Box and Fiddle
Year 11 No 04
December 1987
Price 40p
12 pages
8 month subscription £4.60
Joint Editors – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP or Douglas Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Obituary
It was with regret that we learned recently of the death of Chrissie Leatham. Chrissie has been a highly respected teacher in the Edinburgh area for many years and has been involved with many of our finest players. She will be sadly missed.
A.G.M. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held at Perth in June are now available for distribution. The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, will send off copies to Clubs as soon as he receives the recently distributed Registration Forms duly completed, together with fees.
Festive season
Time seems to charge ahead these days. Already we are half way through the Box and fiddle year. On behalf of all involved with the paper, may I wish everybody a joyful Christmas and the Compliments of the season.
Tom Clark
Perth Festival Time Again
by Tom Clark
It seems like only the other month since we last reported on the Perth Festival. I’m sure that for the competitors the time goes all too quickly after the summer break, and after many hours of practice and preparation the big day has arrived.
The early starters usually find things rather quiet at the different venues. In the City Halls only a handful of spectators were in their seats at the start of the Senior Pipe Section and the Junior Traditional.
I had already decided that this year I would start off at St. John’s Episcopal Hall to hear the classical Section of the Bell Trophy and the Junior Area Championship. The attendance here looked much better and a full hall heard some excellent playing. Adjudicator Graham Romani’s seemly comments indicated a good general standard of entries. Only two marks separated the first three in the Bell Trophy and we heard some fine performances of the test piece (Fugaza’s Czardas).
The Junior Area Championship was won by Mark Bousie with a mark of 90 for an excellent performance. (Graham Romani is not normally regarded as a high marker).
By mid morning the City Halls attendance was much better. James Coutts had just been declared the winner of the Senior Pipe Section and was on stage as the first competitor in the Senior Traditional – the stamina of some of the youngsters!
The Veteran Section was scheduled for 2.45pm in the Large Hall and by the time the event came round the hall was busier than at any time earlier. It certainly looks as though this competition for the Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich is proving very popular. This year there were seven entries. I was sitting close to the front of the hall along with Willie Lawrie who had been the first on stage. When Iain MacPhail’s results were read out by Mickie Ainsworth, Willie let out a shout and jumped up, “I’ve done it”. Everybody seemed to agree with the adjudication decision judging by the cheers as Willie climbed onto the stage to accept his trophy. In his excitement he dropped the trophy as he waved his arms to some well-wishers – a very popular winner. Readers will no doubt recall that Willie was featured in an article by Norrie Williams in the October issue of the ‘B&F’.
Due to administration changes, the Scottish Dance Band Section was transferred to the Lesser City Hall and a rush for seats followed the announcement. The acoustics in the Lesser Hall are quite different from the Large Hall and a ‘slightly out of tune’ piano seemed excessively loud. However, the Bands gave us some enjoyable performances and acquitted themselves fairly well. This section always attracts a good attendance and is one of the most entertaining times of the day. The adjudicator was Bill black, who gave first place to the James Coutts Band (Busy young man this).
The Evening Concert at the Perth Festival is always a sell-out and this year was the same. The final of the Senior Traditional this year included eight players – an indication of how difficult Jimmy Lindsay found it to sort out a top six. Willie McGuire of Dysart come out tops as a very worthy champion. Willie gave a superb performance (on his British Chromatic accordion) of ‘Mr Michie’, ‘The Marquis of Huntly’s Farewell’ and ‘The Cape Breton Fiddlers’ by Willie Hunter. It was very refreshing to hear these tunes played in a more traditional idiom than has been the case on many other occasions and I’m sure that Willie McGuire’s success will please many musicians who have been bemoaning the lack of interpretation in recent years. Willie McGuire was also winner of the ‘Own Composition’ Section with his entry ‘David Scott of Kilbirnie’. Well done Willie.
