Box and Fiddle
Year 27 No 08
April 2004
Price £2.00
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
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
We were saddened by the sudden death of Forres bandleader, Ian Anderson, Next month’s B&F will carry an obituary by Andy Ross.
Jim Johnstone continues to make steady progress, and we send our very best wishes.
Please could we have your B&F Awards voting slips back by the end of the month? We have to count the votes and order the trophies. The AGM and Celebrity Luncheon is filling up fast, so make sure of your place by phoning Jim Balneaves.
Congratulations to Gary Forrest of Jedburgh, this year’s recipient of The Sir Jimmy Shand Scholarshipto the RSAMD in Glasgow. Congratulations too to all the worthy prizewinner at Musselburgh.
Please could the Secretaries let me know if their magazine order is to change? If you usually buy your magazine at your Club, but wish to be a summer subscriber please contact me as soon as possible.
Karin Ingram
Musselburgh 2004
by James Coutts
Saturday 6th March 2004 and once again all roads led to Musselburgh for the 30th Annual Accordion & Fiddle Championships.
A very healthy turnout of competitors, teachers, spectators, exhibitors and helpers ensured a great atmosphere in the main complex and surrounding venues from 8am right through to the wee sma’ hours of the following morning.
Following on from last year, we were absolutely delighted to see a substantial increase in competition entries, particularly in the classical accordion sections, with the total number approaching 240 by the time late entries were added to those listed in the programme. This meant we had to use external venues as well as the Main Hall and Theatre within the Brunton Halls complex, as we welcomed competitors from as far afield as Cumbria and Shetland.
On the adjudication panel this year we had the pleasure of welcoming debutants at Musselburgh in the shape of Susan Mackintosh, Scott Gordon, Graham Berry, Jim Hutcheon and Alex McIntyre as well as Marie Fielding, Jimmy Cassidy and Graeme Mitchell, all of whom were making return visits to Musselburgh in this capacity. All the adjudicators commented on the high quality of the playing across the various classes, offering constructive criticism where appropriate along with thoughts and ideas on improving standards even further. For the Open Championship classes this year, the chosen composers were William Marshall (fiddle) and Ronnie Cooper (accordion). The concert audience was treated to thrilling finals in both classes with Banchory’s Graeme Davidsontruimphing in the fiddle class and Lanark’s Tom Orr retaining the Accordion Championship. Congratulations are due to both Champions as well as the runners-up for the quality of the music. Congratulations are also due to the adjudicators for their excellent choice of composers for next year’s Championships, namely Willie Hunter (fiddle) and Bobby MacLeod (accordion). The rest of the concert was also of an exceptional standard with the winners of the various classes displaying their talents. Thanks must go to all competitors and teachers for all their efforts in continually striving to improve already high standards. As always, the concert was expertly compered by The Reel Blend’s Jennifer Forrest and John ‘The Voice of the Borders’ Caskie.
Throughout the course of the day, the foyer area and upstairs area of the complex were hives of activity as competitors and enthusiasts mixed socially with the large array of trade stands, and more particularly the bar, reporting brisk trade.
Because of the large numbers in the competitions, one or two hiccups were experienced in scheduling, but thankfully we managed to get all other venues finished in time for the Band Section in the Main Hall. A packed hall was treated to a tremendous variety of bands with Susan MacFadyen of West Kilbride winning the The Iain MacPhail Cup, while the Arthur Easson Trophy for the best Rhythm Section was won by Stuart Cameron of Glasgow. The John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich was awarded to the runner-up, Duncan Hutchison of Moffat. As always, a great feature of this competition was the mixture of youngsters and experienced stalwarts in each of the bands.
Once again the Band competition was recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, as was the whole concert.
Thanks are due to Ken Mutch and his team for the excellent coverage and exposure they give to the festival.
After the concert, our excellent team of ‘hall clearers’ ensured the dance was underway by 9.15, with Iain MacPhail and his Band bringing a great day of music and socializing to a fantastic climax. The appeal of Iain’s band to musicians and dancers alike was obvious from the excellent turnout, with the band in top form from their first set in the concert, right through to the last bar of The High Road to Linton at 12.45am. During the interval at the dance, a fantastic array of raffle prizes was drawn, including the star prize of a Weekender Ticket for two to this year’s Shetland A&F Festival in October. We would like to thank all those who supported the raffle, whether prize donor, ticket seller or patron.
Thanks must also go to the large number of loyal supporters of the Festival whose tremendous efforts in Stewarding and administering the day’s events help make it such a memorable and enjoyable occasion year after year.
I’d also like to say a special, personal thankyou to all the Committee members for the phenomenal amount of work undertaken, not only on Festival Day, but throughout the whole year.
