Box and Fiddle
Year 39 No 08
April 2016
Price £2.70
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £32.40 + p&p £15.75 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
I can’t believe that the year has passed………….
Pia Walker
42nd Annual NAAFC Festival – Inshyra 2016
by
The NAAFC Flagship Festival and what a festival. Trophies shining in the bright light only competing with the smiles from all participants and the cacophony from rehearsing musicians filtering through all day.
The adjudicators this year were : Alan Gifford, Brian Griffin, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Douglas Lawrence, James Coutts, Jane Davidson, John Carmichael and Robert Black who all had a very difficult job to find the winners amongst a very high standard of competitors.
The dance in the evening was by The Burns Brothers Ceilidh Band. The attendance was a bit low at the beginning, probably due to everyone wanting dinner after the concert had finished, but soon the floor was filled by dancers of all ages.
The Committee is probably already now starting to plan for next year and I for one cannot wait – bring on the 43rd Annual championship, Concert & Dance.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Fin Hope
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Clelland Shand
2) Alice Girling
3) Blythe Moore
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
3) Ewan Dowie
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
3) Ewan Dowie
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Anya Johnston & Jodie Smith
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul & Kyle Rowan
3) Rhiann Matthew & Rachel Havlin
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Rowan
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Craig Paton
2) Adin Graham
3) Emma Dickson
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Emma Dickson
2) Graham MacLennan
3) Adin Graham
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2) Graham MacLennan
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Emma Dickson
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Adin Graham
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Central Belters
Fjana
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Tom Orr, Central Belters
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Central Belters
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Juneiliain
Ewan Dowie
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Juneiliain
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Gary Sutherland
2) Nicol McLaren
3) John Burns
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Catherine Speight
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Inver Shand
2) Alice Girling
3) Fin Hope
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
2) India Smith
3) Archie MacKechnie
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ryan Corbett
2) Emma Dickson
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Clelland & Inver Shand
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) India Smith & Kyle Rowan
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) India Smith & Kyle Rowan
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Alice Girling
2) Inver Shand
3) Fin Hope
Under 16 Classical Polka Solo –
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ewan Dowie
3) Cameron McLaren
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Musette Accordion Solo –
1) Clelland Shand
2) Blythe Moore
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Musette Accordion Solo –
1) Ewan Dowie
2) Kyle Rowan
3) India Smith
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Kirsty Grant
2) Findlay Graham
3) Rosaidh MacKintosh
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eryn Rae
2) Anya Johnston
3) Kirsty Grant
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Eryn Rae
2) Kirsty Grant
3) Anya Johnston
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Magnus Westwell
2) Shona MacFadyen
3) Jack Westwell
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Magnus Westwell
2) Jack Westwell
3) Shona MacFadyen
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Eilidh Anderson
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Shona MAcFadyen
2) Jack Westwell
3) Ellie McLaren
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Magnus Westwell
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Eryn Rae
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Strings ‘N’ Things
2) Deeside Loons & Quines
3) Fiddle Encore
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rosaidh MacKintosh
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Findlay Graham
Northern Ireland – Open Accordion Championships
by
A group of 15 Scottish musicians along with families and friends………….
Isobel Harper – Guest of Honour
by Margo MacLennan
Having driven from Kiltarlity to Caithness in winter conditions, I spent a lovely afternoon with Isobel. I was inspired by her humble, kind and gentle ways and impressed by her enthusiasm to promote traditional music. She teaches and encourages many young musicians to go to local clubs and festivals. She has some enjoyable musical evenings in her home in Wick with many groups, teaching and sorting out the musical arrangements for them. As she says: “Music keeps me young and active!”
Isobel was born into a farming family at Lochend, Dunnet, Caithness to James and Isabella Auld. She started classical piano lessons the age of 12 with Margaret Henderson in Wick who also taught fiddle to Addie Harper, her future husband to be, Isobel’s brother Hamish Auld also had lessons there. Hamish later went on to play double bass part-time with the Wick Scottish Dance Band while he still worked on the family farm.
As a young music student Isobel really wanted to play Scottish and Margaret found that in some of Isobel’s music books were some by Jimmy Shand. Margaret asked Isobel to play Millbank Cottage and that was the start of Isobel learning Scottish dance music! Margaret then agreed to teach half Scottish and half classical!
Isobel left school at 15 and went to work in Wick as a shop assistant. One evening on the 3rd October 1962 she got a telephone call from Addie to come and play the piano in the Rosebank Hotel, Wick. Isobel showed me the book in which Addie had written out all the chords for the different tempos of music that the band played, so Isobel could practice them in her spare time. Isobel now became a part-time, stand-in member of the Wick Scottish Dance Band when their regular pianist, Adam Black, was unable to play. The band became more and more popular, so much so that Isobel at some point stopped her day job and become a full-time musician. This change in working hours delighted Isobel’s mum, Mrs Auld, as she could then help on the farm during the day.
