Box and Fiddle
Year 26 No 08
April 2003
Price £2.00
44 Page Magazine
4 month subscription £8 + p&p £2.40
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Hello again. It was lovely to meet up with so many of you at Musselburgh, and on behalf of the B&F Team, thank you for all the kind comments about the magazine. Congratulations to all the Musselburgh winners, you’ll find a full list on page 10. It’s the end of an era as Chairman Neil Copland and his Secretary Margaret Macari leave the Festival Committee after 11 years – but they assure us they’ll be on hand to offer help and advice to whoever takes over.
We were sad to learn of the death of Ena Wilkie of Perth and our thoughts are with Bill and the family. There will be a tribute to her in next month’s magazine.
Our colour pages proved very popular, and we have even more this month. Jean Sharman of TTF and Reel Blend has written a great article about the recent trip across the Atlantic, and Robbie, Jennifer and Ken can now be seen in glorious technicolour! Speaking of TTF, not only is Our Jude doing a regular review spot, but have you seen who’s guest presenter on 3rd May?
Loads of Festivals and concerts coming up. Don’t forget the Newtongrange Competitions on Sunday 13th April.
Thanks again to Heather, Alison, Jude and everyone else who works so hard to get the B&F out on time.
Karin Ingram
Musselburgh Festival 2003
Another Successful Year Passes
by Neil Copland
Saturday 1st March 2003 was the date for this year’s Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships (Musselburgh Festival) organised by the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. This was the 29th such championship and was as eagerly awaited as all of the first twenty-eight by the Committee, competitors and spectators alike.
As the day dawned it was going to be a bright and crisp Spring morning. The Committee was hoping that the standard of playing was going to be equally bright and crisp – they were not disappointed as it turned out. This was promising to be another feast of the best in accordion and fiddle playing around at the time judging by the increased number of entries for this year’s Festival. Entries this year totaled 212 – an increase of almost 20% on the 2002 figure. This increase appeared to be bucking the trend for other festivals this season, so confirming that Musselburgh Festival has become THE FESTIVAL for our kind of music.
There were increased entries in the fiddle – junior, senior and championship classes; the accordion – traditional and championship classes; and the and the classical accordion sections. The growth therefore, was all over rather than specific to one instrument or type of music.
The Committee was particularly pleased to see this increase as there had been one or two fears expressed that perhaps the Festival might be losing its appeal to young competitors along with other such events. Teachers, parents and competitors are to be thanked for their continuing support of this Festival and our type of music since, without youngsters coming through the ranks, there will be no future for our national musical heritage.
This year we had competitors from as far afield as Carlisle, Dingwall, Inverness, the Borders and the Shetland Isles (young Maggie Adamson making a successful return after her debut last year). All our competitors were winners just by being there and taking part, even if they didn’t manage to take home a trophy this time around.
As you will know, the chosen composer for this year’s Open Fiddle Championship class was James Scott Skinner and this proved to be popular with competitors with no less than eleven competitors vying for this prestigious Championship and the Banchory S&R Society Trophy. The eventual winner was 15-year-old George Smith from Aberlemno whose Championship winning performance during the concert was outstanding, as many of you may have heard on the ‘TTF’ feature on Saturday, 8th March.
The Open Accordion Championship class was no less exciting with eight competitors entertaining the audience to music composed by Iain MacPhail. Again, the winner was a young man of considerable talent – Tom Orr, whose winning performance delighted not only the audience but also the adjudicators – Alasdair MacCuish, and the one and only Iain MAcPhail himself. Iain expressed his delight and honour at being the chosen composer and certainly was not let down by the competitors with their choice of tunes. Next year’s chosen composers have been decided by this year’s adjudicators and are William Marshall (Fiddle) and Ronnie Cooper (Accordiuon), so we look forward to hearing some super music in these sections again next year.
