Box and Fiddle
Year 19 No 02
October 1995
Price 70p
12 pages
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Ron Ramsay, 48 Hospitalfield Road, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 2LS
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
We’ll that’s the holidays past, nights drawing in, and all Clubs started their meetings – so I now appeal to all Club Secretaries/Press Secretaries to send me details of the guest artistes as soon as practicable so that they can be included in the Club Diary, and let everyone know what’s going on. A short report about the Club meetings is always welcome. I’m sure that a lot of Club’s have some worthies in their midst who could submit some humourous stories which would be of interest to the readers.
M.C.P.S. and Copyright always seems a complicated affair so perhaps someone with the knowledge might submit an article enlightening me and others like me.
If any correspondent has sent me photos which they want returned please get in touch.
Ron Ramsay
Memorial Service for Joe Hutton
by Fred Calvert
We are indebted to Fred Calvert for the following excerpt of the Memorial Service held in the United Reformed Church, Thropton, on Friday, 21st July, 1995.
May I begin by saying that it is a great privilege to have been asked by Hannah to say a few words. There are people here today who knew Joe better than I did, but I hope that I can express the sentiments which we all feel.
We are here to remember with gratitude the life of Joe Hutton and to give our support to Hannah, Richard, Doreen and grandchildren Lewis and Stewart.
No more suitable place could be found to pay our tribute to Joe than this church set in the midst of the Coquet Valley, which he loved so much and which was the inspiration for much of his music. Hannah has said that she doesn’t want this afternoon’s service to be a sad affair and neither I am sure, would Joe.
I last had the pleasure of talking with him, and it was always a pleasure to talk to Joe, last Sunday evening at Chillingham Castle. It was a concert in aid of the Yellow Brick Road Appeal and as I have done on so many occasions in the past I had the privilege of introducing Joe to a most appreciative audience. We joked before he went on stage, as we usually did I said something like, “Have you got the hang of those pipes yet Joe?” His reply was typical, “Aye, just aboot”, and Hannah also sang most beautifully to Joe’s accompaniment.
Joe Hutton was born ion 1923 at Halton Lea Gate, a tiny village on the Cumbria/Northumberland border. His father was a keen fiddle player and so Joe had an early introduction to traditional music. It was here that he acquired his first set of small pipes and was taught his first tune by George Armstrong ‘Bluebells of Scotland’. He won his first novice piping competition in 1937, at the age of 14. In 1940 the family moved to Blackshaws but the war put a stop to piping competitions. It wasn’t until 1950 that Joe came back to the pipes in earnest, coming second at Bellingham. In 1951 he won the Bellingham open and for two years he won all five open piping competitions. It is recorded that he remembers those as difficult times for piping. There were few instruments available and travel was still difficult. If Joe wanted to play with Tommy Breckons he would have had to walk five miles to Gilsland, catch the bus to Hexham, then a bus from Hexham to Billingham…..as hs put it “man it was a days work just getting there”.
Playing the pipes one day with Hannah’s brother John at Carrowbrough, resulted in the start of a two year courtship between Joe and Hannah. Married life began at Stewartshields from where, after two years, they moved to Shilmoor and thence to Rowhope.
A hill shepherd all his working life, his relaxation was the pipes and in the family scrapbook there is a marvelous photograph of Joe with David and Elsie Burleigh, John Armstrong, Carol and Anthony Robb, Richard Butler, Arch Bertram, John Leitch and Doreen taken at a gathering at Rowhope in June 1974.
This represents a typical scene from Joe’s life…..content with his family, his music and his friends, and how many friends did Joe Hutton have……more perhaps than we will ever know.
Stories about Joe abound but they all have a similarity. They are of a kind man, a considerate man, a family man. A man with a lively sense of humour. A man proud of his roots who saw part of his life’s work as a responsibility to preserve and foster Northumberland musical heritage.
Anthony Robb recalls an occasion when he and Carol entered a piping competition shortly after Carol had taken up the instrument. Anthony played a piece consisting of some 880 notes whilst Carol selected the simpler ;Jamie Allen’. Joe was the judge and he gave Carol first place. As Anthony puts it, “Joe was not impressed with flashy playing”, he was also not particularly impressed by a lady journalist who asked, “And how often do you play to your sheep?”
Recalling that gathering at Rowhope which was the first time he had met Joe, Anthony says that he was immediately impressed by Joe’s sheer charm…..a delight to be with…….it was just the whole warmth of the fellow.
