Box and Fiddle
Year 15 No 04
December 1991
Price 50p
12 pages
8 month subscription £6.00
Editor – Interim Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
As we come to the end of another year, I would like to thank most sincerely everybody who has contributed in any way to helping me produce the paper. The rallying calls of the spring have been well and truly answered and I am hopeful that the ‘B&F’ will now go from strength to strength.
Just one worrying aspect – Margaret informs me that some Clubs are taking a long time to pay their papers. Printer’s bills have to be met promptly and it would be appreciated if these Clubs could see their way to settling their account a wee bit quicker.
Please remember copy for the January issue must reach me by Tuesday, 10th December.
Margaret, Jeanette and I wish you all the Compliments of the Season.
Doug Adamson
Frank Reid and his Band
by B.T.
Sixteen years ago the band was going to play for the mid-Sussex Caledonian Society Dance in Haywards Heath. That Friday Frank took his van with his Domino Morino accordion and amplification to his work in London – where the whole lot was nicked. He knew that Bernard Dixon had sold Andrew Rankine a Morino VN and so he gave the latter a ring in Leicester. Frank asked Andrew what he thought was the worst possible thing that could happen to a box player? After a short pause for thought, he replied “that someone should die and leave him a hundred ……… …….. records!”
To shorten the story, Frank borrowed back his old Paolo Soprani from Bernard Dixon and the amplification from Michael Shaw, who I understand now lives in Strathpeffer and has a lot to do with the Dingwall Accordion and Fiddle Club. So, when I arrived at Haywards Heath that evening I was told of affairs by the M.C. Bruce Urquhart. After introductions I said I had a box in the boot of my car. I could see that Frank was not impressed, but he politely asked what it was. I said a Hohner VM knowing full well knowing it was the same as Frank’s stolen box. His face lit up, but being Frank he asked if it had “Power Bass” – it hadn’t. I think he used it for about a month when miraculously all his gear was found and with it the Morino unharmed. That was how I met him.
Frank was born in Glasgow 40 years ago, but after 10 months, his father’s job took him south to Staffordshire then the London area. His parents are both from Glasgow and started the Scottish Country Dancing when their sons took an interest in Highland dancing. Frank was 10 at that time and learning piano which he took to Grade 8. He started playing the box, a Galleazo and progressed via the aforementioned Paolo Soprani and Hohner Domino to Elkavox which he plays now.
At the start he was helped by Graham Catell at the London Highland Club which used to meet at Fetter Lane and later moved to St Columba’s, Pont Street. At first he played in Flora Argent’s band and it was here he met Ken Slaven who was to become the fiddler in his own band until he moved north to Aberdeen. They started by playing for the Highlands and Islands Society on a weekly basis at Fetter Lane.
The band expanded to take in Bobby and David his brothers, on drums and double bass and slightly later his sister Anne joined to play piano. The youth of the band is emphasised by knowing that Anne made her first recording with the band aged 14 and she played for many years. There has always been a strong family flavour to the band although Bobby is the only one with him on a regular basis at present.
Frank is a chartered accountant working as a financial director to a computer company. Bobby is an electrician and Anne is now married. Ray Milbourne (original Secretary of the N.A.A.F.C) took her place and he has played with some well know folk, among whom one would number Andrew Rankine, Iain MacPhail and Jimmy Lindsay.
Ken Slaven was followed by Ian Mills, from Northumberland. Alasdair Fraser and his brother Ian, Terry Crumbliss from America who was a professional flute player and Highland dancer and he now has Sheena Reid (no relation) who play second box on Frank’s old Domino Morino. She learned her Scottish Country Dance music as Frank had before her, listening to records by Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Jimmy Blue and Jim Johnstone. Frank’s wife, Kathy, sometimes turns up with her penny whistle.
The band plays all over the South-East as far west as Cardiff and up to Nottingham. Via, Ian Mills, who comes from those parts, they went up to Newcastleton where they won the Band contest and Frank the Solo Accordion. He told me he met a wide range of people, Albie Tedham, Roger Dobson and his band, John Dagg and his trio, Alan Coulson and many other.