The adjudication panel this year comprised no fewer than four new faces to our Festival (Alison Smith, James Alexander, John Delaney and Alasdair MacCuish) who were ably supported by Musselburgh regulars, Jimmy Lindsay, Iain MacPhail and Bill Smith. The entire panel of adjudicators were unanimous in their praise for the quality of playing they heard throughout the day. There have also been a number of approaches by parents of competitors who wished it recorded that the manner and style of the adjudicators’ comments and criticisms were very well put over and received by the young competitors. As a former competitor myself, it was always nice to think that your adjudicator was giving you a very personal and genuine commentary on your performance and this certainly has been the feedback this year from parents and teachers. Thanks then are due to the competitors for their extremely good performances, and also to the adjudicators for their equally good performances.
The Brunton Hall complex continues to be an ideal venue for the Festival and hopefully will remain so. The planned refurbishment of the Main Hall that threatened to chase us out of the complex for our dance this year was postponed and to date, there has been no announcement of when it will now take place. However, the possibility of a decant having been explored this time last year means that if (when) this refurbishment work is announced again, there are fall-back plans available to the Festival Committee.
Careful scheduling and good time management by stage crews in the various halls meant that we almost achieved the desired aim of finishing the Festival on time with the Band section. All other halls ran well to time and we were eagerly anticipating a bumper finale to the day of competitions – we were not let down. This was certainly delivered by the Band Section competitors if somewhat later in the day than had been planned. As always, there was a super atmosphere in the Main Hall for this section and again, the Band section was recorded by Ken Mutch and the BBC ‘TTF’ Team for transmission as one of two special features on the Festival that were broadcast during March. The other feature gave those who couldn’t be at the Festival the chance to hear some of the new Champions as they played in the Prizewinners’ Concert in the early part of the evening. My thanks, as always, go to Ken and the BBC Team for their continued support of Musselburgh Festival. The concert this year was compered by John Caskie and Jennifer Forrest, who was returning after her absence last year. They certainly kept the concert flowing (and me on my toes getting players ready to perform).
Following a very successful concert, the Festival Dance was to the music of the Ian Muir Sound - and what an end to our day Ian and the band gave us. The music was first class, the musical arrangements even better, and the fun and camaraderie amongst everyone in the hall was clearly visible for all to see and symbolic of what Musselburgh Festival has come to be – THE FRIENDLY FESTIVAL.
During the dance the Festival Raffle – with more than 50 prizes – was drawn, and that after having a small draw at the end of the competitions! My thanks go to all NAAFC clubs, individuals and Festival friends for their contributions to this superb raffle.
In conclusion, I must thank everyone who helped make this year’s Festival as successful and enjoyable as any before it – competitors, teachers, parents, Committee members, advertisers, sponsors, helpers, raffle donators, adjudicators and very importantly, the listening public. Special thanks also, to Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari for her unstinting support to me, the Committee and all competitors throughout the year. Unfortunately, Margaret didn’t manage to attend the Festival this year due to ill health and I can tell you, she was sorely missed by me, even though I had the help of regular ‘office staff’ Margaret Davidson and Grace Lamb in the Festival Office.
If there was any aspect of this year’s Festival that readers feel could be improved (other than the catering facilities which we already have in hand), then the Committee would welcome feedback – all comments received will be discussed at the next Committee meeting in May. Any remaining survey forms that readers want to send in should reach me by the end of April so that they can be analysed and a report presented to the next Committee meeting at the end of May.
As many of you will know by now, both Festival Secretary Margaret Macari, and myself, have decided to retire from the Festival Sub-Committee at this year’s AGM after 11 years ‘in the hot seat’. We have both thoroughly enjoyed our time making YOUR FESTIVAL happen over the years and will certainly miss the buzz and excitement that is around in the lead up to, and on, the great day. We extend our best wishes to our successors and the new Committee as they strive to keep this Festival at the top of the tree here in Scotland, and indeed, take it forward into the next stages of development.
All that remains is for me to say once again a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival another successful occasion – in all respects. See you all next year – Saturday 6th March 2004 – same time, same place (I hope) – I’ll be there!
