Year 14 No 01 September 1990
Biggar Club held their final meeting of the season on Sunday, 8th April. A full house was recorded in both audience and musicians, 34 no less.
To start the evening of evenings, Bill Black took the stage and soon had the dancers ‘tripping the light fantastic’ and the listeners tuned into a first class programme of Scottish music played the Bill Black style,. Some fine arrangements being played by a fine, young bunch of musicians (sorry Bill!!)
Following on from our guests were the locals and dare I say, a contingent from the North down to give us a tune, Aberdeen being the furthest traveled (some pull this report has! I’m only joking John).
On accordion we had John Anderson, Ian Anderson, young Stuart Couborough, Karen Higgins, Callum Wilson, Bob Fortune, Tom Porteous, Jean McConnachie, John Laidlaw, Jim Paterson, Davy Coke, Lindsay Weir, Alison Gilfillan, James Coutts, Mhairi Coutts and Alan Gardiner.
On keyboard – George Walker, Anne Rutherford, Ena Wilson, Mabel Gray, Ian Wilson, Mark MacDougall and Jason Dove.
On drums – Alistair McIntyre, George Shiels, Graham Jamieson, David Fielding.
On fiddle – Anne Robertson, Gilbert Logan, Ian Wilson, Mark MacDougall, Marie Fielding.
Playing the pipes was Jim McConnachie and on bass we had Suzanne Gray, who had her work cut out, very much in demand by all players. All, may I add gave a splendid performance with some fine young players taking the stage.
After the break it was back to Bill Black to round off the evening with some more fine selections both from himself and the other members of the band.
A grand stramash concluded an excellent evening and the final meeting of the season for Biggar Club.
This year’s season has been at the start saddened by the death of our founder, but as we have shown throughout the year, Biggar Club has again proved to the Scottish music scene that we will be a living memorial to Alex’s memory.
The Accordion Club held an Accordion Extravaganza in the school hall on Thursday, 24th May, for Telethon ’90 and heed must have been taken of our publicity as over 350 people turned up to enjoy the evening.
All the guests and local talent were providing their services free of charge and free of any expenses and when all was totaled up, a cheque for over £1,300 was raised.
Jim Johnstone, Marie Fielding, Bobby Colgan and a surprise, another member of Jim’s band arrived, Billy Craib.
Soon Jim has the audience in a jovial mood and with some well known songs they were singing like linties. Jim, Bobby and Marie, also did solo spots and at the end of their act, John announced we had guests and with the tune of ‘Take the High Road’ Gillian, Gordon and Richard danced down the aisle to the stage and welcomed all to the show and thanked them on behalf of S.T.V. for the tremendous turnout and after a few jokes at John’s expense, introduced the next act on stage.
Or artistes for the evening were :-
On accordion – Bob Logan, Bob Fortune, Johnstone Brothers, Jimmy Divers, Davy Coke, Ian Anderson (he asked for Jim and the boys in support, no less), John Anderson, John Laidlaw, Alan Gardiner, Jim Paterson, Jason Dove, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Tom Porteous.
On fiddle – Emma Rayworth, Gilbert Logan.
On keyboard – George Walker, Alan Gardiner, Jason Dove, Davy Gracie.
On drums – Billy Goodfellow, Ian Graham, George Shiels, Andrew Murray and Rob Dickson.
The tombola, with the two dolly birds Mandy and Morag, was well patronized and the main prize which was not drawn out till the third last ticket, a trip to the S.T.V. studios, was won by Miss Hope from Broughton. The great raffle drawn by the ‘High Road’ trio and the lovely decorated cake donated by Kirsty’s Cakes, Heads Inn, Carnwath was raffled separately.
The generosity of both the donors and the buyers has not gone unnoticed. We thank you.
The final curtain was brought down with a grand stramash with all the artistes on stage. A fine evening was had by all. Again thank you for the help and support.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 02/3 October/November 1990
Biggar Club opened their new season on Sunday, 9th September, in their now established home, the Municipal Hall.
As usual our M.C. for the evening was our Secretary ‘Jolly John Anderson’. He sadly announced he would not be playing that night due to lack of a box, much to my relief, but he was here to start the proceedings and welcome on stage the Simon Howie Quartet, who were soon to set the scene for a very enjoyable selection of music. Having heard Simon on ‘TTF’ and at a previous visit to the Club, we knew what to expect from this talented group and they did us proud, reels, jigs, waltzes, and his set piece were well played with fine lift. All round, a tremendous performance.
