Box and Fiddle
Year 17 No 02
October 1993
Price 60p
12 pages
7 month subscription £7.00
Editor – Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It’s all change on the radio scene at present. For those of you who do not already know ‘Take the Floor’ on B.B.C. Radio Scotland has been extended to 1½ hours from 6.30 – 8pm on Saturdays and ‘The Reel Blend’ has been extended to 2 hours from 10am – 12 noon on Sunday mornings. ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ on Monday evening is no longer.
Meanwhile, on Radio Tay, a new programme called ‘The Accordion and Fiddle Club’ is to be run on Friday evenings from 7 – 8.30pm. This will be hosted by Ian Lees. Ian is wanting details of Club meetings in the Radio Tay area, so would all Secretaries please keep him informed as early as possible.
I had intended publishing the Club Directory this month, but the information I have is too out of date, so I’ll have to wait until Andrew Nairn has received your Registration forms.
Finally, I would like to welcome the Carlisle Club who have joined the Association.
Doug Adamson
George Bell
by Sandy Tulloch
When Doug asked me to write an appreciation of George Bell for the Box and Fiddle, I accepted with pleasure. It’s not so long since we had another long session putting his most recent compositions on paper, but we had another meeting the other day to confirm some details of his extraordinary career.
George was sent to music lessons – piano – when he was eight years old. A reluctant pupil, I think, from what he says. But, at the age of twelve his father gave him a 12 bass Hohner he had “acquired” in Germany with the forces. A year or two later he went to Bill Wilkie’s School of Accordion and changed to a full sized Scandalli. He was taught classical accordion, but his heart was in Scottish music. He does not play classical at all now, and always regrets not taking up “Continental”, but first and foremost Scottish Dance Music was his great love.
Fellow pupils at the Wilkie School were Jimmy Blue, Bobby Campbell and Mickey Ainsworth amongst many others.
George was mainly playing solo at the time, but by the time he was eighteen he had formed his own band with Bill Black on fiddle, Martin Hayes on second box, Bill Cormack on piano and Jock Stewart on drums. At that time, like many others, Bobby MacLeod’s swinging style was the one he most admired although George is the first to admit his admiration and the tremendous influence of Shand, Cameron and Rennie.
George, as a reader, recalls the few books available at that time , so different to the present day – Kerr’s Merry Melodies, Jimmy Shand’s books, Angus Fitchet’s and Bobby MacLeod’s collections and later Adam Rennie on Acos music sheets.
He was never a ‘live’ player, although later events were to make this a necessity, but by that time he was musician enough to stamp his own style on the playing and not merely copy others.
As the 1950’s passed he gained more and more experience in band work playing with many well known musicians and he particularly remember playing for the “Daily Express Gaytown Contest” hosted by Kathy Kay and Archie McCulloch. He still has a tape of one of their practice sessions.
George married Muriel in 1960, but in 1962 had the great misfortune to suffer from a giant tear of the retina and total retinal detachment. Despite all efforts I found it impossible to save any sight in this eye and could only advise for the future. Heavy lifting and strain had to be avoided and he went back to playing piano for a time, but in 1966 disaster struck. The retina of the other eye tore and again became totally detached. He was now totally blind, not even a glimmer of light. Muriel must have been a tower of strength then, and continues to be to this day.
George realised that life had to go on. His previous trades were impossible, but with training at Ceres and Edinburgh he passed and qualified as a Post Office telephonist.
He took up accordion again and started playing once more. He started teaching and at one time had as many as forty pupils. He applied for, and was appointed Appeals Organiser for the Royal National Institute for the Blind and until recently when he retired was, with Muriel’s help, a tireless champion of the visually handicapped. Through their efforts thousands of pounds were raised to help the society. George’s scrap book is a revelation of his activity over the years, and many thanks to his mother for keeping such a marvellous record of achievement.
The loss of sight was apparently no drawback. With Muriel’s help he entered a new phase of life, one so full that it is difficult to grasp. It left ordinary folk standing still.
His interest in Scottish music continued to grow and with his work, his teaching and increasing band and broadcasting commitments, it hardly seemed possible to do more, and yet he did just that.
Again with Muriel’s help and enlisting his son Brian, he organised and started the Blairgowrie Music Festival held on the Saturday of the Braemar Games with 12 competitive sections in the Halls, four band platforms in the Wellmeadow, visiting celebrities and judges, ceilidhs everywhere and a grand Concert and Dance to finish the day in style. This was a huge event requiring an immense amount of homework. Mention any great name in the Scottish music scene of the time and George was involved as a personal friend as well as professional basis.
And, as if that was not enough, he also started and organised the first Blairgowrie Accordion and Fiddle Club with meetings in the Muirton House Hotel, and hosted many celebrities over the years. The original Club no longer exists, but there are many fond memories of the meetings and the great players who attended.