Musselburgh Results 2003
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Kyle Lovie Willox (Fraserburgh)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
2) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
3) Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3=) Scott Nichol (Pathhead) & Willie Scott (Dumbarton)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
2) Rebecca Conroy (Dundee) & Clare Murphie (Dundee)
3) Emma Alexander (Buckie) & Kerry Alexander (Buckie)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Tom Orr (Lanark)
3) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2=) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
2=) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2=) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Norman MacKay (Nairn)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
3) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
3) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Maureen Rutherford (Perth)
2) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Liam Morran (Neilston)
3) Heather Campbell (Tranent)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
2) John Morrison (Glasgow)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Craig Stevenson (Paisley)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Bryan McMillan (Whitburn)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1=) Gary Blair Jnr (Glasgow) & Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2)
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Kirsty Hobson (Paisley) & Craig Stevenson (Paisley)
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Fiona Titterington (Carlisle) & Jennifer Maxwell (Carlisle)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
3) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
3) Neal Galbraith (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Jim Gold (Douglas)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
3) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Kerry Alexander (Buckie)
3) Emma Alexander (Buckie)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) George Smith (Aberlemno)
2) Jennifer Watson (Dundee)
3) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1)
2)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Aiden Broadbridge (Kirkfieldbank)
2) Ross Thomson (Bonhill)
3) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Ross Thomson (Bonhill)
2) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Aiden Broadbridge (Kirkfieldbank)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) George Smith (Aberlemno)
2=) Ross Thomson (Bonhill)
2=) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Ross Thomson (Bonhill)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
George Smith (Aberlemno)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers ‘A’ (Dundee)
2) Tayside Young Fiddlers ‘A’ (Dundee)
3) St John’s Stringers (Dundee)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Sarah Alexander (Buckie)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Morran (Neilston)
Collectors’ Pieces
by Charlie Gore
Charlie Gore edited and published ‘The Scottish Fiddle Music Index’ in 1994. This was the first attempt ever made to index the titles of the 12,000 or so traditional tunes, songs, airs and miscellaneous music published in the printed collections of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The chief value of the Index to researchers, musicians and students of the tradition is that it has made it possible to locate any tune listed and to identify an accessible source for the music (mostly based on collections held at the National Library of Scotland).
The
Shand Morino Gathering
by Bert Pollock
Windygates Institute was again the venue for this, the 8th Shand Morino Gathering, held on Sunday 19th January, 2003. As usual, the stage was set, bedecked in tartan with a portrait of Sir Jimmy Shand, creator of the Shand Morino, taking pride of place. On display in front of the stage were no fewer than 30 Shand Morinos, including 3 of the original 4, all to be expertly played later on in the afternoon.
Once again, the players and audience came from far and near. From North and South Ireland, from the Borders to the Black Isle, up the East Coast, across Scotland and over to the West Coast and of course from our local area. The hall was virtually full by 12.30 with nearly all the 200 seats occupied, and by 1 o’clock starting time, it was standing room only.
Bruce Lindsay Snr welcomed everyone before Bob McIntosh MBE gave a brief history of how The Shand Morino Gathering first started, stating it stemmed from an idea of Bruce and the late Davy Black, and how it has grown and developed.
Nearly all the proud owners of the Morino boxes were able to give some details of their instrument, stating its number, where and when it was bought or borrowed, who had it before them and sometime its original cost.
Those playing Shand Morino button-key accordions were :-
Sandy Tulloch (Dundee)
Ernie Cowie (Montrose)
George Rea (Country Antrim, Northern Ireland)
Roy Magna (Markinch)
Donal Ring (Cork, Eire)
Jim Quigley (Glenrothes)
Tom Blamey (Lochgelly)
Archie Paterson (Callander)
Jim & Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
Willie McHardy (Friockheim)
Ken Hopkins (County Down, Northern Ireland)
Bruce Lindsay Jnr (Largoward)
Colin Chalmers (Invergowrie)
Fraser McQueen (Black Isle)
Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir)
Dougie Milne (Kirriemuir)
Bill Black (Doune) and
David Ross (Kilmarnock)
Other players were :-
Dougal Jenkins
Ian Holmes (Dumfries)
George Stirrat (Cumbernauld)
John Crawford (Freuchie)
Ian McCallum and
Bruce Lindsay Snr on piano accordions.
Donal Ring Jnr and David Rea both on 5-row button-key from Ireland.
Jim Crawford (Freuchie) and Bob McIntosh (Cupar).