So here’s to Festival no 31. The date is Saturday, 5th March 2005. See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Adam Brady (Dundee)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Scott Nocol (Pathhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Claire Noble (Broughton – Peeblesshire)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3) Maggie Adamson & Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2=) Scott Nicol (Pathhead) & Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Norman MacKay (Inverness)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Bands – Runners-Up – John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich
2) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Laura Lockyer (Shetland)
3) Walter Rutherford (Keith)
Classical
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) John Morrison (Glasgow)
3) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton) & Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar) & Calum Muir (Carnwath)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (Whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Fiona Titterington (Brampton) & 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) John Morrison Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) John Morrison Glasgow)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Titterington (Brampton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Emma Tollan (Carluke)
3) Sandy Raeburn (Kinross)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
3) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
3) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Ross Thomson (Alexandria)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura Lockyer(Shetland Isles)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2=) George Smith (Aberlemno)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderon (Edinburgh) & Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers (Dundee)
2) The Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Swingin’ Fiddlers (Shetland Isles)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Joseph Morran (Neilston)
…………
Sir Jimmy Shand Tribute Day
Sunday 25th January 2004 – St Andrews Town Hall
by Heather McLean
The hall was once again
John Renton
by Karyn McCulloch
It never ceases to amaze me how many of our well-known and respected dance-band leaders are completely self-taught. John Renton is one of them.
John listened to Scottish Dance Music from an early age and he recalls feeling an excitement when he heard the music- that’s when he knew he wanted to play the accordion. Again, like so many of the greats, he was born into a musical family. His father, Jock, played melodeon and mouthorgan. Mum, Bessie, who was a champion Highland Dancer, had also been taught to play the pipes – and a “little bit” of the accordion. Even now music still runs in the family. Hamish and Graham, John’s sons, are both very good pipers and between them they can play accordion, guitar, banjo, moothie, banduria (a small twelve-stringed instrument which resembles a lute), Scottish small pipes and tin whistle.
One day while a young John was rummaging around in the loft, he discovered his mother’s accordion, which had “been up there for years”. It was an Azzoz 120 bas piano accordion. John was determined to play it – despite the thing being far too big for him at that time! Nevertheless, with nun’s help he did manage to get a tune out of it. After this John began to teach himself the accordion.
However he didn’t start playing “seriously” until he was sixteen years old. It was four years later that he made his first public appearance – at the age of twenty. He still “cringes at the memory” of that performance, at the Paisley Highlanders Club in Paisley Town Hall. It was here that he first met the young John Carmichael. John remembers being extremely nervous on the night and it took him many years to learn to play despite his nerves. He still gets nervous before gigs, but has now learnt how to use it to his advantage. During his teenage years the Scottish Dance Music was slightly overshadowed by another form of music that had caught his attention. John was “besotted” by Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group – he even tried to learn the guitar and banjo! However, he says he didn’t get very far with them, so when Skiffle faded away, his attention was turned back to Scottish Dance Music. Early influences here were the great Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand, also Adam Rennie, Ian Powrie and Jim Cameron.
Even nowadays, John is still influenced by the older bands, as he feels they are closer to the truth of the music – regarding interpretation, tempos and band arrangements. Some of his great favourites are Andrew Rankine, Ian Holmes, Alasdair Downie, Hamish Menzies, Jim Johnstone and Lindsay Ross.
Each band has something unique to offer – John sometimes picks out “bits” which appeal to him and he tries to incorporate them into his own band arrangements – which he writes himself.
The younger bands today are highly skilled and very accurate, but John looks for emotion and feeling in the music rather than clinical accuracy and sheer skill. “There are subliminal rhythms in the music which have to be implied rather than played” – these tend to be captured by the older bands.
Pipe and fiddle music are favourites that John likes to listen to in his spare time, as well as traditional jazz and a wee touch of classical. He owns two accordions – a Hohner Morino VM 127 bass piano accordion, dated around 1952, which he has had since 1977 and this is the one he plays most often, but he also has a Gaudini accordion which is dated around 1945.
John enjoys playing for all types of dance, but he adores playing strathspeys and this is one of the reasons he especially enjoys playing for Scottish Country Dancing. He has written hundreds of tunes – thirty-three of which have been published. One of his tunes Evelyn’s Strathspey was written for Evelyn Ramwell of Carlisle and is the original tune for “Evelyn’s Dance”, which was published by the Leeds Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. in their 40th Anniversary Book.
The first band John played with was ‘the Bluebell Scottish Dance Band’ back in the early 1960’s. The band was led by Duncan MacKay of Inveraray and had a “very West Coast feel”. This is the only band, other than his own, that John has ever played with.
He has had some success in the competition arena, where he achieved 3rd in the Senior Scottish at Perth in 1970; 1st in the Senior Scottish at Blairgowrie in 1971; 1st in the Own Composition at Perth in 1973 and was 1st in the Band Competition at Musselburgh in 1977. Although he is no stranger to competitions, John has only ever adjudicated once in his life. This was at the Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club in Inverness, where he was asked to judge the Trio Competition, while he was visiting as guest artiste.
Working full time as an engineer, John’s interest in the accordion has always been a hobby. From 1964 to 1969 John was in the Merchant Navy (as an engineer), so didn’t form his own band until 1970. The original line-up was Roddie MacDiamid (second box), George Pert (piano), John Spalding (drums) and John himself on lead box. The line-up then changed slightly with Roddie MacDiamid (second box), Jimmy Porter (piano), Ian Philip (bass) and George Fletcher (drums) This line-up played together for about four years. John’s third band consisted of Ricki Franci (second box), Colin Finlayson (piano), Neil MacMillan (bass) and Gus Millar (drums). This was the line up until john and his family moved to Zambia in 1977, where he worked as an engineer in Zambia Breweries in Ndola until 1982. John didn’t return to Inveraray until 1986 and in 1987 he formed yet another band. This time the line-up was John on lead, Stephen Provan on piano, Dave Provan (Stephen’s dad) on bass and Alistair McIntrye on drums.