A further skill which developed after his blindness was in composing music. He had written his first tune “Airlie Castle” at the age of twelve, but it was a long time before other tunes followed. Some of these remain as popular today as they were then, and George is always grateful for Max Houliston’s support at that time.
Lately, there has been a flow of compositions which I have helped to put on paper for him, and this year saw the publication of a selection of tunes. He has also decided to register his music, and at my last count I have 237 compositions in my “George Bell” folder. It is just as well these are on manuscript as even ‘Superman’ George would be hard put to remember them all. The tape recorder and home computer helps – which brings me to another of his hobbies and skills, that of expert and internationally known cage bird breeder.
George’s father kept and raced pigeons, and later George turned to budgies, but decided that he much preferred a songbird to a ‘cheeper’. He therefore concentrated on Roller Canaries which produce the finest song. In the garden is a custom built aviary housing up to 50 canaries which George tends twice daily. He knows each bird individually by his own system and can relate their histories without difficulty. All George’s birds are recorded on his voice synthesizer which compliments his remarkable memory.
A further interest and skill is that he is an internationally known “radio ham”. His collection of exchange cards is more than impressive – they are from every corner of the globe. To any fellow radio operator, George’s call number is GM4XLL.
Lately his hands have been giving trouble and playing is not so easy. Any playing he does is for hospitals and retrial homes, but like many of us he gets great satisfaction from so doing.
My lasting regret is that I was unable to save his sight, but my lasting sincere thanks are due to his acceptance of advice to surmount his disability and the way he has done this is plain for all to see.
A Profile of Bobby Fortune
by John Mackie
It is inevitable of course, that during its long and turbulent history, that the Scottish Borders has produced an enormous variety of personalities. For the purpose of this article however, I do not intend to delve too deeply into its archives, no deeper that is than the 1920’s.
It was in the early half of that decade that Bobby Fortune made his debut upon this troubled old sphere, this event occurred in the town of Lauder.
Besides inheriting the name Fortune, he also acquired a musical heritage, in that his mother was an organist and a classical violinist, but despite her classical training, possessed a great love of traditional music.
At the tender age of four weeks, Bobby with his parents moved to Stewarton Farm near Eddleston, Peeblesshire, where he eventually started his schooling, beginning his musical career as a choir boy.
Soon he acquired a wee melodeon, with teaspoon basses, then gravitated quickly to a piano accordion, also the bagpipes. His accordion teacher was the famous Chrissie Leatham, and for the pipes he had Pipe Major Jimmy Pryde and Major Robert MacArthur Euman, both ex-pupils of the legendary Pipe Major Willie Ross of Edinburgh Castle fame. Pryde and Euman later taught Bob’s daughter Ginny, who, under their expert tutelage herself became a proficient piper.
Bobby joined the R.A.F. in 1943 and trained as a navigator and was posted to a Mosquito squadron, after which he was posted to Air Sea Rescue duties.
During this time, Bobby launched out as a composer, his first effort was a 4/4/ which he called ‘The Meldon Hills’ which are near where he lives.
After, Bobby trained as an engineer, but on the death of his uncle who had taken over the farm on his father’s death, he very reluctantly returned to farming. He then joined David MacPhail’s band, and in those days the technique of second box playing was virtually unknown, so both instruments played in unison.
Bobby still kept on with his composing efforts, including a piece for silver band called ‘The Maidstone Patrol’, dedicated to the Battle of Britain, as he was stationed in Kent during his war service, but mostly he composed for the pipes, mainly pibroch or ‘Ceol Mhor’ or ‘The Big Music’, as opposed to ‘Ceol Bheg’ or ‘The Little Music’, or lesser music equivalent to the pop music of the pipes such as today’s 2/4, 4/4 and 6/8 marches which originated during the Victorian era.
I understand the ‘Ceol Mhor’ had a deep and significant meaning to clan society, as pipe marches as we know them today were virtually unknown, because the rough terrain of the Highlands did not lend itself to sure unified activity as marching. Indeed it wasn’t until the advent of General Wade’s roads into the Highland glens, that marching as we know it today became possible. In that area these roads were a significant element in subduing the clans, as they enabled Cumberland to deploy heavy artillery against them.
Anyhow, enough of Highland history, and ‘Ceol Mhor’ as Bobby composed a fair amount of ‘Ceol Bheg’ also, such as the 2/4 ‘Ailsa Walkinshaw’ and ‘John Mackie of Megget’ (sounds familiar, ‘The Ulva Ferry’ (Appin), John Anderson’s ‘Grandfather Clock’, and anyone who has been to the Biggar Club will know what the last one is all about! There is also ‘A Wild Irish Rose’ and ‘Diana’s Waltz’ and more besides.
