Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 08
April 2020
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
I hope you will enjoy reading about the recent NAAFC festival in this issue. The day was brilliant and it was great to see so many participants and audience .………
Pia Walker
Saltire in New Zealand
by
February saw two well-known musicians, David Vernon (accordion, bagpipes) and Alex Hodgson (vocals, guitar), head off on their 4th annual tour around New Zealand, under their cabaret name Saltire.
“It was a great way to spend February,” said David. “We completed 18 shows in three weeks, travelling around both islands, and the weather was brilliant. We normally cover about 2,500 road miles on each tour, so it’s pretty full on – New Zealand is bigger than most people realise.
“As well as the Kiwis, we get to perform to may Ex-Pat Scots, and to Kiwis of Scots descent. Our brand of Scottish music, song and comedy is much appreciated. As well as our own shows, we did several with popular country singer Joy Adams. The Scottish / country combination works a treat.”
One of the main events for Saltire was a repeat performance at Paeroa Highland Games, where they worked with legendary New Zealand performers The Topp Twins, and country star Brendan Duggan.
David and Alex are currently organizing their 5th Saltire New Zealand tour for February 2021.
Congratulations
by
Saturday 7th December saw many talented musicians travel to Aberdeen for the Folk…………………………
Congratulations to reader Callum Wallace and the Tay Ceilidh Band who were absolutely delighted to pick up the Best entertainment category at this year’s Scottish Wedding Awards at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow recently. Callum, Gary Sutherland and Mary Rutherford had a fantastic night and partied into the wee small hours.
Callum says, “We were up against some of the best entertainment from all over Scotland and I am personally delighted to keep our traditional and ceilidh music at the forefront in the wedding market.”
To see them perform live visit https://youtube/Y4EYcr5S9Qc
Peter Bruce
by Pia Walker
One of the many pleasures of being your Editor is that I get to talk to so many people. Interviewing the Guests of Honour is a highlight, so travelling to Scone on a miserable day to hear a little bit about accordionist Peter Bruce, well-known MC of many a Perth Festival, was not an onerous task at all.
Peter was born in 1953 in Ardfern, Mid-Argyll as one of three brothers. One of them, Colin, lives in England and the other, Neil, in Ballinluig. They and their families are the only family Peter has, as he never married. Colin and Peter are the only brothers with an interest in music, with Colin playing piano. His father, Colin the cattleman, and mother Elizabeth encouraged Peter to learn to play by ear. His father played fiddle and was self-taught and his mother played the organ.
His musical career started when the family lived near Laggan Bridge, and at the age of six he was given a tiny red accordion by an uncle. His first performance was in Laggan Hall shortly thereafter. As he grew, so did his accordions and he is now the proud owner of a Gola.
In 1960 the whole family moved to Scone where Peter has lived ever since, except for the four years (1971 – 1975) he spent studying mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. He started lessons with Mickie Ainsworth, who Peter says was an inspiring teacher who made you want to do better. Mickie worked hard to undo the bad habits acquired by Peter from playing by ear. The second tune he was taught was Jaunting Along in the purple book, which accordionists of a certain age will remember. The story goes that Peter, who could not read music, practiced what was preached, and then came back the next week and played it wonderfully – in the wrong key!
As Mickie toured with the Powrie Band he wasn’t able to teach regularly, and Peter was therefore helped by others including Frank Thomson who at that time was working in Perth. When Frank moved to Aberdeen Peter started to go to Ian Anderson of Dunkeld. Here the tuition focused on playing classical music, which helped in developing technique.
Peter is mostly a solo musician but began playing with the Willie Simpson Band in 1970. He fondly remembers the 9pm – 2am gigs in the Reid Hall in Forfar. They are still gigging 48 years later, although the hours have changed.
He also played with button-box player Bobby Campbell, from whom he learnt all the popular tunes such as Ronnie Cooper’s Shetland compositions, and with the unique and entertaining Jim (Fiddler Broon). He has also played second box with the late Jimmy Lindsay (Glenalmond).
He prefers the village hall setting to the more formal setting when gigging. He does remember, however, the time he played with Ainsworth, Blue, Simpson and Brown at a house party near Dalkeith the day after he left school in 1971. The guests included The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne as well as “a bunch of Toffs” as Peter puts it. They shared the stage with a band playing more modern tunes and played for two dances every hour until the early morning. He remembers that the royals came into the hall and danced when we played, but disappeared whenever “the guitar band”, as Peter called them, came on. “It was enjoyable, but I couldn’t do that every week”, Peter says with a smile. He prefers old-time dances, with the now ageing but enthusiastic crowd, and admits that village hall gigs are more profitable as there is more prep-work and cost involved in playing for SCD.
Peter first experienced the Perth Festival when his father took him there in 1962. He became involved with Bill Wilkie’s Orchestra from 1968 until 2010 when Bill retired the Orchestra. One special memory amongst many great social and musical experiences with the Orchestra was the recording in 1969 of The Music of Forty Hands. Peter competed in the festival competitions from its early days. He remembers preparation for the Festival was something you did the day before. But he still went on to win the Junior Scottish in 1967 and then in 1976 the Seniors, and he is now involved as Chairman of the Festival as well as being its compere.
Peter has not been involved in much broadcasting, but he did make three CDs with Smith Mearns Recordings in 1991, 2002 and 2007. He played in a duo with another of our 2020 Guests of Honour, Malcolm Ross, on the first two and in 2007 they expanded to form a trio with the ever-present Graham Berry.
Peter is first and foremost a teacher of maths and sees his music as an additional hobby. He admits that he likes teaching, and he still teaches and tutors maths. He spends a couple of mornings teaching Advanced Higher Statistics but this will probably be his last year. He is a good teacher; indeed a former pupil of his, Kevin Pendleton, has publicly stated that he was inspired by his Perth Grammar School teacher ; Peter Bruce.
Peter also taught music to many pupils, both the well-known and not so well-known. Many of his pupils came to get help with their Scottish music as it was Continental music that was in the high seat at Festivals and Competitions with Scottish being secondary. Among the many were James and Mhairi Coutts, Iain Anderson, Karin Leitch, Michael Philip; and one of his students, Stuart Cameron, was in November 2001 the first recipient of the NAAFC Jimmy Shand Scholarship at the then RSAMD. Peter remembers Stuart as a great lad with great work ethics.
Good work ethics are important, Peter states. There are those, both very talented and not so talented but with a moderate ability, who work hard and therefore shine. And then there are those who do not work and practice, and as a result, whether they are talented or not, do not get very far. He no longer teaches music, and this is mostly because of lack of pupil numbers. He feels there is less interest than there was 30 – 40 years ago, across all instruments, as young people are more into electronic pastimes and entertainment. He points out that this is a geographical issue, as music in areas such as the islands seem to have increased popularity.
