Year 27 No 03 November 2003
The new season began a little earlier than usual with the October meeting taking place on the first Sunday of the month rather than the second. This was due to the key organisers of the Club (namely John & Joy Anderson and Tom & Ray Hope) who were to attend the Shetland Festival the following week. Let’s hope they’ve sobered up by the November meeting !!
Starting of the season were accordion favourites, The Bruce Lindsay Trio, with Bruce Jnr on lead accordion, Bruce Snr on second box and John Ireland on drums. Bruce, playing his famous Shand Morino, received a warm response from the crowd as he played his way through a great selection of traditional compositions with the odd Continental trip thrown in giving the evening a well balanced feel. Altogether a treat to listen to with the distinctive button-box.
Several supporting players traveled from near and far to let the crowd listen to their skills. There was David Corner on his concertina, then, keeping the beat on drums were George Shiels, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie, Jack McLeish and Robin MacLean who came all the way from Ayr. George Walker and Dorothy Lawson played keyboard whilst accordionists Peter Jardine, Jim Paterson, Willie Paterson, Tom Orr, Blair Gardiner, Willie McFarlane, Stuart Lochie and our very own John Anderson entertained. Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part.
Year 27 No 04 December 2003
Sunday, November 9th, and the Biggar Club played hosts to guest artistes Willie McFarlane and his SDB. Willie is often seen around the Club giving his support to the Scottish music scene. The band was completed with Stuart Lochie on second accordion, Bill Baillie on keyboard and Jim Dow on drums and they entertained the audience with a wide selection of popular traditional tunes in two half-hour spots. Everyone had a great night. Many thanks to Willie and his friends for providing the music.
The number of local and supporting players was down on the usual numbers but the show must go on and the players who were there gave a fine presentation of their talents and altogether made the night special. These players included, on accordion John Anderson, Ian Gracie, Callum Muir, Andrew Gibb, Frank Morrison, Allan Smith and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, George Walker and Keith Dickson.
On drums Tom Hope and George Shiels.
On fiddle – David Corner (who also played his concertina) ; Arthur Ramage was in fine tune for a couple of songs. Thanks to everybody for your continued support.
Year 27 No 06 February 2004
On Sunday, December 14th, the Biggar B&F Club was treated to the refreshing sound of the James Coutts SDB. James led the band with Iain Cathcart on second box, Ian Adamson on drums and Graham Berry on keyboard – all superb musicians. The sound they produced was clear and precise and their music included many traditional marches, waltzes, jigs and reels but there were a few Continental and jazz pieces added which captivated the audience. Thanks to the band for an excellent night.
There was an encouraging turnout of supporting players, with a noticeable number of younger players appearing this month. The list includes, on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Tom Orr, Calum Muir, Andrew Gibb, Claire Noble, Robert Menzies, Gary Forrest, Scott Nicol, Gemma Copeland, Blair Gardiner, Willie McFarlane, William Paterson and Allan Smith.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jim Nicol and Dorothy Lawson and several of the box players stood in for each other to save some time changing around.
On drums – Alison Menzies, Tom Hope, George Shiels and Bob Henderson.
On fiddle – Gilbert Logan and David Corner who have a few tunes on his concertina as well.
Thanks to all the players for their continued support. All that remains is for the Committee to wish everybody all the best for the Festive Season and a Guid New Year. We look forward to a successful 2004.
Ray Carse of Tartan Lads fame arrived on January 11th as the guest artiste and with his cheery style and humour he charmed the listeners. The audience watched intently as Ray’s fingers danced all over the keyboard of his accordion as he performed a fine selection of music. Another feat during the evening was when Ray played on a mini accordion that barely looked big enough to hold, let alone play! In the first half, Ray presented himself in the kilt but changed for the second half as he came back on stage in trousers. Well, it was a cold night after all ! Thanks to Ray for coming along to Biggar and giving his time and talents.
The Club musicians were thin on the ground this month but included – on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren and Matt Ferguson from Strathaven on his first visit to the Club.
On keyboard – George Walker and Dorothy Lawson.
