Box and Fiddle
Year 20 No 07
April 1997
Price 70p
12 pages
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Ron Ramsay, 48 Hospitalfield Road, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 2LS
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Well, here we are at the last issue and I take this opportunity to thank Margaret Smith for the sterling work she does sending out the papers, accounts, etc., also thanks to all subscribers and advertisers, without whom there would be no paper.
The next issue is due out on 1st September and I would ask that subscribers forward their monies timeously. Margaret will send out the first issue on trust, but remember we have to pay the printers as soon as they are dispatched, so it does help if we have the money.
I hope you all have a nice summer holiday and look forward to hearing about your visits to Festivals, Clubs and anything of note to readers of the ‘Box and Fiddle’.
Ron Ramsay
Musselburgh Festival, 1997
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 1st March 1997 – St David’s Day? – No, Musselburgh Festival 1997. I think the Musselburgh area could certainly claim to have had as many leeks! As any area in Wales on this special day in the Accordion and fiddle Club calendar.
All the weeks and months of preparation by the Organising Committee were complete. Entries, at 210+, were well up (27%) on 1996 and a bumper day of music and renewed friendships was anticipated. The dawning of a very wet, cold, windy and utterly horrible Saturday caused all who had to travel, some concern, not least the Organising Committee – would our bumper entry materialize with live players? Our fears were dispelled as the morning progressed and all our well known and some new, not so well known, competitors started to appear at the Registration Deck.
The usual band of Committee members and other very loyal and willing helpers were at the Brunton Hall just after 8.00 a.m. to ensure a very enjoyable day for competitors and visitors at the 23rd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C.
The much promised refurbishment works at the Brunton Halls have now actually been carried out although they were not quite complete prior to our recent visit. It was somewhat disorientating therefore for Musselburgh regulars not to find the Festival Office, Registration Desk and Box Office in their usual locations in the foyer area. These minor matters didn’t cause any problems however, and competitions got under way as scheduled at 9 a.m.
The Adjudicators Panel this year had no fewer than five highly respected musicians making their first appearance at Musselburgh in this capacity – they were Doug Cargill, Colin Dewar, Marie fielding, Sandy Nixon and Bill Smith. Joining them were Julie Best, John Crawford and Gordon Simpson. Without exception, the adjudicators commented on the very high standard of playing from all, but particularly the junior competitors.
As the day progressed towards the climax of the competitive part of the Festival later in the afternoon, the number of people attending the event during the day was clearly up on recent years. Without doubt, this helped contribute to the superb atmosphere in and around the upstairs concourse and bar areas. This was Musselburgh Festival of old – lots of people enjoying good music and a friendly chat with friends and acquaintances.
After a slight delay, the Evening Concert (this year attended by more than 160 people) and ably compered by Jennifer Forrest, got under way. This gave members of the public the opportunity to hear most of the new Champions. The Concert this year included the final of the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) Solo and the recently introduced Open Fiddle Championship Solo. In both cases, the adjudicators were again forced to work very hard thanks to the exceptionally high standard of playing by all of the finalists. The concert was rounded off in great style by Iain MacPhail and his band – what a taster for the music to follow during the dance. Once again, BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the concert as a feature for a future edition of the programme. Musselburgh Festival really does appreciate the continued support of Ken Mutch and his team.
After a short break during which the hall was cleared and made ready for the dance and Iain MacPhail and his band again took the stage. This year in excess of 300 people were at the dance and what a night it was – great music, a superb atmosphere and as I’ve already said to many people, a return to the style and fun of Musselburgh Festivals gone by. Iain and the band were making a return visit to Musselburgh after a gap of 20 years – yes, he last played at Musselburgh Festival Dance in 1977! It’s interesting to note at this point, that, in all 23 years of Musselburgh Festival, only two bands have played at the Dance on more than one occasion – Iain MacPhail (1977 & 1997) and NAAFC Chairman Jim Johnstone (1978, 1979 & 1985). This clearly shows that there is a considerably wealth of good bands playing our type of music.
Another first for Musselburgh Festival in 1997 was the presence of BBC Scotland’s ‘TTF’ team to record the dance and music of Iain MacPhail for a future edition of the programme. This meant that the paying public were getting double value for their money – a great band and a chance to be on national radio! This was a brave decision by Ken Mutchto attempt to capture the atmosphere of an established event to a level that will come across on air. This I’m sure, he achieved and without too much intrusion into the enjoyment of the people present at the dance.
Before I finish, I feel that mention must be made of the unfortunate situation that occurred in relation to the bar facilities at the dance. The lack of staff and stock has already been discussed with the Caterer and will be further discussed by the Festival Organising Committeein due course. I offer apologies to all who suffered as a result of these difficulties and hope that this situation will not prevent you from coming back in 1998.
I cannot finish without publicly thanking everyone who made Musselburgh Festival 1997 a huge success – Competitors, Teachers, Parents, Adjudicators, Jennifer Forrest, Committee members, all volunteer helpers, BBC Radio Scotland, Brunton Hall Box Office and Caretaking Staff, Catering and Bar Staff and not forgetting the very hard working Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari. To you all, a very, very big Thank You. I hope that everyone who attended Musselburgh Festival in 1997 enjoyed his or her day as much as I enjoyed mine.
