Box and Fiddle
Year 11 No 08
April 1988
Price 40p
12 pages
8 month subscription £4.60
Joint Editors – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP or Douglas Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
End of Season
The time seems to go by at a frightening speed these days and suddenly we realise this is the last issue of the season. Because there won’t be another issue till September, I have tried to include as much material as possible but, unfortunately, a few things had to be left out. Inevitably, some reports were still arriving after the deadline – please do try to ensure that items arrive by the 15th of the month. We always try to carry forward late items to the next issue but by September any such items with me now will be pretty well out of date.
Musselburgh
As is now normal, this April issue carries Norrie Williams’ report on the Festival. The Festival is now firmly established as one of the highlights of the season, thanks mainly to the tireless efforts of Norman and Sheila, and this year they have done it again.
Final Plea
Once again our Treasurer, Cathy Andrews, asked me to seek co-operation from Club Secretaries / Treasurers in paying their bills promptly. Sorry to be repeating myself, but this is so important in helping us to avoid cashflow problems. Now that we are at the end of the season, the matter is even more urgent.
Those of us involved in producing the paper are looking forward to a few months’ rest. We hope you all enjoy the summer break and are all refreshed ready for another season in September.
Tom Clark
Musselburgh ’88 – Glendarroch Success – Is it the Hoodies?
by Norrie Williams
Luss on Loch Lomondside has more than one string to its bow. Initially best known for its picture postcard image, it then fairly shot into prominence as S.T.V.’s ‘Glendarroch’, and the area has now produced several sons who are heading for the front rank of Scottish traditional accordionists with a particular leaning towards the ‘West Coast’ style.
Why so? Personally I think the hooded crow is responsible. Just consider for a moment, the transition from the common carrion to the hoodie takes place part way up the loch just around Luss and west of a line from this point to Inverness the hoodie holds total sway, and it is, of course, this territory which nurtures the majority of West coast players. And, I suppose, it helps that this member of the crow family can ‘kraa kraa’ in G natural with grace notes! Any better.
Anyhow, whatever the reason, two box players from Glendarroch certainly took ‘the High Road’ at Musselburgh on Saturday, 5th March, lifting 1st and 2nd places, plus the Rhythm Section award in the Band Class and the Jimmy Blue Trophy for the best Trio, all with truly first class performances.
I realise I ought to be completely unbiased but I have a very soft spot for the group classes and whatever else has to be missed, I make great efforts to be around for these, albeit for very short spells. For 3 hours, starting at 2.30pm, the Main Hall of the Brunton produced an absolute feast of music from eleven Trios, four Fiddle Groups and eight Bands. The ingenuity and standard achieved by all was of the highest order and I literally had a lump in my throat when listening to one or two of the Trios. For me a well balanced fiddle, accordion and piano threesome is the ultimate in purity of sound with the ability to instantly attain levels of light and shade and expression which are less accessible to larger groups.
The recording of the winning Alasdair MacPhail Trio on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ said it all.
At Musselburgh everyone and everything tends to come together for the group classes, as witness the audience which remained around the 500 mark for the whole afternooin despite the heat in the hall. Any folk that did go out for a breather were instantly replaced by fresh reinforcements.
The Open fiddle Group Section introduced this year showed great promise for the future and although there were only four entries no less than 27 players were involved, the all round standard was high, and the pure string sound most refreshing. The contrasting styles were intriguing and in one ensemble the ages of the players ranged form the lower teens to senior citizen level.
Whilst on the subject of groups we have in the past had representations from members of Trio and Bands regarding the standard of piano supplied. Because of the limited load bearing capacity of the stage these have always been uprights, but with advancing years they have graduated to ‘honky-tonk’ status.
So on this occasion we had the use of the Brunton Hall’s ‘piece de resistance’, a Steinway concert grand, which was tuned up on the eve of the Festival. A magnificent machine, it even had an ornate ‘gold’ key for the lid, probably worth as much as one of the old uprights. It really did enhance the sound of the groups and was obviously enjoyed by the individual pianists.
The only problem was that as it had to sit on the floor, a number of the Trio and Band personnel opted to go likewise (on chairs, of course)instead of on the dual level stage provided, with the result that for many of the audience it was a case of heard but not seen. However, as yet, no complaints.
The second of the new classes, i.e. for British Chromatic button key accordions, also had a disappointingly small entry of only three players, but my goodness the quality was there. Perhaps it was the unknown that kept the numbers down, because there were several button key players in the sizeable audience in the theatre, but minus instruments. Possibly they were weighing up the opposition, the standard and the choice of tunes etc. Hopefully the two new classes, which clearly have audience appeal, will grow steadily – my gut feeling is they are poised ready to go.
The standard in all the established solo classes was well up to expectation, in fact one can confidently say that musically this year’s event must rate very highly. The classical adjudicator, Mr Cyril Pasby, was unstinting in his praise of the standard of playing north of the border, but he also sounded a timely warning regarding copyright. We will all have to take this more seriously in the future and suitable notes for guidance with next year’s Festival blurb.
On the traditional scene, both fiddle and accordion judges reported a high standard throughout, and the four intrepid finalists in the Senior Traditional Accordion class certainly justified their selection for play-off. It was almost a pity that one has to win. Our warmest thanks to these lads who went through their double ordeal for our enjoyment – all came through with flying colours. What an advertisement for the current standard of our young players.
And thanks, too, to all the adjudicators for their efforts – I saw quite a number of the adjudicators sheets from the pens of the various ‘authors’ and was pleased with the constructive notes thereon. Gone are the days of the bald ‘Good march, good change, good strathspey’ etc, etc. The comments are now much fuller, courteous and helpful. Well done the panel, one and all.
With regard to the solo fiddle classes. The feedback on the two accompanists, Mrs Joan Blue and Miss Morag McAskill, has been most complimentary. Both have certainly got what it takes.
The ordeal of the finalists was mentioned earlier. This becomes more intense at the concert when the chips are down and the B.B.C. microphones are pointing menacingly at the grilles from which those crucial notes (or slips) will come. Mind you the venerable ‘TTF’ team, under Producer Ken Mutch, did everything in their power, as always, to minimize the strain on the players. I can only repeat what I have said on previous occasions – one just cannot adequately praise the unobtrusive but effective way in which all members of the team go about their respective tasks. Robbie Shepherd’s roving interviews during the afternoon, as he would say himself ‘nae bother’ – looks so easy and never in anyone’s way. And the setting-up by the technicians for the recordings at the concert, all done in the half hour following the Band competition, is a model of organisation and courtesy. Likewise their operations during the concert itself, in positioning the ‘mikes’ for each individual player without terrifying the daylights out of them, and not a second wasted. No hassle for performers of M.C. And Fiona in the wings quietly making meaningful jottings out of utter chaos. One word sums it up – Professionals.
And they come up with the goods. At the time of writing only the first of the two programmes on the Festival has been aired on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ but we were more than happy with it – good informed comment and well chosen excerpts from the concert.