On fiddle were :-
Ian Robertson
Tom McKinlay and
Bob McIntosh
On piano were :-
Bill Ewan
Jimmy Scott and
Alan Adams.
Dougie Cargill provided a solid foundation on double bass and
On drums were :-
Jim Rodger
Tom MacKay
Jock Stewart
Jos Taylor
Derek Dunn and
Jock Ireland.
There were 20 players on stage for the opening stramash led by Sandy Tulloch starting with the ever popular 6.20 Two-Step and followed by a set of reels including, naturally, The East Neuk of Fife.
After this lively introduction to the musical entertainment we listened to the previously mentioned players giving their fine selections of reels, jigs, polkas, two steps, marches, hornpipes, Continental waltzes, Gaelic and Scottish waltzes.
Some bands had their usual players; some were family bands such as the MacKay family from Inverness (three generations here), Donal Ring (father and son) and brothers like David and George Rea, while other groups were made up on the spot.
As well as the excellent playing, we had Ken Hopkins giving a song and spinning a few yarns. Of particular note was Ian Holmes who had a unique Swiss accordion which he jokingly said was a Shand Morino prototype. This instrument had a completely different tone from the others but was certainly very compatible with the Continental march and waltz, which he played.
Donal Ring stated he had the first Shand Morino in Ireland, while Dougal Jenkins, playing a 1937 Morino piano accordion, said it cost £65 new including the case (a lot of money then).
As a gesture to the tea ladies Ian Cruickshanks played The Windygates Tea Ladies Waltz on a borrowed 1952 Shand Morino, which belonged to the late bobby Brown. Dougie Milne composed this tune and later on played another of his own compositions called The Ruby Waltz dedicated to Jim and Muriel Smith on the occasion of their Ruby Wedding.
Time passes so quickly at this event and we were nearly an hour past our scheduled finishing time. Unfortunately some players who turned up did not have an opportunity to play and we apologise for this.
Bruce Lindsay remarked, “Is that no’ a braw sicht?”, referring to the Morino display and saying how proud Jimmy Shand would have been to have seen it. Before the final stramash Bob McIntosh gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Club members and guests ion the audience, to our committee for all the hard work in organising the day and especially to our ladies in the kitchen. They started on Saturday and had an early call on Sunday morning to bake and prepare all the ‘goodies.’ A big thank you to Bruce for organizing the programme.
In his remarks Bob McIntosh said that the number of Morinos seems to be increasing and this was evident in the final stramash led again by Sandy Tulloch when there were 26 players in view – plus whoever else was hiding behind the curtains!
Of course no music in complete without the support of the accompanists and we were very fortunate in having this provided by musicians of such a high calibre.
Hence we came to the end of another great day’s entertainment and now look forward to next year for the 9th Gathering.
Take the Floor
Friends Old and New…
by Jean Sharman (Radio Production Assistant ‘TTF’ and ‘The Reel Blend)
During my two years with ‘TTF’ I’m always amazed that everywhere I’ve travelled with the team we’ve always bumped into someone who ‘kens’ Robbie. On a trip to Los Angeles with the team last month I thought that it was pretty remote that we’d meet anyone we knew; but one afternoon, when we snatched a couple of hours off, we were strolling down Hollywood Boulevard when we were halted by the words “Fir like Robbie?” to be greeted by Scotland the What’s George Donald, and I was to hear that phrase time and again during our 5 day trip ……small world.
It was last October when a dear friend of ‘TTF’, Marjory Rankine, made the call to the BBC in Aberdeen to suggest coming over to Los Angeles to record ‘TTF’ at the Annual Scottish Festival and Games held in February at Long Beach in the spectacular setting of the 1930’s Clyde-built Cunard liner Queen Mary. Marjory was involved in setting up the Festival ten years ago, and the event has grown in strength and now draws a crowd of over 15,000 folk over the two days. Given the size and atmosphere of the Festival it was a great opportunity to take ‘The Reel Blend’ out on the road and, in the middle of February, producer Ken Mutch and Jennifer Cruickshank, audio engineer Doug Maskew, Robbie and myself boarded an 11 hour flight in London, bound for our American adventure.