Here’s to 7th March 1998!!!! See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Laura Lindsay (Forfar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Ian Watson (Dalkeith)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Fiona and Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Shirley Campbell (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) George Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sandy Leggat (alloway)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stepanie Brough (Dundee)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Caitlin O’Donnell (Peebles)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Bowden)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Graeme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Tom Orr (Hyndfordbridge,Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson(Currie)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Alison Carswell (Biggar) & Alastair Dunnet (Tranent)
2) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs) & Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn) & Robert Allison (Carluke)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Jennifer Taylor (Biggar) & Elizabeth Jones (Abington)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
2) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
3) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
3) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2=) Jane MacLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Group (Dundee)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Windygates 10th Anniversary
by Mrs L. Cormack
The Chairman opened the meeting welcoming everyone. We were very honoured to have our Honorary Life President, Jimmy Shand Snr M.B.E., his wife Ann, and son David in attendance.
The anniversary cake was donated by Mary and Jim Rodger, founder members of the Club. A glass of wine was provided along with a piece of cake to toast the Club.
The night’s entertainment began with a stramash. A great night of music from all but we must apologise to players who did not get a turn as they were too numerous and time is a great factor on these Special nights.
Our guests for the evening were the Ian Holmes Band consisting of Ian himself, Rikki Franci from Largs on second accordion, Gordon Simpson from Bearsden on fiddle Jim Clark from Annan on keyboard and Billy Goodfellow from Abington on drums. A very talented band of players.
Our thanks to Mary and Pat for the excellent tea provided.
All I can say is a heartfelt thanks to everyone fro attending and making this such a successful evening. Thank you one and all.
The Canadian Scene
With plans under way for their tour of Scotland, it is perhaps timely to provide some background on the members of ‘Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent’ band. Firstly, the two Scots – Bobby Brown and Fred Collins…….
Bobby Brown was born in Dennyloanhead, the son of Jean Day, a well known soprano of her time. His father was a ‘passing fair’ fiddler while other members of his family were involved with pipes and drums. Bobby studied piano in his formative years and at age 16 emigrated to Canada. It was then that he took up the accordion and after a few years joined the great ‘Stan Hamilton’ band, an association that lasted 18 years. In 1974 Bobby branched out to form his own band ‘The Scottish Accent’ and shortly thereafter was appointed Associate Musican Director of a new national television series starring popular folksinger and musician, John Allen Cameron. It was for that show that he formed the now famous ‘Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle’. Since 1974 Bobby and his two groups have performed at concerts and dances throughout the Celtic world and have many recordings to their credit. Although this visit to Scotland will nor include the C.B.S., Bobby is again looking forward to meeting with his old friends in music.
Fred Collins was born in Dundee and began his drumming career with the Boys’ Brigade. It was here that four young lads formed a group to play at charity functions ; Lamond Forbes (accordion), Lyall Duncan (fiddle), Jack Lindsay (fiddle), Bobby Moffat (piano) and Fred on drums. This group became known as ‘The Gie Gordons’. Fred continued to play with both pipe bands and dance bands until his emigration at the age of 20. While with a pipe band in Canada he met and began playing with Ed Brydie, a button key accordionist from St. Andrews, who sadly passed away quite suddenly in 1993. Fred returned to Dundee in 1962 and had the good fortune to find a job playing with John Ellis. Canada, however, once again beckoned and upon his return he joined ‘Stan Hamilton and the Flying Scotsmen’ for a memorable 12 years. Following an absence from playing due to business commitments, Fred then joined his long time associate Bobby to play with ‘The Scottish Accent’ and ‘The Cape Breton Symphone Fiddle’.
Kathleen Fraser-Collins, the pianist, was born in Glengarry County, one of the ………
Laird Brown, second accordion, is the son of bobby Brown and so it comes as no surprise that Laird’s early years were rich in Celtic culture. At age 6 he started both Highland and Country dance lessons and at age 9 began his formal piano lessons. In 1980 he augmented his studies through the music programme available to him as part of his high school education. Always enthusiastic, Laird immediately fell in love with the French horn, trumpet and drums and also became heavily involved with choirs and theatre. In the late 80’s his Scottish bloodline could no longer be denied and he found himself hopelessly attracted to the accordion and ‘The Scottish Accent’. He very quickly became proficient and shortly thereafter took his place as a second accordionist with ‘The Scottish Accent’ band.
Rob Wolanski, the bassist, received his Bachelor of Music from from York University and is also a graduate………..
Kleis Swan, violinist, is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance, …………….
The following is a list of venues to date that ‘Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent’ will play at :-
Wednesday, 30th July 1997 – OB from Arbroath
Friday, 1st August – Plockton Village Hall
Sunday, 3rd August – Arbroath Old Time Dance
Tuesday, 5th August – Tynedale Ex Services Club, Hexham
Friday, 8th August – Dufftown Memorian Hall, Scottish Country Dance
Monday, 11th August – Troon Concert Hall, Scottish Country Dance
Wednesday, 13th August – Forres A&F Club, Victoria Hall, Concert
Other dates are available and any person interested in having them as guest artistes should contact Ron Ramsay (the Editor) as soon as possible.