So does Peter like only Scottish music? No, but it is important. Out of the many Scottish artistes to choose from, he admits that his all-time favourite is the Jimmy Blue Band of the late 60s and 70s. Of the other musical genres, he likes to listen to light classical music and he also likes jazz of the big band variety and swing bands – he loves to listen to Count Basie and Duke Ellington as he likes the beat and rhythm. He tells me that he would like to learn to play the piano – I get the feeling that this is on his to-do list for when he has more time. When that will be is a good question, as he is always busy (THIS WAS WRITTEN JUST PRIOR TO LOCKDOWN – PROBLEM SOLVED). He also reveals a deep secret to me – he likes Abba!
Outside his music he likes to go for walks locally, and when at home (rarely) he likes to work on recreational maths puzzles and problems in geometry and algebra! (I dare not ask any more!) As he himself comments this is “sure evidence of lunacy!” He reads a lot of science and politics material, and indeed his coffee table was littered with such books!
Peter was at the Perth & district A&F club’s first ever meeting and is currently its Chairman, having held that position since 1992. When asked about the future of Clubs, he is very positive that they will continue for many years to come, “at least until I am no longer here! They are more successful than you give them credit for. They have an audience with a particular musical interest, who will come out at night to listen, and their popularity has lasted longer than other clubs and fads. It will never get back to what it was in the 70s and 80s, but they are still viable with many loyal supporters. The only problems are that committees are getting older and therefore the work in setting up is more onerous – lifting gear etc, is more difficult now than it was 20 years ago!”
The work Peter has carried out for so many years for our music and clubs makes him a worthy recipient of the Guest of honour Award 2020.
From Willie Simpson
Peter is the consummate professional when it comes to music and also in his private life as a maths teacher. Peter played his first gig with me when he was still at university. It was the Forfar Farmers’ Ball which was from 8pm until 2am and Peter played his heart out and did not slip a note all night. Right from his first job Peter has always given 100% and we have had many fun nights together and are still playing, so we must be doing something right.
Peter is always turned out immaculately and has a great taste in clothing.
I am also involved with Peter at the Perth A&F Club where again he is always the professional and has been the backbone of the Club for many years.
From Simon Howie
Peter is one of the few brilliant players who are equally as accomplished as tutors. Of course, this isn’t only in music, but also in mathematics. I remember my brother, when aged 13, getting accordion lessons from him and when asked how his lesson had gone, he responded that he now understood Pythagoras much better, thanks to Peter. His sense of commitment, great communication skills and the ability to play flawlessly have been Peter’s great attributes. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our music and is surely one of our best known and most respected players. He has given back to the music scene on a number of levels – accordionist, teacher, committee member and supporter. Congratulations on your well-earned honour Peter.
NAAFC Festival 2020
by Pia Walker
“The place had more buzz than Celtic Connections” – just one of the many positive comments at the NAAFC Festival in Grangemouth Town Hall on 7th March. And it truly was a great day – or for some a weekend, as the festival seemed to start on the Friday at the Leapark hotel with ‘a tune’. People gathered in one of the function rooms to have a listen to the music produced by various musicians and met up with friends old and new.
The Festival proper began at 9am the next day – except for a few bleary-eyed people, namely the Festival Committee, the bar staff and your Editor, who arrived well before that time to set up and prepare for the hordes. Music was heard everywhere, even at the entrance where Harry Hussey took a seat among the exhibitors and entertained for quite some time. I certainly managed to skip across the floor several times to a tango, a quickstep, a paso doble and a foxtrot (why walk when you can dance!)
Richard Ross, the Festival chairman, commented, “The Festival in this, our new home, was a great success musically, socially and financially. We received many favourable comments throughout the day relating to the buzz. The number of competition entries was up again to 146. We are very appreciative to those who travelled from far and wide to help to create a great friendly atmosphere. Particular thanks go to our friends from the Shetlands, Isle of Lewis, the North East of Scotland, West Coast and down South / Borders.
“This year we introduced two new sections to encourage an increase in competitor numbers and both of these new competitions were well received.
“The 6/8 pipe march had 14 entries, and the Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) for 60s and over, introduced to allow our more experienced players to showcase their talent, had 5 entries.
“Our competitors’ ages ranged from 7 years to over 60 years. We believe that we now have a competition that would be suitable for many more of our players to attend. Why not give it a try next year?
“We are also extremely pleased to be hosting the National Accordion Organisation (NAO) Scottish Area Qualifier with 22 entries.”
NAAFC chairman Nicol McLaren pointed out that it was great to see Duncan Ritchie attending. Duncan was this year’s recipient of the Royal conservatory of Scotland NAAFC sponsored Jimmy Shand Award. We look forward to seeing more award winners participate.
Later – much later! – we had the concert featuring the winners of the various competitions, and it was amazing to hear the wonderful talent on offer.
This was followed to the dance to the music of Iain MacPhail so it was definitely no hardship just to come and listen, which quite a few people did, or to take to the dance floor and dance the night away. Douglas Watson, a first time visitor from Stornoway, commented, “I had a great time, listening to and dancing to MacPhail!” Love his music. I got introduced to a couple of new faces too! Might just come back for the day next year!” We hope you do, Douglas, and it was a joy to see you dance.
The next day saw quite a few very bleary-eyed committee members and helpers emerge from their rooms. They must be congratulated on their hard work. This is an important event in the NAAFC calendar and it was definitely good to see so many people supporting our music.
The Grangemouth Town Hall is booked for the next two years. Please add 6th March 2021 and 5th March 2022 to your diary.
Richard continued, “The local hotel rates are affordable, as are the food and bar prices at our venue and within Grangemouth town centre. Rooms are available at the Leapark Hotel, Grangemouth at a special rate of £35 per person per night, for those sharing a double room. You can book direct quoting the NAAFC Festival. An informal music session will take place in the Leapark on Friday 5th March 2021, to which everyone is invited.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Alistair Adamson
2) Elizabeth Cathcart
3) Emily Gold
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Jake Johnstone
2) Fraser Donaldson
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Fin Hope
2) Kyle Anderson
3) Victoria Bryne-McCombie
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Emily Gifford
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Anderson
2) Victoria Bryne-McCombie
3) Emily Gifford
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Tyler Martin & Rosie Laundon
2) Victoria Bryne-McCombie & Emily Gifford
3) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Anderson
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Alan Small
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3) Duncan Ritchie
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen
2) Craig McFadyen
3) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Susan MacFadyen
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy / John Allan Trophy
1) John Weaks
2)
3)
Open Gaelic Waltz Solo – Dorothy Patterson Memorial Trophy
1) Craig McFadyen
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3) Susan MacFadyen
Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) 40 and Over – Provost’s Cup
1) Alan Small
2) Alan Shute
3) Jim McLaren
Accordion Solo (Own Choice) 60 and Over – Alan Shute Trophy
1) Alan Shute
2) Neil MacMillan
3) John Elliot
Open 6/8 Pipe March – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Lynne McIver
2) Iain Anderson
3) Alan Small
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) William Scott
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Margaret Robertson
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Pentland Augmented
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
2) Iain Anderson
3) Mary Rutherford
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Mary Rutherford
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Duncan Ritchie
2) Graeme Munro
3) John Burns
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
2) Susan MacFadyen
Under 12 Classical / Variety Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Jake Johnstone
2) Fraser Donaldson
3) Alistair Adamson
Under 14 Classical / Variety Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Daisy Arnold
2) Charlotte Hamlet
3)
Under 16 Classical / Variety Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Kyle Anderson
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Senior Classical / Variety Accordion Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
2) India Smith
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Accordion Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Katie Sievwright
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsty’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon
3) Islay Cathcart
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon & Islay Cathcart
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Anne Mitchell
3) Rhiann Matthew
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1)
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Composer Solo – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Anya Johnson
3) Tamzin Leask
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Anya Johnson
2) Shona MacFadyen
3) Tamzin Leask
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Shone MacFadyen
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Tyler Martin
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Last Gaspers
2) Deeside Loons & Quines
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emily Gold
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Alistair Adamson
RADIO GH – An internet radio station promoting Scottish Dance Music
For nine years Ewan Galloway travelled from his home firstly in Coldingham then Musselburgh every Sunday to do a live show from Galashiels based community radio station TD1 Radio. The aim of Ewan’s programme was to keep alive his first love in music, that of Scottish Dance Music. The show title chosen by Ewan was The Scottish Shindig.
