Happy 21st Dalriada
by John Holt
In front of a packed audience in The Argyll Hotel, the Dalriada Club night on February 19th was a Birthday Party – celebrating 21 years since the inaugural night in 1981.Many present had been there on that first night, and it was fitting that the birthday cake, made by Jenny Campbell, was officially cut by Iona Gillies, whose husband Iain was the Club’s first Chairman. It was a night of nostalgia, and messages of goodwill were read out from BBC Scotland’s Robbie Shepherd and from former Club Chairman, Fraser McGlynn. In addition, a list of over 190 Dalriada Club nights was circulated, detailing more than 140 visiting bands, groups and solo players.
Since his appearance on the very first Club night on February 24th, 1981, a frequent visitor to Mid Argyll has been Bill Black from Stanley, and it was fitting that it was Bill and his SDB who celebrated the 21st Anniversary of the Club as guest artistes. Joining Bill on the rostrum were Mabel Gray (keyboard), Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Robert MacFadyen (drums) and Iain Anderson (second accordion) and they were all on the top of their form. Both generous halves of the programme were highly enjoyable, with many Band highlights, and solos from Mabel, Gordon and Iain. We must also make mention of a lively set of reels on fiddle from Bill himself – temporarily setting his trusty Shand Morino to one side.
Then just before the interval, after the cake had been piped in, Bill Black’s latest composition was given its first public performance – a 2/4 march entitled ‘Dalriada Accordion and Fiddle Club’s 21st Anniversary’ – many thanks for this fine tune Bill, which is sure to be heard many times in the future.
The band themselves had earlier been entranced by four fine sets contributed by a large contingent from the Mid Argyll Pipe Band, who joined in the celebration and received a great welcome from the crowded hall.
There were many other contributors to the night’s musical content – former Club chairmen, Johnny Fisher (3-row) and Donald MacDonald (drums) were joined by Secretary John Holt (piano) for some lively reels and hornpipes. David Hunt and Grant MacDougall were on top form, with Grant also providing rhythm for Sandy MAcDonaldon lively 2-row button-box. Again on button-box (3-row) a most welcome appearance by Alec Mackinnon from Carradale, with Alec MacAllister on piano, and Gerry Boxall on drums. The same pairing were the backing for fiddle maestro Archie MacAllister, who thrilled the audience with his exciting session playing. Sincere thanks to all the above mentioned.
Thanks also to the loyal Club supporters, who turned out in force for this rather special evening. Compere, Bruce Robertson, held the programme together in masterly fashion, and the Club Committee organised a splendid raffle and the cutting of the cake for all to enjoy. Celebrations will continue next month when Iain MacPhail is coming to the Argyll for our Dalriada Club Night.
The sum of £70 was collected on the night and sent to The Jimmy Shand Memorial Statue Fund.
Box and Fiddle
April 2002
Since his appearance on the very first Club night on February 24th, 1981, a frequent visitor to Mid Argyll has been Bill Black from Stanley, and it was fitting that it was Bill and his SDB who celebrated the 21st Anniversary of the Club as guest artistes. Joining Bill on the rostrum were Mabel Gray (keyboard), Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Robert MacFadyen (drums) and Iain Anderson (second accordion) and they were all on the top of their form. Both generous halves of the programme were highly enjoyable, with many Band highlights, and solos from Mabel, Gordon and Iain. We must also make mention of a lively set of reels on fiddle from Bill himself – temporarily setting his trusty Shand Morino to one side.
Then just before the interval, after the cake had been piped in, Bill Black’s latest composition was given its first public performance – a 2/4 march entitled ‘Dalriada Accordion and Fiddle Club’s 21st Anniversary’ – many thanks for this fine tune Bill, which is sure to be heard many times in the future.
The band themselves had earlier been entranced by four fine sets contributed by a large contingent from the Mid Argyll Pipe Band, who joined in the celebration and received a great welcome from the crowded hall.
There were many other contributors to the night’s musical content – former Club chairmen, Johnny Fisher (3-row) and Donald MacDonald (drums) were joined by Secretary John Holt (piano) for some lively reels and hornpipes. David Hunt and Grant MacDougall were on top form, with Grant also providing rhythm for Sandy MAcDonaldon lively 2-row button-box. Again on button-box (3-row) a most welcome appearance by Alec Mackinnon from Carradale, with Alec MacAllister on piano, and Gerry Boxall on drums. The same pairing were the backing for fiddle maestro Archie MacAllister, who thrilled the audience with his exciting session playing. Sincere thanks to all the above mentioned.
Thanks also to the loyal Club supporters, who turned out in force for this rather special evening. Compere, Bruce Robertson, held the programme together in masterly fashion, and the Club Committee organised a splendid raffle and the cutting of the cake for all to enjoy. Celebrations will continue next month when Iain MacPhail is coming to the Argyll for our Dalriada Club Night.
The sum of £70 was collected on the night and sent to The Jimmy Shand Memorial Statue Fund.
Box and Fiddle
April 2002