Box and Fiddle
Year 34 No 08
April 2011
Price £2.60
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £28.60 + p&p £10.45 (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
None
Karin Ingram
NAAFC Festival 2011
by James Coutts
Saturday 3rd March saw The MacDonald Inshyra Grange Hotel once again host our Festival. Now in its 37th year, the event was a great success socially and musically.
Although slightly down on 2010, competition entries were at a decent level and it was particularly pleasing to see 29 entries in the Senior Trad Accordion Solo and 7 bands.
The adjudication panel were very impressed at the standard of playing from the competitors, although there was a tinge of sadness that Bill Black was unable to adjudicate due to ill health. I know I speak on behalf of everyone connected with the Festival in wishing Bill a full and speedy recovery.
We had three new trophies to compete for this year, all very kindly donated, and all were won by very worthy recipients.
As always, we were delighted to welcome Jennifer Cruickshank and Doug Maskew from BBC radio Scotland and they were delighted at the quality of music recorded from the Bands section and the Prizewinners Concert.
To bring the day to a fitting climax, Gordon Shand and his Band played for the Grand Dance. Their music helped to generate a great atmosphere and was well received by those in attendance.
The management and staff at Inshyra Grange were once again a great help to the Festival Committee over the course of the weekend and the venue will host next year’s Festival on Saturday 3rd March 2012. We hope to see everyone there again, along with a few new faces and some who haven’t attended in recent years.
The Festival wouldn’t happen without a great amount of work and support. I’d therefore like to express my sincere thanks to all competitors, parents, adjudicators, teachers, stewards, helpers, enthusiasts, raffle donors, trophy donors, traders, advertisers, BBC Radio Scotland, Lorna Mair, Richard Ross and the rest of the fantastic Festival Committee.
I’d like to convey special thanks to Eleanor and John Bond of mobility Aid Services, Ayr, and Billy Hutton of Campsie. They gave substantial financial backing to the Festival, and this, in the face of adverse economic conditions, enabled us to freeze entry fees. It will also go a long way to securing the future of the Festival at this top quality venue.
Competition Results
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Grace Ireland (Methil)
2) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
3) Zara Elliot (Galashiels)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Isle of Lewis)
2) Andrew Grossart (Glasgow)
3) Katie Todd (Dalkeith)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Adin Graham (Windygates)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Brandon McPhee (Caithness)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Alex Stewart (Paisley)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Emma & Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Magnus & Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Brandon McPhee (Caithness)
3) Ann-Louise Stewart (Isle of Lewis)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
3) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
David Kennedy (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
David Kennedy (Thornhill)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Neil-Angus MacNeill (Aberdeen)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Marie Fielding (Falkirk)
3) Anna Fraser (Isle of Lewis)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
2) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
3) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Mark Smith (Bishopton)
3) Campbell fleming (Lundin Links)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
2) Claire Black (Biggar)
3) Sarah Alexander (Buckie)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Cameron Duncan (Glenrothes) & Grace Ireland (Methil)
2) Samantha & Andrew Erskine (Forth)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Samantha Erskine (Forth)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Jill Patrick (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Sean Allan (Newmains)
2) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) George Davidson (Tarves)
2) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
3) Hannah Adamson (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
2) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Anne Nicol (Insch)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Barbara Anderson (Huntly)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Barbara Anderson (Huntly)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Louisa Barron (Isle of Lewis)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
2) No Strings Attached
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rhiann Matthew (Tarland)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Fin Renton (Aberdeen)
Coalburn Chronicles
by Jim Hamilton
Coalburn Accordion & Fiddle Club – November 1982
The following is from Volume 17 of the “Coalburn Chronicles” an amazing piece of work by the late Jim Hamilton who was born in the village in 1922. Primarily the Chronicles record the history of the village from earlier written records, extensive interviews with elderly residents and photographs but Jim was also broad-minded enough to record current events in the life of the village. The Chronicles eventually ran to 80 volumes each with the content of a B&F. Truly a wonderful record for future generations of a small Lanarkshire mining village.
The older I become, the more I seem to suffer from the alleged disease of the senile – nostalgia. Fortunately it is relatively painless ; if truth be told, this sentimental yearning for the past is a balm against the ravages which time takes of the body and I like to immerse myself in visions of bygone recollections, a sort of dreamy reverie of yesteryear.
But what made me start writing in this vein? When I saw that Coalburn had started one of the spreading phenomena of the 1980’s, a Box and Fiddle club in the summer of 1982 and were arranging monthly concerts, I paid my subscription but found I could not spare the time to attend the first concerts of the 1982-83 season. (One of the drawbacks of my preparing ‘Coalburn Chronicles’ is that I have to try to spend part of every evening in my study, either researching, drafting or typing so it severely cuts down on my social activities.) I was determined to attend at least one of these concerts so chose to be present when the November musical evening was being held. The weather was sufficiently bad as to deter anyone intending to be present from setting out from home. As I drove south from my home in Hamilton to Coalburn, swirling snow, sleet and hail alternately swished across the headlights of my car and the windscreen wipers toiled furiously to clear away the accumulating moisture to allow me some limited but hazy visibility.