The other band members were Addie Harper (fiddle), Eann Nicolson (accordion and Univox), Hamish Auld (double bass) and John Gunn on drums. They developed a style all of their own ensuring that they were regularly broadcasting and playing to capacity crowds in most parts of Scotland and the Islands, despite hailing from the most northerly tip of Scotland (Just 18 miles from John O’ Groats).
The band members were in a fortunate position that one of them, Eann Nicolson, was also a piano tuner to trade, which meant that the piano was always in tune no matter what hall they played. Before the band travelled to their evening gigs, if there was time, Addie would arrange to entertain in some old folks’ homes or a hospital. A cutting from The Annadale local paper at the time shows a photograph of the Wick Scottish with band members Addie (fiddle), Eann (accordion), Isobel (piano) and on drums a young Robert Cameron.
Each member of the band had their own job to do once the equipment was set up. Isobel went into the kitchen and made a meal or sandwiches, while Eann tuned the piano and Addie checked over the music in advance and recorded some of the modern pop tunes from Radio Luxembourg, so that the band could then include the music in their programme, thus keeping the music fresh and exciting!
The Wick Scottish Dance Band made their first LP ‘The Heather and Shamrock’ in 1965 and it was recorded by Jimmy Johnstone of Grampian Records at 19 Bank Row, Wick. The band line up was Addie Harper on fiddle, banjo and Univox, Hawaiian guitar and 4-string banjo. The Wick Scottish recorded a number of vinyls and EP discs and a number of cassettes. Isobel also recorded with other artists, too many of them to mention. They also received many awards. In 1979 Addie Harper and the Wick Band were presented with the Record Industry Scotstar Award for Scottish Country Dance Band of the year by Clyde Factors. In January 2014 the Wick Senior Citizens award went to The Harper Family for entertaining them over the past 50 years. Also in the collection is an honorary membership of the Wick A & F club presented to Isobel in 1987 for all her work in encouraging young players to attend. In 2015 Isobel was also presented with a Royal Cut Crystal Diamond from the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club in appreciation of her dedication and loyal support since the start of the club in 1975.
After having played together for many years, Isobel and Addie Harper married 3rd November 1979 and were together until his death in 2002. Together they and from the 70’s onwards Addie Harper jnr. entertained all over Scotland and England. The band played a number of times in Northumberland, hence the tunes Barrowburn Reel, John Keith Laing, Walking on the Moon. All these were written by Addie Harper and are still popular tunes played in many band sets.
Isobel also had many stories to tell about incidents when travelling. On one of their visits to Mallaig, the rest of the band went off the boat to find a taxi and Isobel stayed on board to look after the instruments. The next thing she knew, the boat drew away from the pier and sailed to Armadale, Skye. Isobel got a free trip on the ferry, but still manage to arrive back in Mallaig in time for the band to set up and play their gig.
Another time, again going to a dance in Mallaig, the band van got as far as Fort Augustus and then broke down. The man at the garage said: “You won’t be going to Mallaig in this van!” The band got all their instruments out and lined the street at the bus stop. When the bus arrived, the driver came out and said “We don’t do flittings”. They explained the situation, all the equipment was loaded on, and they continued to Fort William. Here they got a car with a driver, loaded the gear up, although the drums had to go by train. They drove the 40 mile on the single track road to Mallaig, (the drums got there too) and played the gig. The Next morning they got the train to Fort William, then the bus to Fort Augustus, got in the van and up the road to Bonar Bridge and played for another dance. They finally got home about 2.30am - very tired!
In mid-1980s Addie encouraged Isobel to start teaching piano and accordion from home. Isobel’s ambition has always been to have young people playing in groups. One of the young players in the first group of under 10s was Carol-Anne Mackay who now lives in Thurso and teaches accordion and bagpipes. Isobel also helped start Northsound and The Young Traditionals. Another group, the Caithness Scorries, started through Jimmy and Diane Peat and their son Murray. Both Jimmy and Murray came to Addie snr and Isobel to learn accordion. Isobel is also involved with the members of The Tannoch band. Isobel writes out the music and the harmonies for all the groups.
Over the years Isobel has played in many A & F clubs and still continues to accompany and gig with various musicians all over Scotland. She would like to thank all the musicians past and present for their help and support over the years. As she says “I would not be receiving this prestigious award without them”.
