Box and Fiddle
Year 27 No 12
August 2004
Price £2.00
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees that this year’s AGM & Celebrity Luncheon was one of the best yet. The Huntingtower Hotel did us proud and the food was excellent. I don’t think you could find better music anywhere than at our afternoon ceilidh – it was superb. Once agaib, a huge thank you to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all the hard work they put in this and every year. Thank you too to Robin Ellis for his wonderful photographs and his report on the proceedings.
Congratulations to our Guests of Honour, Iain Peterson and John Carmichael. Well done too to the BAFFI winners – The Glencraig SDB (Guest Artist of the Year), The Graeme Mitchell SDB (CD of the Year), Marina Bruce, Shetland (Club supporter of the Year) and Campsie and Gretna Clubs, joint winners of the Club of the Year trophies.
We’ve included the Minutes of the AGM in this issue. Please note that it was agreed that the price of the B&F should be increased to £2.20. If you are a postal subscriber then you will have received a renewal form with this issue. Please complete and return it as soon as possible.
We really appreciate articles and letters for the magazine. However, this month we received an anonymous letter. While we will occasionally print a letter and state ‘name and address withheld by request’, we always know who has sent it. We will never print anything that has come to us unsigned. If the sender would care to identify hom (or her) self then we can print the letter in a future issue.
Karin Ingram
Celebrity Luncheon
by Robin Ellis
The last Sunday in June is the day of the NAAFC AGM and Celebrity Luncheon. Believe it or not it is usually, by tradition, a beautiful day. This year was no exception and the sun shone as we all arrived at the new venue. The Huntingtower Hotel, a delightful country house on the outskirts of Perth. The AGM passed off quickly and smoothly and so there was plenty of time before lunch to renew old acquaintances and, as an added bonus this year, to admire the exhibition of old accordions kindly brought in by Caroline Hunt. Such a variety of instruments, big ones, small ones, long ones, short ones, square ones, round ones, and even alcoholic ones (marked Scottish for some reason), some with buttons, some with keys, some with both, everything you could think of and some you could never have dreamed of in your wildest moments. The accordion has quite a history.
At 1.30 we all repaired to the function room of the hotel – a beautifully decorated room which proved to be spacious enough for the 150 or so guests attending. This year. After an excellent lunch came the presentations and ceilidhs.
Our Chairman, Nicol McLaren, began by welcoming all those present and particularly the past years’ Guests of Honour – Bill Black, Ian Holmes, Pam Wilkie, Billy Thom, John Crawford, Jimmy Yeaman, Bobby Crowe and Joan Blue. He also mentioned our sadness at the death of Jim MacLeod and the tragic illness suffered by Jim Johnstone.
The two guests of honour this year were John Carmichael (musician, producer, presenter, MC, raconteur) and Iain Peterson (sailor, composer of many hundreds of tunes and musician). Just think how many times you have heard Robbie Shepherd say “by-Iain-Peterson-of-Dollar” – yes, all one word. As both these gentlemen have had excellent biographies published in the B&F recently I will not repeat all the details except to say that they both richly deserve their awards for a lifetime service to the world of Accordion and Fiddle Music.
The came the BAFFIs (our version of the Hollywood BAFTAs) These fall into four categories – Club Supporter of the Year, Club of the Year, CD of the Year and Guest Artiste of the Year.
For Club Supporter of the Year the nominees were Marina Bruce, Fred Donald, Scott Gordon, John Reid, Margaret Smith and David Ross – and the winner was Marina Bruce from Shetland.
For Club of the Year the nominees were Campsie, Dingwall, Forres, Galston, glenrothes and Gretna – and the winner was a dead heat between Campsie and Gretna.
For CD of the Year the nominees were David Bowen, Da Fustra, Glenelvan Band, Graeme Mitchell, Alan Nicholson and the West Telferton Band – and the winner was Graeme Mitchell.
For Guest Artiste of the Year the nominees were David Bowen SDB, Danelaw SDB, Johnny Duncan, Glencraig SDB, Judith Linton Trio and Iain MacPhail SDB – and the winner was Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB.
The nominations were read and the awards presented by Iain Peterson, Pam Wilkie, John Carmichael and Joan Blue respectively. On a personal note I couldn’t help feeling that the presentations were rather less formal and somewhat rushed this year. I know there are certain aspects of the Hollywood version we certainly do not wish to copy but I feel it would make more of an occasion if the recipients could enjoy their moment of fame for just a little longer.
