Box and Fiddle
Peebles A & F Club Reports
Year 5 No 4 December 1981
The Peebles A&F Club got off to a grand start with a night to be remembered – Paddy Neary was the guest artist at this first meeting of the Peebles Club on 26th November (1981).
Over 200 people were present and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a large variety of musicians providing the entertainment. Accordionists who took part during the evening were – John Anderson, Arthur Brown, Colin Brown, Ted Brown, Raymond Chuchuck, Brian Forrest, Ian Graham, John Laidlaw, Tommy Pringle, Douglas Scott, Jim Sharp and Charlie Todd.
Providing the ‘beat’ on drums – Alex Dunnet, Max Ketchin, Alastair MacBeth, Alex McGlimpsey and Bill Weir.
Fiddlers – Tom Hughes and John Morrison.
Keyboard – Jackie Brown and Brian Forrest.
Bass – Steve Hunter
Paddy Neary had the audience spellbound and literally stole the limelight with an immaculate and intricately varied repertoire – ranging from ‘The Dark Island’ to the Bonanza theme. Everyone present found the hours flew past and could have listened all night to this superb master of the accordion.
All in all, the fans had an excellent and exhilarating night’s music. If this is a sample of things to come, then the Club is in for a marvelous season. The evening was ably compered by John Laidlaw and thanks are extended to all who contributed to making Peebles’ first night such a success.
The next meeting of the Peebles Club will be held in Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Club on 28th January, 1982 when guest artistes will be Max Houliston and his Band.
Joan Weir
No Meeting in December 1981
Year 5 No 6 February 1982
Peebles A&F Club held its second meeting on 28th January, when the guest artistes were Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson.
An excellent number of fans had a real feat of music. Throughout the evening, accordionists were, John Laidlaw, David Coke, Angus Oliver, Colin Brown, David Scott, Jim Bruce, Ted Brown, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith, John Gibson, Douglas Scott and Jamie Hope.
On drums were Bill Weir, Alistair McBeth, Alex McGimpsey, Alex Dunnett, Billy Johnstone and Frank Bain. On fiddle Tom Hughes. On bass Steve Hunter. On tin whistle Dan Ward.
The first half of the night’s entertainment ended with the guest artistes playing jigs, marches, pipe tunes, slow air and Gay Gordons – ably accompanied by Alastair MacBeth on drums.
After this tremendous selection, the audience settled down to a plate of stovies and a general natter.
The second half of the evening again started with a good number of local players playing along with the ‘foreigners’ – natives of Innerleithan and Biggar! It is most encouraging to note that Peebles can boast of having a talented number of musicians.
For their second appearance Max and Kenny took the audience ‘to the dancing’ with jigs, Burns’ marches, Gaelic waltzes, polkas and even a Norwegian selection. How they made it all look so easy and effortless – proof of real professional musicians – haste ye back again lads.
Once again, all too soon, it was time to pack up, lock up and go home, after all the musicians who had taken part during the evening had joined in a general stramash, led, of course, by Max and Kenny.
Another great night at Peebles was over. Thanks again to talented compere John Laidlaw, and to all who helped in so many ways.
The next meeting of the Peebles Club will be held in the Ex-Servicemens’ Club, Peebles, on 25th February, when the guest artistes will be The Currie Brothers.
Joan Weir
Year 5 No 7 March 1982
The Peebles A&F Club had an excellent evening of music in the ex-Servicemens Club in February. The guest artistes were The Currie Brothers who dazzled everyone with their slick playing. The MCs for the evening John Laidlaw, Alistair McBeth and Bill Weir had a difficult task fitting in everyone wanting to entertain the near capacity audience.
The supporting artistes were – on accordion John Anderson, Arthur Brown, Colin Brown, Ted Brown, Jim Bruce, Raymond Chuchuk, David Coke, Graeme Crozier, John Gibson, Ian Graham, John Laidlaw, Craig McCallum, Angus Oliver, David Scott, Douglas Scott, Bill Stenhouse and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard Jackie Brown, Isobel Stenhouse and Dorothy Lawson. On fiddle Tom Hughes and John Morrison. On tin whistle Dan Ward and on drums Alastair MacBeth, Alex McGimpsey, Bruce Shaw and our own ‘gruesome twosome’ Max Ketchin and Bill Weir.
