Box and Fiddle
Year 21 No 03
November 1997
Price 70p
20 Page Magazine
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, Biggar, ML12 6NZ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Well the switchboard at 63 Station Road hasn’t been jammed so it would appear that our new format has been fairly well received. Either that or posting them as I went on holiday for a week with the answering machine switched off was a good idea after all! I would like to see changes to the paper as an ongoing process of improvement so comments and constructive criticism will always be welcome.
The Post Office did their bit successfully except for Armadale, which is almost within throwing distance, who still haven’t received their 20 copies – has anyone seen them? If you still haven’t received your papers a couple of days before your Club meet give me a phone while there’s still time to do something about it. There’s lots of competition for parcel delivery these days. If any of our readers can suggest a better carrier from personal experience (from Thankerton remember) please let me know.
This month sees the start of a regular feature entitled ‘Composers Corner’ (I was seriously tempted by ‘Compost Corner’ but no, I must treat this seriously) giving thumbnail sketches of notable individuals who have contributed to the repertoire of Scottish Dance music. Current composers will feature in due course but we’ll try to concentrate on deceased ones first (and I don’t want any of you ‘popping off’ just to qualify). Again I’m not trying to run a ‘one man band’ here so feel free to contribute – indeed some of you will be receiving letters asking for information to move things along. Don’t wait to be asked – write now!!
Linked to this I’d like to see a small feature with brief explanations of tune titles. Why were ‘The 93rd at Modder River’ and where was ‘Paadeburg’ for example. Again contributions welcome but as I was saying keep them short and interesting.
I hope also to reactivate the ‘Introducing the Clubs’ feature pioneered by Doug Adamson. I think 25 Clubs were featured in the first run although I don’t have a copy of every B&F over that period. If therefore, Club Secretaries, you receive a letter asking for a feature and you’ve already contributed, let me know.
Hopefully some of you were forewarned and caught a real life Scottish Dance Band on the telly, although not perhaps exactly where you would have expected them. ‘First Light’, a religious programme screened on Sunday, 5th October, featured Tom Farmer (‘Mr Quik Fit’) as one of its guests and to give the programme a Scottish flavour the Producer asked along Iain MacPhail and his Band. To my mind they looked great and sounded great with tartan in evidence and instruments gleaming under the studio lights. Hopefully other T.V. managers may have thought the same. I’d be obliged if any bands who are fortunate enough to appear on T.V. or radio outwith the Norman spots, could let me know so that I can advertise the fact here in the B&F. The following night saw us treated to a documentary on the history of the ‘Reel of the 51st Division’.
There must be lots of you with unused boxes under the stairs or in the attic so I would like to see a Classified Adverts section started. Previously we offered ‘3 lines’ at £8 but that sounded uninspiring and no-one used it so let’s formalise it as something more definite ‘Classified Ads’ still at £8 of course.
If Clubs can sell more magazines then please do so. A bigger circulation helps us to keep costs down. I’m trying to make the club Diary as comprehensive as possible so please, Club Secretaries, if you don’t issue an annual syllabus remember to keep me informed. Registration Forms and Subscriptions still awaited from about 20 Clubs.
Charlie Todd
The Empire Strikes Back
by Charlie Todd
One of the unusual aspects of the Scottish character is that a Scot overseas becomes much more aware of his ancestry and heritage than if he had never left these shores. For many these feeling culminate on St. Andrew’s Night when the opportunity is taken to bask in Scottish culture and just for good measure show the members of the St George’s Society and even the St Patrick’s Society exactly what the St Andrew’s Society is all about.
One lasting legacy of the glorious days of Empire, coupled with Scottish expertise in finance, engineering and connections made through the oil industry, is that Scots and people of Scots ancestry are to be found in every quarter of the globe. To mark St Andrew’s Night many societies throughout the world enlist the help of a Scottish Dance Band to make their night go with a swing.
The St Andrew’s (or Caledonian) Ball is frequently the biggest social event of the year in many of these far-flung outposts and tickets are eagerly sought. From my own limited experience ticket prices vary enormously with £20 in Kenyan Shillings getting you a place at the Nairobi Intercontinental While £110 in Hong Kong Dollars buys you a place at the Hong Kong Regency Hotel in Kowloon for the Hong Kong Ball.
Spice Girls may come and go but every year, thankfully, real talent is recognised when dozens of Scottish musicians pack their bags and head for Departure Lounges at the end of November. Interested in finding out how extensive this annual migration has become I started making some enquiries and the following are the ones I now know about – doubtless there are others and I would be delighted to hear from them.
EUROPE
Belfast – closest to home Andrew Knight, Richard Ross, Russell Hunter and Ian ‘Stretch’ McFadyen travel over to the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards to play at the St Andrew’s Ball for the Belfast Branch of the R.S.C.D.S.
St Helier (Jersey – Channel Islands) – Alan Gardiner and wife Emma (Fiddle) and drummer John Pottinger will travel to the Island’s main town to play for the St Andrew’s Night Ball.
Guernsey (Channel Islands) – The Thistle Ceilidh Band namely, Roger Crook (accordion), Barbara Archibald (second box), Yvonne Ferguson (keyboard) and Ross Crook (drums) made a return visit to play for the St Andrew’s Night Ball.
The Hague (The Netherlands) – Alastair Hunter, Florence Lawie and Jack Stephen return to play for the St Andrew’s Society of the Netherlands.
Berlin (Germany) – David Ross, Alan Adamson and a local drummer play for the biennial Ball of the Bertlin Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. or rather they should be. Army cutbacks have so dispersed the Committee that 1997 has been cancelled but things should be back on course for 1999.
