Year 7 No 1 September 1983
Our April meeting turned out to be a double accordion bonanza, so many players turned up. It was fantastic to say the least, including the drummer, we had 38 plus the guest artiste. A big thank you to everyone for the capacity house we had.
But first apologies to some of our regulars who had to miss the chance of playing because of ‘Old Father Time’ – great Club characters like John Lang, Paul Johnstone, Gordon Thomson, Davie Millar, Charlie Todd, Iain Henderson, Morag Robertson and Hugh Gebbie never got to the stage, but we thank them for their support and understanding of the situation.
The players on stage during the night were – fiddlers John Houston, Annie Robertson and Jim Devlin.
Accordion players – Findlay Robertson, Adam Reid, Bob Logan from Shotts, Iain Wilson and David Haig, Una Hunter from Greengairs, Graeme Johnstone, Scott McInnes, Alistair Brown, Peter and Carol Wood, Derek Tolmie, David Barr, a quartet from the Tom Veldon school, Craig Veldon, Brenda Cook, Janet Waugh and Marie Elliot, Andrew Dunbar all the way from Dunblane, Karen Higgins and Graham Edwardson from Armadale, David Wilson from Livingston, and what a treat Iain Wilson from Leadhills arrived with his keyboard and we say to Iain, haste ye back anytime or everytime if it suits you.
While the sausage rolls and tea were being served, Wee Joe from Electronic Accordions in Motherwell, demonstrated his brand of playing, that shows how busy we were when he played during the interval. Resident drummer Bruce Shaw also got a break as Hugh Gebbie and young Findlay Robertson relieved him at times on drums.
It was also a pleasure for our Chairman (who had a heavy task to keep the programme continuous) to see seated in the audience his own retired ex-drummer of many years, Jack Grant.
The Club certainly is booming and we in the Committee express our thanks to everyone who supported us and our very talented guest artiste Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie, whose confident, expert handling of the accordion proved a fantastic treat. She gave us an astounding programme, finishing off with a great stramash. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
The Club met on 12th May and again this proved to be a super accordion bonanza with an absolute abundance of players. The Chairman, Big Jack Gray, was working full out to make the programme continuous so as not to disappoint these hosts of staunch supportive players to whom the Committee would like to offer their sincere thanks for their regular attendance at this ever-popular Club.
We have gone from strength to strength, bringing the best of guest artistes and as an Association Club, we would like to see players giving the same support to other Clubs who are members of the Association, like East Kilbride, Cleland etc. Our chairman still maintains that not enough co-operation is made between the Clubs and regrets to hear that Morag Robertson has had top close down the Monklands club through lack of support, yet this Club at Lesmahagow, fill this report with a supporting cast of fiddlers John Houston, Annie Robertson, Gordon Ledingham and Iain Henderson.
Accordionists Adam Reid, Peter and Carol Wood, Una Hunter, Findlay Robertson, Morag Robertson, Morag Robertson, Bob Logan, Graeme Johnston, Hugh Gebbie, Davie Millar, Paul Johnstone, Una Bryson, Alan Gardiner, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith, Ian Graham and Dorothy Lawson and how nice to see Ian Skinner turning up with his dad to do his turn, and the baby of the party Derek Tolmie whose feet don’t reach the floor when sitting on a chair, but playing with the confidence of a professional on the drums our ever-regular Bruce Shaw, who got relieved by Hugh Gebbie and Findlay Robertson.
Then our guest artistes, the undisputed top band on the Scottish circuit, the fabulous Jim Johnstone SDB, with Jack Delaney, second box, that irrepressible top character of personality Bobby Brown on piano and vocals, Billy Craib on bass and Max Ketchin on drums. This band gave a display of unbelievable perfection, which we know, of course, Jim Johnstone to be of that ilk. Jim’s patter and wit bring him high regards and leave the audience with thoughts and memories of a super night.
He presented at half time the Jack Gray Trophy for the Most Improved Player of the Year. This beautiful shield changed hands but not sideboards because this year young Carol Wood topped the points to take first place from her big brother Peter, who won it last year and it was a great moment for her to be handed the shield from someone like the great Jim Johnstone. Don’t forget young players, it is regular attendance at our Club allowing the judges the chance to award you points of progress, so get mum and dad to bring you along and you will qualify in this contest.
Again the tea stall was a great success and what can we say about the second half of our programme with the Jim Johnstone SDB performing with some 25 players in a stramash, performing as though it had been rehearsed.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
Lesmahagow A&F Club carried on throughout the summer and found great support, this helping us to build a wee bit of finance for the winter. We had our regulars in June with an added attraction of the Burns Brothers who won the Will Starr Trophy. We have booked these two boys for our AGM evening in September.
