Year 28 No 03 November 2004
In October 1974, the late Alex MacArthur and John Anderson established the Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club in a crowded Clydesdale Hotel. The Club went from strength to strength and on Sunday 10th October 2004, the beginning of a new season, the Club was able to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Over the years, the Club has seen many changes of venue as each one in turn became too small. The present venue, The Municipal Hall, was filled and there was a terrific welcoming atmosphere just as it used to be in the beginning. All along the way, John, ably supported by his wife, Joy, and friends Tom and Ray Hope have ensured that the legacy, which Alex MacArthur left, lives on. His memory was very much alive on Sunday night and his wife, Evelyn, and family were all in attendance. Evelyn took great delight in cutting a cake to make the occasion adding a short speech saying how moving it was that Alex was remembered in all that happens and wished the Club all the best for the future.
To start the season off Jennifer Forrest and her SDB were invited along to play as the guest artistes. It seemed appropriate to invite Jennifer as she played second accordion for Alex. Leading her own band these days with Duncan Burns on drums, Graeme Mitchell on piano and Brian Cruickshank on fiddle, the four set the night alight with a selection of Alex’s favourites, old favourites, toe-tapping tunes and slow airs. Jennifer’s 8-year-old son Callum, played for his first time on stage – no doubt following in his mum and dad’s footsteps.
Supporting players ages from 8 to 80 (we’re not saying who’s 80 though) took part, letting everyone enjoy their talents. There was David Corner on his concertina and his fiddle (but not at the same time) then,
On drums were George Shiels, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie and Tom Hope.
On keyboard, a first time player at the Club, 8-year-old Claire Logan, then George Walker and Jim Nicol.
On accordion were Peter Jardine, Jim Paterson, Davie Miller, Agnes Hope, Blair Gardiner, Matt Ferguson, Frank Morrison, Scott Nicol, Robert Menzies, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith and John Anderson. Another box player who entertained but deserves special mention is Andrew Gibb who, only a few days defore, won the Under-13’s section at the Mod. Well done Andrew. Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part. As there were so many players and time was running short, a couple of musicians agreed to stand down and they are assured of a spot next time round.
Celebrations continued later in the night with presentations to the Committee to commemorate the event. Thanks to their dedication over the years the Club has blossomed.
Year 28 No 04 December 2004
It was very lucky for Biggar club that Judith Linton was able to fit in to her busy schedule (at very short notice), a guest artiste spot for the November Club on the 14th of the month. Judith and fellow players, David Scott on accordion and Joanne Coburn on keyboard were just back from a successful tour of Venezuela, England and other dates in Bonnie Scotland and played a terrific mix of tunes.
Judith, playing fiddle, also told some funny stories and kept the night going to the delight of all who attended.
Roger Dobson, who was originally booked to play at the Club but had to cancel due to sudden illness, will hopefully be able to guest another time. Best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
There was adearth of players on the night but that was not reflected in the standard of the music on offer. Charlie Todd, local to these parts and NAAFC treasurer, took to the stage as MC for the evening and opened the entertainment playing accordion with David Miller on second box. They then changed places and were kept in time by George Shiels on drums. Later on in the proceedings Tom Hope also played drums. David Corner played concertina and fiddle and on keyboard was young Claire Logan appearing for only her second time at Biggar.
The reputation of the Biggar Club has spread far and wide – a bit wider than we realised – being visited on the night by a young lady from France who is staying with a family in Biggar for a wee while, and whose father plays in a French traditional music band. It is hoped she will attend the other Club nights whilst she remains here and joins others to listen or play at the next meeting.
Year 28 No 06 February 2005
On Sunday, December 12th the the Club was treated to the music and humour of the Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio. Charlie kept the audience amused with his stories, and as for the music – Charlie enlisted his standards line-up of Bill Buchan on drums and Derek Hamilton on keyboard and vocals with an appropriate song for December, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. The boys put together some great sets for their performance and all in all they provided a wonderful night’s entertainment.