Benal Madena (Malaga, Spain) – the Craigowl SDB, Kevin Clark, Bruce Quirie, Stella Wilkie and Jack Cooper play for Country Dancing.
Warsaw (Poland) – accordionist David Vernon and singer/guitarist Andy Ramage performed there last year but I haven’t heard who’s doing it this year.
Sofia (Bulgaria) – Sandy Leggat and the Carseloch Ceilidh Band are returning this year to the Steraton Hotel, Sofia for the United Distillers St Andrew’s Night Dance. Sandy, Davie Patrick, Davie Flockhart and Steven McInnes will entertain the 250 guests, some of whom will have been attending dance classes run by a local deputy headmistress.
Geneva (Switzerland) – John Renton, Gordon Simpson, Rikki Franci, Steve Provan and Ali Mac play for the St Andrew’s Ball of the Geneva Scottish Football Club. John tells me that this will be his fourth visit and explained that he took the place of Colin Finlayson who was living and working in Geneva at the time of his death.
Moscow (Russia) – Ali MacGregor and the Tain SDB made a return visit to the Russian capital.
Cyprus – 3-row Shand Morino player Andy Greig from Pittenweem has taken a band to this lovely Mediterranean Island to help the ex-pats celebrate St Andrew's Day for a number of years but other than that I have no details.
NORTH AFRICA
Cairo (Egypt) – Gary Donaldson, Alastair McLeod (2nd box), Jimmy Lamb (fiddle), Jimmy McDonald (keyboard) and Gordon Young (drums) play for the Ball in Cairo. Past highlights have included trips to the pyramids and a cruise on the Nile taking in a visit to the Valley of the Kings.
Casablanca (Morocco) – David Sturgeon, Alan Hume and Bob Henderson ‘play it again’ for the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce’s St Andrew’s Ball. In addition to the band eight dancers from the Herriot Watt University Scottish Dance club, a piper and a Highland dancer join the trip making it the largest party going overseas. The group also entertain at a school for the physically disabled and other deserving causes. David tells me that bargain hunting and haggling in the local ‘souk’ (market) is not to be missed.
EAST AFRICA
Nairobi (Kenya) – Jason Dove, Mike Meenan, yours truly and the Pipes and Drums of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders will play for the Caledonian Society of Kenya and the Nairobi Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. The two week trip includes a safari to the Masai Mara and a game fishing expedition to Hemmingway’s at Malindi, one of the world’s foremost game fishing resorts and managed by, yes, you’ve guessed it, a Scot. The Indian Ocean off Malindi is famous for its marlin, the King of Game Fish.
Kampala (Uganda) – Judith Linton, shepherdess and raconteur, Marian Anderson and Graham Bell will entertain at the Caledonian Ball in Kampala. There should be time for a spot of fishing for Nile perch in the dark waters of Lake Victoria. Our photo shows Mike Meenan on a previous occasion with a tiddler at 35 lbs. The record is currently 220 lbs – about the same size as the boat I should think A gorilla safari into the dense jungles on the Uganda / Rwanda border is also a possibility. Just in case you fall in (the Lake) or fall out (with a gorilla) it’s been good knowing you Judith.
THE MIDDLE EAST
Kuwait City – The Pentland Ceilidh Band namely, Derek Rae, Colin Brown and Neil Cranston perform at the Holiday Inn in Kuwait City for the Caledonian Society of Kuwait. The band are regular visitors to Kuwait enjoying, amongst other things, speed boating on the Persian Gulf.
Oman – Sandy Nixon, Hamish Smith, Bill Hendry (Dundee) and Gordon Young enjoy a trip to the Sultanate of Oman.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai – an Aberdeenshire band did the honours last year but no response to my fax about who’s making the trip this year.
Amman (Jordan) – John Carmichael, Marie Fielding, Dorothy Lawson and Billy Thom played for the Caledonian Society in Jordan’s capital city.
Bahrain – our own Vice-Chairman, Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB, returned to play in this Middle Eastern Gulf State.
INDIA AND BANGLADESH
Bangalore (Southern India) – Dennis Morrison and his band sampled the mysteries of India last year. It was the first year of the event and appears not to have been repeated since the Society haven’t obtained sponsorship for the flights.
Delhi (India) & Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Ian H. Cruickshank (lead accordion), Andy McCormick (fiddle), Jane Farquharson (keyboard) and Jim Barnetson (drums) traveled to these two exotic venues. Dhaka was previously done by ‘Scotias Hardy Sons’ namely David Vernon, Peter Wood (box and pipes), Andy Ramage (guitar & vocals) and Tich Frier (vocals)
THE FAR EAST
Republic of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Neil Barron, Jim Newsome, James Clark, Doug Cargill and George Darling play at the Shangri La Hotels at these two vebues for the St Andrew’s Society of Singapore and the Selangor St Andrew’s Society. One of the highlights is a ceilidh aboard a Chinese junk, sailing in daylight but returning to port after dark with the glittering city of Singapore in the background.
Hong Kong and Taiwan – The Glenwood S.D.B. consisting of London based Stuart Forbes (frae Buckie), brother Alistair Forbes (keyboard), Graham Hamilton (drums) and guesting on lead accordion Iain MacPhail make a return visit to the former colony to find out the difference the transition to Chinese control has made. No more dance practices at the former Prince of Wales Barracks for sure but a trip up Victoria Peak and a visit to the Stanley Market are on the itinery. The Taipai venue pays homage to the island’s former name in the Grand Formosa Regent Hotel.
