Box and Fiddle
Year 10 No 02
October 1986
Price 30p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3.75
Joint Editors – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP or Douglas Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
With only one issue completed, it is perhaps too early to attempt an assessment, but it is worth recording a few thoughts at this stage in the hope that the newspaper may improve and serve the interests of the Association and it’s members in the best possible way.
As can be seen, the general layout hasn’t changed a great deal. The dimensions have had to be altered due to change of printer and the heading has been altered for the same reason. So far the reaction has been favourable.
The first issue on 1st September has been well received and was satisfactory from a production point of view. We are indebted to Norrie Williams for his report on the activities at the Association Weekend in the Station Hotel. Perth. Well done Norrie - keep up the good work. The fine selection of photographs were generously provided by Bill Wright of Kirkcaldy. Many thanks Bill.
It soon became clear, however, that the October issue was not going to be so easily produced. This, of course, being due to lack of material. I must record my thanks to all those Clubs who have sent in their reports to meet the deadline, but I feel certain that there must be many items outwith general Club reports which could be of interest.
Distribution
I have been contacted by a few Clubs about delivery of their copies. I can only apologies for any errors, but distribution was based on the circulation list available and I hope this will be corrected with the current issue. The pricing of the paper is based on existing circulation levels and production costs and it would be helpful in maintaining the price if off-take can be increased or maintained. The cancellation od deliveries by some Clubs is regrettable.
Letters
Letters to the Editor are always welcome and provide members with the facility to air their views. The response so far has been disappointing and I hope that many more of you will make the effort to put your thoughts on paper over the next few months.
Tom Clark
Who’s the Box Player?
by Tom Clark
(article refers to a pencil sketch of Bobby Crowe)
Not much doubt about that, but when I asked Bobby who the artist was he was slightly perplexed. “I really don’t know” he said sheepishly. “I remember the bloke doing the drawing alright, but not a great deal about him”. The drawing was probably executed as Bobby was doing his stuff at a dance or guesting at a Club somewhere. Judging by Bobby’s appearance and the box he’s wearing, my guess is that it couldn’t have been all that long ago.
Bobby Crowe seems to have been around for a long, long time. He has been on the broadcasting scene for 25 years and has been consistent over the years with a style that is instantly recognisable. He started playing the box when he was fifteen. “I saw this box in a shop called Musical Supplies in the West Port area of Dundee. It had 80 bass and was probably only a two-voiced instrument”. Bobby’s Uncle Hector bought the box for him and Bobby was on his way.
Early influence was Jack Forsyth. “I used to listen to Jack playing in a local pub and was very impressed”. Jack assisted with harmonies, etc.
“Lindsay Ross was a player who always had an effect on me when I listened to him”, said Bobby. “I always felt he had a marvelous technique and could make the box sound like a fiddle”.
Around about this time, Dougie Maxwell Snr (bass player with Jimmy Shand and father of Dougie the trumpeter), used to come into Bobby’s area with his bread van. When Dougie Snr heard about Bobby’s box he took him under his wing and got Bobby started on his musical training. “Cock o’ the North and The High Level were the tunes I used to work on in those days”, said Bobby.
Through this association, Bobby became involved with Dougie Maxwell Jnr and founded the Olympians Dance Band as its leader. Bobby made an approach to David Findlay, who became their regular pianist. The band passed an audition at the BBC at their first attempt and made their first broadcast in May 1952.
National Service interrupted Bobby’s playing for a while until, 1956, when he formed his own band.
After a few unsuccessful attempts at auditioning for the BBC, Bobby eventually passed in 1961, and, as we know, has been heard regularly ever since. For a long while he kept ‘bobbing up’ with different bands on the air. He was probably unusual in that every band he played with, his job was lead accordion – Olympians, Cameron Kerr, Angus Fitchet, as well as his own band.
Bobby says the knock-on effect of Ian Powrie’s departure to Australia in 1966 was that Dave Stewart moved from Cameron Kerr to Jimmy Blue’s Band. Bobby was asked to fill the lead box gap in the Cameron Kerr Band. This move led him to a real appreciation of the value of a good fiddler. Bobby recalls that playing with Ron Kerr was a great experience and helped a lot in the development of his own style.
