Year 29 No 01 September 2005
John Anderson (1944-2005) - Obituary
It was with a sense of profound disbelief that Biggar awoke on the morning of Friday 1st July to find that John Anderson no longer walked among us. Recently retired as Chairman of Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club a tragic accident whilst working on the restoration of a beloved old Rover had deprived us all of one of Biggar’s great characters. . The enormity of the loss felt was evident at his funeral at St Mary’s Church in Biggar on Thursday 7th July when over 500 mourners heard the Rev Jim Francis lead a celebration of John’s life.
John was a ‘war baby’ born in Motherwell in December 1944. His mother was a gifted musician who taught piano privately but sadly died when John was just three years of age. Thereafter he was brought up by his granny in the Cambusnethan area of Wishaw, near to the studio of accordion teacher Jean Brown. Both John and a fellow pupil at Wishaw High School, Alistair Gillespie, started lessons with Jean but John was the first to admit that he had inherited none of the mother’s musical ability. Hard practice might have overcome that, but looking back, he always knew there were too many other distractions. By contrast lifelong friend Alistair went on to become a fine accordionist, a Junior British Champion, an accordion teacher and eventually a fellow resident of Biggar. Admittedly some inspiration was gained in the early days from sitting outside the ‘Alexander’ household in Cambusnethan listening to young Tom practicing.
John’s connection with Biggar started with family holidays at a ‘holiday hut’, one of a number sited at Boghall Farm, near Biggar. It was at one of the many village hall dances in the Biggar area that John first met his wife-to-be Joy in 1965. They were married in 1968, with daughter Sheena coming along a year later and son Iain ten years later. It was in mid 1974 while they were both attending a meeting of the ‘original’ Carlops A&F Club (a village between Biggar and Edinburgh) – the only one for miles around at that time – that John was approached by Alex MacArthur who said that he had bought the Clydesdale in Biggar and that “they” would be starting an Accordion and Fiddle Club of their own. He was as good as his word, moving into the Hotel in September 1974 and starting the Club the following month. In the early days John was a ’helper’ at the Club collecting and transporting extra chairs from the Church Hall, erecting the ‘stage’ (an old piece of flooring sitting on empty beer crates) etc and readily admitted he was far to timid to stand up in front of an audience but gradually as the years passed he assumed more of the organising duties, then some of the MC duties and by the time Alex and Evelyn left Biggar for The Farmers Arms in Thornhill in 1985 John was ready to take over the helm.
With Joy acting as Secretary/Treasurer, Tom Hope stepping up to Vice Chairman and wife Ray helping with the door/catering, there were two changes of venue, a brief stay at the Toftcombs Hotel, before settling in the Biggar Municipal Hall and the scene was set for the next 20 years, indeed right up until April of this year when John and Joy retired and handed over to Blair Gardiner. There were many memorable nights during those long year, marred only by the untimely death of the Club’s Founder Chairman, Alex MacArthur in 1989.
John usually only played at the Club if time permitted, being the first to stand down in favour of other players. One of his great strengths was that he knew he wasn’t a good player, indeed he ‘played’ on that. As the genuine mistakes of the early days disappeared, as had his nervousness in front of an audience, he substituted deliberate errors as part of his act. Without doubt his party-piece and signature tune and the tune with which his name will always be associated was “The Grandfather Clock”.
In ‘real life’ John had been Senior Janitor at Biggar High School for 18 years. The Rev Francis joked that there was a certain amount of doubt about who actually ran the school – John or the Rector. John ensured a safe environment for the innumerable children who passed through the school over those years – there was never any playground bullying when John was around. Earlier in life he was a PSV Driver with Central SMT. We were reminded by the Rev John Graham, a lifetime friend, and one time Conductor on the double decker John drove of amusing incidents such as an elderly male passenger rushing the length of the bus, which had just pulled away, and hammering on the window behind John’s seat. “What’s wrong” John asked as he half turned in his seat “ma dug, ma dug” said the man pointing to his short legged pet doing it’s best to run alongside the bus. Oops!!