In Memory
Pam Wilkie (21st Oct 1927 – 11th Feb 2016)
Queen of the Ivories
by Dennis Morrison
The passing of Pam Wilkie has robbed the Scottish dance band scene of a truly unique talent. Pam was born in Glasgow, on 21st October 1927. She moved to Perth when she was 3 weeks old. Early on the young Pamela showed and aptitude for music and began piano lessons with Miss Pratt when she was c8 years old. Pam worked hard and continued with lessons up to grade 5 – and Pam’s musical ear was now attuned to many of the modern melodies of the time.
Pam therefore joined Bob MacKay’s Band, a local Perth outfit, playing quicksteps, foxtrots and popular melodies. Around 1947, a young Perthshire bandleader by the name of Ian Powrie became aware of Pam’s flair and enlisted her services. The band worked hard over the next couple of years, culminating in a broadcast in 1949. For a while in the early fifties she also deputized with the likes of Adam Rennie and Bert Shorthouse!
In 1955 Pam left the Powrie Band due to family commitments. But was in 1957 back with them and during 1958/59, Pam and the band entered the new medium of television with the White Heather Club show. By this time, Pam’s accompaniment skills were widely recognised and fondly appreciated by fellow musicians.
Those who knew Pam well know of her keen sense of humour. One story I recollect her telling me was when in 1964, Andy Stewart was to play His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen during the height of the typhoid outbreak. Nobody wanted to visit the city; however, Andy decided to go ahead with the show and the cast had to be vaccinated. The ‘bum’ was where the needle had to go – “jings it brought tears tae ma gless ee’ – help ma kilt!” This was Pam!
In 1966, Pam embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand with the Powrie Band with Andy Stewart and cast including Sally Logan. Pam enjoyed the trip immensely. Late 1966 brought the retiral and subsequent emigration of Ian Powrie to Australia. This left Pam and members of the band in limbo until Jimmy Blue reformed the band in early 1967. Pam, a pivotal part of the rhythm section, along with Arthur Easson and Dave Barclay, kept the roots of the Powrie outfit very much alive.
In 1968, Pam joined the Jim Johnstone Band. Jim was asked to do a tour of the south coast of England with The White Heather Club show. Many famous people performed on the show, including the late, great George Chisholm. During Pam’s time with Jim Johnstone’s band she was to record that iconic LP ‘Measure of Scotch’ – a benchmark recording. I know she was very proud to have been associated with this album.
The early 1970’s saw Pam make several recordings with the Jimmy Blue Band – one that immediately springs to mind is the ‘Scottish Sounds of Jimmy Blue’ – an album which was widely popular and has gone down in the annals of Scottish Country Dance music.
In 1975 Pam joined John Ellis and the Highland country Band. The rhythm section formed by Pam, husband Ally and Doug Cargill complimented the unique Ellis sound so eloquently. From 1975 to 1982 classic recordings and broadcasts ensued with the vintage Ellis trademark sound.
The 1970’s also saw Pam make a number of broadcasts with the likes of Robin Brock, David Cunningham, Jimmy Lindsay and Andrew Rankine etc. LPs from that period included John Huband, Walter Perrie and Arthur Spink.
As the 80’s approached, Pam was very much in demand, recording LPs with Gordon Pattullo, broadcasts with Neil Barron, and the odd recording with me, Dennis Morrison. When husband Ally died in 1994 many of us thought that Pam would retire from music, as Pam and Ally were extremely close. However, Pam was to continue performing for a further fourteen years. Trips, abroad included a visit in 1995 to Singapore with Neil Barron’s Band, and in 1996 Pam joined me for a St Andrew’s Ball in Bangalore. Pam also thoroughly enjoyed playing for Caledonian Societies in the Middle East with Frank Thomson and myself.
During the 90’s Pam’s services were still very much sought after. One such memorable recording was ‘Take the Floor’ with Robert Black and The All Star Scottish Dance Band in 1995. Pam was a regular at Crieff Hydro with a quartet and built up a strong fan base through her musical prowess.
Pam’s final broadcasts were in 2008, one with Neil Barron’s Band and the other a tribute to Ian Powrie and the Jimmy Blue Band. I was delighted to have Pam join us for this very special session. Her accompaniment to Judi Nicolson’s fiddle solo was indeed second to none, and is indeed the only recording of those two extremely talented musicians.
Over some five decades Pam had become well known for her imaginative playing with the rhythm sections of all that was best in Scottish Country Dance bands, but there was much more to Pam’s talents! In 2009, Frank Thomson finally persuaded Pam, at the age of 81, to record an album of her own, playing her favourite songs and tunes, while showing her very special accompaniment skills along with fiddle solos. This CD illustrates just how truly talented Pam was and this private recording is much treasured by all who have a copy. Dear to Pam’s heart was the music of Shetland, in particular the fiddle playing of Willie Hunter. Pam first met Willie in 1965 during a visit with the Powrie Band and was totally enthralled with his unique Shetland style. The ‘off-the-cuff’ sessions that took place over the years with Pam and Willy are indeed legendary. The private ‘reel-to-reel’ recordings of the pair of them are treasured by fiddlers and pianists alike. In 2005 Pam, her daughter and I made a musical pilgrimage to Shetland. Jackie Robertson organised the get-togethers, which Pam really appreciated – she certainly had a ball.