The Currie Brothers started with a rousing set of reels , then played a Continental waltz, aptly names ‘Boom Musette’ as the Bothers fairly made the music boom round the hall. After selections of jigs, waltzes and Latin American numbers, everyone was delighted to hear the ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ which is one of their most requested items on the Accordion Club circuit. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ cam e next and in the last selection Jim invited the ladies of the audience to dance, but when the ‘Mexican Hat Dance’ and the ‘Can-Can’ were played, any would be Ginger Rogers remained seated.
The Brothers were given a tremendous cheer at the end of this first spot and conversation during the interval was generally on how well everyone had entertained.
The second half commenced as usual with the local supporting players and it obvious to everyone listening how the musicians were enjoying playing in the congenial atmosphere.
When our guest artiste returned to the stage it was noted that musical instruments had been changed. Jim played accordion, Tom played fiddle and Liam played banjo, guitar and accordion alternatively.
During the session the audience enjoyed listening to Irish jigs, waltzes, reels, pipe marches and some modern numbers. Especially for the youngest player of the evening ‘The Orange Blossom Special’ was played. After a Scottish sing-along selection a stramash was played when every supporting artiste enjoyed playing with the three brothers.
This was only the third meeting of the Peebles Club and it is most encouraging to see it growing from strength to strength.
The nest meeting is on Thursday, 25th March, when the guests are the Iain MacPhail Band.
Dorothy Mathers
Year 5 No 8 April 1982
On driving along Peebles High Street at 7.55pm – making my way to Peebles A&F Club for the March meeting– I was astounded to see the street lined with cars and hardly a parking space to be found in the vicinity.
I thought there would be ‘no room at the Inn’ when I got to the Club. I was, however, hastily advised that there was a concert taking place in the town!
However, Iain MacPhail and his Merry Men (to quote our compere John Laidlaw) certainly do have a tremendous following and the Club was once more packed.
Again we had a good turnout of supporting artistes and the fans certainly had a grand night with a great selection of tunes. Accordionists during the evening were John Laidlaw, Ian Horsburgh, Angus Oliver, Ted Brown, Colin Brown, Graham Crozier, David Scott, Stewart Duncan, John Anderson, Douglas Scott, Dorothy Lawson, Charlie Todd and Ian Graham (who acted as second accordionist for most of the players as well).
Pianists were Jackie Brown and Dorothy Lawson. On drums Alistair McBeth, Bill Weir, Bob Henderson and David Neil. Tin whistle, Dan Ward. Mouth organ Bill Rintoul.
Iain MacPhail and his Band then really got the feet a’tapping as they literally burst into tune – reels, waltzes, marches, two-steps, Scandinavian ‘numbers’ – all seem so effortless to this marvellous band of musicians who really appear to enjoy their playing as much as all who listened. There is only one band who can bring music alive in such a magical way, and well-known tunes take on a different sound when played by Iain and the boys – Ian having such a flair for arrangements.
Following stovies and the raffle draw, local players got the second half of the evening going – it really is good to know that Scottish music still has such a marvellous number of participants.
The guest artistes once again ‘took the floor’ and no-one would believe it was time to bring the evening to an end – you only had to hear the applause for each selection of tunes played by Iain MacPhail and the Band to know how much the audience enjoyed their ‘swinging’ sound – we certainly hope the boys will make a return visit to Peebles Club. With Iain you know you will get great value in expertise and versatility. A general stramash with all musicians taking part ended this Club night at Peebles.
The nest meeting in on Thursday, 29th April, at Peebles ex-Servicemen’s Club when the guest artistes will be John Crawford and his Band.
The Peebles Club is holding a dance on Friday, 28th May – music to be provided by Alex MacArthur and his Broadcasting Band. Tickets are available from Alastair MacBeth.