After our guest spot it was the turn of our other guests, the Club members and friends, to give us a tune, and due to the large number, John had a task on his hands to make up the groups, but as usual it turned out magic.
On lead accordion were Bob Fortune, Charlie Todd, John Laidlaw, Davy Coke, James Paterson, John Anderson (yes he did play), Ian McCormack, Agnes Hope, Alex Graham and Michael Philip.
On second box Ian Graham and John Laidlaw.
On keyboard George Walker and Mabel Gray.
On drums Charlie Todd, George Shiels and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle June Meikle, Anne Robertson and Gilbert Logan.
On bass Suzanne Gray.
All in all a fine bunch of musicians.
After the raffle and refreshments it was back to our main guests who had an excellent second half. The fiddle solo by Ron Kerr really went down a treat. In all, a grand night for all to listen to and enjoy.
At the final set, Simon invited all the players to come in for a grand stramash and the sound as they came in one by one playing was a feast in itself, then playing altogether for the final set. Great, need to work on that one! In all a sine start to our 17th season.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 04 December 1990
Biggar held their October meeting on Sunday, 14th in the Municipal Hall.
As usual, a well attended meeting was held, with the guest spot taken this month by Jennifer (Forrest) Cruickshank and her band, who started the proceedings. Jennifer had been contacted by Evelyn MacArthur early on in the week and asked would she like to use Alex’s box for the occasion and’ of course, she was delighted.
A fine selection of tunes were to follow – my!, she can handle that box. Well done Jennifer, marriage has not slowed you down yet (only kidding!)
After our guest artistes it was what I call ‘Talent Time’ and there was a fine bunch of talent to come, so much so, three players had to stand down.
On accordion – Charlie Thomson, Charlie Todd, Jimmy Divers, Ann Wall, Jim Paterson, Tom Porteous, Jason Dove, Karl Sandeman, Karen Higgins, Davie Coke, John and Ian Anderson, Alan Gardiner, Ian Thomson, Craig McCallum and Neil MacEachern.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jason Dove, Alan Gardiner, Ian Wilson and on keyboard one half of the Johnstone Brothers, Steven Johnstone. His brother, Kenny, has a broken arm, we all wish him a speedy recovery.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Billy ‘Birthday Boy’ Goodfellow and on fiddle, last but not least, Anne Robertson.
One highlight of the evening was when John Anderson announced we had a celebrity in the audience (I thought it was me!). Could you play a few bars of ‘Take the High Road?’ As no-one could, and John said ‘Anyone can play that’ he was politely handed a box and after a few of his usual mistakes, introduced Gordon MacArthur to the company.
After the refreshments and the raffle, it was back to our guests who gave us a treat of fine music. Well played Jennifer, you did that box proud. Another curtain down on a great night. Incidentally, Miss Hope and Mother and myself were the guests of S.T.V. last Wednesday as Jane being the winner of the Telethon raffle. She met Mrs Mack and Co. had lunch with the stars and received a key ring and a golf umbrella as a momento of her visit on location at Luss. A great day out, and if you want to know what id going on at Glendarroch in January, we know, but you will have to wait and see.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 05 January 1991
Biggar Club held their November meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday the 11th.
As usual, there was a grand turnout for what turned out to be a grand night.
Our guests for the evening were Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB, and what a team this is – great sound, great life, in a nutshell, and all round excellent performance with even a bit of classical thrown in for good measure. To follow, our local talent :-
On accordion Davie Coke, Charlie Todd, Charlie Thomson, Bob Fortune, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, Jason Dove, Jim Paterson, Alec Graham, aln Gardiner (on ‘TTF’ this Saturday), Ian Graham and Keith Dickson.
On keyboard George Walker, Ian Wilson and Alan Gardiner. On drums George Shiels, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham.
On fiddle Anne Robertson.
Incidentally, we now have a junior member, Miss Graham, who popped in with her mum to get the hang of the music, at three weeks old. Congratulations to both, she must have liked what she heard, as there were plenty of ‘goo goos’.
After the raffle and refreshments, it was back to our guest artistes to finish the night and once again a fine performance from the band. A grand stramash finished our November meeting.
On behalf of Biggar Club, may @I wish all in the Scottish music scene, a very Merry Christmas and a Musical New Year.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 07 March 1991
Biggar held their January meeting on Sunday, 13th January in the Municipal Hall.
Despite the sub zero temperatures outside a large audience were soon warmed by the music of our guests and members who took the stage.
