Box and Fiddle
Year 42 No 08
April 2019
Price £3.00
56 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
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
The days are definitely getting longer………
Pia Walker
Young Fiddler of the Year 2019 – Benedict Morris
by
I began playing the fiddle………….
Billy Craib - Guest of Honour 2019
by Pia Walker
On a fine February day, I motored to Edinburgh to meet with bass player Billy Craib, one of our 2019 Guests of Honour.
So who is he? I couldn’t find much online, which is a pity, because Billy has played bass with many of the greatest bands during the past 50+ years.
Billy hails from Kirriemuir. He grew up on a farm as his dad was a farm labourer for 40 years. There were tow other brothers, Brian and Arthur, with Billy being the youngest. His dad, Jim, played fiddle and his mother Gladys sang; they were obviously a musical family as brother Brian is a retired music teacher and a composer who also played double bass with the Scottish National Orchestra. Billy’s niece is a professional viola player in Germany. As Billy says, there is a lot of musical discussion when the family gets together; however, Billy is the only one who branched into Scottish music.
Billy only got into music after he finished school as a 15-year-old, when he got hold of a 6-string guitar and joined a rock band – and yes, at that time he had long hair! He is self-taught. At that time he was working locally in a jute mill and I got the impression that it wasn’t a labour of love. Later he changed to double bass and also became a singer in the band.
He identifies Davie Stewart, who also hails from Kirrie, as the one who got him into Scottish dance band music. It was through Stark’s Snack Bar, owned by Davie’s stepfather, and the juke-box in residence there that they got to know each other, and he was invited to join Davie’s band in 1966.
His first gig was in Edzell, with the rock band, and he admits he got hooked and felt this was what life was al about, partly because the band was asked to judge in the ‘most beautiful knees’ competition. What an opportunity!
At that time her was working in the said jute mill as a tenter, which meant he was in charge of keeping the looms going. It entailed a 9-hour working day split over 3 shifts and scary work. The looms were large and noisy and so were the women who worked them – especially if the looms stopped working. The women were on bonus work and couldn’t earn if their looms were quiet. Although most communication was via sign language because of the noise, they could sure shout if anything was wrong!
Billy was sent to the Bell Street Tech in Dundee one day a week to update his knowledge of looms, and it was while at College that he turned professional. At college one day he received a phone call from Jim Johnstone who had heard him play and as a result wanted him to join his band, the band that toured with The White Heather Club. When he heard that the wage was 4 times better than the jute mill, he gave in his notice and a week later traveled to Edinburgh. “This was the first time I crossed the Forth Road Bridge,” he says.
Thus began a life on the road, starting with 10 weeks in 10 cities with a week in ever theatre. The first one was Wolverhampton and the next Eastbourne, and this entailed a criss-crossing throughout the land. “I felt like a fish out of water, and it took me a while to settle. It was daunting, but Jim Johnstone’s work ethics suited me. He was a hard taskmaster, but we were all well rehearsed. He expected you to turn up on time and to turn up sober – which happened most of the time!”
This was when he met Billy Thom. It was at a rehearsal for the dancers in a church hall in Glasgow. “Billy came up to me to ask what I had done, to which I answered “nothing”. He asked me if I knew the tune Macleod of Mull to which I said yes, having decided that I should say yea to everything in the beginning. Afterwards Billy came over and told me, “I have never seen nor heard of you, but that was some note with a big dig.” And thus started a 40+ year friendship with the ‘big man’. Every year Billy attends the NAAFC Golf Day, which was started in memory of Billy Thom, acting as a caddy because he doesn’t play golf and can be seen enjoying a tune afterwards in the Club House.
I asked him how long he had had his double bass, which was lying on the floor in the dining room. He told me it was his second as his first was broken 45 years ago. Apart from working three bands (Jim Johnstone’s, Alex MacArthur’s and John Carmichael’s) he also worked as a driver. He was working on an Aberdeen run and his pal asked him to go with him to play at Aberdeen A&F Club where the bass skidded, slipped out of his hands on to the floor and ended up with a broken neck. “I just stood there stunned, looking at the wreckage.” My friend’s consoling words were; “Well, there are consolations – it will now fit better into the car.” This was a bit of a disaster for a musician, but his brother came to the rescue. He had a double bass for sale, so they made a deal and this double bass has been with him ever since. “I couldn’t sell it, it would be a total betrayal.” Similarly he has on old Fender Precision which he will not sell, despite having had many offers over the years, including one after a show 20 years ago when an American tourist offered him $4,000 for it. “I thought about it for under a nano-second and replied, it is not for sale pal!”
