Box and Fiddle
Year 35 No 12
August 2012
Price £2.60
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £28.60 + p&p £11 (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
Another B&F year has passed and the magazine is about to go into its 36th year. Where has the time gone? It was agreed at the AGM that the cover price would be increased to £2.70 starting in September, and unfortunately postal charges have also gone up. However we’ll still be giving you good value for money.
Next month we’ll have full coverage of the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon and Ceilidh.
Karin Ingram
John Douglas – Guest of Honour
by Charlie Todd
Well known accordionist and musical retailer, John Douglas, comes originally from a farming background having been born in 1942 at Deanston Farm, Lochfoot, near Dumfries. He was born into a musical family with dad, Bob, playing the fiddle and melodeon while mum, Edith (or ‘Bell’ to her friends) played the piano. Schooling was received at Milton Primary School and Dalbeattie and New Abbey Secondaries up to the age of 15 when full-time farming work began.
A year later however, the family uprooted and moved to Lochaber, or more specifically to the ‘Great Glen Cattle Ranch’ the brainchild of eccentric American millionaire Joseph Hobbs. Both Dad and John worked at this unusual venture under the stern eye of Old Man Hobbs which came complete with horses and all, although when he wasn’t around they just got on with beef farming as any normal Scottish farmer would.
Not surprisingly perhaps the whole venture went bust after about three years and John moved from ‘ranching’ to ‘the plantations’ – the new ones being planted by the Forestry Commission in the Spean Bridge area in this case. Another couple of years down the line and John moved back to Dalbeattie in his native Dumfriesshire as mechanic at Carswell Mill.
The more observant amongst you will have noted a distinct absence of a mention of music pertaining to John up to this point and that was because there wasn’t any. He had briefly taken lessons, for three months in fact, from James Mason in Dumfries before moving to Lochaber but although he kept his Hohner Arietta it lay untouched. John was therefore in his twenties when local accordionist Graham Barbour had need of a second box player. No established local player was available, so John acquired a Hohner Verdi and reading chords written out by Graham, learned in what would be termed in today’s jargon by ‘on the job training’ eventually branching out with his own band when Graham got married.
His more familiar daytime role as accordion salesman also came about purely by chance in 1972. John was visiting Jimmy Clinkscale’s Melrose premises to buy a Domino Morino V when Jimmy mentioned a vacancy for a manager for the music shop they had just acquired from Len Frobisher in Dumfries. Jimmy asked John if he was interested and in due course he got the job. As well as his playing ability standing him in good stead Jimmy had recognised that John’s personality, knowledge and sense of humour made him the ideal man to demonstrate and advise customers. Eighteen months later however Len bought the business back from Jimmy but John stayed on as Sales Assistant.
A couple of years down the line, around 1976, Len sold out to Thomson’s Music from Glasgow for whom John became Manager. That lasted until 1983 by which time the writing was on the wall so he left to set up his own business in Munches Street, Dumfries. That first business was slightly on the small side John admits or as he puts it “I could stock a Morino IV but not a V”.
Larger premises became available in Great King Street and that’s where you’ll still find him today. John Jnr now looks after the ‘big shop’ which is well stocked with keyboards, music, PA systems, guitars, drum kits and a wide range of accessories. John Snr in smaller, connected premises stock one of the few remaining good selections of accordions in the country. As well as sales John continues to carry out all sorts of repairs and tuning and there are few of us in the south of Scotland or north of England who have not used his services at some time. Keeping up-to-date with recent developments he is also an agent for the new Limex midi system which are expertly fitted by his friend and musical colleague, fiddler and Shand Morino exponent, Ian Kirkpatrick.
The business is still very much a family concern with John’s wife Margaret working in the shop and sharing the book-keeping duties with daughter Katrina and, as mentioned above, John Jnr now running part of the business full-time. John continues to play for gigs and dance classes in the area while the shop acts as a focal point for musicians, local and from further afield, dropping in to buy or just for a blether. In my recent interview with Iain Wilson, broadcasting pianist from Crawford, he singled out John for special mention saying “every musician needs a good music shop and John’s is second to none. Nothing is any trouble to him. One phone call to John and he will fix any problem. I am very proud to call him my friend.”