The ceilidh was, as is to be expected, almost certainly the biggest and best ever seen. I think it is probably true to say that there has never before been such a large gathering of ‘well known’ Scottish dance musicians in one place.
So much so that quite a few didn’t have a chance to play, even allowing for the fact that the ceilidh went on until nearly 7.oopm.
We had playing for us accordionists John Carmichael, Morag Robertson, Nicol McLaren, David Scott, Neil Copland, Ian Thomson, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Bill Black, Ian Holmes, Susan MacFadyen, Karyn McCulloch, Craig Paton (aged 11), David Bowen, Stuart Anderson, Matthew MacLennan, Richard Ross and Lorna Mair.
On fiddles were Mo Rutherford, Judith Linton, Angie MacEachern, Ron Kerr, Shona MacFadyen, Iain Peterson, Kirsty Glasgow, Willie Johnstone and Rhoda Simpson.
On piano were Mo Rutherford, Anne Thomson, Joan Blue, Dennis Morrison, Mabel Gray and Robert Black.
On bass : John Sinton, Suzanne Croy and Brian Cruickshank.
On drums : Billy Thom, Martin Lamb, Charlie Todd, George Gray and Davie Scott.
As usual there was a complete ‘mix and match’ – one was never quite sure who was playing with whom but, as if by magic, there was always a band and, as to be expected, a very good band. The music was almost entirely Scottish 2/4, 4/4, 6/8 marches together with reels, jigs, and waltzes, however Morag Robertson included some 60s style tunes and Ian Holmes, as ever, treated us to something completely different – Swiss music. I must admit that I am a great fan of music from Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria – more please Ian! I’m not quite sure how many musicians ended up in the stramash – perhaps you can count them in the pictures. All I know is that I was so busy taking photographs that I didn’t manage to join in – well there’s always next year.
Another innovation this year was the arrival of a TV crew to record the presentations for inclusion in the last in a series of six programmes about Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. Definitely a first, and may we hope the start of many. Unfortunately these programmes are only to be transmitted in the Scottish and Grampian areas so those of us who live further south will once again have to go without.
A vote of thanks must go to Nicol McLaren and our MC for the afternoon, Andy Ross, for keeping things going so well and especially to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all their hard work and organisation – as ever it all ran like clockwork.
On leaving the hotel we realised the weather had not been quite perfect all day but at least it did stop raining long enough for many of us to get home.
Here’s hoping to see you all in 2005.
NAAFC AGM 2004
by Lorna Mair
……..
A Fairytale Wedding
by Karyn McCulloch
The phonecall came …………
Jim MacLeod - obituary
by Various
From John Laurie (London RSCDS)
It is our intention to do an in depth article about Jim MacLeod and his long career in Scottish music in the very near future, however for now his friends and admirers tell of their memories of ‘Gentleman Jim’.
Jim MacLeod was born on 28th January, 1928. I am pretty certain that is the correct date. He was in the same year as my eldest brother in McLaren High School in Callander, and they both finished at the end of fifth year in 1945. The Scots Magazine article has him aged 48 in 1978, which is clearly incorrect. I am sure Robbie would know. I once heard him mention that Jim and Jimmy Shand shared the same birthday and that Jim was 20 years younger. Jimmy was born on 28th January, 1908.
His very first broadcast was on ‘Down at the Mains’ on Children’s Hour. They began in 1951 with Jim, Alex MacArthur and Willie Tervit. They were known as The Arthur MacLeod Trio. The programme had stories and songs interspersed with dance music, a sort of radio forerunner to ‘The Kilt is my Delight’ without the dancers. Tommy Ford took over from Alex about 1955 and has played accordion at every gig and every recording throughout Jim’s career.
The first record was a 78 on the Parlophone label in 1958, Eva Three-Step and a Scottish waltz. There were a number of 78s and EPs. The first LP on which the band played was titled ‘The Kilt is my Delight’ issued in 1963 with country dance tunes and songs from Moira Anderson, Duncan Robertson and The Glasgow Phoenix Choir.
This was followed in the same year with an LP of country dances. The band made 29 LPs and Jim played on three others including two of The Fiddle and Accordion club at Dunblane Hydro in 1974 and 1975.
In recent years the band with various guests have recorded 11 videos.
