Year 3 No 1 September 1979
Biggar accordion Club held an extra night for April on Thursday 5th, when Jim Halcrow and the Hamefarers Scottish Dance Band from Shetland were guests for the evening, and what an evening it turned out to be. Scottish, Shetland and Norwegian music at its best. The talent of these lads and lasses was first class. Enjoying every minute of their playing time plus extra time the audience appreciated every minute of their performance, and one cannot wait for their next appearance next year.
Local talent was rather scarce being a Thursday night, with Alex MacArthur, Angus Oliver, John Laidlaw, Douglas Johnstone, Robin Anderson, William Anderson, Adam Anderson and Rab Carruthers. In all, a very excellent extra evening.
The members were saddened to hear of the death of Archie Park who gave us many a night of patter and fine fiddle music. A man I admired who will be missed throughout the clubs.
The final meeting of the season of Biggar Accordion Club was held in the Clydesdale Hotel on Monday, 9th April, with the guests being Robert Whitehead and his Band from Alnwick. Robert and the boys gave an excellent performance with a variety of selections played on straight box and Cordovox which gave a tremendous sound. Later they were joined by Rab Carruthers on bass. Others playing for the evening’s entertainment were John Laidlaw, Alistair McBeth, Ian and Alex Graham, Rob Dickson, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, John McKenzie, Jim Sharp, William and Adam Anderson, Bob Stenhouse, Nelson Callan, John Anderson, Alex MacArthur, John Douglas, a newcomer from Dumfries, Sheena Anderson, nine years, first-timer and a newcomer on drums Ann McBeth who showed that it’s not only men who can plays drums and what a splendid performance she gave – in all an excellent finale for the end of season.
Biggar Accordion Club has had a fine variety of talent this year, with John McGregor SDB, Bill Black and Family, Dave Stewart, Angus Cameron, Archie Park and the Langholm Boys, Jim Johnstone SDB, Angus Fitchet, Jim Halcrow and the Hamefarers, and Robert Whitehead, in all a fine variety of first-class players on the dance music scene today. Our year has passed with a lot of new faces taking the stage and a regular audience to hear the fine music. Let’s hope that this continues on an upward trend and get Scottish music to the front where it belongs.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 2 October 1979
Biggar Accordion Club kicked off on Monday, 11th September, in the newly-modernised function room of the Clydesdale Hotel, giving both guests and members spacious surroundings to enjoy their evening. Well done Alex.
Guests for the evening were Ronnie Easton and his second box player Kenny Thomson who soon showed us what accordion music was all about. A great performance from Ronnie who, it was announced, is leaving the Scottish scene to take up employment in Birmingham. A great miss for the Scottish fans as his band has been climbing steadily on the dance circuit. We wish his every success in his new venture.
Making her second appearance was Miss Sheena Anderson, daughter of our Secretary John, who gave us a fine performance, and another two youngsters, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, who are becoming very proficient in their playing. It’s nice to see the young ones are not all Travolta crazy.
Also on box were John Anderson, Ian and Alex Graham, John Laidlaw, Angus Oliver, Charlie Todd and from Penicuik Club Andrew Stoddart. On drums Rob Dickson and Alistair McBeth. Alex Graham also played the keyboard.
Our host Alex MacArthur played keyboard and gave us a few tunes on the box and, of course, promoted his new tape which I have heard and feel it is the best on the market for a long time. I won’t spoil it for you by telling you the tunes. Just go and buy it, you won’t regret it.
Next moth we have a return visit from Walter Perrie, the wee chap from Thingummyjig. Another good night promised.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 3 November 1979
Biggar Accordion Club held their second meeting of the season on 8th October. Topping the bill (as the Biggar talent are artistes in their own right) was Walter Perrie, the wee lad with the flashing fingers. His two spots gave us a great selection of music, from Continental to Scottish waltzes, showing his ability to adjust the tempo to suit the audience mood. A fine performance from this up-and-coming ‘star’.
The performance of the night, apart from our guest, must go to a young duo Keith and Gordon Dickson, from Dolphinton, who at the age of ten and nine have, with a little encouragement from the right sources, a great change to make it. Keith on accortdionand brother Gordon singing – Tartan Lads look out.
Others taking part were mine host Alex MacArthur on accordion and piano (hope you have got his new tape), Ian and Alex Graham, Charlie Todd, John Laidlaw, J McKenzie, Jim Sharp and Allan Smith on accordions, and not forgetting our Secretary, ‘Les’ John Anderson. He’s getting better, he even laughs at his wee blunders. On keyboard Alan MacArthur and Alex Graham. On drums John Pottinger and Rob Dickson. Pipes, Robin Beck (Peebles). Fiddle Gordon Dickson and a special turn, Monica Higgins from New Zealand, who is working locally, gave us a couple of fine songs, one in Maori, accompanying herself on guitar. In all, a fine evening of entertainment from all performers. Who needs STV.