A regular feature of the Festival now is the dance held in the Salutation by the Perth Club. The newly refurbished room was packed again this year and danced through to the early hours to the music of Bill Black’s Band. After the clock went back an hour, the dance carried on The usual stramash on the Salutation stage brought the day to an end as everybody went off to bed tired but happy and looking forward to next year. (Hope it doesn’t come round again as quickly as this year).
During chats with many players and listeners throughout the day in the foyer and other places the general comment was that, although the finalists in the Senior Competition were probably as good as ever, the general standard of entries seems to be lower.
Let’s hope that trend can be reversed.
Competition results :-
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Willie McGuire
2) James Coutts
3) Mark Anderson
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) James Coutts
2) Alan Morrison
3) Mark Anderson
Veterans’ Section
1) Willie Lawrie
2) Bobby Crowe
3) Alan Morrison
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Wayne Robertson
2) Iain Carmichael
3) Craig Skinner
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1) Melanie Christie
2) Lynn Christie
3) Iain Carmichael
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Jennifer Forrest
2) Karin Leitch
3) Fiona Kenneth
Junior Girls
1) Laura Martin
2) Allison Gilfillan
3) Mhairi Coutts
Own Composition
1) Willie McGuire
2) Michael Philip
3) Willie Lawrie
Trios
1) Alan Gardiner
2) Mario Feilding
3) Michael Philip
Scottish Country Dance Band
1) James Coutts
2) Peter Wood
3) Ian Hutson
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Allan Thomson
2) Ewan Stark
Junior Fiddle
1) Eilidh Shaw
2) Allison Dewar
3) Aiden O’Rourke
Senior Fiddle
1) Emma Rayworth
2) Tracy Moir
3) Mark MacDougall
CLASSICAL
7 Years and Under
1) Alastair Mckenzie
2) Ian McLelland
9 Years and Under
1) Lesley Gilchrist
2) Ross Irvine
11 Years and Under
1) Lindsay Torrie
2) Liam Smith
13 Years and Under
1) Wayne Robertson
2) Stewart Campbell
Area Junior Championship
1) Mark Bousie
2) David Hendren
Preparatory Solo
1) Steven Hutton
2) Heather Reid
Elementary Solo
1) Andrew Gordon
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Jennifer Meek
2) Claire Lindsay
Intermediate Solo
1) Andrew Warren
2) Keith Robertson
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Fraser McLennan
2) Yvonne Kirk
Area Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Paton
2) Gordon Stewart
Invitation Open Solo
1) David Preston
2) Morag McFarlane
Elementary Free Bass
1) Craig Russell
Intermediate Free Bass
1) Gavin W. Penny
2) Peter Stewart
Open Solo Free Bass
1) Morag McFarlane
2) Angeline McCloy
Entertainment
1) Pamela Mutch & David Martin
Preparatory Duet
1) Allison & Susan McPake
2) Evelyn Smith &Martin Bryce
Elementary Duet
1) Barry McMillan & Kirsty Benton
2) Colin McNeil & Lesley Morrison
Intermediate Duet
1) Grant Leslie & Garry McEwan
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Russel & Lindsay Torrie
2) John Caughey & Janette Lauhrie
Advanced Duet
1) Stewart Law & Angeline McCloy
Preparatory Band
1) Gillespie Music Club
Elementary Band
1) I G. & B Laurie Elementary Accordion Band
Intermediate Band
1) Gillespie Music Club
2) G & B Laurie Paisley
Advanced Band
1) Fife Accordion Band
2) Dundee Accordion Band
Advanced Group Section
1) Fife Accordion Band
2) Dundee Accordion Band
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Gordon Haddow
2) Craig Drysdale
3) Fiona Kenneth
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
It seems like only yesterday I was writing the report on last year’s ‘Stanley Ceilidh’, but once again it has come and gone, and oh boy! What a night of music we had. Players and listeners appeared from all corners of Scotland and the North of England, and as the night ended (the next day), the general cry seemed to be, ‘Well, that’s been the best yin yet’. It’s certainly very hard to imagine any improvement on this year anyway, and I would like to give my personal thanks to everybody who made the effort to come and support this year’s ceilidh, and also for giving so generously to the usual half-time collection. The amount raised this time was £250, which will be handed over to handicapped children. My special thanks to Ken Scott and Dave Hendry who went round with the trays to make the collection.