Pam’s musical enthusiasm never waned, one example of this being the Morino Gathering in Glasgow organised by Nicky McMichan in Glasgow’s Park Bar. She attended several times and thoroughly enjoyed these sessions. She had a huge circle of friends and fans, and she loved an impromptu tune with the likes of John Carmichael, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Peter Bruce and Bobby Campbell.
Pam was one of my dearest friends, and I feel that my life has been enriched through knowing the lady. She was a true legend. I will miss Pam dearly as will so many others. Her contribution has been immense and we owe so much to Pam. So to finish – what will be Pam’s legacy? Quite simply she was a musical icon over some seven decades, and during that time she brought our music alive with colour, flair and creative innovation.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
The Tullich Collection – Colin Dewar Trio – TC001
In Tune with Tradition – Ronald Anderson Band – ATCD101
Something Old, Something New – Steven Carcary SDB – Independent SC006CD
Momento – David Stewart and Friends
Book Review
Canadian Fiddle Tunes, 60 Traditional Pieces – Edited and arranged by Iain Fraser, with accompanying CD - Published by SCHOTT
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd April 2016 – Compilation Programme
9th April 2016 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
16th April 2016 – Donald MacLeod SDB
23rd April 2016 – Michael Philip SDB
30th April 2016 – A Special Birthday Celebration
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 26th April 2016 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th April 2016 – AGM +Club Night
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th April 2016 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Arbroath (Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th April 2016 – Alan Crookston SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th April 2016 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th April 2016 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th April 2016 – Glencraig SDB
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th April 2016 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th April 2016 – Kyle Innes Trio
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th April 2016 – The Scottish Accordion Music Group
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th April 2016 – Jim Cleland SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th April 2016 – John Morgan
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – The Occasionals
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th April 2016 – The Main Event Ceilidh Band
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 19th April 2016 – Janet Graham & Andy Kain
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th April 2016 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Dunfermline (Civil Service Sports Assoc, Rosyth) – 12th April 2016 – Club Night
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th April 2016 – Scott Leslie SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Roy Hendrie
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th April 2016 – Janet Graham SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 24th April 2016 – Richard Smith Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th April 2016 – Janet Graham SDB
Fort William (Railway Club) - 5th April 2016 – Gary Blair
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) – 7th April 2016 – Gordon Clark SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 21st April 2016 – AGM + Duncan Black & Marie Fielding Trio
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th April 2016 – Andy Kain Trio
Gretna (The Gables Hotel) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th April 2016 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th April 2016 – Steven Carcary SDB
Kelso (Cross Rugby Club) – 27th April 2016 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (British Legion) – 13th April 2016 – West Telferton C.B.
Lewis & Harris (Sea Angling Club) - 7th April 2016 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 26th April 2016 – Scott Band Trio
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 17th April 2016 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th April 2016 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th April 2016 – Derek Hamilton Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 28th April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th April 2016 – Johnny Duncan
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th April 2016 – Gary Sutherland Trio
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 13th 20th 27th April 2016 – Club Nights 29th April – Concert by Local Artistes
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 28th April 2016 – Ian Kirkpatrick & Friends
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Jennifer Cruickshank SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th April 2016 – Andy Kinnear Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th April 2016 – Ian Muir & Neil McMillan
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 26th April 2016 – Club Nights 19th April – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 14th April 2016 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 16th April 2016 – Club Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th April 2016 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th April 2016 – Scott Band Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st April 2016 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 2nd 16th 30th April 2016 – Club Nights
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Crieff
11. Dingwall
12. Dunfermline
13. Duns
14. Fintry
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Gretna
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Lewis & Harris
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Macmerry
27. Mauchline
28. Newburgh
29. North East
30. Peebles
31. Perth
32. Renfrew
33. Seghill
34. Shetland
35. Stonehouse
36. Turriff
37. West Barnes
38. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2015
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Coalburn A&F Club (
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
20. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
21. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
22. Ellon A&F Club (
23. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
38 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 West Barnes ( - present)
58 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?)
59. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
60. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
61. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
62. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
66. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
67. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
68. Buchan A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
74 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
75. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
76. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
77. Cults A & F Club (
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Derwentside A&F Club
81. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
82. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
83. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
84. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
85. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
86. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
87. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
88. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
112. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
115. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
116. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
117. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
118. Selkirk A&F Club (
119. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
120. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
121. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
122 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
123 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
I can’t believe that the year has passed………….