There was a fine turnout of supporting players this month. The list includes :-
On accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Jim Gold, John Elliot, Morag Robertson, Charlie Todd, Davie Miller, Frank Morrison, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner and John Weaks.
On keyboard – George Walker.
On drums – Ross Anderson and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Tom Gold and David Corner who gave a few tunes on his concertina as well. Thanks to all the players for their continued support.
The local band of young musicians, KODA, were in fine form to provide an excellent night of traditional music on Sunday, 9th January. The hall was filled to capacity by an enthusiastic audience. Led by their Musical director, Keith Dickson, the band, consisting of just under 20 players aged from 8 to 18, produced an uplifting and exciting sound using all kinds of instruments. Many of the players seemed to just jump from one instrument to another and played each one with the same skill and dedication. Adding to the interest were some of the musicians who have formed small groups from within the main band in order to demonstrate individual styles. Overall they put on a show that was a joy to listen to. What talent. And so young!
At the start of the performance, Keith announced that the fee for the night would in fact be donated to victims of the Tsunami disaster as well as proceeds from a collection at the door. The Club Committee ensured that a further generous donation was added to this from the Club funds. The total amount was still being counted at time of going to print but looks to be in excess of £500. Thank you to everyone for giving generously on the night.
The supporting players who took part this month included:-
On accordion – John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Blair Gardiner, Scott Nicol, and, for the first time at the Club, young Emma Dickson. Thanks to Keith for playing keyboard along with each of the artistes. On drums were Alan Irvine and George Shiels. On fiddle, and also for the first time at the Club, was Hannah Dickson with mum Sheena playing keyboard with her. David Corner played a few selections on his concertina as well. Stuart Lochie and Willie McFarlane arrived but stood down from playing. You can be assured of getting a tune next time yous! Thanks to everyone.
Year 28 No 07 March 2005
The wind blew cold on 13th February 2005, but that didn’t deter the folks who braved the chill to be entertained at the Biggar A&F Club and their efforts were well rewarded by a first class band in The Glencraig SDB, as always under the direction of Nicol McLAren. The line-up consisted of James Leask on second box, Isobelle Hodgson on keyboard, Davie Bell keeping everyone in time on the drums, Gordon Howe on fiddle and Suzanne Croy on double bass. The music was varied and encompassed all aspects of the Scottish dance music scene, interspersed with banter from the leader himself. Nicol chose to play the accordion that originally belonged to his uncle, Scottish Dance Band leader Alex MacArthur, who lived in Biggar and co-founded the Accordion Club along with John Anderson back in 1974. It seemed most appropriate on the night that John announced his retirement as Club President at the end of the season, after over 30 years sterling service to the Club. Also stepping down is his wife Joy. I am sure many people would like to offer them their thanks and good wishes for all the help, support and encouragement they have given over the years. Blair Gardiner steps into the breach as Club President for the 2005-06 season and is wished all the best from the retiring Committee.
Most of the players on the night were noticeably younger than the Club!!
On accordion for the first time at Biggar Club was young Adam Gibb, who followed fellow accordionists Jim Paterson, Jim Anderson, Robert Menzies, Scott Nocol, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Alisdair Sneddon, Charlie Todd, Matt Fergusson, Blair Gardiner and Alan Gardiner.
The lattermost also played keyboard as did George Walker, Keith Dickson and David Ilgunus.
Drummers on the night were Tom Hope, Bill Jarvis, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie and George Shiels.
Tom Gold played fiddle, as did David Corner, who also entertained in the second half playing concertina. Young Claire Logan played keyboard.
Year 28 No 09 May 2005
Alan Gardiner came out of semi-retirement on the 13th of March to guest at the Biggar Club. This local lad has grown up with the Accordion Club scene and has often in previous years played at Biggar both as an amateur and as a dance band leader. Alan gave an immaculate performance ably assisted on the fiddle by his wife, Emma, Gordon Smith on drums and Keith Dickson on second accordion. The audience really appreciated the varied repertoire. It is a great shame Alan’s distinctive sound is rarely heard these days but all the more sweet when it is.