On drums – Bob Henderson, George Shiels and Tom Hope. Bob Henderson was given the opportunity to play along with Ray Carse in the second half after Ray recognised him from several years ago when Bob was a Sound Engineer for STV.
On fiddle we had David Corner, who also played his concertina.
Many thanks to all the players who took to the stage a couple of times each.
Year 27 No 07 March 2004
Our B&F played host to the James Leask SDB for the February meeting. James is a big favourite back home in the Shetland Isles and after his performance on Sunday night it’s easy to see why. The other members of the band included Issy Hodgson on keyboard, Gordon Young on drums and on bass guitar Cecil Hughson, also from Shetland. There was a strong Shetland influence, not just with the style of playing but also with many compositions from these Northern Isles generating great interest from all those who came to watch. Of course, there were many well-known and recognised pieces played as well and James was able to give each and every one his own trademark. Traditional music at its best. Many thanks to the band for bringing this sound all the way to Biggar.
There was a huge interest in the guest artistes and this brought a full house of listeners and players alike.
The players included – on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Charlie Todd, Gavin Jackson, Duncan Hutchison, John Stuart, Alan Gardiner, Susan MacFadyen, Scott Nicol, Blair Gardiner, Nicol McLaren, Tom Orr, Colin Garvin, Lindsay Weir and Kenny Johnstone.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, George Walker, Ian Hutchison and Jim Nicol.
On drums – Bob Henderson, Charlie Todd and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle – Tom Gold, Gilbert Logan and Shona MacFadyen.
David Corner played his concertina.
Special thanks go to Iain MacPhail, John Caskie, Robert Whitehead and Tom Hope as they offered to stand down with so many musicians, making time very tight to fit everyone in. Be assured of a place next time round guys. Thanks to all the players and to the audience for their support during the night.
Year 27 No 09 May 2004
The March meeting was supposed to feature the William Marshall Trio, but there was a change of plan. In fact, a change of three plans and at the last minute Alan Gardiner stepped in to help out with the guest artiste spot for the night. Alan was in great form as always, with wife Emma on fiddle, Keith Dickson on second accordion and Gordon Smith on drums. The band provided a fine selection of music during the evening and had the crowd enjoying every minute of it. Many thanks to Alan and his band for helping out at such short notice and a special thanks to Gordon who had to travel from Leven, in Fife, to attend.
The local players included, on accordion, John Anderson, Mel McLaren, Andrew Gibb, Jim Paterson, Charlie Todd, Calum Muir and Frank Morrison.
On keyboard – George Walker.
On drums – Tom Hope, Charlie Todd, Jim Paterson and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Gilbert Logan and David Corner, who also played his concertina.
And finally Agnes Keachie was in fine voice and was up to perform a couple of songs. Thanks to everyone for taking part.
The 2003/04 session came to a close on Sunday 11th April with the William Marshall SDB as the guest artistes. William was assisted by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Owen Fielding on keyboard and Stevie Beattie on drums. Four superb musicians who brought their talents together to create a wonderful sound. Not only did they sound good, they managed to get dancers on the floor during the performance. There was an encouraging audience who listened intently and seemed as if they couldn’t get enough. A big thank you to the band for rounding off the season in such a spectacular way.
The Club musicians included, on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Peter Jardine, Janet Graham, John Elliot, Nicola Gray and John Horval.
On keyboard – George Walker and Dorothy Lawson.
On drums – George Shiels, Billy Hutton and Tom Hope and on bodhran Janet Ingram.
All the players took part in a stramash before the guests went on for the second half of the night. Thanks go to all the players who, throughout the year, give their time and support sharing the stage with other musicians to make each night interesting and enjoyable.
The 2004/05 season will begin on Sunday, 10th October when the Club will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. The syllabus has yet to be arranged for the season, so watch the press for details nearer the time.
Finally, each meeting is only made possible due to the continued support from people in the background who help keep the night together. Thanks to Robert and the bar staff, Tom hope for setting up the lighting and sound equipment, Ray Hope and Joy Anderson for catering and MC John Anderson who keeps everybody right on cue. Also, a huge thank you to all who come along and cheer on the musicians during the year. Compere John and the gang look forward to seeing you all again in October.