He was, for a spell, Secretary of the reconstituted Peebles Club, and in January 1989, together with Harry Mitchell, landlord of the Gordon Arms Hotel, Andrew Bradshaw and myself formed the then Etterick and Yarrow A&F Club, now known as the Yarrow Club.
By this time Bobby was becoming more and more involved in charity work with his box. He was in great demand by such organizations as Crossroads, The Heart Foundation, Marie Curie and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Unfortunately, his playing abilities were greatly impaired when in the early 80’s his right hand was severely injured by a circular saw, but despite this handicap he performs manfully on his 94C Professional Super Excelsior.
His wife Di is a very busy community nurse, consequently between the call of her duties, and his constant charity work, the only time they see each other some days is when they wave in passing on the road.
Each summer, Di and Bobby go to Appin on holiday. Needless to say, the box goes too, which means he is very soon involved with Alistair Downie. Like myself he is a great admirer of Toralf Tollefsen and (I sincerely hope he never reads this) the McGlynn himself. Bobby also knew and admired the late Bobby MacLeod, being of course, both pipers.
He takes a great interest in young musical talent such as Jo Slater, an up and coming performer on the fiddle, and Ian Lowthian from Selkirk, probably destined to follow his teacher Owen Murray’s footsteps to become the second professor of the accordion in Britain.
If he can find time at all, he is either busy in the garden, fencing, or repairing dry stane dykes.
There is no doubt that as a personality in the Borders accordion scene, Bobby has and is still making his mark.
Excerpt from the Minutes of the NAAFC AGM Held in the Station Hotel Perth on 27th June 1993
Election of Office Bearers
Secretary
Mr A. Nairn Proposed by George Smith, Seconded by Mr W. Mitchell
Miss Cathy Andrew – Cathy declined.
Mr Nairn then told the meeting that his intention had been to retire this year with Cathy taking over, but due to a change in her duties at work, plus the secretaryship of the Irvine Festival, she was now fully committed. He was now hoping that Mr C. Todd (who was not present) could be elected on to the Executive Committee with a view to taking over as Secretary. Mr Nairn stated categorically that this would be his last year in the post. The floor was asked if they would accept this suggestion, and Mr A. Dunbar said he would nominate Mr C. Todd for the Secretary in 1994.
(And so it all began!!)
Introducing the Clubs
No 17 Dunblane
by Andrew J. Dunbar
When I was asked by the Editor to compile a history of Dunblane A&F Club, my immediate reaction was to seek assistance to establish just how far back the Club actually goes, and which could rate us as one of the oldest. To this end, I obtained the help of one of its founder members, well known bandleader Jim MacLeod.
The actual musical connection began in 1953, when Alex MacArthur and Jim formed a band. Having spent some time together, they eventually split to have their own groups, and Jim joined the Stakis Organisation at Dunblane Hydro. Tommy Ford was, and still is, the lead accordionist, and the great Jimmy McFarlane played fiddle, xylophone, tin whistle and even piano. Eventually, to give the band a break during the evening performances, a trio was formed of Jim Cleland on accordion, Tommy McCulloch on organ and Alec McMullan on drums.
By this time Accordion and Fiddle Clubs were being formed, and it was decided that Dunblane could support one and to start it in the Hydro Hotel. The Committee, if that could be the title, was the aforementioned trio, supported by Jim MacLeod in his role as Entertainments Manager in the hotel.
Great names were invited to appear at the Club, and we were honoured to have Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Andrew Rankine, Jim Johnstone, John Ellis, Alex MacArthur and, of course, Tommy Ford who personally invited Will Starr. Dermot O’Brien also made an early appearance.
With the Decca connection of Jim MacLeod, it was arranged that recording be made, and we got down to some serious rehearsals under the baton of Jim McFarlane. The big night came, and a very apprehensive group of players sat in front of a battery of microphones. All went well, and the record came out in 1974, with guest Angus Cameron. The result was so good, a further recording was made the following year, this time with Bob Christie as guest, and of course, each time we were led by Tommy Ford on accordion.
The records proved to be so popular that very few copies are now available, although some originals are carefully kept. It should be mentioned that Robbie Shepherd still uses one track ‘Kenmuir’s Up An’ Awa’’ as his opening music on ‘Take the Floor’.
Increased playing commitments of the Trio ultimately forced them to give up their involvement in the Club, and in 1976 Jim MacLeod, Chic Kirkwood, Veronica Black and Andrew Dunbar agreed to reform the Club and we continued in the Hydro Hotel. In fact, one of my great memories was a repeat visit of Dermot O’Brien and his Trio, which brought in an attendance of over 300 and filled the Strathallan Suite.
By this time we had joined the National Association, and the highlight of the year was the annual A.G.M Weekend, which was originally always held in the Hydro, and where special guests were presented with their personal portraits.