“Then there was the Fitchet experience” says Bobby. In1970 Jimmy Shand was unable to appear through illness and Angus asked Bobby to play at a dance at the Argyll Gathering Hall in Oban. “They agreed to use my library. What an experience! I had a ball” says Bobby as he recalled that night. “I discovered that I seemed to have a natural affinity with Angus. It never seemed to require a great deal of effort – it just happened.” Later, Bobby played lead accordion on Angus’s LP “Fitchet’s Fancy”. The association has carried on over the years and the two still appear regularly.
Outwith the broadcasting scene, Bobby has had a long standing involvement with the Cavendish Band. This band, of course, used to be the Tim Wright outfit. “I often wonder what Tim would think if he looked down and saw an accordion leading his beloved strings” pondered Bobby. “Like putting sugar on your porridge – or putting lemonade in neat whisky”.
This, of course, referred to Tim’s dislike of the accordion in a band. Well. I supposed we’re all entitled to our own tastes.
All of this adds up to Bobby being a very busy musician, known all over the country and far south of the Border. In the near future he’s off for a one night stand at a Highland Ball for the Caledonian Society of Oman!
Bobby has become acknowledged over the years as one of the leading bands in the Scottish country Dance field, although he says he enjoys all kinds of music.
Bobby hails from Balmullo in Fife where he lives with his wife Agnes, sons Chris, Steven and Malcolm and daughter Alyson (soon to be married).
Lorna Leitch
Lorna Leitch, 47 Belmont Road, Ayr, has been accepted as one of Scotland’s youngest ever students to study music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Lorna received her unconditional acceptance only four days after her audition in London. It has been her ambition for some time to study there under Kenneth Sillito. Her first study is violin and second the free bass accordion although she also plays piano.
Lorna is well-known as both a classical violinist and Scots fiddle player. She is leader of Belmont Academy School Orchestra, a member of Strathclyde Schools Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. In March Lorna won the NAAFC’s Scottish Senior Fiddle championship and she won the Senior Competition at the Land o’ Burns Fiddle Competition in Ayr Gaiety.
Lorna is a member of the popular group ‘Rigadoon’ with her two sisters, Karin, who is NAAFC Senior Scottish Champion Accordionist, and Shona, who is studying music at Edinburgh university.
The royal Academy of Music in London has announced an ambitious plan to help transform the Academy into an international institution for the training of performers to the very highest level. The essential element is a £4.5M international appeal taking place over the next two years.
Under a new curriculum to be introduced in September, each student’s programme of work will be designed for their specific needs, young soloists of school age as well as postgraduates will benefit from training at the highest level ; a new approach on teaching methods will combine the best of the British system of individual tuition with the many benefits derived from group teaching as practiced abroad and the scope of studies will be broadened to include all periods from Early Music to Contemporary Music and Jazz. The Academy will appoint performer teachers with major international reputations, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Robert Tear, Hans Werner Henze, William Bennett, Sebastian Bell and the Amadeus Quartet.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 2nd Oct 86 Craig McCallum SDB 3rd Oct 86 Dance to The Oakbank Sound
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 5th Oct 86 The Currie Brothers 2nd Nov 86 Jack Emblow & John McCleavie
Balloch (Denny Social Club) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 22nd Oct 86 Addie Harper Trio
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 22nd Oct 86 Duncan McCallum and Friends
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) – 2nd Oct 86 Ron Gonella 6th Nov 86 The Currie Brothers
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Oct 86 Tommy Walker Duo
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 2nd Oct 86 Newburgh Club 6th Nov 86 Fiddlers 3 + 2
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 30th Oct 86 Isobel Hirst Trio
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 27th Oct 86 Brian Griffin Trio
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Oct 86 Craigowl SDB
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) – Oct 86 Jennifer Forrest 10th Nov 86 Calum McLean
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Oct 86 Ron Gonella
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Oct 86 Angus Cameron Duo 1st Nov 86 Dance to Jim Johnstone SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) – 16th Oct 86 Willie Simpson Trio 20th Nov 86 Callander Club
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 15th Nov 86 Ron Gonella
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 7th Oct 86 Dianne Armstrong
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Oct 86 Bill Black SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 14th Oct 86 Jennifer Forrest SDB 11th Nov 86 The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 31st Oct 86 Dinner Dance to the The Garioch Blend 6th Nov 86 Dennis Morrison SDB
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – 14th Oct 86 The Oakbank Sound
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callendar
8. Crieff & District
9. Dingwall & District
10. Dunblane & District
11. Dundee
12. Fintry
13. Forres
14. Highland
15. Lesmahagow
16. M.A.F.I.A.
17. North East
18. Perth & District
19. Shetland
20. Thurso
21. Turriff & District
22. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (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. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
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. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
With only one issue completed, it is perhaps too early to attempt an assessment, but it is worth recording a few thoughts at this stage in the hope that the newspaper may improve and serve the interests of the Association and it’s members in the best possible way.