In 1979 to celebrate its Golden Jubilee and again in 1989 for its Diamond Jubilee the London Branch of the RSCDS produced books of new dances with specially composed tunes. On both occasions Jim’s band recorded the music for these and other selected dances, in 1979 on LP and cassette and in 1989 on LP, cassette and CD.
Jim MacLeod was in show-business and he succeeded in this without being too ‘show bizzy’. He loved people and he took every opportunity to make time to those who attended his dances and shows. He had a great gift – he remembered people he had met years before and who they were and where they came from. He will be much missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him but also by the hundreds who knew him only by hearing his music and seeing him on TV.
From Jack Cooper
I first met Jim MacLeod in the mid-1950s when his band played for my demonstration team of Scottish Country Dancers in The Caird Hall, Dundee.
Due to the slippery floor we had difficulty fitting in the proper phrasing of the jigs and reels so I asked Jim to slow down the tempos – to our amusement he replied that a team of our calibre should be able to perform to the tempo of someone banging nails into the floor.
In 1979 I organised the first of many NAAFC Weekend Gatherings and Presentation Lunches in Dunblane Hydro Hotel honouring the greats in the world of Scottish dance music. Coping with over 400 guests was a daunting task made much easier with the help of the hotel’s Entertainment Manager – Jim MacLeod.
From John Carmichael
I met Jim and the Band for the first time when, as a student, I was driving the Baker’s van in Aultbea in 1962. Jim was doing an ‘On Tour’ series at the time for the BBC.
In the 70s and early 80s we met up regularly at Dunblane Hydro, in theatres, on Radio Clyde shows, Thingummyjig TV and various other events.
Jim always had a very gentle manner and was more than helpful on every occasion, always ready with the humorous quip to defuse and anxious, nervous moment (there were always plenty of them on telly shows).
Playing at the Hydro one night during a country dance weekend someone complained (as they do!!) about some of the tempos, especially about ‘The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’. Jimmy McFarlane(the fiddler) said, “You’re not happy with the tempo?” They said, “No, far too fast.” Jimmy said, “We were playing for the Queen last night at Balmoral and it seemed okay for her…..funny that, eh?”
Jim and the Band did a show in the Hydro and a big party from Arbroath were there. Some of them brought along a big bundle of ‘smokies’ for the band members, which they went away without.
Later in the week there was a terrible smell in the Band area and the Environmental Health were brought in to find the offending ‘drain’. After floorboards etc were lifted the ‘smokies’ were found in the piano stool.
We had a lot of fun and many laughs working together recently on recordings and in the Jim MacLeod’s Biggest Scottish Dance Band Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
From Robbie Shepherd
Having worked closely with Jim throughout my broadcasting career I am delighted to be asked to add a word or two to the many, many tributes I have mentioned on air including those from staunch members of the band.
Jim and I went back a long way and I recall with great pleasure our informal chats discussing the whole entertainment scene over the years, having appeared as a guest many a time on his various shows and cabarets as well as radio work.
He had not a hint of malice or jealousy in him but was aye keen to see the good side of our music and was ever anxious to further the good old fashioned entertainment we both held so dear.
His work for charitable causes cannot go unmentioned either.
Yes, he was indeed Gentleman Jim and will long be remembered as such.
Arbroath Festival 2004
by Ron Ramsay
The 2nd Arbroath Accordion……..
Greetings from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
I thoroughly enjoyed……..
Gary Blair
by
I was honoured to be asked to perform…..
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
Well Tartan Day / Weekend............
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Dancing with the Ian Anderson SDB – VRC1902 – Varis Records (Re-release)
Matured to Perfection – Jim Crawford – Thane Records – TRCD0401
Queen o’ the Moothie – The Swinging Betty Burnett
Scottish Heartbeat – Various – SHIELCD021 – Shielburn Associates
Book Review
The Barns Ness Collection – David Patrick – Deeay Music
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Just when we all thought that our type of music was going to be given a great boost by televising a series of programmes from the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, we have had a setback due to the fact that the first recording was broadcast at midnight, with the second in the series being shown at 1.30am. As most sensible people would be asleep at that time, combined with the fact that many people do not possess a video recorder, the viewing figues will be greatly reduced. There seems to be no problem finding a Tuesday evening slot for some programmes, the contend of which should be destined for the rubbish tip!
John McDonald, Kirkcaldy
The decision to record our Clubs for TV was well-intentioned, but my forecast that our efforts would be viewed by a fraction was confirmed when the first programme was shown in the early hours of 7th July – not the 6th – and I see that ‘Shetland’ are to play at 1.30am tomorrow – not tonight. Prime time indeed! And forward tho’ I canna see – Windygates at 2am next week?