While on this tack, the N.A.A.F.C. is greatly indebted to the undernoted Radio stations for their excellent pre-Festival coverage, they really did allocate a sizeable chunk of air-time to our cause. In alphabetical order ; B.B.C. Radio Scotland (Robbie Shepherd), Radio Forth (Robin Brock), Radio Moray (Andy Ross), Radio Tay (Billy Anderson), Radio West Sound (John Carmichael). Warmest thanks to all.
And now to all those other folk without whose presence and help the event would just not have taken place. Competitors aside for the moment, we had stewards, runners, door minders, announcers, adjudicators, secretaries, reception and registration clerks, the majority of these being from member Clubs of the Association. Their unselfish and uncomplaining dedication was just as we have come to expect of them. Often long stints without relief, but not a single moan – a great team altogether and they deserve individual mention :
Aberdeen – Mr Bert Jessiman
Airdrie – Mr Ian Forrest
Beith – Miss Cathy Andrew, Mr Willie Wilson
Blairgowrie – Miss Joyce Reid
Dingwall – Mrs Nancy & Mr John McKenzie senior citizens who travel south every year on the Friday and sleep overnight in a caravan.
Dundee – Mr Tom Clark, Neil and Maureen Copland, Mr Ken Scott
Dunfermline – Mr Joe Greer
East Kilbride – Mr Hugh Gebbie, Mr Iain Henderson, Mrs Lynne & Mr Fraser Williams
Edinburgh – Miss Anne Rutherford
Fintry – Mr Frank Farquharson
Galston – Mr David Ross
Glasgow – Mrs Annie Dixon, Miss Hope Logue
Kingskettle – Mr Jim Dewar
Lesmahagow – Mr Charlie Todd, Mr & Mrs Willie Wilson
Lochgelly – Miss Karen and Mr Bob Scott
M.A.F.I.A. – Miss Morag McAskill
Newtongrange – Mr David Corner, Mr Bill Humble, Mr Gilbert Lang, Mrs Margaret and Mr George Smith
Perth – Mr Jim Balneaves. Mr Bill Black, Miss Joan Blue, Mrs Leila Powrie
Renfrew – Mr Ian Murchison, Mr Angus
Slough – Mr Cyril Pasby
Forthorwald – Misses Cathie and Christine Hunter.
And then there were those who looked after our creature comforts and satisfied the inner man – the caretakers and the other members of the Brunton Halls staff, the caretaker of the nearly church hall (immaculate and warm), the caterers from Edinburgh, Mr Lamb and his staff (excellent food and drink available from mid morning until late evening).
A number of interesting trade stands – two from the deep south – added just the right touch in the entrance foyer ; W.E.M (London), Mr Ronaldo Capaldi (Cheltenham), Ralston Accordions (Motherwell), Music Corner (Falkirk) and D.S.M. (Inverness).
And now back to the Festival programme. One hour after the finish of the competition the Winners’ Concert got cracking, to a full house, under the expert guidance of compere and NAAFC Secretary Andrew Nairn of Culross, who stood in at short notice, as on one or two previous occasions. Alex Little M.C. of Dumfries, who traditionally performs the task, was unable to oblige as his wife Agnes had just been admitted to an Edinburgh hospital. We wish her a full recovery and hope that both of them will return in good health in the near future.
Andrew Nairn is, of course, a very experienced compere with a couthie humour. He needed to be to make everything out front look orderly and rehearsed. You should have seen what he was landed with in the wings! But he sorted it all out to the manor born. Another member of the Association Committee who had a hectic day was Chairman Jimmy Blue – he had almost literally to go to pieces to carry out his multifarious duties, some being in different places at the same time – announcer, adjudicator, you name it. He was dropped in at the deep end on several occasions to make wee impromptu speeches, presentations and so on. And, of course, he is our champion raffle ticket salesman. But nothing was too much trouble and he enjoyed it.
And talking of the raffle, thanks to the following Clubs for their donations of prizes : Beith, East Kilbride, Fintry, MAFIA, Newtongrange and Perth. The star prize, a meal for two with all the trimmings, was given by Perth Station Hotel.
As soon as the concert had finished there was the earsplitting racket of tubular chairs clattering together as an army of helpers cleared the hall in record time and through all this melee big Bill black, who had worked like a Trojan all day, led his troops on to the stage and started playing, despite the turmoil around. And that band played its heart out, virtually non-stop until midnight with a repertoire of great tunes, many quite fresh to my ears. It now fields two fiddlers in the front line, both of whom, if he will forgive me, are slightly prettier than Bill (just a wee bit, mind you). They are, of course, Judith Davidson and Angie Smith, and their co-ordinated bowing was a pleasure to watch, and they added depth to the sound of the Band, especially as they came up onto the final notes of each measure. How that band swung, a great finish to the day.
And finally, right to the heart of the matter, the competitors. They cannot know the pleasure that the Festival Secretary gets when their entry forms, albeit a bit late at times, begin to trickle through the letter box. As other Festival organizers will know only too well, one is gripped with a chilling anxiety, almost fear, as the closing date approaches and there are only 5 or 6 entries! And then comes the sheer relief and joy when the forms finally flood in with all the ‘weel kent’ names and some new ones. You’ve won a watch, you’re back among friends, you feel at one with them. You can sense their feeling of anticipation, tinged with trepidation and excitement, and you know the efforts they will make to do well on the day. Their support is heartwarming. A very big thank you to all who competed and to their families and teachers for their encouragement and support. May I be permitted to single out one player, Neil Lowry, who comes to Musselburgh and Perth, year after year without fail, from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. We salute his dedication. Competitors like this don’t grow on trees.
To all competitors – you are the cream on the coffee. See you next year.
Footnote – My own personal thanks go to all the hard-working members of the Festival Committee for their support during the year, as before – Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson and the Secretary, my wife Sheila.
Results :
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Ross Lothian (St Boswells)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
3) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels) & Caroline Thompson (Kelso)
3) Elizabeth McLaren & Elizabeth Flanagan(Galashiels)
Trio
1) Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Neil McEachern (Luss)
Own composition
1) George Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
3) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Leila Khenissi (Kelso)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Open Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
3) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Lindsay & Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Judith Baird & Jennifer Meek (Crawford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Stuart Law & Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Youngest Competitor (Accordion)
Gordon Middler (Aberdeen) 21.01.79)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Eilidh Shaw (Taynault)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Elizabeth McLaren (Kirkcaldy)
3) Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Marie Feilding (Lasswade)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Judith Linton (Duns)
Fiddle Group
Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Chrissie Leatham – An Appreciation
by Iain MacPhail
I once enquired of Chrissie Leatham when she envisaged retirement from teaching music. “Retire?” she exclaimed. “Never! What would I do with out my bairns?! This wonderful philosophy was prevalent throughout Chrissie’s life and she never lost her love of teaching, her life’s passion, to pupils of all ages although the younger players always held a special place in her affections. Her unique ability to develop a love of music in everyone, young or old, talented or otherwise, endeared her at all who became associated with her and she never had to motivate or exhort students to practice in view of the respect in which she was held. The youngsters looked forward to their lessons as Chrissie shared their world with them ; it being normal practice to discuss football, snooker, television, politics or whatever before the door to the wonderful world of music was unlocked.