I parked in Garden street and when I got out of the car, a gale force wind from the Haxie Hills threatened to blow me about 300 yards backwards into Wee Coalburn Farm. Stalwart folk are the Coalburnites. As I neared the Institute steps, I could see some hooded figures walking bent against the wind in order to reach the sanctuary of the entrance hall. Once inside, and I was getting my wind back, I looked around at the War Memorial and the Memorial to Jimmy Findlay containing the names of the Queens since the inception of the Gala Day.
I climbed the steps to the Main Hall just as I had done hundreds of times to ‘the pictures’ or to concerts, or in early manhood for the late-night dances.
Upstairs I got a warm welcome from Hugh and May Conneghan. Hugh looked spruce in a Daks-check jacket of distinctive pattern and May had more embonpoint than when I first knew her when she and Hugh were courting.
I paid the modest charge for admission of 75p to Charlie Thomson, one of four men at the tables who were in charge of receiving the guest musicians and club members. I immediately thought of how Charlie’s father, the late john Thomson would have enjoyed being present on such a night of music making for there had been no more loyal, attender of the Coalburn Amateur Orchestra on practice nights. I can still see John arrive, always with his violin case tucked inconspicuously under his arm and he would give those already assembled busy erecting music stands, his quiet yet warm salutation.
I looked round the sea of faces and first spoke to John Mowat and his wife who were obviously set to enjoy the musical feast that lay ahead. I noticed that Willie MacKenzie, a Committee member was walking around the tables and giving everyone a warm welcome. His cherubic face seems ageless.
I thought it was time to find a seat and there was an empty one beside Bobby McLean and Robert Nicol. I was soon enjoying their observations about the previous concerts and their repartee about some of the players. I did not catch on at first to Bobby’s repeated references to the highlight of the evening being a pie all present would get at the interval, but got the message when he explained that what was special about the pie was he was involved in the distribution.
As I talked with Bobby and Robert, I had time to look round the Welfare Hall as it has been know for over fifty years to distinguish it from other halls in the village such as the ‘Victoria’ or ‘Masonic’ or ‘Shepherds’. The old domed ceiling was no longer visible as a false ceiling, artistically constructed, covered what was part of the glory of the Welfare Institute when the building was opened. The dance floor area had been reduced in size with tables round three sides placed on an attractive shade of carpet.
Yet another sign of the changing times. Now the men and women attending dances sit in couples or groups at tables ; fifty years ago, there was segregation of the sexes with the ladies traditionally sitting facing the stage from the left and opposite, along the wall adjoining Garden Street, were the men. When the M.C. announced the dance and the music started, the more confident males would strut or run across the floor – as the evening wore on the scene after a dance started resembled a battle charge – to choose the favourite girls as dance partners.
But back to the present. I counted there were over a hundred persons in the hall. There were a fair sprinkling of ladies, many with grey or ‘rinsed’ hair and for men, many were like me, with more skin showing on the top of our heads than actual hair. One attribute most of us had in common – expansive smiles showing we were enjoying ourselves and expansive and corpulent bodies. I thought back and remembered how slim most of us were while in the first flush of youth.
All the while there was activity at the bottom of the hall with men going to the bar, placing their orders, handing over their money and arriving back at the tables carrying trays of beer and ales and small glasses of the ‘heavy stuff.’ Lithesome young girls were already busy removing empty glasses from tables.
Also, at the bottom of the hall, men and women and boys and girls were arriving with accordion and fiddle cases and preparing to take their part in the evening proceedings. There was an eager air of anticipation.
The piped Scottish music which had been playing softly through the loudspeaker pending the actual start of the concert was switched off and Alex Gray, a fine upstanding figure of a man, appeared on the platform to announce the first artiste after some words of welcome. I have nothing but admiration for Alex as he has been a credit to the name of Gray which has been prominent in the village for the last hundred years.
Then the feast of Scottish music began and I was at times in a state of reverie, it may be that I did not write down all the names of those who participated. My notes show that I listed the following performers :- Jamie Hope, aged 12 years from Coulter; Alan Gardiner, also aged 12 years from Lamington; Jimmy Divers from Clelland who never took his hat off so I could not estimate his age but many years have passed since he had his 12th birthday; all were accomplished players of the accordion and we had a succession of fine players on the ‘squeeze-box’ – Arthur Ramage (Rigside), Jim Smith (Lesmahagow), Nelson Callan (Wishaw) and Charles Todd (Carmichael). Two young lassies, Una Bryson (Chapelton) and Elaine Hastie (Carluke) came on stage with accordions about as big as themselves. Both played beautifully, executing pieces with different tempos and rhythms with such perfection that they were given extended applause. Adam Reid on accordion with John Houston and Annie Robertson on violins played as a trio and their selections were mainly old Scottish tunes seldom heard. Joe Vettraino (Hamilton) played a whole repertoire of accordion music in virtuoso style.
In succession we had artistes playing reels and waltzes and strathspeys and haunting tunes of old Scotia. We saw button-keyed accordions, piano-keyed accordions and even some electronic models.