John was also a quietly religious man who had served over 25 years as Biggar Kirk’s ‘Beadle’ – in effect the Church Officer – responsible for the opening, closing, cleaning, heating, and repairing of the Church building. He calmed the jangled nerves of brides-to-be, grooms-in-waiting and particularly children on ‘big’ days. Indeed one of John’s great abilities was to be the age of the person he was with – and if that happened to be three years or thirteen months then that was fine with John.
It was his various roles in the School, the Kirk and the Accordion and Fiddle Club that brought John into contact with almost everyone in the town of Biggar and the rural district beyond. Always unassuming, but ever helpful, we are all the poorer for his passing. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Joy, Sheena, Keith and family and Iain and Laura.
Year 29 No 02 October 2005
Under New Management
Little did we think that when John Anderson handed over Chairmanship of the Club to 21-year-old Blair Gardiner in April, that he would not be joining us on our opening night of the new season in September. However I have no doubt that he would have thoroughly approved of the revamped format which, hopefully, will carry us forward in the years to come. To accommodate our younger players, and to some extend our more elderly supporters, the Club now starts at 7pm and finishes at 10.30pm – guaranteed. The venue has also changed from The Municipal Hall, which had become too big, to the town’s Elphinstone Hotel – which transpired to be slightly too small for our first evening but, reminiscent of The Clydesdale Hotel where the Club began 30 years ago, we certainly had atmosphere in plenty. Incidentally the Elphinstone is renowned for its bar meals so if you’re coming along to the Club arrive early and give them a try.
With a stage, lighting (to add a new dimension) and an excellent PA system, the ‘stage’ was literally set for a new experience for listeners and players. To launch the Club, guests for the opening evening were the incomparable Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Indeed guests for the whole season have been selected with a view to attracting the younger players, who have been so dadly lacking in recent years. It should be in everyone’s interests if we are able to harness the enthusiasm and abilities of a new generation of local players. The results certainly appeared promising as MCs Blair Gardiner (for the first half) and Stacey Paul (for the second) introduced a wealth of talent.
On accordions we had Gemma Coupland, Emma Dickson (7), Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Kevin Gardiner (and that’s just some of the Gardiner clan), Adam Gibb (7), Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Neil Hardie, Duncan Hutchison, Kenny johnstone, David Kennedy, Calum Muir (11), Susan MacFadyen, Erin McGinley (10), Nicky McMichan, Scott Nichol, Claire Noble and Allan Smith.
On fiddle were Hannah Dickson (10), Emma Gardiner, Caroline Hardie, Tom Gold, Robert Menzies and Vaila Tait.
On keyboards were Keith Dickson, Steven Johnstone, Claire Logan, Jim Nichol and George Walker.
On drums Ross Anderson, Andrew Barrie, Lisa Coupland, James Dickson (7), Bob Henderson, Alison Menzies, Duncan Riley and George Shiels.
On concertina was local maestro Simon Thoumire, on mandolin Ian Murray and on the door (and it was generally agreed to have been his best performance for years so it could be made permanent) Charlie Todd.
Alasdair, aided and abetted by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Gordon Smith on drums and former KODA member Tom Orr on keyboard gave the usual blistering performance we’ve come to expect. To say that they played to a packed audience would be an understatement. With space for chairs having been used up, the kids from KODA and others happily used what carpet was left available to get a close-up of the action on stage.
It was also goos to see the youngsters becoming involved with the numerous other ‘wee jobs’ that make the Club work on the night – folding up the raffle tickets and writing up the sheets to keep the MCs advised of who was next on stage.
So all-in-all a very successful debut and a promising start to a new era for the Club. Local teacher Keith Dickson is to be thanked for the guidance and support he has given Blair and the new Committee in their venture. Keith commented, “Biggar accordion and Fiddle Club should be congratulated on making this special effort to encourage young people to attend the Club.
However, it should be emphasized that ALL AGES of players and listeners will be made most welcome. As a teacher I really appreciate having the opportunity locally for my students to perform their favourite pieces each month. The small venue adds a friendly atmosphere to the Club – almost like a house party!”
