Box and Fiddle
Year 16 No 03
November 1992
Introducing the Clubs
No 11 Blairgowrie
by Irene Sutherland
The present Blairgowrie A&F Club, under the Chairmanship of Dave Sutherland, started in 1986. However, the actual Club goes back a number of years, even as far back as the late 1960’s, when it was managed by the well-known dance band leader George Bell. The Club itself has never stopped, despite many setbacks financially, particularly when our Treasurer, Betty Tasker, recalls she had the fantastic sum of 89 pence in total in our account. In the present healthy financial state of the Club, it is hard for Betty, and her husband Jack, to even think back to the ‘struggling years’.
Before I go into more details about our Club, perhaps I should introduce the readers to the Committee of the Blairgowrie Club. They are a rather motley crew to be running a successful A&F Club. The Chairman, at this time of year, can be found pottering amongst his dahlias (Dahlia Dave as he is known), being a successful dahlia grower, the Secretary (Irene Sutherland) is usually preparing for art exhibitions, Janet Nicol is one of Scotland’s top dog handlers, Betty and Jack Tasker are the true backbone of our Club as was previously stated, they kept it going through bad times.
The other members of the Committee are 3 farmers – Jim Thom, Chick Boath and Peter Ramsay. Peter was brought in when his wife, the former Joyce Reid, resigned as Secretary. Joyce must be mentioned as she was another one who kept the Club going in the bad times until she managed to persuade Dave Sutherland to ‘have a go’.
The last member is David Oswald, who represents the younger generation, and keeps all ‘the oldies’ up-to-date on what’s what in the music scene. David will soon be leaving for University, but hopefully will still be taking an interest in the Club.
The Blairgowrie Club has a membership of around 40, but on most Club nights throughout the year we have an excellent turnout, despite Blairgowrie Tourist Board running a Highland Night on the same evening throughout the summer. In summer we do well with the tourists, and in winter we rely on the enthusiasts who come along despite the weather. All players are welcomed and enjoyed at our Club, and the ages range from the very young to the senior citizen.
Each year we award a ‘Player of the Year’ Shield, and it keeps the interest going to see a player improving month by month. It is encouraging for the young players (although age is no limit for the trophy).
Recently, Dave spoke to a parent of one of the youngsters, who said it was great to see his two girls hurrying home from school and getting down to practicing their tunes for our next Club. It has always been Dave Sutherland’s policy to encourage the youngsters (as well as young bands as guests too). When Dave took over, and of course, much further back, some of the youngsters who came to our Club, are now well known bandleaders.
It would be foolish to name particular players in this article, as it would fill a few pages to name those who have popped in at Moorfield to have a tune, and at times Dave himself has felt embarrassed knowing that an excellent musician has appeared too late to be included on stage that evening. Dave’s aim is to give everyone a tune, but time is limited, and he has often to disappoint many players. However, he knows everyone understands, and will come along again.
The beginning of the evening is the time when players are scarce, and we can always rely on Chic Boath or Jim Thom (Committee members) to start the proceedings, and of course, Dave Oswald, is always our reliable 2nd box (much to Dave’s disgust!)
A mention should be made re the venue of our Club, as there are possibly very few Clubs in Scotland with such a lovely setting, and when stranger enter the door, they immediately feel they are going to enjoy their evening in such lovely surroundings. It is most satisfying for the writer of this article to see the happy looks on people’s faces when they leave the Club after each meeting, and to know that we have had another successful night. Of course, like all Clubs we cannot satisfy everyone, but the Chairman tries to book artistes whom he thinks go down well with the majority of the audience, but each year they are asked to make suggestions re guest artistes.
Our A.G.M. is November each year, but to get people interested in this meeting is almost impossible, and the Committee keep hoping when November comes, people will come along to air their views.
The standard of playing at out club is tremendous, and value for money – there is not a better evening’s entertainment to be had. If you are a S.D.B. enthusiast, sitting at Moorfield some Tuesday evening, it is overwhelming to see and hear the talent on stage. Long may it continue. I hope all readers of the ‘B&F’ come along to see us a Moorfield, and if you are a player, give us a ‘tune’.
The enthusiasm is so great for our Club, the 3 lads from the West Coast came along just for the evening and back home again throughout last summer. I think they have split up due to College and jobs, but if you are reading this lads “we miss you” – you know who you are!!! And to all other players – young and old – Blairgowrie’s success is due to you taking the stage at Moorfield.