July again saw a good turnout of players, our regulars were supplemented by Jack Grant on drums. It was good to see Justine Tennant had once again found us and returned to the fold. A latecomer that night was Davie Wilson from Blackburn on accordion and with him Gordon Smith from Tranent on drums. We were also supplemented with a 20-minute solo spot from Wee Joe and his Trio on the night.
August, aye, even during the holiday month, we had 16 players, with members of the Bridge of Allan (Walmer) Club. Their support sported two top players, Walter Perrie and Gregor Lowrie.
We had our treat on the two-row button accordion, Ronnie Copeland, Bob Logan on the three row, fiddlers Annie and john, backed by Adam on the five row. Then we had Carol Wood, Davie Coke, Davie Millar, Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan and Wee Joe plus the very talented Jennifer Forrest.
Also among the audience that night we had a visitor from Oban, Mrs Margaret Watson. We trust she enjoyed her night among us.
We hope to see the same support in this season as the last.
Guest artistes, club Secretaries, please note that the new address of Secretary and chairman, Mary and Jack Gray, 45 Lesmahagow Road, Kirkfieldbank, Lanark ML11 9GT. Tele no remains Lanark 4699.
Year 7 No 3 November 1983
Super band, great guests artistes. Who? Yes the George Bell SDB, with our own top class drummer, local joiner Bruce shaw. That was the verdict at Lesmahagow A&F Club on 13th October.
Their sound and choice of music were excellent. Yes, a great performance.
On opening the night, our chairman Big Jack Gray reported on the absence of our regular supporters Mr & Mrs John Houston and Mrs Annie Robertson. John and Annie have become well known for playing their fiddles at our Club and many other Clubs on the circuit.
John’s car was involved in an accident on Monday, 26th September. John had back injuries and Mrs Nance Houston escaped but shocked. Annie had cracked and bruised ribs and had to have stitches in a head wound. We in Lesmahagow Club wish them (as we are sure that all Clubs will, that they attend) a speedy recovery and return.
The players in support again – top of the shop in the junior section, Scott McInnes, a local lad ; a first time youngster Korna Syme from Stonehouse, making her Club debut ; pint-sized Derek Tolmie (great performance) ; young Carol Wood, Alan Gardiner, Graeme Johnston, all super young stars in the making.
Peter Wood seemed to be on stage most of the night. Peter, a pupil of our Chairman, is at present being helped in his thirst to play second box by Ian Graham, Carluke. He will be taking his first steps at playing dance music, playing second box to John Laidlaw’s SDB. Good luck, Peter.
Other players in support, again we had our Chairman working full out to make sure all players got a turn – on three-row Bob Logan, with many nostalgic tunes ; five-row Adam Reid and Morag Robertson ; piano accordion Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan and Gordon Thomson and on box and drums Hugh Gebbie.
Congratulations to Allan and Christine Smith on the happy arrival of daughter Laura. We wish them well. I hope with two females, Allan, your Club support won’t suffer too much!!
Thanks to everyone for your support. Haste Ye Back
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 4 December 1983
Friday, 4th November, was the Club Dance of Lesmahagow A&F Club and what a night this turned out to be with a full house right from the word go, with John Laidlaw’s Band makinh everyone want to dance at the same time.
Songs at half time from Bill Dickie and Alex McInnes, after a good supper provided mat Mat and Sal Sneddon and we all know what Mat’s sausage rolls are like, straight from the oven, not rehet.
A very successful raffle was drawn during the evening helping to give the funds a boost. We thank everyone for the raffle prizes donated. The proof of success shows in the fact that so many want a repeat before the end of the season.
Then to Thursday, 10th November, our Club night, when again we had a grand support. Pleyers assembled on the night were Annie Robertson, John Houston, Adam Reid, Liam Young, Scott McInnes, Kay Gardiner, Derek Tolmie, Davie Coke, Graeme Johnston, Davie Millar, Treasurer Charlie Todd and Chairman Jack Gray. Charlie and Jack both played an instrument which was on demonstration along with others in the lounge from Bell accordions. Along with her ever popular roadie was 82-year-old Justine Tennant.
Another regular among the company was Bob Logan, although not playing. I think Bob had been in the wars. And for a change we had a piper of a very high standard who will always find a welcome among us and who goes by the name of Ian Glass. Thank you, Ian.
In the lounge bar Robert Rolston from Shotts had assembled many fine instruments from Bell Accordions who now share a section of a shop in Morningside Road, Edinburgh.
Then to our guest artiste, the one and only Tommy Ford (thanks Tommy, nice to see the guest artiste turning up looking the part in his tartan jacket, not as if they were street buskers ; other guest artistes take note. Your image is at stake. You may play the part, but for the money we are paying you, you should look the part.)
Now to his spot, played as in the only manner Tommy would, to perfection. His jigs, reels and waltzes ; his superb rendering of ‘Non Accord,’ his Jolson medley, many fine compositions played for the benefit of the listeners. A superb artiste and backed by our own drummer, Bruce Shaw. It makes me wonder why some of these Scottish bands don’t snap this lad up as their regular drummer, as he is a true professional to the last. But alas! Bruce is always a busy man. Thanks Bruce.