This year we had a slight change in proceedings when we invited Jimmy Bremner from the Black Isle to take the floor. He is one of the best impressionists I’ve seen and he really brought the place down. In the first half he was Michael Crawford and the second half he was Jimmy Cricket. Thanks Jimmy for coming all that distance to be with us.
At this stage could I also give my thanks to the Tayside Hotel management and staff for looking after everybody so well and making everybody feel so welcome.
The evening started off as usual just after 7.30pm and without one moments time wasted. We had a struggle getting everyone on stage by 1.30 am, but what a feast of music, and as dawn was breaking you could still hear the sound of jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes, etc drifting across the open fields around ‘Leaside’.
I started off the evening with my own Band as usual, and after that it was bands, duets and solos all the way.
On accordions we had Graeme Mitchell, Neil Caul, Duncan Black, Sandy Webster, George Wark, Ali McGregor and the Tain Band (all the Tain Band were there), James Pirie, Tracy Rodger, Lindsay Weir, Neil MacEachern, Mark Cummine, Calum Marquis, Alastair McPhail, Joyce Reid, and, of course, yours truly.
Fiddlers present were Judith Davidson, Angela Smith, Tracy Moir, Becky Hunter, John Pirie, Fiona Pirie, Neil Dawson, Stella Wilkie and Mark McDougall.
Pianists were Anne Black, Derek Hendry and Owen Felding.
On drums we had Steve Beattie, Davie Fielding, Graham Jamieson and Kevin McPheeters.
One little novelty we had to add to all that was a couple of selections of tunes on the saw from Johnnie Robertson.
My sincere apologies if I have missed anyone out and once again thanks to everyone for your support.
The date for next year’s Stanley Ceilidh is the 4th of November, 1988, so if you would like to be part of a night to remember, get that date in your diary now. A good year’s music to one and all, and look forward to seeing you all next year at the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’.
Record Review
The Spice of Life – The Currie Brothers – ASCS 010
Colin Dewar and his SDB – LAP 116C
At the End of a Perfect Day – Jimmy Shand and his Band – CWGR TV3
Readers Letters
Sir – The evening of Monday, 26th November, 1987, when Newtongrange A&F Club celebrated its tenth birthday was certainly a night to remember. As one of the privileged guests may I, through your columns, record one or two thoughts on the Club and that memorable occasion.
Newtongrange Club epitomizes all that is best in the N.A.A.F.C. movement. It has all the normal desirable attributes, a healthy enthusiastic membership, an enviable surfeit of good player members, good premises and a Committee which is second to none and fires on all cylinders. But it has a further ingredient more difficult to define. One is instantly aware of it on entering – there is a feeling of belonging, of being immediately at home, a warmth and understanding which permeates throughout the gathering. I don’t know if this stems from the previous mining background of the area but it is very noticeable to a comparative newcomer – although a humble but proud life member.
The National Association is the richer for having a Club of this calibre in its ranks. The A.G.M. Weekends would not be the same without the tremendous support given by Newtongrange – the wee town itself must resemble Aberdeen on a flag day over that weekend!
And without ‘Nitten’ the Musselburgh Festival would not run the way it does. At functions far and near featuring our type of music it flies the flag.
The 10th Birthday Club evening celebrations had as one would expect been organized to the last detail, it had everything, a feast of music from the ‘punters’, birthday cake, presentations, a knife and fork supper, the B.B.C. ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ team, you name it - it had it.
And the guest players, a group which performed at the very first meeting and which is now synonymous with the Club, the Jim Johnstone Band. There is no other band better qualified to have filled the bill on this occasion. Like the Club, it is a great ambassador for the Association with a happy blend of youth and experience and a track record of a consistently high standard over many years which must surely be unrivalled.