Pia Walker
42nd Annual NAAFC Festival – Inshyra 2016
by
The NAAFC Flagship Festival and what a festival. Trophies shining in the bright light only competing with the smiles from all participants and the cacophony from rehearsing musicians filtering through all day.
The adjudicators this year were : Alan Gifford, Brian Griffin, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Douglas Lawrence, James Coutts, Jane Davidson, John Carmichael and Robert Black who all had a very difficult job to find the winners amongst a very high standard of competitors.
The dance in the evening was by The Burns Brothers Ceilidh Band. The attendance was a bit low at the beginning, probably due to everyone wanting dinner after the concert had finished, but soon the floor was filled by dancers of all ages.
The Committee is probably already now starting to plan for next year and I for one cannot wait – bring on the 43rd Annual championship, Concert & Dance.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Fin Hope
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Clelland Shand
2) Alice Girling
3) Blythe Moore
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
3) Ewan Dowie
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
3) Ewan Dowie
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Anya Johnston & Jodie Smith
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul & Kyle Rowan
3) Rhiann Matthew & Rachel Havlin
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Rowan
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Craig Paton
2) Adin Graham
3) Emma Dickson
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Emma Dickson
2) Graham MacLennan
3) Adin Graham
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2) Graham MacLennan
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Emma Dickson
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Adin Graham
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Central Belters
Fjana
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Tom Orr, Central Belters
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Central Belters
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Juneiliain
Ewan Dowie
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Juneiliain
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Gary Sutherland
2) Nicol McLaren
3) John Burns
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Catherine Speight
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Inver Shand
2) Alice Girling
3) Fin Hope
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul
2) India Smith
3) Archie MacKechnie
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ryan Corbett
2) Emma Dickson
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Clelland & Inver Shand
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) India Smith & Kyle Rowan
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) India Smith & Kyle Rowan
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Alice Girling
2) Inver Shand
3) Fin Hope
Under 16 Classical Polka Solo –
1) Kyle Rowan
2) Ewan Dowie
3) Cameron McLaren
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Musette Accordion Solo –
1) Clelland Shand
2) Blythe Moore
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Musette Accordion Solo –
1) Ewan Dowie
2) Kyle Rowan
3) India Smith
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Kirsty Grant
2) Findlay Graham
3) Rosaidh MacKintosh
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eryn Rae
2) Anya Johnston
3) Kirsty Grant
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Eryn Rae
2) Kirsty Grant
3) Anya Johnston
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Magnus Westwell
2) Shona MacFadyen
3) Jack Westwell
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Magnus Westwell
2) Jack Westwell
3) Shona MacFadyen
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Eilidh Anderson
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Shona MAcFadyen
2) Jack Westwell
3) Ellie McLaren
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Magnus Westwell
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Eryn Rae
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Strings ‘N’ Things
2) Deeside Loons & Quines
3) Fiddle Encore
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rosaidh MacKintosh
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Findlay Graham
Northern Ireland – Open Accordion Championships
by
A group of 15 Scottish musicians along with families and friends………….
Isobel Harper – Guest of Honour
by Margo MacLennan
Having driven from Kiltarlity to Caithness in winter conditions, I spent a lovely afternoon with Isobel. I was inspired by her humble, kind and gentle ways and impressed by her enthusiasm to promote traditional music. She teaches and encourages many young musicians to go to local clubs and festivals. She has some enjoyable musical evenings in her home in Wick with many groups, teaching and sorting out the musical arrangements for them. As she says: “Music keeps me young and active!”
Isobel was born into a farming family at Lochend, Dunnet, Caithness to James and Isabella Auld. She started classical piano lessons the age of 12 with Margaret Henderson in Wick who also taught fiddle to Addie Harper, her future husband to be, Isobel’s brother Hamish Auld also had lessons there. Hamish later went on to play double bass part-time with the Wick Scottish Dance Band while he still worked on the family farm.
As a young music student Isobel really wanted to play Scottish and Margaret found that in some of Isobel’s music books were some by Jimmy Shand. Margaret asked Isobel to play Millbank Cottage and that was the start of Isobel learning Scottish dance music! Margaret then agreed to teach half Scottish and half classical!
Isobel left school at 15 and went to work in Wick as a shop assistant. One evening on the 3rd October 1962 she got a telephone call from Addie to come and play the piano in the Rosebank Hotel, Wick. Isobel showed me the book in which Addie had written out all the chords for the different tempos of music that the band played, so Isobel could practice them in her spare time. Isobel now became a part-time, stand-in member of the Wick Scottish Dance Band when their regular pianist, Adam Black, was unable to play. The band became more and more popular, so much so that Isobel at some point stopped her day job and become a full-time musician. This change in working hours delighted Isobel’s mum, Mrs Auld, as she could then help on the farm during the day.