Bangkok (Thailand) – Graham Geddes, Colin Sutherland, Hebbie Gray, David Little and Tommy Sutherland play for one of the largest and longest St Andrew’s Balls. From midnight till 6 a.m. 750 dancers get through 38 set dances before boarding buses for the British Embassy and breakfasting on the lawn, by which time the temperature is already 70 degrees. During those 6 hours the band get 4 five minute breaks when pipers from the Scots Guards perform. It’s reckoned that 200 additional car a day take to the streets of Bangkok. Past outings have included a trip to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the Thai section of the notorious Burma Railway on the River Kwai where men from Graham’s own area, Gordon highlanders, amongst many others, found their last resting place. Graham tells me that Borneo is also on the cards for next year.
Seoul (South Korea) and Japan – Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Edward Galley and David Scott play for the St Andrew Society of Seoul’s Ball and for various corporate functions in both South Korea and Japan on a 10 day trip. They return every March for the ‘Muckleshunter’ Ball, a Society gathering for an evening of dancing and tasting fine wines.
Jakarta (Indonesia) – Craig and Hazel McCallum, Alison Smith, Tom Murray and Duncan Henderson entertain the Java St Andrew’s Society. ‘After the Ball is over’ it’s all aboard and over to Bali for a few peaceful days on its tropical beaches.
CARIBBEAN
Manila (Philippines) – This is undoubtedly the hard luck story of the year. Fife bandleader Colin Dewar was offered a six day trip to the Philippines but had to turn it down because he was playing in, of all places, St Andrews. Take a deep breath and count to ten Colin. The caller had other phone numbers to try, so once again who’s going?
SOUTH AMERICA
Caracas (Venezuela) and Bogotá (Columbia) – Dale, Trish, Mark and Scott Winchester return to these exotic venues for a second time this year. It was Graham Geddes who first got the booking for Bogota, through Aberdeen oil connections, and flew out with his band two years ago. The location is less straightforward than the job itself. Bogota sits at 8,000 feet above sea level, making the air very thin and consequently it has the second longest runway in the world to let the planes get off the ground. It is also the drugs capital of the world. On arrival at the airport they were whisked through and into a waiting vehicle. Apparently there had been a shoot-out minutes before their arrival with both parties being shot. Dale explained that the band are provided with a car and driver who can provide them from accidentally straying into a ‘no-go’ area. Locally mined emeralds and ‘Aztec Gold’ make memorable souvenirs.
Brazil & Uruguay – Iain MAcPhail, Brian Griffin, Stuart Forbes, Davy Flockhart and Ian Graham (Carluke – drums) are guests of the St Andrew’s Society of Rio de Janeiro in an October trip which saw them at Rio on 4th October, San Paolo on the 11th and Montevideo on the 18th. Off duty highlights of the trip include a trip up Sugar Loaf Mountain and a visit to the Maracana Football Stadium in Rio, taking in the sights at Copacabana Beach and the Gaucho Museum in Montevideo.
(We won’t mention last year when accommodation in the band’s luxury hotel was progressively upgraded until Iain and Stuart ended up in the Honeymoon Suite – the absolute last word in luxury. All went well until breakfast time when the waiter asked them in turn for their room numbers – and gave them a gie funny look at their response. “Honest Manuel, it’s no’ how it looks”.
Mexico – I read in the Edinburgh Evening News that the Edinburgh based Sutherland Trio, together with piper Bill Kenyon, were playing in Mexico City. Can anyone give me more details on the line up of the Sutherland Trio?
(We won’t mention last year when accommodation in the band’s luxury hotel was progressively upgraded until Iain and Stuart ended up in the Honeymoon Suite – the absolute last word in luxury. All went well until breakfast time when the waiter asked them in turn for their room numbers – and gave them a gie funny look at their response. “Honest Manuel, it’s no’ how it looks”.
So there you have it – this is as far as my brief researches have taken me. Thanks to all the lads and lassies who patiently answered my questions. I don’t doubt that there are others abroad and I hope to hear from them. I would also ask that those listed above send me a photograph when they return and a short write up. As well as St Andrew’s Nights many of the bands make return visits for Burns Nights or other events. In fact with so many bands abroad are there any left in Scotland for St Andrew’s night – Oh yes, silly me, I forgot about colin Dewar.
So to end with, who knows, maybe this round-up offers hope to any despairing parent whose son or daughter questions the logic of taking music lessons – “Where can it take me?”….well actually….
Composers Corner
Niel Gow – was born at Inver, a hamlet near Dunkeld, on 22nd March, 1727. Son of a plaid weaver, Niel (he always spelt his name in the Gaelic fashion) started the violin at the age of 9 and was virtually self-taught, apart from some instruction when he was 13 from John Cameron, a servant of the Stewarts of Grantully. In 1745, as Bonnie Price Sharlie was raising his standard at Glenfinnan to begin his ill-fated campaign, Niel won a competition in Perth open to all Scotland. He won, a contemporary report said, “with the cheerful consent of the other competitors”. The judge, a blind man named John McCraw, declared that “he could distinguish Niel’s bow amang a hunder players”. A powerful upstroke and his ability ‘to life the bow smartly off the string with a particular jerk of the wrist’ made Niel famous throughout Scotland. He was a man of ‘open, honest and pleasing countenance, and a homely, easy and unaffected manner, accompanied by a perfect honesty and integrity of thought and action, placing him on a footing of familiarity and independence in the presence of the proudest of the land’. Niel was patronized by three Duke’s of Atholl during his long life. A professional musician – ‘the best fiddler that ever kittled thairm with horse hair’ – he was much in demand to play at important balls and parties, and could command a considerable fee. Records show that the fee of a normal fiddler of the time was about 2/6 to 5/- (plus 1/- of ale money). Niel’s fee was 15/-, sometimes higher, depending on the importance of the occasion. Stories and anecdotes, mainly apocryphal, abounded about him. He was, and is, a legend. Gow the composer wrote about 87 tunes. It is difficult to be certain of the exact number, because Niel was guilty on occasion of blatant plagiarism. However, besides strathspeys, and reels, jigs, etc., he wrote some of the best elegiac pieces in the repertoire, for example, his Lamentation for James Moray of Abercairney and Lament for the Death of his Second Wife.