Through the show work, Billy has worked as a pit band musician for many acts: ventriloquists, contortionists and performing dogs (not at the same time though). He has done a wide variety of gigs, even compering a funeral by linking several musical interludes during the service. He had me giggling over a story about how a member of the band once bought dog food and fed some hungry performing dogs, so that when they come on stage they completely ignored their handler and just looked down into the pit, wagging their tails. The musician received a telling off from Jim Johnstone (well, Billy called it something else) and a warning. However, everyone could see the funny side.
Billy has a wide musical knowledge and experience and he is a man of many talents. He has played with Jack Emblow, who “really brought out the music in you.” He has played jazz duets with George Chisholm OBE. He sings A Windmill in Old Amsterdam as he can still remember working with Ronnie Hiltonin the 80s. He appeared with Ian Bain on a CD with ‘funky waulking songs’. He plays in sessions in Edinburgh where you can find him in the Captains Bar and the Royal Oak, and he has even played Jimmy Hendrix music on double bass with Alan Grant who regularly appears in Sandy Bells. An early nickname was Bill ‘Bo Bass’ Craib, named after Bo Diddly the US R&B artist. He also told me that he would die a happy man as he had seen Ella Fitzgerald and her husband Rae Brown appear live at the Playhouse in Edinburgh in the early 80s. “Even when I was a lad and although I was teased about the type of music I listened to, her voice did something to me.”
Over the years, Billy has played with the greats; Jim Johnstone and his band members were mentioned several times. He has played with Calum Kennedy both in shows and on a recording, and with “so many who are no longer with us.” He has played with the Cape Breton Fiddlers and says that “playing with fiddlers really opens up one’s music.” He has also played with Gordon Pattullo and in many other radio recording bands. He told me that he loves strathspeys, especially one by Nan Main, Provost Skene’s House, which he feels is one of the best constructed modern tunes as it moves from minor to major key.
Does he still Scottish? Yes, although now he plays more ceilidh than SDB. For the last ten years he has played in Singapore with Neil Barron, but he also works with many of the younger musicians. So, although double bass players are an endangered species, he is still kept busy. 6-piece bands are now a rare occurrence with electronics used as replacements. He admits that there are ups and downs to working as a professional musician, but that the good times far outweighs the bad.
What changes can he see in Scottish music today? He admits that musicians today are talented and with great technique. He is not keen on hearing music played at break-neck speed with all the pyrotechnics for dancing, as he feels it loses its meaning. “I have been called boring, and so be it, but you can’t beat a steady beat. The syncopation you hear today is too rehearsed; syncopation should be spontaneous.”
I’m sure you will agree with me that Billy is indeed worthy of being a guest of honour.
From Max Ketchin
“I first came across Billy in the early 70s when I began attending A&F Clubs in and around the Lothians and Saturday ceilidh dances in the Woodside Hotel in Musselburgh and the Chase in Bonnyrigg. He always had time to chat to me, although he hardly knew me. Billy encouraged me along whenever I was fortunate to play with him at A&F Clubs.
When I joined the Jim johnstone Band in late 1976 it was a great thrill and Billy being an ‘auld hand’ was an immense help to me. Billy coached and advised me and showed me all the tricks and tips to help me in those early days. To me he never seemed to get flustered and was always very level headed and dependable.
One of his most outstanding talents, apart from his playing ability, was his memory. Billy had an almost photographic memory for names, faces and places. He was the forerunner to the sat nav. Billy could guide you to any venue with pinpoint accuracy and was seldom wrong.
I owe Billy a great debt for his help during those early days of my dance music career and can think of no-one more fitting to be honoured by the NAAFC.”
From Davie Stewart
“What can I say? Bill is a total enthusiast and always willing to have a go.”
The 45th Annual NAAFC Championships
by Richard Ross
On behalf of the Festival Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors, parents, teachers, sponsors, stewards and supporters of our 45th Festival, which took place at the Grangemouth town Hall.
From feedback we have received to date, the new venue was suited to the size of our Festival and has been deemed a great success. I would welcome any additional feedback to help us to make the Festival a continuing success for many years to come.