The other band members were Addie Harper (fiddle), Eann Nicolson (accordion and Univox), Hamish Auld (double bass) and John Gunn on drums. They developed a style all of their own ensuring that they were regularly broadcasting and playing to capacity crowds in most parts of Scotland and the Islands, despite hailing from the most northerly tip of Scotland (Just 18 miles from John O’ Groats).
The band members were in a fortunate position that one of them, Eann Nicolson, was also a piano tuner to trade, which meant that the piano was always in tune no matter what hall they played. Before the band travelled to their evening gigs, if there was time, Addie would arrange to entertain in some old folks’ homes or a hospital. A cutting from The Annadale local paper at the time shows a photograph of the Wick Scottish with band members Addie (fiddle), Eann (accordion), Isobel (piano) and on drums a young Robert Cameron.
Each member of the band had their own job to do once the equipment was set up. Isobel went into the kitchen and made a meal or sandwiches, while Eann tuned the piano and Addie checked over the music in advance and recorded some of the modern pop tunes from Radio Luxembourg, so that the band could then include the music in their programme, thus keeping the music fresh and exciting!
The Wick Scottish Dance Band made their first LP ‘The Heather and Shamrock’ in 1965 and it was recorded by Jimmy Johnstone of Grampian Records at 19 Bank Row, Wick. The band line up was Addie Harper on fiddle, banjo and Univox, Hawaiian guitar and 4-string banjo. The Wick Scottish recorded a number of vinyls and EP discs and a number of cassettes. Isobel also recorded with other artists, too many of them to mention. They also received many awards. In 1979 Addie Harper and the Wick Band were presented with the Record Industry Scotstar Award for Scottish Country Dance Band of the year by Clyde Factors. In January 2014 the Wick Senior Citizens award went to The Harper Family for entertaining them over the past 50 years. Also in the collection is an honorary membership of the Wick A & F club presented to Isobel in 1987 for all her work in encouraging young players to attend. In 2015 Isobel was also presented with a Royal Cut Crystal Diamond from the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club in appreciation of her dedication and loyal support since the start of the club in 1975.
After having played together for many years, Isobel and Addie Harper married 3rd November 1979 and were together until his death in 2002. Together they and from the 70’s onwards Addie Harper jnr. entertained all over Scotland and England. The band played a number of times in Northumberland, hence the tunes Barrowburn Reel, John Keith Laing, Walking on the Moon. All these were written by Addie Harper and are still popular tunes played in many band sets.
Isobel also had many stories to tell about incidents when travelling. On one of their visits to Mallaig, the rest of the band went off the boat to find a taxi and Isobel stayed on board to look after the instruments. The next thing she knew, the boat drew away from the pier and sailed to Armadale, Skye. Isobel got a free trip on the ferry, but still manage to arrive back in Mallaig in time for the band to set up and play their gig.
Another time, again going to a dance in Mallaig, the band van got as far as Fort Augustus and then broke down. The man at the garage said: “You won’t be going to Mallaig in this van!” The band got all their instruments out and lined the street at the bus stop. When the bus arrived, the driver came out and said “We don’t do flittings”. They explained the situation, all the equipment was loaded on, and they continued to Fort William. Here they got a car with a driver, loaded the gear up, although the drums had to go by train. They drove the 40 mile on the single track road to Mallaig, (the drums got there too) and played the gig. The Next morning they got the train to Fort William, then the bus to Fort Augustus, got in the van and up the road to Bonar Bridge and played for another dance. They finally got home about 2.30am - very tired!
In mid-1980s Addie encouraged Isobel to start teaching piano and accordion from home. Isobel’s ambition has always been to have young people playing in groups. One of the young players in the first group of under 10s was Carol-Anne Mackay who now lives in Thurso and teaches accordion and bagpipes. Isobel also helped start Northsound and The Young Traditionals. Another group, the Caithness Scorries, started through Jimmy and Diane Peat and their son Murray. Both Jimmy and Murray came to Addie snr and Isobel to learn accordion. Isobel is also involved with the members of The Tannoch band. Isobel writes out the music and the harmonies for all the groups.
Over the years Isobel has played in many A & F clubs and still continues to accompany and gig with various musicians all over Scotland. She would like to thank all the musicians past and present for their help and support over the years. As she says “I would not be receiving this prestigious award without them”.
In Memory
Pam Wilkie (21st Oct 1927 – 11th Feb 2016)
Queen of the Ivories
by Dennis Morrison
The passing of Pam Wilkie has robbed the Scottish dance band scene of a truly unique talent. Pam was born in Glasgow, on 21st October 1927. She moved to Perth when she was 3 weeks old. Early on the young Pamela showed and aptitude for music and began piano lessons with Miss Pratt when she was c8 years old. Pam worked hard and continued with lessons up to grade 5 – and Pam’s musical ear was now attuned to many of the modern melodies of the time.