Due to administrative difficulties, the Club had to change premises, and we moved across the town to our present location in Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, Dunblane, where we continue successfully. Our current Committee members are Ian Hay (Chairman), Ann Dunbar (Secretary), Andrew Dunbar (Treasurer) and committee members Jimmy Aikman, Jean and George Mackenzie and Willie Cassie.
Our final story – Willie Cassie donated a cup to the Club, to be awarded each your top the most improved player under the age of 18. Willie has not been in good health recently, and we wish him well and a speedy return to the Club. We meet the third Tuesday of each month. You will all be made welcome.
Your Letters
Your article on Roberto Enzo was most interesting, especially the reference to the World Accordion Championships and the statement the Roberto’s pupil was the first British entry….I wonder if this is accurate?
I had remembered that my wife, Jean McConnachie, nee Munro, had participated in a World championship a long time ago, so we took the interest further and delved into photographs and records available. We traced that it was 39 years ago (can it be all that time since Jean went to Naples to participate in the C.M.A. World Trophy Contest) Jean was a pupil of Walter Schoenherr in Aberdeen. He schooled her for the Diploma Grade and the competition piece ‘Fantasia Cromatica’.
Jean has wonderful memories of her visit to Naples which made the arduous work, playing in front of the Selection Committee etc worthwhile, prior to sailing off for the big event. Of course, I realise that there could be more than one governing body claiming Championship events and anyway probably vast changes since the early fifties.
How do I know so much about it? Well, we were sort of courtin’ even then, although Jean was still at school and her father none too chuffed. Being a piper, I encouraged Jean to play Scottish/pipe music as up to then it was mainly classical.
Now retired from a life teaching music in schools, she maintains a strong interest in Scottish music and is a regular attender at as many A&F Clubs as she can attend. She taught accordion for only a brief period in Huntly and had the good fortune to have as pupils Graeme Mitchell and Eric Bill, both of whom became Scottish champions. I trust these reminiscences your article has stirred up will be of interest.
Jim McConnachie
Book Review
The 10th Collection of Tunes by Iain Peterson for Scottish Dance Music.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Oct 93 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Oct 93 – James Coutts SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th Oct 93 – Trevor Hunter
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 27th Oct 93 – Andy McCormack & Friends
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Oct 93 – Alistair McCulloch
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Oct 93 – Dundee Club
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 7th Oct 93 – David Vernon
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 19th Oct 93 – Billy Marshall
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 19th Oct 93 – Lindsay Weir
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – Kathryn Nicol
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Oct 93 – Gordon Pattullo
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 7th Oct 93 – Dave Stewart Duo
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th Oct 93 – Ian Cameron & Glenlomond Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 28th Oct 93 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 20th Oct 93 – Malcolm McLean Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Oct 93 – Daniel McPhee & Isobel Harper
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 26th Oct 93 – Carlyle Family Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Oct 93 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (Lochindaal Hotel) - 23rd Oct 93 – Club Night
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) - 8th Oct 93 – Dance to Craig McCallum
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – David Cunningham Jnr
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Oct 93 – Malcolm McLean Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 19th Oct 93 – Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 26th Oct 93 – Charlie Cowie Duo
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 19th Oct 93 – Andrew Gordon
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – Dick Black Band
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25th Oct 93 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 28th Oct 93 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 26th Oct 93 – Garioch Blend
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Oct 93 – Fraser McLelland Band
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Oct 93 – Cults Club
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Carlisle
7. Castle Douglas
8. Dalriada
9. Dingwall
10. Dunblane
11. Dundee
12. Dunoon & Cowal
13. Etterick & Yarrow
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Glendale
17. Glenrothes
18. Gretna
19. Islay
20. Highland
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Renfrew
28. Thurso
29. Turriff
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
16. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Derwentside A&F Club
21. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
22. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
23. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
24. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
25. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
26. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
27. Ellon A&F Club (
28. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
29. Fintry A&F Club (
30. Forfar A&F Club (
31. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
32. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
37. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
38. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
39. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
40. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
41. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
42. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
43 Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
44 Kintore A&F Club (
45. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
46. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
47. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
48. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
49. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
50. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
51. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
52. Mull A&F Club
53. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
54. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
55. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
56. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
57. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
58. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
59. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
60. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
61. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
62. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
63. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
64. Sutherland A&F Club (
65. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
66. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
67. Tranent A&F Club
68. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
69. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
70. 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?)
71. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
72. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
73. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
74. Buchan A&F Club
75. Callander A&F Club (
76. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
77. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
78. Club Accord
79. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
80. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
81. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
82. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
83. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
84. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
85. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
89. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
90. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
91. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
92. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
93. Newcastleton Accordion Club
94. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
95. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
96. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
97. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
98. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
99. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
100. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
101. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £94
Half Page - £47
Quarter Page - £24
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It’s all change on the radio scene at present. For those of you who do not already know ‘Take the Floor’ on B.B.C. Radio Scotland has been extended to 1½ hours from 6.30 – 8pm on Saturdays and ‘The Reel Blend’ has been extended to 2 hours from 10am – 12 noon on Sunday mornings. ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ on Monday evening is no longer.
Meanwhile, on Radio Tay, a new programme called ‘The Accordion and Fiddle Club’ is to be run on Friday evenings from 7 – 8.30pm. This will be hosted by Ian Lees. Ian is wanting details of Club meetings in the Radio Tay area, so would all Secretaries please keep him informed as early as possible.
I had intended publishing the Club Directory this month, but the information I have is too out of date, so I’ll have to wait until Andrew Nairn has received your Registration forms.
Finally, I would like to welcome the Carlisle Club who have joined the Association.
Doug Adamson
George Bell
by Sandy Tulloch
When Doug asked me to write an appreciation of George Bell for the Box and Fiddle, I accepted with pleasure. It’s not so long since we had another long session putting his most recent compositions on paper, but we had another meeting the other day to confirm some details of his extraordinary career.
George was sent to music lessons – piano – when he was eight years old. A reluctant pupil, I think, from what he says. But, at the age of twelve his father gave him a 12 bass Hohner he had “acquired” in Germany with the forces. A year or two later he went to Bill Wilkie’s School of Accordion and changed to a full sized Scandalli. He was taught classical accordion, but his heart was in Scottish music. He does not play classical at all now, and always regrets not taking up “Continental”, but first and foremost Scottish Dance Music was his great love.
Fellow pupils at the Wilkie School were Jimmy Blue, Bobby Campbell and Mickey Ainsworth amongst many others.
George was mainly playing solo at the time, but by the time he was eighteen he had formed his own band with Bill Black on fiddle, Martin Hayes on second box, Bill Cormack on piano and Jock Stewart on drums. At that time, like many others, Bobby MacLeod’s swinging style was the one he most admired although George is the first to admit his admiration and the tremendous influence of Shand, Cameron and Rennie.
George, as a reader, recalls the few books available at that time , so different to the present day – Kerr’s Merry Melodies, Jimmy Shand’s books, Angus Fitchet’s and Bobby MacLeod’s collections and later Adam Rennie on Acos music sheets.
He was never a ‘live’ player, although later events were to make this a necessity, but by that time he was musician enough to stamp his own style on the playing and not merely copy others.
As the 1950’s passed he gained more and more experience in band work playing with many well known musicians and he particularly remember playing for the “Daily Express Gaytown Contest” hosted by Kathy Kay and Archie McCulloch. He still has a tape of one of their practice sessions.
George married Muriel in 1960, but in 1962 had the great misfortune to suffer from a giant tear of the retina and total retinal detachment. Despite all efforts I found it impossible to save any sight in this eye and could only advise for the future. Heavy lifting and strain had to be avoided and he went back to playing piano for a time, but in 1966 disaster struck. The retina of the other eye tore and again became totally detached. He was now totally blind, not even a glimmer of light. Muriel must have been a tower of strength then, and continues to be to this day.
George realised that life had to go on. His previous trades were impossible, but with training at Ceres and Edinburgh he passed and qualified as a Post Office telephonist.
He took up accordion again and started playing once more. He started teaching and at one time had as many as forty pupils. He applied for, and was appointed Appeals Organiser for the Royal National Institute for the Blind and until recently when he retired was, with Muriel’s help, a tireless champion of the visually handicapped. Through their efforts thousands of pounds were raised to help the society. George’s scrap book is a revelation of his activity over the years, and many thanks to his mother for keeping such a marvellous record of achievement.
The loss of sight was apparently no drawback. With Muriel’s help he entered a new phase of life, one so full that it is difficult to grasp. It left ordinary folk standing still.
His interest in Scottish music continued to grow and with his work, his teaching and increasing band and broadcasting commitments, it hardly seemed possible to do more, and yet he did just that.
Again with Muriel’s help and enlisting his son Brian, he organised and started the Blairgowrie Music Festival held on the Saturday of the Braemar Games with 12 competitive sections in the Halls, four band platforms in the Wellmeadow, visiting celebrities and judges, ceilidhs everywhere and a grand Concert and Dance to finish the day in style. This was a huge event requiring an immense amount of homework. Mention any great name in the Scottish music scene of the time and George was involved as a personal friend as well as professional basis.
And, as if that was not enough, he also started and organised the first Blairgowrie Accordion and Fiddle Club with meetings in the Muirton House Hotel, and hosted many celebrities over the years. The original Club no longer exists, but there are many fond memories of the meetings and the great players who attended.