Year 3 No 4 December 1979
November meeting was held in the Clydesdale Hotel, on Monday, 12th November. Due to severe weather it was not the usual full house. But that did not stop the entertainment. Guest for the night was Bert Shorthouse who, without accompaniment, gave us some fine box playing in both his spots ; a warm up for the big night in the Usher Hall.
One of our regular attenders, but not players, Bill Sharp made his debut on stage with some fine fiddle playing. Let’s hope he keeps bringing the fiddle along with him. On accordions for the evening were Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Alex ‘The General’ MacArthur, Charlie Todd, Alex Graham, John Laidlaw, Nelson Callan all the way from Wishaw, and Adam and William Anderson. On piano Adam Anderson and Alec Graham. On drums Rob Dickson.
In all, a highly successful night despite the conditions outside to face on the road home.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 5 January 1980
Biggar Accordion Club had a grand night at their December meeting on the 10th. Secretary John Anderson was down with flu. Alex MacArthur took over as Master of Ceremonies. Fourteen accordionists were on show, three pianists and two drummers.
A touch of class playing was heard both from our members and guests. We had no fewer than four players from the broadcasting scene – Alex MacArthur, John Douglas from the Ian Holmes Band, and Pam Brough, well-known from the Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue Bands. Ian Wilson, our other local (well nearly) pianist from the Alex MacArthur Band and not forgetting our guest Jimmy Lindsay from Perth, who was accompanied on keyboard by Pam Brough, gave us some fine toe-tapping tunes to keep the fires burning.
All too soon it was stramash time again, with all players, led by Jimmy, giving tunes big licks.
Playing were accordions – Sandy Donald (Symington), Ian Clark (Larkhall), Dougie Scott (Peebles), Charlie Todd (Carmichael), Sheena Anderson (Biggar), John Laidlaw (Peebles), Betty and Andrew Craig (Bonnyrigg), William Anderson (Broughton), Nelson Callan (Wishaw), Allan Smith (Kirkfieldbank), John Douglas (Dumfries), Norrie Williams (East Kilbride – former Chairman of the MAFIA Club) and, of course, our guest Jimmy Lindsay. On piano Pam Brough (Perth), Adam Anderson (Broughton) and Iain Wilson (Elvanfoot). Drums Rob Dickson (Dolphinton) and Bruce Shaw (Coalburn).
In all, a fine finish to 1979. A Prosperous New Year to all the Clubs and our readers from myself and the Biggar Accordion Club.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 6 February 1980
The first session of the New Year at Biggar Accordion Club proved to be a belated ‘Christmas Cracker’ with all taking part playing their hearts out and the full house audience enjoying every minute of it.
Month by month our Club goes from strength to strength. Apart from our regular artistes, new faces appear with box in hand ready to give the Biggar Club a tune, some travelling over 30 miles. A great boost to our regular players who enjoy a pit of competition.
This month’s guests were Grace MacCleaver and her Scottish Dance Band (Ian McCallum, lead accordion, Colin Johnstone, second accordion, Graeme Burns, fiddle, Duncan Burns, drums, and Grace, of course, on piano). Names, except Grace, I must admit I have never heard before, but what a sound their two performances had. ‘The General’ Alex had to say it was great to see the seats still full at the end of the evening, the audience not wanting to miss a tune. Any Club wanting to book this band will not be let down.
In between performances we had tunes from, accordions John Laidlaw, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan, Robin Waitt, Sheena Anderson, our Secretary’s daughter, and she can knock spots off him, John Anderson, William Anderson and David Coke from Auchengray, this was his first time. Fiddles Justine Tennant from Cambuslang, Annie Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank, all first time. On keyboard our host ‘The General’ Alex MacArthur, Ian Wilson and Adam Anderson all ably assisted by Rob Dickson on drums.
In all a great start for 1980 and next month’s guest artiste should make it another great night – Bobby Harvey fiddle plus!
NB Alex MacArthur SDB will play for our annual dance on Friday 25th April. Make a note in your diary for this.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 7 March 1980
Biggar Accordion Club held their February meeting in the Clydesdale Hotel, on Monday, 11th February. As always a full house of players and listeners were welcomed. As said before, the talent at the Biggar Club goes from strength to strength and it’s well worth a visit.