The Committee take this opportunity of wishing all the guest artistes, NAAFC and all players and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 5 January 1984
Lesmahagow A&F Club met on Thursday, 8th December, 1983. It’s true that we ring the changes – as guest artistes we had Adam Jack and Ron Shaw, two super musicians. Adam on fiddle and Ron on cello and what a super attraction they were. Their range of music, Irish, Scottish and folk , duets and solos on both instruments were of a very high standard. They certainly had the feet tapping and although being late in finishing, everyone stayed on until the end.
The supporting cast again proved tremendous; it was nice to see Bob Berry back with his three-row. Most players formed three-piece bands to play.
Peter Wood, as well as doing his own solo spot, played second accordion to the Chairman Jack Gray, with Bruce Shaw on drums. The Chairman forsook his Morino and played a Classique belonging to another newcomer to the Club, young Douglas Callan from Strathaven, who took to the stage for the first time ever in his career.
Another Callan at the Club was Nelson Callan, recovering from a bit of illness, took the stage and played in his very own, high quality way, backed by Allan Smith on second accordion and Bruce on drums. Nice to see Allan back among us too and bringing Christine to give her a night out and faither Jock, giving him a rest from building a new house. Allan’s playing was fantastic. Allan is a product of the Jeannie Brown Accordion School in Wishaw, a school that has produced a lot of grand players.
Carol Wood took the lead with Peter on second accordion and Bruce on drums and the sound produced was very professional.
Adam Reid played nicely on his five-row and another regular, Davie Coke, played some of Dick Black’s music which is becoming very popular.
The man with the big Galanti, Davie Millar from Forth, performed followed by the baby of the party Derek Tolmie, sporting a new 96 bass accordion. Our own Treasurer, Charlie Todd, playing a sweet sounding 1939 Morino 2 + 1 was next and then another local, who is becoming a regular, young Scott McInnes. Then we had two characters, Iain Henderson from East Kilbride Club and John Anderson from the Biggar Club. Iain, as we all know, is a super fiddler, but more than that he is a super character and a guid lad tae hae on yer side. He was followed by John frae Biggar, a lad with the patter, a personality the Club land couldn’t do without, as everyone knows how much he and his wife do for the Biggar Club . John takes any slagging he gets in good fun (anyway John you asked for it), but you are always welcome at the ‘Gow Club. The man most on stage, drummer Bruce Shaw, deserves our thanks.
Thanks to all those who donated raffle prizes. Mat Sneddon for the grand sausage rolls and the tea ladies.
It would be nice in the Club scene if the guest artistes, who get wages through us, could walk into a Club just for a visit and not being paid to show some support and appreciation of other players. Some of the younger guest artistes have been kind enough to do this at our Club anyway, but surely some of the professionals can take a leaf out of the young one’s book and come along and take part as an ordinary player and help keep the Club land alive?
Yes, we need the guest artiste, but they surely need us too.
I would also turn to Club Committees saying keep your prices down. Our admission price has remained the same throughout – non-players £1, OAPs and children 50p and all players 25p. From this everyone gets a hot sausage roll at half-time and their night’s entertainment. Between the door takings and our raffle we manage to keep oor heid abin watter. Surplus funds are made from dances etc run throughout the year by a hard working Committee. When it comes to paying more than this for admission, plus paying for half-time snacks, a couple of halfs and a couple of gallons of petrol to come and visit, we say you are pricing yourselves out of the business.
All right you have a guest artiste to pay, keep your prices down, you’ll keep the attendance, keep putting your prices up you will pay your guest artiste, but drive away your patrons; in no way will you have a night of fun. If you haven’t visited our Club in the past give us a call, you’ll find a big welcome.
At our next meeting we have as guest artistes Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet on Thursday, 9th February, and at the end we shall say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 6/7 February/March 1984
Lesmahagow A&F Club members had to content with gale-force winds and snow for our January night, but this didn’t deter our many supporters. Our guest artistes gave them a high-class reward for attending. The Richard Ross SDB, led by this twice Scottish Senior Champion whose many sets with lightening fingers demonstrated just why he won. A truly wonderful, traditional and technical player, backed by Rikki Franci on second accordion and the big lad on keyboard Colin Finlayson and , although still limping badly after an accident, on drums, Gus Millar. This foursome gave us a great night’s entertainment.
Our regular fiddlers, John and Annie, backed by Adam Reidon button box, were in super form. New Committee member Davie Millar backed the Chairman, Jack Gray, who opened the show and in the absence of Bruce, our drummer, who had the flu, the Club drums were put to good use when Committee member Willie Wilson took up the brushes and sticks.