To start the proceedings, our guests for the evening were Fiddlers 3 + 2, and boy, what a sound. After a ‘mike’ balance, all were raring to go with tunes for all tastes.
I was sitting next to the stage and watching Bob Christie who was in line of sight, handle that fiddle, it seemed so easy. My efforts – well, no comment. In all a first class performance.
Our other talent were :-
On accordion – Charlie Thompson, Charlie Todd, Bob fortune, Kenny Johnstone, Davy Coke, Jason Dove, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, John Laidlaw, Jim Paterson and Alan Gardiner.
On keyboard – Owen Fielding, Dorothy Lawson, Steven Johnstone and Ian Wilson.
On drums – Ally McIntyre and Charlie Todd.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson, Joanne Slater and Gilbert Logan.
During the interval Gordon MacArthur launched his Dad’s tape ‘Fit a Grand Nicht’, recorded at the Clydesdale Hotel, Biggar, and yes, it includes all the patter. I won’t spoil it for you, but for the followers a must and only £5. All proceeds to charity.
After refreshments, it was back to the guests for a fiddling half hour. Another good night sadly finished.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 08 April 1991
Biggar held their February meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday, 10th February.
Despite sub zero temperatures and a reduced turnout due to the same, a warm welcome was extended to all, and it was on with the show.
To start the proceedings it was Colin Forgrieve from Dunoon as our guest. Colin plays electronic accordion but only to bring out the bass and highlight his skills in the Scottish music. I must say, it was a pleasure to listen to and we are only sorry the weather stopped many from getting the same enjoyment. Well done Colin.
Musicians that braved the storm were :-
On accordion – Charlie Thompson, Jim Paterson, John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Davie Coke, Ian and Craig Skinner, Ian and Alec Graham, Jason Dove and Tom Porteous.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jason Dove, Ian Wilson, Gordon (the minister) MacArthur.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson.
On bass – Suzanne Gray.
Once again we thank you all for braving the weather and giving us a tune – great stuff.
After the raffle and refreshments, it was back to Colin to round off the evening. This time he was accompanied by that well known drummer Ally McIntyre, and a fine spot they gave us. An excellent, all round performance, just the job to chase there winter blues away.
Peter Rae
Biggar Club held their final meeting of the season on Sunday, 8th April. A full house was recorded in both audience and musicians, 34 no less.
To start the evening of evenings, Bill Black took the stage and soon had the dancers ‘tripping the light fantastic’ and the listeners tuned into a first class programme of Scottish music played the Bill Black style,. Some fine arrangements being played by a fine, young bunch of musicians (sorry Bill!!)
Following on from our guests were the locals and dare I say, a contingent from the North down to give us a tune, Aberdeen being the furthest traveled (some pull this report has! I’m only joking John).
On accordion we had John Anderson, Ian Anderson, young Stuart Couborough, Karen Higgins, Callum Wilson, Bob Fortune, Tom Porteous, Jean McConnachie, John Laidlaw, Jim Paterson, Davy Coke, Lindsay Weir, Alison Gilfillan, James Coutts, Mhairi Coutts and Alan Gardiner.
On keyboard – George Walker, Anne Rutherford, Ena Wilson, Mabel Gray, Ian Wilson, Mark MacDougall and Jason Dove.
On drums – Alistair McIntyre, George Shiels, Graham Jamieson, David Fielding.
On fiddle – Anne Robertson, Gilbert Logan, Ian Wilson, Mark MacDougall, Marie Fielding.
Playing the pipes was Jim McConnachie and on bass we had Suzanne Gray, who had her work cut out, very much in demand by all players. All, may I add gave a splendid performance with some fine young players taking the stage.
After the break it was back to Bill Black to round off the evening with some more fine selections both from himself and the other members of the band.
A grand stramash concluded an excellent evening and the final meeting of the season for Biggar Club.
This year’s season has been at the start saddened by the death of our founder, but as we have shown throughout the year, Biggar Club has again proved to the Scottish music scene that we will be a living memorial to Alex’s memory.
The Accordion Club held an Accordion Extravaganza in the school hall on Thursday, 24th May, for Telethon ’90 and heed must have been taken of our publicity as over 350 people turned up to enjoy the evening.
All the guests and local talent were providing their services free of charge and free of any expenses and when all was totaled up, a cheque for over £1,300 was raised.
Jim Johnstone, Marie Fielding, Bobby Colgan and a surprise, another member of Jim’s band arrived, Billy Craib.