What an evening – our warmest thanks and congratulations to Newtongrange and its tireless Committee, and here’s to the next ten years.
Norrie Williams
Sir – Thank goodness for Willie Cassie, he’s goaded some of our Club Secretaries into putting pen to paper regarding how Clubs should be run.
This is a very complex question as many factors are involved, including area, whether rural or urban, the availability of tuition on the accordion and fiddle, percentage of population in employment, etc.
Premises fopr meetings can vary from hotels to social clubs, and prices for halls, in my experience, range from £100 to £6.
Our Club is quite small and what I would call a players’ Club, a place for a tune on the box and a crack with friends. There have been occasions when the hall was filled to capacity, usually when we have a special guest, with tickets printed and charged accordingly.
This suggests that if someone buys a ticket to see an artiste at £2, they are more likely to attend on the night than if you just advertise a Club meeting with £1 at the door.
Our Club very rarely makes a profit and is supported or subsidized by our regular dances. We run the Club to encourage the youngsters and to promote the Scottish music. We have been quite successful in this aspect, some of our former young players now play regularly in bands etc.
The player list for 1980-81 included Ian Horsburgh, Karen Higgins-Edwardson, Carol Farquhar, Dianne Armstrong, Norma Brodie, Neil Barron, Ian Skinner and Jennifer Forrest. Hopefully in ten years time we can say the same for our present youngsters.
I don’t think there is any easy answer on how to run an A&F Club. It would be fine if the monthly meetings were sell-outs before the doors were open, alas, in many instances, this in not the case, therefore it is up to each Committee to decide on how to finance the Club and not to depend on outside help either from the big Clubs or elsewhere.
The bottom line is – you can still run a Club without paying out any fees except for a hall and have an enjoyable night, playing the music with regulars, and if any of the big bands etc want to attend for the fun of it, then all to the good.
Finally, I would like to complain to the media regarding poor coverage of the Scottish music scene – not radio, but newspapers and television. Very rarely do Scottish newspapers give any coverage to events like Musselburgh or Perth Festivals. Why can’t we have Scottish Dance Bands on television without the straw bales and hand clapping. Regular weekly programmes. The question, when?
Stewart Lochie
Secretary – Armadale A&F Club
Sir – What a pleasure it was to be part of the Newtongrange A&F Club’s 10th birthday celebrations.
The invited guests were warmly welcomed and a chosen few were honoured with Life Memberships. Robbie Shepherd and Co. were in evidence recording interviews as well as the music of the guest artiste Jim Johnstone and his Band. How such lovely food was prepared and served to so many was a miracle in itself.
I congratulate this friendly, hard working Committee on its efforts and wish them many more years of success.
Jimmy Blue
Chairman NAAFC
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Dec 87 Christmas Dance with John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 20th Dec 87 Duncan McCallum SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 21st Dec 87 Craigowl SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Annie Robertson & John Houston
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Dochie McCallum Band
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3rd Dec 87 Duncan McCallum Quartet
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28th Dec 87 Alex McPhee SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Dec 87 Bill Brian
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Dec 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Dec 87 Peter Bruce
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) – 15th Dec 87 The Donaldson Brothers
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 1st Dec 87 Aberdeen Club
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Countryside Inn) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Rigadoon
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 8th Dec 87 Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 3rd Dec 87 The Gordon SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Dec 87 Alan Clark Trio
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Armadale
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Castle Douglas
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee
10. Forres
11. Galson
12. Glendale
13. Highland
14. Islesteps
15. Kinlochsheil
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Mauchline
21. Montrose
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Renfrew
28. Rothbury
20. Shetland
30. Thurso
31. Turriff & District
32. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1987 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Callander A&F Club (
14. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
73. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
74. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
75. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
76. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
77. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
78. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
79. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
80. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
81. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
82. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
83. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
84. Newcastleton Accordion Club
85. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
86. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
87. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
88. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
89. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Obituary
It was with regret that we learned recently of the death of Chrissie Leatham. Chrissie has been a highly respected teacher in the Edinburgh area for many years and has been involved with many of our finest players. She will be sadly missed.