John’s first radio broadcast with his band in 1990, and for this he invited two of his longstanding musical pals – Ricki Franci (second box) and Gordon Simpson (fiddle) – to join the band to make it a six piece. All band members still play together regularly, but sadly Dave Provan died in 1994. John has recorded ten radio broadcasts with his band – so far.
In the mid – 1960’s he was involved in a television broadcast – playing accordion on a programme called ‘Songs All the Way’. Also on that same programme were Alasdair Gillies and Mhairi MacArthur. Unfortunately, John never managed to see it on the telly – he was recalled to his ship, as he was still in the Merchant Navy at the time.
The band has played for the St Andrew’s Ball in Geneva for the last ten years and had played in Northern Ireland on three separate occasions. In 1997, the band was asked to record a CD of the music for Book 21 of the RSCDS. In 1999 the band recorded an independent CD called ‘Band Boy’s Choice’. John has no plans to record another CD at the moment, but he hopes to record more radio broadcasts.
Asked if he will even give up playing, he replied, “No but I will slip out of playing in public when I feel I am no longer doing the music justice”. John still would like to compose “a few more tunes” which he hopes will live on, like so many other great tunes. After all, Scottish music has survived and developed for more than five hundred years.
However, the survival of Scottish Dance Music depends on the continuity of demand by dancers. Travelling across the country as many bands do, John has been “forced to realize” that the average age of dancers is getting older. It no longer seems to be an integral part of our national life, the way it was when he was younger. Without an injection of young dancers, John fears for the future of Scottish dance.
Similarly with Accordion and Fiddle Clubs – there is a lack of young players. Each generation of musicians who come into the traditional music scene seem to believe that they can play it better than those before them. John’s own belief is that the music sits above us – challenging us to do it justice – not to distort it for egotistical reasons. What is John’s advice to any young dance-band leaders coming up through the ranks? “Remember that it is DANCE music – and it is at it most glorious when played for the dance. No more challenge is required than this”.
John hopes that the younger bands “still playing in the traditional fashion” will continue to do so for many years to come.
In any event, John Renton is extremely proud to be part of this wonderful music scene.
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Congratulations to James Coutts ……….
Shand Morino Gathering
by BP
The 9th Shand Morino Gathering hosted by the Button-Key A&F Club took place in The Windygates Institute on Sunday, 18th January 2004.
As in previous years, the stage was clad in tartan and all the Shand Morinos were laid out on display. Once again the players and audience came from far and near, from the Emerald Isle, Inverness, from all over the Borders, as far south as Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway and, of course, our local area. Before the one o’clock starting time all the seats were occupied and it was standing room only, showing that this event is still a major attraction in the accordionist’s diary.
Those playing Shand Morino were – Sandy Tulloch (Dundee), Ernie Cowie (Montrose), George Rea (Country Antrim), Roy Magna (Markinch), Ken Hopkins (County Down), Jim MacKay (Inverness), Jim Quigley (Glenrothes), Dougie Milne (Kirriemuir), Tom Blamey (Lochgelly), Ian Holmes (Dumfries), Robin Waitt (Langholm), David Ross (Kilmarnock), Bill Black (Doune), Bruce Lindsay Jnr (Largoward), Jimmy and Sandy Lindsay (Amulree) and Sandy Ramage (Kelso).
Other accordionists were – David Rea (Co. Antrim), Lex Keith and Bruce Lindsay Snr.
Fiddlers – Bob McIntosh (Cupar), Willie Cameron (Falkirk), Bob Christie (Stirling) and Ian Robertson (Doune).
Pianists – Derek Dunn (North Berwick), Jimmy Scott (Clackmannan), Alan Adams (Bothwell) and Alf McConnachie (Callander).
Bass – John Sinton and Doug Cargill.
Drummers – Jim Rodger, Gerry Boxall, Davy Taylor and Jock Ireland.
Mouthorgan – John McDonald.
Bruce Lindsay Snr gave a warm welcome to all those in attendance and, before leading off a full stramash, Sandy Tulloch reminisced about his first meeting and personal friendship with the late Sir Jimmy shand and how in 1951 the first Shand Morinos were delivered on Jimmy’s doorstep with, of course, a rather large account.
On with the magic then, and with 22 players crammed on the stage, we had a boisterous start with The Six-Twenty Two-Step and Sir Jimmy’s first composition, the waltz, Lunan Bay. The musical entertainment continued with Roy Magna leading the first band, to be followed by brothers George and David Rea. It was David’s birthday and before striking up David’s wife had secretly plotted with George to present David on stage with a birthday cake. He would not reveal his age, but the lit candles fairly brightened up the place.