Early Years
Chrissie was born in Musselburgh in the early years of the century. Her father was melodeon player Peter Leatham, of considerable dance band fame, and she lived in an environment of music. She was the oldest of three children, having a sister Margaret, and a brother Wullie, who played the 5-row accordion and later played in and arranged music for the late Peter Innes Dance Band from Tranent. Her step-mother always had many chores and tasks for the young girl and her burgeoning interest in music was stifled and involvement difficult. Initially, she was not encouraged to participate or practice, but, nevertheless, always found opportunities to do so and, as the sessions became more frequent, it became obvious to the family that music was her life and passion. Her father was completely unaware that his daughter had listened, digested and analysed piano techniques by listening at the door during his band rehearsals. When she was 15, domestic matters became difficult and she left home to work in Brunton’s Wire Mills in Musselburgh. Her independence afforded her the opportunity to indulge her craving for music and she quickly acquired a job as a pianist with a local band and proceeded to go from strength to strength eventually giving up her employment to become a full-time musician.
She was a very small person and it was often necessary to place books under the piano stool to raise it in order that she could reach the keyboard! She played in cinemas accompanying silent films (called ‘close fitting’) and took on some weird and wonderful jobs loving every minute of it. She had always been drawn to the accordion as an instrument, however, and, in fact, had played the instrument intermittently from the age of about 15, becoming very accomplished in a short time and, inevitably, it became her instrument. She joined Larry Macari’s Showband and traveled the theatres of the land. She married but continued her stage career and started teaching in 1932 with Gordon Simpson’s Music Shop, in Edinburgh, with which business she continued to be associated until her death. It was one of her accordion designs which proved popular and cemented the relationship to mutual satisfaction.
Life in the 1930’s and 1940’s was tough, however, and Chrissie’s tremendous fighting spirit and determination came to the fore. She was a perennial optimist and had to fight for everything she achieved. She became Scottish Senior Accordion Champion in 1934 ; made several records and had a large following, and her appearances were good business. On one occasion, during the war, the Greenock Theatre in which she was appearing, was bombed and badly damaged during a performance. Her indomitable spirit carried her through the hard times, however, and when she and her baby son were left to fend for themselves this she did despite having to travel extensively to find work.
Teaching
Teaching began to play an increasingly important part in her life and, as the years progressed and she was beset by increasing health problems, she relied more upon this as a means of living and keeping apace with trends. One of Chrissie’s abilities was to keep up-to-date with musical tastes and changes and she exploited her talent for arranging to the full and this provided a freshness which never dulled. Her bubbly personality, warmth, distinctive style and encouragement to others ensured a large clientele for her unique services. She abhorred blanked tuition – geared at producing technical clones to the exclusion of style – much preferring to tease the talents from each individual in a careful, sympathetic manner. She received great help from her family. Niece Christine (daughter of Wullie) and her friend, Joyce Crombie, aided Chrissie by helping to teach younger pupils in the studio and, in fact, Christine taught for some 15 years and provided much support to her aunt whom she regarded with great affection, and above all else, as a best friend. In years gone by, a highlight to some was the weekly get-together on Sunday evenings at the studio when, after lessons, an informal session would ensue with Chrissie conducting at the piano leading off with ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ and each player taking it in turn to play lead with everyone else joining in. These sessions were good for ear-playing and chord appreciation and often lasted well into the night.
In 1963, as a result of having a large number of pupils, Chrissie, with the help of some older pupils, decided to run an Accordion Club to provide an outlet for members, young and old, to gain experience of playing to an audience. Bill Hamilton helped to organize and set up the Club sessions, competitions, hall bookings, catering and diverse other chores, and recalls that Chrissie regarded these nights as special, and her enthusiasm pervaded the entire company.
One of the proudest effectuations of her life was the emergence of her son Owen, as a gifted musician of classical music and exponent of the free-bass accordion in Great Britain. Her intense desire to have the accordion recognised as a serious musical instrument and her selfless encouragement and support (both moral and financial) provided the drive and determination for him to succeed in his studies in Denmark and to his post at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Owen now intends to continue his classes in Edinburgh while commuting to London on a regular basis. He remembers his mother as the most gifted, natural musician he had ever met.
Her wonderful optimism about life and people, her unselfish attitude and lack of complaints (even towards the end when her health deteriorated) endeared her to all. Three generations of pupils, including my own son, were among the large attendance at her recent funeral and this was testament enough to the affection and regard felt by those who were privileged to know Chrissie Leatham.
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club - Arthur Brown
by Murdo McLeod
For our final Club personality it is fitting that we should feature someone who has been with the Club from the very beginning.
Arthure Brown, supporter, committee member, and now the respected Secretary of the Club, has done more than most to sustain Livingston A&F Club and to establish it as one of the names to conjure with on the Club circuit. Arthur it was who, with one or two other devotees, got together in a little hall in Ladywell, Livingston, and started a practice group which was eventually to become Livingston A&F Club in 1973. In those early days when players were not exactly as thick on the ground as they, happily, are nowadays, it was indeed fortunate that not only did we have Arthur and his accordion but a smashing pianist by way of his lovely daughter, Jackie. We cannot recollect a meeting since September, 1973, when Arthur has not been in attendance – shifting chairs, chivvying, and generally boosting morale. By the time you read this, this amounts to either 134 or 135 meetings. Not a bad record.
Arthur’s interest in our kind of music commenced on hearing William Hannah and melodeon music on radio. This led to an early acquisition of a 12 bass accordion for Christmas when he was about 11 years old. Living in a country area where teachers were not exactly round every corner, Arthur plodded on, on his own. No doubt hearing his idol Bobby MacLeod playing at Peebles some time after the war, Arthur was definitely hooked on Scottish dance music. After this he started playing with his boyhood friend, Jim Anderson (father of well known pianist Adam), cycling, box on back, to each other’s houses in turn to practice sessions.
Arthur relates a rather amusing incident which took place one winter’s night on one such visitation. During the snowstorm which was raging, the dynamo got clogged with snow so this, inconveniently, had to be disengaged for the rest of the journey – which now had to be done in, as they say ‘white out conditions’ on a pitch black night! Then it happened! Arthur ran into the only other cyclist in Peeblesshire on that night, who was sitting disconsolately in the middle of a snow drift. To his dismay, Arthur discovered this to be the local bobby who said “Do you have a dynamo?” “Yes”, came the nervous answer, “did you just switch it off and go without lights?” “Yes”, came an increasingly worried reply. “Ah weel I did exactly the same thing so we’ll just keep quiet aboot it!”