Next month, with the Shetland Festival falling on our ‘normal’ meeting date (still the second Sunday) and some key people up there, we have instead a ‘Box and Fiddle Youth Showcase’ as part of ‘The Biggar Little Festival’ back in our old venue, the Municipal Hall on Sunday, October 30th from 2 till 4pm. Hope to see you there.
Year 29 No 04 December 2005
Leo McCann and Friends, Claire Mann and Aaron Jones, put on a spirited and refreshing performance at the November meeting of the Biggar B&F Club. Leo, on a small button-box and also at times playing low D whistle, was leader for the evening. Claire was in fiddle, flute and the low whistle (although not all at the same time!) each with the same high standard of skill.
Aaron played a bouzouki and also provided the vocals for the songs. Altogether the sound was an exciting mix of traditional Scottish and Irish music with more of a slant on the folk side of traditional music rather than the dance band sound more commonly associated with B&F Clubs. With a wealth of experience among the three and the obvious enjoyment they were having while on stage, the atmosphere was set for a fabulous night, as it turned out to be. The Club sends thanks once again to the band.
The Club would struggle to exist if it wasn’t for the support of the local artistes and they were out in force on Sunday.
Playing on accordion were Gemma Coupland, James Paterson, Erin McGinley, Steven Todd, Duncan Muir, Adele Queen, Emma Dickson, Jamie Young, Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Scott Nichol, Kirsty Glen and Robert Menzies.
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, David Ilgunas, Claire Logan and Emily Short.
On drums we had George shiels, Ross Anderson and James Dickson.
Finally, on fiddle were Ashley Short and Tom Gold.
Year 29 No 05 January 2006
A six-piece band filled the stage for Biggar A&F Club with Scott Nichol as lead accordionist on Sunday, December 11th and the group produced an energetic sound throughout their performance. The audience was in great form with many of them up for a dance and the others clapping to the beat of the music as the band played their way trough some fabulous selections. The band members with Scott were; Robert Menzies on second accordion, Christine Legge on fiddle, Alan Irvine on drums, John Sinton on double bass and Jim Nichol on piano. What a great night that ended up being more like a Christmas party. A big thank you to the band.
There was a healthy turnouit of supporting players including :-
On accordion – Gavin Jackson, Jamie Young, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Andrew Gibb. Duncan Muir, David Kennedy, Katie Todd, Steven Todd, Blair Gardiner, Calum Muir, Emma Dickson, Tom Orr, Nicky McMichan and Mel McLaren.
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, Emily Short, Sheena Dickson and David Ilgunas.
On drums – Lisa Coupland, Tom Hope, James Dickson, Ally MacIntyre, Andrew Barrie and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Tom Gold, Ashley Short, Innes Kennedy and Hannah Dickson and David Corner played his concertina.
Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part.
At the end of the April Club meeting regular members of the audience expressed a desire to contribute towards a gift to mark the retiral of President John Anderson and the outgoing Committee. On Sunday night, Charlie Todd, on behalf of the Biggar A&F Club presented gifts purchased with the money collected to Joy Anderson, Ray Hope, Tom Hope and Gilbert Logan. A poignant moment for many reasons. A heartfelt thanks go to all those who contributed.
Year 29 No 06 February 2006
On Sunday 8th January the New Year began with the Gemma Coupland Band as the guests for the evening and what an outstanding performance they put on. Gemma, only 14 years of age, played lead accordion, supported by the talents of Claire Logan on second accordion, Robert Menzies on fiddle, Lisa Coupland on drums and, completing the line-up Scott Nichol on keyboard. Together the band produced a strong and excellent sound with each player shining through and contributing their part so well to the overall balance. The attentive audience was treated to a fine selection of sets, all put together by Gemma. Well done to this fine young band who got the dancers on the floor and have made a lasting impression.
The visiting players who took part included :-
On accordion – Matt Ferguson, Charlie Todd, Andrew Gibb, Adam Gibb, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Emma Dickson, Calum Muir, Tom Orr and Angelo Pontone.
On fiddle – Hannah Dickson and Tom Gold.
On drums – James Dickson, Tom Hope and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard – Sheena Dickson, Keith Dickson, Jim Nichol and David Ilgunas.