Soon Jim has the audience in a jovial mood and with some well known songs they were singing like linties. Jim, Bobby and Marie, also did solo spots and at the end of their act, John announced we had guests and with the tune of ‘Take the High Road’ Gillian, Gordon and Richard danced down the aisle to the stage and welcomed all to the show and thanked them on behalf of S.T.V. for the tremendous turnout and after a few jokes at John’s expense, introduced the next act on stage.
Or artistes for the evening were :-
On accordion – Bob Logan, Bob Fortune, Johnstone Brothers, Jimmy Divers, Davy Coke, Ian Anderson (he asked for Jim and the boys in support, no less), John Anderson, John Laidlaw, Alan Gardiner, Jim Paterson, Jason Dove, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Tom Porteous.
On fiddle – Emma Rayworth, Gilbert Logan.
On keyboard – George Walker, Alan Gardiner, Jason Dove, Davy Gracie.
On drums – Billy Goodfellow, Ian Graham, George Shiels, Andrew Murray and Rob Dickson.
The tombola, with the two dolly birds Mandy and Morag, was well patronized and the main prize which was not drawn out till the third last ticket, a trip to the S.T.V. studios, was won by Miss Hope from Broughton. The great raffle drawn by the ‘High Road’ trio and the lovely decorated cake donated by Kirsty’s Cakes, Heads Inn, Carnwath was raffled separately.
The generosity of both the donors and the buyers has not gone unnoticed. We thank you.
The final curtain was brought down with a grand stramash with all the artistes on stage. A fine evening was had by all. Again thank you for the help and support.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 02/3 October/November 1990
Biggar Club opened their new season on Sunday, 9th September, in their now established home, the Municipal Hall.
As usual our M.C. for the evening was our Secretary ‘Jolly John Anderson’. He sadly announced he would not be playing that night due to lack of a box, much to my relief, but he was here to start the proceedings and welcome on stage the Simon Howie Quartet, who were soon to set the scene for a very enjoyable selection of music. Having heard Simon on ‘TTF’ and at a previous visit to the Club, we knew what to expect from this talented group and they did us proud, reels, jigs, waltzes, and his set piece were well played with fine lift. All round, a tremendous performance.
After our guest spot it was the turn of our other guests, the Club members and friends, to give us a tune, and due to the large number, John had a task on his hands to make up the groups, but as usual it turned out magic.
On lead accordion were Bob Fortune, Charlie Todd, John Laidlaw, Davy Coke, James Paterson, John Anderson (yes he did play), Ian McCormack, Agnes Hope, Alex Graham and Michael Philip.
On second box Ian Graham and John Laidlaw.
On keyboard George Walker and Mabel Gray.
On drums Charlie Todd, George Shiels and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle June Meikle, Anne Robertson and Gilbert Logan.
On bass Suzanne Gray.
All in all a fine bunch of musicians.
After the raffle and refreshments it was back to our main guests who had an excellent second half. The fiddle solo by Ron Kerr really went down a treat. In all, a grand night for all to listen to and enjoy.
At the final set, Simon invited all the players to come in for a grand stramash and the sound as they came in one by one playing was a feast in itself, then playing altogether for the final set. Great, need to work on that one! In all a sine start to our 17th season.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 04 December 1990
Biggar held their October meeting on Sunday, 14th in the Municipal Hall.
As usual, a well attended meeting was held, with the guest spot taken this month by Jennifer (Forrest) Cruickshank and her band, who started the proceedings. Jennifer had been contacted by Evelyn MacArthur early on in the week and asked would she like to use Alex’s box for the occasion and’ of course, she was delighted.
A fine selection of tunes were to follow – my!, she can handle that box. Well done Jennifer, marriage has not slowed you down yet (only kidding!)
After our guest artistes it was what I call ‘Talent Time’ and there was a fine bunch of talent to come, so much so, three players had to stand down.
On accordion – Charlie Thomson, Charlie Todd, Jimmy Divers, Ann Wall, Jim Paterson, Tom Porteous, Jason Dove, Karl Sandeman, Karen Higgins, Davie Coke, John and Ian Anderson, Alan Gardiner, Ian Thomson, Craig McCallum and Neil MacEachern.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jason Dove, Alan Gardiner, Ian Wilson and on keyboard one half of the Johnstone Brothers, Steven Johnstone. His brother, Kenny, has a broken arm, we all wish him a speedy recovery.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Billy ‘Birthday Boy’ Goodfellow and on fiddle, last but not least, Anne Robertson.