A.G.M. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held at Perth in June are now available for distribution. The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, will send off copies to Clubs as soon as he receives the recently distributed Registration Forms duly completed, together with fees.
Festive season
Time seems to charge ahead these days. Already we are half way through the Box and fiddle year. On behalf of all involved with the paper, may I wish everybody a joyful Christmas and the Compliments of the season.
Tom Clark
Perth Festival Time Again
by Tom Clark
It seems like only the other month since we last reported on the Perth Festival. I’m sure that for the competitors the time goes all too quickly after the summer break, and after many hours of practice and preparation the big day has arrived.
The early starters usually find things rather quiet at the different venues. In the City Halls only a handful of spectators were in their seats at the start of the Senior Pipe Section and the Junior Traditional.
I had already decided that this year I would start off at St. John’s Episcopal Hall to hear the classical Section of the Bell Trophy and the Junior Area Championship. The attendance here looked much better and a full hall heard some excellent playing. Adjudicator Graham Romani’s seemly comments indicated a good general standard of entries. Only two marks separated the first three in the Bell Trophy and we heard some fine performances of the test piece (Fugaza’s Czardas).
The Junior Area Championship was won by Mark Bousie with a mark of 90 for an excellent performance. (Graham Romani is not normally regarded as a high marker).
By mid morning the City Halls attendance was much better. James Coutts had just been declared the winner of the Senior Pipe Section and was on stage as the first competitor in the Senior Traditional – the stamina of some of the youngsters!
The Veteran Section was scheduled for 2.45pm in the Large Hall and by the time the event came round the hall was busier than at any time earlier. It certainly looks as though this competition for the Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich is proving very popular. This year there were seven entries. I was sitting close to the front of the hall along with Willie Lawrie who had been the first on stage. When Iain MacPhail’s results were read out by Mickie Ainsworth, Willie let out a shout and jumped up, “I’ve done it”. Everybody seemed to agree with the adjudication decision judging by the cheers as Willie climbed onto the stage to accept his trophy. In his excitement he dropped the trophy as he waved his arms to some well-wishers – a very popular winner. Readers will no doubt recall that Willie was featured in an article by Norrie Williams in the October issue of the ‘B&F’.
Due to administration changes, the Scottish Dance Band Section was transferred to the Lesser City Hall and a rush for seats followed the announcement. The acoustics in the Lesser Hall are quite different from the Large Hall and a ‘slightly out of tune’ piano seemed excessively loud. However, the Bands gave us some enjoyable performances and acquitted themselves fairly well. This section always attracts a good attendance and is one of the most entertaining times of the day. The adjudicator was Bill black, who gave first place to the James Coutts Band (Busy young man this).
The Evening Concert at the Perth Festival is always a sell-out and this year was the same. The final of the Senior Traditional this year included eight players – an indication of how difficult Jimmy Lindsay found it to sort out a top six. Willie McGuire of Dysart come out tops as a very worthy champion. Willie gave a superb performance (on his British Chromatic accordion) of ‘Mr Michie’, ‘The Marquis of Huntly’s Farewell’ and ‘The Cape Breton Fiddlers’ by Willie Hunter. It was very refreshing to hear these tunes played in a more traditional idiom than has been the case on many other occasions and I’m sure that Willie McGuire’s success will please many musicians who have been bemoaning the lack of interpretation in recent years. Willie McGuire was also winner of the ‘Own Composition’ Section with his entry ‘David Scott of Kilbirnie’. Well done Willie.
A regular feature of the Festival now is the dance held in the Salutation by the Perth Club. The newly refurbished room was packed again this year and danced through to the early hours to the music of Bill Black’s Band. After the clock went back an hour, the dance carried on The usual stramash on the Salutation stage brought the day to an end as everybody went off to bed tired but happy and looking forward to next year. (Hope it doesn’t come round again as quickly as this year).