Lastly, why ‘Am Bocsa’s an Fhidheall’ except to be politically correct and promote Gaelic to a predominantly Scottish audience?
I ought to sign this ‘Victor Meldrew’, but remain,
Sandy Tulloch
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
7th Aug 04 – Colin Dewar SDB (from Dufftown Memorial Hall with Charlie McKerron and Marc Clements and Eric Simpson)
14th Aug 04 – Alastair Hunter & the Lorne SDB (Elphinstone Hall Aberdeen with The Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble & fiddler Emily MacPherson)
21st Aug 04 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (Town Hall, Ayr with Alistair McCulloch and The Ayrshire Youth Voices)
28th Aug 04 – David Cunningham SDB (from Longeach, Calefornia with Alex Beaton & Tuppence)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 11th Aug 04 – Alnwick International Music Festival musicians
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Aug 04 – The Big Squeeze
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 4th Aug 04 – Summer Ceilidh with The Woodlanders 11th Aug Summer Ceilidh with The Garioch Blend 18th Aug Summer Ceilidh with Flower of Scotland Ceilidh Band 25th Aug Summer Ceilidh with Jean McConnachie Sound
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Aug 04 – Tom Orr SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Aug 04 - tba
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 24th Aug 04 – James Coutts Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 14th Aug 04 – Ceilidh to Scott Carnegie 2 – 5pm then dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB 29th Aug Ceilidh with Steven Carcary
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 4th Aug 04 – Jim Quigley & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th Aug 04 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Aug 04 – Club Night
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 5th Aug 04 – Lynne Christie 6th Aug Special Club Event commencing a weekend of music with Ian Muir Trio 7th Aug Carnival Day mini Festival of Music & dance with Ian Muir Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Aug 04 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 8th Aug 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 5th Aug 04 – Lynn Gould Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 19th Aug 04 – Andrew Stoddart & the Glenesk SDB
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Cults
7. Forfar
8. Glenrothes
9. Kelso
10. Lesmahagow
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Mauchline
13. Montrose
14. Peebles
15. Rothbury
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. West Barnes ( - present)
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees that this year’s AGM & Celebrity Luncheon was one of the best yet. The Huntingtower Hotel did us proud and the food was excellent. I don’t think you could find better music anywhere than at our afternoon ceilidh – it was superb. Once agaib, a huge thank you to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all the hard work they put in this and every year. Thank you too to Robin Ellis for his wonderful photographs and his report on the proceedings.
Congratulations to our Guests of Honour, Iain Peterson and John Carmichael. Well done too to the BAFFI winners – The Glencraig SDB (Guest Artist of the Year), The Graeme Mitchell SDB (CD of the Year), Marina Bruce, Shetland (Club supporter of the Year) and Campsie and Gretna Clubs, joint winners of the Club of the Year trophies.
We’ve included the Minutes of the AGM in this issue. Please note that it was agreed that the price of the B&F should be increased to £2.20. If you are a postal subscriber then you will have received a renewal form with this issue. Please complete and return it as soon as possible.
We really appreciate articles and letters for the magazine. However, this month we received an anonymous letter. While we will occasionally print a letter and state ‘name and address withheld by request’, we always know who has sent it. We will never print anything that has come to us unsigned. If the sender would care to identify hom (or her) self then we can print the letter in a future issue.
Karin Ingram
Celebrity Luncheon
by Robin Ellis
The last Sunday in June is the day of the NAAFC AGM and Celebrity Luncheon. Believe it or not it is usually, by tradition, a beautiful day. This year was no exception and the sun shone as we all arrived at the new venue. The Huntingtower Hotel, a delightful country house on the outskirts of Perth. The AGM passed off quickly and smoothly and so there was plenty of time before lunch to renew old acquaintances and, as an added bonus this year, to admire the exhibition of old accordions kindly brought in by Caroline Hunt. Such a variety of instruments, big ones, small ones, long ones, short ones, square ones, round ones, and even alcoholic ones (marked Scottish for some reason), some with buttons, some with keys, some with both, everything you could think of and some you could never have dreamed of in your wildest moments. The accordion has quite a history.
At 1.30 we all repaired to the function room of the hotel – a beautifully decorated room which proved to be spacious enough for the 150 or so guests attending. This year. After an excellent lunch came the presentations and ceilidhs.