One highlight of the evening was when John Anderson announced we had a celebrity in the audience (I thought it was me!). Could you play a few bars of ‘Take the High Road?’ As no-one could, and John said ‘Anyone can play that’ he was politely handed a box and after a few of his usual mistakes, introduced Gordon MacArthur to the company.
After the refreshments and the raffle, it was back to our guests who gave us a treat of fine music. Well played Jennifer, you did that box proud. Another curtain down on a great night. Incidentally, Miss Hope and Mother and myself were the guests of S.T.V. last Wednesday as Jane being the winner of the Telethon raffle. She met Mrs Mack and Co. had lunch with the stars and received a key ring and a golf umbrella as a momento of her visit on location at Luss. A great day out, and if you want to know what id going on at Glendarroch in January, we know, but you will have to wait and see.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 05 January 1991
Biggar Club held their November meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday the 11th.
As usual, there was a grand turnout for what turned out to be a grand night.
Our guests for the evening were Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB, and what a team this is – great sound, great life, in a nutshell, and all round excellent performance with even a bit of classical thrown in for good measure. To follow, our local talent :-
On accordion Davie Coke, Charlie Todd, Charlie Thomson, Bob Fortune, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, Jason Dove, Jim Paterson, Alec Graham, aln Gardiner (on ‘TTF’ this Saturday), Ian Graham and Keith Dickson.
On keyboard George Walker, Ian Wilson and Alan Gardiner. On drums George Shiels, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham.
On fiddle Anne Robertson.
Incidentally, we now have a junior member, Miss Graham, who popped in with her mum to get the hang of the music, at three weeks old. Congratulations to both, she must have liked what she heard, as there were plenty of ‘goo goos’.
After the raffle and refreshments, it was back to our guest artistes to finish the night and once again a fine performance from the band. A grand stramash finished our November meeting.
On behalf of Biggar Club, may @I wish all in the Scottish music scene, a very Merry Christmas and a Musical New Year.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 07 March 1991
Biggar held their January meeting on Sunday, 13th January in the Municipal Hall.
Despite the sub zero temperatures outside a large audience were soon warmed by the music of our guests and members who took the stage.
To start the proceedings, our guests for the evening were Fiddlers 3 + 2, and boy, what a sound. After a ‘mike’ balance, all were raring to go with tunes for all tastes.
I was sitting next to the stage and watching Bob Christie who was in line of sight, handle that fiddle, it seemed so easy. My efforts – well, no comment. In all a first class performance.
Our other talent were :-
On accordion – Charlie Thompson, Charlie Todd, Bob fortune, Kenny Johnstone, Davy Coke, Jason Dove, Tom Porteous, Jimmy Divers, John Laidlaw, Jim Paterson and Alan Gardiner.
On keyboard – Owen Fielding, Dorothy Lawson, Steven Johnstone and Ian Wilson.
On drums – Ally McIntyre and Charlie Todd.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson, Joanne Slater and Gilbert Logan.
During the interval Gordon MacArthur launched his Dad’s tape ‘Fit a Grand Nicht’, recorded at the Clydesdale Hotel, Biggar, and yes, it includes all the patter. I won’t spoil it for you, but for the followers a must and only £5. All proceeds to charity.
After refreshments, it was back to the guests for a fiddling half hour. Another good night sadly finished.
Peter Rae
Year 14 No 08 April 1991
Biggar held their February meeting in the Municipal Hall on Sunday, 10th February.
Despite sub zero temperatures and a reduced turnout due to the same, a warm welcome was extended to all, and it was on with the show.
To start the proceedings it was Colin Forgrieve from Dunoon as our guest. Colin plays electronic accordion but only to bring out the bass and highlight his skills in the Scottish music. I must say, it was a pleasure to listen to and we are only sorry the weather stopped many from getting the same enjoyment. Well done Colin.
Musicians that braved the storm were :-
On accordion – Charlie Thompson, Jim Paterson, John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Davie Coke, Ian and Craig Skinner, Ian and Alec Graham, Jason Dove and Tom Porteous.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jason Dove, Ian Wilson, Gordon (the minister) MacArthur.
On drums – Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle – Annie Robertson.
On bass – Suzanne Gray.
Once again we thank you all for braving the weather and giving us a tune – great stuff.
After the raffle and refreshments, it was back to Colin to round off the evening. This time he was accompanied by that well known drummer Ally McIntyre, and a fine spot they gave us. An excellent, all round performance, just the job to chase there winter blues away.
Peter Rae