By this time Arthur had started playing at local dances – two accordion and a drummer. In those early days most of the village halls had no electricity – just the Tilly lamps – fond memories for some. As the night got noisier you simply had to play louder in order to be heard. Those were the days. This led to dances all over the Borders and Lanarkshire, so by the time Arthur reached the stage of doing his National Service in 1951 he was an experienced band leader. After National Service and marriage to Jenny, Arthur moved to Edinburgh in 1956 where he has settled, happily for us.
As mentioned earlier, it was only on joining a small practice session group in Livingston, including Tom Hay, Alick Grant, Murdo McLeod, the late Alick Ross and anyone else who happened to come by, that Alex really got playing again. Joined now by a young budding pianist called Jackie – one of his two daughters, the other being Carol, he started playing at functions, as he says, “just for fun!” As well as Jackie, he had nephew Bill Weir on drums and John Morrison on fiddle.
Jackie got married 5 years ago and, sadly for us, now stays in Newcastle with husband Mark and 8 month old baby Rhona. John Morrison retired from B.T. and now stays in Orkney. Arthur says, with that chuckle of his, “Maybe they were trying to tell me something!” No, we don’t think so Arthur, we really do appreciate you too much to let you retire.
In a note about Arthur, we cannot but mention, with grateful thanks, the devoted service given by Jackie when she was a student at College in Edinburgh. Her ready smile and absence of pretence made her a great favourite at our Club and we feel sure that many of our adherents will be happy to see her name mentioned in these columns. Happy and peaceful sojourn to you Jackie down there among the Sasunachs!
And furthermore, the report about Arthur’s services to the Club would be incomplete without mention of wife Jenny. You will all be familiar with the purveyor of those essential raffle tickets who, without fails, gets you every Club night. Like Arthur, Jenny has given long and unstinted service to us.
This then is the longer than normal feature on one of those members who in some way or other helps to make Livingston Club what it is.
In 1988, the fifteenth year of our Club, it is fitting that our final report for the current session should be about our respected Secretary, Arthur Brown.
Slainte Mhath!
Mr Gerry Kealey
Obituary
The officers, committee and members of the Premier A&F Club were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of their founder member Gerry Kealey.
Apart from being an excellent box player, Gerry had a fantastic personality and the ability to turn his hand to anything that needed doing on the night.
In 1980 Gerry had been to Scotland and visited a few Clubs. He enjoyed it so much that on his return he contacted John Rooney (our present Chairman) and suggested setting up a Club in Northern Ireland. It was from these beginnings that the Premier A&F Club was formed and Gerry had been an active member ever since.
The Premier A&F Club, and the music world at large, will miss Gerry. The sadness of his passing will linger for a very long time.
Mr Kealey is survived by his wife Eileen, sons Paul and Dermot, daughter Donna-Marie, and his sister Kathleen. To them we would extend our deepest sympathy.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – During a recent telephone conversation with a well-known and extremely talented Scottish accordionist who, for the purpose of this letter, shall remain nameless, we found that we agreed wholeheartedly on one particular point, namely, the general lack of variety at most Accordion and Fiddle Clubs.
I grew up in the Scottish tradition, my father being a fiddler and staunch disciple of Niel Gow and Scott Skinner, also a cousin who was a member of the local pipe band, and a very good performer on his wee International melodeon.
I do not expect to hear Bach’s Tocatta and Fugie in D Minor or things such as that – they would probably be left to the Tollefsens, Belgrievs, Ellegards or Niths of this world, but there are host of composers of accordion music, people such as the late Pietro Deiro, Frosini, Adrian Dante and, of course, the musettes of the legendary Emile Vacher, whom I’m sure many young players have never heard of.
I go my first accordion nearly 60 years ago, and had heard records of Vacher even before that which made me realise at a very early age that there was much more to the instrument than 6/8, 4/4, 2/4 and pipe marches and after hearing Louis Cabrelli and the Tollafsen himself over half a century ago, the true potential of the instrument was brought home to me.
I am afraid, therefore, I find it becomes somewhat monotonous to listen to player after player, no matter how proficient, churn out the same music for three or four hours, which is the norm at most Club venues.
Except for one or two artistes such as the Currie Brothers, Ian Holmes, Paddy Neary or Malcolm McLean, there seems to be a reluctance amongst artistes to diversify. This I find a great pity because I have noticed that, on the whole, Club audiences can be most appreciative of variety, and, after all, the instrument is equally at home with Bach or boogie, which leaves vast scope in between.
John Mackie
Meggetknowes
Yarrow
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only 13th Apr 88 Karen Higgins SDB
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 3rd Apr 88 Colin Dewar SDB
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 17th Apr 88 Colin Dewar SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 18th Apr 88 Jimmy Cassidy
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Apr 88 Michael Philip SDB
10th May 88 Oakbank Sound
14th June 88 Simon Howie SDB
12th July 88 Craigown SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) 5th May 88 Alastair Fraser & Paul Machlis
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Apr 88 George Stirrat SDB
17th May 88 Billy Anderson & Albany
Dundee (The Marquee) – 7th Apr 88 Craig McCallum SDB
5th May 88 Colin Finlayson SDB
2nd June 88 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25th Apr 88 Iain MacPhail SDB
23rd May 88 Jacqueline Dick SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Apr 88 Cults club
11th May 88 Sandy Nixon SDB
Fort William (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 11th Apr 88 Alex MacArthur Quartet
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Apr 88 Judith Davidson
16th May 88 Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 5th Apr 88 Ian Muir SDB
6th May 88 Dance to Bill Black
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 27th Apr 88 Bill Black SDB
25th May 88 Simon Howie SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Apr 88 Bill Black SDB
12th May 88 Jennifer Forrest SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 19th Apr 88 Crieff Club
17th May 88 Jim MacLeod SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 19th Apr 88 Dochie McCallum Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) – 18th Apr 88 Stuart McKeown SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) – 20th Apr 88 Currie Brothers
18th May 88 Grand Charity Ceilidh
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 5th Apr 88 James Alexander & Scots Fiddle Group
3rd May 88 Cults Club
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 21st Apr 88 Currie Brothers
Peebles (Countryside Inn) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 19th Apr 88 Fiddlers Forte, Willie McGuire & Lorna Sheen
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 12th Apr 88 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Apr 88 Neil Copland
5th May 88 Lynn Gould & Friends
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 12th Apr 88 Deirdre Adamson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Belford
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button Key
11. Callander
12. Castle Douglas
13. Crieff
14. Dingwall & District
15. Dunblane & District
16. Dunoon & Cowal
17. Forres
18. Galston
19. Glendale
20. Highland
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kinlochshiel
24. Livingston
25. M.A.F.I.A.
26. Mauchline
27. Montrose
28. Newtongrange
29. North Cumbria
30. North East
31. Perth
32. Rothbury
33. Shetland
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1987 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Buchan A&F Club
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Callander A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
16. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
64. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
70. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
71. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
72. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
73. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
74. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
75. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
76. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
77. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
78. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
79. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
80. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
81. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
82. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
83. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
84. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
85. Newcastleton Accordion Club
86. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
87. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
88. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
89. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
90. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
End of Season
The time seems to go by at a frightening speed these days and suddenly we realise this is the last issue of the season. Because there won’t be another issue till September, I have tried to include as much material as possible but, unfortunately, a few things had to be left out. Inevitably, some reports were still arriving after the deadline – please do try to ensure that items arrive by the 15th of the month. We always try to carry forward late items to the next issue but by September any such items with me now will be pretty well out of date.