Various other groups / bands were formed, some made up of players who were quite familiar to each other, having played together many times before, while other groups were made up on the spot, being supplemented from our array of back up musicians. Fiddlers Ian Robertson and Bob Christie, in particular, played with many bands and enjoyed every minute. All the groups gave a very good account of themselves, playing varied selections of reels, jigs, polkas, two-steps, marches, hornpipes, Gaelic and Scottish waltzes and some Continental numbers.
Ian Holmes remarked about a phone call he received one morning in the rather sma’ hours. It was from Australia, yes you’ve guessed who from, none other than Ian Powrie. When Ian (Holmes) told him he was coming to the Shand Morino Day, Ian (Powrie) replied “Aye, I miss that kind o’ thing”, and asked to pass on his and Lylia’s regards to everyone and wished them a Happy New Year. After nearly four and a half hours of entertainment, including the large raffle and refreshments, a vote of thanks was given by Bob McIntosh on behalf of the Club members and guests in the audience, to our Committee for all the hard work in organising the day, and especially to the ladies in the kitchen for providing the soup, tea, sausage rolls, sandwiches etc and to Bruce Lindsay Snr for organizing the entertainment.
Unfortunately, it came to light later on that there were about three players (we do not know their names) who were not asked to play as they had not registered in the players’ book. Bruce was unaware of their presence, and apologises for the misunderstanding and hopes it will not deter them from coming back again another time.
The day’s event was privately videoed, with the comments and remarks made by Sandy Tulloch and Bob McIntosh translated into German by Susie Motion so that the video could be sent to, and understood by, our friends in Der Harmonica Club, Dagersheim, Germany. We visited them in October 2002 and it is hoped that they will pay a return visit in the near future.
Dancing in the Algarve
by Eoin Robertson
On the 19th February around 180 dancers and two bands converged on the Montechoro Hotel, Albufeira……..
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Reel of Four – The Occasionals – CDTRAX259 – Greentrax Recordings
The Power and the Passion – Andrew Warren – Shiel CD020 – Shielburn Associates
An Linne Dhubh (The Black Water) – Freeland Barbour – SkyeCD25 – Macmeanmna Records
Book Review
The Border City Collection – Felix Burns - NAAFC
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd April 04 – Simon Howie SDB (Lidteners’ Letters)
10th April 04 – The Lothian SDB (Judith Linton’s CD Choice)
17th April 04 – Jim Lindsay SDB (Composer feature on Eric Allan)
24th April Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (Ob from Cochrane Hall, Kirkcudbright with guests Black-Eyed Biddy, Wendy Stewart & Kevin McNulty)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 27th April 04 – Donald MacLeod SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th April 04 – Willie McFarlane Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th April 04 – Colin Dewar
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st April 04 – Bon Accords
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th April 04 – Gary Blair
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th April 04 – James Coutts SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd April 04 – Lynne McConnachie SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th April 04 – Ian Holmes SDB
Belford (Community Centre) – 29th April 04 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th April 04 – William Marshall Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th April 04 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th April 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th April 04 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 1st April 04 – John Douglas Trio 22nd April 04 – Dermot O’Brien
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Ian Holmes Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th April 04 – Burns Brothers Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st April 04 – Willie Johnstone Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th April 04 – James Coutts Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th April 04 – Willie Simpson & Peter Bruce
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st April 04 – Roy Hendrie
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th April 04 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th April 04 – Alistair Lennox SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th April 04 – Ross MacPherson SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th April 04 – Lomond CB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st April 04 – Neil Hardie SDB
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 12th April 04 – Club Night
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th April 04 – Glenelvan SDB + AGM
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th April 04 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th April 04 – The Carlyle Family
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 4th April 04 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th April 04 – Maureen Turnbull + Own Comp Competition
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th April 04 – Donny & Diane’s Highland CB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th April 04 – The Tain Duo
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th April 04 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th April 04 – Mary Young Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 7th April 04 – Steven Carcary SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 17th April 04 – Dance to Nicol,McLaren
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th April 04 – Sandy Legget SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st April 04 - tbc
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th April 04 – Jimmy Cassidy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th April 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th April 04 – Brian Griffin Duo
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 29th April 04 – Lomond CB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 11th April 04 - Competitions
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th April 04 – Ernie Cowie with Graham Berry
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 1st April 04 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 29th April 04 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Michael Philip SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 6th April 04 – Johnny Duncan
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th April 04 – Nicol McLaren Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st April 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th April 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th April 04 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th April 04 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st April 04 – Dick Black Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th April 04 – Gillian Birnie Trio
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th April 04 – Scott Gordon
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Gordon Gunn Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Banchory
6. Beith
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-Key
9. Campsie
10. Carlisle
11. Castle Douglas
12. Coalburn
13. Cults
14. Dingwall
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. East Kilbride
18. Ellon
19. Fintry
20. Forfar
21. Forres
22. Galston
23. Glendale
24. Glenrothes
25. Highland
26. Inveraray
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Kintore
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Lockerbie
37. Mauchline
38. Montrose
39. Newmill
40. Newtongrange
41. North East
42. Oban
43. Peebles
44. Premier
45. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (first report)
46. Renfrew
47. Rothbury
48. Shetland
49. Thornhill
50. Thurso
51. Turriff
52. West Barnes
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(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 early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. West Barnes ( - present)
75. 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?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
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. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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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
We were saddened by the sudden death of Forres bandleader, Ian Anderson, Next month’s B&F will carry an obituary by Andy Ross.