The young players of the night were Derek Tolmie, Douglas Callan, Scott McInnes, Peter and Carol Wood, with two newcomers to the Club, from Shotts, Alan and David Preston, two grand players who we hope will make their way to our Club many times in the future.
Bob Logan with his three-row entertained superbly. Davie Coke, Charlie Todd, and from the Biggar Club John Anderson who played his signature tune ‘My Grandfather’s Clock.’ Allan Smith was once again in attendance, his playing was superb, and a thank you from the Chairman, whose car engine flooded out on the road home and wouldn’t restart. Allan came along and promptly fitted a tow rope, taking us to our door.
Again, the Club thanks everyone for their support, especially on such a wintry night and thanks to the guest artistes who traveled some distance.
Again we say Haste Ye Back
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
Lesmahagow A&F Club again broke records in February with a super night when the guest artistes were a top-class duo, Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet. Two lads whose super playing thrilled this capacity crowd. Their easy style of playing was so good to listen to that very few left before finishing time which was near the midnight hour.
Our resident drummer Bruce Shaw backed them throughout their performance.
Hugh Gebbie was also on hand to take over on drums when necessary. We are very grateful to Grant Crawford for playing his keyboard. You’ll always find a welcome here Grant. Thanks too for bringing along the talented young player Heather Bain, a first time at our Club.
Another first-timer at this Club on fiddle was a super player from the Glasgow area, Louise Jolly. Our Club always welcomes new players as well as listeners.
The button box players for the night were Adam Reid, Bob Berry and Bob Logan, three Club stalwarts. The up-and-coming young players attending the Club were Scott McInnes, Derek Tolmie, Douglas Callan, Carol Wood, Alan and David Preston (Shotts) – an asset to any Club.
Teenagers were Peter Wood, Graeme Johnston, Gordon Thomson, all playing super programmes. To accommodate them, our Chairman started putting bands on, bands like Allan Smith (lead), Ian Graham (second), Iain Henderson (fiddle), Grant Crawford (keyboard) and Hugh Gebbie on drums followed by Nelson Callan (lead), Peter Wood (second), fiddle, piano and drums. Then Peter Wood lead, with the backing line-up and the sounds were terrific. David Coke was another lad to lead a set on stage.
Our Chairman, Treasurer and Committee member Davie Millar had to sit this night out, but at least he got a go at the stramash at the end of the night.
We thank you for your strong support. We ran out of time, we also ran out of tea at half-time.
Bell Accordions from Edinburgh had a selection of accordions in the bar lounge and their representative Robert Rolston from Shotts, who is now in full attendance at Bell’s Shop, Morningside Road, Edinburgh demonstrated the new Hohner Vox 4 at the start of the show.
We have a very talented duo for our April night – Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson – when we again look forward to a good support. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 8 April 1984
March 8th saw us once again with a super night, with our guest artiste for the evening Jim Devlin, a super fiddler. Jim’s many selections of jigs, reels and slow airs on the fiddle were a work of art. Jim is a man who takes his music very seriously and it is when you are sitting listening to this lad that you realise how much work he puts into it, a superb guest artiste form any Club.
Jim was accompanied on piano by Pat McNulty and how this man tinkles these ivories, especially since the Masonic piano was out of tune, but our Club compliment this lad who made the Jim Devlin Duo a super cast. It was good to see such a large following of supporting players and again we ran into the midnight hour.
Four players from the Tom Veldon Accordion School, Chapelhall, took the stage as a quartet (nice work Craig, Colin, Andelina and Brenda). Young Scott McInnes showed his mettlewith three-row players Bob Logan and the two Bobs (Berry and Paterson), five-row Adam Reid, well-known fiddler Justine Tennant, with her manager/roadie/husband Wullie ever at hand, and the other likable character from East Kilbride, Iain Henderson.
Young Graeme Mitchell from Calderbank, cracking wee player, Davie Coke, another welcome regular, representing East Kilbride Club Hugh Gebbie on drums and accordion, and Paul Johnstone, the easy way Paul plays is a treat to listen to. Another young lad from the Strathaven area was Douglas Callan.
Representing the Committee that night, from the Forth David Millar, Treasurer Charlie Todd. Charlie is known as Mr Music, as usually if you want music of any kind Charlie has it. The chairman, Jack Gray, took the stage with Allan Smith on second box. Over the years Jack has played, when he takes the stage with Allan, he usually plays something from away back that Allan has never heard of, this can sometime be funny when Allan asks, “where the hell did you find that” but when Jack finished his stint with ‘The 10th Battalion H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine’ then ‘The Bugle Horn’ Allan remarked ‘that’s mair like it’. Before our guest artiste came back on stage Allan played on his own in super style.
Another great night, again we say Haste Ye Back.
Please note – our meeting on 10th May has a change of guest artiste after Jimmy Blue cancelled and we now have the super fiddler Willie Simpson.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Our April meeting turned out to be a double accordion bonanza, so many players turned up. It was fantastic to say the least, including the drummer, we had 38 plus the guest artiste. A big thank you to everyone for the capacity house we had.