Joan Weir
The Peebles A&F Club got off to a grand start with a night to be remembered – Paddy Neary was the guest artist at this first meeting of the Peebles Club on 26th November (1981).
Over 200 people were present and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a large variety of musicians providing the entertainment. Accordionists who took part during the evening were – John Anderson, Arthur Brown, Colin Brown, Ted Brown, Raymond Chuchuck, Brian Forrest, Ian Graham, John Laidlaw, Tommy Pringle, Douglas Scott, Jim Sharp and Charlie Todd.
Providing the ‘beat’ on drums – Alex Dunnet, Max Ketchin, Alastair MacBeth, Alex McGlimpsey and Bill Weir.
Fiddlers – Tom Hughes and John Morrison.
Keyboard – Jackie Brown and Brian Forrest.
Bass – Steve Hunter
Paddy Neary had the audience spellbound and literally stole the limelight with an immaculate and intricately varied repertoire – ranging from ‘The Dark Island’ to the Bonanza theme. Everyone present found the hours flew past and could have listened all night to this superb master of the accordion.
All in all, the fans had an excellent and exhilarating night’s music. If this is a sample of things to come, then the Club is in for a marvelous season. The evening was ably compered by John Laidlaw and thanks are extended to all who contributed to making Peebles’ first night such a success.
The next meeting of the Peebles Club will be held in Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Club on 28th January, 1982 when guest artistes will be Max Houliston and his Band.
Joan Weir
No Meeting in December 1981
Year 5 No 6 February 1982
Peebles A&F Club held its second meeting on 28th January, when the guest artistes were Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson.
An excellent number of fans had a real feat of music. Throughout the evening, accordionists were, John Laidlaw, David Coke, Angus Oliver, Colin Brown, David Scott, Jim Bruce, Ted Brown, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith, John Gibson, Douglas Scott and Jamie Hope.
On drums were Bill Weir, Alistair McBeth, Alex McGimpsey, Alex Dunnett, Billy Johnstone and Frank Bain. On fiddle Tom Hughes. On bass Steve Hunter. On tin whistle Dan Ward.
The first half of the night’s entertainment ended with the guest artistes playing jigs, marches, pipe tunes, slow air and Gay Gordons – ably accompanied by Alastair MacBeth on drums.
After this tremendous selection, the audience settled down to a plate of stovies and a general natter.
The second half of the evening again started with a good number of local players playing along with the ‘foreigners’ – natives of Innerleithan and Biggar! It is most encouraging to note that Peebles can boast of having a talented number of musicians.
For their second appearance Max and Kenny took the audience ‘to the dancing’ with jigs, Burns’ marches, Gaelic waltzes, polkas and even a Norwegian selection. How they made it all look so easy and effortless – proof of real professional musicians – haste ye back again lads.
Once again, all too soon, it was time to pack up, lock up and go home, after all the musicians who had taken part during the evening had joined in a general stramash, led, of course, by Max and Kenny.
Another great night at Peebles was over. Thanks again to talented compere John Laidlaw, and to all who helped in so many ways.
The next meeting of the Peebles Club will be held in the Ex-Servicemens’ Club, Peebles, on 25th February, when the guest artistes will be The Currie Brothers.
Joan Weir
Year 5 No 7 March 1982
The Peebles A&F Club had an excellent evening of music in the ex-Servicemens Club in February. The guest artistes were The Currie Brothers who dazzled everyone with their slick playing. The MCs for the evening John Laidlaw, Alistair McBeth and Bill Weir had a difficult task fitting in everyone wanting to entertain the near capacity audience.
The supporting artistes were – on accordion John Anderson, Arthur Brown, Colin Brown, Ted Brown, Jim Bruce, Raymond Chuchuk, David Coke, Graeme Crozier, John Gibson, Ian Graham, John Laidlaw, Craig McCallum, Angus Oliver, David Scott, Douglas Scott, Bill Stenhouse and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard Jackie Brown, Isobel Stenhouse and Dorothy Lawson. On fiddle Tom Hughes and John Morrison. On tin whistle Dan Ward and on drums Alastair MacBeth, Alex McGimpsey, Bruce Shaw and our own ‘gruesome twosome’ Max Ketchin and Bill Weir.