A story recalled by Adrian Ions was during the Alnwick Music Festival when an American visitor, having just heard Joe play, asked Adrian if that gentleman could let me hear him play again. Joe’s response was ‘no bother’, and he gave an encore just for the visitor half way down the back stairs of the Northumberland Hall.
Of course many of us will recall the incredible success which Joe, Willy Taylor and Will Atkinson had after their retirement. ‘The Shepherd’s’, as they were known traveled far and wide playing their own special brand of music to the delight of their audiences. As Joe put it in an interview, “We’ve really enjoyed it all and have met a tremendous lot of nice folk on our travels”. In the same article the author states, “of one cannot get to experience the enjoyment, humour and musicianship inherent in their live performances, try and listen to ‘Harthope Burn’ or ‘From Sewingshields to Glendale’, for a true reflection of the living tradition of Northumberland and the Borders. I am sure that Joe would than Alistair Anderson for all that he did the shepherding the shepherds.
The late Joan Gale wrote in 1950, “You don’t have to be a technical expert to enjoy Joe Hutton’s playing of the Northumbrian pipes. You don’t even have to recognize the tunes. All you need is to have feet for dancing, to love Northumberland and want to keep it’s traditions alive.” Joe undoubtedly achieved that as his Chairmanship of Alnwick Pipers Society for many years and his skill as a tutor of his beloved pipes proved. Joe liked everything to be sorted out. He was, on one occasion asked to play with the organist at the wedding. She was somewhat nervous and Joe was asked to go and see her. “Did you see the organist” he was asked. “Aye, I got her sorted out”.
Someone else wrote of Joe some years ago, “As well as his skillful playing and highly individual repertoire, Joe Hutton has integrity both as a musician and an individual which makes his a worthy ambassador for Northumberland piping”. This was Borne out during his trips to Switzerland, Shetland, Orkney and Ireland where he represented England at St Patrick’s Night celebrations in the Guinness Hall in Dublin.
I should like to conclude by quoting some words which have been a great comfort to Hannah. “Life has two hands, one takes and the other gives. I know we find this very hard to learn. We’re always hoping for the gifts of life, forgetting that we too must give in turn.
Life has two hands, and though we’d like to choose the one so full of lovely gifts and rare,
we can’t be happy if we only take, and leave life’s other hand outstretched and bare.
Life has two hands and this one thing is sure, gifts which we give to life come back again.
But things we take, we hold and then we lose, the things we give are those we really gain.
And so you see we need not be afraid if life takes almost all we had to give.
Because all hoarded treasures fade and die, but place them in life’s hand and they will live”.
Joe Hutton gave us all so much, his friendship, his love and his music, and for that we must be grateful. Thank you Joe we’ll miss you.
An Explanation of the Melodeon
by ?
For those not familiar with the melodeon,
Record Appeal !
by Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir)
Having collected records for the last 30 years or so, including Shand, Cameron, MacLeod, Will Hannah, plus dance orchestras such as Harry Davidson, Sydney Thomson and Victor Sylvester, it occurred to me recently, whilst re-reading the very informative Tribute to Bobby MacLeod by Norrie Williams, that I cannot find any lists of these recordings.
Norrie Williams mentions various recording sessions done by Bobby and the amount of sides recorded. Bill Milligan of Kirrie and myself have managed to collect 15 or 16 of the Phillips Yellow Label but do any of your readers know how many were actually produced? Also regarding the excellent 45’s recorded on Parlophone in the early 60’s by Lindsay Ross and his Band, I have six of these, but again I don’t know how many were made.
Obviously the Shand recordings were well documented in his biography by David Phillips (with a few omissions) and I have an ‘Old Time Dance Record’ catalogue from the 50’s listing most, but not all, of Harry Davidson’s ‘Old Time Dance’ series and Sydney Thomson’s ‘Take Your Partners’ series.
Harry Davidson recorded more than 140 sides on the 12” 78’s, all different dances and I have about 80 of these sides including one of the Eva 3-Step and the music is Gavotte Tempo, but he recorded the Eva 3-Step again a few years later to ‘The Teddy Bears Picnic’.
Some of the Victor Sylvester recordings featured an accordionist, an Argentinian playing a 3 or 4 row Continental, I believe, but this was only on the Tango records and the accordion would come in for the occasional 4 – 8 bars, but a lovely sound for all that.