Due to other commitments, Ewan got guest presenters in to do the show when he was unavailable. Latterly Derek Hamilton took on the mantle of co-presenter.
Mainly because of distance to be travelled to the Galashiels studio and the time taken, Ewan decided to look closer to home and try to find a radio station that would take his popular Sunday show. Sadly, none of the local stations in the East Lothian area were interested.
Derek suggested that he would investigate the possibility of doing the show under a new guise from studios set up in both Ewan’s and Derek’s homes.
The first thing to be considered before all else – how legal would this be? On investigation it was found that a licence needs to be obtained from two bodies namely the PRS and the PPL. These licences are fairly costly for a small operation with no direct income. The two licences cost approx. £550 pa.
So, with the licences in place we set up a studio in the East at Ewan’s home and a studio in the West at Derek’s home.
Two computers, monitors, a mixing desk, an output compressor, two high quality condenser mics with desk stands, cables and software. Somewhere around £1700 for equipment in each studio!
We are now good to go but how do we get ‘on air’? We needed a company to stream our output to the internet. Our licences stipulate number of listening hours allowed and this translates into bandwidth used. Of course, as newbies, we hadn’t a clue how many listeners we would have and therefore how much bandwidth we would require so we found a company who supplied bandwidth on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. This would allow us to assess our requirements as our listener base built up. The system is much akin to the ‘Pay-as-you-go’ phone service.
We now need a data base of tracks to play. We could have just used a couple of CD players and a record deck patched to the mixer but we felt that a database on the computer was a better bet, so we set about ripping all our CDs and records to mp3 files and creating a database which is open ended. We can add tracks at any time and indeed with the collaboration of some good friends we have built a base of about 46,000 tracks so far!
Derek set up a website and we chose the name RadioGH (Galloway Hamilton). We did some trial broadcasts and enlisted some friends to tune in and gives us a report on how it was sounding.
Ewan & Derek agreed that the venture would be non-commercial so we have a page on our website which allows donations which will help offset the costs of licences, equipment, website hosting and streaming.
We did our first live broadcast at 6.00pm on April 7th 2019 and since then we have gone to 24/7 broadcasting using our recorded live shows, shows from the team at Cuillin FM who broadcast Balaich nam Port for 10 years from 2004 till 2014. We now have all their 2 hour programmes and the Saturday nightcap programs from the same stable.
We also have the rights to air Double Scotch, Ian Lees popular programme made by Bridge FM in Dundee on a weekly basis. Add to that Highland Fling with John ‘The Prof’ Mathieson and Sandra Burt who produce a fortnightly programme. We also have a large collection of John’s older Highland Flings.
We have developed ambitious plans for 2020 to bring on board a new presenter, Andy Philip with his Continental Corner. We have secured hundreds of recordings from Accordion Clubs done by Peter Rae of Biggar and are now editing these and seeking permissions to use the recordings. Ewan will be presenting Radio GH’s Armchair Accordion Club weekly. Plans for a Vinyl Vault hour and a Vintage Blend Hour featuring old recordings of the bands of yesteryear. And we’d love to hear from budding presenters who have the facility to record a programme for airing on Radio GH. We've already recruited Pia to do the weekly Club News spot.
Incidentally, If any guest artist would like to appear on our new Armchair Accordion Club please let us know and we will endeavour to record your guest spot and include it in the programme. Contact us by email: [email protected]
It’s been a learning curve but well worth the effort and we hope that we can help keep alive our keen interest in Scottish music in general but Scottish Dance Music in particular and who knows, maybe someone will nominate us for Scottish Music Radio Show of the Year won this year by Take the Floor!
Centre Stage
Gordon Pattullo
In Memory –
Alan ‘Barney’ Coulson (7th Oct 1938 – 11th Feb 2020)
by Roddy Matthews
Northumberland and the Borders lost one of its greatest accordionists with the passing of Alan Coulson a quiet and modest man of great talent.
Alan Coulson, or ‘Barney’ as he was affectionately called, was brought up at Blaxter, on the Ottercops in the wild and very beautiful high fell land of Northumberland close to the Scottish Borders. His father, an accomplished fiddler, was a quarryman there and music abounded in the family home.
He married Helen Scott at Rochester in 1965 and settled at The Folly, Elsdon, near Otterburn. There they brought up daughter Sharon, born in 1966, and son Shaun, born in 1968. In 1989 the family moved to Rochester. Alan worked for many years for the MOD at Otterburn, overseeing the building of track roads for tanks and military vehicles in some of the wildest country you could possibly imagine.
All his close relatives enjoyed Scottish / traditional music and dancing and the ‘Scott clan’ of Ian, Vera, Jim & Kathy, and Gordon and Mina Wright, along with his wife, Helen, were often at dances where Alan either played or attended as a dancer. They also attended the Shetland A&F Festival.
Alan was a mainly self-taught accordionist, but did take a few lessons in Newcastle. However, being surrounded by many great traditional musicians he had a desire to become a top accordionist. His first experience of playing regularly in a band was in the 1950s and 1960s with Mac Rogerson (button-box), Ian Mills (fiddle), Margaret Scott (piano) and Bert MacKintosh (drums). Around 1969 he went on to join The Arcadians Band with Billy Murray of Rothbury (fiddle), Eddie Wright (piano) and Billy Murray Jnr (drums).
Ca. 1970 Alan formed The Border Country Dance Band with Geoff Purves (The Border Fiddler) and Robin Wilson (drums). The band was loved throughout the region and further afield. In 1977 and 1978 respectively they made 2 LPs for Fellside Records under the title of The Border Country Dance Band featuring The Border Fiddler. The recordings were a massive success. The band played for literally hundreds of dances and functions, travelling far and wide from their border home. It was also at this time that the band appeared regularly at 7pm after the news on Border Television, often before going to play at a dance. The band was wound up in approximately 1982.