Caribbean Cruising
by Robin Ellis
For most working band the venues are town halls, school halls and hotels etc., but from time- to-time something different turns up. It may be a prestigious location or a trip abroad, so imagine our delight when we were invited to play on a luxury Caribbean cruise liner.
The trip started at London Airport where we met up with a large group of dancers who were a accompanying us and we all boarded the B.A. flight to Miami, where some 9 hours later we arrived. Miami is a vast, sprawling, rather featureless city serving only as our overnight stop and boarding point for the cruise.
Our first impression of the ship, the ‘Sovereign of the Seas’ is its sheer size. Some 73,000 tons in weight and 880 feet long, carrying 2,300 passengers and 800 crew. For the first few hours it was quite easy to get lost but it soon became a home from home. The cabins, all rather grandly, if somewhat optimistically, called staterooms, were small but expertly laid out with everything to hand. In addition we had two large dining rooms called Kismet and Gigi, a vast snack bar, a fully equipped theatre seating 800, two cinemas and even a hospital, a plethora of bars, two swimming pools, a casino, a shopping plaza and several lounges. All this within a few minutes walking distance. Our home for the week was the ‘Music Man Lounge’, a large brightly decorated room with full lighting and sound systems – such luxury!
The high point of any cruise and this one was no exception, must be the dining room where the service was superb and the meals excellent for both quality and quantity. Every evening had a different theme, Caribbean, Italian, American, French with menus and décor to match. The most famous quote of the week was ‘I often wondered how the other half lived, now I know – and we are the other half’.
For the first few days the weather was rough and Scottish dancing on a rolling ship brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘down the middle and up’. On more than one occasion the sets seemed to finish the dance on one side of the floor.
Playing an accordion also presented a few problems from time-to-time, as the ship rolled the keyboard wasn’t exactly where it was expected to be, making the music ‘interesting’ to say the least. The weather, however, improved and for the last 4 days it was perfect.
One of the problems on a cruise is trying to fit everything in. Not only the almost continuous on-board entertainment with something to suit every taste but also the visits ashore to visit such places as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The latter, in particular, being exactly like the pictures we are all used to seeing in the travel brochures. Somehow we managed it all and the week went by at an alarming speed. All too soon we were back in Miami and flying back home to a cold wet London.
It was a great experience and we must thank Barrhead Travel and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for arranging everything on what was a most memorable week. A number of people wonder if cruising is for them and I must admit we thought just that. However, having tried it I would say, “Go for it – it’s great”. Whether we shall ever be lucky enough to repeat this experience, I don’t know, we shall just have to ‘wait and see!’
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Musette History
Having had the pleasure of watching a 60 minute programme on BBC2 entitled ‘Window on the World’, which was entirely given over to the history of Musette Accordion and the social scene in Paris this century, it would appear that the Godfather of Musette was a self taught player whose first instrument was a small diatonic accordion costing all of three francs in a flea market and who subsequently went on to become a 3 row player named Emile Vacher, who is well-known to a lot of today’s players through his compositions which ran into the hundreds even though he was never able to read music.
Now my question to the BBC is why can we not have a similar programme here? As it was, it practically mirrored the scene here in Scotland. As one who was born at the tail end of WW1 I have witnessed it all before, from the days of wind-up gramophones and players such as the Wyper Brothers, Peter Leatham, James Brown and William Hannah on to the 3 row Shand Morino as developed and played by Jimmy Shand and who was the equal in every way of Emile Vacher as a player and composer. So what is it with Scots broadcasters? It cannot be that they are ashamed of our native and traditional culture when they have so much to be ashamed of in the constant output of foreign culture. The French wear theirs like a badge of honour and there is no reason why we cannot do likewise because when tradition is neglected it will be lost forever. So with the year 2000 looming now is the time to give us a celebration of the present century.
Jim Duncan, Edinburgh
Kerr’s Collection
I am sure there are very few fiddlers who play traditional Scottish and Irish music who have not used Kerr’s Collection of Merry Melodies, which as far as I am concerned is a treasury of tunes and airs that is unrivalled in the traditional music field.
I first used Kerr’s Collection as a source of tunes over 70 years ago and indeed still use it to bring back to mind tunes played long ago.
I have seen copies of Kerr’s Collection in Ireland, England, Scotland, U.S.A. and Canada and I believe there are more tunes in all of Kerr’s books than in the well known Francis O’Neill Collections.
Myself and many of my fiddle and accordion enthusiasts are very curious to know more about James Kerr who must have worked long and hard over a long period of time to collect and put in print the hundreds of tunes which have been a great source of music to us all. The question is ‘who was James Kerr?’ How did he get interested and begin collecting and printing music and when?
I would be very obliged to get more information on this most interesting topic.