He died on 1st March, 1807 at Inver, his home during most of his 80 years.
Nathaniel Gow – the fourth son of Niel Gow, was born at Inver on 28th May, 1763. Like his elder brothers William, John and Andrew, he was taught by his father on the kit (a kind of small fiddle) then sent to Edinburgh to study with Robert MacKintosh (Red Rob) and Alexander ‘King’ McGlashen, so-called because of his majestic, stately appearance and showy dress. Nathaniel inherited his father’s talents as a violinist, but with his superior education he was the better all-round musician of the two. He studied the cello under Joseph Reinagle, who became Professor of Music at Oxford. He also played the trumpet, and in 1782 was appointed one of His Majesty’s Herald Trumpeters in Scotland.
In 1791 he succeeded his brother William as the leader of the orchestra that played at the fashionable concerts in Edinburgh, especially the Caledonian Hunt Balls and Assemblies. Nathaniel was the leading musical figure in the capital and, like his father, was absent from few really fashionable functions. The aristocracy showered him with gifts, and George IV granted him a pension. He was at one time reputed to be worth £20,000. In 1796, in partnership with William shepherd, he started an extensive music publishing business. Nathaniel claimed to have written 197 tunes but, regrettably, he was even more guilty of plagiarism than his father, especially of Marshall’s music. He was, however, a fine composer of original melodies, and his authenticated compositions show culture, variety and sophistication. His strathspey Lady Charlotte Campbell and the reels Loch Earn and Largo’s Fairy Dance and in the standard repertoire of any respected fiddler.
A.S.M.A. 1997 IS THE BEST YET
The 10th Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival organized by the Ayrshire Scottish Music Association saw a record entry in 26 competitions……….
Record Review
The Colliston Sound – Smith Mearns Recordings – SMR 067
The Band Boys – Steven Carcary and the Strathmore Sound – SMR066
Letters to the Editor
Congratulations on the format and content of the October issue received today. Keith Chandler’s article on the Wyper Brothers goes straight into the archive. Their records about 1926 stand out in my memory and I still have a copy of their tutor. Jimmy Shand and Jim Crawford remain our outstanding two row players but two Irish exponents really excel. Listen to Sharon Shannon and Martin O’Connor and marvel at the possibilities of such a humble instrument. It remains my choice for a quiet tunes or two before bedtime.
Sandy Tulloch
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
1st Nov 97 – Max Houliston SDB
8th Nov 97 – Maurice Duncan SDB
15th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget SDB
22nd Nov 97 – Gordon Shand SDB
29th Nov 97 – Strathmore Sound
6th Dec 97 – John Renton SDB
13th Dec 97 – Calum Wilson SDB
10th Dec 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB
27th Dec 97 – Jim Johnstone SDB
3rd Jan 98 – John Carmichael SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Nov 97 – Wayne Robertson & Nigel Jelks
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 12th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Nov 97 – John Douglas SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Nov 97 – Seamus Shannon
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Nov 97 – David Wilson SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Nov 97 – Fintry Style
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Nov 97 – Jock Fraser SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 97 – Ian Muir Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Nov 97 – Jim MacKay SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Nov 97 – Bill Black SDB
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Nov 97 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Nov 97 – David Cunningham Jnr Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 97 – Tommy Newcomen
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Nov 97 – Green Ginger
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Nov 97 – Willie McFarlane Band
Campbeltown (Royal or Argyll Hotel) - 30th Nov 97 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 4th Nov 97 – Robert Black SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 6th Nov 97 – Hector MacFadyen SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – John Douglas SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Nov 97 – Ray Carse
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 6th Nov 97 – Andy Greig
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Neil Caul & Friends
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – David Wilson SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Nov 97 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 14th Nov 97 - tbc
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Nov 97 – Willie Paterson
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Alan Roy
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Nov 97 – George Stirrat SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 30th Nov 97 – Jock Fraser SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Nov 97 – Alistair MacGregor & the Tain Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Nov 97 – Angie McEachern Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Nov 97 – Gordon Simpson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Nov 97 – Ian Powrie
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Nov 97 - tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 19th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Nov 97 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Nov 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye - 6th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Nov 97 – Judith Linton Trio
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 27th Nov 97 – The Andy Kain Experience
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Nov 97 – James Coutts SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Nov 97 - tba
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 18th Nov 97 – Ray Carse
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Nov 97 – Brian Griffin Duo
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 18th Nov 97 – The Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 19th Nov 97 – local artistes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Nov 97 – Gordon Fraser
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Nov 97 – Andrew Gordon SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 4th Nov 97 - tba
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Nov 97 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Nov 97 – Jimmy Lindsay
Shetland (venue?) - 11th Nov 97 – Colin Dewar
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Nov 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - tbc
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 12th Nov 97 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Nov 97 – Dennis Morrison Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Nov 97 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 4th Nov 97 – Duncan Black SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Wick Club
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Nov 97 – Angus Oliver
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Bromley
11. Button Key
12. Campsie
13. Castle Douglas
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff
16. Dalriada
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. Fintry
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Galston
25. Glendale
26. Glenrothes
27. Gretna
28. Highland
29. Inveraray
30. Islesteps
31. Kelso
32. Kintore
33. Lesmahagow
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Montrose
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Perth
41. Renfrew
42. Rothbury
43. Stirling
44. Thornhill
45. Thurso
46. Turriff
47. Tynedale
48. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates increased
Full Page - £113 from Sept 96
Half Page - £57
Quarter Page - £29
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Well the switchboard at 63 Station Road hasn’t been jammed so it would appear that our new format has been fairly well received. Either that or posting them as I went on holiday for a week with the answering machine switched off was a good idea after all! I would like to see changes to the paper as an ongoing process of improvement so comments and constructive criticism will always be welcome.