The highlight of the evening was the paid guest star – all the others performed unpaid – and then he took the stage, he soon showed his professionalism. Alex MacArthur of ‘Take the Floor’ broadcasting fame was a consummate accordionist, at ease with his audience and his expertise was apparent as he fingered with precision, and could provide a definite lilt and emphasis as appropriate to the pieces he played. His pleasant personality revealed his regular association with Box and Fiddle Clubs because he could preface each set with an appropriate introduction and he could name-drop to let us know of his familiarity with the leading stars of the Scottish Dance Band scene like Will Starr and Jimmy Shand. We were also given an insight into just how widespread are the Box and Fiddle Clubs as he regaled us with stories of amusing incidents when visiting clubs in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
At the interval I had moved nearer to the stage to join my brother Alex, his pal Jimmy Weir, and that familiar figure of the Coalburn Dance Band scene some years back, Jock Gardiner. Like me, they were appreciative of the valuable work of the Committee who had arranged a fine programme of concerts for the club members during the winter months. I also had a chap with Bruce Shaw between his appearances on stage as he proved to be the expert on drums when any of the soloists or ensembles wanted a steady and dependable beat. Even Alex MacArthur called for his services and was generous in his praise of Bruce’s drumming.
One face, that of a lady, kept me wondering for half the evening as to her name. She had come round at the interval selling raffle tickets. I knew I should recognise her but her name evaded me. She had matured graciously and must have been a very pretty girl in her youth. I eventually had to ask and I was told the ticket seller was Mattie Pirrie. I had not seen her for upwards of thirty years and she had been selling me tickets even then – as a bus conductress on the Lesmahagow to Douglas run.
I had intended to finish at this point but I promised one person that, if I wrote a report on the concert, I would mention his name. I had been quite entranced with this man sitting at the front and I could see he was kept busy but I could not make up my mind, from where I was seated, as to what his duties were. I had finally to go up to the man and ask what he was doing. “Recording the music on ma tape-recorder”, grinner Charlie Muir. I’ve kept my promise, Charlie, I’ve mentioned your name.
Obituaries
George ‘Doddie’ Murray
George Murray, affectionately known to all as ‘Doddie’, passed away peacefully on Thursday 17th February 2011 aged 79 years. A dearly loved husband of Bunty and a loving dad, father-in-law, and a proud and devoted granda and great granda, and to the members of Turriff and District Accordion and fiddle Club he was a champion moothie player.
Equally at home playing at sheltered housing complexes, festivak events, Accordion & Fiddle Clubs, and at Balmoral where, in the company of The Durris Scottish Accordion Group he entertained Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
George was a man of small stature but big of heart, with a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile. Of few words, he let his moothie do the talking and even in the face of adversity and fighting illness he continued to play and bring joy and comfort to many.
He received his first moothie as a youngster, and his first tune was There Is A Happy Land. But it was in later life that he came into his own in playing. An accomplished artist, he released a DVD in aid of local Anchor Unit.
We were reminded at his service of thanksgiving to Copunt our Blessings. We can surely count our blessings on the marvelous musical memories he has left us, from his playing of the haunting Sands of Kuwait, The Bonnie Swans of Chrichie to the Eynrig.
Liz McG (Turriff Accordion & Fiddle Club)
Bill Brian
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Bill Brian, a long time member of the Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club and conferred a life member about 20 years ago. Bill suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and unfortunately fell victim to another one on Sunday 6th March and died in the early hours of Tuesday 8th.
Bill’s musical career spans many years and saw him play in several Scottish Dance Bands; leading the Forres A&F Club players; and entertaining at umpteen venues the length and breadth of the country. He was an accomplished composer as well as being the winner of The Golden Fiddle Award some year ago. Bill was the Musical Director and Conductor of the revived Elgin S&R Society, and I’m sure many people will remember him as the colourful conductor of the Elgin Fiddlers Rally which is held annually in September. He was also a dedicated fiddle teacher to pupils of all ages, and I for one feel privileged to have had the benefit of his tuition and expertise recently.
Many trips to other countries have taken place through Elgin S&R Society and also exchange visits by musicians from overseas to the Moray area and as a result, Bill was known worldwide.
He was a man who put his heart and soul into everything he did and, being a perfectionist himself, expected perfection from his Society members. Bill will be remembered with great respect, and will be sorely missed in many musical circles.
Sheena Kelman
Bobby Torrance (1929 – 2011) - Obituary
by Derek Hamilton
On the 22nd of February Ayrshire and the world lost a fine gentleman and a brilliant ‘moothie’ player.
I first met bobby Torrance away back in 1970 at an Accordion Club run by Jock Loch in the Ayrshire village of Straiton. He played two or three selections and instantly the thing that struck me was his rhythm. It was like Jimmy Shand. Solid, jaunty, swinging and just right. If you are a player you’ll know what I mean. It made the hair on the back of your neck stand up!
It turned out Bobby was a farmhand working long hours and turning his hand to just about anything on the farm. He started out with his uncle at Craigbank Farm, Culroy just outside Ayr at the tender age of 14. He was born and brought up in Irvine. Farms were his life. He moved to Auchendrain Estate to work and met Jean, whom he married and they set up home at Milton Farm. Let’s face it, farm workers had a hard life and long hours. For relaxation Bobby took up the mouth organ; the Hohner echo was his favourite and latterly he had several tuned in different leys. He and Jean loved to go dancing as well.
Innthe early days of playing he would listen to the greats on the old 78 records and the ‘wireless’. His idol was Jimmy Shand and it showed in his playing. He would meet up with local melodeon players, fiddlers and other like minded musicians and they’d have a tune. Everything was learned by ear. Bobby was an old school ‘lug’ player and proud of it.