Kevin McCann
Record Review
Fiddle – Gordon Simpson with the Ian Muir Sound – BRCD005
Lassie Come and Dance Wi’ Me – Ian Cruickshanks and his Band – KCN001
West Cost and Beyond – Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band – CDLOC1093
Morino Medley – Bruce Lindsay with Ray Elrick on Piano – SMR061
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
5th Apr 97 – Craigellachie SDB
12th Apr 97 – Alistair Wood SDB
19th Apr 97 – Hector McFadyen SDB
26th Apr 97 – Kevin Clark SDB OB from Portugal
3rd May 97 – Neil MacEachern SDB
10th May 97 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
17th May 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
24th May 97 – Fergie McDonald OB from Fort William
31st May 97 – Alistair Hunter & the Lorne SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 29th Apr 97 – Forres Club 27th May - AGM
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 9th Apr 97 – Sandy Leggat SDB 14th May AGM
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 20th Apr 97 – Jean McConnachie SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 6th Apr 97 – Bobby Coghill 4th May Cults Club
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 3rd Apr 97 – Donnie McGregor & Friends 1st May Fraser McGlynn Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Apr 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 28th Apr 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany 26th May Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 23rd Apr 97 – Mhairi Shand and George Sim 28th May Strathmore Sound
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 21st Apr 97 – Dick Black Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Apr 97 – Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Apr 97 – Gordon Simpson Duo 13th May Jim & Jean McConnachie
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Apr 97 – Robin Ellis SDB 13th May Club Night
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 10th Apr 97 – tba 8th May Sarah Jane Summers (fiddle)
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 1st Apr 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany 6th May Gary Blair
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 3rd Apr 97 – John Douglas Trio
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 17th Apr 97 – George Stirrat SDB 15th May Club Night
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 3rd Apr 97 – Lomond Ceilidh Band 1st May Scott Lee SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 15th Apr 97 – Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Wick Club 7th May Sandy Leggat SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Andrew Gordon SDB 20th May Lawrie Accordion Orchestra
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 8th Apr 97 – Graeme Johnstone
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 3rd Apr 97 - tba
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 22nd Apr 97 – West Telferton Cale SDB 20th May Dick Black Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 29th Apr 97 - West Telferton Cale SDB 26th May Fraser McGlynn Duo
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Apr 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB 14th May Alan Gardiner SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 3rd Apr 97 – Brian Griffin
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 29th Apr 97 – tba 27th May tba
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 16th Apr 97 – Ian Holmes Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Apr 97 – Dennis Morrison SDB 19th May Scott Gordon SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 1st Apr 97 – James Coutts SDB
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 1st Apr 97 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 9th Apr 97 – Donal Ring Ceilie Band 30th Apr Wendy Godfrey SDB 28th May John Renton SDB
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Bill Black SDB
Lanark (Masonic Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Apr 97 – Scott Leslie SDB 8th May David Scott & the Glenelvan SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 10th Apr 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo 1st May Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 15th Apr 97 – Gordon Pattullo 20th May Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 29th Apr 97 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Dick Black Band 7th May Wayne Robertson & Nigel Jelks
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 16th Apr 97 – Club Night
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 1st Apr 97 – Ellon Club 6th May Jim Ritchie
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 3rd Apr 97 – Mark MacDougall & Alistair MacPhail
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 24th Apr 97 – Mary Young
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Duncan Black SDB 20th May Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Apr 97 – Gary Blair
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 3rd Apr 97 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 1st May Judith Linton Trio
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 13th Apr 97 – Ian Holmes SDB 11th May Dennis Morrison SDB
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 9th Apr 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 7th Apr 97 – Wick Fiddlers 5th May Jock Fraser SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Apr 97 – Tain Scottish Trio 1st May Dick Black Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 1st Apr 97 – tba 6th May Ian Holmes Trio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Seamus O’Sullivan 26th May Gordon Pattullo
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 16th Apr 97 – The Lothian Band 21st May Bruce Lindsay
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith
9. Biggar
10. Blairgowrie
11. Campsie
12. Carlisle
13. Castle Douglas
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff
16. Dalriada
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. East Kilbride
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Glendale
25. Glenrothes
26. Gretna
27. Highland
28. Inveraray
29. Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Lesmahagow
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Montrose
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Peebles
41. Perth
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Stirling
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Turriff
48. Tynedale
49. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1995
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
15. Bromley A&F Club
16. Button Key A&F Club (
17. Campbeltown A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Derwentside A&F Club
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
27. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
28. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
32. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
33. Forfar A&F Club (
34. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
35. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
36. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
37. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
38. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
39. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
40. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
41. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
44. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
45. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
46. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
47. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
48. Kintore A&F Club (
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
56. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
57. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
59. Mull A&F Club
60. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
62. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
63. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
64. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
65. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
66. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
67. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
68. Renfrew A&F Club (
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
73. Sutherland A&F Club (
74. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76. Tranent A&F Club
77. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
78. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
79. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
80. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Buchan A&F Club
84. Callander A&F Club (
85. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87. Club Accord
88. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
98. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
99. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Newcastleton Accordion Club
103. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
104. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
105. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
106. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
107. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
108. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
109. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
110. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates increased
Full Page - £113 from Sept 96
Half Page - £57
Quarter Page - £29
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Well, here we are at the last issue and I take this opportunity to thank Margaret Smith for the sterling work she does sending out the papers, accounts, etc., also thanks to all subscribers and advertisers, without whom there would be no paper.