We have also received feedback that the daytime food and bar and local accommodation offers far greater value than in previous years. We hope that this will encourage more people to attend next year as we believe we have recreated the atmosphere that was enjoyed in ‘days gone by’.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Inver Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Fin Hope (Broughton, Peebles-shire)
3) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Darroch Wood (Thornhill)
3) Kyle Anderson
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Emily Gifford (Shetland)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Archie McKechnie
2) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
3) Donnie MacCorquodale
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Emma Leask & Rhiann Matthew (Shetland)
2) Anya Johnston & Emily Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Victoria Byrne-McCombie & Emily Giffors (Shetland)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Alan Small (Cupar)
2) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
2) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Fin Hope (Broughton)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Mabel Gray (Susan MacFadyen Trio)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
John Burns (Kilsyth)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
1) Jennifer Forrest
2) Susan MacFadyen
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
John Burns
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Michael Philip (Shetland)
2) Drewie Hawick (Shetland)
3) Michael Mulford
Open Gaelic Waltz Solo – Dorothy Patterson Memorial Trophy
1) Graham McLennan (Stornoway)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) – 40 and Over – Provost’s Cup
1) Alan Small (Cupar)
2) Graeme Munro (Haddington)
3) Nicol McLaren (Blairgowrie)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Accordion & Fiddle Club Representative Open – Banchory A&FC Trophy
1) Biggar A&FC
2) Banchory A&FC
3) Dundee A&FC
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Inver Shand (Dumfermline)
2) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
3) Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Kyle Anderson
3) Blyth Shand (Dunfermline)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Archie McKechnie
3) Darroch Wood (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Senior Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Blyth Shand & (Dunfermline) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
2)
3)
Open Classical Accordion Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Darroch Wood (Thornhill) & Kyle Anderson
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1)
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon
3) Islay Cathcart (Lanark)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsty’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Rhiann Matthew (Aboyne)
2) Emma Leask (Shetland)
3) Anya Johnston (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Anya Johnston (Shetland)
2) Emma Leask (Shetland)
3) Rhiann Matthew (Aboyne)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Jack Westwell
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
3) Jack Westwell
Open Fiddle Composer Solo – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Eilidh Anderson
3)
Overall Senior Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Anya Johnston (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Deeside Loons & Quines
2) Fiddlers @ 60 North
3) Fiddletasia
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Findlay Graham
Centre Stage
David Bell (Drummer – Blairgowrie)
22nd Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships
by Keith Dickson
A group of 10 young Scottish musicians………….
In Memory – Dick Black (30th January 1030 – 12th February 2019)
by Charlie Todd
Family, friends and musicians gathered at Brucefield Parish Church on Saturday 16th February to celebrate the life of Dick Black, well known 5-row accordionist and bandleader from East Whitburn. In a playing career spanning over 70 years Dick’s band played all over Scotland and beyond and was particularly popular playing for ‘Sequence Dances.’ Dick’s early career had been influenced by one of Scotland’s foremost melodeon players and bandleaders, Will Hannah, and he once told me “My father stayed next door to Will at Knowehead Cottages, Blackburn. As my father and his brothers all played Wilkinson Excelsior melodeons (which Hannah himself played and endorsed), you will appreciate that Will was the local hero and much respected. I used to be visited by his son John, who at that time was coming up to Whitburn weekly to visit an invalid sister. He used to tell me about his father and the exploits of the band. One of his memories was when Will was asked to go down to London and record for Parlophone. He made the journey by motor cycle with the melodeon on his back. On another occasion the recording company supplied a drummer and pianist, who although talented musicians had no idea of Scottish Dance Music tempos and the end result didn’t please him in the least. I still remember my own father saying ‘No-one has the lift o’ Willie Hannah’. With regard to Will Hannah Jnr, I never heard him play, but I once saw a poster for a show in the Ayr Gaiety where he was on the bill and his picture showed him playing a piano accordion”.
Involved locally in agriculture for all of his working life, the band provided Dick with an outlet for his considerable musical talents. He will also be remembered for his composing skills, particularly the music and words of 'The Bonnie Border Burn' his recording/rendition of which was played as the coffin left the church. Dick and Margaret had no family and Margaret’s death in January 2018 undoubtedly affected Dick very deeply. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Sandy Roger, who knew Dick well, and who was able to relate many stories about his life. Dick always claimed he was ‘jist a plouman’ but as the Rev Roger said, he was so much more than that to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and the many friends who attended the service and burial at Whitburn Cemetery. He will be sadly missed by all
From Jim Cleland & Elizabeth McLeish
It was a sad day when bandleader Dick Black passed away. He was born in Edinburgh and moved to Stoneyburn when his father got a job in the local pit. He worked at Smillies Farm for 40 years as cattleman and ploughman until he retired. He met and married Margaret when he was 18 and they stayed together until Margaret died in 2018. He was from a large family and was loved by them all, as he loved them. He is survived by two sisters and a brother.