The Post Office did their bit successfully except for Armadale, which is almost within throwing distance, who still haven’t received their 20 copies – has anyone seen them? If you still haven’t received your papers a couple of days before your Club meet give me a phone while there’s still time to do something about it. There’s lots of competition for parcel delivery these days. If any of our readers can suggest a better carrier from personal experience (from Thankerton remember) please let me know.
This month sees the start of a regular feature entitled ‘Composers Corner’ (I was seriously tempted by ‘Compost Corner’ but no, I must treat this seriously) giving thumbnail sketches of notable individuals who have contributed to the repertoire of Scottish Dance music. Current composers will feature in due course but we’ll try to concentrate on deceased ones first (and I don’t want any of you ‘popping off’ just to qualify). Again I’m not trying to run a ‘one man band’ here so feel free to contribute – indeed some of you will be receiving letters asking for information to move things along. Don’t wait to be asked – write now!!
Linked to this I’d like to see a small feature with brief explanations of tune titles. Why were ‘The 93rd at Modder River’ and where was ‘Paadeburg’ for example. Again contributions welcome but as I was saying keep them short and interesting.
I hope also to reactivate the ‘Introducing the Clubs’ feature pioneered by Doug Adamson. I think 25 Clubs were featured in the first run although I don’t have a copy of every B&F over that period. If therefore, Club Secretaries, you receive a letter asking for a feature and you’ve already contributed, let me know.
Hopefully some of you were forewarned and caught a real life Scottish Dance Band on the telly, although not perhaps exactly where you would have expected them. ‘First Light’, a religious programme screened on Sunday, 5th October, featured Tom Farmer (‘Mr Quik Fit’) as one of its guests and to give the programme a Scottish flavour the Producer asked along Iain MacPhail and his Band. To my mind they looked great and sounded great with tartan in evidence and instruments gleaming under the studio lights. Hopefully other T.V. managers may have thought the same. I’d be obliged if any bands who are fortunate enough to appear on T.V. or radio outwith the Norman spots, could let me know so that I can advertise the fact here in the B&F. The following night saw us treated to a documentary on the history of the ‘Reel of the 51st Division’.
There must be lots of you with unused boxes under the stairs or in the attic so I would like to see a Classified Adverts section started. Previously we offered ‘3 lines’ at £8 but that sounded uninspiring and no-one used it so let’s formalise it as something more definite ‘Classified Ads’ still at £8 of course.
If Clubs can sell more magazines then please do so. A bigger circulation helps us to keep costs down. I’m trying to make the club Diary as comprehensive as possible so please, Club Secretaries, if you don’t issue an annual syllabus remember to keep me informed. Registration Forms and Subscriptions still awaited from about 20 Clubs.
Charlie Todd
The Empire Strikes Back
by Charlie Todd
One of the unusual aspects of the Scottish character is that a Scot overseas becomes much more aware of his ancestry and heritage than if he had never left these shores. For many these feeling culminate on St. Andrew’s Night when the opportunity is taken to bask in Scottish culture and just for good measure show the members of the St George’s Society and even the St Patrick’s Society exactly what the St Andrew’s Society is all about.
One lasting legacy of the glorious days of Empire, coupled with Scottish expertise in finance, engineering and connections made through the oil industry, is that Scots and people of Scots ancestry are to be found in every quarter of the globe. To mark St Andrew’s Night many societies throughout the world enlist the help of a Scottish Dance Band to make their night go with a swing.
The St Andrew’s (or Caledonian) Ball is frequently the biggest social event of the year in many of these far-flung outposts and tickets are eagerly sought. From my own limited experience ticket prices vary enormously with £20 in Kenyan Shillings getting you a place at the Nairobi Intercontinental While £110 in Hong Kong Dollars buys you a place at the Hong Kong Regency Hotel in Kowloon for the Hong Kong Ball.
Spice Girls may come and go but every year, thankfully, real talent is recognised when dozens of Scottish musicians pack their bags and head for Departure Lounges at the end of November. Interested in finding out how extensive this annual migration has become I started making some enquiries and the following are the ones I now know about – doubtless there are others and I would be delighted to hear from them.
EUROPE
Belfast – closest to home Andrew Knight, Richard Ross, Russell Hunter and Ian ‘Stretch’ McFadyen travel over to the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards to play at the St Andrew’s Ball for the Belfast Branch of the R.S.C.D.S.
St Helier (Jersey – Channel Islands) – Alan Gardiner and wife Emma (Fiddle) and drummer John Pottinger will travel to the Island’s main town to play for the St Andrew’s Night Ball.
Guernsey (Channel Islands) – The Thistle Ceilidh Band namely, Roger Crook (accordion), Barbara Archibald (second box), Yvonne Ferguson (keyboard) and Ross Crook (drums) made a return visit to play for the St Andrew’s Night Ball.
The Hague (The Netherlands) – Alastair Hunter, Florence Lawie and Jack Stephen return to play for the St Andrew’s Society of the Netherlands.
Berlin (Germany) – David Ross, Alan Adamson and a local drummer play for the biennial Ball of the Bertlin Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. or rather they should be. Army cutbacks have so dispersed the Committee that 1997 has been cancelled but things should be back on course for 1999.
Benal Madena (Malaga, Spain) – the Craigowl SDB, Kevin Clark, Bruce Quirie, Stella Wilkie and Jack Cooper play for Country Dancing.