About 50% of their work is R.S.C.D.S. related and Frank has a formidable series of records embracing a number of tracks which have become standards for several popular published dances. The rest is divided between Balls, and what he calls the Barn Dance/Wedding market.
He is too modest to say so, but he can to a certain extent pick his gigs, which because of work and family, he limits to two a week.
There is another dimension to all this, the foreign travel. At the time of writing he is about to set off on a three week tour of Australia and New Zealand, taking with him 150 people wishing to make a tour with Scottish Dancing involved. During the day they see the sights and perhaps in the evening they have a dance or ceilidh. Frank stresses that it is not a school. This is one of the most ambitious trips which have included Hamelin, Denmark, Kilkenny and Canada, whilst he has done regular gigs to Eindhoven, Luxembourg, Jersey and Paris. The organisation behind this is Richard Furlong and his firm of travel agents. You will not be surprised to learn that Richard is Frank’s relief drummer and takes Bobby’s place, particularly on these trips abroad.
What is it that motivated Frank Reid in this desert of Scottish music? As he puts it, most of the people in his office would be hard pressed to describe an accordion. Further, there are no competitions here, so it is very difficult to find the bench marks.
When he was young he would go north to Scotland to help keep up his standards but the inevitable work and family responsibilities have combined to prevent him from going north. It seemed to me that he had a triple drive, he enjoys it, is musically talented, technically competent and last, he runs a very successful musical and commercial operation.
His aim is to spread the popularity of Scottish Country Dancing. He is singularly fitted to do this with his swinging band and I think the proof lies in his phenomenal popularity, evidenced by the constant call on his time and the full halls to which he plays.
A very well known dancer and teacher said to me when he was beginning to tire at the end of a twenty dance programme, Frank Reid could lift him and his fellow dancers and the fatigue would evaporate.
Frank’s small, compact frame exudes a high level of energy which is transmitted through his music and everything he does and to this one can add a remarkable, cheerful and cheering personality.
South of the Border we hope he will lead his band for at least a second twenty five years.
42nd Perth All Scotland Festival
“The Best Yet”
by Robert Kennedy
This seemed to be the opinion of everyone who attended the evening concert of the Perth 42nd All Scotland Festival. With a cast of long established celebrities including Jim MacLeod, George Duffus and the delightful Danielle Pauly from France – it is not surprising that the show was sold out well in advance.
The atmosphere was created and the tempo set by the Minstrels and the Sandra Wright Dancers who followed the Bill Wilkie Band act.
A highlight of the show was the brilliant performance of Billy McGuire, first on his miniature Chinese melodeon then on his much loved Paolo Soprani. Just a run-of-the-mill accordion, but in Billy’s hands, more like a Shand Morino.
You could have heard a pin drop during the finals of the Senior Open (Trad) Championship. The atmosphere was tense and one could see the strain on the faces of many of the finalists. The most relaxed of all was the man who won, Robert Ross of Alloa. He is our new All Scotland Open Solo (Trad) Champion. It was, however, a highly competitive contest with runner-up James Coutts of Kirkcaldy only one point behind the champion.
Mention must be made of the confident, controlled style of the new Under 12’s Champion Gordon Fraser of Munlochy, Inverness. This is the first year of this section and Gordon got it off to a great start.
Talented James Coutts presented his winning Trio in the concert and what music this was. His fiddler had to rush away to play with Jim Johnstone during the evening so Ron Gonella, after adjudicating all day, sportingly offered to stand in with the Trio for the concert appearance. Ron is the greatest of all professionals and the competitors adored his style of adjudication. His remarks were designed to help them understand what is required and to encourage them to do better next year.
There was feverish activity during the day with 9 adjudicators employed to adjudicate the contests in 7 halls. Entries for many of the Scottish Sections were up this year. For instance, the Senior Scottish Band Contest had 7 entries against 2 last year, however classical sections were down due to the fact it is thought that many accordionists in Scotland are disenchanted with the N.A.O. who are always late in publishing the test pieces and as Perth is first in the year’s cycle of contests, teachers do not have time to prepare their pupils for this important Festival.