His original band comprised Dick Black, Sonny Strachan and Mic Carty. Jack McLeish (drums) joined the band in 1969 and was later followed by Benny McSherry (vocals), Donald Campbell (piano), Bobby Abbott (accordion), Bob McMath (accordion), Iain Wilson (piano) and Jim Cleland (accordion). During its 70-year-long history it was one of the busiest bands for many years with a great following wherever he went.
Dick Black will be sadly missed by many and our thoughts are with his family.
In Memory – Sheila Jupp (July 1929 – December 2018)
by Sue & Alan Davis (Crowthorne)
Sheila was very well known………
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Reels ‘N’ Heels – Lindsay Weir SDB – GLRCD1801
A Celtic Voice – Charlie Abel – Independent
The Musician’s Wedding – 12 Scottish Country Dances by Gaye Collin- Marian Anderson SDB – Independent TSC41MA
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
not shown
CLUB DIARY
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 30th April 2019 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 10th April 2019 – Gavin Piper
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st April 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 7th April 2019 – Martainn Skene Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 21st April 2019 – Adin Graham SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th April 2019 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th April 2019 – Claire Gullan Trio
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 15th April 2019 – Steven Carcary Duo
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 14th April 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 9th April 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 11th April 2019 – George Rennie Duo
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 2nd April 2019 – David Vernon
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 11th April 2019 – Bon Accords
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 11th April 2019 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 16th April 2019 – Freeland Barbour
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 7th April 2019 – Lynne Christie SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 18th April 2019 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 4th April 2019 – John Stuart SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 16th April 2019 – Bon Accords
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd April 2019 – The Cruickshank Family Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 17th April 2019 – Gordon Pattullo & Malcolm Ross
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 9th April 2019 - John Stuart SDB
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 15th April 2019 – Jimmy Cassidy Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd April 2019 – Addie Harper SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 28th April 2019 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th April 2019 – Marian Anderson SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 2nd April 2019 – Gordon Pattullo & Malcolm Ross
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 4th April 2019 – Roger Dobson SDB
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) - April 2019 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 18th April 2019 – Liam Stewart Duo
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 3rd April 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 7th April 2019 – John Morgan
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th April 2019 – Adin Graham SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 10th April 2019 – Matthew Maclennan SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 4th April 2019 – Andy Philip Duo
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 2nd April 2019 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 24th April 2019 – Leonard Brown Duo
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 28th April 2019 – Gavin Piper
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 4th April 2019 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 16th April 2019 – John Stuart SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 30th April 2019 – Leonard Brown Duo
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 16th April 2019 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd April 2019 – Scott Carnegie Trio
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 25th April 2019 – Gary Sutherland CB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th April 2019 – Alex Ross & the Cannongate Cadjers
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd April 2019 – Alan Small
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 4th April 2019 – Ewan Galloway
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 3rd 10th 17th April 2019 – Club Night 24th April 2019 Summer Concert
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 25th April 2019 – Scott Band Quartet
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 16th April 2019 – Andrew Knight & the West Terferton CB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th April 2019 – Iain Cathcart Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th April 2019 – Ray Carse supported by Jimmy Little & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 2nd 9th 16th 30th April 2019 – Club Night 23rd April 2019 Leonard Brown (pooled supper)
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 13th April 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 1st April 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th April 2019 – Jim Johnstone Tribute Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th April 2019 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 16th April 2019 – Lindsay Weir Duo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Beith
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9 Button Key
10. Canderside
11. Castle Douglas
12. Clydesdale
13. Crieff
14. Dingwall
15. Dunfermline
16. Ellon
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glendale
20. Glenfarg
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Langholm
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Macmerry
31. Mauchline
32. Montrose
33. Newburgh
34. North East
35. Peebles
36. Renfrew
37. Shetland
38. Turriff
39. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £320
Full Page (colour) - £256
Full Page (b&w) - £160
Half Page (colour) - £128
Half Page (b&w) - £80
Quarter Page (colour) - £64
Quarter Page (b&w) - £40
Eighth Page - £30
Small Boxed £20
B&F Treasurer –
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
The days are definitely getting longer………
Pia Walker
Young Fiddler of the Year 2019 – Benedict Morris
by
I began playing the fiddle………….