During chats with many players and listeners throughout the day in the foyer and other places the general comment was that, although the finalists in the Senior Competition were probably as good as ever, the general standard of entries seems to be lower.
Let’s hope that trend can be reversed.
Competition results :-
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Willie McGuire
2) James Coutts
3) Mark Anderson
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) James Coutts
2) Alan Morrison
3) Mark Anderson
Veterans’ Section
1) Willie Lawrie
2) Bobby Crowe
3) Alan Morrison
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Wayne Robertson
2) Iain Carmichael
3) Craig Skinner
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1) Melanie Christie
2) Lynn Christie
3) Iain Carmichael
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Jennifer Forrest
2) Karin Leitch
3) Fiona Kenneth
Junior Girls
1) Laura Martin
2) Allison Gilfillan
3) Mhairi Coutts
Own Composition
1) Willie McGuire
2) Michael Philip
3) Willie Lawrie
Trios
1) Alan Gardiner
2) Mario Feilding
3) Michael Philip
Scottish Country Dance Band
1) James Coutts
2) Peter Wood
3) Ian Hutson
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Allan Thomson
2) Ewan Stark
Junior Fiddle
1) Eilidh Shaw
2) Allison Dewar
3) Aiden O’Rourke
Senior Fiddle
1) Emma Rayworth
2) Tracy Moir
3) Mark MacDougall
CLASSICAL
7 Years and Under
1) Alastair Mckenzie
2) Ian McLelland
9 Years and Under
1) Lesley Gilchrist
2) Ross Irvine
11 Years and Under
1) Lindsay Torrie
2) Liam Smith
13 Years and Under
1) Wayne Robertson
2) Stewart Campbell
Area Junior Championship
1) Mark Bousie
2) David Hendren
Preparatory Solo
1) Steven Hutton
2) Heather Reid
Elementary Solo
1) Andrew Gordon
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Jennifer Meek
2) Claire Lindsay
Intermediate Solo
1) Andrew Warren
2) Keith Robertson
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Fraser McLennan
2) Yvonne Kirk
Area Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Paton
2) Gordon Stewart
Invitation Open Solo
1) David Preston
2) Morag McFarlane
Elementary Free Bass
1) Craig Russell
Intermediate Free Bass
1) Gavin W. Penny
2) Peter Stewart
Open Solo Free Bass
1) Morag McFarlane
2) Angeline McCloy
Entertainment
1) Pamela Mutch & David Martin
Preparatory Duet
1) Allison & Susan McPake
2) Evelyn Smith &Martin Bryce
Elementary Duet
1) Barry McMillan & Kirsty Benton
2) Colin McNeil & Lesley Morrison
Intermediate Duet
1) Grant Leslie & Garry McEwan
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Russel & Lindsay Torrie
2) John Caughey & Janette Lauhrie
Advanced Duet
1) Stewart Law & Angeline McCloy
Preparatory Band
1) Gillespie Music Club
Elementary Band
1) I G. & B Laurie Elementary Accordion Band
Intermediate Band
1) Gillespie Music Club
2) G & B Laurie Paisley
Advanced Band
1) Fife Accordion Band
2) Dundee Accordion Band
Advanced Group Section
1) Fife Accordion Band
2) Dundee Accordion Band
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Gordon Haddow
2) Craig Drysdale
3) Fiona Kenneth
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
It seems like only yesterday I was writing the report on last year’s ‘Stanley Ceilidh’, but once again it has come and gone, and oh boy! What a night of music we had. Players and listeners appeared from all corners of Scotland and the North of England, and as the night ended (the next day), the general cry seemed to be, ‘Well, that’s been the best yin yet’. It’s certainly very hard to imagine any improvement on this year anyway, and I would like to give my personal thanks to everybody who made the effort to come and support this year’s ceilidh, and also for giving so generously to the usual half-time collection. The amount raised this time was £250, which will be handed over to handicapped children. My special thanks to Ken Scott and Dave Hendry who went round with the trays to make the collection.