In 1981 I suggested to him that he should make a tape, “Ach, am no’ guid enough fur that,” was the instant reply.
But he was! And with a fair bit of persuasion I managed to get him into the studio. I set up one mic and said, “Just sit and play away to your heart’s content while I set up.” Bobby duly obliged. The Duke of Perth, The Auld Meal Mill, Poilka, Two-Steps. He even played Whistlin’ Rufus and changed key in the middle by turning the moothie over and not missing a beat! “Just play me another one Bobby,” I’d say several times!
‘Moothie Magic’ was born. Bobby’s first album was “in the can.” “Is that it?” he enquired. “That wiz a loat easier than a’ thocht it wiz gaun tae be!”
It was easy to add piano, bass and drums to his playing. His tempos were perfect!
That was the 31st May 1981 and it took 17 years of further badgering to get the follow-up album dine! ‘Moothie Memories’ was recorded (in the same way) on 8th December 1998. This time we put it on CD.
Being a quiet, kind of unassuming man, he said very little about being a recording star but I’m sure he was proud of his achievements. I know I was!
With his old friend Ben Murray on Shand Morino and Ben’s son Tom (who played with Craig McCallum and Neil MacEachern to name but two) on piano, Bobby did a broadcast from The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock for the BBC. He freely admitted that he wore brown trousers that day!
The three stalwarts even played for dances. Now that’ shard work on a moothie! Bobby would turn up at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs all over the place – Ayr, Straiton, Galston, Beith, Mauchline, Balloch, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright. I even remember him going to Inveraray for a tune at the Club. When Jean sadly passed away Bobby lived on his own for a while but, following a severe illness (from which, in time, he recovered), he gave up the house and was happy to be looked after in a residential care home in Ayr. The moothie was played on a regular basis there until about three weeks before his passing. Bobby, Davie Ross and I would, as Bobby said, “entertain the auld folk” from time to time in the home, where he was a star!
Sadly, the Moothie Maestro is no longer with us but his memory will live on through his music.
I’d like to say a special thanks to Bobby’s son Robert and Davie Ross for their help with the background information on Bobby’s early life.
Dumfries & District Music Festival 2011
by
The Accordion & Fiddle Section………..
Monach Isle Ceilidh Band
by Liz Quinn
One of the more recent young………..
The Bon Accords Dumfries Ceilidh
Deryn & Robin Waitt
Our ceilidh this year was held in the lovely Cairndale Hotel ……………..
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Sook ‘N’ Blaw – Bryce Johnstone – BRYCE001
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
2nd April 11 – Lomond Ceilidh Band (David Solley)
9th April 11 – Neil Copland SDB
16th April 11 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB (Dennis Morrison)
23rd April 11 – Robert Black SDB
30th April 11 – Marian Anderson SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 26th April 11 – Rosley Ceilidh Band
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 6th April 11 – AGM + Local Players
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th April 11 – Sandy Brechin SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd April 11 – Graeme MacKay
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th April 11 – Sileas Sinclair Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th April 11 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th April 11 – Hebbie Gray Duo
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th April 11 – Roy Hendrie
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th April 11 – Steven Todd SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th April 11 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th April 11 – Button & Bows Group
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th April 11 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Karen Ferguson Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st April 11 – Steven Carcary Trio
Coldingham (Village Hall) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th April 11 – West Telferton C.B.
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th April 11 – Gillian Stevenson Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th April 11 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th April 11 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 18th April 11 – Willie McFarlane Band
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Pentlands Ceilidh Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th April 11 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 24th April 11 – Adin Graham SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th April 11 – Neil Hardie SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th April 11 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th April 11 – Iain Anderson Trio
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 21st April 11 – AGM + Johnny Duncan Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th April 11 – Donnie McGregor
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 3rd April 11 – Sandy Brechin Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 10th April 11 – Roya MacLean Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th April 11 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th April 11 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th April 11 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th April 11 – Kenny Thomson SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 27th April 11 – Shirley Cathcart SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 23rd April 11 – Dance to Nicol McLaren SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) - 3rd April 11 – Ian MacKenzie
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th April 11 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th April 11 – Addie Harper Jnr SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 26th April 11 – Tommy Newcomen
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th April 11 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th April 11 – Neil Hardie SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th April 11 – Steven Carcary Trio
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 7th April 11 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th April 11 – Richard Smith Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th April 11 – The Occasionals
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 6th April 11 – Alistair MacLeod SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 9th April 11 – Club & Friends
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 12th April 11 – Leonard Brown
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th April 11 – Alistair Salter & Ian Thow
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th April 11 – Sandy Lindsay Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st April 11 – Andrew Gibb Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 2nd & 16th April 11 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 14th April 11 – John Crawford & Friends
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Highland A&F Club
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banff
6. Biggar
7. Button-key
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dunfermline
15. Duns
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Fort William
19. Glendale
20. Gretna
21. Haddington
22. Highland
23. Inveraray
24. Isle of Skye
25. Islesteps
26. Kelso
27. Livingston
28. Mauchline
29. Montrose]
30. Newburgh
31. Newtongrange
32. North East
34. Oban
35. Perth
36. Renfrew
37. Seghill
38. Sutherland
39. Thornhill
40. Thurso
41. Turriff
42. West Barnes
43. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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 20th Sept 04 – present)
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 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?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. 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
None
Karin Ingram
NAAFC Festival 2011
by James Coutts
Saturday 3rd March saw The MacDonald Inshyra Grange Hotel once again host our Festival. Now in its 37th year, the event was a great success socially and musically.