The Currie Brothers started with a rousing set of reels , then played a Continental waltz, aptly names ‘Boom Musette’ as the Bothers fairly made the music boom round the hall. After selections of jigs, waltzes and Latin American numbers, everyone was delighted to hear the ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ which is one of their most requested items on the Accordion Club circuit. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ cam e next and in the last selection Jim invited the ladies of the audience to dance, but when the ‘Mexican Hat Dance’ and the ‘Can-Can’ were played, any would be Ginger Rogers remained seated.
The Brothers were given a tremendous cheer at the end of this first spot and conversation during the interval was generally on how well everyone had entertained.
The second half commenced as usual with the local supporting players and it obvious to everyone listening how the musicians were enjoying playing in the congenial atmosphere.
When our guest artiste returned to the stage it was noted that musical instruments had been changed. Jim played accordion, Tom played fiddle and Liam played banjo, guitar and accordion alternatively.
During the session the audience enjoyed listening to Irish jigs, waltzes, reels, pipe marches and some modern numbers. Especially for the youngest player of the evening ‘The Orange Blossom Special’ was played. After a Scottish sing-along selection a stramash was played when every supporting artiste enjoyed playing with the three brothers.
This was only the third meeting of the Peebles Club and it is most encouraging to see it growing from strength to strength.
The nest meeting is on Thursday, 25th March, when the guests are the Iain MacPhail Band.
Dorothy Mathers
Year 5 No 8 April 1982
On driving along Peebles High Street at 7.55pm – making my way to Peebles A&F Club for the March meeting– I was astounded to see the street lined with cars and hardly a parking space to be found in the vicinity.
I thought there would be ‘no room at the Inn’ when I got to the Club. I was, however, hastily advised that there was a concert taking place in the town!
However, Iain MacPhail and his Merry Men (to quote our compere John Laidlaw) certainly do have a tremendous following and the Club was once more packed.
Again we had a good turnout of supporting artistes and the fans certainly had a grand night with a great selection of tunes. Accordionists during the evening were John Laidlaw, Ian Horsburgh, Angus Oliver, Ted Brown, Colin Brown, Graham Crozier, David Scott, Stewart Duncan, John Anderson, Douglas Scott, Dorothy Lawson, Charlie Todd and Ian Graham (who acted as second accordionist for most of the players as well).
Pianists were Jackie Brown and Dorothy Lawson. On drums Alistair McBeth, Bill Weir, Bob Henderson and David Neil. Tin whistle, Dan Ward. Mouth organ Bill Rintoul.
Iain MacPhail and his Band then really got the feet a’tapping as they literally burst into tune – reels, waltzes, marches, two-steps, Scandinavian ‘numbers’ – all seem so effortless to this marvellous band of musicians who really appear to enjoy their playing as much as all who listened. There is only one band who can bring music alive in such a magical way, and well-known tunes take on a different sound when played by Iain and the boys – Ian having such a flair for arrangements.
Following stovies and the raffle draw, local players got the second half of the evening going – it really is good to know that Scottish music still has such a marvellous number of participants.
The guest artistes once again ‘took the floor’ and no-one would believe it was time to bring the evening to an end – you only had to hear the applause for each selection of tunes played by Iain MacPhail and the Band to know how much the audience enjoyed their ‘swinging’ sound – we certainly hope the boys will make a return visit to Peebles Club. With Iain you know you will get great value in expertise and versatility. A general stramash with all musicians taking part ended this Club night at Peebles.
The nest meeting in on Thursday, 29th April, at Peebles ex-Servicemen’s Club when the guest artistes will be John Crawford and his Band.
The Peebles Club is holding a dance on Friday, 28th May – music to be provided by Alex MacArthur and his Broadcasting Band. Tickets are available from Alastair MacBeth.
Joan Weir