Jim Johnstone continues to make steady progress, and we send our very best wishes.
Please could we have your B&F Awards voting slips back by the end of the month? We have to count the votes and order the trophies. The AGM and Celebrity Luncheon is filling up fast, so make sure of your place by phoning Jim Balneaves.
Congratulations to Gary Forrest of Jedburgh, this year’s recipient of The Sir Jimmy Shand Scholarshipto the RSAMD in Glasgow. Congratulations too to all the worthy prizewinner at Musselburgh.
Please could the Secretaries let me know if their magazine order is to change? If you usually buy your magazine at your Club, but wish to be a summer subscriber please contact me as soon as possible.
Karin Ingram
Musselburgh 2004
by James Coutts
Saturday 6th March 2004 and once again all roads led to Musselburgh for the 30th Annual Accordion & Fiddle Championships.
A very healthy turnout of competitors, teachers, spectators, exhibitors and helpers ensured a great atmosphere in the main complex and surrounding venues from 8am right through to the wee sma’ hours of the following morning.
Following on from last year, we were absolutely delighted to see a substantial increase in competition entries, particularly in the classical accordion sections, with the total number approaching 240 by the time late entries were added to those listed in the programme. This meant we had to use external venues as well as the Main Hall and Theatre within the Brunton Halls complex, as we welcomed competitors from as far afield as Cumbria and Shetland.
On the adjudication panel this year we had the pleasure of welcoming debutants at Musselburgh in the shape of Susan Mackintosh, Scott Gordon, Graham Berry, Jim Hutcheon and Alex McIntyre as well as Marie Fielding, Jimmy Cassidy and Graeme Mitchell, all of whom were making return visits to Musselburgh in this capacity. All the adjudicators commented on the high quality of the playing across the various classes, offering constructive criticism where appropriate along with thoughts and ideas on improving standards even further. For the Open Championship classes this year, the chosen composers were William Marshall (fiddle) and Ronnie Cooper (accordion). The concert audience was treated to thrilling finals in both classes with Banchory’s Graeme Davidsontruimphing in the fiddle class and Lanark’s Tom Orr retaining the Accordion Championship. Congratulations are due to both Champions as well as the runners-up for the quality of the music. Congratulations are also due to the adjudicators for their excellent choice of composers for next year’s Championships, namely Willie Hunter (fiddle) and Bobby MacLeod (accordion). The rest of the concert was also of an exceptional standard with the winners of the various classes displaying their talents. Thanks must go to all competitors and teachers for all their efforts in continually striving to improve already high standards. As always, the concert was expertly compered by The Reel Blend’s Jennifer Forrest and John ‘The Voice of the Borders’ Caskie.
Throughout the course of the day, the foyer area and upstairs area of the complex were hives of activity as competitors and enthusiasts mixed socially with the large array of trade stands, and more particularly the bar, reporting brisk trade.
Because of the large numbers in the competitions, one or two hiccups were experienced in scheduling, but thankfully we managed to get all other venues finished in time for the Band Section in the Main Hall. A packed hall was treated to a tremendous variety of bands with Susan MacFadyen of West Kilbride winning the The Iain MacPhail Cup, while the Arthur Easson Trophy for the best Rhythm Section was won by Stuart Cameron of Glasgow. The John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich was awarded to the runner-up, Duncan Hutchison of Moffat. As always, a great feature of this competition was the mixture of youngsters and experienced stalwarts in each of the bands.
Once again the Band competition was recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, as was the whole concert.
Thanks are due to Ken Mutch and his team for the excellent coverage and exposure they give to the festival.
After the concert, our excellent team of ‘hall clearers’ ensured the dance was underway by 9.15, with Iain MacPhail and his Band bringing a great day of music and socializing to a fantastic climax. The appeal of Iain’s band to musicians and dancers alike was obvious from the excellent turnout, with the band in top form from their first set in the concert, right through to the last bar of The High Road to Linton at 12.45am. During the interval at the dance, a fantastic array of raffle prizes was drawn, including the star prize of a Weekender Ticket for two to this year’s Shetland A&F Festival in October. We would like to thank all those who supported the raffle, whether prize donor, ticket seller or patron.
Thanks must also go to the large number of loyal supporters of the Festival whose tremendous efforts in Stewarding and administering the day’s events help make it such a memorable and enjoyable occasion year after year.
I’d also like to say a special, personal thankyou to all the Committee members for the phenomenal amount of work undertaken, not only on Festival Day, but throughout the whole year.