Although slightly down on 2010, competition entries were at a decent level and it was particularly pleasing to see 29 entries in the Senior Trad Accordion Solo and 7 bands.
The adjudication panel were very impressed at the standard of playing from the competitors, although there was a tinge of sadness that Bill Black was unable to adjudicate due to ill health. I know I speak on behalf of everyone connected with the Festival in wishing Bill a full and speedy recovery.
We had three new trophies to compete for this year, all very kindly donated, and all were won by very worthy recipients.
As always, we were delighted to welcome Jennifer Cruickshank and Doug Maskew from BBC radio Scotland and they were delighted at the quality of music recorded from the Bands section and the Prizewinners Concert.
To bring the day to a fitting climax, Gordon Shand and his Band played for the Grand Dance. Their music helped to generate a great atmosphere and was well received by those in attendance.
The management and staff at Inshyra Grange were once again a great help to the Festival Committee over the course of the weekend and the venue will host next year’s Festival on Saturday 3rd March 2012. We hope to see everyone there again, along with a few new faces and some who haven’t attended in recent years.
The Festival wouldn’t happen without a great amount of work and support. I’d therefore like to express my sincere thanks to all competitors, parents, adjudicators, teachers, stewards, helpers, enthusiasts, raffle donors, trophy donors, traders, advertisers, BBC Radio Scotland, Lorna Mair, Richard Ross and the rest of the fantastic Festival Committee.
I’d like to convey special thanks to Eleanor and John Bond of mobility Aid Services, Ayr, and Billy Hutton of Campsie. They gave substantial financial backing to the Festival, and this, in the face of adverse economic conditions, enabled us to freeze entry fees. It will also go a long way to securing the future of the Festival at this top quality venue.
Competition Results
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Grace Ireland (Methil)
2) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
3) Zara Elliot (Galashiels)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Isle of Lewis)
2) Andrew Grossart (Glasgow)
3) Katie Todd (Dalkeith)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Adin Graham (Windygates)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Brandon McPhee (Caithness)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Alex Stewart (Paisley)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Emma & Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Magnus & Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Brandon McPhee (Caithness)
3) Ann-Louise Stewart (Isle of Lewis)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
3) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
David Kennedy (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
David Kennedy (Thornhill)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Neil-Angus MacNeill (Aberdeen)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Marie Fielding (Falkirk)
3) Anna Fraser (Isle of Lewis)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
2) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
3) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Mark Smith (Bishopton)
3) Campbell fleming (Lundin Links)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
2) Claire Black (Biggar)
3) Sarah Alexander (Buckie)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Cameron Duncan (Glenrothes) & Grace Ireland (Methil)
2) Samantha & Andrew Erskine (Forth)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Samantha Erskine (Forth)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Jill Patrick (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Sean Allan (Newmains)
2) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) George Davidson (Tarves)
2) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
3) Hannah Adamson (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
2) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Anne Nicol (Insch)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Barbara Anderson (Huntly)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Barbara Anderson (Huntly)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Louisa Barron (Isle of Lewis)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
2) No Strings Attached
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rhiann Matthew (Tarland)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Fin Renton (Aberdeen)
Coalburn Chronicles
by Jim Hamilton
Coalburn Accordion & Fiddle Club – November 1982
The following is from Volume 17 of the “Coalburn Chronicles” an amazing piece of work by the late Jim Hamilton who was born in the village in 1922. Primarily the Chronicles record the history of the village from earlier written records, extensive interviews with elderly residents and photographs but Jim was also broad-minded enough to record current events in the life of the village. The Chronicles eventually ran to 80 volumes each with the content of a B&F. Truly a wonderful record for future generations of a small Lanarkshire mining village.
The older I become, the more I seem to suffer from the alleged disease of the senile – nostalgia. Fortunately it is relatively painless ; if truth be told, this sentimental yearning for the past is a balm against the ravages which time takes of the body and I like to immerse myself in visions of bygone recollections, a sort of dreamy reverie of yesteryear.
But what made me start writing in this vein? When I saw that Coalburn had started one of the spreading phenomena of the 1980’s, a Box and Fiddle club in the summer of 1982 and were arranging monthly concerts, I paid my subscription but found I could not spare the time to attend the first concerts of the 1982-83 season. (One of the drawbacks of my preparing ‘Coalburn Chronicles’ is that I have to try to spend part of every evening in my study, either researching, drafting or typing so it severely cuts down on my social activities.) I was determined to attend at least one of these concerts so chose to be present when the November musical evening was being held. The weather was sufficiently bad as to deter anyone intending to be present from setting out from home. As I drove south from my home in Hamilton to Coalburn, swirling snow, sleet and hail alternately swished across the headlights of my car and the windscreen wipers toiled furiously to clear away the accumulating moisture to allow me some limited but hazy visibility.