This year we had a slight change in proceedings when we invited Jimmy Bremner from the Black Isle to take the floor. He is one of the best impressionists I’ve seen and he really brought the place down. In the first half he was Michael Crawford and the second half he was Jimmy Cricket. Thanks Jimmy for coming all that distance to be with us.
At this stage could I also give my thanks to the Tayside Hotel management and staff for looking after everybody so well and making everybody feel so welcome.
The evening started off as usual just after 7.30pm and without one moments time wasted. We had a struggle getting everyone on stage by 1.30 am, but what a feast of music, and as dawn was breaking you could still hear the sound of jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes, etc drifting across the open fields around ‘Leaside’.
I started off the evening with my own Band as usual, and after that it was bands, duets and solos all the way.
On accordions we had Graeme Mitchell, Neil Caul, Duncan Black, Sandy Webster, George Wark, Ali McGregor and the Tain Band (all the Tain Band were there), James Pirie, Tracy Rodger, Lindsay Weir, Neil MacEachern, Mark Cummine, Calum Marquis, Alastair McPhail, Joyce Reid, and, of course, yours truly.
Fiddlers present were Judith Davidson, Angela Smith, Tracy Moir, Becky Hunter, John Pirie, Fiona Pirie, Neil Dawson, Stella Wilkie and Mark McDougall.
Pianists were Anne Black, Derek Hendry and Owen Felding.
On drums we had Steve Beattie, Davie Fielding, Graham Jamieson and Kevin McPheeters.
One little novelty we had to add to all that was a couple of selections of tunes on the saw from Johnnie Robertson.
My sincere apologies if I have missed anyone out and once again thanks to everyone for your support.
The date for next year’s Stanley Ceilidh is the 4th of November, 1988, so if you would like to be part of a night to remember, get that date in your diary now. A good year’s music to one and all, and look forward to seeing you all next year at the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’.
Record Review
The Spice of Life – The Currie Brothers – ASCS 010
Colin Dewar and his SDB – LAP 116C
At the End of a Perfect Day – Jimmy Shand and his Band – CWGR TV3
Readers Letters
Sir – The evening of Monday, 26th November, 1987, when Newtongrange A&F Club celebrated its tenth birthday was certainly a night to remember. As one of the privileged guests may I, through your columns, record one or two thoughts on the Club and that memorable occasion.
Newtongrange Club epitomizes all that is best in the N.A.A.F.C. movement. It has all the normal desirable attributes, a healthy enthusiastic membership, an enviable surfeit of good player members, good premises and a Committee which is second to none and fires on all cylinders. But it has a further ingredient more difficult to define. One is instantly aware of it on entering – there is a feeling of belonging, of being immediately at home, a warmth and understanding which permeates throughout the gathering. I don’t know if this stems from the previous mining background of the area but it is very noticeable to a comparative newcomer – although a humble but proud life member.
The National Association is the richer for having a Club of this calibre in its ranks. The A.G.M. Weekends would not be the same without the tremendous support given by Newtongrange – the wee town itself must resemble Aberdeen on a flag day over that weekend!
And without ‘Nitten’ the Musselburgh Festival would not run the way it does. At functions far and near featuring our type of music it flies the flag.
The 10th Birthday Club evening celebrations had as one would expect been organized to the last detail, it had everything, a feast of music from the ‘punters’, birthday cake, presentations, a knife and fork supper, the B.B.C. ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ team, you name it - it had it.
And the guest players, a group which performed at the very first meeting and which is now synonymous with the Club, the Jim Johnstone Band. There is no other band better qualified to have filled the bill on this occasion. Like the Club, it is a great ambassador for the Association with a happy blend of youth and experience and a track record of a consistently high standard over many years which must surely be unrivalled.
What an evening – our warmest thanks and congratulations to Newtongrange and its tireless Committee, and here’s to the next ten years.