Alan still played for many years, and recorded on occasions for Take the Floor with The Danelaw Scottish Dance Band. During the 1990s Alan also went on to play with Marian Anderson’s SDB and in his later years with Gordon Brown of Kelso.
Until he was no longer able to travel, he loved going to the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival and made many good friends there. It remained the highlight of his year into the last decade of his life. In the last few years he played for the local Rochester dance class in the village and enjoyed tunes at home with the well-known accordionist Donald Ridley, who wrote him a lovely polka tune now printed in Donald’s books. He kept a most beautiful garden right up to the end of his life.
Special memories of Alan will always be of occasions like the fantastic winter nights, the happy dancers and Alan leading his band to the great joy of all in The Cuddystone Hall, College Valley. This dance hall stands on its own, lit up in the darkness among the wildest of the border Cheviot Hills. I am so glad I shared a tune on stage with him on several occasions, as did many others among you.
Northumberland and the Scottish music scene is much poorer for his passing but he leaves us all with very many happy memories.
In Memory - Lena MacLennan (Ayr)
by Iain Cathcart
Lena MacLennan passed away on 17th February 2020. Lena was a huge fan of Take the Floor and Scottish dance music in general and had many friends on the Scottish dance music scene. She was originally from Lesmahagow and spent the majority of her married life living in Ayr with her husband Duncan and daughter Una. Lena was a keen accordionist and often played in a trio at the local Ayrshire clubs along with the late Bill & Irene Cunningham who ran the Mauchline club for many years.
I first met Lena at the Ayr A&F Club in the mid 1980s when I was a young accordionist. She had a massive influence on me, especially with her encyclopedic knowledge of pipe music and endless supply of tunes. She greatly encouraged all the young players. We both attended lessons with Jim Hutcheon in Ayr.
Lena was a very talented artist and loved nothing more than spending hours creating wonderful drawings and paintings. I have two of her beautiful pastel landscapes which were gifted to me as a wedding present.
Duncan and Lena had close links to Wester Ross and Skye and retired a few years ago to Plockton to be nearer their daughter who was a teacher in Skye. Sadly, a few years ago following a stroke, Lena had to give up playing the accordion and latterly her artwork. I was fortunate that she gifted me a huge collection of her music shortly after she gave up playing.
Lena is survived by her husband Duncan and daughter Una.
In Memory – Margaret Davidson
3rd Nov 1950 – 11th Feb 2020
by Cath Chalmers
It is with great sadness that I announce the sad passing of Margaret Davidson after a short illness. Margaret lived in Mauchline, Ayrshire and is survived by her husband and two sons and their families.
Margaret was very involved in the NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Championships – originally at Musselburgh with Sheila and Norrie Williams and then in the amazing Committees that followed them. She carried on helping when the Festival moved to Grangemouth. In all Margaret helped at the Festival for around 30 years.
Margaret was involved in the running of the Mauchline A&F Club. She loved dancing and helped her mum and dad who started dances at Sorn Village Hall. Margaret could be seen all over the country at dances in local village halls. She also enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing and was a regular attendee at Troon for many years. At one point she even assisted in running dance classes for learners of Scottish country dancing.
Apart from her love of Scottish dance music and dancing Margaret was a tremendous knitter, winning many prizes at local agricultural shows and craft fairs. This culminated in her receiving The supreme Trophy at Ayr flower show for a selection of knitted garments.
We have all lost a lovely person and I have personally lost an amazing friend.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Recorded Delivery – The 60s Bairns – RUMCD05
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th April 2020 – Martainn Skene SDB
11th April 2020 – Scott Band SDB
18th April 2020 – Archive
25th April 2020 – Robert Nairn Highland Dance Band
CLUB DIARY – NB all of the following were cancelled due to the Covid19 Pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 28th April 2020 – On the Piste
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 8th April 2020 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th April 2020 – Paul Capaldi Trio
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 5th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th April 2020 – Ian Smith Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th April 2020 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd April 2020 – Addie Harper SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 12th April 2020 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 14th April 2020 – Lindsay Downie Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 9th April 2020 – Ian Thomson SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 9th April 2020 – Burns Brothers Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 9th April 2020 – John Waugh
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 21st April 2020 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 5th April 2020 – Simon Howie SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 2nd April 2020 – Alan Crookston CB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st April 2020 – Claire Gullan Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th April 2020 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 14th April 2020 – Gordon Pattullo
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 20th April 2020 – Ian Cruickshanks
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Buttons & Bows
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 26th April 2020 – David Oswald Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th April 2020 – Neil Hardie SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th April 2020 – David Oswald Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 2nd April 2020 – Andy Philip Duo
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 23rd April 2020 – Marian Anderson SDB + AGM
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 1st April 2020 – Club Night
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 5th April 2020 – Steven Carcary / Martin Donaldson Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th April 2020 – Kyle Innes Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 8th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd April 2020 – Scott Carnegie Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 7th April 2020 – Steven Carcary SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 29th April 2020 – Jiggin’ Higgins
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 26th April 2020 – Tweed Valley CB
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 9th April 2020 – Bon Accords
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st April 2020 – Bon Accords
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 28th April 2020 – Club Night
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st April 2020 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st April 2020 – Leonard Brown Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th April 2020 – Neil MacMillan SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 2nd April 2020 – Neil MacMillan
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 1st 8th 15th 22nd April 2020 – Club Nights 29th April 1st Summer Concert
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 30th April 2020 – Roger Dobson SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Addie Harper SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th April 2020 – Alistair McCulloch & Ian Muir
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 9th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross – supported by Jimmy Little & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 7th 14th 28th April 2020 – Club Nights 21st April Bobby Thompson Tribute with Tony Washington
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 11th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th April 2020 – Gordon Pattullo
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd April 2020 – Leonard Brown Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th April 2020 – Julie Best & The Carlisle Girls
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Elizabeth Mackenzie Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Buttonkey
9. Campsie
10. Canderside
11. Castle Douglas
12. Coalburn
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Ellon
18. Forres
19. Fort William
20. Glendale
21. Glenfarg
22. Gretna
23. Highland
24. Inveraray
25. Isle of Skye
26. Kelso
27. Langholm
28. Lewis & Harris
29. Livingston
30. Macmerry
31. Mauchline & District
32. North East
33. Renfrew
34. Shetland
35. Turriff & District
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Fort William A&F Club ( )
28. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
29. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
30. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
31. 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)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
33. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
38. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020)
40 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
41. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
42 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
43 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
44 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
45. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
46. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
47. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
48. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
49. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
50. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
51. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
52. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
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 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
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. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
92. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
93. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
94. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
95. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
96. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
97. Kintore A&F Club (
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
100. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
101. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
102. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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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
I hope you will enjoy reading about the recent NAAFC festival in this issue. The day was brilliant and it was great to see so many participants and audience .………
Pia Walker
Saltire in New Zealand
by
February saw two well-known musicians, David Vernon (accordion, bagpipes) and Alex Hodgson (vocals, guitar), head off on their 4th annual tour around New Zealand, under their cabaret name Saltire.