Our Chairman, Nicol McLaren, began by welcoming all those present and particularly the past years’ Guests of Honour – Bill Black, Ian Holmes, Pam Wilkie, Billy Thom, John Crawford, Jimmy Yeaman, Bobby Crowe and Joan Blue. He also mentioned our sadness at the death of Jim MacLeod and the tragic illness suffered by Jim Johnstone.
The two guests of honour this year were John Carmichael (musician, producer, presenter, MC, raconteur) and Iain Peterson (sailor, composer of many hundreds of tunes and musician). Just think how many times you have heard Robbie Shepherd say “by-Iain-Peterson-of-Dollar” – yes, all one word. As both these gentlemen have had excellent biographies published in the B&F recently I will not repeat all the details except to say that they both richly deserve their awards for a lifetime service to the world of Accordion and Fiddle Music.
The came the BAFFIs (our version of the Hollywood BAFTAs) These fall into four categories – Club Supporter of the Year, Club of the Year, CD of the Year and Guest Artiste of the Year.
For Club Supporter of the Year the nominees were Marina Bruce, Fred Donald, Scott Gordon, John Reid, Margaret Smith and David Ross – and the winner was Marina Bruce from Shetland.
For Club of the Year the nominees were Campsie, Dingwall, Forres, Galston, glenrothes and Gretna – and the winner was a dead heat between Campsie and Gretna.
For CD of the Year the nominees were David Bowen, Da Fustra, Glenelvan Band, Graeme Mitchell, Alan Nicholson and the West Telferton Band – and the winner was Graeme Mitchell.
For Guest Artiste of the Year the nominees were David Bowen SDB, Danelaw SDB, Johnny Duncan, Glencraig SDB, Judith Linton Trio and Iain MacPhail SDB – and the winner was Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB.
The nominations were read and the awards presented by Iain Peterson, Pam Wilkie, John Carmichael and Joan Blue respectively. On a personal note I couldn’t help feeling that the presentations were rather less formal and somewhat rushed this year. I know there are certain aspects of the Hollywood version we certainly do not wish to copy but I feel it would make more of an occasion if the recipients could enjoy their moment of fame for just a little longer.
The ceilidh was, as is to be expected, almost certainly the biggest and best ever seen. I think it is probably true to say that there has never before been such a large gathering of ‘well known’ Scottish dance musicians in one place.
So much so that quite a few didn’t have a chance to play, even allowing for the fact that the ceilidh went on until nearly 7.oopm.
We had playing for us accordionists John Carmichael, Morag Robertson, Nicol McLaren, David Scott, Neil Copland, Ian Thomson, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Bill Black, Ian Holmes, Susan MacFadyen, Karyn McCulloch, Craig Paton (aged 11), David Bowen, Stuart Anderson, Matthew MacLennan, Richard Ross and Lorna Mair.
On fiddles were Mo Rutherford, Judith Linton, Angie MacEachern, Ron Kerr, Shona MacFadyen, Iain Peterson, Kirsty Glasgow, Willie Johnstone and Rhoda Simpson.
On piano were Mo Rutherford, Anne Thomson, Joan Blue, Dennis Morrison, Mabel Gray and Robert Black.
On bass : John Sinton, Suzanne Croy and Brian Cruickshank.
On drums : Billy Thom, Martin Lamb, Charlie Todd, George Gray and Davie Scott.
As usual there was a complete ‘mix and match’ – one was never quite sure who was playing with whom but, as if by magic, there was always a band and, as to be expected, a very good band. The music was almost entirely Scottish 2/4, 4/4, 6/8 marches together with reels, jigs, and waltzes, however Morag Robertson included some 60s style tunes and Ian Holmes, as ever, treated us to something completely different – Swiss music. I must admit that I am a great fan of music from Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria – more please Ian! I’m not quite sure how many musicians ended up in the stramash – perhaps you can count them in the pictures. All I know is that I was so busy taking photographs that I didn’t manage to join in – well there’s always next year.
Another innovation this year was the arrival of a TV crew to record the presentations for inclusion in the last in a series of six programmes about Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. Definitely a first, and may we hope the start of many. Unfortunately these programmes are only to be transmitted in the Scottish and Grampian areas so those of us who live further south will once again have to go without.
A vote of thanks must go to Nicol McLaren and our MC for the afternoon, Andy Ross, for keeping things going so well and especially to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all their hard work and organisation – as ever it all ran like clockwork.