Musselburgh
As is now normal, this April issue carries Norrie Williams’ report on the Festival. The Festival is now firmly established as one of the highlights of the season, thanks mainly to the tireless efforts of Norman and Sheila, and this year they have done it again.
Final Plea
Once again our Treasurer, Cathy Andrews, asked me to seek co-operation from Club Secretaries / Treasurers in paying their bills promptly. Sorry to be repeating myself, but this is so important in helping us to avoid cashflow problems. Now that we are at the end of the season, the matter is even more urgent.
Those of us involved in producing the paper are looking forward to a few months’ rest. We hope you all enjoy the summer break and are all refreshed ready for another season in September.
Tom Clark
Musselburgh ’88 – Glendarroch Success – Is it the Hoodies?
by Norrie Williams
Luss on Loch Lomondside has more than one string to its bow. Initially best known for its picture postcard image, it then fairly shot into prominence as S.T.V.’s ‘Glendarroch’, and the area has now produced several sons who are heading for the front rank of Scottish traditional accordionists with a particular leaning towards the ‘West Coast’ style.
Why so? Personally I think the hooded crow is responsible. Just consider for a moment, the transition from the common carrion to the hoodie takes place part way up the loch just around Luss and west of a line from this point to Inverness the hoodie holds total sway, and it is, of course, this territory which nurtures the majority of West coast players. And, I suppose, it helps that this member of the crow family can ‘kraa kraa’ in G natural with grace notes! Any better.
Anyhow, whatever the reason, two box players from Glendarroch certainly took ‘the High Road’ at Musselburgh on Saturday, 5th March, lifting 1st and 2nd places, plus the Rhythm Section award in the Band Class and the Jimmy Blue Trophy for the best Trio, all with truly first class performances.
I realise I ought to be completely unbiased but I have a very soft spot for the group classes and whatever else has to be missed, I make great efforts to be around for these, albeit for very short spells. For 3 hours, starting at 2.30pm, the Main Hall of the Brunton produced an absolute feast of music from eleven Trios, four Fiddle Groups and eight Bands. The ingenuity and standard achieved by all was of the highest order and I literally had a lump in my throat when listening to one or two of the Trios. For me a well balanced fiddle, accordion and piano threesome is the ultimate in purity of sound with the ability to instantly attain levels of light and shade and expression which are less accessible to larger groups.
The recording of the winning Alasdair MacPhail Trio on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ said it all.
At Musselburgh everyone and everything tends to come together for the group classes, as witness the audience which remained around the 500 mark for the whole afternooin despite the heat in the hall. Any folk that did go out for a breather were instantly replaced by fresh reinforcements.
The Open fiddle Group Section introduced this year showed great promise for the future and although there were only four entries no less than 27 players were involved, the all round standard was high, and the pure string sound most refreshing. The contrasting styles were intriguing and in one ensemble the ages of the players ranged form the lower teens to senior citizen level.
Whilst on the subject of groups we have in the past had representations from members of Trio and Bands regarding the standard of piano supplied. Because of the limited load bearing capacity of the stage these have always been uprights, but with advancing years they have graduated to ‘honky-tonk’ status.
So on this occasion we had the use of the Brunton Hall’s ‘piece de resistance’, a Steinway concert grand, which was tuned up on the eve of the Festival. A magnificent machine, it even had an ornate ‘gold’ key for the lid, probably worth as much as one of the old uprights. It really did enhance the sound of the groups and was obviously enjoyed by the individual pianists.
The only problem was that as it had to sit on the floor, a number of the Trio and Band personnel opted to go likewise (on chairs, of course)instead of on the dual level stage provided, with the result that for many of the audience it was a case of heard but not seen. However, as yet, no complaints.
The second of the new classes, i.e. for British Chromatic button key accordions, also had a disappointingly small entry of only three players, but my goodness the quality was there. Perhaps it was the unknown that kept the numbers down, because there were several button key players in the sizeable audience in the theatre, but minus instruments. Possibly they were weighing up the opposition, the standard and the choice of tunes etc. Hopefully the two new classes, which clearly have audience appeal, will grow steadily – my gut feeling is they are poised ready to go.
The standard in all the established solo classes was well up to expectation, in fact one can confidently say that musically this year’s event must rate very highly. The classical adjudicator, Mr Cyril Pasby, was unstinting in his praise of the standard of playing north of the border, but he also sounded a timely warning regarding copyright. We will all have to take this more seriously in the future and suitable notes for guidance with next year’s Festival blurb.
On the traditional scene, both fiddle and accordion judges reported a high standard throughout, and the four intrepid finalists in the Senior Traditional Accordion class certainly justified their selection for play-off. It was almost a pity that one has to win. Our warmest thanks to these lads who went through their double ordeal for our enjoyment – all came through with flying colours. What an advertisement for the current standard of our young players.
And thanks, too, to all the adjudicators for their efforts – I saw quite a number of the adjudicators sheets from the pens of the various ‘authors’ and was pleased with the constructive notes thereon. Gone are the days of the bald ‘Good march, good change, good strathspey’ etc, etc. The comments are now much fuller, courteous and helpful. Well done the panel, one and all.
With regard to the solo fiddle classes. The feedback on the two accompanists, Mrs Joan Blue and Miss Morag McAskill, has been most complimentary. Both have certainly got what it takes.
The ordeal of the finalists was mentioned earlier. This becomes more intense at the concert when the chips are down and the B.B.C. microphones are pointing menacingly at the grilles from which those crucial notes (or slips) will come. Mind you the venerable ‘TTF’ team, under Producer Ken Mutch, did everything in their power, as always, to minimize the strain on the players. I can only repeat what I have said on previous occasions – one just cannot adequately praise the unobtrusive but effective way in which all members of the team go about their respective tasks. Robbie Shepherd’s roving interviews during the afternoon, as he would say himself ‘nae bother’ – looks so easy and never in anyone’s way. And the setting-up by the technicians for the recordings at the concert, all done in the half hour following the Band competition, is a model of organisation and courtesy. Likewise their operations during the concert itself, in positioning the ‘mikes’ for each individual player without terrifying the daylights out of them, and not a second wasted. No hassle for performers of M.C. And Fiona in the wings quietly making meaningful jottings out of utter chaos. One word sums it up – Professionals.
And they come up with the goods. At the time of writing only the first of the two programmes on the Festival has been aired on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ but we were more than happy with it – good informed comment and well chosen excerpts from the concert.