Billy Craib - Guest of Honour 2019
by Pia Walker
On a fine February day, I motored to Edinburgh to meet with bass player Billy Craib, one of our 2019 Guests of Honour.
So who is he? I couldn’t find much online, which is a pity, because Billy has played bass with many of the greatest bands during the past 50+ years.
Billy hails from Kirriemuir. He grew up on a farm as his dad was a farm labourer for 40 years. There were tow other brothers, Brian and Arthur, with Billy being the youngest. His dad, Jim, played fiddle and his mother Gladys sang; they were obviously a musical family as brother Brian is a retired music teacher and a composer who also played double bass with the Scottish National Orchestra. Billy’s niece is a professional viola player in Germany. As Billy says, there is a lot of musical discussion when the family gets together; however, Billy is the only one who branched into Scottish music.
Billy only got into music after he finished school as a 15-year-old, when he got hold of a 6-string guitar and joined a rock band – and yes, at that time he had long hair! He is self-taught. At that time he was working locally in a jute mill and I got the impression that it wasn’t a labour of love. Later he changed to double bass and also became a singer in the band.
He identifies Davie Stewart, who also hails from Kirrie, as the one who got him into Scottish dance band music. It was through Stark’s Snack Bar, owned by Davie’s stepfather, and the juke-box in residence there that they got to know each other, and he was invited to join Davie’s band in 1966.
His first gig was in Edzell, with the rock band, and he admits he got hooked and felt this was what life was al about, partly because the band was asked to judge in the ‘most beautiful knees’ competition. What an opportunity!
At that time her was working in the said jute mill as a tenter, which meant he was in charge of keeping the looms going. It entailed a 9-hour working day split over 3 shifts and scary work. The looms were large and noisy and so were the women who worked them – especially if the looms stopped working. The women were on bonus work and couldn’t earn if their looms were quiet. Although most communication was via sign language because of the noise, they could sure shout if anything was wrong!
Billy was sent to the Bell Street Tech in Dundee one day a week to update his knowledge of looms, and it was while at College that he turned professional. At college one day he received a phone call from Jim Johnstone who had heard him play and as a result wanted him to join his band, the band that toured with The White Heather Club. When he heard that the wage was 4 times better than the jute mill, he gave in his notice and a week later traveled to Edinburgh. “This was the first time I crossed the Forth Road Bridge,” he says.
Thus began a life on the road, starting with 10 weeks in 10 cities with a week in ever theatre. The first one was Wolverhampton and the next Eastbourne, and this entailed a criss-crossing throughout the land. “I felt like a fish out of water, and it took me a while to settle. It was daunting, but Jim Johnstone’s work ethics suited me. He was a hard taskmaster, but we were all well rehearsed. He expected you to turn up on time and to turn up sober – which happened most of the time!”
This was when he met Billy Thom. It was at a rehearsal for the dancers in a church hall in Glasgow. “Billy came up to me to ask what I had done, to which I answered “nothing”. He asked me if I knew the tune Macleod of Mull to which I said yes, having decided that I should say yea to everything in the beginning. Afterwards Billy came over and told me, “I have never seen nor heard of you, but that was some note with a big dig.” And thus started a 40+ year friendship with the ‘big man’. Every year Billy attends the NAAFC Golf Day, which was started in memory of Billy Thom, acting as a caddy because he doesn’t play golf and can be seen enjoying a tune afterwards in the Club House.
I asked him how long he had had his double bass, which was lying on the floor in the dining room. He told me it was his second as his first was broken 45 years ago. Apart from working three bands (Jim Johnstone’s, Alex MacArthur’s and John Carmichael’s) he also worked as a driver. He was working on an Aberdeen run and his pal asked him to go with him to play at Aberdeen A&F Club where the bass skidded, slipped out of his hands on to the floor and ended up with a broken neck. “I just stood there stunned, looking at the wreckage.” My friend’s consoling words were; “Well, there are consolations – it will now fit better into the car.” This was a bit of a disaster for a musician, but his brother came to the rescue. He had a double bass for sale, so they made a deal and this double bass has been with him ever since. “I couldn’t sell it, it would be a total betrayal.” Similarly he has on old Fender Precision which he will not sell, despite having had many offers over the years, including one after a show 20 years ago when an American tourist offered him $4,000 for it. “I thought about it for under a nano-second and replied, it is not for sale pal!”