On leaving the hotel we realised the weather had not been quite perfect all day but at least it did stop raining long enough for many of us to get home.
Here’s hoping to see you all in 2005.
NAAFC AGM 2004
by Lorna Mair
……..
A Fairytale Wedding
by Karyn McCulloch
The phonecall came …………
Jim MacLeod - obituary
by Various
From John Laurie (London RSCDS)
It is our intention to do an in depth article about Jim MacLeod and his long career in Scottish music in the very near future, however for now his friends and admirers tell of their memories of ‘Gentleman Jim’.
Jim MacLeod was born on 28th January, 1928. I am pretty certain that is the correct date. He was in the same year as my eldest brother in McLaren High School in Callander, and they both finished at the end of fifth year in 1945. The Scots Magazine article has him aged 48 in 1978, which is clearly incorrect. I am sure Robbie would know. I once heard him mention that Jim and Jimmy Shand shared the same birthday and that Jim was 20 years younger. Jimmy was born on 28th January, 1908.
His very first broadcast was on ‘Down at the Mains’ on Children’s Hour. They began in 1951 with Jim, Alex MacArthur and Willie Tervit. They were known as The Arthur MacLeod Trio. The programme had stories and songs interspersed with dance music, a sort of radio forerunner to ‘The Kilt is my Delight’ without the dancers. Tommy Ford took over from Alex about 1955 and has played accordion at every gig and every recording throughout Jim’s career.
The first record was a 78 on the Parlophone label in 1958, Eva Three-Step and a Scottish waltz. There were a number of 78s and EPs. The first LP on which the band played was titled ‘The Kilt is my Delight’ issued in 1963 with country dance tunes and songs from Moira Anderson, Duncan Robertson and The Glasgow Phoenix Choir.
This was followed in the same year with an LP of country dances. The band made 29 LPs and Jim played on three others including two of The Fiddle and Accordion club at Dunblane Hydro in 1974 and 1975.
In recent years the band with various guests have recorded 11 videos.
In 1979 to celebrate its Golden Jubilee and again in 1989 for its Diamond Jubilee the London Branch of the RSCDS produced books of new dances with specially composed tunes. On both occasions Jim’s band recorded the music for these and other selected dances, in 1979 on LP and cassette and in 1989 on LP, cassette and CD.
Jim MacLeod was in show-business and he succeeded in this without being too ‘show bizzy’. He loved people and he took every opportunity to make time to those who attended his dances and shows. He had a great gift – he remembered people he had met years before and who they were and where they came from. He will be much missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him but also by the hundreds who knew him only by hearing his music and seeing him on TV.
From Jack Cooper
I first met Jim MacLeod in the mid-1950s when his band played for my demonstration team of Scottish Country Dancers in The Caird Hall, Dundee.
Due to the slippery floor we had difficulty fitting in the proper phrasing of the jigs and reels so I asked Jim to slow down the tempos – to our amusement he replied that a team of our calibre should be able to perform to the tempo of someone banging nails into the floor.
In 1979 I organised the first of many NAAFC Weekend Gatherings and Presentation Lunches in Dunblane Hydro Hotel honouring the greats in the world of Scottish dance music. Coping with over 400 guests was a daunting task made much easier with the help of the hotel’s Entertainment Manager – Jim MacLeod.
From John Carmichael
I met Jim and the Band for the first time when, as a student, I was driving the Baker’s van in Aultbea in 1962. Jim was doing an ‘On Tour’ series at the time for the BBC.
In the 70s and early 80s we met up regularly at Dunblane Hydro, in theatres, on Radio Clyde shows, Thingummyjig TV and various other events.
Jim always had a very gentle manner and was more than helpful on every occasion, always ready with the humorous quip to defuse and anxious, nervous moment (there were always plenty of them on telly shows).
Playing at the Hydro one night during a country dance weekend someone complained (as they do!!) about some of the tempos, especially about ‘The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’. Jimmy McFarlane(the fiddler) said, “You’re not happy with the tempo?” They said, “No, far too fast.” Jimmy said, “We were playing for the Queen last night at Balmoral and it seemed okay for her…..funny that, eh?”
Jim and the Band did a show in the Hydro and a big party from Arbroath were there. Some of them brought along a big bundle of ‘smokies’ for the band members, which they went away without.