While on this tack, the N.A.A.F.C. is greatly indebted to the undernoted Radio stations for their excellent pre-Festival coverage, they really did allocate a sizeable chunk of air-time to our cause. In alphabetical order ; B.B.C. Radio Scotland (Robbie Shepherd), Radio Forth (Robin Brock), Radio Moray (Andy Ross), Radio Tay (Billy Anderson), Radio West Sound (John Carmichael). Warmest thanks to all.
And now to all those other folk without whose presence and help the event would just not have taken place. Competitors aside for the moment, we had stewards, runners, door minders, announcers, adjudicators, secretaries, reception and registration clerks, the majority of these being from member Clubs of the Association. Their unselfish and uncomplaining dedication was just as we have come to expect of them. Often long stints without relief, but not a single moan – a great team altogether and they deserve individual mention :
Aberdeen – Mr Bert Jessiman
Airdrie – Mr Ian Forrest
Beith – Miss Cathy Andrew, Mr Willie Wilson
Blairgowrie – Miss Joyce Reid
Dingwall – Mrs Nancy & Mr John McKenzie senior citizens who travel south every year on the Friday and sleep overnight in a caravan.
Dundee – Mr Tom Clark, Neil and Maureen Copland, Mr Ken Scott
Dunfermline – Mr Joe Greer
East Kilbride – Mr Hugh Gebbie, Mr Iain Henderson, Mrs Lynne & Mr Fraser Williams
Edinburgh – Miss Anne Rutherford
Fintry – Mr Frank Farquharson
Galston – Mr David Ross
Glasgow – Mrs Annie Dixon, Miss Hope Logue
Kingskettle – Mr Jim Dewar
Lesmahagow – Mr Charlie Todd, Mr & Mrs Willie Wilson
Lochgelly – Miss Karen and Mr Bob Scott
M.A.F.I.A. – Miss Morag McAskill
Newtongrange – Mr David Corner, Mr Bill Humble, Mr Gilbert Lang, Mrs Margaret and Mr George Smith
Perth – Mr Jim Balneaves. Mr Bill Black, Miss Joan Blue, Mrs Leila Powrie
Renfrew – Mr Ian Murchison, Mr Angus
Slough – Mr Cyril Pasby
Forthorwald – Misses Cathie and Christine Hunter.
And then there were those who looked after our creature comforts and satisfied the inner man – the caretakers and the other members of the Brunton Halls staff, the caretaker of the nearly church hall (immaculate and warm), the caterers from Edinburgh, Mr Lamb and his staff (excellent food and drink available from mid morning until late evening).
A number of interesting trade stands – two from the deep south – added just the right touch in the entrance foyer ; W.E.M (London), Mr Ronaldo Capaldi (Cheltenham), Ralston Accordions (Motherwell), Music Corner (Falkirk) and D.S.M. (Inverness).
And now back to the Festival programme. One hour after the finish of the competition the Winners’ Concert got cracking, to a full house, under the expert guidance of compere and NAAFC Secretary Andrew Nairn of Culross, who stood in at short notice, as on one or two previous occasions. Alex Little M.C. of Dumfries, who traditionally performs the task, was unable to oblige as his wife Agnes had just been admitted to an Edinburgh hospital. We wish her a full recovery and hope that both of them will return in good health in the near future.
Andrew Nairn is, of course, a very experienced compere with a couthie humour. He needed to be to make everything out front look orderly and rehearsed. You should have seen what he was landed with in the wings! But he sorted it all out to the manor born. Another member of the Association Committee who had a hectic day was Chairman Jimmy Blue – he had almost literally to go to pieces to carry out his multifarious duties, some being in different places at the same time – announcer, adjudicator, you name it. He was dropped in at the deep end on several occasions to make wee impromptu speeches, presentations and so on. And, of course, he is our champion raffle ticket salesman. But nothing was too much trouble and he enjoyed it.
And talking of the raffle, thanks to the following Clubs for their donations of prizes : Beith, East Kilbride, Fintry, MAFIA, Newtongrange and Perth. The star prize, a meal for two with all the trimmings, was given by Perth Station Hotel.
As soon as the concert had finished there was the earsplitting racket of tubular chairs clattering together as an army of helpers cleared the hall in record time and through all this melee big Bill black, who had worked like a Trojan all day, led his troops on to the stage and started playing, despite the turmoil around. And that band played its heart out, virtually non-stop until midnight with a repertoire of great tunes, many quite fresh to my ears. It now fields two fiddlers in the front line, both of whom, if he will forgive me, are slightly prettier than Bill (just a wee bit, mind you). They are, of course, Judith Davidson and Angie Smith, and their co-ordinated bowing was a pleasure to watch, and they added depth to the sound of the Band, especially as they came up onto the final notes of each measure. How that band swung, a great finish to the day.
And finally, right to the heart of the matter, the competitors. They cannot know the pleasure that the Festival Secretary gets when their entry forms, albeit a bit late at times, begin to trickle through the letter box. As other Festival organizers will know only too well, one is gripped with a chilling anxiety, almost fear, as the closing date approaches and there are only 5 or 6 entries! And then comes the sheer relief and joy when the forms finally flood in with all the ‘weel kent’ names and some new ones. You’ve won a watch, you’re back among friends, you feel at one with them. You can sense their feeling of anticipation, tinged with trepidation and excitement, and you know the efforts they will make to do well on the day. Their support is heartwarming. A very big thank you to all who competed and to their families and teachers for their encouragement and support. May I be permitted to single out one player, Neil Lowry, who comes to Musselburgh and Perth, year after year without fail, from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. We salute his dedication. Competitors like this don’t grow on trees.
To all competitors – you are the cream on the coffee. See you next year.
Footnote – My own personal thanks go to all the hard-working members of the Festival Committee for their support during the year, as before – Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson and the Secretary, my wife Sheila.
Results :
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Ross Lothian (St Boswells)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
3) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels) & Caroline Thompson (Kelso)
3) Elizabeth McLaren & Elizabeth Flanagan(Galashiels)
Trio
1) Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Neil McEachern (Luss)
Own composition
1) George Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
3) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Leila Khenissi (Kelso)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Open Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
3) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Lindsay & Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Judith Baird & Jennifer Meek (Crawford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Stuart Law & Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Youngest Competitor (Accordion)
Gordon Middler (Aberdeen) 21.01.79)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Eilidh Shaw (Taynault)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Elizabeth McLaren (Kirkcaldy)
3) Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Marie Feilding (Lasswade)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Judith Linton (Duns)
Fiddle Group
Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Chrissie Leatham – An Appreciation
by Iain MacPhail
I once enquired of Chrissie Leatham when she envisaged retirement from teaching music. “Retire?” she exclaimed. “Never! What would I do with out my bairns?! This wonderful philosophy was prevalent throughout Chrissie’s life and she never lost her love of teaching, her life’s passion, to pupils of all ages although the younger players always held a special place in her affections. Her unique ability to develop a love of music in everyone, young or old, talented or otherwise, endeared her at all who became associated with her and she never had to motivate or exhort students to practice in view of the respect in which she was held. The youngsters looked forward to their lessons as Chrissie shared their world with them ; it being normal practice to discuss football, snooker, television, politics or whatever before the door to the wonderful world of music was unlocked.