I parked in Garden street and when I got out of the car, a gale force wind from the Haxie Hills threatened to blow me about 300 yards backwards into Wee Coalburn Farm. Stalwart folk are the Coalburnites. As I neared the Institute steps, I could see some hooded figures walking bent against the wind in order to reach the sanctuary of the entrance hall. Once inside, and I was getting my wind back, I looked around at the War Memorial and the Memorial to Jimmy Findlay containing the names of the Queens since the inception of the Gala Day.
I climbed the steps to the Main Hall just as I had done hundreds of times to ‘the pictures’ or to concerts, or in early manhood for the late-night dances.
Upstairs I got a warm welcome from Hugh and May Conneghan. Hugh looked spruce in a Daks-check jacket of distinctive pattern and May had more embonpoint than when I first knew her when she and Hugh were courting.
I paid the modest charge for admission of 75p to Charlie Thomson, one of four men at the tables who were in charge of receiving the guest musicians and club members. I immediately thought of how Charlie’s father, the late john Thomson would have enjoyed being present on such a night of music making for there had been no more loyal, attender of the Coalburn Amateur Orchestra on practice nights. I can still see John arrive, always with his violin case tucked inconspicuously under his arm and he would give those already assembled busy erecting music stands, his quiet yet warm salutation.
I looked round the sea of faces and first spoke to John Mowat and his wife who were obviously set to enjoy the musical feast that lay ahead. I noticed that Willie MacKenzie, a Committee member was walking around the tables and giving everyone a warm welcome. His cherubic face seems ageless.
I thought it was time to find a seat and there was an empty one beside Bobby McLean and Robert Nicol. I was soon enjoying their observations about the previous concerts and their repartee about some of the players. I did not catch on at first to Bobby’s repeated references to the highlight of the evening being a pie all present would get at the interval, but got the message when he explained that what was special about the pie was he was involved in the distribution.
As I talked with Bobby and Robert, I had time to look round the Welfare Hall as it has been know for over fifty years to distinguish it from other halls in the village such as the ‘Victoria’ or ‘Masonic’ or ‘Shepherds’. The old domed ceiling was no longer visible as a false ceiling, artistically constructed, covered what was part of the glory of the Welfare Institute when the building was opened. The dance floor area had been reduced in size with tables round three sides placed on an attractive shade of carpet.
Yet another sign of the changing times. Now the men and women attending dances sit in couples or groups at tables ; fifty years ago, there was segregation of the sexes with the ladies traditionally sitting facing the stage from the left and opposite, along the wall adjoining Garden Street, were the men. When the M.C. announced the dance and the music started, the more confident males would strut or run across the floor – as the evening wore on the scene after a dance started resembled a battle charge – to choose the favourite girls as dance partners.
But back to the present. I counted there were over a hundred persons in the hall. There were a fair sprinkling of ladies, many with grey or ‘rinsed’ hair and for men, many were like me, with more skin showing on the top of our heads than actual hair. One attribute most of us had in common – expansive smiles showing we were enjoying ourselves and expansive and corpulent bodies. I thought back and remembered how slim most of us were while in the first flush of youth.
All the while there was activity at the bottom of the hall with men going to the bar, placing their orders, handing over their money and arriving back at the tables carrying trays of beer and ales and small glasses of the ‘heavy stuff.’ Lithesome young girls were already busy removing empty glasses from tables.
Also, at the bottom of the hall, men and women and boys and girls were arriving with accordion and fiddle cases and preparing to take their part in the evening proceedings. There was an eager air of anticipation.
The piped Scottish music which had been playing softly through the loudspeaker pending the actual start of the concert was switched off and Alex Gray, a fine upstanding figure of a man, appeared on the platform to announce the first artiste after some words of welcome. I have nothing but admiration for Alex as he has been a credit to the name of Gray which has been prominent in the village for the last hundred years.
Then the feast of Scottish music began and I was at times in a state of reverie, it may be that I did not write down all the names of those who participated. My notes show that I listed the following performers :- Jamie Hope, aged 12 years from Coulter; Alan Gardiner, also aged 12 years from Lamington; Jimmy Divers from Clelland who never took his hat off so I could not estimate his age but many years have passed since he had his 12th birthday; all were accomplished players of the accordion and we had a succession of fine players on the ‘squeeze-box’ – Arthur Ramage (Rigside), Jim Smith (Lesmahagow), Nelson Callan (Wishaw) and Charles Todd (Carmichael). Two young lassies, Una Bryson (Chapelton) and Elaine Hastie (Carluke) came on stage with accordions about as big as themselves. Both played beautifully, executing pieces with different tempos and rhythms with such perfection that they were given extended applause. Adam Reid on accordion with John Houston and Annie Robertson on violins played as a trio and their selections were mainly old Scottish tunes seldom heard. Joe Vettraino (Hamilton) played a whole repertoire of accordion music in virtuoso style.
In succession we had artistes playing reels and waltzes and strathspeys and haunting tunes of old Scotia. We saw button-keyed accordions, piano-keyed accordions and even some electronic models.