Through the show work, Billy has worked as a pit band musician for many acts: ventriloquists, contortionists and performing dogs (not at the same time though). He has done a wide variety of gigs, even compering a funeral by linking several musical interludes during the service. He had me giggling over a story about how a member of the band once bought dog food and fed some hungry performing dogs, so that when they come on stage they completely ignored their handler and just looked down into the pit, wagging their tails. The musician received a telling off from Jim Johnstone (well, Billy called it something else) and a warning. However, everyone could see the funny side.
Billy has a wide musical knowledge and experience and he is a man of many talents. He has played with Jack Emblow, who “really brought out the music in you.” He has played jazz duets with George Chisholm OBE. He sings A Windmill in Old Amsterdam as he can still remember working with Ronnie Hiltonin the 80s. He appeared with Ian Bain on a CD with ‘funky waulking songs’. He plays in sessions in Edinburgh where you can find him in the Captains Bar and the Royal Oak, and he has even played Jimmy Hendrix music on double bass with Alan Grant who regularly appears in Sandy Bells. An early nickname was Bill ‘Bo Bass’ Craib, named after Bo Diddly the US R&B artist. He also told me that he would die a happy man as he had seen Ella Fitzgerald and her husband Rae Brown appear live at the Playhouse in Edinburgh in the early 80s. “Even when I was a lad and although I was teased about the type of music I listened to, her voice did something to me.”
Over the years, Billy has played with the greats; Jim Johnstone and his band members were mentioned several times. He has played with Calum Kennedy both in shows and on a recording, and with “so many who are no longer with us.” He has played with the Cape Breton Fiddlers and says that “playing with fiddlers really opens up one’s music.” He has also played with Gordon Pattullo and in many other radio recording bands. He told me that he loves strathspeys, especially one by Nan Main, Provost Skene’s House, which he feels is one of the best constructed modern tunes as it moves from minor to major key.
Does he still Scottish? Yes, although now he plays more ceilidh than SDB. For the last ten years he has played in Singapore with Neil Barron, but he also works with many of the younger musicians. So, although double bass players are an endangered species, he is still kept busy. 6-piece bands are now a rare occurrence with electronics used as replacements. He admits that there are ups and downs to working as a professional musician, but that the good times far outweighs the bad.
What changes can he see in Scottish music today? He admits that musicians today are talented and with great technique. He is not keen on hearing music played at break-neck speed with all the pyrotechnics for dancing, as he feels it loses its meaning. “I have been called boring, and so be it, but you can’t beat a steady beat. The syncopation you hear today is too rehearsed; syncopation should be spontaneous.”
I’m sure you will agree with me that Billy is indeed worthy of being a guest of honour.
From Max Ketchin
“I first came across Billy in the early 70s when I began attending A&F Clubs in and around the Lothians and Saturday ceilidh dances in the Woodside Hotel in Musselburgh and the Chase in Bonnyrigg. He always had time to chat to me, although he hardly knew me. Billy encouraged me along whenever I was fortunate to play with him at A&F Clubs.
When I joined the Jim johnstone Band in late 1976 it was a great thrill and Billy being an ‘auld hand’ was an immense help to me. Billy coached and advised me and showed me all the tricks and tips to help me in those early days. To me he never seemed to get flustered and was always very level headed and dependable.
One of his most outstanding talents, apart from his playing ability, was his memory. Billy had an almost photographic memory for names, faces and places. He was the forerunner to the sat nav. Billy could guide you to any venue with pinpoint accuracy and was seldom wrong.
I owe Billy a great debt for his help during those early days of my dance music career and can think of no-one more fitting to be honoured by the NAAFC.”
From Davie Stewart
“What can I say? Bill is a total enthusiast and always willing to have a go.”
The 45th Annual NAAFC Championships
by Richard Ross
On behalf of the Festival Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors, parents, teachers, sponsors, stewards and supporters of our 45th Festival, which took place at the Grangemouth town Hall.
From feedback we have received to date, the new venue was suited to the size of our Festival and has been deemed a great success. I would welcome any additional feedback to help us to make the Festival a continuing success for many years to come.
