Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 12
August 2020
Price £3.00
32 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
First of all, thank you for your patience in July…………
Pia Walker
Looking Back for something to look forward to.
by Pia Walker
June is the month that the NAAFC usually have their………………..
Full text awaited from Pia.
Musical Memories – Part 15
by Denis Shepherd
THE FITTIEFOLK Ceilidh Band was launched in 1998 and, 22 years later, is still available on request. It is always a pleasure to be told by the leading lights at weddings, birthday parties etc. that we have given them a memorable experience of one of the highlights of their lives.
And it is well known that ceilidh dancing also brings people together - sometimes permanently. Sadly, it was the reverse in the case of one of the early Fittiefolk bookings, made by a friend, Murdo, on behalf of a couple celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. The couple had requested that we play some slow romantic dances to consolidate their relationship, and asked specifically that we include two songs: the classic hit Unchained Melody and Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. I dug out music for the band and David Dow sang them perfectly. When I happened to ask Murdo some six months later how the silver wedding couple were doing, he replied: “Oh, them – they’ve split up!”
However, in common with most other bands, Fittiefolk did sometimes bring musicians together! At a Christmas ceilidh at Alford Academy, well-known bandleader Frank Thomson replaced our accordionist Charles Coutts who was busy with university exams. Frank struck up a rapport with our drummer Brian Watt and they went on to appear as a guest duo at accordion and fiddle clubs.
This Alford dance, organised by senior pupils, brought to mind a saying about best laid plans. When they returned their contract, the pupils enclosed an order of ceremony for the dances. So instead of having to search for music during the evening, the band members could, in theory, have their sheets all ready in the correct order. But as soon as we arrived, the pupils handed me a folder and said the programme had been completely re-vamped, so we could ignore the previous one! So the musicians still had to scramble for their sheets of music before each dance – and by now, of course, the sheets were no longer all in alphabetical order!
A more serious hiccup almost occurred when we were to play at a private function in the Station Hotel, Portsoy: it was nearly time to begin and there was no sign of whistle player Mark Lammas, who by then had replaced David Dow. I phoned his mobile asking where he was, only to be told, “The Station Hotel in Aberdeen!” He must have clocked a personal best in his car as he arrived in Portsoy half-an-hour later. We would probably not have made such a good impression on the host family with a musician missing; however, they liked us so much they later booked us for another family function in Banff, and also for a wedding in Aviemore. Mind you, the latter was only after some negotiation: they insisted on paying us a higher fee than I was asking for!
There was no fee negotiation when Fittiefolk were booked by the SNP for a function in the Northern Hotel to mark the re-election of Richard Lochhead to the Scottish Parliament. The highlight I remember was sharing the stage with Alex Salmond as he related his inside stories about the leading characters in Westminster! However, we had to haggle to get a cup of tea at the interval – the staff said the tea and sandwiches had been ordered for everyone except the band. Eventually the hotel said we could have some as long as we kept it quiet. Before we could start the ceilidh we also had to explain to the organisers that they would need to clear the table used for the formalities from the dance floor.
In contrast, there was food aplenty for the band when we played at a wedding at an Indian restaurant – but that is not to say we got it! As we arrived, the guests were getting through a lavish meal and we looked forward to the food that the groom had arranged for us to have after the ceilidh. But as soon as our food was laid out – and before we could get to it - the guests, having not long finished their own, formed a queue to help themselves to yet another feast!
At that same wedding, health and safety regulations prevented any dancing in the dancing area, which therefore became the seating area. The dancing took place in the bar area – and we were stuck in the middle! This meant the caller (me) had to face one way to address the dancers and another to address the seated guests. We set the speakers for the dancers to hear the band – which meant that when guests game up to sing or recite their party pieces, the sound of their voices was carried away from the audience!
The Stories I Could Tell
by Bobby Harvey
When I published the Max Houliston article in the June issue I had no idea what this would lead to. But Max and fiddler and entertainer Bobby Harvey reconnected. I then connected with Bobby Harvey and learned a lot about the ‘just for fun playing days’ when the M.A.F.I.A. (Milngavie Fiddle Instrumentalists and Associates) began.
Bobby has ‘written’ this by phoning it in and sending me letters by post as his computer is “up the burn!” During the several phone conversations with Bobby, who several times had me rolling in the aisles with laughter because of the stories told, what started out as an idea round the MAFIA club also managed to include a few stories of ‘fun days and happenings.’ If this article gets side-tracked a few times blame him, not me! I have had to omit many stories such as that of the American lady who booked a piper for her dog at Gleneagles Hotel, the tale about the musician who warmed up his bike’s frozen gears in a very warm, wet and unorthodox manner and the story about a host musician who used to keep one eye on proceedings from the mantlepiece. As Bobby could fill the magazine with stories such as this he also said, “these had nothing to do with the MAFIA.”