And so the National Association were delighted to welcome John Douglas, musician, retailer, repairer and raconteur as one of our Guests of Honour at our Celebrity Luncheon at the Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Sunday 24th June 2012.
Arbroath A&F Club Celebrates The Diamond Jubilee
Arbroath Club Well Represented at Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations
by
Arbroath A&F Club was well represented at the Queen’s Jubilee at Glamis Castle on Sunday the 20th May 2012. ………
Mickie Ainsworth (28/06/30 – 25/05/12) - Obituary
by various
Bill Wilkie
When I first met Mickie in the late 40s or early 50s he was already an accomplished accordionist. His great passion at that time was for modern dance music which of necessity demanded the pursuit and study of modern chords. He had co-founded a modern dance band with some brilliant young musicians who, like himself, were mad about this form of music. The band gave him the opportunity to experiment and develop his chord style which was so useful when he joined The Ian Powrie Band some years later.
Mickie joined my for many of my shows in the Perth Theatre, The City Hall, The Empire Theatre Inverness etc. He played lead accordion in the Orchestra, did a solo spot and played with Al Waters in a sensational Accordion Duo and of course he later performed with his great friend Jimmy Blue in their world famous double act.
Much has been said of Mickie’s humour and stories and of course I introduced fun into my shows whenever possible. Mickie and I did a unique double act where he played the treble keyboard of my accordion which I played the treble keyboard of his accordion. We did ‘Gin I were a Baron’s Heir’ and in the middle we did a wee dance round about at great risk, we nearly went off the sticks many times.
On another occasion I needed a short act, about 6 minutes. Mickie had a scrubbing board at the time (with an old motor car horn attached) which he used as a rhythm instrument. Well, with less than an hour to go before the show we formed a hill-billy trio, Mickie on scrubbing board, myself on a tiny accordion and Dave Morrison on bass. With Mickie tooting the horn at appropriate times the act brought the house down.
It was a custom of the musicians to meet in my shop in the forenoon for a coffee and a crack and this is where Mickie held court with many humorous stories.
We had many adventures. Four of us decided to go to London for Accordion Day. I said “I’ll drive you down,” so, on a foggy November night, I finished teaching about 10.30pm, had a coffee and a sandwich, put on my old big coat, put a hot water bottle (no heaters then) at the back of my legs and headed for London. My car was an old 1934 Morris 10 with a thermometer above the radiator to indicate if the engine was heating up. The adventures on that journey could fill a book, including running out of petrol, but it was Mickie’s indomitable spirit and humour that got us there. I could go on but I think that is sufficient to demonstrate why there was such a massive turnout to say farewell to Mickie, an outstanding musician and a very great, one-off character.
John Carmichael
Not only a great player but an outstanding character, who really enjoyed his music and was very happy to pass it on to others.
Mickie added a new dimension to the traditional music of the day in technique, harmonies and ‘bottle.’
Who could not be impressed when Mick cut loose with ‘fullsome chords’ in the middle of a set of reels or jigs when the Powrie Band was in full flight?
On a personal note Mickie was the first to congratulate me and pour the first dram into the cup when I won the Championship back in 1964 (Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue were the judges). Something that was often remarked on between us over the years on Festival Day.
A man who was an inspiration to us all in so many ways and who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Simon Howie
Mickie was one of the greats of accordion playing in Scotland. The original pioneer of second accordion playing, he was a self-taught perfectionist who loved entertaining people whether it be through his playing or telling stories. His time in the theatres with The Ian Powrie Band exposed him to the top acts of the day and it was this that spawned a great love of music hall comedy and song. He taught many pupils over the years and his knowledge of harmony and modern music made them much more rounded players than they otherwise might have been. Nothing Mickie ever did was for his own benefit, he was happy if the pupil, listener or dancer was having a good time, that’s what mattered most to him. Scotland’s top accordionists will remember him as a stage manager at Bill Wilkie’s Festival. It will never be quite the same without Mickie. He was a stickler for detail, which was reflected in his playing, his family life and even his recreation. Mickie gave me more than I can tell you, I have had contact with him throughout my life as a family friend and inspirational musical mentor and I will miss him dearly. He was very content throughout his life and could always see a purpose in what he was doing. Mickie can be summed up by one of his favourite phrases when describing a friend….”he was an officer and a gentleman.”