We have also received feedback that the daytime food and bar and local accommodation offers far greater value than in previous years. We hope that this will encourage more people to attend next year as we believe we have recreated the atmosphere that was enjoyed in ‘days gone by’.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Inver Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Fin Hope (Broughton, Peebles-shire)
3) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Darroch Wood (Thornhill)
3) Kyle Anderson
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Emily Gifford (Shetland)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Archie McKechnie
2) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
3) Donnie MacCorquodale
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Emma Leask & Rhiann Matthew (Shetland)
2) Anya Johnston & Emily Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Victoria Byrne-McCombie & Emily Giffors (Shetland)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Alan Small (Cupar)
2) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
2) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Fin Hope (Broughton)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Mabel Gray (Susan MacFadyen Trio)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
John Burns (Kilsyth)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
1) Jennifer Forrest
2) Susan MacFadyen
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
John Burns
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Michael Philip (Shetland)
2) Drewie Hawick (Shetland)
3) Michael Mulford
Open Gaelic Waltz Solo – Dorothy Patterson Memorial Trophy
1) Graham McLennan (Stornoway)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) – 40 and Over – Provost’s Cup
1) Alan Small (Cupar)
2) Graeme Munro (Haddington)
3) Nicol McLaren (Blairgowrie)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Susan MacFadyen (Falkirk)
Accordion & Fiddle Club Representative Open – Banchory A&FC Trophy
1) Biggar A&FC
2) Banchory A&FC
3) Dundee A&FC
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Inver Shand (Dumfermline)
2) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
3) Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Kyle Anderson
3) Blyth Shand (Dunfermline)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Clelland Shand (Dunfermline)
2) Archie McKechnie
3) Darroch Wood (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Senior Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Blyth Shand & (Dunfermline) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
2)
3)
Open Classical Accordion Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Darroch Wood (Thornhill) & Kyle Anderson
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1)
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon
3) Islay Cathcart (Lanark)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsty’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Rhiann Matthew (Aboyne)
2) Emma Leask (Shetland)
3) Anya Johnston (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Anya Johnston (Shetland)
2) Emma Leask (Shetland)
3) Rhiann Matthew (Aboyne)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Jack Westwell
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
3) Jack Westwell
Open Fiddle Composer Solo – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
2) Eilidh Anderson
3)
Overall Senior Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Anne Mitchell (Aberdeen)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Anya Johnston (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Deeside Loons & Quines
2) Fiddlers @ 60 North
3) Fiddletasia
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emily Gold (Carstairs Junction)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Findlay Graham
Centre Stage
David Bell (Drummer – Blairgowrie)
22nd Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships
by Keith Dickson
A group of 10 young Scottish musicians………….
In Memory – Dick Black (30th January 1030 – 12th February 2019)
by Charlie Todd
Family, friends and musicians gathered at Brucefield Parish Church on Saturday 16th February to celebrate the life of Dick Black, well known 5-row accordionist and bandleader from East Whitburn. In a playing career spanning over 70 years Dick’s band played all over Scotland and beyond and was particularly popular playing for ‘Sequence Dances.’ Dick’s early career had been influenced by one of Scotland’s foremost melodeon players and bandleaders, Will Hannah, and he once told me “My father stayed next door to Will at Knowehead Cottages, Blackburn. As my father and his brothers all played Wilkinson Excelsior melodeons (which Hannah himself played and endorsed), you will appreciate that Will was the local hero and much respected. I used to be visited by his son John, who at that time was coming up to Whitburn weekly to visit an invalid sister. He used to tell me about his father and the exploits of the band. One of his memories was when Will was asked to go down to London and record for Parlophone. He made the journey by motor cycle with the melodeon on his back. On another occasion the recording company supplied a drummer and pianist, who although talented musicians had no idea of Scottish Dance Music tempos and the end result didn’t please him in the least. I still remember my own father saying ‘No-one has the lift o’ Willie Hannah’. With regard to Will Hannah Jnr, I never heard him play, but I once saw a poster for a show in the Ayr Gaiety where he was on the bill and his picture showed him playing a piano accordion”.
Involved locally in agriculture for all of his working life, the band provided Dick with an outlet for his considerable musical talents. He will also be remembered for his composing skills, particularly the music and words of 'The Bonnie Border Burn' his recording/rendition of which was played as the coffin left the church. Dick and Margaret had no family and Margaret’s death in January 2018 undoubtedly affected Dick very deeply. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Sandy Roger, who knew Dick well, and who was able to relate many stories about his life. Dick always claimed he was ‘jist a plouman’ but as the Rev Roger said, he was so much more than that to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and the many friends who attended the service and burial at Whitburn Cemetery. He will be sadly missed by all
From Jim Cleland & Elizabeth McLeish
It was a sad day when bandleader Dick Black passed away. He was born in Edinburgh and moved to Stoneyburn when his father got a job in the local pit. He worked at Smillies Farm for 40 years as cattleman and ploughman until he retired. He met and married Margaret when he was 18 and they stayed together until Margaret died in 2018. He was from a large family and was loved by them all, as he loved them. He is survived by two sisters and a brother.