Thanks everyone from the Secretary of the Blair Club (Dave’s better half).
No 11 Blairgowrie
by Irene Sutherland
The present Blairgowrie A&F Club, under the Chairmanship of Dave Sutherland, started in 1986. However, the actual Club goes back a number of years, even as far back as the late 1960’s, when it was managed by the well-known dance band leader George Bell. The Club itself has never stopped, despite many setbacks financially, particularly when our Treasurer, Betty Tasker, recalls she had the fantastic sum of 89 pence in total in our account. In the present healthy financial state of the Club, it is hard for Betty, and her husband Jack, to even think back to the ‘struggling years’.
Before I go into more details about our Club, perhaps I should introduce the readers to the Committee of the Blairgowrie Club. They are a rather motley crew to be running a successful A&F Club. The Chairman, at this time of year, can be found pottering amongst his dahlias (Dahlia Dave as he is known), being a successful dahlia grower, the Secretary (Irene Sutherland) is usually preparing for art exhibitions, Janet Nicol is one of Scotland’s top dog handlers, Betty and Jack Tasker are the true backbone of our Club as was previously stated, they kept it going through bad times.
The other members of the Committee are 3 farmers – Jim Thom, Chick Boath and Peter Ramsay. Peter was brought in when his wife, the former Joyce Reid, resigned as Secretary. Joyce must be mentioned as she was another one who kept the Club going in the bad times until she managed to persuade Dave Sutherland to ‘have a go’.
The last member is David Oswald, who represents the younger generation, and keeps all ‘the oldies’ up-to-date on what’s what in the music scene. David will soon be leaving for University, but hopefully will still be taking an interest in the Club.
The Blairgowrie Club has a membership of around 40, but on most Club nights throughout the year we have an excellent turnout, despite Blairgowrie Tourist Board running a Highland Night on the same evening throughout the summer. In summer we do well with the tourists, and in winter we rely on the enthusiasts who come along despite the weather. All players are welcomed and enjoyed at our Club, and the ages range from the very young to the senior citizen.
Each year we award a ‘Player of the Year’ Shield, and it keeps the interest going to see a player improving month by month. It is encouraging for the young players (although age is no limit for the trophy).
Recently, Dave spoke to a parent of one of the youngsters, who said it was great to see his two girls hurrying home from school and getting down to practicing their tunes for our next Club. It has always been Dave Sutherland’s policy to encourage the youngsters (as well as young bands as guests too). When Dave took over, and of course, much further back, some of the youngsters who came to our Club, are now well known bandleaders.
It would be foolish to name particular players in this article, as it would fill a few pages to name those who have popped in at Moorfield to have a tune, and at times Dave himself has felt embarrassed knowing that an excellent musician has appeared too late to be included on stage that evening. Dave’s aim is to give everyone a tune, but time is limited, and he has often to disappoint many players. However, he knows everyone understands, and will come along again.
The beginning of the evening is the time when players are scarce, and we can always rely on Chic Boath or Jim Thom (Committee members) to start the proceedings, and of course, Dave Oswald, is always our reliable 2nd box (much to Dave’s disgust!)
A mention should be made re the venue of our Club, as there are possibly very few Clubs in Scotland with such a lovely setting, and when stranger enter the door, they immediately feel they are going to enjoy their evening in such lovely surroundings. It is most satisfying for the writer of this article to see the happy looks on people’s faces when they leave the Club after each meeting, and to know that we have had another successful night. Of course, like all Clubs we cannot satisfy everyone, but the Chairman tries to book artistes whom he thinks go down well with the majority of the audience, but each year they are asked to make suggestions re guest artistes.
Our A.G.M. is November each year, but to get people interested in this meeting is almost impossible, and the Committee keep hoping when November comes, people will come along to air their views.
The standard of playing at out club is tremendous, and value for money – there is not a better evening’s entertainment to be had. If you are a S.D.B. enthusiast, sitting at Moorfield some Tuesday evening, it is overwhelming to see and hear the talent on stage. Long may it continue. I hope all readers of the ‘B&F’ come along to see us a Moorfield, and if you are a player, give us a ‘tune’.
The enthusiasm is so great for our Club, the 3 lads from the West Coast came along just for the evening and back home again throughout last summer. I think they have split up due to College and jobs, but if you are reading this lads “we miss you” – you know who you are!!! And to all other players – young and old – Blairgowrie’s success is due to you taking the stage at Moorfield.
Thanks everyone from the Secretary of the Blair Club (Dave’s better half).