Pam therefore joined Bob MacKay’s Band, a local Perth outfit, playing quicksteps, foxtrots and popular melodies. Around 1947, a young Perthshire bandleader by the name of Ian Powrie became aware of Pam’s flair and enlisted her services. The band worked hard over the next couple of years, culminating in a broadcast in 1949. For a while in the early fifties she also deputized with the likes of Adam Rennie and Bert Shorthouse!
In 1955 Pam left the Powrie Band due to family commitments. But was in 1957 back with them and during 1958/59, Pam and the band entered the new medium of television with the White Heather Club show. By this time, Pam’s accompaniment skills were widely recognised and fondly appreciated by fellow musicians.
Those who knew Pam well know of her keen sense of humour. One story I recollect her telling me was when in 1964, Andy Stewart was to play His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen during the height of the typhoid outbreak. Nobody wanted to visit the city; however, Andy decided to go ahead with the show and the cast had to be vaccinated. The ‘bum’ was where the needle had to go – “jings it brought tears tae ma gless ee’ – help ma kilt!” This was Pam!
In 1966, Pam embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand with the Powrie Band with Andy Stewart and cast including Sally Logan. Pam enjoyed the trip immensely. Late 1966 brought the retiral and subsequent emigration of Ian Powrie to Australia. This left Pam and members of the band in limbo until Jimmy Blue reformed the band in early 1967. Pam, a pivotal part of the rhythm section, along with Arthur Easson and Dave Barclay, kept the roots of the Powrie outfit very much alive.
In 1968, Pam joined the Jim Johnstone Band. Jim was asked to do a tour of the south coast of England with The White Heather Club show. Many famous people performed on the show, including the late, great George Chisholm. During Pam’s time with Jim Johnstone’s band she was to record that iconic LP ‘Measure of Scotch’ – a benchmark recording. I know she was very proud to have been associated with this album.
The early 1970’s saw Pam make several recordings with the Jimmy Blue Band – one that immediately springs to mind is the ‘Scottish Sounds of Jimmy Blue’ – an album which was widely popular and has gone down in the annals of Scottish Country Dance music.
In 1975 Pam joined John Ellis and the Highland country Band. The rhythm section formed by Pam, husband Ally and Doug Cargill complimented the unique Ellis sound so eloquently. From 1975 to 1982 classic recordings and broadcasts ensued with the vintage Ellis trademark sound.
The 1970’s also saw Pam make a number of broadcasts with the likes of Robin Brock, David Cunningham, Jimmy Lindsay and Andrew Rankine etc. LPs from that period included John Huband, Walter Perrie and Arthur Spink.
As the 80’s approached, Pam was very much in demand, recording LPs with Gordon Pattullo, broadcasts with Neil Barron, and the odd recording with me, Dennis Morrison. When husband Ally died in 1994 many of us thought that Pam would retire from music, as Pam and Ally were extremely close. However, Pam was to continue performing for a further fourteen years. Trips, abroad included a visit in 1995 to Singapore with Neil Barron’s Band, and in 1996 Pam joined me for a St Andrew’s Ball in Bangalore. Pam also thoroughly enjoyed playing for Caledonian Societies in the Middle East with Frank Thomson and myself.
During the 90’s Pam’s services were still very much sought after. One such memorable recording was ‘Take the Floor’ with Robert Black and The All Star Scottish Dance Band in 1995. Pam was a regular at Crieff Hydro with a quartet and built up a strong fan base through her musical prowess.
Pam’s final broadcasts were in 2008, one with Neil Barron’s Band and the other a tribute to Ian Powrie and the Jimmy Blue Band. I was delighted to have Pam join us for this very special session. Her accompaniment to Judi Nicolson’s fiddle solo was indeed second to none, and is indeed the only recording of those two extremely talented musicians.
Over some five decades Pam had become well known for her imaginative playing with the rhythm sections of all that was best in Scottish Country Dance bands, but there was much more to Pam’s talents! In 2009, Frank Thomson finally persuaded Pam, at the age of 81, to record an album of her own, playing her favourite songs and tunes, while showing her very special accompaniment skills along with fiddle solos. This CD illustrates just how truly talented Pam was and this private recording is much treasured by all who have a copy. Dear to Pam’s heart was the music of Shetland, in particular the fiddle playing of Willie Hunter. Pam first met Willie in 1965 during a visit with the Powrie Band and was totally enthralled with his unique Shetland style. The ‘off-the-cuff’ sessions that took place over the years with Pam and Willy are indeed legendary. The private ‘reel-to-reel’ recordings of the pair of them are treasured by fiddlers and pianists alike. In 2005 Pam, her daughter and I made a musical pilgrimage to Shetland. Jackie Robertson organised the get-togethers, which Pam really appreciated – she certainly had a ball.