Warsaw (Poland) – accordionist David Vernon and singer/guitarist Andy Ramage performed there last year but I haven’t heard who’s doing it this year.
Sofia (Bulgaria) – Sandy Leggat and the Carseloch Ceilidh Band are returning this year to the Steraton Hotel, Sofia for the United Distillers St Andrew’s Night Dance. Sandy, Davie Patrick, Davie Flockhart and Steven McInnes will entertain the 250 guests, some of whom will have been attending dance classes run by a local deputy headmistress.
Geneva (Switzerland) – John Renton, Gordon Simpson, Rikki Franci, Steve Provan and Ali Mac play for the St Andrew’s Ball of the Geneva Scottish Football Club. John tells me that this will be his fourth visit and explained that he took the place of Colin Finlayson who was living and working in Geneva at the time of his death.
Moscow (Russia) – Ali MacGregor and the Tain SDB made a return visit to the Russian capital.
Cyprus – 3-row Shand Morino player Andy Greig from Pittenweem has taken a band to this lovely Mediterranean Island to help the ex-pats celebrate St Andrew's Day for a number of years but other than that I have no details.
NORTH AFRICA
Cairo (Egypt) – Gary Donaldson, Alastair McLeod (2nd box), Jimmy Lamb (fiddle), Jimmy McDonald (keyboard) and Gordon Young (drums) play for the Ball in Cairo. Past highlights have included trips to the pyramids and a cruise on the Nile taking in a visit to the Valley of the Kings.
Casablanca (Morocco) – David Sturgeon, Alan Hume and Bob Henderson ‘play it again’ for the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce’s St Andrew’s Ball. In addition to the band eight dancers from the Herriot Watt University Scottish Dance club, a piper and a Highland dancer join the trip making it the largest party going overseas. The group also entertain at a school for the physically disabled and other deserving causes. David tells me that bargain hunting and haggling in the local ‘souk’ (market) is not to be missed.
EAST AFRICA
Nairobi (Kenya) – Jason Dove, Mike Meenan, yours truly and the Pipes and Drums of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders will play for the Caledonian Society of Kenya and the Nairobi Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. The two week trip includes a safari to the Masai Mara and a game fishing expedition to Hemmingway’s at Malindi, one of the world’s foremost game fishing resorts and managed by, yes, you’ve guessed it, a Scot. The Indian Ocean off Malindi is famous for its marlin, the King of Game Fish.
Kampala (Uganda) – Judith Linton, shepherdess and raconteur, Marian Anderson and Graham Bell will entertain at the Caledonian Ball in Kampala. There should be time for a spot of fishing for Nile perch in the dark waters of Lake Victoria. Our photo shows Mike Meenan on a previous occasion with a tiddler at 35 lbs. The record is currently 220 lbs – about the same size as the boat I should think A gorilla safari into the dense jungles on the Uganda / Rwanda border is also a possibility. Just in case you fall in (the Lake) or fall out (with a gorilla) it’s been good knowing you Judith.
THE MIDDLE EAST
Kuwait City – The Pentland Ceilidh Band namely, Derek Rae, Colin Brown and Neil Cranston perform at the Holiday Inn in Kuwait City for the Caledonian Society of Kuwait. The band are regular visitors to Kuwait enjoying, amongst other things, speed boating on the Persian Gulf.
Oman – Sandy Nixon, Hamish Smith, Bill Hendry (Dundee) and Gordon Young enjoy a trip to the Sultanate of Oman.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai – an Aberdeenshire band did the honours last year but no response to my fax about who’s making the trip this year.
Amman (Jordan) – John Carmichael, Marie Fielding, Dorothy Lawson and Billy Thom played for the Caledonian Society in Jordan’s capital city.
Bahrain – our own Vice-Chairman, Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB, returned to play in this Middle Eastern Gulf State.
INDIA AND BANGLADESH
Bangalore (Southern India) – Dennis Morrison and his band sampled the mysteries of India last year. It was the first year of the event and appears not to have been repeated since the Society haven’t obtained sponsorship for the flights.
Delhi (India) & Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Ian H. Cruickshank (lead accordion), Andy McCormick (fiddle), Jane Farquharson (keyboard) and Jim Barnetson (drums) traveled to these two exotic venues. Dhaka was previously done by ‘Scotias Hardy Sons’ namely David Vernon, Peter Wood (box and pipes), Andy Ramage (guitar & vocals) and Tich Frier (vocals)
THE FAR EAST
Republic of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Neil Barron, Jim Newsome, James Clark, Doug Cargill and George Darling play at the Shangri La Hotels at these two vebues for the St Andrew’s Society of Singapore and the Selangor St Andrew’s Society. One of the highlights is a ceilidh aboard a Chinese junk, sailing in daylight but returning to port after dark with the glittering city of Singapore in the background.
Hong Kong and Taiwan – The Glenwood S.D.B. consisting of London based Stuart Forbes (frae Buckie), brother Alistair Forbes (keyboard), Graham Hamilton (drums) and guesting on lead accordion Iain MacPhail make a return visit to the former colony to find out the difference the transition to Chinese control has made. No more dance practices at the former Prince of Wales Barracks for sure but a trip up Victoria Peak and a visit to the Stanley Market are on the itinery. The Taipai venue pays homage to the island’s former name in the Grand Formosa Regent Hotel.
Bangkok (Thailand) – Graham Geddes, Colin Sutherland, Hebbie Gray, David Little and Tommy Sutherland play for one of the largest and longest St Andrew’s Balls. From midnight till 6 a.m. 750 dancers get through 38 set dances before boarding buses for the British Embassy and breakfasting on the lawn, by which time the temperature is already 70 degrees. During those 6 hours the band get 4 five minute breaks when pipers from the Scots Guards perform. It’s reckoned that 200 additional car a day take to the streets of Bangkok. Past outings have included a trip to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the Thai section of the notorious Burma Railway on the River Kwai where men from Graham’s own area, Gordon highlanders, amongst many others, found their last resting place. Graham tells me that Borneo is also on the cards for next year.