The mass of players gathered to play and listen were predominantly young and enthusiastic and included Emma Dickson, Andrew Gibb, Gavin Jackson, Adam Gibb, Claire Noble, Scott Nichol and Tom Orr, all playing accordions, as did Mel McLaren, Jim Paterson, Roy Marshall, Blair Gardiner, Kevin Gardiner and John Anderson.
On keyboard were George Walker, Jim Nicol and Sheena Dickson.
Playing drums (for his first time at Biggar) was young James Dickson and also Tom Hope, Bob Henderson, Bill Jarvis and George Shiels. Fiddling were David Corner and Hannah Dickson and David also played his concertina.
MC for the evening, John Anderson, couldn’t hide his pride at daughter Sheena, son-in-law Keith and their three children all playing at the Club, referring to them as the Von Dicksons rather than the Von Trapp family of ‘Sound of Music’ fame. Talk about keeping it in the family! Maybe next month all three generations will play together.
It is certainly encouraging to see so many young musicians attending. It ensures a sound future for traditional music in the area, mentored by the more experienced and enjoyed by many.
Biggar’s last night of the season in April (and the last of an era) saw a truly phenomenal turnout of local artistes to hear our guest artiste Graeme Mitchell and his SDB and to say farewell to John and Joy Anderson on their roles of President and Treasurer of the Club and helpers Tom and Ray Hope.
On accordion we had John Anderson, Gordon Brown, Alex Davidson, Robin Davidson, Emma Dickson, Keith Dickson, Roger Dobson, Karen Ferguson, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Jim Gold, Neil Hardie, Duncan Hutchison, Gavin Jackson, Peter Jardine, Susan MacFadyen, Willie McFarlane, Robert Menzies, Tom Orr, Jim Paterson, John Stuart, Charlie Todd, John Weaks and Calum Wilson.
On keyboard were George Walker, Geordie Carlisle, Ena Wilson, Claire Logan and Sheena Dickson.
On drums were George Shiels, Andrew Barrie, James Dickson and Tom Hope.
On fiddle were AlasdaIr Heron, Caroline Hardie, Shona MacFadyen, Vaila Tait, Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold and Hannah Dickson and on vocals was John Caskie from Locharbriggs.
Unfortunately, even with a few volunteers standing down there wasn’t time to give everyone a tune so we offer our apologies for that but hope to see you again next season. Good to see the whole ‘Dickson’ clan involved on stage.
As ever, Graeme Mitchell and his band were superb. A variety of well-rehearsed sets were interspersed with numerous couthy stories which easily held the audience’s attention during his two spots. Because of the distances involved in traveling from Huntly in Aberdeenshire he mentioned that his last visit had been away back in the days of Alex MacArthur in The Clydesdale Hotel and on that occasion he was accompanied by Robbie Shepherd (many of the audience probably remember it well). As a teacher in real life he had thought this visit would co-incide with the Easter break – which it hadn’y with Easter falling early this year – so he faces a very late finish and an early start. Our thanks to Graeme, Gordon Duguid on second box, Duncan Christie on drums and Brian Cruickshank on bass guitar for making the long journey to entertain us.
John Anderson chose the end of the guests’ first spot to thank his fellow Committee members for all their hard work over the years and local players for their support and to hand over the Presidency to Blair Gardiner, who took the oipportunity to thank John, Joy, Tom and Ray and to outline tentative plans for the Club’s future. The plan at the moment is for meetings to remain on the Second Sunday in the month, to relocate to The Elphinstone Hotel at the top of Biggar high Street, to start the Club at 7pm and finish at 10.30pm and to become much more closely associated with The Keith Dickson School of Music and its young players who rehearse in Biggar on a Sunday anyway. Confirmation of details will be published in the B&F when they are finalised.