The next issue is due out on 1st September and I would ask that subscribers forward their monies timeously. Margaret will send out the first issue on trust, but remember we have to pay the printers as soon as they are dispatched, so it does help if we have the money.
I hope you all have a nice summer holiday and look forward to hearing about your visits to Festivals, Clubs and anything of note to readers of the ‘Box and Fiddle’.
Ron Ramsay
Musselburgh Festival, 1997
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 1st March 1997 – St David’s Day? – No, Musselburgh Festival 1997. I think the Musselburgh area could certainly claim to have had as many leeks! As any area in Wales on this special day in the Accordion and fiddle Club calendar.
All the weeks and months of preparation by the Organising Committee were complete. Entries, at 210+, were well up (27%) on 1996 and a bumper day of music and renewed friendships was anticipated. The dawning of a very wet, cold, windy and utterly horrible Saturday caused all who had to travel, some concern, not least the Organising Committee – would our bumper entry materialize with live players? Our fears were dispelled as the morning progressed and all our well known and some new, not so well known, competitors started to appear at the Registration Deck.
The usual band of Committee members and other very loyal and willing helpers were at the Brunton Hall just after 8.00 a.m. to ensure a very enjoyable day for competitors and visitors at the 23rd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C.
The much promised refurbishment works at the Brunton Halls have now actually been carried out although they were not quite complete prior to our recent visit. It was somewhat disorientating therefore for Musselburgh regulars not to find the Festival Office, Registration Desk and Box Office in their usual locations in the foyer area. These minor matters didn’t cause any problems however, and competitions got under way as scheduled at 9 a.m.
The Adjudicators Panel this year had no fewer than five highly respected musicians making their first appearance at Musselburgh in this capacity – they were Doug Cargill, Colin Dewar, Marie fielding, Sandy Nixon and Bill Smith. Joining them were Julie Best, John Crawford and Gordon Simpson. Without exception, the adjudicators commented on the very high standard of playing from all, but particularly the junior competitors.
As the day progressed towards the climax of the competitive part of the Festival later in the afternoon, the number of people attending the event during the day was clearly up on recent years. Without doubt, this helped contribute to the superb atmosphere in and around the upstairs concourse and bar areas. This was Musselburgh Festival of old – lots of people enjoying good music and a friendly chat with friends and acquaintances.
After a slight delay, the Evening Concert (this year attended by more than 160 people) and ably compered by Jennifer Forrest, got under way. This gave members of the public the opportunity to hear most of the new Champions. The Concert this year included the final of the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) Solo and the recently introduced Open Fiddle Championship Solo. In both cases, the adjudicators were again forced to work very hard thanks to the exceptionally high standard of playing by all of the finalists. The concert was rounded off in great style by Iain MacPhail and his band – what a taster for the music to follow during the dance. Once again, BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the concert as a feature for a future edition of the programme. Musselburgh Festival really does appreciate the continued support of Ken Mutch and his team.
After a short break during which the hall was cleared and made ready for the dance and Iain MacPhail and his band again took the stage. This year in excess of 300 people were at the dance and what a night it was – great music, a superb atmosphere and as I’ve already said to many people, a return to the style and fun of Musselburgh Festivals gone by. Iain and the band were making a return visit to Musselburgh after a gap of 20 years – yes, he last played at Musselburgh Festival Dance in 1977! It’s interesting to note at this point, that, in all 23 years of Musselburgh Festival, only two bands have played at the Dance on more than one occasion – Iain MacPhail (1977 & 1997) and NAAFC Chairman Jim Johnstone (1978, 1979 & 1985). This clearly shows that there is a considerably wealth of good bands playing our type of music.
Another first for Musselburgh Festival in 1997 was the presence of BBC Scotland’s ‘TTF’ team to record the dance and music of Iain MacPhail for a future edition of the programme. This meant that the paying public were getting double value for their money – a great band and a chance to be on national radio! This was a brave decision by Ken Mutchto attempt to capture the atmosphere of an established event to a level that will come across on air. This I’m sure, he achieved and without too much intrusion into the enjoyment of the people present at the dance.
Before I finish, I feel that mention must be made of the unfortunate situation that occurred in relation to the bar facilities at the dance. The lack of staff and stock has already been discussed with the Caterer and will be further discussed by the Festival Organising Committeein due course. I offer apologies to all who suffered as a result of these difficulties and hope that this situation will not prevent you from coming back in 1998.
I cannot finish without publicly thanking everyone who made Musselburgh Festival 1997 a huge success – Competitors, Teachers, Parents, Adjudicators, Jennifer Forrest, Committee members, all volunteer helpers, BBC Radio Scotland, Brunton Hall Box Office and Caretaking Staff, Catering and Bar Staff and not forgetting the very hard working Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari. To you all, a very, very big Thank You. I hope that everyone who attended Musselburgh Festival in 1997 enjoyed his or her day as much as I enjoyed mine.