Angus Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Ron Ramsay
Scottish music lovers and ceilidh cancers………..
Banchory Festival Results
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
REPEATS
4th Aug 12 – OB from Celtic Connections Iain Anderson SDB + Brabach + Marie Fielding
11th Aug 12 – Compilation of Leading Bands + Summer Singer Jim Malcolm
18th Aug 12 – Burns Brothers Ceilidh Band + Summer Singer Ed Miller
25th Aug 12 – Archive TTF featuring Fraser McGlynn SDB from 1977
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Aug 12 – Leonard Brown
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Aug 12 – Cameron Kellow Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 1st Aug 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB 8th Aug 12 – Brandon McPhee Trio 15th Aug 12 – The Garioch Blend 22nd Aug 12 – The Donside Sound 29th Aug 12 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Aug 12 – Liam Stewart SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Aug 12 – Gordon Penman & Isobel Luke 11th Aug 12 – 25th Anniversary Concert in The Rothes Hall, Glenrothes
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 6th Aug 12 - tbc
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Aug 12 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Aug 12 – David Oswald Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Aug 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 19th Aug 12 – Open Day 25th Aug 12 – Fundraising Dance to Iain MacPhail SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Aug 12 – Craig Paton SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Aug 12 – Scott Nichol SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) -
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – 31st Aug 12 – Alec McIntyre + Stronsay Silver Darlings
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd Aug 12 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Aug 12 – Willie McFarlane Band
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Blairgowrie
4. Button-key
5. Forfar
6. Forres
7. Highland
8. Lewis & Harrie
9. Montrose
10. Orkney
11. Turriff
12. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. 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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
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 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Small Boxed £12
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
Another B&F year has passed and the magazine is about to go into its 36th year. Where has the time gone? It was agreed at the AGM that the cover price would be increased to £2.70 starting in September, and unfortunately postal charges have also gone up. However we’ll still be giving you good value for money.
Next month we’ll have full coverage of the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon and Ceilidh.
Karin Ingram
John Douglas – Guest of Honour
by Charlie Todd
Well known accordionist and musical retailer, John Douglas, comes originally from a farming background having been born in 1942 at Deanston Farm, Lochfoot, near Dumfries. He was born into a musical family with dad, Bob, playing the fiddle and melodeon while mum, Edith (or ‘Bell’ to her friends) played the piano. Schooling was received at Milton Primary School and Dalbeattie and New Abbey Secondaries up to the age of 15 when full-time farming work began.
A year later however, the family uprooted and moved to Lochaber, or more specifically to the ‘Great Glen Cattle Ranch’ the brainchild of eccentric American millionaire Joseph Hobbs. Both Dad and John worked at this unusual venture under the stern eye of Old Man Hobbs which came complete with horses and all, although when he wasn’t around they just got on with beef farming as any normal Scottish farmer would.
Not surprisingly perhaps the whole venture went bust after about three years and John moved from ‘ranching’ to ‘the plantations’ – the new ones being planted by the Forestry Commission in the Spean Bridge area in this case. Another couple of years down the line and John moved back to Dalbeattie in his native Dumfriesshire as mechanic at Carswell Mill.
The more observant amongst you will have noted a distinct absence of a mention of music pertaining to John up to this point and that was because there wasn’t any. He had briefly taken lessons, for three months in fact, from James Mason in Dumfries before moving to Lochaber but although he kept his Hohner Arietta it lay untouched. John was therefore in his twenties when local accordionist Graham Barbour had need of a second box player. No established local player was available, so John acquired a Hohner Verdi and reading chords written out by Graham, learned in what would be termed in today’s jargon by ‘on the job training’ eventually branching out with his own band when Graham got married.