Pam’s musical enthusiasm never waned, one example of this being the Morino Gathering in Glasgow organised by Nicky McMichan in Glasgow’s Park Bar. She attended several times and thoroughly enjoyed these sessions. She had a huge circle of friends and fans, and she loved an impromptu tune with the likes of John Carmichael, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Peter Bruce and Bobby Campbell.
Pam was one of my dearest friends, and I feel that my life has been enriched through knowing the lady. She was a true legend. I will miss Pam dearly as will so many others. Her contribution has been immense and we owe so much to Pam. So to finish – what will be Pam’s legacy? Quite simply she was a musical icon over some seven decades, and during that time she brought our music alive with colour, flair and creative innovation.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
The Tullich Collection – Colin Dewar Trio – TC001
In Tune with Tradition – Ronald Anderson Band – ATCD101
Something Old, Something New – Steven Carcary SDB – Independent SC006CD
Momento – David Stewart and Friends
Book Review
Canadian Fiddle Tunes, 60 Traditional Pieces – Edited and arranged by Iain Fraser, with accompanying CD - Published by SCHOTT
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd April 2016 – Compilation Programme
9th April 2016 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
16th April 2016 – Donald MacLeod SDB
23rd April 2016 – Michael Philip SDB
30th April 2016 – A Special Birthday Celebration
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 26th April 2016 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th April 2016 – AGM +Club Night
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th April 2016 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Arbroath (Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th April 2016 – Alan Crookston SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th April 2016 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th April 2016 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th April 2016 – Glencraig SDB
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th April 2016 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th April 2016 – Kyle Innes Trio
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th April 2016 – The Scottish Accordion Music Group
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th April 2016 – Jim Cleland SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th April 2016 – John Morgan
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – The Occasionals
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th April 2016 – The Main Event Ceilidh Band
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 19th April 2016 – Janet Graham & Andy Kain
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th April 2016 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Dunfermline (Civil Service Sports Assoc, Rosyth) – 12th April 2016 – Club Night
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th April 2016 – Scott Leslie SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Roy Hendrie
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 25th April 2016 – Janet Graham SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 24th April 2016 – Richard Smith Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th April 2016 – Janet Graham SDB
Fort William (Railway Club) - 5th April 2016 – Gary Blair
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) – 7th April 2016 – Gordon Clark SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 21st April 2016 – AGM + Duncan Black & Marie Fielding Trio
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th April 2016 – Andy Kain Trio
Gretna (The Gables Hotel) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th April 2016 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th April 2016 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th April 2016 – Steven Carcary SDB
Kelso (Cross Rugby Club) – 27th April 2016 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (British Legion) – 13th April 2016 – West Telferton C.B.
Lewis & Harris (Sea Angling Club) - 7th April 2016 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 26th April 2016 – Scott Band Trio
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 17th April 2016 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th April 2016 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th April 2016 – Derek Hamilton Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 28th April 2016 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th April 2016 – Johnny Duncan
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th April 2016 – Gary Sutherland Trio
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 13th 20th 27th April 2016 – Club Nights 29th April – Concert by Local Artistes
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 28th April 2016 – Ian Kirkpatrick & Friends
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Jennifer Cruickshank SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th April 2016 – Andy Kinnear Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th April 2016 – Ian Muir & Neil McMillan
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 26th April 2016 – Club Nights 19th April – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 14th April 2016 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 16th April 2016 – Club Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th April 2016 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th April 2016 – Scott Band Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st April 2016 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 2nd 16th 30th April 2016 – Club Nights
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th April 2016 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Crieff
11. Dingwall
12. Dunfermline
13. Duns
14. Fintry
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Gretna
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Lewis & Harris
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Macmerry
27. Mauchline
28. Newburgh
29. North East
30. Peebles
31. Perth
32. Renfrew
33. Seghill
34. Shetland
35. Stonehouse
36. Turriff
37. West Barnes
38. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2015
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Coalburn A&F Club (
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
20. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
21. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
22. Ellon A&F Club (
23. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
38 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 West Barnes ( - present)
58 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?)
59. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
60. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
61. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
62. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
66. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
67. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
68. Buchan A&F Club
69. Callander A&F Club (
70. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
71. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
72. Club Accord
73. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
74 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
75. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
76. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
77. Cults A & F Club (
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Derwentside A&F Club
81. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
82. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
83. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
84. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
85. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
86. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
87. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
88. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
112. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
115. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
116. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
117. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
118. Selkirk A&F Club (
119. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
120. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
121. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
122 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
123 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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