GL
In October 1974, the late Alex MacArthur and John Anderson established the Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club in a crowded Clydesdale Hotel. The Club went from strength to strength and on Sunday 10th October 2004, the beginning of a new season, the Club was able to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Over the years, the Club has seen many changes of venue as each one in turn became too small. The present venue, The Municipal Hall, was filled and there was a terrific welcoming atmosphere just as it used to be in the beginning. All along the way, John, ably supported by his wife, Joy, and friends Tom and Ray Hope have ensured that the legacy, which Alex MacArthur left, lives on. His memory was very much alive on Sunday night and his wife, Evelyn, and family were all in attendance. Evelyn took great delight in cutting a cake to make the occasion adding a short speech saying how moving it was that Alex was remembered in all that happens and wished the Club all the best for the future.
To start the season off Jennifer Forrest and her SDB were invited along to play as the guest artistes. It seemed appropriate to invite Jennifer as she played second accordion for Alex. Leading her own band these days with Duncan Burns on drums, Graeme Mitchell on piano and Brian Cruickshank on fiddle, the four set the night alight with a selection of Alex’s favourites, old favourites, toe-tapping tunes and slow airs. Jennifer’s 8-year-old son Callum, played for his first time on stage – no doubt following in his mum and dad’s footsteps.
Supporting players ages from 8 to 80 (we’re not saying who’s 80 though) took part, letting everyone enjoy their talents. There was David Corner on his concertina and his fiddle (but not at the same time) then,
On drums were George Shiels, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie and Tom Hope.
On keyboard, a first time player at the Club, 8-year-old Claire Logan, then George Walker and Jim Nicol.
On accordion were Peter Jardine, Jim Paterson, Davie Miller, Agnes Hope, Blair Gardiner, Matt Ferguson, Frank Morrison, Scott Nicol, Robert Menzies, Charlie Todd, Allan Smith and John Anderson. Another box player who entertained but deserves special mention is Andrew Gibb who, only a few days defore, won the Under-13’s section at the Mod. Well done Andrew. Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part. As there were so many players and time was running short, a couple of musicians agreed to stand down and they are assured of a spot next time round.
Celebrations continued later in the night with presentations to the Committee to commemorate the event. Thanks to their dedication over the years the Club has blossomed.
Year 28 No 04 December 2004
It was very lucky for Biggar club that Judith Linton was able to fit in to her busy schedule (at very short notice), a guest artiste spot for the November Club on the 14th of the month. Judith and fellow players, David Scott on accordion and Joanne Coburn on keyboard were just back from a successful tour of Venezuela, England and other dates in Bonnie Scotland and played a terrific mix of tunes.
Judith, playing fiddle, also told some funny stories and kept the night going to the delight of all who attended.
Roger Dobson, who was originally booked to play at the Club but had to cancel due to sudden illness, will hopefully be able to guest another time. Best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
There was adearth of players on the night but that was not reflected in the standard of the music on offer. Charlie Todd, local to these parts and NAAFC treasurer, took to the stage as MC for the evening and opened the entertainment playing accordion with David Miller on second box. They then changed places and were kept in time by George Shiels on drums. Later on in the proceedings Tom Hope also played drums. David Corner played concertina and fiddle and on keyboard was young Claire Logan appearing for only her second time at Biggar.
The reputation of the Biggar Club has spread far and wide – a bit wider than we realised – being visited on the night by a young lady from France who is staying with a family in Biggar for a wee while, and whose father plays in a French traditional music band. It is hoped she will attend the other Club nights whilst she remains here and joins others to listen or play at the next meeting.
Year 28 No 06 February 2005
On Sunday, December 12th the the Club was treated to the music and humour of the Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio. Charlie kept the audience amused with his stories, and as for the music – Charlie enlisted his standards line-up of Bill Buchan on drums and Derek Hamilton on keyboard and vocals with an appropriate song for December, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. The boys put together some great sets for their performance and all in all they provided a wonderful night’s entertainment.