The MAFIA began after Bobby was invited to be the first guest fiddler at The Hole in the Wa’. Afterwards, he got out the address book and after a phone-around the idea took shape. Monthly meetings with rules befitting a Club called MAFIA were the order of the day. One was the law of Omerta / total silence while anyone was playing. Bobby even had to ban his own mother once for breaking the rules! Another rule was: last in, first on – which ensured that people arrived early. And, of course, they had ‘The Godfather’ although no horses’ heads were mentioned if people talked during playing.
It was the third Club in Scotland on the go – Dumfries was first, Gretna next and then in 1968 came the MAFIA whose first guest was Max Houliston. Originally meetings were held in the Black Bull Hotel, in the ‘Wee Room’ which had room for only……well, not many! Later the crowds grew and they moved to a larger room, moving again later to other venues. In the beginning the attendees were musicians with instruments and also their wives. They invited a guest to attend, and a lum hat that Bobby had acquired in a jumble sale was circulated; whatever was in it at the end went to the various performers for their expenses. No fees were paid as most of the MAFIA syndicate returned the favour for other clubs over the years, and in any case no one really had an intention of making a living from the club. Meetings had to be mid-week as most of the attendees gigged during the weekends. There was no membership fee, as it was all about keeping the music alive and having a social evening where they could let their hair down. Apparently the Glasgow boys did not appear until after their gigs had finished around 10 in the evening, but then they continued till 2 – 3 in the morning. Stamina!
The guests were a Who’s Who of Scottish music at the time: Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Pibroch MacKenzie, Calum MacLean, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Mickie Ainsworth, Jimmy Blue, Fraser McGlynn, Jim Johnstone and many other excellent musicians, duets, trios and bands.
Their stramashes were legendary, so much so that Kenny Stewart, who joined in one night, decided that he would start a jazz club, also in the Black Bull. From what I have read this club had a reputation equivalent to that of the Ronnie Scott Club.
Members and guests usually ended up back in Bobby’s house, and he remembers when Jimmy Shand was offered refreshments by Cathy (Bobby’s wife) and replied, “Ah, just a wee corned beef sandwich, that would be lovely.” (Panic, This was the only item not available in the house, so a neighbour was asked if she had a tin. I can imagine that conversation after 10 at night!) Jimmy did not want a fee: he had never laughed so much as when Charlie Cowie played out of his skin, with a skinful inside, and then couldn’t remember the next day that he had been there at all.
And there was the story of Will Starr who lived in Croy, not far from Milngavie. He was a long-standing friend of Bobby’s as they both toured with Calum Kennedy. I was told of the time they were due to play in London, but Will missed the plane and as a result their Scottish showpiece, in a wee place called the Albert Hall, consisted of Ken Haynes on piano in one wing, Bobby on fiddle by the other wing and Calum in the middle bringing the house down with his singing. This story led to another one: the one about the time Calum missed the train when they were supposed to play the Blackpool Opera House. However, Calum knew a pilot in Dundee by the name of Sandy McLennan, and they all managed to get there in time. Bobby told me, “While flying through the Borders, we skimmed the hills and waved to the climbers.”
Our story would its way back to Milngavie and to the time that Will Starr, when the Langholm Club visited, was asked to be the mystery guest. He had never played a Club before and when he got on stage just wouldn’t stop. As he didn’t drive he had to be fetched by Bobby and taken home again. (At this point something was mentioned about breathalysers that hadn’t come into use yet!)
This led to the tale of Bobby’s 6 dormobiles, in which the band, when touring, used to have a 5-gallon drum of water (for camping purposes, of course!) – and a bottle of Black Label (I assume for medicinal purposes!) Apparently both would last until approximately Leeds!
The MAFIA had camaraderie in spades. When George Hill had his leg amputated, a Benefit Night was held, attended by the Perth Club and many top entertainers including Andy Stewart and The Alexander Brothers and, of course, their own members. I wonder if today you could get a doctor to sign someone out of hospital to play the guitar and banjo from a hospital bed in the Club, no matter how good a therapy it would be.
Bobby also told me about one of the many cruises on Loch Lomond on the boats owned by music enthusiast Tom Linn. Apparently “they always played so the midges fled.” They started in Balloch, went to Inchmurrin for a pint and a tune, and got picked up in Balmaha by two busses to be ferried to the Covenanters in Aberfoyle as they were keen to hear Tommy Walker’s band. As Bobby said, “Have you ever heard of a cruise going to Aberfoyle?” I have now!