But first apologies to some of our regulars who had to miss the chance of playing because of ‘Old Father Time’ – great Club characters like John Lang, Paul Johnstone, Gordon Thomson, Davie Millar, Charlie Todd, Iain Henderson, Morag Robertson and Hugh Gebbie never got to the stage, but we thank them for their support and understanding of the situation.
The players on stage during the night were – fiddlers John Houston, Annie Robertson and Jim Devlin.
Accordion players – Findlay Robertson, Adam Reid, Bob Logan from Shotts, Iain Wilson and David Haig, Una Hunter from Greengairs, Graeme Johnstone, Scott McInnes, Alistair Brown, Peter and Carol Wood, Derek Tolmie, David Barr, a quartet from the Tom Veldon school, Craig Veldon, Brenda Cook, Janet Waugh and Marie Elliot, Andrew Dunbar all the way from Dunblane, Karen Higgins and Graham Edwardson from Armadale, David Wilson from Livingston, and what a treat Iain Wilson from Leadhills arrived with his keyboard and we say to Iain, haste ye back anytime or everytime if it suits you.
While the sausage rolls and tea were being served, Wee Joe from Electronic Accordions in Motherwell, demonstrated his brand of playing, that shows how busy we were when he played during the interval. Resident drummer Bruce Shaw also got a break as Hugh Gebbie and young Findlay Robertson relieved him at times on drums.
It was also a pleasure for our Chairman (who had a heavy task to keep the programme continuous) to see seated in the audience his own retired ex-drummer of many years, Jack Grant.
The Club certainly is booming and we in the Committee express our thanks to everyone who supported us and our very talented guest artiste Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie, whose confident, expert handling of the accordion proved a fantastic treat. She gave us an astounding programme, finishing off with a great stramash. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
The Club met on 12th May and again this proved to be a super accordion bonanza with an absolute abundance of players. The Chairman, Big Jack Gray, was working full out to make the programme continuous so as not to disappoint these hosts of staunch supportive players to whom the Committee would like to offer their sincere thanks for their regular attendance at this ever-popular Club.
We have gone from strength to strength, bringing the best of guest artistes and as an Association Club, we would like to see players giving the same support to other Clubs who are members of the Association, like East Kilbride, Cleland etc. Our chairman still maintains that not enough co-operation is made between the Clubs and regrets to hear that Morag Robertson has had top close down the Monklands club through lack of support, yet this Club at Lesmahagow, fill this report with a supporting cast of fiddlers John Houston, Annie Robertson, Gordon Ledingham and Iain Henderson.
Accordionists Adam Reid, Peter and Carol Wood, Una Hunter, Findlay Robertson, Morag Robertson, Morag Robertson, Bob Logan, Graeme Johnston, Hugh Gebbie, Davie Millar, Paul Johnstone, Una Bryson, Alan Gardiner, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith, Ian Graham and Dorothy Lawson and how nice to see Ian Skinner turning up with his dad to do his turn, and the baby of the party Derek Tolmie whose feet don’t reach the floor when sitting on a chair, but playing with the confidence of a professional on the drums our ever-regular Bruce Shaw, who got relieved by Hugh Gebbie and Findlay Robertson.
Then our guest artistes, the undisputed top band on the Scottish circuit, the fabulous Jim Johnstone SDB, with Jack Delaney, second box, that irrepressible top character of personality Bobby Brown on piano and vocals, Billy Craib on bass and Max Ketchin on drums. This band gave a display of unbelievable perfection, which we know, of course, Jim Johnstone to be of that ilk. Jim’s patter and wit bring him high regards and leave the audience with thoughts and memories of a super night.
He presented at half time the Jack Gray Trophy for the Most Improved Player of the Year. This beautiful shield changed hands but not sideboards because this year young Carol Wood topped the points to take first place from her big brother Peter, who won it last year and it was a great moment for her to be handed the shield from someone like the great Jim Johnstone. Don’t forget young players, it is regular attendance at our Club allowing the judges the chance to award you points of progress, so get mum and dad to bring you along and you will qualify in this contest.
Again the tea stall was a great success and what can we say about the second half of our programme with the Jim Johnstone SDB performing with some 25 players in a stramash, performing as though it had been rehearsed.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
Lesmahagow A&F Club carried on throughout the summer and found great support, this helping us to build a wee bit of finance for the winter. We had our regulars in June with an added attraction of the Burns Brothers who won the Will Starr Trophy. We have booked these two boys for our AGM evening in September.
July again saw a good turnout of players, our regulars were supplemented by Jack Grant on drums. It was good to see Justine Tennant had once again found us and returned to the fold. A latecomer that night was Davie Wilson from Blackburn on accordion and with him Gordon Smith from Tranent on drums. We were also supplemented with a 20-minute solo spot from Wee Joe and his Trio on the night.