His more familiar daytime role as accordion salesman also came about purely by chance in 1972. John was visiting Jimmy Clinkscale’s Melrose premises to buy a Domino Morino V when Jimmy mentioned a vacancy for a manager for the music shop they had just acquired from Len Frobisher in Dumfries. Jimmy asked John if he was interested and in due course he got the job. As well as his playing ability standing him in good stead Jimmy had recognised that John’s personality, knowledge and sense of humour made him the ideal man to demonstrate and advise customers. Eighteen months later however Len bought the business back from Jimmy but John stayed on as Sales Assistant.
A couple of years down the line, around 1976, Len sold out to Thomson’s Music from Glasgow for whom John became Manager. That lasted until 1983 by which time the writing was on the wall so he left to set up his own business in Munches Street, Dumfries. That first business was slightly on the small side John admits or as he puts it “I could stock a Morino IV but not a V”.
Larger premises became available in Great King Street and that’s where you’ll still find him today. John Jnr now looks after the ‘big shop’ which is well stocked with keyboards, music, PA systems, guitars, drum kits and a wide range of accessories. John Snr in smaller, connected premises stock one of the few remaining good selections of accordions in the country. As well as sales John continues to carry out all sorts of repairs and tuning and there are few of us in the south of Scotland or north of England who have not used his services at some time. Keeping up-to-date with recent developments he is also an agent for the new Limex midi system which are expertly fitted by his friend and musical colleague, fiddler and Shand Morino exponent, Ian Kirkpatrick.
The business is still very much a family concern with John’s wife Margaret working in the shop and sharing the book-keeping duties with daughter Katrina and, as mentioned above, John Jnr now running part of the business full-time. John continues to play for gigs and dance classes in the area while the shop acts as a focal point for musicians, local and from further afield, dropping in to buy or just for a blether. In my recent interview with Iain Wilson, broadcasting pianist from Crawford, he singled out John for special mention saying “every musician needs a good music shop and John’s is second to none. Nothing is any trouble to him. One phone call to John and he will fix any problem. I am very proud to call him my friend.”
And so the National Association were delighted to welcome John Douglas, musician, retailer, repairer and raconteur as one of our Guests of Honour at our Celebrity Luncheon at the Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Sunday 24th June 2012.
Arbroath A&F Club Celebrates The Diamond Jubilee
Arbroath Club Well Represented at Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations
by
Arbroath A&F Club was well represented at the Queen’s Jubilee at Glamis Castle on Sunday the 20th May 2012. ………
Mickie Ainsworth (28/06/30 – 25/05/12) - Obituary
by various
Bill Wilkie
When I first met Mickie in the late 40s or early 50s he was already an accomplished accordionist. His great passion at that time was for modern dance music which of necessity demanded the pursuit and study of modern chords. He had co-founded a modern dance band with some brilliant young musicians who, like himself, were mad about this form of music. The band gave him the opportunity to experiment and develop his chord style which was so useful when he joined The Ian Powrie Band some years later.
Mickie joined my for many of my shows in the Perth Theatre, The City Hall, The Empire Theatre Inverness etc. He played lead accordion in the Orchestra, did a solo spot and played with Al Waters in a sensational Accordion Duo and of course he later performed with his great friend Jimmy Blue in their world famous double act.
Much has been said of Mickie’s humour and stories and of course I introduced fun into my shows whenever possible. Mickie and I did a unique double act where he played the treble keyboard of my accordion which I played the treble keyboard of his accordion. We did ‘Gin I were a Baron’s Heir’ and in the middle we did a wee dance round about at great risk, we nearly went off the sticks many times.
On another occasion I needed a short act, about 6 minutes. Mickie had a scrubbing board at the time (with an old motor car horn attached) which he used as a rhythm instrument. Well, with less than an hour to go before the show we formed a hill-billy trio, Mickie on scrubbing board, myself on a tiny accordion and Dave Morrison on bass. With Mickie tooting the horn at appropriate times the act brought the house down.