“It was a great way to spend February,” said David. “We completed 18 shows in three weeks, travelling around both islands, and the weather was brilliant. We normally cover about 2,500 road miles on each tour, so it’s pretty full on – New Zealand is bigger than most people realise.
“As well as the Kiwis, we get to perform to may Ex-Pat Scots, and to Kiwis of Scots descent. Our brand of Scottish music, song and comedy is much appreciated. As well as our own shows, we did several with popular country singer Joy Adams. The Scottish / country combination works a treat.”
One of the main events for Saltire was a repeat performance at Paeroa Highland Games, where they worked with legendary New Zealand performers The Topp Twins, and country star Brendan Duggan.
David and Alex are currently organizing their 5th Saltire New Zealand tour for February 2021.
Congratulations
by
Saturday 7th December saw many talented musicians travel to Aberdeen for the Folk…………………………
Congratulations to reader Callum Wallace and the Tay Ceilidh Band who were absolutely delighted to pick up the Best entertainment category at this year’s Scottish Wedding Awards at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow recently. Callum, Gary Sutherland and Mary Rutherford had a fantastic night and partied into the wee small hours.
Callum says, “We were up against some of the best entertainment from all over Scotland and I am personally delighted to keep our traditional and ceilidh music at the forefront in the wedding market.”
To see them perform live visit https://youtube/Y4EYcr5S9Qc
Peter Bruce
by Pia Walker
One of the many pleasures of being your Editor is that I get to talk to so many people. Interviewing the Guests of Honour is a highlight, so travelling to Scone on a miserable day to hear a little bit about accordionist Peter Bruce, well-known MC of many a Perth Festival, was not an onerous task at all.
Peter was born in 1953 in Ardfern, Mid-Argyll as one of three brothers. One of them, Colin, lives in England and the other, Neil, in Ballinluig. They and their families are the only family Peter has, as he never married. Colin and Peter are the only brothers with an interest in music, with Colin playing piano. His father, Colin the cattleman, and mother Elizabeth encouraged Peter to learn to play by ear. His father played fiddle and was self-taught and his mother played the organ.
His musical career started when the family lived near Laggan Bridge, and at the age of six he was given a tiny red accordion by an uncle. His first performance was in Laggan Hall shortly thereafter. As he grew, so did his accordions and he is now the proud owner of a Gola.
In 1960 the whole family moved to Scone where Peter has lived ever since, except for the four years (1971 – 1975) he spent studying mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. He started lessons with Mickie Ainsworth, who Peter says was an inspiring teacher who made you want to do better. Mickie worked hard to undo the bad habits acquired by Peter from playing by ear. The second tune he was taught was Jaunting Along in the purple book, which accordionists of a certain age will remember. The story goes that Peter, who could not read music, practiced what was preached, and then came back the next week and played it wonderfully – in the wrong key!
As Mickie toured with the Powrie Band he wasn’t able to teach regularly, and Peter was therefore helped by others including Frank Thomson who at that time was working in Perth. When Frank moved to Aberdeen Peter started to go to Ian Anderson of Dunkeld. Here the tuition focused on playing classical music, which helped in developing technique.
Peter is mostly a solo musician but began playing with the Willie Simpson Band in 1970. He fondly remembers the 9pm – 2am gigs in the Reid Hall in Forfar. They are still gigging 48 years later, although the hours have changed.
He also played with button-box player Bobby Campbell, from whom he learnt all the popular tunes such as Ronnie Cooper’s Shetland compositions, and with the unique and entertaining Jim (Fiddler Broon). He has also played second box with the late Jimmy Lindsay (Glenalmond).
He prefers the village hall setting to the more formal setting when gigging. He does remember, however, the time he played with Ainsworth, Blue, Simpson and Brown at a house party near Dalkeith the day after he left school in 1971. The guests included The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne as well as “a bunch of Toffs” as Peter puts it. They shared the stage with a band playing more modern tunes and played for two dances every hour until the early morning. He remembers that the royals came into the hall and danced when we played, but disappeared whenever “the guitar band”, as Peter called them, came on. “It was enjoyable, but I couldn’t do that every week”, Peter says with a smile. He prefers old-time dances, with the now ageing but enthusiastic crowd, and admits that village hall gigs are more profitable as there is more prep-work and cost involved in playing for SCD.
Peter first experienced the Perth Festival when his father took him there in 1962. He became involved with Bill Wilkie’s Orchestra from 1968 until 2010 when Bill retired the Orchestra. One special memory amongst many great social and musical experiences with the Orchestra was the recording in 1969 of The Music of Forty Hands. Peter competed in the festival competitions from its early days. He remembers preparation for the Festival was something you did the day before. But he still went on to win the Junior Scottish in 1967 and then in 1976 the Seniors, and he is now involved as Chairman of the Festival as well as being its compere.
Peter has not been involved in much broadcasting, but he did make three CDs with Smith Mearns Recordings in 1991, 2002 and 2007. He played in a duo with another of our 2020 Guests of Honour, Malcolm Ross, on the first two and in 2007 they expanded to form a trio with the ever-present Graham Berry.
Peter is first and foremost a teacher of maths and sees his music as an additional hobby. He admits that he likes teaching, and he still teaches and tutors maths. He spends a couple of mornings teaching Advanced Higher Statistics but this will probably be his last year. He is a good teacher; indeed a former pupil of his, Kevin Pendleton, has publicly stated that he was inspired by his Perth Grammar School teacher ; Peter Bruce.
Peter also taught music to many pupils, both the well-known and not so well-known. Many of his pupils came to get help with their Scottish music as it was Continental music that was in the high seat at Festivals and Competitions with Scottish being secondary. Among the many were James and Mhairi Coutts, Iain Anderson, Karin Leitch, Michael Philip; and one of his students, Stuart Cameron, was in November 2001 the first recipient of the NAAFC Jimmy Shand Scholarship at the then RSAMD. Peter remembers Stuart as a great lad with great work ethics.
Good work ethics are important, Peter states. There are those, both very talented and not so talented but with a moderate ability, who work hard and therefore shine. And then there are those who do not work and practice, and as a result, whether they are talented or not, do not get very far. He no longer teaches music, and this is mostly because of lack of pupil numbers. He feels there is less interest than there was 30 – 40 years ago, across all instruments, as young people are more into electronic pastimes and entertainment. He points out that this is a geographical issue, as music in areas such as the islands seem to have increased popularity.