Here’s to 7th March 1998!!!! See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Laura Lindsay (Forfar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Ian Watson (Dalkeith)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Fiona and Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Shirley Campbell (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) George Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sandy Leggat (alloway)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stepanie Brough (Dundee)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Caitlin O’Donnell (Peebles)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Bowden)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Graeme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Tom Orr (Hyndfordbridge,Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson(Currie)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Alison Carswell (Biggar) & Alastair Dunnet (Tranent)
2) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs) & Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn) & Robert Allison (Carluke)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Jennifer Taylor (Biggar) & Elizabeth Jones (Abington)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
2) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
3) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
3) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2=) Jane MacLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Group (Dundee)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Windygates 10th Anniversary
by Mrs L. Cormack
The Chairman opened the meeting welcoming everyone. We were very honoured to have our Honorary Life President, Jimmy Shand Snr M.B.E., his wife Ann, and son David in attendance.
The anniversary cake was donated by Mary and Jim Rodger, founder members of the Club. A glass of wine was provided along with a piece of cake to toast the Club.
The night’s entertainment began with a stramash. A great night of music from all but we must apologise to players who did not get a turn as they were too numerous and time is a great factor on these Special nights.
Our guests for the evening were the Ian Holmes Band consisting of Ian himself, Rikki Franci from Largs on second accordion, Gordon Simpson from Bearsden on fiddle Jim Clark from Annan on keyboard and Billy Goodfellow from Abington on drums. A very talented band of players.
Our thanks to Mary and Pat for the excellent tea provided.
All I can say is a heartfelt thanks to everyone fro attending and making this such a successful evening. Thank you one and all.
The Canadian Scene
With plans under way for their tour of Scotland, it is perhaps timely to provide some background on the members of ‘Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent’ band. Firstly, the two Scots – Bobby Brown and Fred Collins…….
Bobby Brown was born in Dennyloanhead, the son of Jean Day, a well known soprano of her time. His father was a ‘passing fair’ fiddler while other members of his family were involved with pipes and drums. Bobby studied piano in his formative years and at age 16 emigrated to Canada. It was then that he took up the accordion and after a few years joined the great ‘Stan Hamilton’ band, an association that lasted 18 years. In 1974 Bobby branched out to form his own band ‘The Scottish Accent’ and shortly thereafter was appointed Associate Musican Director of a new national television series starring popular folksinger and musician, John Allen Cameron. It was for that show that he formed the now famous ‘Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle’. Since 1974 Bobby and his two groups have performed at concerts and dances throughout the Celtic world and have many recordings to their credit. Although this visit to Scotland will nor include the C.B.S., Bobby is again looking forward to meeting with his old friends in music.
Fred Collins was born in Dundee and began his drumming career with the Boys’ Brigade. It was here that four young lads formed a group to play at charity functions ; Lamond Forbes (accordion), Lyall Duncan (fiddle), Jack Lindsay (fiddle), Bobby Moffat (piano) and Fred on drums. This group became known as ‘The Gie Gordons’. Fred continued to play with both pipe bands and dance bands until his emigration at the age of 20. While with a pipe band in Canada he met and began playing with Ed Brydie, a button key accordionist from St. Andrews, who sadly passed away quite suddenly in 1993. Fred returned to Dundee in 1962 and had the good fortune to find a job playing with John Ellis. Canada, however, once again beckoned and upon his return he joined ‘Stan Hamilton and the Flying Scotsmen’ for a memorable 12 years. Following an absence from playing due to business commitments, Fred then joined his long time associate Bobby to play with ‘The Scottish Accent’ and ‘The Cape Breton Symphone Fiddle’.
Kathleen Fraser-Collins, the pianist, was born in Glengarry County, one of the ………
Laird Brown, second accordion, is the son of bobby Brown and so it comes as no surprise that Laird’s early years were rich in Celtic culture. At age 6 he started both Highland and Country dance lessons and at age 9 began his formal piano lessons. In 1980 he augmented his studies through the music programme available to him as part of his high school education. Always enthusiastic, Laird immediately fell in love with the French horn, trumpet and drums and also became heavily involved with choirs and theatre. In the late 80’s his Scottish bloodline could no longer be denied and he found himself hopelessly attracted to the accordion and ‘The Scottish Accent’. He very quickly became proficient and shortly thereafter took his place as a second accordionist with ‘The Scottish Accent’ band.
Rob Wolanski, the bassist, received his Bachelor of Music from from York University and is also a graduate………..
Kleis Swan, violinist, is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance, …………….
The following is a list of venues to date that ‘Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent’ will play at :-
Wednesday, 30th July 1997 – OB from Arbroath
Friday, 1st August – Plockton Village Hall
Sunday, 3rd August – Arbroath Old Time Dance
Tuesday, 5th August – Tynedale Ex Services Club, Hexham
Friday, 8th August – Dufftown Memorian Hall, Scottish Country Dance
Monday, 11th August – Troon Concert Hall, Scottish Country Dance
Wednesday, 13th August – Forres A&F Club, Victoria Hall, Concert
Other dates are available and any person interested in having them as guest artistes should contact Ron Ramsay (the Editor) as soon as possible.