Guest artiste was the well-known fiddler Bobby Harvey from Milngavie, who brought along with him Ivor Britton, ex-Scottish Champion box player and what a team they made both with solos and duets. A great sound giving us all-round Scottish entertainment, plus a few of Bobby’s jokes. His ‘Hen’s March to the Midden’ and ‘Alex MacArthur’s honeymoon night’ raised the roof. In all a great performance.
Also taking part were Douglas and Elaine Hastie, (who were at the Govan Championships and did very well. They were third in the duet and Douglas came fourth out of 44 in the solos), Sheena Anderson, Charlie Todd, Dave Coke, our Secretary John Anderson (he’s coming on), Nelson Callan, Andrew Stoddart, John Laidlaw, Bert Wilson all on accordions. Drums – Bill Weir (Peebles) and Bruce Shaw (Coalburn). Bass Roy Westmorland (Elsrickle) and William Anderson (Broughton). Fiddle Justine Tennant, Cambuslang. Pipes, Robin Beck, Peebles.
Our host Alex accompanied all, including the guests, on keyboard.
As usual time flew in and soon it was everyone on for the grand stramash.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 8 April 1980
Biggar Accordion Club had what you call an accordion extravaganza at their March meeting, so much so that some of the players did not manage to get time for a spot. However, they were not put out by it and the top of the bill kept everyone listening and happy.
The Tommy Pringle Trio were the guests for the evening and were they on form? You name it, they played it and what a style, with assistance from Drew Dalgleish on drums and Adam Anderson on keyboard (nice to see one of our Club members in the guest spot for a change. Well done Adam, you deserve it). They were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
Now for the line-up for the evening. Accordions Bert Wilson, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Alex MacArthur (mine host), Charlie Todd, Davy Coke, Jack Gray, Jim Sharp, John McKenzie, Sheena Anderson, Eileen Blackie, John Gibson, John Laidlaw, John Elliot, Robin Anderson and Nelson Callan.
Keyboard – John Gibson, Adam Anderson and Iain Wilson.
Bass – William Anderson.
Drums – Rob Dickson, Bruce Shaw and Walter Watt.
Fiddle John Houston, Annie Robertson and Andrew Knight.
Concertina – David Corner
Pipes – Heather Lynn
In all a full house and a great evening’s entertainment.
Peter Rae
Biggar accordion Club held an extra night for April on Thursday 5th, when Jim Halcrow and the Hamefarers Scottish Dance Band from Shetland were guests for the evening, and what an evening it turned out to be. Scottish, Shetland and Norwegian music at its best. The talent of these lads and lasses was first class. Enjoying every minute of their playing time plus extra time the audience appreciated every minute of their performance, and one cannot wait for their next appearance next year.
Local talent was rather scarce being a Thursday night, with Alex MacArthur, Angus Oliver, John Laidlaw, Douglas Johnstone, Robin Anderson, William Anderson, Adam Anderson and Rab Carruthers. In all, a very excellent extra evening.
The members were saddened to hear of the death of Archie Park who gave us many a night of patter and fine fiddle music. A man I admired who will be missed throughout the clubs.
The final meeting of the season of Biggar Accordion Club was held in the Clydesdale Hotel on Monday, 9th April, with the guests being Robert Whitehead and his Band from Alnwick. Robert and the boys gave an excellent performance with a variety of selections played on straight box and Cordovox which gave a tremendous sound. Later they were joined by Rab Carruthers on bass. Others playing for the evening’s entertainment were John Laidlaw, Alistair McBeth, Ian and Alex Graham, Rob Dickson, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, John McKenzie, Jim Sharp, William and Adam Anderson, Bob Stenhouse, Nelson Callan, John Anderson, Alex MacArthur, John Douglas, a newcomer from Dumfries, Sheena Anderson, nine years, first-timer and a newcomer on drums Ann McBeth who showed that it’s not only men who can plays drums and what a splendid performance she gave – in all an excellent finale for the end of season.
Biggar Accordion Club has had a fine variety of talent this year, with John McGregor SDB, Bill Black and Family, Dave Stewart, Angus Cameron, Archie Park and the Langholm Boys, Jim Johnstone SDB, Angus Fitchet, Jim Halcrow and the Hamefarers, and Robert Whitehead, in all a fine variety of first-class players on the dance music scene today. Our year has passed with a lot of new faces taking the stage and a regular audience to hear the fine music. Let’s hope that this continues on an upward trend and get Scottish music to the front where it belongs.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 2 October 1979
Biggar Accordion Club kicked off on Monday, 11th September, in the newly-modernised function room of the Clydesdale Hotel, giving both guests and members spacious surroundings to enjoy their evening. Well done Alex.