Later in the week there was a terrible smell in the Band area and the Environmental Health were brought in to find the offending ‘drain’. After floorboards etc were lifted the ‘smokies’ were found in the piano stool.
We had a lot of fun and many laughs working together recently on recordings and in the Jim MacLeod’s Biggest Scottish Dance Band Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
From Robbie Shepherd
Having worked closely with Jim throughout my broadcasting career I am delighted to be asked to add a word or two to the many, many tributes I have mentioned on air including those from staunch members of the band.
Jim and I went back a long way and I recall with great pleasure our informal chats discussing the whole entertainment scene over the years, having appeared as a guest many a time on his various shows and cabarets as well as radio work.
He had not a hint of malice or jealousy in him but was aye keen to see the good side of our music and was ever anxious to further the good old fashioned entertainment we both held so dear.
His work for charitable causes cannot go unmentioned either.
Yes, he was indeed Gentleman Jim and will long be remembered as such.
Arbroath Festival 2004
by Ron Ramsay
The 2nd Arbroath Accordion……..
Greetings from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
I thoroughly enjoyed……..
Gary Blair
by
I was honoured to be asked to perform…..
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
Well Tartan Day / Weekend............
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Dancing with the Ian Anderson SDB – VRC1902 – Varis Records (Re-release)
Matured to Perfection – Jim Crawford – Thane Records – TRCD0401
Queen o’ the Moothie – The Swinging Betty Burnett
Scottish Heartbeat – Various – SHIELCD021 – Shielburn Associates
Book Review
The Barns Ness Collection – David Patrick – Deeay Music
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Just when we all thought that our type of music was going to be given a great boost by televising a series of programmes from the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, we have had a setback due to the fact that the first recording was broadcast at midnight, with the second in the series being shown at 1.30am. As most sensible people would be asleep at that time, combined with the fact that many people do not possess a video recorder, the viewing figues will be greatly reduced. There seems to be no problem finding a Tuesday evening slot for some programmes, the contend of which should be destined for the rubbish tip!
John McDonald, Kirkcaldy
The decision to record our Clubs for TV was well-intentioned, but my forecast that our efforts would be viewed by a fraction was confirmed when the first programme was shown in the early hours of 7th July – not the 6th – and I see that ‘Shetland’ are to play at 1.30am tomorrow – not tonight. Prime time indeed! And forward tho’ I canna see – Windygates at 2am next week?
Lastly, why ‘Am Bocsa’s an Fhidheall’ except to be politically correct and promote Gaelic to a predominantly Scottish audience?
I ought to sign this ‘Victor Meldrew’, but remain,
Sandy Tulloch
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
7th Aug 04 – Colin Dewar SDB (from Dufftown Memorial Hall with Charlie McKerron and Marc Clements and Eric Simpson)
14th Aug 04 – Alastair Hunter & the Lorne SDB (Elphinstone Hall Aberdeen with The Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble & fiddler Emily MacPherson)
21st Aug 04 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (Town Hall, Ayr with Alistair McCulloch and The Ayrshire Youth Voices)
28th Aug 04 – David Cunningham SDB (from Longeach, Calefornia with Alex Beaton & Tuppence)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 11th Aug 04 – Alnwick International Music Festival musicians
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Aug 04 – The Big Squeeze
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 4th Aug 04 – Summer Ceilidh with The Woodlanders 11th Aug Summer Ceilidh with The Garioch Blend 18th Aug Summer Ceilidh with Flower of Scotland Ceilidh Band 25th Aug Summer Ceilidh with Jean McConnachie Sound
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Aug 04 – Tom Orr SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Aug 04 - tba
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 24th Aug 04 – James Coutts Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 14th Aug 04 – Ceilidh to Scott Carnegie 2 – 5pm then dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB 29th Aug Ceilidh with Steven Carcary
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 4th Aug 04 – Jim Quigley & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th Aug 04 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Aug 04 – Club Night
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 5th Aug 04 – Lynne Christie 6th Aug Special Club Event commencing a weekend of music with Ian Muir Trio 7th Aug Carnival Day mini Festival of Music & dance with Ian Muir Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Aug 04 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 8th Aug 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 5th Aug 04 – Lynn Gould Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 19th Aug 04 – Andrew Stoddart & the Glenesk SDB
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Cults
7. Forfar
8. Glenrothes
9. Kelso
10. Lesmahagow
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Mauchline
13. Montrose
14. Peebles
15. Rothbury
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. West Barnes ( - present)
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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