On concertina – David Corner. Many thanks to everyone for playing.
Year 29 No 07 March 2006
Biggar A&F Club Chairman Blair Gardiner was delighted to welcome a ‘Full House’ to the Municipal Hall on Sunday 12th February to hear local concertina maestro Simon Thoumire as well as being treated to some splendid playing by a host of local players.
On accordion we had Roy Anderson, Gemma Coupland, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Adam Gibb (8), Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Gavin Jackson, Hannah Jamieson, David Kennedy, Ben McGill, Erin McGinley, Duncan Muir, Scott Nichol, Claire Noble, Robbie Paterson, Adele Queen, Sandy Scott (3-row), Allan Smith, Katie Todd (6) and Steven Todd.
On keyboard were Mike Anderson, Ross Anderson, Keith Dickson, David Ilgunas, Stevie Todd and George Walker.
On drums (and percussion) were Ross Anderson, Andrew Barrie, Lisa Coupland and Tom Hope.
On fiddle we had David Corner, Tom Gold, Robert Menzies and Fiona MacKay.
Our thanks to them all for their marvelous performances. No doubt we’ll be hearing a few of those selections at Musselburgh in a few weeks’ time!
It’s always a pleasure to have a local musician as guest artiste and when that happens to be someone who displays the musicianship of Simon Thoumire then so much the better. Edinburgh-born Simon, who undoubtedly takes the playing of the humble concertina to new heights, has lived for a few years now just along the road in Lamington, and to compliment his skills he brought along his good friend David Milligan, virtuoso jazz pianist and MD of ‘The Usual Suspects’.
Together they make a formidable team, tackling everything from Sir Jimmy Shand’s Welcome Christmas Morning to contemporary works by a Russian composer residing in Norway.
Simon, who is probably better known for his work promoting the ‘Hnads Up for Trad’ Scots Music Awards and BBC Young Trad Musician competition, was joined on stage for one set by Claire McLaughlin, a most excellent fiddler.
Many thanks to all three for a most captivating performance.
John Anderson (1944-2005) - Obituary
It was with a sense of profound disbelief that Biggar awoke on the morning of Friday 1st July to find that John Anderson no longer walked among us. Recently retired as Chairman of Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club a tragic accident whilst working on the restoration of a beloved old Rover had deprived us all of one of Biggar’s great characters. . The enormity of the loss felt was evident at his funeral at St Mary’s Church in Biggar on Thursday 7th July when over 500 mourners heard the Rev Jim Francis lead a celebration of John’s life.
John was a ‘war baby’ born in Motherwell in December 1944. His mother was a gifted musician who taught piano privately but sadly died when John was just three years of age. Thereafter he was brought up by his granny in the Cambusnethan area of Wishaw, near to the studio of accordion teacher Jean Brown. Both John and a fellow pupil at Wishaw High School, Alistair Gillespie, started lessons with Jean but John was the first to admit that he had inherited none of the mother’s musical ability. Hard practice might have overcome that, but looking back, he always knew there were too many other distractions. By contrast lifelong friend Alistair went on to become a fine accordionist, a Junior British Champion, an accordion teacher and eventually a fellow resident of Biggar. Admittedly some inspiration was gained in the early days from sitting outside the ‘Alexander’ household in Cambusnethan listening to young Tom practicing.
John’s connection with Biggar started with family holidays at a ‘holiday hut’, one of a number sited at Boghall Farm, near Biggar. It was at one of the many village hall dances in the Biggar area that John first met his wife-to-be Joy in 1965. They were married in 1968, with daughter Sheena coming along a year later and son Iain ten years later. It was in mid 1974 while they were both attending a meeting of the ‘original’ Carlops A&F Club (a village between Biggar and Edinburgh) – the only one for miles around at that time – that John was approached by Alex MacArthur who said that he had bought the Clydesdale in Biggar and that “they” would be starting an Accordion and Fiddle Club of their own. He was as good as his word, moving into the Hotel in September 1974 and starting the Club the following month. In the early days John was a ’helper’ at the Club collecting and transporting extra chairs from the Church Hall, erecting the ‘stage’ (an old piece of flooring sitting on empty beer crates) etc and readily admitted he was far to timid to stand up in front of an audience but gradually as the years passed he assumed more of the organising duties, then some of the MC duties and by the time Alex and Evelyn left Biggar for The Farmers Arms in Thornhill in 1985 John was ready to take over the helm.