A further skill which developed after his blindness was in composing music. He had written his first tune “Airlie Castle” at the age of twelve, but it was a long time before other tunes followed. Some of these remain as popular today as they were then, and George is always grateful for Max Houliston’s support at that time.
Lately, there has been a flow of compositions which I have helped to put on paper for him, and this year saw the publication of a selection of tunes. He has also decided to register his music, and at my last count I have 237 compositions in my “George Bell” folder. It is just as well these are on manuscript as even ‘Superman’ George would be hard put to remember them all. The tape recorder and home computer helps – which brings me to another of his hobbies and skills, that of expert and internationally known cage bird breeder.
George’s father kept and raced pigeons, and later George turned to budgies, but decided that he much preferred a songbird to a ‘cheeper’. He therefore concentrated on Roller Canaries which produce the finest song. In the garden is a custom built aviary housing up to 50 canaries which George tends twice daily. He knows each bird individually by his own system and can relate their histories without difficulty. All George’s birds are recorded on his voice synthesizer which compliments his remarkable memory.
A further interest and skill is that he is an internationally known “radio ham”. His collection of exchange cards is more than impressive – they are from every corner of the globe. To any fellow radio operator, George’s call number is GM4XLL.
Lately his hands have been giving trouble and playing is not so easy. Any playing he does is for hospitals and retrial homes, but like many of us he gets great satisfaction from so doing.
My lasting regret is that I was unable to save his sight, but my lasting sincere thanks are due to his acceptance of advice to surmount his disability and the way he has done this is plain for all to see.
A Profile of Bobby Fortune
by John Mackie
It is inevitable of course, that during its long and turbulent history, that the Scottish Borders has produced an enormous variety of personalities. For the purpose of this article however, I do not intend to delve too deeply into its archives, no deeper that is than the 1920’s.
It was in the early half of that decade that Bobby Fortune made his debut upon this troubled old sphere, this event occurred in the town of Lauder.
Besides inheriting the name Fortune, he also acquired a musical heritage, in that his mother was an organist and a classical violinist, but despite her classical training, possessed a great love of traditional music.
At the tender age of four weeks, Bobby with his parents moved to Stewarton Farm near Eddleston, Peeblesshire, where he eventually started his schooling, beginning his musical career as a choir boy.
Soon he acquired a wee melodeon, with teaspoon basses, then gravitated quickly to a piano accordion, also the bagpipes. His accordion teacher was the famous Chrissie Leatham, and for the pipes he had Pipe Major Jimmy Pryde and Major Robert MacArthur Euman, both ex-pupils of the legendary Pipe Major Willie Ross of Edinburgh Castle fame. Pryde and Euman later taught Bob’s daughter Ginny, who, under their expert tutelage herself became a proficient piper.
Bobby joined the R.A.F. in 1943 and trained as a navigator and was posted to a Mosquito squadron, after which he was posted to Air Sea Rescue duties.
During this time, Bobby launched out as a composer, his first effort was a 4/4/ which he called ‘The Meldon Hills’ which are near where he lives.
After, Bobby trained as an engineer, but on the death of his uncle who had taken over the farm on his father’s death, he very reluctantly returned to farming. He then joined David MacPhail’s band, and in those days the technique of second box playing was virtually unknown, so both instruments played in unison.
Bobby still kept on with his composing efforts, including a piece for silver band called ‘The Maidstone Patrol’, dedicated to the Battle of Britain, as he was stationed in Kent during his war service, but mostly he composed for the pipes, mainly pibroch or ‘Ceol Mhor’ or ‘The Big Music’, as opposed to ‘Ceol Bheg’ or ‘The Little Music’, or lesser music equivalent to the pop music of the pipes such as today’s 2/4, 4/4 and 6/8 marches which originated during the Victorian era.
I understand the ‘Ceol Mhor’ had a deep and significant meaning to clan society, as pipe marches as we know them today were virtually unknown, because the rough terrain of the Highlands did not lend itself to sure unified activity as marching. Indeed it wasn’t until the advent of General Wade’s roads into the Highland glens, that marching as we know it today became possible. In that area these roads were a significant element in subduing the clans, as they enabled Cumberland to deploy heavy artillery against them.
Anyhow, enough of Highland history, and ‘Ceol Mhor’ as Bobby composed a fair amount of ‘Ceol Bheg’ also, such as the 2/4 ‘Ailsa Walkinshaw’ and ‘John Mackie of Megget’ (sounds familiar, ‘The Ulva Ferry’ (Appin), John Anderson’s ‘Grandfather Clock’, and anyone who has been to the Biggar Club will know what the last one is all about! There is also ‘A Wild Irish Rose’ and ‘Diana’s Waltz’ and more besides.