Norrie Williams
Sir – Thank goodness for Willie Cassie, he’s goaded some of our Club Secretaries into putting pen to paper regarding how Clubs should be run.
This is a very complex question as many factors are involved, including area, whether rural or urban, the availability of tuition on the accordion and fiddle, percentage of population in employment, etc.
Premises fopr meetings can vary from hotels to social clubs, and prices for halls, in my experience, range from £100 to £6.
Our Club is quite small and what I would call a players’ Club, a place for a tune on the box and a crack with friends. There have been occasions when the hall was filled to capacity, usually when we have a special guest, with tickets printed and charged accordingly.
This suggests that if someone buys a ticket to see an artiste at £2, they are more likely to attend on the night than if you just advertise a Club meeting with £1 at the door.
Our Club very rarely makes a profit and is supported or subsidized by our regular dances. We run the Club to encourage the youngsters and to promote the Scottish music. We have been quite successful in this aspect, some of our former young players now play regularly in bands etc.
The player list for 1980-81 included Ian Horsburgh, Karen Higgins-Edwardson, Carol Farquhar, Dianne Armstrong, Norma Brodie, Neil Barron, Ian Skinner and Jennifer Forrest. Hopefully in ten years time we can say the same for our present youngsters.
I don’t think there is any easy answer on how to run an A&F Club. It would be fine if the monthly meetings were sell-outs before the doors were open, alas, in many instances, this in not the case, therefore it is up to each Committee to decide on how to finance the Club and not to depend on outside help either from the big Clubs or elsewhere.
The bottom line is – you can still run a Club without paying out any fees except for a hall and have an enjoyable night, playing the music with regulars, and if any of the big bands etc want to attend for the fun of it, then all to the good.
Finally, I would like to complain to the media regarding poor coverage of the Scottish music scene – not radio, but newspapers and television. Very rarely do Scottish newspapers give any coverage to events like Musselburgh or Perth Festivals. Why can’t we have Scottish Dance Bands on television without the straw bales and hand clapping. Regular weekly programmes. The question, when?
Stewart Lochie
Secretary – Armadale A&F Club
Sir – What a pleasure it was to be part of the Newtongrange A&F Club’s 10th birthday celebrations.
The invited guests were warmly welcomed and a chosen few were honoured with Life Memberships. Robbie Shepherd and Co. were in evidence recording interviews as well as the music of the guest artiste Jim Johnstone and his Band. How such lovely food was prepared and served to so many was a miracle in itself.
I congratulate this friendly, hard working Committee on its efforts and wish them many more years of success.
Jimmy Blue
Chairman NAAFC
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 6th Dec 87 Christmas Dance with John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 20th Dec 87 Duncan McCallum SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 21st Dec 87 Craigowl SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Annie Robertson & John Houston
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Dochie McCallum Band
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 3rd Dec 87 Duncan McCallum Quartet
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28th Dec 87 Alex McPhee SDB
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9th Dec 87 Bill Brian
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Dec 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Dec 87 Peter Bruce
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) – 15th Dec 87 The Donaldson Brothers
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 1st Dec 87 Aberdeen Club
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Countryside Inn) –
Perth (Station Hotel) – 15th Dec 87 Rigadoon
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 8th Dec 87 Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 3rd Dec 87 The Gordon SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Dec 87 Alan Clark Trio
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Armadale
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Castle Douglas
8. Dunblane & District
9. Dundee
10. Forres
11. Galson
12. Glendale
13. Highland
14. Islesteps
15. Kinlochsheil
16. Kintore
17. Lesmahagow
18. Livingston
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Mauchline
21. Montrose
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Perth
27. Renfrew
28. Rothbury
20. Shetland
30. Thurso
31. Turriff & District
32. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1987 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Callander A&F Club (
14. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
73. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
74. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
75. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
76. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
77. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
78. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
79. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
80. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
81. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
82. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
83. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
84. Newcastleton Accordion Club
85. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
86. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
87. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
88. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
89. Wellbank A&F Club
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