Early Years
Chrissie was born in Musselburgh in the early years of the century. Her father was melodeon player Peter Leatham, of considerable dance band fame, and she lived in an environment of music. She was the oldest of three children, having a sister Margaret, and a brother Wullie, who played the 5-row accordion and later played in and arranged music for the late Peter Innes Dance Band from Tranent. Her step-mother always had many chores and tasks for the young girl and her burgeoning interest in music was stifled and involvement difficult. Initially, she was not encouraged to participate or practice, but, nevertheless, always found opportunities to do so and, as the sessions became more frequent, it became obvious to the family that music was her life and passion. Her father was completely unaware that his daughter had listened, digested and analysed piano techniques by listening at the door during his band rehearsals. When she was 15, domestic matters became difficult and she left home to work in Brunton’s Wire Mills in Musselburgh. Her independence afforded her the opportunity to indulge her craving for music and she quickly acquired a job as a pianist with a local band and proceeded to go from strength to strength eventually giving up her employment to become a full-time musician.
She was a very small person and it was often necessary to place books under the piano stool to raise it in order that she could reach the keyboard! She played in cinemas accompanying silent films (called ‘close fitting’) and took on some weird and wonderful jobs loving every minute of it. She had always been drawn to the accordion as an instrument, however, and, in fact, had played the instrument intermittently from the age of about 15, becoming very accomplished in a short time and, inevitably, it became her instrument. She joined Larry Macari’s Showband and traveled the theatres of the land. She married but continued her stage career and started teaching in 1932 with Gordon Simpson’s Music Shop, in Edinburgh, with which business she continued to be associated until her death. It was one of her accordion designs which proved popular and cemented the relationship to mutual satisfaction.
Life in the 1930’s and 1940’s was tough, however, and Chrissie’s tremendous fighting spirit and determination came to the fore. She was a perennial optimist and had to fight for everything she achieved. She became Scottish Senior Accordion Champion in 1934 ; made several records and had a large following, and her appearances were good business. On one occasion, during the war, the Greenock Theatre in which she was appearing, was bombed and badly damaged during a performance. Her indomitable spirit carried her through the hard times, however, and when she and her baby son were left to fend for themselves this she did despite having to travel extensively to find work.
Teaching
Teaching began to play an increasingly important part in her life and, as the years progressed and she was beset by increasing health problems, she relied more upon this as a means of living and keeping apace with trends. One of Chrissie’s abilities was to keep up-to-date with musical tastes and changes and she exploited her talent for arranging to the full and this provided a freshness which never dulled. Her bubbly personality, warmth, distinctive style and encouragement to others ensured a large clientele for her unique services. She abhorred blanked tuition – geared at producing technical clones to the exclusion of style – much preferring to tease the talents from each individual in a careful, sympathetic manner. She received great help from her family. Niece Christine (daughter of Wullie) and her friend, Joyce Crombie, aided Chrissie by helping to teach younger pupils in the studio and, in fact, Christine taught for some 15 years and provided much support to her aunt whom she regarded with great affection, and above all else, as a best friend. In years gone by, a highlight to some was the weekly get-together on Sunday evenings at the studio when, after lessons, an informal session would ensue with Chrissie conducting at the piano leading off with ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ and each player taking it in turn to play lead with everyone else joining in. These sessions were good for ear-playing and chord appreciation and often lasted well into the night.
In 1963, as a result of having a large number of pupils, Chrissie, with the help of some older pupils, decided to run an Accordion Club to provide an outlet for members, young and old, to gain experience of playing to an audience. Bill Hamilton helped to organize and set up the Club sessions, competitions, hall bookings, catering and diverse other chores, and recalls that Chrissie regarded these nights as special, and her enthusiasm pervaded the entire company.
One of the proudest effectuations of her life was the emergence of her son Owen, as a gifted musician of classical music and exponent of the free-bass accordion in Great Britain. Her intense desire to have the accordion recognised as a serious musical instrument and her selfless encouragement and support (both moral and financial) provided the drive and determination for him to succeed in his studies in Denmark and to his post at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Owen now intends to continue his classes in Edinburgh while commuting to London on a regular basis. He remembers his mother as the most gifted, natural musician he had ever met.
Her wonderful optimism about life and people, her unselfish attitude and lack of complaints (even towards the end when her health deteriorated) endeared her to all. Three generations of pupils, including my own son, were among the large attendance at her recent funeral and this was testament enough to the affection and regard felt by those who were privileged to know Chrissie Leatham.
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club - Arthur Brown
by Murdo McLeod
For our final Club personality it is fitting that we should feature someone who has been with the Club from the very beginning.
Arthure Brown, supporter, committee member, and now the respected Secretary of the Club, has done more than most to sustain Livingston A&F Club and to establish it as one of the names to conjure with on the Club circuit. Arthur it was who, with one or two other devotees, got together in a little hall in Ladywell, Livingston, and started a practice group which was eventually to become Livingston A&F Club in 1973. In those early days when players were not exactly as thick on the ground as they, happily, are nowadays, it was indeed fortunate that not only did we have Arthur and his accordion but a smashing pianist by way of his lovely daughter, Jackie. We cannot recollect a meeting since September, 1973, when Arthur has not been in attendance – shifting chairs, chivvying, and generally boosting morale. By the time you read this, this amounts to either 134 or 135 meetings. Not a bad record.
Arthur’s interest in our kind of music commenced on hearing William Hannah and melodeon music on radio. This led to an early acquisition of a 12 bass accordion for Christmas when he was about 11 years old. Living in a country area where teachers were not exactly round every corner, Arthur plodded on, on his own. No doubt hearing his idol Bobby MacLeod playing at Peebles some time after the war, Arthur was definitely hooked on Scottish dance music. After this he started playing with his boyhood friend, Jim Anderson (father of well known pianist Adam), cycling, box on back, to each other’s houses in turn to practice sessions.
Arthur relates a rather amusing incident which took place one winter’s night on one such visitation. During the snowstorm which was raging, the dynamo got clogged with snow so this, inconveniently, had to be disengaged for the rest of the journey – which now had to be done in, as they say ‘white out conditions’ on a pitch black night! Then it happened! Arthur ran into the only other cyclist in Peeblesshire on that night, who was sitting disconsolately in the middle of a snow drift. To his dismay, Arthur discovered this to be the local bobby who said “Do you have a dynamo?” “Yes”, came the nervous answer, “did you just switch it off and go without lights?” “Yes”, came an increasingly worried reply. “Ah weel I did exactly the same thing so we’ll just keep quiet aboot it!”