There was a fine turnout of supporting players this month. The list includes :-
On accordion – John Anderson, Jim Paterson, Jim Gold, John Elliot, Morag Robertson, Charlie Todd, Davie Miller, Frank Morrison, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner and John Weaks.
On keyboard – George Walker.
On drums – Ross Anderson and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Tom Gold and David Corner who gave a few tunes on his concertina as well. Thanks to all the players for their continued support.
The local band of young musicians, KODA, were in fine form to provide an excellent night of traditional music on Sunday, 9th January. The hall was filled to capacity by an enthusiastic audience. Led by their Musical director, Keith Dickson, the band, consisting of just under 20 players aged from 8 to 18, produced an uplifting and exciting sound using all kinds of instruments. Many of the players seemed to just jump from one instrument to another and played each one with the same skill and dedication. Adding to the interest were some of the musicians who have formed small groups from within the main band in order to demonstrate individual styles. Overall they put on a show that was a joy to listen to. What talent. And so young!
At the start of the performance, Keith announced that the fee for the night would in fact be donated to victims of the Tsunami disaster as well as proceeds from a collection at the door. The Club Committee ensured that a further generous donation was added to this from the Club funds. The total amount was still being counted at time of going to print but looks to be in excess of £500. Thank you to everyone for giving generously on the night.
The supporting players who took part this month included:-
On accordion – John Anderson, Charlie Todd, Blair Gardiner, Scott Nicol, and, for the first time at the Club, young Emma Dickson. Thanks to Keith for playing keyboard along with each of the artistes. On drums were Alan Irvine and George Shiels. On fiddle, and also for the first time at the Club, was Hannah Dickson with mum Sheena playing keyboard with her. David Corner played a few selections on his concertina as well. Stuart Lochie and Willie McFarlane arrived but stood down from playing. You can be assured of getting a tune next time yous! Thanks to everyone.
Year 28 No 07 March 2005
The wind blew cold on 13th February 2005, but that didn’t deter the folks who braved the chill to be entertained at the Biggar A&F Club and their efforts were well rewarded by a first class band in The Glencraig SDB, as always under the direction of Nicol McLAren. The line-up consisted of James Leask on second box, Isobelle Hodgson on keyboard, Davie Bell keeping everyone in time on the drums, Gordon Howe on fiddle and Suzanne Croy on double bass. The music was varied and encompassed all aspects of the Scottish dance music scene, interspersed with banter from the leader himself. Nicol chose to play the accordion that originally belonged to his uncle, Scottish Dance Band leader Alex MacArthur, who lived in Biggar and co-founded the Accordion Club along with John Anderson back in 1974. It seemed most appropriate on the night that John announced his retirement as Club President at the end of the season, after over 30 years sterling service to the Club. Also stepping down is his wife Joy. I am sure many people would like to offer them their thanks and good wishes for all the help, support and encouragement they have given over the years. Blair Gardiner steps into the breach as Club President for the 2005-06 season and is wished all the best from the retiring Committee.
Most of the players on the night were noticeably younger than the Club!!
On accordion for the first time at Biggar Club was young Adam Gibb, who followed fellow accordionists Jim Paterson, Jim Anderson, Robert Menzies, Scott Nocol, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Alisdair Sneddon, Charlie Todd, Matt Fergusson, Blair Gardiner and Alan Gardiner.
The lattermost also played keyboard as did George Walker, Keith Dickson and David Ilgunus.
Drummers on the night were Tom Hope, Bill Jarvis, Bob Henderson, Andrew Barrie and George Shiels.
Tom Gold played fiddle, as did David Corner, who also entertained in the second half playing concertina. Young Claire Logan played keyboard.
Year 28 No 09 May 2005
Alan Gardiner came out of semi-retirement on the 13th of March to guest at the Biggar Club. This local lad has grown up with the Accordion Club scene and has often in previous years played at Biggar both as an amateur and as a dance band leader. Alan gave an immaculate performance ably assisted on the fiddle by his wife, Emma, Gordon Smith on drums and Keith Dickson on second accordion. The audience really appreciated the varied repertoire. It is a great shame Alan’s distinctive sound is rarely heard these days but all the more sweet when it is.