As can be seen, the general layout hasn’t changed a great deal. The dimensions have had to be altered due to change of printer and the heading has been altered for the same reason. So far the reaction has been favourable.
The first issue on 1st September has been well received and was satisfactory from a production point of view. We are indebted to Norrie Williams for his report on the activities at the Association Weekend in the Station Hotel. Perth. Well done Norrie - keep up the good work. The fine selection of photographs were generously provided by Bill Wright of Kirkcaldy. Many thanks Bill.
It soon became clear, however, that the October issue was not going to be so easily produced. This, of course, being due to lack of material. I must record my thanks to all those Clubs who have sent in their reports to meet the deadline, but I feel certain that there must be many items outwith general Club reports which could be of interest.
Distribution
I have been contacted by a few Clubs about delivery of their copies. I can only apologies for any errors, but distribution was based on the circulation list available and I hope this will be corrected with the current issue. The pricing of the paper is based on existing circulation levels and production costs and it would be helpful in maintaining the price if off-take can be increased or maintained. The cancellation od deliveries by some Clubs is regrettable.
Letters
Letters to the Editor are always welcome and provide members with the facility to air their views. The response so far has been disappointing and I hope that many more of you will make the effort to put your thoughts on paper over the next few months.
Tom Clark
Who’s the Box Player?
by Tom Clark
(article refers to a pencil sketch of Bobby Crowe)
Not much doubt about that, but when I asked Bobby who the artist was he was slightly perplexed. “I really don’t know” he said sheepishly. “I remember the bloke doing the drawing alright, but not a great deal about him”. The drawing was probably executed as Bobby was doing his stuff at a dance or guesting at a Club somewhere. Judging by Bobby’s appearance and the box he’s wearing, my guess is that it couldn’t have been all that long ago.
Bobby Crowe seems to have been around for a long, long time. He has been on the broadcasting scene for 25 years and has been consistent over the years with a style that is instantly recognisable. He started playing the box when he was fifteen. “I saw this box in a shop called Musical Supplies in the West Port area of Dundee. It had 80 bass and was probably only a two-voiced instrument”. Bobby’s Uncle Hector bought the box for him and Bobby was on his way.
Early influence was Jack Forsyth. “I used to listen to Jack playing in a local pub and was very impressed”. Jack assisted with harmonies, etc.
“Lindsay Ross was a player who always had an effect on me when I listened to him”, said Bobby. “I always felt he had a marvelous technique and could make the box sound like a fiddle”.
Around about this time, Dougie Maxwell Snr (bass player with Jimmy Shand and father of Dougie the trumpeter), used to come into Bobby’s area with his bread van. When Dougie Snr heard about Bobby’s box he took him under his wing and got Bobby started on his musical training. “Cock o’ the North and The High Level were the tunes I used to work on in those days”, said Bobby.
Through this association, Bobby became involved with Dougie Maxwell Jnr and founded the Olympians Dance Band as its leader. Bobby made an approach to David Findlay, who became their regular pianist. The band passed an audition at the BBC at their first attempt and made their first broadcast in May 1952.
National Service interrupted Bobby’s playing for a while until, 1956, when he formed his own band.
After a few unsuccessful attempts at auditioning for the BBC, Bobby eventually passed in 1961, and, as we know, has been heard regularly ever since. For a long while he kept ‘bobbing up’ with different bands on the air. He was probably unusual in that every band he played with, his job was lead accordion – Olympians, Cameron Kerr, Angus Fitchet, as well as his own band.
Bobby says the knock-on effect of Ian Powrie’s departure to Australia in 1966 was that Dave Stewart moved from Cameron Kerr to Jimmy Blue’s Band. Bobby was asked to fill the lead box gap in the Cameron Kerr Band. This move led him to a real appreciation of the value of a good fiddler. Bobby recalls that playing with Ron Kerr was a great experience and helped a lot in the development of his own style.
“Then there was the Fitchet experience” says Bobby. In1970 Jimmy Shand was unable to appear through illness and Angus asked Bobby to play at a dance at the Argyll Gathering Hall in Oban. “They agreed to use my library. What an experience! I had a ball” says Bobby as he recalled that night. “I discovered that I seemed to have a natural affinity with Angus. It never seemed to require a great deal of effort – it just happened.” Later, Bobby played lead accordion on Angus’s LP “Fitchet’s Fancy”. The association has carried on over the years and the two still appear regularly.