Guests for the evening were Ronnie Easton and his second box player Kenny Thomson who soon showed us what accordion music was all about. A great performance from Ronnie who, it was announced, is leaving the Scottish scene to take up employment in Birmingham. A great miss for the Scottish fans as his band has been climbing steadily on the dance circuit. We wish his every success in his new venture.
Making her second appearance was Miss Sheena Anderson, daughter of our Secretary John, who gave us a fine performance, and another two youngsters, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, who are becoming very proficient in their playing. It’s nice to see the young ones are not all Travolta crazy.
Also on box were John Anderson, Ian and Alex Graham, John Laidlaw, Angus Oliver, Charlie Todd and from Penicuik Club Andrew Stoddart. On drums Rob Dickson and Alistair McBeth. Alex Graham also played the keyboard.
Our host Alex MacArthur played keyboard and gave us a few tunes on the box and, of course, promoted his new tape which I have heard and feel it is the best on the market for a long time. I won’t spoil it for you by telling you the tunes. Just go and buy it, you won’t regret it.
Next moth we have a return visit from Walter Perrie, the wee chap from Thingummyjig. Another good night promised.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 3 November 1979
Biggar Accordion Club held their second meeting of the season on 8th October. Topping the bill (as the Biggar talent are artistes in their own right) was Walter Perrie, the wee lad with the flashing fingers. His two spots gave us a great selection of music, from Continental to Scottish waltzes, showing his ability to adjust the tempo to suit the audience mood. A fine performance from this up-and-coming ‘star’.
The performance of the night, apart from our guest, must go to a young duo Keith and Gordon Dickson, from Dolphinton, who at the age of ten and nine have, with a little encouragement from the right sources, a great change to make it. Keith on accortdionand brother Gordon singing – Tartan Lads look out.
Others taking part were mine host Alex MacArthur on accordion and piano (hope you have got his new tape), Ian and Alex Graham, Charlie Todd, John Laidlaw, J McKenzie, Jim Sharp and Allan Smith on accordions, and not forgetting our Secretary, ‘Les’ John Anderson. He’s getting better, he even laughs at his wee blunders. On keyboard Alan MacArthur and Alex Graham. On drums John Pottinger and Rob Dickson. Pipes, Robin Beck (Peebles). Fiddle Gordon Dickson and a special turn, Monica Higgins from New Zealand, who is working locally, gave us a couple of fine songs, one in Maori, accompanying herself on guitar. In all, a fine evening of entertainment from all performers. Who needs STV.
Year 3 No 4 December 1979
November meeting was held in the Clydesdale Hotel, on Monday, 12th November. Due to severe weather it was not the usual full house. But that did not stop the entertainment. Guest for the night was Bert Shorthouse who, without accompaniment, gave us some fine box playing in both his spots ; a warm up for the big night in the Usher Hall.
One of our regular attenders, but not players, Bill Sharp made his debut on stage with some fine fiddle playing. Let’s hope he keeps bringing the fiddle along with him. On accordions for the evening were Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Alex ‘The General’ MacArthur, Charlie Todd, Alex Graham, John Laidlaw, Nelson Callan all the way from Wishaw, and Adam and William Anderson. On piano Adam Anderson and Alec Graham. On drums Rob Dickson.
In all, a highly successful night despite the conditions outside to face on the road home.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 5 January 1980
Biggar Accordion Club had a grand night at their December meeting on the 10th. Secretary John Anderson was down with flu. Alex MacArthur took over as Master of Ceremonies. Fourteen accordionists were on show, three pianists and two drummers.
A touch of class playing was heard both from our members and guests. We had no fewer than four players from the broadcasting scene – Alex MacArthur, John Douglas from the Ian Holmes Band, and Pam Brough, well-known from the Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue Bands. Ian Wilson, our other local (well nearly) pianist from the Alex MacArthur Band and not forgetting our guest Jimmy Lindsay from Perth, who was accompanied on keyboard by Pam Brough, gave us some fine toe-tapping tunes to keep the fires burning.
All too soon it was stramash time again, with all players, led by Jimmy, giving tunes big licks.
Playing were accordions – Sandy Donald (Symington), Ian Clark (Larkhall), Dougie Scott (Peebles), Charlie Todd (Carmichael), Sheena Anderson (Biggar), John Laidlaw (Peebles), Betty and Andrew Craig (Bonnyrigg), William Anderson (Broughton), Nelson Callan (Wishaw), Allan Smith (Kirkfieldbank), John Douglas (Dumfries), Norrie Williams (East Kilbride – former Chairman of the MAFIA Club) and, of course, our guest Jimmy Lindsay. On piano Pam Brough (Perth), Adam Anderson (Broughton) and Iain Wilson (Elvanfoot). Drums Rob Dickson (Dolphinton) and Bruce Shaw (Coalburn).