The new season began a little earlier than usual with the October meeting taking place on the first Sunday of the month rather than the second. This was due to the key organisers of the Club (namely John & Joy Anderson and Tom & Ray Hope) who were to attend the Shetland Festival the following week. Let’s hope they’ve sobered up by the November meeting !!
Starting of the season were accordion favourites, The Bruce Lindsay Trio, with Bruce Jnr on lead accordion, Bruce Snr on second box and John Ireland on drums. Bruce, playing his famous Shand Morino, received a warm response from the crowd as he played his way through a great selection of traditional compositions with the odd Continental trip thrown in giving the evening a well balanced feel. Altogether a treat to listen to with the distinctive button-box.
Several supporting players traveled from near and far to let the crowd listen to their skills. There was David Corner on his concertina, then, keeping the beat on drums were George Shiels, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie, Jack McLeish and Robin MacLean who came all the way from Ayr. George Walker and Dorothy Lawson played keyboard whilst accordionists Peter Jardine, Jim Paterson, Willie Paterson, Tom Orr, Blair Gardiner, Willie McFarlane, Stuart Lochie and our very own John Anderson entertained. Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part.
Year 27 No 04 December 2003
Sunday, November 9th, and the Biggar Club played hosts to guest artistes Willie McFarlane and his SDB. Willie is often seen around the Club giving his support to the Scottish music scene. The band was completed with Stuart Lochie on second accordion, Bill Baillie on keyboard and Jim Dow on drums and they entertained the audience with a wide selection of popular traditional tunes in two half-hour spots. Everyone had a great night. Many thanks to Willie and his friends for providing the music.
The number of local and supporting players was down on the usual numbers but the show must go on and the players who were there gave a fine presentation of their talents and altogether made the night special. These players included, on accordion John Anderson, Ian Gracie, Callum Muir, Andrew Gibb, Frank Morrison, Allan Smith and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, George Walker and Keith Dickson.
On drums Tom Hope and George Shiels.
On fiddle – David Corner (who also played his concertina) ; Arthur Ramage was in fine tune for a couple of songs. Thanks to everybody for your continued support.
Year 27 No 06 February 2004
On Sunday, December 14th, the Biggar B&F Club was treated to the refreshing sound of the James Coutts SDB. James led the band with Iain Cathcart on second box, Ian Adamson on drums and Graham Berry on keyboard – all superb musicians. The sound they produced was clear and precise and their music included many traditional marches, waltzes, jigs and reels but there were a few Continental and jazz pieces added which captivated the audience. Thanks to the band for an excellent night.
There was an encouraging turnout of supporting players, with a noticeable number of younger players appearing this month. The list includes, on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Tom Orr, Calum Muir, Andrew Gibb, Claire Noble, Robert Menzies, Gary Forrest, Scott Nicol, Gemma Copeland, Blair Gardiner, Willie McFarlane, William Paterson and Allan Smith.
On keyboard – George Walker, Jim Nicol and Dorothy Lawson and several of the box players stood in for each other to save some time changing around.
On drums – Alison Menzies, Tom Hope, George Shiels and Bob Henderson.
On fiddle – Gilbert Logan and David Corner who have a few tunes on his concertina as well.
Thanks to all the players for their continued support. All that remains is for the Committee to wish everybody all the best for the Festive Season and a Guid New Year. We look forward to a successful 2004.
Ray Carse of Tartan Lads fame arrived on January 11th as the guest artiste and with his cheery style and humour he charmed the listeners. The audience watched intently as Ray’s fingers danced all over the keyboard of his accordion as he performed a fine selection of music. Another feat during the evening was when Ray played on a mini accordion that barely looked big enough to hold, let alone play! In the first half, Ray presented himself in the kilt but changed for the second half as he came back on stage in trousers. Well, it was a cold night after all ! Thanks to Ray for coming along to Biggar and giving his time and talents.
The Club musicians were thin on the ground this month but included – on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren and Matt Ferguson from Strathaven on his first visit to the Club.
On keyboard – George Walker and Dorothy Lawson.
On drums – Bob Henderson, George Shiels and Tom Hope. Bob Henderson was given the opportunity to play along with Ray Carse in the second half after Ray recognised him from several years ago when Bob was a Sound Engineer for STV.