He was, for a spell, Secretary of the reconstituted Peebles Club, and in January 1989, together with Harry Mitchell, landlord of the Gordon Arms Hotel, Andrew Bradshaw and myself formed the then Etterick and Yarrow A&F Club, now known as the Yarrow Club.
By this time Bobby was becoming more and more involved in charity work with his box. He was in great demand by such organizations as Crossroads, The Heart Foundation, Marie Curie and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Unfortunately, his playing abilities were greatly impaired when in the early 80’s his right hand was severely injured by a circular saw, but despite this handicap he performs manfully on his 94C Professional Super Excelsior.
His wife Di is a very busy community nurse, consequently between the call of her duties, and his constant charity work, the only time they see each other some days is when they wave in passing on the road.
Each summer, Di and Bobby go to Appin on holiday. Needless to say, the box goes too, which means he is very soon involved with Alistair Downie. Like myself he is a great admirer of Toralf Tollefsen and (I sincerely hope he never reads this) the McGlynn himself. Bobby also knew and admired the late Bobby MacLeod, being of course, both pipers.
He takes a great interest in young musical talent such as Jo Slater, an up and coming performer on the fiddle, and Ian Lowthian from Selkirk, probably destined to follow his teacher Owen Murray’s footsteps to become the second professor of the accordion in Britain.
If he can find time at all, he is either busy in the garden, fencing, or repairing dry stane dykes.
There is no doubt that as a personality in the Borders accordion scene, Bobby has and is still making his mark.
Excerpt from the Minutes of the NAAFC AGM Held in the Station Hotel Perth on 27th June 1993
Election of Office Bearers
Secretary
Mr A. Nairn Proposed by George Smith, Seconded by Mr W. Mitchell
Miss Cathy Andrew – Cathy declined.
Mr Nairn then told the meeting that his intention had been to retire this year with Cathy taking over, but due to a change in her duties at work, plus the secretaryship of the Irvine Festival, she was now fully committed. He was now hoping that Mr C. Todd (who was not present) could be elected on to the Executive Committee with a view to taking over as Secretary. Mr Nairn stated categorically that this would be his last year in the post. The floor was asked if they would accept this suggestion, and Mr A. Dunbar said he would nominate Mr C. Todd for the Secretary in 1994.
(And so it all began!!)
Introducing the Clubs
No 17 Dunblane
by Andrew J. Dunbar
When I was asked by the Editor to compile a history of Dunblane A&F Club, my immediate reaction was to seek assistance to establish just how far back the Club actually goes, and which could rate us as one of the oldest. To this end, I obtained the help of one of its founder members, well known bandleader Jim MacLeod.
The actual musical connection began in 1953, when Alex MacArthur and Jim formed a band. Having spent some time together, they eventually split to have their own groups, and Jim joined the Stakis Organisation at Dunblane Hydro. Tommy Ford was, and still is, the lead accordionist, and the great Jimmy McFarlane played fiddle, xylophone, tin whistle and even piano. Eventually, to give the band a break during the evening performances, a trio was formed of Jim Cleland on accordion, Tommy McCulloch on organ and Alec McMullan on drums.
By this time Accordion and Fiddle Clubs were being formed, and it was decided that Dunblane could support one and to start it in the Hydro Hotel. The Committee, if that could be the title, was the aforementioned trio, supported by Jim MacLeod in his role as Entertainments Manager in the hotel.
Great names were invited to appear at the Club, and we were honoured to have Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Andrew Rankine, Jim Johnstone, John Ellis, Alex MacArthur and, of course, Tommy Ford who personally invited Will Starr. Dermot O’Brien also made an early appearance.
With the Decca connection of Jim MacLeod, it was arranged that recording be made, and we got down to some serious rehearsals under the baton of Jim McFarlane. The big night came, and a very apprehensive group of players sat in front of a battery of microphones. All went well, and the record came out in 1974, with guest Angus Cameron. The result was so good, a further recording was made the following year, this time with Bob Christie as guest, and of course, each time we were led by Tommy Ford on accordion.
The records proved to be so popular that very few copies are now available, although some originals are carefully kept. It should be mentioned that Robbie Shepherd still uses one track ‘Kenmuir’s Up An’ Awa’’ as his opening music on ‘Take the Floor’.
Increased playing commitments of the Trio ultimately forced them to give up their involvement in the Club, and in 1976 Jim MacLeod, Chic Kirkwood, Veronica Black and Andrew Dunbar agreed to reform the Club and we continued in the Hydro Hotel. In fact, one of my great memories was a repeat visit of Dermot O’Brien and his Trio, which brought in an attendance of over 300 and filled the Strathallan Suite.
By this time we had joined the National Association, and the highlight of the year was the annual A.G.M Weekend, which was originally always held in the Hydro, and where special guests were presented with their personal portraits.