By this time Arthur had started playing at local dances – two accordion and a drummer. In those early days most of the village halls had no electricity – just the Tilly lamps – fond memories for some. As the night got noisier you simply had to play louder in order to be heard. Those were the days. This led to dances all over the Borders and Lanarkshire, so by the time Arthur reached the stage of doing his National Service in 1951 he was an experienced band leader. After National Service and marriage to Jenny, Arthur moved to Edinburgh in 1956 where he has settled, happily for us.
As mentioned earlier, it was only on joining a small practice session group in Livingston, including Tom Hay, Alick Grant, Murdo McLeod, the late Alick Ross and anyone else who happened to come by, that Alex really got playing again. Joined now by a young budding pianist called Jackie – one of his two daughters, the other being Carol, he started playing at functions, as he says, “just for fun!” As well as Jackie, he had nephew Bill Weir on drums and John Morrison on fiddle.
Jackie got married 5 years ago and, sadly for us, now stays in Newcastle with husband Mark and 8 month old baby Rhona. John Morrison retired from B.T. and now stays in Orkney. Arthur says, with that chuckle of his, “Maybe they were trying to tell me something!” No, we don’t think so Arthur, we really do appreciate you too much to let you retire.
In a note about Arthur, we cannot but mention, with grateful thanks, the devoted service given by Jackie when she was a student at College in Edinburgh. Her ready smile and absence of pretence made her a great favourite at our Club and we feel sure that many of our adherents will be happy to see her name mentioned in these columns. Happy and peaceful sojourn to you Jackie down there among the Sasunachs!
And furthermore, the report about Arthur’s services to the Club would be incomplete without mention of wife Jenny. You will all be familiar with the purveyor of those essential raffle tickets who, without fails, gets you every Club night. Like Arthur, Jenny has given long and unstinted service to us.
This then is the longer than normal feature on one of those members who in some way or other helps to make Livingston Club what it is.
In 1988, the fifteenth year of our Club, it is fitting that our final report for the current session should be about our respected Secretary, Arthur Brown.
Slainte Mhath!
Mr Gerry Kealey
Obituary
The officers, committee and members of the Premier A&F Club were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of their founder member Gerry Kealey.
Apart from being an excellent box player, Gerry had a fantastic personality and the ability to turn his hand to anything that needed doing on the night.
In 1980 Gerry had been to Scotland and visited a few Clubs. He enjoyed it so much that on his return he contacted John Rooney (our present Chairman) and suggested setting up a Club in Northern Ireland. It was from these beginnings that the Premier A&F Club was formed and Gerry had been an active member ever since.
The Premier A&F Club, and the music world at large, will miss Gerry. The sadness of his passing will linger for a very long time.
Mr Kealey is survived by his wife Eileen, sons Paul and Dermot, daughter Donna-Marie, and his sister Kathleen. To them we would extend our deepest sympathy.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – During a recent telephone conversation with a well-known and extremely talented Scottish accordionist who, for the purpose of this letter, shall remain nameless, we found that we agreed wholeheartedly on one particular point, namely, the general lack of variety at most Accordion and Fiddle Clubs.
I grew up in the Scottish tradition, my father being a fiddler and staunch disciple of Niel Gow and Scott Skinner, also a cousin who was a member of the local pipe band, and a very good performer on his wee International melodeon.
I do not expect to hear Bach’s Tocatta and Fugie in D Minor or things such as that – they would probably be left to the Tollefsens, Belgrievs, Ellegards or Niths of this world, but there are host of composers of accordion music, people such as the late Pietro Deiro, Frosini, Adrian Dante and, of course, the musettes of the legendary Emile Vacher, whom I’m sure many young players have never heard of.
I go my first accordion nearly 60 years ago, and had heard records of Vacher even before that which made me realise at a very early age that there was much more to the instrument than 6/8, 4/4, 2/4 and pipe marches and after hearing Louis Cabrelli and the Tollafsen himself over half a century ago, the true potential of the instrument was brought home to me.
I am afraid, therefore, I find it becomes somewhat monotonous to listen to player after player, no matter how proficient, churn out the same music for three or four hours, which is the norm at most Club venues.
Except for one or two artistes such as the Currie Brothers, Ian Holmes, Paddy Neary or Malcolm McLean, there seems to be a reluctance amongst artistes to diversify. This I find a great pity because I have noticed that, on the whole, Club audiences can be most appreciative of variety, and, after all, the instrument is equally at home with Bach or boogie, which leaves vast scope in between.
John Mackie
Meggetknowes
Yarrow
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only 13th Apr 88 Karen Higgins SDB
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 3rd Apr 88 Colin Dewar SDB
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 17th Apr 88 Colin Dewar SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 18th Apr 88 Jimmy Cassidy
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Apr 88 Michael Philip SDB
10th May 88 Oakbank Sound
14th June 88 Simon Howie SDB
12th July 88 Craigown SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) 5th May 88 Alastair Fraser & Paul Machlis
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Apr 88 George Stirrat SDB
17th May 88 Billy Anderson & Albany
Dundee (The Marquee) – 7th Apr 88 Craig McCallum SDB
5th May 88 Colin Finlayson SDB
2nd June 88 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25th Apr 88 Iain MacPhail SDB
23rd May 88 Jacqueline Dick SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13th Apr 88 Cults club
11th May 88 Sandy Nixon SDB
Fort William (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 11th Apr 88 Alex MacArthur Quartet
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Apr 88 Judith Davidson
16th May 88 Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 5th Apr 88 Ian Muir SDB
6th May 88 Dance to Bill Black
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 27th Apr 88 Bill Black SDB
25th May 88 Simon Howie SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14th Apr 88 Bill Black SDB
12th May 88 Jennifer Forrest SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 19th Apr 88 Crieff Club
17th May 88 Jim MacLeod SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 19th Apr 88 Dochie McCallum Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) – 18th Apr 88 Stuart McKeown SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) – 20th Apr 88 Currie Brothers
18th May 88 Grand Charity Ceilidh
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 5th Apr 88 James Alexander & Scots Fiddle Group
3rd May 88 Cults Club
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 21st Apr 88 Currie Brothers
Peebles (Countryside Inn) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 19th Apr 88 Fiddlers Forte, Willie McGuire & Lorna Sheen
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 12th Apr 88 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 7th Apr 88 Neil Copland
5th May 88 Lynn Gould & Friends
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 12th Apr 88 Deirdre Adamson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Belford
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button Key
11. Callander
12. Castle Douglas
13. Crieff
14. Dingwall & District
15. Dunblane & District
16. Dunoon & Cowal
17. Forres
18. Galston
19. Glendale
20. Highland
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kinlochshiel
24. Livingston
25. M.A.F.I.A.
26. Mauchline
27. Montrose
28. Newtongrange
29. North Cumbria
30. North East
31. Perth
32. Rothbury
33. Shetland
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1987 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Buchan A&F Club
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Callander A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
16. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
64. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
70. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
71. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
72. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
73. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
74. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
75. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
76. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
77. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
78. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
79. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
80. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
81. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
82. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
83. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
84. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
85. Newcastleton Accordion Club
86. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
87. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
88. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
89. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
90. Wellbank A&F Club
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