So does Peter like only Scottish music? No, but it is important. Out of the many Scottish artistes to choose from, he admits that his all-time favourite is the Jimmy Blue Band of the late 60s and 70s. Of the other musical genres, he likes to listen to light classical music and he also likes jazz of the big band variety and swing bands – he loves to listen to Count Basie and Duke Ellington as he likes the beat and rhythm. He tells me that he would like to learn to play the piano – I get the feeling that this is on his to-do list for when he has more time. When that will be is a good question, as he is always busy (THIS WAS WRITTEN JUST PRIOR TO LOCKDOWN – PROBLEM SOLVED). He also reveals a deep secret to me – he likes Abba!
Outside his music he likes to go for walks locally, and when at home (rarely) he likes to work on recreational maths puzzles and problems in geometry and algebra! (I dare not ask any more!) As he himself comments this is “sure evidence of lunacy!” He reads a lot of science and politics material, and indeed his coffee table was littered with such books!
Peter was at the Perth & district A&F club’s first ever meeting and is currently its Chairman, having held that position since 1992. When asked about the future of Clubs, he is very positive that they will continue for many years to come, “at least until I am no longer here! They are more successful than you give them credit for. They have an audience with a particular musical interest, who will come out at night to listen, and their popularity has lasted longer than other clubs and fads. It will never get back to what it was in the 70s and 80s, but they are still viable with many loyal supporters. The only problems are that committees are getting older and therefore the work in setting up is more onerous – lifting gear etc, is more difficult now than it was 20 years ago!”
The work Peter has carried out for so many years for our music and clubs makes him a worthy recipient of the Guest of honour Award 2020.
From Willie Simpson
Peter is the consummate professional when it comes to music and also in his private life as a maths teacher. Peter played his first gig with me when he was still at university. It was the Forfar Farmers’ Ball which was from 8pm until 2am and Peter played his heart out and did not slip a note all night. Right from his first job Peter has always given 100% and we have had many fun nights together and are still playing, so we must be doing something right.
Peter is always turned out immaculately and has a great taste in clothing.
I am also involved with Peter at the Perth A&F Club where again he is always the professional and has been the backbone of the Club for many years.
From Simon Howie
Peter is one of the few brilliant players who are equally as accomplished as tutors. Of course, this isn’t only in music, but also in mathematics. I remember my brother, when aged 13, getting accordion lessons from him and when asked how his lesson had gone, he responded that he now understood Pythagoras much better, thanks to Peter. His sense of commitment, great communication skills and the ability to play flawlessly have been Peter’s great attributes. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our music and is surely one of our best known and most respected players. He has given back to the music scene on a number of levels – accordionist, teacher, committee member and supporter. Congratulations on your well-earned honour Peter.
NAAFC Festival 2020
by Pia Walker
“The place had more buzz than Celtic Connections” – just one of the many positive comments at the NAAFC Festival in Grangemouth Town Hall on 7th March. And it truly was a great day – or for some a weekend, as the festival seemed to start on the Friday at the Leapark hotel with ‘a tune’. People gathered in one of the function rooms to have a listen to the music produced by various musicians and met up with friends old and new.
The Festival proper began at 9am the next day – except for a few bleary-eyed people, namely the Festival Committee, the bar staff and your Editor, who arrived well before that time to set up and prepare for the hordes. Music was heard everywhere, even at the entrance where Harry Hussey took a seat among the exhibitors and entertained for quite some time. I certainly managed to skip across the floor several times to a tango, a quickstep, a paso doble and a foxtrot (why walk when you can dance!)
Richard Ross, the Festival chairman, commented, “The Festival in this, our new home, was a great success musically, socially and financially. We received many favourable comments throughout the day relating to the buzz. The number of competition entries was up again to 146. We are very appreciative to those who travelled from far and wide to help to create a great friendly atmosphere. Particular thanks go to our friends from the Shetlands, Isle of Lewis, the North East of Scotland, West Coast and down South / Borders.
“This year we introduced two new sections to encourage an increase in competitor numbers and both of these new competitions were well received.
“The 6/8 pipe march had 14 entries, and the Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) for 60s and over, introduced to allow our more experienced players to showcase their talent, had 5 entries.
“Our competitors’ ages ranged from 7 years to over 60 years. We believe that we now have a competition that would be suitable for many more of our players to attend. Why not give it a try next year?
“We are also extremely pleased to be hosting the National Accordion Organisation (NAO) Scottish Area Qualifier with 22 entries.”
NAAFC chairman Nicol McLaren pointed out that it was great to see Duncan Ritchie attending. Duncan was this year’s recipient of the Royal conservatory of Scotland NAAFC sponsored Jimmy Shand Award. We look forward to seeing more award winners participate.
Later – much later! – we had the concert featuring the winners of the various competitions, and it was amazing to hear the wonderful talent on offer.
This was followed to the dance to the music of Iain MacPhail so it was definitely no hardship just to come and listen, which quite a few people did, or to take to the dance floor and dance the night away. Douglas Watson, a first time visitor from Stornoway, commented, “I had a great time, listening to and dancing to MacPhail!” Love his music. I got introduced to a couple of new faces too! Might just come back for the day next year!” We hope you do, Douglas, and it was a joy to see you dance.
The next day saw quite a few very bleary-eyed committee members and helpers emerge from their rooms. They must be congratulated on their hard work. This is an important event in the NAAFC calendar and it was definitely good to see so many people supporting our music.
The Grangemouth Town Hall is booked for the next two years. Please add 6th March 2021 and 5th March 2022 to your diary.
Richard continued, “The local hotel rates are affordable, as are the food and bar prices at our venue and within Grangemouth town centre. Rooms are available at the Leapark Hotel, Grangemouth at a special rate of £35 per person per night, for those sharing a double room. You can book direct quoting the NAAFC Festival. An informal music session will take place in the Leapark on Friday 5th March 2021, to which everyone is invited.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Alistair Adamson
2) Elizabeth Cathcart
3) Emily Gold
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Jake Johnstone
2) Fraser Donaldson
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Fin Hope
2) Kyle Anderson
3) Victoria Bryne-McCombie
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Emily Gifford
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Anderson
2) Victoria Bryne-McCombie
3) Emily Gifford
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Tyler Martin & Rosie Laundon
2) Victoria Bryne-McCombie & Emily Gifford
3) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Anderson
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Alan Small
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3) Duncan Ritchie
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen
2) Craig McFadyen
3) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Susan MacFadyen
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy / John Allan Trophy
1) John Weaks
2)
3)
Open Gaelic Waltz Solo – Dorothy Patterson Memorial Trophy
1) Craig McFadyen
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
3) Susan MacFadyen
Accordion Solo (Traditional Music) 40 and Over – Provost’s Cup
1) Alan Small
2) Alan Shute
3) Jim McLaren
Accordion Solo (Own Choice) 60 and Over – Alan Shute Trophy
1) Alan Shute
2) Neil MacMillan
3) John Elliot
Open 6/8 Pipe March – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Lynne McIver
2) Iain Anderson
3) Alan Small
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) William Scott
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Margaret Robertson
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Pentland Augmented
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
2) Iain Anderson
3) Mary Rutherford
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Mary Rutherford
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Duncan Ritchie
2) Graeme Munro
3) John Burns
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
2) Susan MacFadyen
Under 12 Classical / Variety Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Jake Johnstone
2) Fraser Donaldson
3) Alistair Adamson
Under 14 Classical / Variety Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Daisy Arnold
2) Charlotte Hamlet
3)
Under 16 Classical / Variety Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Kyle Anderson
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Senior Classical / Variety Accordion Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
2) India Smith
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Accordion Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Katie Sievwright
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsty’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon
3) Islay Cathcart
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Tyler Martin
2) Rosie Laundon & Islay Cathcart
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Anne Mitchell
3) Rhiann Matthew
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1)
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Composer Solo – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2) Anya Johnson
3) Tamzin Leask
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Anya Johnson
2) Shona MacFadyen
3) Tamzin Leask
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Shone MacFadyen
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Tyler Martin
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Last Gaspers
2) Deeside Loons & Quines
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emily Gold
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Alistair Adamson
RADIO GH – An internet radio station promoting Scottish Dance Music
For nine years Ewan Galloway travelled from his home firstly in Coldingham then Musselburgh every Sunday to do a live show from Galashiels based community radio station TD1 Radio. The aim of Ewan’s programme was to keep alive his first love in music, that of Scottish Dance Music. The show title chosen by Ewan was The Scottish Shindig.