Seoul (South Korea) and Japan – Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Edward Galley and David Scott play for the St Andrew Society of Seoul’s Ball and for various corporate functions in both South Korea and Japan on a 10 day trip. They return every March for the ‘Muckleshunter’ Ball, a Society gathering for an evening of dancing and tasting fine wines.
Jakarta (Indonesia) – Craig and Hazel McCallum, Alison Smith, Tom Murray and Duncan Henderson entertain the Java St Andrew’s Society. ‘After the Ball is over’ it’s all aboard and over to Bali for a few peaceful days on its tropical beaches.
CARIBBEAN
Manila (Philippines) – This is undoubtedly the hard luck story of the year. Fife bandleader Colin Dewar was offered a six day trip to the Philippines but had to turn it down because he was playing in, of all places, St Andrews. Take a deep breath and count to ten Colin. The caller had other phone numbers to try, so once again who’s going?
SOUTH AMERICA
Caracas (Venezuela) and Bogotá (Columbia) – Dale, Trish, Mark and Scott Winchester return to these exotic venues for a second time this year. It was Graham Geddes who first got the booking for Bogota, through Aberdeen oil connections, and flew out with his band two years ago. The location is less straightforward than the job itself. Bogota sits at 8,000 feet above sea level, making the air very thin and consequently it has the second longest runway in the world to let the planes get off the ground. It is also the drugs capital of the world. On arrival at the airport they were whisked through and into a waiting vehicle. Apparently there had been a shoot-out minutes before their arrival with both parties being shot. Dale explained that the band are provided with a car and driver who can provide them from accidentally straying into a ‘no-go’ area. Locally mined emeralds and ‘Aztec Gold’ make memorable souvenirs.
Brazil & Uruguay – Iain MAcPhail, Brian Griffin, Stuart Forbes, Davy Flockhart and Ian Graham (Carluke – drums) are guests of the St Andrew’s Society of Rio de Janeiro in an October trip which saw them at Rio on 4th October, San Paolo on the 11th and Montevideo on the 18th. Off duty highlights of the trip include a trip up Sugar Loaf Mountain and a visit to the Maracana Football Stadium in Rio, taking in the sights at Copacabana Beach and the Gaucho Museum in Montevideo.
(We won’t mention last year when accommodation in the band’s luxury hotel was progressively upgraded until Iain and Stuart ended up in the Honeymoon Suite – the absolute last word in luxury. All went well until breakfast time when the waiter asked them in turn for their room numbers – and gave them a gie funny look at their response. “Honest Manuel, it’s no’ how it looks”.
Mexico – I read in the Edinburgh Evening News that the Edinburgh based Sutherland Trio, together with piper Bill Kenyon, were playing in Mexico City. Can anyone give me more details on the line up of the Sutherland Trio?
(We won’t mention last year when accommodation in the band’s luxury hotel was progressively upgraded until Iain and Stuart ended up in the Honeymoon Suite – the absolute last word in luxury. All went well until breakfast time when the waiter asked them in turn for their room numbers – and gave them a gie funny look at their response. “Honest Manuel, it’s no’ how it looks”.
So there you have it – this is as far as my brief researches have taken me. Thanks to all the lads and lassies who patiently answered my questions. I don’t doubt that there are others abroad and I hope to hear from them. I would also ask that those listed above send me a photograph when they return and a short write up. As well as St Andrew’s Nights many of the bands make return visits for Burns Nights or other events. In fact with so many bands abroad are there any left in Scotland for St Andrew’s night – Oh yes, silly me, I forgot about colin Dewar.
So to end with, who knows, maybe this round-up offers hope to any despairing parent whose son or daughter questions the logic of taking music lessons – “Where can it take me?”….well actually….
Composers Corner
Niel Gow – was born at Inver, a hamlet near Dunkeld, on 22nd March, 1727. Son of a plaid weaver, Niel (he always spelt his name in the Gaelic fashion) started the violin at the age of 9 and was virtually self-taught, apart from some instruction when he was 13 from John Cameron, a servant of the Stewarts of Grantully. In 1745, as Bonnie Price Sharlie was raising his standard at Glenfinnan to begin his ill-fated campaign, Niel won a competition in Perth open to all Scotland. He won, a contemporary report said, “with the cheerful consent of the other competitors”. The judge, a blind man named John McCraw, declared that “he could distinguish Niel’s bow amang a hunder players”. A powerful upstroke and his ability ‘to life the bow smartly off the string with a particular jerk of the wrist’ made Niel famous throughout Scotland. He was a man of ‘open, honest and pleasing countenance, and a homely, easy and unaffected manner, accompanied by a perfect honesty and integrity of thought and action, placing him on a footing of familiarity and independence in the presence of the proudest of the land’. Niel was patronized by three Duke’s of Atholl during his long life. A professional musician – ‘the best fiddler that ever kittled thairm with horse hair’ – he was much in demand to play at important balls and parties, and could command a considerable fee. Records show that the fee of a normal fiddler of the time was about 2/6 to 5/- (plus 1/- of ale money). Niel’s fee was 15/-, sometimes higher, depending on the importance of the occasion. Stories and anecdotes, mainly apocryphal, abounded about him. He was, and is, a legend. Gow the composer wrote about 87 tunes. It is difficult to be certain of the exact number, because Niel was guilty on occasion of blatant plagiarism. However, besides strathspeys, and reels, jigs, etc., he wrote some of the best elegiac pieces in the repertoire, for example, his Lamentation for James Moray of Abercairney and Lament for the Death of his Second Wife.