August, aye, even during the holiday month, we had 16 players, with members of the Bridge of Allan (Walmer) Club. Their support sported two top players, Walter Perrie and Gregor Lowrie.
We had our treat on the two-row button accordion, Ronnie Copeland, Bob Logan on the three row, fiddlers Annie and john, backed by Adam on the five row. Then we had Carol Wood, Davie Coke, Davie Millar, Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan and Wee Joe plus the very talented Jennifer Forrest.
Also among the audience that night we had a visitor from Oban, Mrs Margaret Watson. We trust she enjoyed her night among us.
We hope to see the same support in this season as the last.
Guest artistes, club Secretaries, please note that the new address of Secretary and chairman, Mary and Jack Gray, 45 Lesmahagow Road, Kirkfieldbank, Lanark ML11 9GT. Tele no remains Lanark 4699.
Year 7 No 3 November 1983
Super band, great guests artistes. Who? Yes the George Bell SDB, with our own top class drummer, local joiner Bruce shaw. That was the verdict at Lesmahagow A&F Club on 13th October.
Their sound and choice of music were excellent. Yes, a great performance.
On opening the night, our chairman Big Jack Gray reported on the absence of our regular supporters Mr & Mrs John Houston and Mrs Annie Robertson. John and Annie have become well known for playing their fiddles at our Club and many other Clubs on the circuit.
John’s car was involved in an accident on Monday, 26th September. John had back injuries and Mrs Nance Houston escaped but shocked. Annie had cracked and bruised ribs and had to have stitches in a head wound. We in Lesmahagow Club wish them (as we are sure that all Clubs will, that they attend) a speedy recovery and return.
The players in support again – top of the shop in the junior section, Scott McInnes, a local lad ; a first time youngster Korna Syme from Stonehouse, making her Club debut ; pint-sized Derek Tolmie (great performance) ; young Carol Wood, Alan Gardiner, Graeme Johnston, all super young stars in the making.
Peter Wood seemed to be on stage most of the night. Peter, a pupil of our Chairman, is at present being helped in his thirst to play second box by Ian Graham, Carluke. He will be taking his first steps at playing dance music, playing second box to John Laidlaw’s SDB. Good luck, Peter.
Other players in support, again we had our Chairman working full out to make sure all players got a turn – on three-row Bob Logan, with many nostalgic tunes ; five-row Adam Reid and Morag Robertson ; piano accordion Charlie Todd, Nelson Callan and Gordon Thomson and on box and drums Hugh Gebbie.
Congratulations to Allan and Christine Smith on the happy arrival of daughter Laura. We wish them well. I hope with two females, Allan, your Club support won’t suffer too much!!
Thanks to everyone for your support. Haste Ye Back
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 4 December 1983
Friday, 4th November, was the Club Dance of Lesmahagow A&F Club and what a night this turned out to be with a full house right from the word go, with John Laidlaw’s Band makinh everyone want to dance at the same time.
Songs at half time from Bill Dickie and Alex McInnes, after a good supper provided mat Mat and Sal Sneddon and we all know what Mat’s sausage rolls are like, straight from the oven, not rehet.
A very successful raffle was drawn during the evening helping to give the funds a boost. We thank everyone for the raffle prizes donated. The proof of success shows in the fact that so many want a repeat before the end of the season.
Then to Thursday, 10th November, our Club night, when again we had a grand support. Pleyers assembled on the night were Annie Robertson, John Houston, Adam Reid, Liam Young, Scott McInnes, Kay Gardiner, Derek Tolmie, Davie Coke, Graeme Johnston, Davie Millar, Treasurer Charlie Todd and Chairman Jack Gray. Charlie and Jack both played an instrument which was on demonstration along with others in the lounge from Bell accordions. Along with her ever popular roadie was 82-year-old Justine Tennant.
Another regular among the company was Bob Logan, although not playing. I think Bob had been in the wars. And for a change we had a piper of a very high standard who will always find a welcome among us and who goes by the name of Ian Glass. Thank you, Ian.
In the lounge bar Robert Rolston from Shotts had assembled many fine instruments from Bell Accordions who now share a section of a shop in Morningside Road, Edinburgh.
Then to our guest artiste, the one and only Tommy Ford (thanks Tommy, nice to see the guest artiste turning up looking the part in his tartan jacket, not as if they were street buskers ; other guest artistes take note. Your image is at stake. You may play the part, but for the money we are paying you, you should look the part.)
Now to his spot, played as in the only manner Tommy would, to perfection. His jigs, reels and waltzes ; his superb rendering of ‘Non Accord,’ his Jolson medley, many fine compositions played for the benefit of the listeners. A superb artiste and backed by our own drummer, Bruce Shaw. It makes me wonder why some of these Scottish bands don’t snap this lad up as their regular drummer, as he is a true professional to the last. But alas! Bruce is always a busy man. Thanks Bruce.