Due to other commitments, Ewan got guest presenters in to do the show when he was unavailable. Latterly Derek Hamilton took on the mantle of co-presenter.
Mainly because of distance to be travelled to the Galashiels studio and the time taken, Ewan decided to look closer to home and try to find a radio station that would take his popular Sunday show. Sadly, none of the local stations in the East Lothian area were interested.
Derek suggested that he would investigate the possibility of doing the show under a new guise from studios set up in both Ewan’s and Derek’s homes.
The first thing to be considered before all else – how legal would this be? On investigation it was found that a licence needs to be obtained from two bodies namely the PRS and the PPL. These licences are fairly costly for a small operation with no direct income. The two licences cost approx. £550 pa.
So, with the licences in place we set up a studio in the East at Ewan’s home and a studio in the West at Derek’s home.
Two computers, monitors, a mixing desk, an output compressor, two high quality condenser mics with desk stands, cables and software. Somewhere around £1700 for equipment in each studio!
We are now good to go but how do we get ‘on air’? We needed a company to stream our output to the internet. Our licences stipulate number of listening hours allowed and this translates into bandwidth used. Of course, as newbies, we hadn’t a clue how many listeners we would have and therefore how much bandwidth we would require so we found a company who supplied bandwidth on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. This would allow us to assess our requirements as our listener base built up. The system is much akin to the ‘Pay-as-you-go’ phone service.
We now need a data base of tracks to play. We could have just used a couple of CD players and a record deck patched to the mixer but we felt that a database on the computer was a better bet, so we set about ripping all our CDs and records to mp3 files and creating a database which is open ended. We can add tracks at any time and indeed with the collaboration of some good friends we have built a base of about 46,000 tracks so far!
Derek set up a website and we chose the name RadioGH (Galloway Hamilton). We did some trial broadcasts and enlisted some friends to tune in and gives us a report on how it was sounding.
Ewan & Derek agreed that the venture would be non-commercial so we have a page on our website which allows donations which will help offset the costs of licences, equipment, website hosting and streaming.
We did our first live broadcast at 6.00pm on April 7th 2019 and since then we have gone to 24/7 broadcasting using our recorded live shows, shows from the team at Cuillin FM who broadcast Balaich nam Port for 10 years from 2004 till 2014. We now have all their 2 hour programmes and the Saturday nightcap programs from the same stable.
We also have the rights to air Double Scotch, Ian Lees popular programme made by Bridge FM in Dundee on a weekly basis. Add to that Highland Fling with John ‘The Prof’ Mathieson and Sandra Burt who produce a fortnightly programme. We also have a large collection of John’s older Highland Flings.
We have developed ambitious plans for 2020 to bring on board a new presenter, Andy Philip with his Continental Corner. We have secured hundreds of recordings from Accordion Clubs done by Peter Rae of Biggar and are now editing these and seeking permissions to use the recordings. Ewan will be presenting Radio GH’s Armchair Accordion Club weekly. Plans for a Vinyl Vault hour and a Vintage Blend Hour featuring old recordings of the bands of yesteryear. And we’d love to hear from budding presenters who have the facility to record a programme for airing on Radio GH. We've already recruited Pia to do the weekly Club News spot.
Incidentally, If any guest artist would like to appear on our new Armchair Accordion Club please let us know and we will endeavour to record your guest spot and include it in the programme. Contact us by email: [email protected]
It’s been a learning curve but well worth the effort and we hope that we can help keep alive our keen interest in Scottish music in general but Scottish Dance Music in particular and who knows, maybe someone will nominate us for Scottish Music Radio Show of the Year won this year by Take the Floor!
Centre Stage
Gordon Pattullo
In Memory –
Alan ‘Barney’ Coulson (7th Oct 1938 – 11th Feb 2020)
by Roddy Matthews
Northumberland and the Borders lost one of its greatest accordionists with the passing of Alan Coulson a quiet and modest man of great talent.
Alan Coulson, or ‘Barney’ as he was affectionately called, was brought up at Blaxter, on the Ottercops in the wild and very beautiful high fell land of Northumberland close to the Scottish Borders. His father, an accomplished fiddler, was a quarryman there and music abounded in the family home.
He married Helen Scott at Rochester in 1965 and settled at The Folly, Elsdon, near Otterburn. There they brought up daughter Sharon, born in 1966, and son Shaun, born in 1968. In 1989 the family moved to Rochester. Alan worked for many years for the MOD at Otterburn, overseeing the building of track roads for tanks and military vehicles in some of the wildest country you could possibly imagine.
All his close relatives enjoyed Scottish / traditional music and dancing and the ‘Scott clan’ of Ian, Vera, Jim & Kathy, and Gordon and Mina Wright, along with his wife, Helen, were often at dances where Alan either played or attended as a dancer. They also attended the Shetland A&F Festival.
Alan was a mainly self-taught accordionist, but did take a few lessons in Newcastle. However, being surrounded by many great traditional musicians he had a desire to become a top accordionist. His first experience of playing regularly in a band was in the 1950s and 1960s with Mac Rogerson (button-box), Ian Mills (fiddle), Margaret Scott (piano) and Bert MacKintosh (drums). Around 1969 he went on to join The Arcadians Band with Billy Murray of Rothbury (fiddle), Eddie Wright (piano) and Billy Murray Jnr (drums).
Ca. 1970 Alan formed The Border Country Dance Band with Geoff Purves (The Border Fiddler) and Robin Wilson (drums). The band was loved throughout the region and further afield. In 1977 and 1978 respectively they made 2 LPs for Fellside Records under the title of The Border Country Dance Band featuring The Border Fiddler. The recordings were a massive success. The band played for literally hundreds of dances and functions, travelling far and wide from their border home. It was also at this time that the band appeared regularly at 7pm after the news on Border Television, often before going to play at a dance. The band was wound up in approximately 1982.