He died on 1st March, 1807 at Inver, his home during most of his 80 years.
Nathaniel Gow – the fourth son of Niel Gow, was born at Inver on 28th May, 1763. Like his elder brothers William, John and Andrew, he was taught by his father on the kit (a kind of small fiddle) then sent to Edinburgh to study with Robert MacKintosh (Red Rob) and Alexander ‘King’ McGlashen, so-called because of his majestic, stately appearance and showy dress. Nathaniel inherited his father’s talents as a violinist, but with his superior education he was the better all-round musician of the two. He studied the cello under Joseph Reinagle, who became Professor of Music at Oxford. He also played the trumpet, and in 1782 was appointed one of His Majesty’s Herald Trumpeters in Scotland.
In 1791 he succeeded his brother William as the leader of the orchestra that played at the fashionable concerts in Edinburgh, especially the Caledonian Hunt Balls and Assemblies. Nathaniel was the leading musical figure in the capital and, like his father, was absent from few really fashionable functions. The aristocracy showered him with gifts, and George IV granted him a pension. He was at one time reputed to be worth £20,000. In 1796, in partnership with William shepherd, he started an extensive music publishing business. Nathaniel claimed to have written 197 tunes but, regrettably, he was even more guilty of plagiarism than his father, especially of Marshall’s music. He was, however, a fine composer of original melodies, and his authenticated compositions show culture, variety and sophistication. His strathspey Lady Charlotte Campbell and the reels Loch Earn and Largo’s Fairy Dance and in the standard repertoire of any respected fiddler.
A.S.M.A. 1997 IS THE BEST YET
The 10th Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival organized by the Ayrshire Scottish Music Association saw a record entry in 26 competitions……….
Record Review
The Colliston Sound – Smith Mearns Recordings – SMR 067
The Band Boys – Steven Carcary and the Strathmore Sound – SMR066
Letters to the Editor
Congratulations on the format and content of the October issue received today. Keith Chandler’s article on the Wyper Brothers goes straight into the archive. Their records about 1926 stand out in my memory and I still have a copy of their tutor. Jimmy Shand and Jim Crawford remain our outstanding two row players but two Irish exponents really excel. Listen to Sharon Shannon and Martin O’Connor and marvel at the possibilities of such a humble instrument. It remains my choice for a quiet tunes or two before bedtime.
Sandy Tulloch
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
1st Nov 97 – Max Houliston SDB
8th Nov 97 – Maurice Duncan SDB
15th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget SDB
22nd Nov 97 – Gordon Shand SDB
29th Nov 97 – Strathmore Sound
6th Dec 97 – John Renton SDB
13th Dec 97 – Calum Wilson SDB
10th Dec 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB
27th Dec 97 – Jim Johnstone SDB
3rd Jan 98 – John Carmichael SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Nov 97 – Wayne Robertson & Nigel Jelks
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 12th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Nov 97 – John Douglas SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Nov 97 – Seamus Shannon
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Nov 97 – David Wilson SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Nov 97 – Fintry Style
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Nov 97 – Jock Fraser SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 97 – Ian Muir Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Nov 97 – Jim MacKay SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Nov 97 – Bill Black SDB
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Nov 97 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Nov 97 – David Cunningham Jnr Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 97 – Tommy Newcomen
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Nov 97 – Green Ginger
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Nov 97 – Willie McFarlane Band
Campbeltown (Royal or Argyll Hotel) - 30th Nov 97 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 4th Nov 97 – Robert Black SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 6th Nov 97 – Hector MacFadyen SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – John Douglas SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Nov 97 – Ray Carse
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 6th Nov 97 – Andy Greig
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Neil Caul & Friends
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – David Wilson SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Nov 97 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 14th Nov 97 - tbc
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Nov 97 – Willie Paterson
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Alan Roy
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Nov 97 – George Stirrat SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 30th Nov 97 – Jock Fraser SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Nov 97 – Alistair MacGregor & the Tain Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Nov 97 – Angie McEachern Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Nov 97 – Gordon Simpson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Nov 97 – Ian Powrie
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Nov 97 - tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 19th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Nov 97 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Nov 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye - 6th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Nov 97 – Judith Linton Trio
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 27th Nov 97 – The Andy Kain Experience
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Nov 97 – James Coutts SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Nov 97 - tba
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 18th Nov 97 – Ray Carse
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Nov 97 – Brian Griffin Duo
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 18th Nov 97 – The Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 19th Nov 97 – local artistes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 97 – Deirdre Adamson
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Nov 97 – Gordon Fraser
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Nov 97 – Sandy Legget
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Nov 97 – Andrew Gordon SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 4th Nov 97 - tba
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Nov 97 – Gordon Pattullo
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Nov 97 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Nov 97 – Jimmy Lindsay
Shetland (venue?) - 11th Nov 97 – Colin Dewar
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Nov 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - tbc
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 12th Nov 97 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Nov 97 – Dennis Morrison Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Nov 97 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 4th Nov 97 – Duncan Black SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 18th Nov 97 – Wick Club
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Nov 97 – Angus Oliver
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Bromley
11. Button Key
12. Campsie
13. Castle Douglas
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff
16. Dalriada
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. Fintry
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Galston
25. Glendale
26. Glenrothes
27. Gretna
28. Highland
29. Inveraray
30. Islesteps
31. Kelso
32. Kintore
33. Lesmahagow
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Montrose
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Perth
41. Renfrew
42. Rothbury
43. Stirling
44. Thornhill
45. Thurso
46. Turriff
47. Tynedale
48. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
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