The Committee take this opportunity of wishing all the guest artistes, NAAFC and all players and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 5 January 1984
Lesmahagow A&F Club met on Thursday, 8th December, 1983. It’s true that we ring the changes – as guest artistes we had Adam Jack and Ron Shaw, two super musicians. Adam on fiddle and Ron on cello and what a super attraction they were. Their range of music, Irish, Scottish and folk , duets and solos on both instruments were of a very high standard. They certainly had the feet tapping and although being late in finishing, everyone stayed on until the end.
The supporting cast again proved tremendous; it was nice to see Bob Berry back with his three-row. Most players formed three-piece bands to play.
Peter Wood, as well as doing his own solo spot, played second accordion to the Chairman Jack Gray, with Bruce Shaw on drums. The Chairman forsook his Morino and played a Classique belonging to another newcomer to the Club, young Douglas Callan from Strathaven, who took to the stage for the first time ever in his career.
Another Callan at the Club was Nelson Callan, recovering from a bit of illness, took the stage and played in his very own, high quality way, backed by Allan Smith on second accordion and Bruce on drums. Nice to see Allan back among us too and bringing Christine to give her a night out and faither Jock, giving him a rest from building a new house. Allan’s playing was fantastic. Allan is a product of the Jeannie Brown Accordion School in Wishaw, a school that has produced a lot of grand players.
Carol Wood took the lead with Peter on second accordion and Bruce on drums and the sound produced was very professional.
Adam Reid played nicely on his five-row and another regular, Davie Coke, played some of Dick Black’s music which is becoming very popular.
The man with the big Galanti, Davie Millar from Forth, performed followed by the baby of the party Derek Tolmie, sporting a new 96 bass accordion. Our own Treasurer, Charlie Todd, playing a sweet sounding 1939 Morino 2 + 1 was next and then another local, who is becoming a regular, young Scott McInnes. Then we had two characters, Iain Henderson from East Kilbride Club and John Anderson from the Biggar Club. Iain, as we all know, is a super fiddler, but more than that he is a super character and a guid lad tae hae on yer side. He was followed by John frae Biggar, a lad with the patter, a personality the Club land couldn’t do without, as everyone knows how much he and his wife do for the Biggar Club . John takes any slagging he gets in good fun (anyway John you asked for it), but you are always welcome at the ‘Gow Club. The man most on stage, drummer Bruce Shaw, deserves our thanks.
Thanks to all those who donated raffle prizes. Mat Sneddon for the grand sausage rolls and the tea ladies.
It would be nice in the Club scene if the guest artistes, who get wages through us, could walk into a Club just for a visit and not being paid to show some support and appreciation of other players. Some of the younger guest artistes have been kind enough to do this at our Club anyway, but surely some of the professionals can take a leaf out of the young one’s book and come along and take part as an ordinary player and help keep the Club land alive?
Yes, we need the guest artiste, but they surely need us too.
I would also turn to Club Committees saying keep your prices down. Our admission price has remained the same throughout – non-players £1, OAPs and children 50p and all players 25p. From this everyone gets a hot sausage roll at half-time and their night’s entertainment. Between the door takings and our raffle we manage to keep oor heid abin watter. Surplus funds are made from dances etc run throughout the year by a hard working Committee. When it comes to paying more than this for admission, plus paying for half-time snacks, a couple of halfs and a couple of gallons of petrol to come and visit, we say you are pricing yourselves out of the business.
All right you have a guest artiste to pay, keep your prices down, you’ll keep the attendance, keep putting your prices up you will pay your guest artiste, but drive away your patrons; in no way will you have a night of fun. If you haven’t visited our Club in the past give us a call, you’ll find a big welcome.
At our next meeting we have as guest artistes Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet on Thursday, 9th February, and at the end we shall say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 6/7 February/March 1984
Lesmahagow A&F Club members had to content with gale-force winds and snow for our January night, but this didn’t deter our many supporters. Our guest artistes gave them a high-class reward for attending. The Richard Ross SDB, led by this twice Scottish Senior Champion whose many sets with lightening fingers demonstrated just why he won. A truly wonderful, traditional and technical player, backed by Rikki Franci on second accordion and the big lad on keyboard Colin Finlayson and , although still limping badly after an accident, on drums, Gus Millar. This foursome gave us a great night’s entertainment.
Our regular fiddlers, John and Annie, backed by Adam Reidon button box, were in super form. New Committee member Davie Millar backed the Chairman, Jack Gray, who opened the show and in the absence of Bruce, our drummer, who had the flu, the Club drums were put to good use when Committee member Willie Wilson took up the brushes and sticks.
The young players of the night were Derek Tolmie, Douglas Callan, Scott McInnes, Peter and Carol Wood, with two newcomers to the Club, from Shotts, Alan and David Preston, two grand players who we hope will make their way to our Club many times in the future.