Outwith the broadcasting scene, Bobby has had a long standing involvement with the Cavendish Band. This band, of course, used to be the Tim Wright outfit. “I often wonder what Tim would think if he looked down and saw an accordion leading his beloved strings” pondered Bobby. “Like putting sugar on your porridge – or putting lemonade in neat whisky”.
This, of course, referred to Tim’s dislike of the accordion in a band. Well. I supposed we’re all entitled to our own tastes.
All of this adds up to Bobby being a very busy musician, known all over the country and far south of the Border. In the near future he’s off for a one night stand at a Highland Ball for the Caledonian Society of Oman!
Bobby has become acknowledged over the years as one of the leading bands in the Scottish country Dance field, although he says he enjoys all kinds of music.
Bobby hails from Balmullo in Fife where he lives with his wife Agnes, sons Chris, Steven and Malcolm and daughter Alyson (soon to be married).
Lorna Leitch
Lorna Leitch, 47 Belmont Road, Ayr, has been accepted as one of Scotland’s youngest ever students to study music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Lorna received her unconditional acceptance only four days after her audition in London. It has been her ambition for some time to study there under Kenneth Sillito. Her first study is violin and second the free bass accordion although she also plays piano.
Lorna is well-known as both a classical violinist and Scots fiddle player. She is leader of Belmont Academy School Orchestra, a member of Strathclyde Schools Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. In March Lorna won the NAAFC’s Scottish Senior Fiddle championship and she won the Senior Competition at the Land o’ Burns Fiddle Competition in Ayr Gaiety.
Lorna is a member of the popular group ‘Rigadoon’ with her two sisters, Karin, who is NAAFC Senior Scottish Champion Accordionist, and Shona, who is studying music at Edinburgh university.
The royal Academy of Music in London has announced an ambitious plan to help transform the Academy into an international institution for the training of performers to the very highest level. The essential element is a £4.5M international appeal taking place over the next two years.
Under a new curriculum to be introduced in September, each student’s programme of work will be designed for their specific needs, young soloists of school age as well as postgraduates will benefit from training at the highest level ; a new approach on teaching methods will combine the best of the British system of individual tuition with the many benefits derived from group teaching as practiced abroad and the scope of studies will be broadened to include all periods from Early Music to Contemporary Music and Jazz. The Academy will appoint performer teachers with major international reputations, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Robert Tear, Hans Werner Henze, William Bennett, Sebastian Bell and the Amadeus Quartet.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 2nd Oct 86 Craig McCallum SDB 3rd Oct 86 Dance to The Oakbank Sound
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 5th Oct 86 The Currie Brothers 2nd Nov 86 Jack Emblow & John McCleavie
Balloch (Denny Social Club) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 22nd Oct 86 Addie Harper Trio
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 22nd Oct 86 Duncan McCallum and Friends
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) – 2nd Oct 86 Ron Gonella 6th Nov 86 The Currie Brothers
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Oct 86 Tommy Walker Duo
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 2nd Oct 86 Newburgh Club 6th Nov 86 Fiddlers 3 + 2
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 30th Oct 86 Isobel Hirst Trio
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 27th Oct 86 Brian Griffin Trio
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Oct 86 Craigowl SDB
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) – Oct 86 Jennifer Forrest 10th Nov 86 Calum McLean
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Oct 86 Ron Gonella
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Oct 86 Angus Cameron Duo 1st Nov 86 Dance to Jim Johnstone SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) – 16th Oct 86 Willie Simpson Trio 20th Nov 86 Callander Club
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 15th Nov 86 Ron Gonella
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 7th Oct 86 Dianne Armstrong
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Oct 86 Bill Black SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 14th Oct 86 Jennifer Forrest SDB 11th Nov 86 The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 31st Oct 86 Dinner Dance to the The Garioch Blend 6th Nov 86 Dennis Morrison SDB
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – 14th Oct 86 The Oakbank Sound
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callendar
8. Crieff & District
9. Dingwall & District
10. Dunblane & District
11. Dundee
12. Fintry
13. Forres
14. Highland
15. Lesmahagow
16. M.A.F.I.A.
17. North East
18. Perth & District
19. Shetland
20. Thurso
21. Turriff & District
22. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (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. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
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. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
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