Banchory Society’s Canadian Tour
by Bill Smith
Banchory S&R Society made their second concert tour of Canada from 5th August to 19th August. The orchestra being conducted by Jane Davidson and concerts compered by Bill Smith.
The tour was hectic but well received and entertaining. The orchestra played to audiences of 800 to 3,000 people.
Concerts were at Penetanguishene, Peterborough, Nobleton (2 performances), Shelburne, Scarborough and Orillia.
Included in the the touring group baritone singer David MacDonald from Fraserburgh and dancer, Louise Cameron from Elgin, both received great applause.
Banchory S&R Society had their own impressive array of fiddle soloists and those who performed were Paul Anderson, Russel Kostulin, Caroline Kostulin, Claire Telford, Fiona Leggat, Neil Dawson and David Anderson joining his brother Paul for a duet.
One of the items on the programme was the playing of an Ensemble Group which consisted of Jane Davidson, David Anderson, Graeme Reid, Russel Kostulin on fiddles with Heather Smith on piano, Jennifer Cruickshank accordion and Brian Cruickshank Bass guitar. The group received outstanding appreciation. Jennifer Cruickshank played some sparkling accordion solos.
Jean McConnachie, Jennifer Cruickshank and Margaret Smith were responsible for the piano arrangements.
The arrangements for concerts in Canada were made by Tom Anderson who unfortunately was admitted to hospital and the orchestra members wish his a speedy recovery.
A total of 57 people made up the trip, 47 of them being players. An enjoyable time was had by everyone.
Happy Anniversary
Congratulations to George and Margaret Smith on the occasion of their Ruby Wedding.
Your Letters
Record Review
Bill Stewart’s Scottish Gems – BSR002
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
7th Oct 95 – Debut of David Oswald SDB
14th Oct 95 – Alan McIntosh and the Heather SDB
21st Oct 95 – Neil Barron SDB
28th Oct 95 – West Telferton Caledonain SDB with guests Stravaig and Muriel Johnston
4th Nov 95 – Ian Holmes SDB
11th Nov 95 – Fraser McGlynn
18th Nov 95 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
25th Nov 95 – Maurice Duncan SDB OB from Campeltown with guests Norman McKinnon and Ronnie McShannon
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Oct 95 – Daniel McPhee
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Oct 95 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Oct 95 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 25th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Oct 95 – Sandy Leggat SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Oct 95 – 21st Anniversary Night with Nicol McLaren SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Oct 95 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Oct 95 – West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 5th Oct 95 – Liam Howitt
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 5th Oct 95 – Willie Simpson & Friends
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 17th Oct 95 – Morag Robertson Trio
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Oct 95 – Scott Gordon
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Gordon Pattullo
Dundee (Dexters) – 5th Oct 95 – Daniel Cunningham
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 10th Oct 95 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Oct 95 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Oct 95 – Kintore Club
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Oct 95 – Gordon Pattullo
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Oct 95 – Roger Dobson SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Oct 95 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Oct 95 – Wayne Robertson & Nigrl Jelks
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Oct 95 – Arbroath Club
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 17th Oct 95 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 31st Oct 95 – Judith Linton Trio
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 18th Oct 95 - tbc
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Oct 95 – Angie Smith Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 31st Oct 95 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Oban (Caledonian Hotel) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Jock Fraser SDB 28th Oct Festival Dance to Strathmore Sound and Alan Gardiner SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Oct 95 – Iain Anderson SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Oct 95 – Sandy Leggat SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Oct 95 – The Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 3rd Oct 95 – John Morgan
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 18th Oct 95 – David Vernon
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Armadale
3. Banchory
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button Key
7. Crieff
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane
10. Dunfermline
11. Dundee
12. Dunoon & Cowal
13. Forfar
14. Islay
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Montrose
18. Rothbury
19. Stirling
20. Thurso
21. Turriff
22. Tynedale
23. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1994
(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. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
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 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)
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. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
48. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
49. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
50. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
51. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
52. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
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. Mull A&F Club
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
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. Tranent A&F Club
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
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. Buchan A&F Club
80. Callander A&F Club (
81. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
82. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Club Accord
84. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
85. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
86. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
87. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
88. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
89. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
90. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
91. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
92. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
93. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
94. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
95. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
96. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
97. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
98. Newcastleton Accordion Club
99. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
100. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
101. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
102. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
103. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
104. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
105. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
106. 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, 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
We’ll that’s the holidays past, nights drawing in, and all Clubs started their meetings – so I now appeal to all Club Secretaries/Press Secretaries to send me details of the guest artistes as soon as practicable so that they can be included in the Club Diary, and let everyone know what’s going on. A short report about the Club meetings is always welcome. I’m sure that a lot of Club’s have some worthies in their midst who could submit some humourous stories which would be of interest to the readers.