As stated previously the club was about keeping the music alive, and each year the MAFIA awarded the Bob Harvey Memorial Shield to the most improved player, in memory of Bobby’s father. The first person to be awarded the Shield was accordionist Jim McRae in 1969/70. And in 2008 at the NAAFC Luncheon, where Bobby was Guest of Honour, this Shield was passed on to our very own chairman, Nicol McLaren.
The MAFIA was among the first NAAFC members to join and apparently Bobby and Ivor Britton decided to attend one of the first meetings 15 minutes late, dressed in Fedora hats and toy tommy guns that “made and awful racket.” Everyone knew when the MAFIA had arrived!
The MAFIA came to an end in 2002 after 30 years. In the beginning it had been juts about people meeting socially. When they moved they had to pay for a venue and also for guest bands, social evenings like this were no longer financially viable. At the same time, the new venues could not bring back the spirit of old and so the Committee decided to call a halt. The MAFIA lives on in many people’s memories. As Bobby put it, “It was a mad life, but a fantastic life.”
Accordion Collection
Seeking a New Home
by Caroline Hunt
Many accordionists will now be familiar with my collection of antique accordions. Since leaving the premises at Bogbain Farm, near inverness, I have been doing mobile displays at Heather Smith’s festvals …………………………
Centre Stage
Moyra Fraser
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
1st Aug 2020 – Martainn Skene Highland Dance Band
8th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Ian Smith Dance Band + Tribute to Tom Alexander
15th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Scott Band Scottish Dance Band
22nd Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Liam Stewart Dance Band
29th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Robert Nairn Highland Dance Band
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1.
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club ( )
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
43. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
44. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
45. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
46. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
47. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
48. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
49. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
50. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
51 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
52 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
53 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
54 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
55 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?)
56. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
57. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
58. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
59. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
62. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
63. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
64. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
65. Buchan A&F Club
66. Callander A&F Club (
67. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 - 1997?)
68. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
69. Club Accord
70. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
71 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
72. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
73. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
74. Cults A & F Club (
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
80. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
81. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
82. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
83. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Small Boxed £20
B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
First of all, thank you for your patience in July…………
Pia Walker
Looking Back for something to look forward to.
by Pia Walker
June is the month that the NAAFC usually have their………………..
Full text awaited from Pia.
Musical Memories – Part 15
by Denis Shepherd
THE FITTIEFOLK Ceilidh Band was launched in 1998 and, 22 years later, is still available on request. It is always a pleasure to be told by the leading lights at weddings, birthday parties etc. that we have given them a memorable experience of one of the highlights of their lives.
And it is well known that ceilidh dancing also brings people together - sometimes permanently. Sadly, it was the reverse in the case of one of the early Fittiefolk bookings, made by a friend, Murdo, on behalf of a couple celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. The couple had requested that we play some slow romantic dances to consolidate their relationship, and asked specifically that we include two songs: the classic hit Unchained Melody and Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. I dug out music for the band and David Dow sang them perfectly. When I happened to ask Murdo some six months later how the silver wedding couple were doing, he replied: “Oh, them – they’ve split up!”
However, in common with most other bands, Fittiefolk did sometimes bring musicians together! At a Christmas ceilidh at Alford Academy, well-known bandleader Frank Thomson replaced our accordionist Charles Coutts who was busy with university exams. Frank struck up a rapport with our drummer Brian Watt and they went on to appear as a guest duo at accordion and fiddle clubs.
This Alford dance, organised by senior pupils, brought to mind a saying about best laid plans. When they returned their contract, the pupils enclosed an order of ceremony for the dances. So instead of having to search for music during the evening, the band members could, in theory, have their sheets all ready in the correct order. But as soon as we arrived, the pupils handed me a folder and said the programme had been completely re-vamped, so we could ignore the previous one! So the musicians still had to scramble for their sheets of music before each dance – and by now, of course, the sheets were no longer all in alphabetical order!
A more serious hiccup almost occurred when we were to play at a private function in the Station Hotel, Portsoy: it was nearly time to begin and there was no sign of whistle player Mark Lammas, who by then had replaced David Dow. I phoned his mobile asking where he was, only to be told, “The Station Hotel in Aberdeen!” He must have clocked a personal best in his car as he arrived in Portsoy half-an-hour later. We would probably not have made such a good impression on the host family with a musician missing; however, they liked us so much they later booked us for another family function in Banff, and also for a wedding in Aviemore. Mind you, the latter was only after some negotiation: they insisted on paying us a higher fee than I was asking for!