Caribbean Cruising
by Robin Ellis
For most working band the venues are town halls, school halls and hotels etc., but from time- to-time something different turns up. It may be a prestigious location or a trip abroad, so imagine our delight when we were invited to play on a luxury Caribbean cruise liner.
The trip started at London Airport where we met up with a large group of dancers who were a accompanying us and we all boarded the B.A. flight to Miami, where some 9 hours later we arrived. Miami is a vast, sprawling, rather featureless city serving only as our overnight stop and boarding point for the cruise.
Our first impression of the ship, the ‘Sovereign of the Seas’ is its sheer size. Some 73,000 tons in weight and 880 feet long, carrying 2,300 passengers and 800 crew. For the first few hours it was quite easy to get lost but it soon became a home from home. The cabins, all rather grandly, if somewhat optimistically, called staterooms, were small but expertly laid out with everything to hand. In addition we had two large dining rooms called Kismet and Gigi, a vast snack bar, a fully equipped theatre seating 800, two cinemas and even a hospital, a plethora of bars, two swimming pools, a casino, a shopping plaza and several lounges. All this within a few minutes walking distance. Our home for the week was the ‘Music Man Lounge’, a large brightly decorated room with full lighting and sound systems – such luxury!
The high point of any cruise and this one was no exception, must be the dining room where the service was superb and the meals excellent for both quality and quantity. Every evening had a different theme, Caribbean, Italian, American, French with menus and décor to match. The most famous quote of the week was ‘I often wondered how the other half lived, now I know – and we are the other half’.
For the first few days the weather was rough and Scottish dancing on a rolling ship brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘down the middle and up’. On more than one occasion the sets seemed to finish the dance on one side of the floor.
Playing an accordion also presented a few problems from time-to-time, as the ship rolled the keyboard wasn’t exactly where it was expected to be, making the music ‘interesting’ to say the least. The weather, however, improved and for the last 4 days it was perfect.
One of the problems on a cruise is trying to fit everything in. Not only the almost continuous on-board entertainment with something to suit every taste but also the visits ashore to visit such places as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The latter, in particular, being exactly like the pictures we are all used to seeing in the travel brochures. Somehow we managed it all and the week went by at an alarming speed. All too soon we were back in Miami and flying back home to a cold wet London.
It was a great experience and we must thank Barrhead Travel and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for arranging everything on what was a most memorable week. A number of people wonder if cruising is for them and I must admit we thought just that. However, having tried it I would say, “Go for it – it’s great”. Whether we shall ever be lucky enough to repeat this experience, I don’t know, we shall just have to ‘wait and see!’
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Musette History
Having had the pleasure of watching a 60 minute programme on BBC2 entitled ‘Window on the World’, which was entirely given over to the history of Musette Accordion and the social scene in Paris this century, it would appear that the Godfather of Musette was a self taught player whose first instrument was a small diatonic accordion costing all of three francs in a flea market and who subsequently went on to become a 3 row player named Emile Vacher, who is well-known to a lot of today’s players through his compositions which ran into the hundreds even though he was never able to read music.
Now my question to the BBC is why can we not have a similar programme here? As it was, it practically mirrored the scene here in Scotland. As one who was born at the tail end of WW1 I have witnessed it all before, from the days of wind-up gramophones and players such as the Wyper Brothers, Peter Leatham, James Brown and William Hannah on to the 3 row Shand Morino as developed and played by Jimmy Shand and who was the equal in every way of Emile Vacher as a player and composer. So what is it with Scots broadcasters? It cannot be that they are ashamed of our native and traditional culture when they have so much to be ashamed of in the constant output of foreign culture. The French wear theirs like a badge of honour and there is no reason why we cannot do likewise because when tradition is neglected it will be lost forever. So with the year 2000 looming now is the time to give us a celebration of the present century.
Jim Duncan, Edinburgh
Kerr’s Collection
I am sure there are very few fiddlers who play traditional Scottish and Irish music who have not used Kerr’s Collection of Merry Melodies, which as far as I am concerned is a treasury of tunes and airs that is unrivalled in the traditional music field.
I first used Kerr’s Collection as a source of tunes over 70 years ago and indeed still use it to bring back to mind tunes played long ago.
I have seen copies of Kerr’s Collection in Ireland, England, Scotland, U.S.A. and Canada and I believe there are more tunes in all of Kerr’s books than in the well known Francis O’Neill Collections.
Myself and many of my fiddle and accordion enthusiasts are very curious to know more about James Kerr who must have worked long and hard over a long period of time to collect and put in print the hundreds of tunes which have been a great source of music to us all. The question is ‘who was James Kerr?’ How did he get interested and begin collecting and printing music and when?
I would be very obliged to get more information on this most interesting topic.