Alan still played for many years, and recorded on occasions for Take the Floor with The Danelaw Scottish Dance Band. During the 1990s Alan also went on to play with Marian Anderson’s SDB and in his later years with Gordon Brown of Kelso.
Until he was no longer able to travel, he loved going to the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival and made many good friends there. It remained the highlight of his year into the last decade of his life. In the last few years he played for the local Rochester dance class in the village and enjoyed tunes at home with the well-known accordionist Donald Ridley, who wrote him a lovely polka tune now printed in Donald’s books. He kept a most beautiful garden right up to the end of his life.
Special memories of Alan will always be of occasions like the fantastic winter nights, the happy dancers and Alan leading his band to the great joy of all in The Cuddystone Hall, College Valley. This dance hall stands on its own, lit up in the darkness among the wildest of the border Cheviot Hills. I am so glad I shared a tune on stage with him on several occasions, as did many others among you.
Northumberland and the Scottish music scene is much poorer for his passing but he leaves us all with very many happy memories.
In Memory - Lena MacLennan (Ayr)
by Iain Cathcart
Lena MacLennan passed away on 17th February 2020. Lena was a huge fan of Take the Floor and Scottish dance music in general and had many friends on the Scottish dance music scene. She was originally from Lesmahagow and spent the majority of her married life living in Ayr with her husband Duncan and daughter Una. Lena was a keen accordionist and often played in a trio at the local Ayrshire clubs along with the late Bill & Irene Cunningham who ran the Mauchline club for many years.
I first met Lena at the Ayr A&F Club in the mid 1980s when I was a young accordionist. She had a massive influence on me, especially with her encyclopedic knowledge of pipe music and endless supply of tunes. She greatly encouraged all the young players. We both attended lessons with Jim Hutcheon in Ayr.
Lena was a very talented artist and loved nothing more than spending hours creating wonderful drawings and paintings. I have two of her beautiful pastel landscapes which were gifted to me as a wedding present.
Duncan and Lena had close links to Wester Ross and Skye and retired a few years ago to Plockton to be nearer their daughter who was a teacher in Skye. Sadly, a few years ago following a stroke, Lena had to give up playing the accordion and latterly her artwork. I was fortunate that she gifted me a huge collection of her music shortly after she gave up playing.
Lena is survived by her husband Duncan and daughter Una.
In Memory – Margaret Davidson
3rd Nov 1950 – 11th Feb 2020
by Cath Chalmers
It is with great sadness that I announce the sad passing of Margaret Davidson after a short illness. Margaret lived in Mauchline, Ayrshire and is survived by her husband and two sons and their families.
Margaret was very involved in the NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Championships – originally at Musselburgh with Sheila and Norrie Williams and then in the amazing Committees that followed them. She carried on helping when the Festival moved to Grangemouth. In all Margaret helped at the Festival for around 30 years.
Margaret was involved in the running of the Mauchline A&F Club. She loved dancing and helped her mum and dad who started dances at Sorn Village Hall. Margaret could be seen all over the country at dances in local village halls. She also enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing and was a regular attendee at Troon for many years. At one point she even assisted in running dance classes for learners of Scottish country dancing.
Apart from her love of Scottish dance music and dancing Margaret was a tremendous knitter, winning many prizes at local agricultural shows and craft fairs. This culminated in her receiving The supreme Trophy at Ayr flower show for a selection of knitted garments.
We have all lost a lovely person and I have personally lost an amazing friend.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Recorded Delivery – The 60s Bairns – RUMCD05
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th April 2020 – Martainn Skene SDB
11th April 2020 – Scott Band SDB
18th April 2020 – Archive
25th April 2020 – Robert Nairn Highland Dance Band
CLUB DIARY – NB all of the following were cancelled due to the Covid19 Pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 28th April 2020 – On the Piste
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 8th April 2020 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th April 2020 – Paul Capaldi Trio
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 5th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th April 2020 – Ian Smith Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th April 2020 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd April 2020 – Addie Harper SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 12th April 2020 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 14th April 2020 – Lindsay Downie Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 9th April 2020 – Ian Thomson SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 9th April 2020 – Burns Brothers Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 9th April 2020 – John Waugh
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 21st April 2020 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 5th April 2020 – Simon Howie SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 2nd April 2020 – Alan Crookston CB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st April 2020 – Claire Gullan Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th April 2020 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 14th April 2020 – Gordon Pattullo
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 20th April 2020 – Ian Cruickshanks
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Buttons & Bows
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 26th April 2020 – David Oswald Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th April 2020 – Neil Hardie SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th April 2020 – David Oswald Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 2nd April 2020 – Andy Philip Duo
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 23rd April 2020 – Marian Anderson SDB + AGM
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 1st April 2020 – Club Night
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 5th April 2020 – Steven Carcary / Martin Donaldson Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th April 2020 – Kyle Innes Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 8th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd April 2020 – Scott Carnegie Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 7th April 2020 – Steven Carcary SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 29th April 2020 – Jiggin’ Higgins
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 26th April 2020 – Tweed Valley CB
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 9th April 2020 – Bon Accords
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st April 2020 – Bon Accords
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 28th April 2020 – Club Night
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st April 2020 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st April 2020 – Leonard Brown Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th April 2020 – Neil MacMillan SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 2nd April 2020 – Neil MacMillan
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 1st 8th 15th 22nd April 2020 – Club Nights 29th April 1st Summer Concert
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 30th April 2020 – Roger Dobson SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Addie Harper SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th April 2020 – Alistair McCulloch & Ian Muir
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 9th April 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross – supported by Jimmy Little & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 7th 14th 28th April 2020 – Club Nights 21st April Bobby Thompson Tribute with Tony Washington
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 11th April 2020 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th April 2020 – Gordon Pattullo
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd April 2020 – Leonard Brown Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th April 2020 – Julie Best & The Carlisle Girls
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st April 2020 – Elizabeth Mackenzie Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Buttonkey
9. Campsie
10. Canderside
11. Castle Douglas
12. Coalburn
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Ellon
18. Forres
19. Fort William
20. Glendale
21. Glenfarg
22. Gretna
23. Highland
24. Inveraray
25. Isle of Skye
26. Kelso
27. Langholm
28. Lewis & Harris
29. Livingston
30. Macmerry
31. Mauchline & District
32. North East
33. Renfrew
34. Shetland
35. Turriff & District
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Fort William A&F Club ( )
28. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
29. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
30. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
31. 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)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
33. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
38. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020)
40 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
41. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
42 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
43 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
44 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
45. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
46. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
47. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
48. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
49. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
50. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
51. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
52. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
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 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
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. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
92. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
93. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
94. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
95. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
96. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
97. Kintore A&F Club (
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
100. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
101. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
102. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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