M.C.P.S. and Copyright always seems a complicated affair so perhaps someone with the knowledge might submit an article enlightening me and others like me.
If any correspondent has sent me photos which they want returned please get in touch.
Ron Ramsay
Memorial Service for Joe Hutton
by Fred Calvert
We are indebted to Fred Calvert for the following excerpt of the Memorial Service held in the United Reformed Church, Thropton, on Friday, 21st July, 1995.
May I begin by saying that it is a great privilege to have been asked by Hannah to say a few words. There are people here today who knew Joe better than I did, but I hope that I can express the sentiments which we all feel.
We are here to remember with gratitude the life of Joe Hutton and to give our support to Hannah, Richard, Doreen and grandchildren Lewis and Stewart.
No more suitable place could be found to pay our tribute to Joe than this church set in the midst of the Coquet Valley, which he loved so much and which was the inspiration for much of his music. Hannah has said that she doesn’t want this afternoon’s service to be a sad affair and neither I am sure, would Joe.
I last had the pleasure of talking with him, and it was always a pleasure to talk to Joe, last Sunday evening at Chillingham Castle. It was a concert in aid of the Yellow Brick Road Appeal and as I have done on so many occasions in the past I had the privilege of introducing Joe to a most appreciative audience. We joked before he went on stage, as we usually did I said something like, “Have you got the hang of those pipes yet Joe?” His reply was typical, “Aye, just aboot”, and Hannah also sang most beautifully to Joe’s accompaniment.
Joe Hutton was born ion 1923 at Halton Lea Gate, a tiny village on the Cumbria/Northumberland border. His father was a keen fiddle player and so Joe had an early introduction to traditional music. It was here that he acquired his first set of small pipes and was taught his first tune by George Armstrong ‘Bluebells of Scotland’. He won his first novice piping competition in 1937, at the age of 14. In 1940 the family moved to Blackshaws but the war put a stop to piping competitions. It wasn’t until 1950 that Joe came back to the pipes in earnest, coming second at Bellingham. In 1951 he won the Bellingham open and for two years he won all five open piping competitions. It is recorded that he remembers those as difficult times for piping. There were few instruments available and travel was still difficult. If Joe wanted to play with Tommy Breckons he would have had to walk five miles to Gilsland, catch the bus to Hexham, then a bus from Hexham to Billingham…..as hs put it “man it was a days work just getting there”.
Playing the pipes one day with Hannah’s brother John at Carrowbrough, resulted in the start of a two year courtship between Joe and Hannah. Married life began at Stewartshields from where, after two years, they moved to Shilmoor and thence to Rowhope.
A hill shepherd all his working life, his relaxation was the pipes and in the family scrapbook there is a marvelous photograph of Joe with David and Elsie Burleigh, John Armstrong, Carol and Anthony Robb, Richard Butler, Arch Bertram, John Leitch and Doreen taken at a gathering at Rowhope in June 1974.
This represents a typical scene from Joe’s life…..content with his family, his music and his friends, and how many friends did Joe Hutton have……more perhaps than we will ever know.
Stories about Joe abound but they all have a similarity. They are of a kind man, a considerate man, a family man. A man with a lively sense of humour. A man proud of his roots who saw part of his life’s work as a responsibility to preserve and foster Northumberland musical heritage.
Anthony Robb recalls an occasion when he and Carol entered a piping competition shortly after Carol had taken up the instrument. Anthony played a piece consisting of some 880 notes whilst Carol selected the simpler ;Jamie Allen’. Joe was the judge and he gave Carol first place. As Anthony puts it, “Joe was not impressed with flashy playing”, he was also not particularly impressed by a lady journalist who asked, “And how often do you play to your sheep?”
Recalling that gathering at Rowhope which was the first time he had met Joe, Anthony says that he was immediately impressed by Joe’s sheer charm…..a delight to be with…….it was just the whole warmth of the fellow.