Kevin McCann
Record Review
Fiddle – Gordon Simpson with the Ian Muir Sound – BRCD005
Lassie Come and Dance Wi’ Me – Ian Cruickshanks and his Band – KCN001
West Cost and Beyond – Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band – CDLOC1093
Morino Medley – Bruce Lindsay with Ray Elrick on Piano – SMR061
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
5th Apr 97 – Craigellachie SDB
12th Apr 97 – Alistair Wood SDB
19th Apr 97 – Hector McFadyen SDB
26th Apr 97 – Kevin Clark SDB OB from Portugal
3rd May 97 – Neil MacEachern SDB
10th May 97 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
17th May 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
24th May 97 – Fergie McDonald OB from Fort William
31st May 97 – Alistair Hunter & the Lorne SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 29th Apr 97 – Forres Club 27th May - AGM
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 9th Apr 97 – Sandy Leggat SDB 14th May AGM
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 20th Apr 97 – Jean McConnachie SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 6th Apr 97 – Bobby Coghill 4th May Cults Club
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 3rd Apr 97 – Donnie McGregor & Friends 1st May Fraser McGlynn Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Apr 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 28th Apr 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany 26th May Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 23rd Apr 97 – Mhairi Shand and George Sim 28th May Strathmore Sound
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 21st Apr 97 – Dick Black Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Apr 97 – Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Apr 97 – Gordon Simpson Duo 13th May Jim & Jean McConnachie
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Apr 97 – Robin Ellis SDB 13th May Club Night
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 10th Apr 97 – tba 8th May Sarah Jane Summers (fiddle)
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 1st Apr 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany 6th May Gary Blair
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 3rd Apr 97 – John Douglas Trio
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 17th Apr 97 – George Stirrat SDB 15th May Club Night
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 3rd Apr 97 – Lomond Ceilidh Band 1st May Scott Lee SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 15th Apr 97 – Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Wick Club 7th May Sandy Leggat SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Andrew Gordon SDB 20th May Lawrie Accordion Orchestra
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 8th Apr 97 – Graeme Johnstone
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 3rd Apr 97 - tba
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 22nd Apr 97 – West Telferton Cale SDB 20th May Dick Black Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 29th Apr 97 - West Telferton Cale SDB 26th May Fraser McGlynn Duo
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Apr 97 – Lindsay Weir SDB 14th May Alan Gardiner SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 3rd Apr 97 – Brian Griffin
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 29th Apr 97 – tba 27th May tba
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 16th Apr 97 – Ian Holmes Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Apr 97 – Dennis Morrison SDB 19th May Scott Gordon SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 1st Apr 97 – James Coutts SDB
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 1st Apr 97 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 9th Apr 97 – Donal Ring Ceilie Band 30th Apr Wendy Godfrey SDB 28th May John Renton SDB
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Bill Black SDB
Lanark (Masonic Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Apr 97 – Scott Leslie SDB 8th May David Scott & the Glenelvan SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 10th Apr 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo 1st May Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 15th Apr 97 – Gordon Pattullo 20th May Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 29th Apr 97 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 2nd Apr 97 – Dick Black Band 7th May Wayne Robertson & Nigel Jelks
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 16th Apr 97 – Club Night
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 1st Apr 97 – Ellon Club 6th May Jim Ritchie
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 3rd Apr 97 – Mark MacDougall & Alistair MacPhail
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 24th Apr 97 – Mary Young
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Duncan Black SDB 20th May Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Apr 97 – Gary Blair
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 3rd Apr 97 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 1st May Judith Linton Trio
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 13th Apr 97 – Ian Holmes SDB 11th May Dennis Morrison SDB
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 9th Apr 97 – Deirdre Adamson
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 7th Apr 97 – Wick Fiddlers 5th May Jock Fraser SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Apr 97 – Tain Scottish Trio 1st May Dick Black Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 1st Apr 97 – tba 6th May Ian Holmes Trio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 15th Apr 97 – Seamus O’Sullivan 26th May Gordon Pattullo
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 16th Apr 97 – The Lothian Band 21st May Bruce Lindsay
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith
9. Biggar
10. Blairgowrie
11. Campsie
12. Carlisle
13. Castle Douglas
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff
16. Dalriada
17. Dingwall
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. East Kilbride
22. Forres
23. Galashiels
24. Glendale
25. Glenrothes
26. Gretna
27. Highland
28. Inveraray
29. Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Lesmahagow
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Montrose
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Peebles
41. Perth
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Stirling
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Turriff
48. Tynedale
49. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1995
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
15. Bromley A&F Club
16. Button Key A&F Club (
17. Campbeltown A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Derwentside A&F Club
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
27. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
28. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
32. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
33. Forfar A&F Club (
34. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
35. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
36. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
37. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
38. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
39. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
40. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
41. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
44. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
45. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
46. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
47. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
48. Kintore A&F Club (
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
56. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
57. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
59. Mull A&F Club
60. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
62. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
63. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
64. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
65. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
66. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
67. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
68. Renfrew A&F Club (
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
73. Sutherland A&F Club (
74. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76. Tranent A&F Club
77. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
78. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
79. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
80. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Buchan A&F Club
84. Callander A&F Club (
85. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87. Club Accord
88. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
98. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
99. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Newcastleton Accordion Club
103. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
104. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
105. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
106. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
107. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
108. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
109. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
110. Wellbank A&F Club
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