The David Cunningham SDB from Cupar had been invited by the organizers to play at the Grand Tartan Ball which rounds off the Festival and we were delighted to have David and his Band provide the music for the ‘TTF’ recording which was held in the grand surroundings of the Queen’s Salon situated on the promenade deck of the ship. Supporting David and his band was Alex Beaton, a folk singer who hails from Glasgow and now lives in California; his rich baritone voice can be heard at many a Scottish Festival throughout the USA. We were also pleased to have North Carolina duo ‘Tuppence’, husband and wife Simon and Sara Spalding who sing and play North American and Scottish Traditional music. Dancers from the Los Angeles Branch of the RSCDS graced the dance floor to the absolute thrill of the 200 or so spectators who marveled at the intricacies of the dance; I’m sure the Branch picked up a few new members that evening! Robbie was in fine form and proudly wore his tartan as he wowed the audience with his breadth of knowledge about the dances and tunes. And, once again, I was to hear that wonderful north-east phrase, “Fit like Robbie?” from a member of the dance team, a lady who had been brought up in Torphins – and whose sister still stays there.
The Reel Blend was just as its name implies, a really fine blend of performers, participants and the best of Scottish songs and tunes augmented by American voices young and old, so proud of their Scottish heritage, queuing up to read their dedications on air to friends and family back home. Once again, David Cunningham Jnr and his very fine Scottish Dance Band led the entertainment. George Donald, whom we had met a couple of days earlier, brought along his good friend and classical violinist Vahan Ananian, and together they gave a wonderful rendition of Fyvie Castle. Donnie MacDonald from Lewis and his singing partner James Keigher from County Mayo in the west of Ireland who perform under the name of ‘Men of Worth’ were indeed worthy contributors, as were the other guests who took part in the packages Robbie and Jennifer recorded on the ship and around the showground at the Heavy Events, sheepdog trials, and Highland Dancing. To top it all, the Queen’s Salon resounded with the skirl of the pipes as the Grade 1 Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Scott MacDonald, wound up a very enjoyable programme.
As a special guest on ‘Reel Blend’ we were really pleased to welcome Marjory Rankine, who started it all off, along with John Adamson, Queen Mary Events Manager, who looked after us so well and made our stay at Long Beach a memorable one. I have always been proud of my Scottish heritage and I was quite moved at the passion shown by Americans to trace their Scottish roots and how proud they were to tell the world and his wife about it……and I loved the relaxed and informal way they wore the tartan.
A memorable trip indeed, and it all started with a phone call and an invitation from Marjory…..mind you, when I think of it, most of the ‘Take the Floor’ outside broadcasts we do the length and breadth of the country start that way as well.
The Tingle Flingle (Tingle Creek 2003)
by Deryn Waitt
What a weekend! We had the best……………
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Hello everyone, here we are into the fourth month of the year …………………..
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
It is autumn Down Under…………
CD Reviews
Highlands & Islands Vol 1 Loch shiel WCMCD025 Miraculous Productions
Accordeon continental – Billy McGuire & Jimmy Cassidy – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Still Steamin’ – Gary Blair – GBCD003 – Independent
Mhairi Coutts – Plays for Reel – SMR130CD – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Buttons and Keys Vol 1 – The Best of Jim MacLeod and his Band – CDLAT001 – Ross Records
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
I was delighted to be offered the Sir Jimmy Shand Scholarship and, assuming when I sit my English Higher I get the required grade, I will be taking up the offered place at the RSAMD and therefore I will be in a position to very gratefully accept your Assocoation’s generous funding.
