggy makes some interesting comments on Accordion Clubs, pointing out that they, to her mind, fulfill a gap in local community entertainment as was experienced in her younger days on the farms – the need for folk to participate in live entertainment.
Also, while fully endorsing the high standard shown by the young musicians, she feels that ordinary players on whom Clubs depend sometimes feel at a disadvantage in going on stage. Perhaps there is a gentle lesson here, and need to encourage not only the young aspirant, but also the older person who would like to play a tune or two for the fun of it. We agree!
Peggy rates as her favourites John Ellis and his band, John Huband and Iain MacPhail and not forgetting the local Oakbank Sound.
We wish Peggy many years of playing and coming to our Club, and thank her for helping to keep the music going when in the past we were often short of players. All the best in your new job and we think that the patients are going to belefit, not only from your cooking, but also your music.
Moran Taing
Letters to the Editor
Sir – To put into words how grateful I am to have traveled the width and breadth of Scotland and beyond, to have played with such a great team of boys and to have experienced first-hand the talents of players whom I had admired before only on record, broadcasts and TV, is nearly impossible.
Firstly, I thank you all for giving me the opportunity. I never dreamed that I would play once with the Wallochs, never mind for four months.
Every moment is treasured, never to be forgotten. Also a big thank you for the snare drum presented to me recently. You all know how much this means to me and it will be played and cared for with pride.
Alasdair MacIntyre
Bunessan, Isle of Mull
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 25 Apr 84 Ian Skinner
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 1 Apr 84 Fraser McGlynn
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26 Mar 84 Florence & Mackie Burns
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 26 Apr 84 Garioch Fiddlers
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 29 Mar 84 Iain MacPhail
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callendar (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 16 Apr 84 Tommy Ford
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 5 Apr 84 General MacArthur SDB
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 10 Apr 84 Alex McPhie SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 3 Apr 84 Neil Rowan 6 Apr 84 Dinner Dance Ian McCallum SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 29 Mar 84 Oakbank Sound
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 4 Apr 84 Leonard Turnevicius (Gala Evening)
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 26 Mar 84 Dick Black SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11 Apr 84 Richard Ross SDB
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 13 Apr 84 Annual Dance Neil Strachan SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 30 Mar 84 Dinner Dance Graeme Mitchell SDB 16 Apr 84 John Ellis HDB
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28 Mar 84 Mike Clark
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4 Apr 84 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12 Apr 84 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 19 Apr 84 Robert Whitehead Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 31 Jan 84
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 29 Mar 84 Currie Brothers
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Mar t.b.c. 17 Apr 84 Peebles Club
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 2 Apr 84 Addie Harper Trio
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banff
6. Belford
7. Castle Douglas
8. Cleland
9. Crieff & District
10. Dalriada
11. Dingwall
12. Dundee
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Edinburgh
16. Forres
17. Fort William
18. Glendale (Wooler)
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. M.A.F.I.A.
26. Newtongrange
27. Newton St Boswells
28. Ormiston
29. Premier
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
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. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. 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)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
68. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
69. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
70. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
71. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
72. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
73. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
75. Newcastleton Accordion Club
76. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
77. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
78. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
79. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
80. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
81. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50