There was no fee negotiation when Fittiefolk were booked by the SNP for a function in the Northern Hotel to mark the re-election of Richard Lochhead to the Scottish Parliament. The highlight I remember was sharing the stage with Alex Salmond as he related his inside stories about the leading characters in Westminster! However, we had to haggle to get a cup of tea at the interval – the staff said the tea and sandwiches had been ordered for everyone except the band. Eventually the hotel said we could have some as long as we kept it quiet. Before we could start the ceilidh we also had to explain to the organisers that they would need to clear the table used for the formalities from the dance floor.
In contrast, there was food aplenty for the band when we played at a wedding at an Indian restaurant – but that is not to say we got it! As we arrived, the guests were getting through a lavish meal and we looked forward to the food that the groom had arranged for us to have after the ceilidh. But as soon as our food was laid out – and before we could get to it - the guests, having not long finished their own, formed a queue to help themselves to yet another feast!
At that same wedding, health and safety regulations prevented any dancing in the dancing area, which therefore became the seating area. The dancing took place in the bar area – and we were stuck in the middle! This meant the caller (me) had to face one way to address the dancers and another to address the seated guests. We set the speakers for the dancers to hear the band – which meant that when guests game up to sing or recite their party pieces, the sound of their voices was carried away from the audience!
The Stories I Could Tell
by Bobby Harvey
When I published the Max Houliston article in the June issue I had no idea what this would lead to. But Max and fiddler and entertainer Bobby Harvey reconnected. I then connected with Bobby Harvey and learned a lot about the ‘just for fun playing days’ when the M.A.F.I.A. (Milngavie Fiddle Instrumentalists and Associates) began.
Bobby has ‘written’ this by phoning it in and sending me letters by post as his computer is “up the burn!” During the several phone conversations with Bobby, who several times had me rolling in the aisles with laughter because of the stories told, what started out as an idea round the MAFIA club also managed to include a few stories of ‘fun days and happenings.’ If this article gets side-tracked a few times blame him, not me! I have had to omit many stories such as that of the American lady who booked a piper for her dog at Gleneagles Hotel, the tale about the musician who warmed up his bike’s frozen gears in a very warm, wet and unorthodox manner and the story about a host musician who used to keep one eye on proceedings from the mantlepiece. As Bobby could fill the magazine with stories such as this he also said, “these had nothing to do with the MAFIA.”
The MAFIA began after Bobby was invited to be the first guest fiddler at The Hole in the Wa’. Afterwards, he got out the address book and after a phone-around the idea took shape. Monthly meetings with rules befitting a Club called MAFIA were the order of the day. One was the law of Omerta / total silence while anyone was playing. Bobby even had to ban his own mother once for breaking the rules! Another rule was: last in, first on – which ensured that people arrived early. And, of course, they had ‘The Godfather’ although no horses’ heads were mentioned if people talked during playing.
It was the third Club in Scotland on the go – Dumfries was first, Gretna next and then in 1968 came the MAFIA whose first guest was Max Houliston. Originally meetings were held in the Black Bull Hotel, in the ‘Wee Room’ which had room for only……well, not many! Later the crowds grew and they moved to a larger room, moving again later to other venues. In the beginning the attendees were musicians with instruments and also their wives. They invited a guest to attend, and a lum hat that Bobby had acquired in a jumble sale was circulated; whatever was in it at the end went to the various performers for their expenses. No fees were paid as most of the MAFIA syndicate returned the favour for other clubs over the years, and in any case no one really had an intention of making a living from the club. Meetings had to be mid-week as most of the attendees gigged during the weekends. There was no membership fee, as it was all about keeping the music alive and having a social evening where they could let their hair down. Apparently the Glasgow boys did not appear until after their gigs had finished around 10 in the evening, but then they continued till 2 – 3 in the morning. Stamina!
The guests were a Who’s Who of Scottish music at the time: Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Pibroch MacKenzie, Calum MacLean, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Mickie Ainsworth, Jimmy Blue, Fraser McGlynn, Jim Johnstone and many other excellent musicians, duets, trios and bands.
Their stramashes were legendary, so much so that Kenny Stewart, who joined in one night, decided that he would start a jazz club, also in the Black Bull. From what I have read this club had a reputation equivalent to that of the Ronnie Scott Club.