So here’s to Festival no 31. The date is Saturday, 5th March 2005. See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Adam Brady (Dundee)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Scott Nocol (Pathhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Claire Noble (Broughton – Peeblesshire)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3) Maggie Adamson & Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2=) Scott Nicol (Pathhead) & Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Norman MacKay (Inverness)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Bands – Runners-Up – John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich
2) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Laura Lockyer (Shetland)
3) Walter Rutherford (Keith)
Classical
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) John Morrison (Glasgow)
3) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton) & Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar) & Calum Muir (Carnwath)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (Whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Fiona Titterington (Brampton) & 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) John Morrison Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) John Morrison Glasgow)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Titterington (Brampton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Emma Tollan (Carluke)
3) Sandy Raeburn (Kinross)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
3) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
3) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Ross Thomson (Alexandria)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura Lockyer(Shetland Isles)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2=) George Smith (Aberlemno)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderon (Edinburgh) & Perdy Syres-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers (Dundee)
2) The Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Swingin’ Fiddlers (Shetland Isles)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Joseph Morran (Neilston)
…………
Sir Jimmy Shand Tribute Day
Sunday 25th January 2004 – St Andrews Town Hall
by Heather McLean
The hall was once again
John Renton
by Karyn McCulloch
It never ceases to amaze me how many of our well-known and respected dance-band leaders are completely self-taught. John Renton is one of them.
John listened to Scottish Dance Music from an early age and he recalls feeling an excitement when he heard the music- that’s when he knew he wanted to play the accordion. Again, like so many of the greats, he was born into a musical family. His father, Jock, played melodeon and mouthorgan. Mum, Bessie, who was a champion Highland Dancer, had also been taught to play the pipes – and a “little bit” of the accordion. Even now music still runs in the family. Hamish and Graham, John’s sons, are both very good pipers and between them they can play accordion, guitar, banjo, moothie, banduria (a small twelve-stringed instrument which resembles a lute), Scottish small pipes and tin whistle.
One day while a young John was rummaging around in the loft, he discovered his mother’s accordion, which had “been up there for years”. It was an Azzoz 120 bas piano accordion. John was determined to play it – despite the thing being far too big for him at that time! Nevertheless, with nun’s help he did manage to get a tune out of it. After this John began to teach himself the accordion.
However he didn’t start playing “seriously” until he was sixteen years old. It was four years later that he made his first public appearance – at the age of twenty. He still “cringes at the memory” of that performance, at the Paisley Highlanders Club in Paisley Town Hall. It was here that he first met the young John Carmichael. John remembers being extremely nervous on the night and it took him many years to learn to play despite his nerves. He still gets nervous before gigs, but has now learnt how to use it to his advantage. During his teenage years the Scottish Dance Music was slightly overshadowed by another form of music that had caught his attention. John was “besotted” by Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group – he even tried to learn the guitar and banjo! However, he says he didn’t get very far with them, so when Skiffle faded away, his attention was turned back to Scottish Dance Music. Early influences here were the great Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand, also Adam Rennie, Ian Powrie and Jim Cameron.
Even nowadays, John is still influenced by the older bands, as he feels they are closer to the truth of the music – regarding interpretation, tempos and band arrangements. Some of his great favourites are Andrew Rankine, Ian Holmes, Alasdair Downie, Hamish Menzies, Jim Johnstone and Lindsay Ross.
Each band has something unique to offer – John sometimes picks out “bits” which appeal to him and he tries to incorporate them into his own band arrangements – which he writes himself.
The younger bands today are highly skilled and very accurate, but John looks for emotion and feeling in the music rather than clinical accuracy and sheer skill. “There are subliminal rhythms in the music which have to be implied rather than played” – these tend to be captured by the older bands.
Pipe and fiddle music are favourites that John likes to listen to in his spare time, as well as traditional jazz and a wee touch of classical. He owns two accordions – a Hohner Morino VM 127 bass piano accordion, dated around 1952, which he has had since 1977 and this is the one he plays most often, but he also has a Gaudini accordion which is dated around 1945.
John enjoys playing for all types of dance, but he adores playing strathspeys and this is one of the reasons he especially enjoys playing for Scottish Country Dancing. He has written hundreds of tunes – thirty-three of which have been published. One of his tunes Evelyn’s Strathspey was written for Evelyn Ramwell of Carlisle and is the original tune for “Evelyn’s Dance”, which was published by the Leeds Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. in their 40th Anniversary Book.
The first band John played with was ‘the Bluebell Scottish Dance Band’ back in the early 1960’s. The band was led by Duncan MacKay of Inveraray and had a “very West Coast feel”. This is the only band, other than his own, that John has ever played with.
He has had some success in the competition arena, where he achieved 3rd in the Senior Scottish at Perth in 1970; 1st in the Senior Scottish at Blairgowrie in 1971; 1st in the Own Composition at Perth in 1973 and was 1st in the Band Competition at Musselburgh in 1977. Although he is no stranger to competitions, John has only ever adjudicated once in his life. This was at the Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club in Inverness, where he was asked to judge the Trio Competition, while he was visiting as guest artiste.
Working full time as an engineer, John’s interest in the accordion has always been a hobby. From 1964 to 1969 John was in the Merchant Navy (as an engineer), so didn’t form his own band until 1970. The original line-up was Roddie MacDiamid (second box), George Pert (piano), John Spalding (drums) and John himself on lead box. The line-up then changed slightly with Roddie MacDiamid (second box), Jimmy Porter (piano), Ian Philip (bass) and George Fletcher (drums) This line-up played together for about four years. John’s third band consisted of Ricki Franci (second box), Colin Finlayson (piano), Neil MacMillan (bass) and Gus Millar (drums). This was the line up until john and his family moved to Zambia in 1977, where he worked as an engineer in Zambia Breweries in Ndola until 1982. John didn’t return to Inveraray until 1986 and in 1987 he formed yet another band. This time the line-up was John on lead, Stephen Provan on piano, Dave Provan (Stephen’s dad) on bass and Alistair McIntrye on drums.