The highlight of the evening was the paid guest star – all the others performed unpaid – and then he took the stage, he soon showed his professionalism. Alex MacArthur of ‘Take the Floor’ broadcasting fame was a consummate accordionist, at ease with his audience and his expertise was apparent as he fingered with precision, and could provide a definite lilt and emphasis as appropriate to the pieces he played. His pleasant personality revealed his regular association with Box and Fiddle Clubs because he could preface each set with an appropriate introduction and he could name-drop to let us know of his familiarity with the leading stars of the Scottish Dance Band scene like Will Starr and Jimmy Shand. We were also given an insight into just how widespread are the Box and Fiddle Clubs as he regaled us with stories of amusing incidents when visiting clubs in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
At the interval I had moved nearer to the stage to join my brother Alex, his pal Jimmy Weir, and that familiar figure of the Coalburn Dance Band scene some years back, Jock Gardiner. Like me, they were appreciative of the valuable work of the Committee who had arranged a fine programme of concerts for the club members during the winter months. I also had a chap with Bruce Shaw between his appearances on stage as he proved to be the expert on drums when any of the soloists or ensembles wanted a steady and dependable beat. Even Alex MacArthur called for his services and was generous in his praise of Bruce’s drumming.
One face, that of a lady, kept me wondering for half the evening as to her name. She had come round at the interval selling raffle tickets. I knew I should recognise her but her name evaded me. She had matured graciously and must have been a very pretty girl in her youth. I eventually had to ask and I was told the ticket seller was Mattie Pirrie. I had not seen her for upwards of thirty years and she had been selling me tickets even then – as a bus conductress on the Lesmahagow to Douglas run.
I had intended to finish at this point but I promised one person that, if I wrote a report on the concert, I would mention his name. I had been quite entranced with this man sitting at the front and I could see he was kept busy but I could not make up my mind, from where I was seated, as to what his duties were. I had finally to go up to the man and ask what he was doing. “Recording the music on ma tape-recorder”, grinner Charlie Muir. I’ve kept my promise, Charlie, I’ve mentioned your name.
Obituaries
George ‘Doddie’ Murray
George Murray, affectionately known to all as ‘Doddie’, passed away peacefully on Thursday 17th February 2011 aged 79 years. A dearly loved husband of Bunty and a loving dad, father-in-law, and a proud and devoted granda and great granda, and to the members of Turriff and District Accordion and fiddle Club he was a champion moothie player.
Equally at home playing at sheltered housing complexes, festivak events, Accordion & Fiddle Clubs, and at Balmoral where, in the company of The Durris Scottish Accordion Group he entertained Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
George was a man of small stature but big of heart, with a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile. Of few words, he let his moothie do the talking and even in the face of adversity and fighting illness he continued to play and bring joy and comfort to many.
He received his first moothie as a youngster, and his first tune was There Is A Happy Land. But it was in later life that he came into his own in playing. An accomplished artist, he released a DVD in aid of local Anchor Unit.
We were reminded at his service of thanksgiving to Copunt our Blessings. We can surely count our blessings on the marvelous musical memories he has left us, from his playing of the haunting Sands of Kuwait, The Bonnie Swans of Chrichie to the Eynrig.
Liz McG (Turriff Accordion & Fiddle Club)
Bill Brian
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Bill Brian, a long time member of the Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club and conferred a life member about 20 years ago. Bill suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and unfortunately fell victim to another one on Sunday 6th March and died in the early hours of Tuesday 8th.
Bill’s musical career spans many years and saw him play in several Scottish Dance Bands; leading the Forres A&F Club players; and entertaining at umpteen venues the length and breadth of the country. He was an accomplished composer as well as being the winner of The Golden Fiddle Award some year ago. Bill was the Musical Director and Conductor of the revived Elgin S&R Society, and I’m sure many people will remember him as the colourful conductor of the Elgin Fiddlers Rally which is held annually in September. He was also a dedicated fiddle teacher to pupils of all ages, and I for one feel privileged to have had the benefit of his tuition and expertise recently.
Many trips to other countries have taken place through Elgin S&R Society and also exchange visits by musicians from overseas to the Moray area and as a result, Bill was known worldwide.
He was a man who put his heart and soul into everything he did and, being a perfectionist himself, expected perfection from his Society members. Bill will be remembered with great respect, and will be sorely missed in many musical circles.
Sheena Kelman
Bobby Torrance (1929 – 2011) - Obituary
by Derek Hamilton
On the 22nd of February Ayrshire and the world lost a fine gentleman and a brilliant ‘moothie’ player.
I first met bobby Torrance away back in 1970 at an Accordion Club run by Jock Loch in the Ayrshire village of Straiton. He played two or three selections and instantly the thing that struck me was his rhythm. It was like Jimmy Shand. Solid, jaunty, swinging and just right. If you are a player you’ll know what I mean. It made the hair on the back of your neck stand up!
It turned out Bobby was a farmhand working long hours and turning his hand to just about anything on the farm. He started out with his uncle at Craigbank Farm, Culroy just outside Ayr at the tender age of 14. He was born and brought up in Irvine. Farms were his life. He moved to Auchendrain Estate to work and met Jean, whom he married and they set up home at Milton Farm. Let’s face it, farm workers had a hard life and long hours. For relaxation Bobby took up the mouth organ; the Hohner echo was his favourite and latterly he had several tuned in different leys. He and Jean loved to go dancing as well.
Innthe early days of playing he would listen to the greats on the old 78 records and the ‘wireless’. His idol was Jimmy Shand and it showed in his playing. He would meet up with local melodeon players, fiddlers and other like minded musicians and they’d have a tune. Everything was learned by ear. Bobby was an old school ‘lug’ player and proud of it.