Members and guests usually ended up back in Bobby’s house, and he remembers when Jimmy Shand was offered refreshments by Cathy (Bobby’s wife) and replied, “Ah, just a wee corned beef sandwich, that would be lovely.” (Panic, This was the only item not available in the house, so a neighbour was asked if she had a tin. I can imagine that conversation after 10 at night!) Jimmy did not want a fee: he had never laughed so much as when Charlie Cowie played out of his skin, with a skinful inside, and then couldn’t remember the next day that he had been there at all.
And there was the story of Will Starr who lived in Croy, not far from Milngavie. He was a long-standing friend of Bobby’s as they both toured with Calum Kennedy. I was told of the time they were due to play in London, but Will missed the plane and as a result their Scottish showpiece, in a wee place called the Albert Hall, consisted of Ken Haynes on piano in one wing, Bobby on fiddle by the other wing and Calum in the middle bringing the house down with his singing. This story led to another one: the one about the time Calum missed the train when they were supposed to play the Blackpool Opera House. However, Calum knew a pilot in Dundee by the name of Sandy McLennan, and they all managed to get there in time. Bobby told me, “While flying through the Borders, we skimmed the hills and waved to the climbers.”
Our story would its way back to Milngavie and to the time that Will Starr, when the Langholm Club visited, was asked to be the mystery guest. He had never played a Club before and when he got on stage just wouldn’t stop. As he didn’t drive he had to be fetched by Bobby and taken home again. (At this point something was mentioned about breathalysers that hadn’t come into use yet!)
This led to the tale of Bobby’s 6 dormobiles, in which the band, when touring, used to have a 5-gallon drum of water (for camping purposes, of course!) – and a bottle of Black Label (I assume for medicinal purposes!) Apparently both would last until approximately Leeds!
The MAFIA had camaraderie in spades. When George Hill had his leg amputated, a Benefit Night was held, attended by the Perth Club and many top entertainers including Andy Stewart and The Alexander Brothers and, of course, their own members. I wonder if today you could get a doctor to sign someone out of hospital to play the guitar and banjo from a hospital bed in the Club, no matter how good a therapy it would be.
Bobby also told me about one of the many cruises on Loch Lomond on the boats owned by music enthusiast Tom Linn. Apparently “they always played so the midges fled.” They started in Balloch, went to Inchmurrin for a pint and a tune, and got picked up in Balmaha by two busses to be ferried to the Covenanters in Aberfoyle as they were keen to hear Tommy Walker’s band. As Bobby said, “Have you ever heard of a cruise going to Aberfoyle?” I have now!
As stated previously the club was about keeping the music alive, and each year the MAFIA awarded the Bob Harvey Memorial Shield to the most improved player, in memory of Bobby’s father. The first person to be awarded the Shield was accordionist Jim McRae in 1969/70. And in 2008 at the NAAFC Luncheon, where Bobby was Guest of Honour, this Shield was passed on to our very own chairman, Nicol McLaren.
The MAFIA was among the first NAAFC members to join and apparently Bobby and Ivor Britton decided to attend one of the first meetings 15 minutes late, dressed in Fedora hats and toy tommy guns that “made and awful racket.” Everyone knew when the MAFIA had arrived!
The MAFIA came to an end in 2002 after 30 years. In the beginning it had been juts about people meeting socially. When they moved they had to pay for a venue and also for guest bands, social evenings like this were no longer financially viable. At the same time, the new venues could not bring back the spirit of old and so the Committee decided to call a halt. The MAFIA lives on in many people’s memories. As Bobby put it, “It was a mad life, but a fantastic life.”
Accordion Collection
Seeking a New Home
by Caroline Hunt
Many accordionists will now be familiar with my collection of antique accordions. Since leaving the premises at Bogbain Farm, near inverness, I have been doing mobile displays at Heather Smith’s festvals …………………………
Centre Stage
Moyra Fraser
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
1st Aug 2020 – Martainn Skene Highland Dance Band
8th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Ian Smith Dance Band + Tribute to Tom Alexander
15th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Scott Band Scottish Dance Band
22nd Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Liam Stewart Dance Band
29th Aug 2020 – Archive Session – Robert Nairn Highland Dance Band
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1.
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club ( )
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
43. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
44. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
45. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
46. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
47. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
48. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
49. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
50. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
51 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
52 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
53 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
54 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
55 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?)
56. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
57. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
58. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
59. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
62. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
63. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
64. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
65. Buchan A&F Club
66. Callander A&F Club (
67. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 - 1997?)
68. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
69. Club Accord
70. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
71 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
72. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
73. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
74. Cults A & F Club (
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
80. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
81. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
82. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
83. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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