Due to administrative difficulties, the Club had to change premises, and we moved across the town to our present location in Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, Dunblane, where we continue successfully. Our current Committee members are Ian Hay (Chairman), Ann Dunbar (Secretary), Andrew Dunbar (Treasurer) and committee members Jimmy Aikman, Jean and George Mackenzie and Willie Cassie.
Our final story – Willie Cassie donated a cup to the Club, to be awarded each your top the most improved player under the age of 18. Willie has not been in good health recently, and we wish him well and a speedy return to the Club. We meet the third Tuesday of each month. You will all be made welcome.
Your Letters
Your article on Roberto Enzo was most interesting, especially the reference to the World Accordion Championships and the statement the Roberto’s pupil was the first British entry….I wonder if this is accurate?
I had remembered that my wife, Jean McConnachie, nee Munro, had participated in a World championship a long time ago, so we took the interest further and delved into photographs and records available. We traced that it was 39 years ago (can it be all that time since Jean went to Naples to participate in the C.M.A. World Trophy Contest) Jean was a pupil of Walter Schoenherr in Aberdeen. He schooled her for the Diploma Grade and the competition piece ‘Fantasia Cromatica’.
Jean has wonderful memories of her visit to Naples which made the arduous work, playing in front of the Selection Committee etc worthwhile, prior to sailing off for the big event. Of course, I realise that there could be more than one governing body claiming Championship events and anyway probably vast changes since the early fifties.
How do I know so much about it? Well, we were sort of courtin’ even then, although Jean was still at school and her father none too chuffed. Being a piper, I encouraged Jean to play Scottish/pipe music as up to then it was mainly classical.
Now retired from a life teaching music in schools, she maintains a strong interest in Scottish music and is a regular attender at as many A&F Clubs as she can attend. She taught accordion for only a brief period in Huntly and had the good fortune to have as pupils Graeme Mitchell and Eric Bill, both of whom became Scottish champions. I trust these reminiscences your article has stirred up will be of interest.
Jim McConnachie
Book Review
The 10th Collection of Tunes by Iain Peterson for Scottish Dance Music.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Oct 93 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Oct 93 – James Coutts SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th Oct 93 – Trevor Hunter
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 27th Oct 93 – Andy McCormack & Friends
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Oct 93 – Alistair McCulloch
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Oct 93 – Dundee Club
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 7th Oct 93 – David Vernon
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 19th Oct 93 – Billy Marshall
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 19th Oct 93 – Lindsay Weir
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – Kathryn Nicol
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Oct 93 – Gordon Pattullo
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 7th Oct 93 – Dave Stewart Duo
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th Oct 93 – Ian Cameron & Glenlomond Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 28th Oct 93 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 20th Oct 93 – Malcolm McLean Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Oct 93 – Daniel McPhee & Isobel Harper
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 26th Oct 93 – Carlyle Family Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Oct 93 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (Lochindaal Hotel) - 23rd Oct 93 – Club Night
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Tingle Creek Hotel) - 8th Oct 93 – Dance to Craig McCallum
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – David Cunningham Jnr
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Oct 93 – Malcolm McLean Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 19th Oct 93 – Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 26th Oct 93 – Charlie Cowie Duo
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 19th Oct 93 – Andrew Gordon
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Oct 93 – Dick Black Band
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25th Oct 93 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 28th Oct 93 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 26th Oct 93 – Garioch Blend
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Oct 93 – Fraser McLelland Band
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Oct 93 – Cults Club
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Carlisle
7. Castle Douglas
8. Dalriada
9. Dingwall
10. Dunblane
11. Dundee
12. Dunoon & Cowal
13. Etterick & Yarrow
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Glendale
17. Glenrothes
18. Gretna
19. Islay
20. Highland
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Renfrew
28. Thurso
29. Turriff
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
16. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Derwentside A&F Club
21. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
22. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
23. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
24. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
25. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
26. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
27. Ellon A&F Club (
28. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
29. Fintry A&F Club (
30. Forfar A&F Club (
31. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
32. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
37. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
38. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
39. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
40. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
41. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
42. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
43 Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
44 Kintore A&F Club (
45. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
46. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
47. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
48. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
49. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
50. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
51. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
52. Mull A&F Club
53. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
54. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
55. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
56. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
57. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
58. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
59. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
60. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
61. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
62. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
63. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
64. Sutherland A&F Club (
65. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
66. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
67. Tranent A&F Club
68. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
69. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
70. 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?)
71. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
72. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
73. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
74. Buchan A&F Club
75. Callander A&F Club (
76. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
77. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
78. Club Accord
79. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
80. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
81. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
82. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
83. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
84. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
85. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
89. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
90. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
91. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
92. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
93. Newcastleton Accordion Club
94. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
95. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
96. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
97. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
98. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
99. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
100. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
101. Wellbank A&F Club
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