His original band comprised Dick Black, Sonny Strachan and Mic Carty. Jack McLeish (drums) joined the band in 1969 and was later followed by Benny McSherry (vocals), Donald Campbell (piano), Bobby Abbott (accordion), Bob McMath (accordion), Iain Wilson (piano) and Jim Cleland (accordion). During its 70-year-long history it was one of the busiest bands for many years with a great following wherever he went.
Dick Black will be sadly missed by many and our thoughts are with his family.
In Memory – Sheila Jupp (July 1929 – December 2018)
by Sue & Alan Davis (Crowthorne)
Sheila was very well known………
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Reels ‘N’ Heels – Lindsay Weir SDB – GLRCD1801
A Celtic Voice – Charlie Abel – Independent
The Musician’s Wedding – 12 Scottish Country Dances by Gaye Collin- Marian Anderson SDB – Independent TSC41MA
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
not shown
CLUB DIARY
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 30th April 2019 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 10th April 2019 – Gavin Piper
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st April 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 7th April 2019 – Martainn Skene Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 21st April 2019 – Adin Graham SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th April 2019 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th April 2019 – Claire Gullan Trio
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 15th April 2019 – Steven Carcary Duo
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 14th April 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 9th April 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 11th April 2019 – George Rennie Duo
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 2nd April 2019 – David Vernon
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 11th April 2019 – Bon Accords
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 11th April 2019 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 16th April 2019 – Freeland Barbour
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 7th April 2019 – Lynne Christie SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 18th April 2019 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 4th April 2019 – John Stuart SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 16th April 2019 – Bon Accords
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd April 2019 – The Cruickshank Family Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 17th April 2019 – Gordon Pattullo & Malcolm Ross
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 9th April 2019 - John Stuart SDB
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 15th April 2019 – Jimmy Cassidy Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd April 2019 – Addie Harper SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 28th April 2019 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th April 2019 – Marian Anderson SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 2nd April 2019 – Gordon Pattullo & Malcolm Ross
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 4th April 2019 – Roger Dobson SDB
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) - April 2019 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 18th April 2019 – Liam Stewart Duo
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 3rd April 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 7th April 2019 – John Morgan
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th April 2019 – Adin Graham SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 10th April 2019 – Matthew Maclennan SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 4th April 2019 – Andy Philip Duo
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 2nd April 2019 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 24th April 2019 – Leonard Brown Duo
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 28th April 2019 – Gavin Piper
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 4th April 2019 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 16th April 2019 – John Stuart SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 30th April 2019 – Leonard Brown Duo
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 16th April 2019 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd April 2019 – Scott Carnegie Trio
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 25th April 2019 – Gary Sutherland CB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th April 2019 – Alex Ross & the Cannongate Cadjers
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd April 2019 – Alan Small
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 4th April 2019 – Ewan Galloway
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 3rd 10th 17th April 2019 – Club Night 24th April 2019 Summer Concert
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 25th April 2019 – Scott Band Quartet
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 16th April 2019 – Andrew Knight & the West Terferton CB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th April 2019 – Iain Cathcart Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th April 2019 – Ray Carse supported by Jimmy Little & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 2nd 9th 16th 30th April 2019 – Club Night 23rd April 2019 Leonard Brown (pooled supper)
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 13th April 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 1st April 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th April 2019 – Jim Johnstone Tribute Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th April 2019 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 16th April 2019 – Lindsay Weir Duo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Beith
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9 Button Key
10. Canderside
11. Castle Douglas
12. Clydesdale
13. Crieff
14. Dingwall
15. Dunfermline
16. Ellon
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glendale
20. Glenfarg
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Langholm
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Macmerry
31. Mauchline
32. Montrose
33. Newburgh
34. North East
35. Peebles
36. Renfrew
37. Shetland
38. Turriff
39. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £320
Full Page (colour) - £256
Full Page (b&w) - £160
Half Page (colour) - £128
Half Page (b&w) - £80
Quarter Page (colour) - £64
Quarter Page (b&w) - £40
Eighth Page - £30
Small Boxed £20