The mass of players gathered to play and listen were predominantly young and enthusiastic and included Emma Dickson, Andrew Gibb, Gavin Jackson, Adam Gibb, Claire Noble, Scott Nichol and Tom Orr, all playing accordions, as did Mel McLaren, Jim Paterson, Roy Marshall, Blair Gardiner, Kevin Gardiner and John Anderson.
On keyboard were George Walker, Jim Nicol and Sheena Dickson.
Playing drums (for his first time at Biggar) was young James Dickson and also Tom Hope, Bob Henderson, Bill Jarvis and George Shiels. Fiddling were David Corner and Hannah Dickson and David also played his concertina.
MC for the evening, John Anderson, couldn’t hide his pride at daughter Sheena, son-in-law Keith and their three children all playing at the Club, referring to them as the Von Dicksons rather than the Von Trapp family of ‘Sound of Music’ fame. Talk about keeping it in the family! Maybe next month all three generations will play together.
It is certainly encouraging to see so many young musicians attending. It ensures a sound future for traditional music in the area, mentored by the more experienced and enjoyed by many.
Biggar’s last night of the season in April (and the last of an era) saw a truly phenomenal turnout of local artistes to hear our guest artiste Graeme Mitchell and his SDB and to say farewell to John and Joy Anderson on their roles of President and Treasurer of the Club and helpers Tom and Ray Hope.
On accordion we had John Anderson, Gordon Brown, Alex Davidson, Robin Davidson, Emma Dickson, Keith Dickson, Roger Dobson, Karen Ferguson, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Jim Gold, Neil Hardie, Duncan Hutchison, Gavin Jackson, Peter Jardine, Susan MacFadyen, Willie McFarlane, Robert Menzies, Tom Orr, Jim Paterson, John Stuart, Charlie Todd, John Weaks and Calum Wilson.
On keyboard were George Walker, Geordie Carlisle, Ena Wilson, Claire Logan and Sheena Dickson.
On drums were George Shiels, Andrew Barrie, James Dickson and Tom Hope.
On fiddle were AlasdaIr Heron, Caroline Hardie, Shona MacFadyen, Vaila Tait, Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold and Hannah Dickson and on vocals was John Caskie from Locharbriggs.
Unfortunately, even with a few volunteers standing down there wasn’t time to give everyone a tune so we offer our apologies for that but hope to see you again next season. Good to see the whole ‘Dickson’ clan involved on stage.
As ever, Graeme Mitchell and his band were superb. A variety of well-rehearsed sets were interspersed with numerous couthy stories which easily held the audience’s attention during his two spots. Because of the distances involved in traveling from Huntly in Aberdeenshire he mentioned that his last visit had been away back in the days of Alex MacArthur in The Clydesdale Hotel and on that occasion he was accompanied by Robbie Shepherd (many of the audience probably remember it well). As a teacher in real life he had thought this visit would co-incide with the Easter break – which it hadn’y with Easter falling early this year – so he faces a very late finish and an early start. Our thanks to Graeme, Gordon Duguid on second box, Duncan Christie on drums and Brian Cruickshank on bass guitar for making the long journey to entertain us.
John Anderson chose the end of the guests’ first spot to thank his fellow Committee members for all their hard work over the years and local players for their support and to hand over the Presidency to Blair Gardiner, who took the oipportunity to thank John, Joy, Tom and Ray and to outline tentative plans for the Club’s future. The plan at the moment is for meetings to remain on the Second Sunday in the month, to relocate to The Elphinstone Hotel at the top of Biggar high Street, to start the Club at 7pm and finish at 10.30pm and to become much more closely associated with The Keith Dickson School of Music and its young players who rehearse in Biggar on a Sunday anyway. Confirmation of details will be published in the B&F when they are finalised.
GL