Zoe Renouf
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
5th Apr 2003 – George Stirrat SDB + Band of the Past Feature on Adam Rennie
12th Apr 2003 – Nicol McLaren & the Glencraig SDB + Feature on John Sinton
19th Apr 2003 – Gary Donaldson SDB + Feature tbc
26th Apr 2003 – Jennifer Forrest SDB – OB from Woodend Barn, Banchory. With guests.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 29th Apr 03 – James Coutts SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 9th Apr 03 – Judith Linton Trio
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 20th Apr 03 – Bon Accords
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 6th Apr 03 – David Scott & the Glenelvan SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 3rd Apr 03 – Mary Young SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 13th Apr 03 – Jock Fraser SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 28th Apr 03 – Bruce Lindsay Trio with Hebbie Gray on fiddle
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 23rd Apr 03 – Alex & Madeleine Green
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 21st Apr 03 – David Bowen & Friends
Belford (Community Centre) – 24th Apr 03 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Apr 03 – The Big Squeeze
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Apr 03 – John Crawford Trio
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - Apr 03
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 10th Apr 03 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 1st Apr 03 – Gordon Shand SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 3rd Apr 03 – Dick Black Band
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 15th Apr 03 – John Renton SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 17th Apr 03 – Keith Dickson Orchestra
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 13th Apr 03 – All Players Welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 3rd Apr 03 – Colin Garvin Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 9th Apr 03 – The Jean McConnachie Sound
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) Apr 03
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 2nd Apr 03 – Patsy Reid (fiddle)
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 16th Apr 03 – Jennifer Cruickshank SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 8th Apr 03 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Apr 03
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) – Apr 03
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 22nd Apr 03 – Dick Black Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 28th Apr 03 – Dick Black Band
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 27th Apr 03 – John Douglas SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 9th Apr 03 – Ernie Cowie & Graham Berry
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 3rd Apr 03 – Neil Hardie SDB
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 14th Apr 03 – Club Night
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 17th Apr 03 - AGM
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 2nd Apr 03 – David Vernon
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 29th Apr 03 – Alex McIntyre
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 6th Apr 03 - tbc
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Apr 03 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 9th Apr 03 – Ian Muir Sound
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 3rd Apr 03 – Jock Fraser Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 1st Apr 03 – James Coutts Quartet
18th Apr 03 – Dance to Neil MacEachern SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 30th Apr 03 – Scott Leslie SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 2nd Apr 03 – Steven Carcary & Malcolm Ross
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Apr 03 – Dance to George Stirrat SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – Apr 03
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Apr 03 – Ian Muir Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Apr 03 – Bill Black SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 15th Apr 03 - GiveWay
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 29th Apr 03 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 15th Apr 03 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – Apr 03
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 24th Apr 03 – Marian Anderson SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 2nd Apr 03 – Club Night
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 13th Apr 03 - Competitions
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – Apr 03
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 3rd Apr 03 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – Apr 03
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – Apr 03
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15th Apr 03 – James Coutts SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 1st Apr 03 – Tony Smyth (fiddle) & Brendan Gaughan (keyboard)
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Apr 03 – John Renton SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 3rd Apr 03 – William Marshall Sound
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - Apr 03
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - Apr 03
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - Apr 03
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 8th Apr 03 – Ian Kirkpatrick SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 7th Apr 03 – Alastair Hunter Trio
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 3rd Apr 03 – John Douglas SDB celebrating 21st Anniversary
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 17th Apr 03 – Brian Griffin Duo
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 10th Apr 03 – Ross MacPherson SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 15th Apr 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith & District
9. Belford
10. Biggar
11. Blairgowrie
12. Button-Key
13. Campsie
14. Carlisle
15. Castle Douglas
16. Coalburn
17. Cults
18. Dunblane
19. Dunfermline
20. Dunoon & Cowal
21. East Kilbride
22. Ellon
23. Fintry
24. Forfar
25. Forres
26. Galashiels
27. Galston
28. Glendale
29. Glenrothes & District
30. Highland
31. Inveraray
32. Islesteps
33. Kelso
34. Kelso
35. Kintore
36. Lanark
37. Langholm
38. Lesmahagow
39. Lewis & Harris
40. Livingston
41. Mauchline
42. Montrose
43. Newburgh
44. Newmill
45. Newtongrange
46. North East
47. Oban
48. Peebles
49. Premier
50. Renfrew
51. Rothbury
52. Shetland
53. Thornhill
54. Thurso
55. Turriff
56. West Barnes
57. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(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 (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. Vancouver
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
78. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85. Callander A&F Club (
86. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Club Accord
89. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
119. Wellbank A&F Club
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