On fiddle we had David Corner, who also played his concertina.
Many thanks to all the players who took to the stage a couple of times each.
Year 27 No 07 March 2004
Our B&F played host to the James Leask SDB for the February meeting. James is a big favourite back home in the Shetland Isles and after his performance on Sunday night it’s easy to see why. The other members of the band included Issy Hodgson on keyboard, Gordon Young on drums and on bass guitar Cecil Hughson, also from Shetland. There was a strong Shetland influence, not just with the style of playing but also with many compositions from these Northern Isles generating great interest from all those who came to watch. Of course, there were many well-known and recognised pieces played as well and James was able to give each and every one his own trademark. Traditional music at its best. Many thanks to the band for bringing this sound all the way to Biggar.
There was a huge interest in the guest artistes and this brought a full house of listeners and players alike.
The players included – on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Charlie Todd, Gavin Jackson, Duncan Hutchison, John Stuart, Alan Gardiner, Susan MacFadyen, Scott Nicol, Blair Gardiner, Nicol McLaren, Tom Orr, Colin Garvin, Lindsay Weir and Kenny Johnstone.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, George Walker, Ian Hutchison and Jim Nicol.
On drums – Bob Henderson, Charlie Todd and Alistair McIntyre.
On fiddle – Tom Gold, Gilbert Logan and Shona MacFadyen.
David Corner played his concertina.
Special thanks go to Iain MacPhail, John Caskie, Robert Whitehead and Tom Hope as they offered to stand down with so many musicians, making time very tight to fit everyone in. Be assured of a place next time round guys. Thanks to all the players and to the audience for their support during the night.
Year 27 No 09 May 2004
The March meeting was supposed to feature the William Marshall Trio, but there was a change of plan. In fact, a change of three plans and at the last minute Alan Gardiner stepped in to help out with the guest artiste spot for the night. Alan was in great form as always, with wife Emma on fiddle, Keith Dickson on second accordion and Gordon Smith on drums. The band provided a fine selection of music during the evening and had the crowd enjoying every minute of it. Many thanks to Alan and his band for helping out at such short notice and a special thanks to Gordon who had to travel from Leven, in Fife, to attend.
The local players included, on accordion, John Anderson, Mel McLaren, Andrew Gibb, Jim Paterson, Charlie Todd, Calum Muir and Frank Morrison.
On keyboard – George Walker.
On drums – Tom Hope, Charlie Todd, Jim Paterson and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Gilbert Logan and David Corner, who also played his concertina.
And finally Agnes Keachie was in fine voice and was up to perform a couple of songs. Thanks to everyone for taking part.
The 2003/04 session came to a close on Sunday 11th April with the William Marshall SDB as the guest artistes. William was assisted by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Owen Fielding on keyboard and Stevie Beattie on drums. Four superb musicians who brought their talents together to create a wonderful sound. Not only did they sound good, they managed to get dancers on the floor during the performance. There was an encouraging audience who listened intently and seemed as if they couldn’t get enough. A big thank you to the band for rounding off the season in such a spectacular way.
The Club musicians included, on accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Mel McLaren, Peter Jardine, Janet Graham, John Elliot, Nicola Gray and John Horval.
On keyboard – George Walker and Dorothy Lawson.
On drums – George Shiels, Billy Hutton and Tom Hope and on bodhran Janet Ingram.
All the players took part in a stramash before the guests went on for the second half of the night. Thanks go to all the players who, throughout the year, give their time and support sharing the stage with other musicians to make each night interesting and enjoyable.
The 2004/05 season will begin on Sunday, 10th October when the Club will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. The syllabus has yet to be arranged for the season, so watch the press for details nearer the time.
Finally, each meeting is only made possible due to the continued support from people in the background who help keep the night together. Thanks to Robert and the bar staff, Tom hope for setting up the lighting and sound equipment, Ray Hope and Joy Anderson for catering and MC John Anderson who keeps everybody right on cue. Also, a huge thank you to all who come along and cheer on the musicians during the year. Compere John and the gang look forward to seeing you all again in October.