In 1981 I suggested to him that he should make a tape, “Ach, am no’ guid enough fur that,” was the instant reply.
But he was! And with a fair bit of persuasion I managed to get him into the studio. I set up one mic and said, “Just sit and play away to your heart’s content while I set up.” Bobby duly obliged. The Duke of Perth, The Auld Meal Mill, Poilka, Two-Steps. He even played Whistlin’ Rufus and changed key in the middle by turning the moothie over and not missing a beat! “Just play me another one Bobby,” I’d say several times!
‘Moothie Magic’ was born. Bobby’s first album was “in the can.” “Is that it?” he enquired. “That wiz a loat easier than a’ thocht it wiz gaun tae be!”
It was easy to add piano, bass and drums to his playing. His tempos were perfect!
That was the 31st May 1981 and it took 17 years of further badgering to get the follow-up album dine! ‘Moothie Memories’ was recorded (in the same way) on 8th December 1998. This time we put it on CD.
Being a quiet, kind of unassuming man, he said very little about being a recording star but I’m sure he was proud of his achievements. I know I was!
With his old friend Ben Murray on Shand Morino and Ben’s son Tom (who played with Craig McCallum and Neil MacEachern to name but two) on piano, Bobby did a broadcast from The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock for the BBC. He freely admitted that he wore brown trousers that day!
The three stalwarts even played for dances. Now that’ shard work on a moothie! Bobby would turn up at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs all over the place – Ayr, Straiton, Galston, Beith, Mauchline, Balloch, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright. I even remember him going to Inveraray for a tune at the Club. When Jean sadly passed away Bobby lived on his own for a while but, following a severe illness (from which, in time, he recovered), he gave up the house and was happy to be looked after in a residential care home in Ayr. The moothie was played on a regular basis there until about three weeks before his passing. Bobby, Davie Ross and I would, as Bobby said, “entertain the auld folk” from time to time in the home, where he was a star!
Sadly, the Moothie Maestro is no longer with us but his memory will live on through his music.
I’d like to say a special thanks to Bobby’s son Robert and Davie Ross for their help with the background information on Bobby’s early life.
Dumfries & District Music Festival 2011
by
The Accordion & Fiddle Section………..
Monach Isle Ceilidh Band
by Liz Quinn
One of the more recent young………..
The Bon Accords Dumfries Ceilidh
Deryn & Robin Waitt
Our ceilidh this year was held in the lovely Cairndale Hotel ……………..
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Sook ‘N’ Blaw – Bryce Johnstone – BRYCE001
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
2nd April 11 – Lomond Ceilidh Band (David Solley)
9th April 11 – Neil Copland SDB
16th April 11 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB (Dennis Morrison)
23rd April 11 – Robert Black SDB
30th April 11 – Marian Anderson SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 26th April 11 – Rosley Ceilidh Band
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 6th April 11 – AGM + Local Players
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th April 11 – Sandy Brechin SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd April 11 – Graeme MacKay
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th April 11 – Sileas Sinclair Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th April 11 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th April 11 – Hebbie Gray Duo
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th April 11 – Roy Hendrie
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th April 11 – Steven Todd SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th April 11 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th April 11 – Button & Bows Group
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th April 11 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Karen Ferguson Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st April 11 – Steven Carcary Trio
Coldingham (Village Hall) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th April 11 – West Telferton C.B.
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th April 11 – Gillian Stevenson Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th April 11 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th April 11 – Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 18th April 11 – Willie McFarlane Band
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Pentlands Ceilidh Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th April 11 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 24th April 11 – Adin Graham SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th April 11 – Neil Hardie SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th April 11 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th April 11 – Iain Anderson Trio
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 21st April 11 – AGM + Johnny Duncan Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th April 11 – Donnie McGregor
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 3rd April 11 – Sandy Brechin Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 10th April 11 – Roya MacLean Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th April 11 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th April 11 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th April 11 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th April 11 – Kenny Thomson SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 27th April 11 – Shirley Cathcart SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 23rd April 11 – Dance to Nicol McLaren SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) - 3rd April 11 – Ian MacKenzie
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th April 11 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th April 11 – Addie Harper Jnr SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 26th April 11 – Tommy Newcomen
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th April 11 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th April 11 – Neil Hardie SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th April 11 – Steven Carcary Trio
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 7th April 11 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th April 11 – Richard Smith Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th April 11 – The Occasionals
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 6th April 11 – Alistair MacLeod SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 9th April 11 – Club & Friends
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 12th April 11 – Leonard Brown
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th April 11 – Alistair Salter & Ian Thow
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th April 11 – Sandy Lindsay Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st April 11 – Andrew Gibb Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 2nd & 16th April 11 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 14th April 11 – John Crawford & Friends
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th April 11 – Highland A&F Club
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banff
6. Biggar
7. Button-key
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dunfermline
15. Duns
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Fort William
19. Glendale
20. Gretna
21. Haddington
22. Highland
23. Inveraray
24. Isle of Skye
25. Islesteps
26. Kelso
27. Livingston
28. Mauchline
29. Montrose]
30. Newburgh
31. Newtongrange
32. North East
34. Oban
35. Perth
36. Renfrew
37. Seghill
38. Sutherland
39. Thornhill
40. Thurso
41. Turriff
42. West Barnes
43. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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 20th Sept 04 – present)
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 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?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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