With Joy acting as Secretary/Treasurer, Tom Hope stepping up to Vice Chairman and wife Ray helping with the door/catering, there were two changes of venue, a brief stay at the Toftcombs Hotel, before settling in the Biggar Municipal Hall and the scene was set for the next 20 years, indeed right up until April of this year when John and Joy retired and handed over to Blair Gardiner. There were many memorable nights during those long year, marred only by the untimely death of the Club’s Founder Chairman, Alex MacArthur in 1989.
John usually only played at the Club if time permitted, being the first to stand down in favour of other players. One of his great strengths was that he knew he wasn’t a good player, indeed he ‘played’ on that. As the genuine mistakes of the early days disappeared, as had his nervousness in front of an audience, he substituted deliberate errors as part of his act. Without doubt his party-piece and signature tune and the tune with which his name will always be associated was “The Grandfather Clock”.
In ‘real life’ John had been Senior Janitor at Biggar High School for 18 years. The Rev Francis joked that there was a certain amount of doubt about who actually ran the school – John or the Rector. John ensured a safe environment for the innumerable children who passed through the school over those years – there was never any playground bullying when John was around. Earlier in life he was a PSV Driver with Central SMT. We were reminded by the Rev John Graham, a lifetime friend, and one time Conductor on the double decker John drove of amusing incidents such as an elderly male passenger rushing the length of the bus, which had just pulled away, and hammering on the window behind John’s seat. “What’s wrong” John asked as he half turned in his seat “ma dug, ma dug” said the man pointing to his short legged pet doing it’s best to run alongside the bus. Oops!!
John was also a quietly religious man who had served over 25 years as Biggar Kirk’s ‘Beadle’ – in effect the Church Officer – responsible for the opening, closing, cleaning, heating, and repairing of the Church building. He calmed the jangled nerves of brides-to-be, grooms-in-waiting and particularly children on ‘big’ days. Indeed one of John’s great abilities was to be the age of the person he was with – and if that happened to be three years or thirteen months then that was fine with John.
It was his various roles in the School, the Kirk and the Accordion and Fiddle Club that brought John into contact with almost everyone in the town of Biggar and the rural district beyond. Always unassuming, but ever helpful, we are all the poorer for his passing. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Joy, Sheena, Keith and family and Iain and Laura.
Year 29 No 02 October 2005
Under New Management
Little did we think that when John Anderson handed over Chairmanship of the Club to 21-year-old Blair Gardiner in April, that he would not be joining us on our opening night of the new season in September. However I have no doubt that he would have thoroughly approved of the revamped format which, hopefully, will carry us forward in the years to come. To accommodate our younger players, and to some extend our more elderly supporters, the Club now starts at 7pm and finishes at 10.30pm – guaranteed. The venue has also changed from The Municipal Hall, which had become too big, to the town’s Elphinstone Hotel – which transpired to be slightly too small for our first evening but, reminiscent of The Clydesdale Hotel where the Club began 30 years ago, we certainly had atmosphere in plenty. Incidentally the Elphinstone is renowned for its bar meals so if you’re coming along to the Club arrive early and give them a try.
With a stage, lighting (to add a new dimension) and an excellent PA system, the ‘stage’ was literally set for a new experience for listeners and players. To launch the Club, guests for the opening evening were the incomparable Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Indeed guests for the whole season have been selected with a view to attracting the younger players, who have been so dadly lacking in recent years. It should be in everyone’s interests if we are able to harness the enthusiasm and abilities of a new generation of local players. The results certainly appeared promising as MCs Blair Gardiner (for the first half) and Stacey Paul (for the second) introduced a wealth of talent.