It was a custom of the musicians to meet in my shop in the forenoon for a coffee and a crack and this is where Mickie held court with many humorous stories.
We had many adventures. Four of us decided to go to London for Accordion Day. I said “I’ll drive you down,” so, on a foggy November night, I finished teaching about 10.30pm, had a coffee and a sandwich, put on my old big coat, put a hot water bottle (no heaters then) at the back of my legs and headed for London. My car was an old 1934 Morris 10 with a thermometer above the radiator to indicate if the engine was heating up. The adventures on that journey could fill a book, including running out of petrol, but it was Mickie’s indomitable spirit and humour that got us there. I could go on but I think that is sufficient to demonstrate why there was such a massive turnout to say farewell to Mickie, an outstanding musician and a very great, one-off character.
John Carmichael
Not only a great player but an outstanding character, who really enjoyed his music and was very happy to pass it on to others.
Mickie added a new dimension to the traditional music of the day in technique, harmonies and ‘bottle.’
Who could not be impressed when Mick cut loose with ‘fullsome chords’ in the middle of a set of reels or jigs when the Powrie Band was in full flight?
On a personal note Mickie was the first to congratulate me and pour the first dram into the cup when I won the Championship back in 1964 (Ian Powrie and Jimmy Blue were the judges). Something that was often remarked on between us over the years on Festival Day.
A man who was an inspiration to us all in so many ways and who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Simon Howie
Mickie was one of the greats of accordion playing in Scotland. The original pioneer of second accordion playing, he was a self-taught perfectionist who loved entertaining people whether it be through his playing or telling stories. His time in the theatres with The Ian Powrie Band exposed him to the top acts of the day and it was this that spawned a great love of music hall comedy and song. He taught many pupils over the years and his knowledge of harmony and modern music made them much more rounded players than they otherwise might have been. Nothing Mickie ever did was for his own benefit, he was happy if the pupil, listener or dancer was having a good time, that’s what mattered most to him. Scotland’s top accordionists will remember him as a stage manager at Bill Wilkie’s Festival. It will never be quite the same without Mickie. He was a stickler for detail, which was reflected in his playing, his family life and even his recreation. Mickie gave me more than I can tell you, I have had contact with him throughout my life as a family friend and inspirational musical mentor and I will miss him dearly. He was very content throughout his life and could always see a purpose in what he was doing. Mickie can be summed up by one of his favourite phrases when describing a friend….”he was an officer and a gentleman.”
Angus Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Ron Ramsay
Scottish music lovers and ceilidh cancers………..
Banchory Festival Results
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
REPEATS
4th Aug 12 – OB from Celtic Connections Iain Anderson SDB + Brabach + Marie Fielding
11th Aug 12 – Compilation of Leading Bands + Summer Singer Jim Malcolm
18th Aug 12 – Burns Brothers Ceilidh Band + Summer Singer Ed Miller
25th Aug 12 – Archive TTF featuring Fraser McGlynn SDB from 1977
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Aug 12 – Leonard Brown
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Aug 12 – Cameron Kellow Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 1st Aug 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB 8th Aug 12 – Brandon McPhee Trio 15th Aug 12 – The Garioch Blend 22nd Aug 12 – The Donside Sound 29th Aug 12 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Aug 12 – Liam Stewart SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Aug 12 – Gordon Penman & Isobel Luke 11th Aug 12 – 25th Anniversary Concert in The Rothes Hall, Glenrothes
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 6th Aug 12 - tbc
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Aug 12 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Aug 12 – David Oswald Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Aug 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 19th Aug 12 – Open Day 25th Aug 12 – Fundraising Dance to Iain MacPhail SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Aug 12 – Craig Paton SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Aug 12 – Scott Nichol SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) -
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – 31st Aug 12 – Alec McIntyre + Stronsay Silver Darlings
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd Aug 12 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Aug 12 – Willie McFarlane Band
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Blairgowrie
4. Button-key
5. Forfar
6. Forres
7. Highland
8. Lewis & Harrie
9. Montrose
10. Orkney
11. Turriff
12. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. 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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
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 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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