John’s first radio broadcast with his band in 1990, and for this he invited two of his longstanding musical pals – Ricki Franci (second box) and Gordon Simpson (fiddle) – to join the band to make it a six piece. All band members still play together regularly, but sadly Dave Provan died in 1994. John has recorded ten radio broadcasts with his band – so far.
In the mid – 1960’s he was involved in a television broadcast – playing accordion on a programme called ‘Songs All the Way’. Also on that same programme were Alasdair Gillies and Mhairi MacArthur. Unfortunately, John never managed to see it on the telly – he was recalled to his ship, as he was still in the Merchant Navy at the time.
The band has played for the St Andrew’s Ball in Geneva for the last ten years and had played in Northern Ireland on three separate occasions. In 1997, the band was asked to record a CD of the music for Book 21 of the RSCDS. In 1999 the band recorded an independent CD called ‘Band Boy’s Choice’. John has no plans to record another CD at the moment, but he hopes to record more radio broadcasts.
Asked if he will even give up playing, he replied, “No but I will slip out of playing in public when I feel I am no longer doing the music justice”. John still would like to compose “a few more tunes” which he hopes will live on, like so many other great tunes. After all, Scottish music has survived and developed for more than five hundred years.
However, the survival of Scottish Dance Music depends on the continuity of demand by dancers. Travelling across the country as many bands do, John has been “forced to realize” that the average age of dancers is getting older. It no longer seems to be an integral part of our national life, the way it was when he was younger. Without an injection of young dancers, John fears for the future of Scottish dance.
Similarly with Accordion and Fiddle Clubs – there is a lack of young players. Each generation of musicians who come into the traditional music scene seem to believe that they can play it better than those before them. John’s own belief is that the music sits above us – challenging us to do it justice – not to distort it for egotistical reasons. What is John’s advice to any young dance-band leaders coming up through the ranks? “Remember that it is DANCE music – and it is at it most glorious when played for the dance. No more challenge is required than this”.
John hopes that the younger bands “still playing in the traditional fashion” will continue to do so for many years to come.
In any event, John Renton is extremely proud to be part of this wonderful music scene.
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Congratulations to James Coutts ……….
Shand Morino Gathering
by BP
The 9th Shand Morino Gathering hosted by the Button-Key A&F Club took place in The Windygates Institute on Sunday, 18th January 2004.
As in previous years, the stage was clad in tartan and all the Shand Morinos were laid out on display. Once again the players and audience came from far and near, from the Emerald Isle, Inverness, from all over the Borders, as far south as Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway and, of course, our local area. Before the one o’clock starting time all the seats were occupied and it was standing room only, showing that this event is still a major attraction in the accordionist’s diary.
Those playing Shand Morino were – Sandy Tulloch (Dundee), Ernie Cowie (Montrose), George Rea (Country Antrim), Roy Magna (Markinch), Ken Hopkins (County Down), Jim MacKay (Inverness), Jim Quigley (Glenrothes), Dougie Milne (Kirriemuir), Tom Blamey (Lochgelly), Ian Holmes (Dumfries), Robin Waitt (Langholm), David Ross (Kilmarnock), Bill Black (Doune), Bruce Lindsay Jnr (Largoward), Jimmy and Sandy Lindsay (Amulree) and Sandy Ramage (Kelso).
Other accordionists were – David Rea (Co. Antrim), Lex Keith and Bruce Lindsay Snr.
Fiddlers – Bob McIntosh (Cupar), Willie Cameron (Falkirk), Bob Christie (Stirling) and Ian Robertson (Doune).
Pianists – Derek Dunn (North Berwick), Jimmy Scott (Clackmannan), Alan Adams (Bothwell) and Alf McConnachie (Callander).
Bass – John Sinton and Doug Cargill.
Drummers – Jim Rodger, Gerry Boxall, Davy Taylor and Jock Ireland.
Mouthorgan – John McDonald.
Bruce Lindsay Snr gave a warm welcome to all those in attendance and, before leading off a full stramash, Sandy Tulloch reminisced about his first meeting and personal friendship with the late Sir Jimmy shand and how in 1951 the first Shand Morinos were delivered on Jimmy’s doorstep with, of course, a rather large account.
On with the magic then, and with 22 players crammed on the stage, we had a boisterous start with The Six-Twenty Two-Step and Sir Jimmy’s first composition, the waltz, Lunan Bay. The musical entertainment continued with Roy Magna leading the first band, to be followed by brothers George and David Rea. It was David’s birthday and before striking up David’s wife had secretly plotted with George to present David on stage with a birthday cake. He would not reveal his age, but the lit candles fairly brightened up the place.