On accordions we had Gemma Coupland, Emma Dickson (7), Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Kevin Gardiner (and that’s just some of the Gardiner clan), Adam Gibb (7), Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Neil Hardie, Duncan Hutchison, Kenny johnstone, David Kennedy, Calum Muir (11), Susan MacFadyen, Erin McGinley (10), Nicky McMichan, Scott Nichol, Claire Noble and Allan Smith.
On fiddle were Hannah Dickson (10), Emma Gardiner, Caroline Hardie, Tom Gold, Robert Menzies and Vaila Tait.
On keyboards were Keith Dickson, Steven Johnstone, Claire Logan, Jim Nichol and George Walker.
On drums Ross Anderson, Andrew Barrie, Lisa Coupland, James Dickson (7), Bob Henderson, Alison Menzies, Duncan Riley and George Shiels.
On concertina was local maestro Simon Thoumire, on mandolin Ian Murray and on the door (and it was generally agreed to have been his best performance for years so it could be made permanent) Charlie Todd.
Alasdair, aided and abetted by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Gordon Smith on drums and former KODA member Tom Orr on keyboard gave the usual blistering performance we’ve come to expect. To say that they played to a packed audience would be an understatement. With space for chairs having been used up, the kids from KODA and others happily used what carpet was left available to get a close-up of the action on stage.
It was also goos to see the youngsters becoming involved with the numerous other ‘wee jobs’ that make the Club work on the night – folding up the raffle tickets and writing up the sheets to keep the MCs advised of who was next on stage.
So all-in-all a very successful debut and a promising start to a new era for the Club. Local teacher Keith Dickson is to be thanked for the guidance and support he has given Blair and the new Committee in their venture. Keith commented, “Biggar accordion and Fiddle Club should be congratulated on making this special effort to encourage young people to attend the Club.
However, it should be emphasized that ALL AGES of players and listeners will be made most welcome. As a teacher I really appreciate having the opportunity locally for my students to perform their favourite pieces each month. The small venue adds a friendly atmosphere to the Club – almost like a house party!”
Next month, with the Shetland Festival falling on our ‘normal’ meeting date (still the second Sunday) and some key people up there, we have instead a ‘Box and Fiddle Youth Showcase’ as part of ‘The Biggar Little Festival’ back in our old venue, the Municipal Hall on Sunday, October 30th from 2 till 4pm. Hope to see you there.
Year 29 No 04 December 2005
Leo McCann and Friends, Claire Mann and Aaron Jones, put on a spirited and refreshing performance at the November meeting of the Biggar B&F Club. Leo, on a small button-box and also at times playing low D whistle, was leader for the evening. Claire was in fiddle, flute and the low whistle (although not all at the same time!) each with the same high standard of skill.
Aaron played a bouzouki and also provided the vocals for the songs. Altogether the sound was an exciting mix of traditional Scottish and Irish music with more of a slant on the folk side of traditional music rather than the dance band sound more commonly associated with B&F Clubs. With a wealth of experience among the three and the obvious enjoyment they were having while on stage, the atmosphere was set for a fabulous night, as it turned out to be. The Club sends thanks once again to the band.
The Club would struggle to exist if it wasn’t for the support of the local artistes and they were out in force on Sunday.
Playing on accordion were Gemma Coupland, James Paterson, Erin McGinley, Steven Todd, Duncan Muir, Adele Queen, Emma Dickson, Jamie Young, Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Scott Nichol, Kirsty Glen and Robert Menzies.
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, David Ilgunas, Claire Logan and Emily Short.
On drums we had George shiels, Ross Anderson and James Dickson.
Finally, on fiddle were Ashley Short and Tom Gold.
Year 29 No 05 January 2006
A six-piece band filled the stage for Biggar A&F Club with Scott Nichol as lead accordionist on Sunday, December 11th and the group produced an energetic sound throughout their performance. The audience was in great form with many of them up for a dance and the others clapping to the beat of the music as the band played their way trough some fabulous selections. The band members with Scott were; Robert Menzies on second accordion, Christine Legge on fiddle, Alan Irvine on drums, John Sinton on double bass and Jim Nichol on piano. What a great night that ended up being more like a Christmas party. A big thank you to the band.