Bob Logan with his three-row entertained superbly. Davie Coke, Charlie Todd, and from the Biggar Club John Anderson who played his signature tune ‘My Grandfather’s Clock.’ Allan Smith was once again in attendance, his playing was superb, and a thank you from the Chairman, whose car engine flooded out on the road home and wouldn’t restart. Allan came along and promptly fitted a tow rope, taking us to our door.
Again, the Club thanks everyone for their support, especially on such a wintry night and thanks to the guest artistes who traveled some distance.
Again we say Haste Ye Back
Jack Gray (Chairman)
also
Lesmahagow A&F Club again broke records in February with a super night when the guest artistes were a top-class duo, Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet. Two lads whose super playing thrilled this capacity crowd. Their easy style of playing was so good to listen to that very few left before finishing time which was near the midnight hour.
Our resident drummer Bruce Shaw backed them throughout their performance.
Hugh Gebbie was also on hand to take over on drums when necessary. We are very grateful to Grant Crawford for playing his keyboard. You’ll always find a welcome here Grant. Thanks too for bringing along the talented young player Heather Bain, a first time at our Club.
Another first-timer at this Club on fiddle was a super player from the Glasgow area, Louise Jolly. Our Club always welcomes new players as well as listeners.
The button box players for the night were Adam Reid, Bob Berry and Bob Logan, three Club stalwarts. The up-and-coming young players attending the Club were Scott McInnes, Derek Tolmie, Douglas Callan, Carol Wood, Alan and David Preston (Shotts) – an asset to any Club.
Teenagers were Peter Wood, Graeme Johnston, Gordon Thomson, all playing super programmes. To accommodate them, our Chairman started putting bands on, bands like Allan Smith (lead), Ian Graham (second), Iain Henderson (fiddle), Grant Crawford (keyboard) and Hugh Gebbie on drums followed by Nelson Callan (lead), Peter Wood (second), fiddle, piano and drums. Then Peter Wood lead, with the backing line-up and the sounds were terrific. David Coke was another lad to lead a set on stage.
Our Chairman, Treasurer and Committee member Davie Millar had to sit this night out, but at least he got a go at the stramash at the end of the night.
We thank you for your strong support. We ran out of time, we also ran out of tea at half-time.
Bell Accordions from Edinburgh had a selection of accordions in the bar lounge and their representative Robert Rolston from Shotts, who is now in full attendance at Bell’s Shop, Morningside Road, Edinburgh demonstrated the new Hohner Vox 4 at the start of the show.
We have a very talented duo for our April night – Max Houliston and Kenny Wilson – when we again look forward to a good support. Again we say Haste Ye Back.
Jack Gray (Chairman)
Year 7 No 8 April 1984
March 8th saw us once again with a super night, with our guest artiste for the evening Jim Devlin, a super fiddler. Jim’s many selections of jigs, reels and slow airs on the fiddle were a work of art. Jim is a man who takes his music very seriously and it is when you are sitting listening to this lad that you realise how much work he puts into it, a superb guest artiste form any Club.
Jim was accompanied on piano by Pat McNulty and how this man tinkles these ivories, especially since the Masonic piano was out of tune, but our Club compliment this lad who made the Jim Devlin Duo a super cast. It was good to see such a large following of supporting players and again we ran into the midnight hour.
Four players from the Tom Veldon Accordion School, Chapelhall, took the stage as a quartet (nice work Craig, Colin, Andelina and Brenda). Young Scott McInnes showed his mettlewith three-row players Bob Logan and the two Bobs (Berry and Paterson), five-row Adam Reid, well-known fiddler Justine Tennant, with her manager/roadie/husband Wullie ever at hand, and the other likable character from East Kilbride, Iain Henderson.
Young Graeme Mitchell from Calderbank, cracking wee player, Davie Coke, another welcome regular, representing East Kilbride Club Hugh Gebbie on drums and accordion, and Paul Johnstone, the easy way Paul plays is a treat to listen to. Another young lad from the Strathaven area was Douglas Callan.
Representing the Committee that night, from the Forth David Millar, Treasurer Charlie Todd. Charlie is known as Mr Music, as usually if you want music of any kind Charlie has it. The chairman, Jack Gray, took the stage with Allan Smith on second box. Over the years Jack has played, when he takes the stage with Allan, he usually plays something from away back that Allan has never heard of, this can sometime be funny when Allan asks, “where the hell did you find that” but when Jack finished his stint with ‘The 10th Battalion H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine’ then ‘The Bugle Horn’ Allan remarked ‘that’s mair like it’. Before our guest artiste came back on stage Allan played on his own in super style.
Another great night, again we say Haste Ye Back.
Please note – our meeting on 10th May has a change of guest artiste after Jimmy Blue cancelled and we now have the super fiddler Willie Simpson.
Jack Gray (Chairman)