A story recalled by Adrian Ions was during the Alnwick Music Festival when an American visitor, having just heard Joe play, asked Adrian if that gentleman could let me hear him play again. Joe’s response was ‘no bother’, and he gave an encore just for the visitor half way down the back stairs of the Northumberland Hall.
Of course many of us will recall the incredible success which Joe, Willy Taylor and Will Atkinson had after their retirement. ‘The Shepherd’s’, as they were known traveled far and wide playing their own special brand of music to the delight of their audiences. As Joe put it in an interview, “We’ve really enjoyed it all and have met a tremendous lot of nice folk on our travels”. In the same article the author states, “of one cannot get to experience the enjoyment, humour and musicianship inherent in their live performances, try and listen to ‘Harthope Burn’ or ‘From Sewingshields to Glendale’, for a true reflection of the living tradition of Northumberland and the Borders. I am sure that Joe would than Alistair Anderson for all that he did the shepherding the shepherds.
The late Joan Gale wrote in 1950, “You don’t have to be a technical expert to enjoy Joe Hutton’s playing of the Northumbrian pipes. You don’t even have to recognize the tunes. All you need is to have feet for dancing, to love Northumberland and want to keep it’s traditions alive.” Joe undoubtedly achieved that as his Chairmanship of Alnwick Pipers Society for many years and his skill as a tutor of his beloved pipes proved. Joe liked everything to be sorted out. He was, on one occasion asked to play with the organist at the wedding. She was somewhat nervous and Joe was asked to go and see her. “Did you see the organist” he was asked. “Aye, I got her sorted out”.
Someone else wrote of Joe some years ago, “As well as his skillful playing and highly individual repertoire, Joe Hutton has integrity both as a musician and an individual which makes his a worthy ambassador for Northumberland piping”. This was Borne out during his trips to Switzerland, Shetland, Orkney and Ireland where he represented England at St Patrick’s Night celebrations in the Guinness Hall in Dublin.
I should like to conclude by quoting some words which have been a great comfort to Hannah. “Life has two hands, one takes and the other gives. I know we find this very hard to learn. We’re always hoping for the gifts of life, forgetting that we too must give in turn.
Life has two hands, and though we’d like to choose the one so full of lovely gifts and rare,
we can’t be happy if we only take, and leave life’s other hand outstretched and bare.
Life has two hands and this one thing is sure, gifts which we give to life come back again.
But things we take, we hold and then we lose, the things we give are those we really gain.
And so you see we need not be afraid if life takes almost all we had to give.
Because all hoarded treasures fade and die, but place them in life’s hand and they will live”.
Joe Hutton gave us all so much, his friendship, his love and his music, and for that we must be grateful. Thank you Joe we’ll miss you.
An Explanation of the Melodeon
by ?
For those not familiar with the melodeon,
Record Appeal !
by Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir)
Having collected records for the last 30 years or so, including Shand, Cameron, MacLeod, Will Hannah, plus dance orchestras such as Harry Davidson, Sydney Thomson and Victor Sylvester, it occurred to me recently, whilst re-reading the very informative Tribute to Bobby MacLeod by Norrie Williams, that I cannot find any lists of these recordings.
Norrie Williams mentions various recording sessions done by Bobby and the amount of sides recorded. Bill Milligan of Kirrie and myself have managed to collect 15 or 16 of the Phillips Yellow Label but do any of your readers know how many were actually produced? Also regarding the excellent 45’s recorded on Parlophone in the early 60’s by Lindsay Ross and his Band, I have six of these, but again I don’t know how many were made.
Obviously the Shand recordings were well documented in his biography by David Phillips (with a few omissions) and I have an ‘Old Time Dance Record’ catalogue from the 50’s listing most, but not all, of Harry Davidson’s ‘Old Time Dance’ series and Sydney Thomson’s ‘Take Your Partners’ series.
Harry Davidson recorded more than 140 sides on the 12” 78’s, all different dances and I have about 80 of these sides including one of the Eva 3-Step and the music is Gavotte Tempo, but he recorded the Eva 3-Step again a few years later to ‘The Teddy Bears Picnic’.
Some of the Victor Sylvester recordings featured an accordionist, an Argentinian playing a 3 or 4 row Continental, I believe, but this was only on the Tango records and the accordion would come in for the occasional 4 – 8 bars, but a lovely sound for all that.
Banchory Society’s Canadian Tour
by Bill Smith
Banchory S&R Society made their second concert tour of Canada from 5th August to 19th August. The orchestra being conducted by Jane Davidson and concerts compered by Bill Smith.