In all, a fine finish to 1979. A Prosperous New Year to all the Clubs and our readers from myself and the Biggar Accordion Club.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 6 February 1980
The first session of the New Year at Biggar Accordion Club proved to be a belated ‘Christmas Cracker’ with all taking part playing their hearts out and the full house audience enjoying every minute of it.
Month by month our Club goes from strength to strength. Apart from our regular artistes, new faces appear with box in hand ready to give the Biggar Club a tune, some travelling over 30 miles. A great boost to our regular players who enjoy a pit of competition.
This month’s guests were Grace MacCleaver and her Scottish Dance Band (Ian McCallum, lead accordion, Colin Johnstone, second accordion, Graeme Burns, fiddle, Duncan Burns, drums, and Grace, of course, on piano). Names, except Grace, I must admit I have never heard before, but what a sound their two performances had. ‘The General’ Alex had to say it was great to see the seats still full at the end of the evening, the audience not wanting to miss a tune. Any Club wanting to book this band will not be let down.
In between performances we had tunes from, accordions John Laidlaw, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan, Robin Waitt, Sheena Anderson, our Secretary’s daughter, and she can knock spots off him, John Anderson, William Anderson and David Coke from Auchengray, this was his first time. Fiddles Justine Tennant from Cambuslang, Annie Robertson and John Houston from Kirkfieldbank, all first time. On keyboard our host ‘The General’ Alex MacArthur, Ian Wilson and Adam Anderson all ably assisted by Rob Dickson on drums.
In all a great start for 1980 and next month’s guest artiste should make it another great night – Bobby Harvey fiddle plus!
NB Alex MacArthur SDB will play for our annual dance on Friday 25th April. Make a note in your diary for this.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 7 March 1980
Biggar Accordion Club held their February meeting in the Clydesdale Hotel, on Monday, 11th February. As always a full house of players and listeners were welcomed. As said before, the talent at the Biggar Club goes from strength to strength and it’s well worth a visit.
Guest artiste was the well-known fiddler Bobby Harvey from Milngavie, who brought along with him Ivor Britton, ex-Scottish Champion box player and what a team they made both with solos and duets. A great sound giving us all-round Scottish entertainment, plus a few of Bobby’s jokes. His ‘Hen’s March to the Midden’ and ‘Alex MacArthur’s honeymoon night’ raised the roof. In all a great performance.
Also taking part were Douglas and Elaine Hastie, (who were at the Govan Championships and did very well. They were third in the duet and Douglas came fourth out of 44 in the solos), Sheena Anderson, Charlie Todd, Dave Coke, our Secretary John Anderson (he’s coming on), Nelson Callan, Andrew Stoddart, John Laidlaw, Bert Wilson all on accordions. Drums – Bill Weir (Peebles) and Bruce Shaw (Coalburn). Bass Roy Westmorland (Elsrickle) and William Anderson (Broughton). Fiddle Justine Tennant, Cambuslang. Pipes, Robin Beck, Peebles.
Our host Alex accompanied all, including the guests, on keyboard.
As usual time flew in and soon it was everyone on for the grand stramash.
Peter Rae
Year 3 No 8 April 1980
Biggar Accordion Club had what you call an accordion extravaganza at their March meeting, so much so that some of the players did not manage to get time for a spot. However, they were not put out by it and the top of the bill kept everyone listening and happy.
The Tommy Pringle Trio were the guests for the evening and were they on form? You name it, they played it and what a style, with assistance from Drew Dalgleish on drums and Adam Anderson on keyboard (nice to see one of our Club members in the guest spot for a change. Well done Adam, you deserve it). They were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
Now for the line-up for the evening. Accordions Bert Wilson, Douglas and Elaine Hastie, Alex MacArthur (mine host), Charlie Todd, Davy Coke, Jack Gray, Jim Sharp, John McKenzie, Sheena Anderson, Eileen Blackie, John Gibson, John Laidlaw, John Elliot, Robin Anderson and Nelson Callan.
Keyboard – John Gibson, Adam Anderson and Iain Wilson.
Bass – William Anderson.
Drums – Rob Dickson, Bruce Shaw and Walter Watt.
Fiddle John Houston, Annie Robertson and Andrew Knight.
Concertina – David Corner
Pipes – Heather Lynn
In all a full house and a great evening’s entertainment.
Peter Rae