Various other groups / bands were formed, some made up of players who were quite familiar to each other, having played together many times before, while other groups were made up on the spot, being supplemented from our array of back up musicians. Fiddlers Ian Robertson and Bob Christie, in particular, played with many bands and enjoyed every minute. All the groups gave a very good account of themselves, playing varied selections of reels, jigs, polkas, two-steps, marches, hornpipes, Gaelic and Scottish waltzes and some Continental numbers.
Ian Holmes remarked about a phone call he received one morning in the rather sma’ hours. It was from Australia, yes you’ve guessed who from, none other than Ian Powrie. When Ian (Holmes) told him he was coming to the Shand Morino Day, Ian (Powrie) replied “Aye, I miss that kind o’ thing”, and asked to pass on his and Lylia’s regards to everyone and wished them a Happy New Year. After nearly four and a half hours of entertainment, including the large raffle and refreshments, a vote of thanks was given by Bob McIntosh on behalf of the Club members and guests in the audience, to our Committee for all the hard work in organising the day, and especially to the ladies in the kitchen for providing the soup, tea, sausage rolls, sandwiches etc and to Bruce Lindsay Snr for organizing the entertainment.
Unfortunately, it came to light later on that there were about three players (we do not know their names) who were not asked to play as they had not registered in the players’ book. Bruce was unaware of their presence, and apologises for the misunderstanding and hopes it will not deter them from coming back again another time.
The day’s event was privately videoed, with the comments and remarks made by Sandy Tulloch and Bob McIntosh translated into German by Susie Motion so that the video could be sent to, and understood by, our friends in Der Harmonica Club, Dagersheim, Germany. We visited them in October 2002 and it is hoped that they will pay a return visit in the near future.
Dancing in the Algarve
by Eoin Robertson
On the 19th February around 180 dancers and two bands converged on the Montechoro Hotel, Albufeira……..
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Reel of Four – The Occasionals – CDTRAX259 – Greentrax Recordings
The Power and the Passion – Andrew Warren – Shiel CD020 – Shielburn Associates
An Linne Dhubh (The Black Water) – Freeland Barbour – SkyeCD25 – Macmeanmna Records
Book Review
The Border City Collection – Felix Burns - NAAFC
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd April 04 – Simon Howie SDB (Lidteners’ Letters)
10th April 04 – The Lothian SDB (Judith Linton’s CD Choice)
17th April 04 – Jim Lindsay SDB (Composer feature on Eric Allan)
24th April Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (Ob from Cochrane Hall, Kirkcudbright with guests Black-Eyed Biddy, Wendy Stewart & Kevin McNulty)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 27th April 04 – Donald MacLeod SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th April 04 – Willie McFarlane Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th April 04 – Colin Dewar
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st April 04 – Bon Accords
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th April 04 – Gary Blair
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th April 04 – James Coutts SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd April 04 – Lynne McConnachie SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th April 04 – Ian Holmes SDB
Belford (Community Centre) – 29th April 04 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th April 04 – William Marshall Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th April 04 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th April 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th April 04 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 1st April 04 – John Douglas Trio 22nd April 04 – Dermot O’Brien
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Ian Holmes Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th April 04 – Burns Brothers Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st April 04 – Willie Johnstone Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th April 04 – James Coutts Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th April 04 – Willie Simpson & Peter Bruce
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st April 04 – Roy Hendrie
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th April 04 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th April 04 – Alistair Lennox SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th April 04 – Ross MacPherson SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th April 04 – Lomond CB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st April 04 – Neil Hardie SDB
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 12th April 04 – Club Night
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th April 04 – Glenelvan SDB + AGM
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th April 04 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th April 04 – The Carlyle Family
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 4th April 04 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th April 04 – Maureen Turnbull + Own Comp Competition
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th April 04 – Donny & Diane’s Highland CB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th April 04 – The Tain Duo
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th April 04 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th April 04 – Mary Young Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 7th April 04 – Steven Carcary SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 17th April 04 – Dance to Nicol,McLaren
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th April 04 – Sandy Legget SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st April 04 - tbc
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th April 04 – Jimmy Cassidy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th April 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th April 04 – Brian Griffin Duo
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 29th April 04 – Lomond CB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 11th April 04 - Competitions
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th April 04 – Ernie Cowie with Graham Berry
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 1st April 04 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 29th April 04 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Michael Philip SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 6th April 04 – Johnny Duncan
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th April 04 – Nicol McLaren Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st April 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th April 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th April 04 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th April 04 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st April 04 – Dick Black Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th April 04 – Gillian Birnie Trio
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th April 04 – Scott Gordon
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th April 04 – Gordon Gunn Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Banchory
6. Beith
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-Key
9. Campsie
10. Carlisle
11. Castle Douglas
12. Coalburn
13. Cults
14. Dingwall
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. East Kilbride
18. Ellon
19. Fintry
20. Forfar
21. Forres
22. Galston
23. Glendale
24. Glenrothes
25. Highland
26. Inveraray
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Kintore
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Lockerbie
37. Mauchline
38. Montrose
39. Newmill
40. Newtongrange
41. North East
42. Oban
43. Peebles
44. Premier
45. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (first report)
46. Renfrew
47. Rothbury
48. Shetland
49. Thornhill
50. Thurso
51. Turriff
52. West Barnes
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(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 early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. West Barnes ( - present)
75. 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?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
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. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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