The tour was hectic but well received and entertaining. The orchestra played to audiences of 800 to 3,000 people.
Concerts were at Penetanguishene, Peterborough, Nobleton (2 performances), Shelburne, Scarborough and Orillia.
Included in the the touring group baritone singer David MacDonald from Fraserburgh and dancer, Louise Cameron from Elgin, both received great applause.
Banchory S&R Society had their own impressive array of fiddle soloists and those who performed were Paul Anderson, Russel Kostulin, Caroline Kostulin, Claire Telford, Fiona Leggat, Neil Dawson and David Anderson joining his brother Paul for a duet.
One of the items on the programme was the playing of an Ensemble Group which consisted of Jane Davidson, David Anderson, Graeme Reid, Russel Kostulin on fiddles with Heather Smith on piano, Jennifer Cruickshank accordion and Brian Cruickshank Bass guitar. The group received outstanding appreciation. Jennifer Cruickshank played some sparkling accordion solos.
Jean McConnachie, Jennifer Cruickshank and Margaret Smith were responsible for the piano arrangements.
The arrangements for concerts in Canada were made by Tom Anderson who unfortunately was admitted to hospital and the orchestra members wish his a speedy recovery.
A total of 57 people made up the trip, 47 of them being players. An enjoyable time was had by everyone.
Happy Anniversary
Congratulations to George and Margaret Smith on the occasion of their Ruby Wedding.
Your Letters
Record Review
Bill Stewart’s Scottish Gems – BSR002
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
7th Oct 95 – Debut of David Oswald SDB
14th Oct 95 – Alan McIntosh and the Heather SDB
21st Oct 95 – Neil Barron SDB
28th Oct 95 – West Telferton Caledonain SDB with guests Stravaig and Muriel Johnston
4th Nov 95 – Ian Holmes SDB
11th Nov 95 – Fraser McGlynn
18th Nov 95 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
25th Nov 95 – Maurice Duncan SDB OB from Campeltown with guests Norman McKinnon and Ronnie McShannon
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Oct 95 – Daniel McPhee
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Oct 95 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Oct 95 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 25th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Oct 95 – Sandy Leggat SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Oct 95 – 21st Anniversary Night with Nicol McLaren SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Oct 95 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Oct 95 – West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 5th Oct 95 – Liam Howitt
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 5th Oct 95 – Willie Simpson & Friends
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 17th Oct 95 – Morag Robertson Trio
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Oct 95 – Scott Gordon
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Gordon Pattullo
Dundee (Dexters) – 5th Oct 95 – Daniel Cunningham
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 10th Oct 95 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Oct 95 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Oct 95 – Kintore Club
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Oct 95 – Gordon Pattullo
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Oct 95 – Roger Dobson SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Oct 95 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Oct 95 – Wayne Robertson & Nigrl Jelks
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Oct 95 – Arbroath Club
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Oct 95 – George Stirrat SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 17th Oct 95 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 31st Oct 95 – Judith Linton Trio
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 18th Oct 95 - tbc
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Oct 95 – Angie Smith Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 31st Oct 95 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Oban (Caledonian Hotel) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Jock Fraser SDB 28th Oct Festival Dance to Strathmore Sound and Alan Gardiner SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Oct 95 – Iain Anderson SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Oct 95 – Sandy Leggat SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Oct 95 – The Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 3rd Oct 95 – John Morgan
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 17th Oct 95 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 18th Oct 95 – David Vernon
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Armadale
3. Banchory
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button Key
7. Crieff
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane
10. Dunfermline
11. Dundee
12. Dunoon & Cowal
13. Forfar
14. Islay
15. Kintore
16. Lesmahagow
17. Montrose
18. Rothbury
19. Stirling
20. Thurso
21. Turriff
22. Tynedale
23. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1994
(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. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
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 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)
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. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
48. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
49. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
50. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
51. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
52. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
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. Mull A&F Club
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
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. Tranent A&F Club
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
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. Buchan A&F Club
80. Callander A&F Club (
81. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
82. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
83. Club Accord
84. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
85. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
86. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
87. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
88. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
89. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
90. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
91. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
92. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
93. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
94. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
95. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
96. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
97. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
98. Newcastleton Accordion Club
99. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
100. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
101. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
102. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
103. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
104. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
105. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
106. Wellbank A&F Club
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