There was a healthy turnouit of supporting players including :-
On accordion – Gavin Jackson, Jamie Young, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Andrew Gibb. Duncan Muir, David Kennedy, Katie Todd, Steven Todd, Blair Gardiner, Calum Muir, Emma Dickson, Tom Orr, Nicky McMichan and Mel McLaren.
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, Emily Short, Sheena Dickson and David Ilgunas.
On drums – Lisa Coupland, Tom Hope, James Dickson, Ally MacIntyre, Andrew Barrie and George Shiels.
On fiddle – Tom Gold, Ashley Short, Innes Kennedy and Hannah Dickson and David Corner played his concertina.
Thanks to all the players for coming along and taking part.
At the end of the April Club meeting regular members of the audience expressed a desire to contribute towards a gift to mark the retiral of President John Anderson and the outgoing Committee. On Sunday night, Charlie Todd, on behalf of the Biggar A&F Club presented gifts purchased with the money collected to Joy Anderson, Ray Hope, Tom Hope and Gilbert Logan. A poignant moment for many reasons. A heartfelt thanks go to all those who contributed.
Year 29 No 06 February 2006
On Sunday 8th January the New Year began with the Gemma Coupland Band as the guests for the evening and what an outstanding performance they put on. Gemma, only 14 years of age, played lead accordion, supported by the talents of Claire Logan on second accordion, Robert Menzies on fiddle, Lisa Coupland on drums and, completing the line-up Scott Nichol on keyboard. Together the band produced a strong and excellent sound with each player shining through and contributing their part so well to the overall balance. The attentive audience was treated to a fine selection of sets, all put together by Gemma. Well done to this fine young band who got the dancers on the floor and have made a lasting impression.
The visiting players who took part included :-
On accordion – Matt Ferguson, Charlie Todd, Andrew Gibb, Adam Gibb, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Emma Dickson, Calum Muir, Tom Orr and Angelo Pontone.
On fiddle – Hannah Dickson and Tom Gold.
On drums – James Dickson, Tom Hope and Charlie Todd.
On keyboard – Sheena Dickson, Keith Dickson, Jim Nichol and David Ilgunas.
On concertina – David Corner. Many thanks to everyone for playing.
Year 29 No 07 March 2006
Biggar A&F Club Chairman Blair Gardiner was delighted to welcome a ‘Full House’ to the Municipal Hall on Sunday 12th February to hear local concertina maestro Simon Thoumire as well as being treated to some splendid playing by a host of local players.
On accordion we had Roy Anderson, Gemma Coupland, Alan Gardiner, Blair Gardiner, Adam Gibb (8), Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Gavin Jackson, Hannah Jamieson, David Kennedy, Ben McGill, Erin McGinley, Duncan Muir, Scott Nichol, Claire Noble, Robbie Paterson, Adele Queen, Sandy Scott (3-row), Allan Smith, Katie Todd (6) and Steven Todd.
On keyboard were Mike Anderson, Ross Anderson, Keith Dickson, David Ilgunas, Stevie Todd and George Walker.
On drums (and percussion) were Ross Anderson, Andrew Barrie, Lisa Coupland and Tom Hope.
On fiddle we had David Corner, Tom Gold, Robert Menzies and Fiona MacKay.
Our thanks to them all for their marvelous performances. No doubt we’ll be hearing a few of those selections at Musselburgh in a few weeks’ time!
It’s always a pleasure to have a local musician as guest artiste and when that happens to be someone who displays the musicianship of Simon Thoumire then so much the better. Edinburgh-born Simon, who undoubtedly takes the playing of the humble concertina to new heights, has lived for a few years now just along the road in Lamington, and to compliment his skills he brought along his good friend David Milligan, virtuoso jazz pianist and MD of ‘The Usual Suspects’.
Together they make a formidable team, tackling everything from Sir Jimmy Shand’s Welcome Christmas Morning to contemporary works by a Russian composer residing in Norway.
Simon, who is probably better known for his work promoting the ‘Hnads Up for Trad’ Scots Music Awards and BBC Young Trad Musician competition, was joined on stage for one set by Claire McLaughlin, a most excellent fiddler.
Many thanks to all three for a most captivating performance.