Also, there have been occasions when the pieces selected by the N.A.O. were unavailable anywhere, causing further delays.
It has been rumoured in many areas that if the N.A.O. does not get its act together regarding North of the Border, Scotland may form its own N.A.O. and have its own national contests for the classical sections. This would be a sad blow to the All-Britain Accordion Day which depends to a larger extent on the huge contingents of Scottish accordionists.
Returning to the Concert. The charming Danielle Paulyproved to be one of the most popular of all the many virtuoso artistes BillWilkie has brought over from the Continent for his shows over the years and accordionists were fascinated by her demonstration of the French Maugein Frere accordions in the foyer of the City Hall during the day. I am sure it will not be long before Bill arranges a return visit for this brilliant and beautiful artiste.
Thanks to Bill and Ena Wilkie and all their willing staff for a happy and smooth running Festival and a show to remember for many a year to come.
The official winners list for 1991 is :
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Robert Ross (Alloa)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Arbroath)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) Richard Wong (Glasgow)
2) Alisdair MacCuish (Paisley)
3) Douglas Hunter (Musselburgh)
Veterans’ Section
1) Bobby Crowe (Balmullo)
2) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
3) Hector Henderson (Fort William)
Scottish Traditional (Under 12)
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Angus Lyon (Lamington)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Scott Gordon (Galston)
3) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1)= Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
1)= Scott Gordon (Galston)
2)= Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2)= Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Trios
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) David Oswald (Blairgowrie)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Kenny Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
2) The Sma’ Glen Tappers (Crieff)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Jacqueline Beaumont (Sma’ Glen)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle (Under 16)
1) Alan Thomson (Kirriemuir)
2) Ewan Stark (Falkland)
3) Sara Fraser (Crieff)
Senior Fiddle
1) Mhairi Skinner (Currie)
2) Keith McWhan (Dumfries)
3) Marie Fielding (Pathhead)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Alastair Lang (Linwood)
2) Greme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
9 Years and Under
1) Fiona Greer
2) Scott Ramsay (Erskine)
3) Euan Crawford (Paisley)
11 Years and Under
1) James McKelvie
2) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
3) Alistair McKenzie (Inchinnan)
13 Years and Under
1) Kevin Swinton
2) Angus Lyon (Lamington)
3) David Ritchie
15 Years and Under
1) Kirsten Lyon (Lamington)
2) Colin McNeill (Carluke)
3) Elizabeth Flannigan (St Boswells)
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small (Dunshelt)
2)
Area Junior Championship
1) l
2)
3)
Preparatory Solo
1) Robin Hamilton (Haddington)
2) Iain Prentice (Dolphinton)
3) Bruce Gibb (Balbeggie)
Elementary Solo
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Mark Harbinson (Motherwell)
3) Marion McLeod (Helensburgh)
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Neill Skinner (Biggar)
2) Stuart Coubrough (Biggar)
3) Anthony Mitchell (Biggar)
Intermediate Solo
1) Colin Train (Carluke)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) Janette Winters (Glasgow)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Alex Meikle (Lochwinnoch)
2) Shirley Campbell (Dumfries)
3) Kirsty Benton (Carluke)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Aileen Smith (Kinross)
2) Michael Craig (Rosyth)
3) Craig Cuthbertson (Dunfermline)
Open Area Solo
1) Michael Paton (Dunfermline)
2) Craig Drysdale (Kirkcaldy)
3) Grant McConnell (Carluke)
Polka (Under 16)
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Fiona Cuthbertson (Closeburn)
2) Pamela Mutch (Armadale)
3) Andrew Smith (Dunbar)
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Duet
1) David & Marcus McCloy (Wishaw)
2) Jill & Vicki Craig (Haddington)
3) Joanne Lindsay & Lynne Stevenson (Wishaw)
Intermediate Duet
1)
2)
3)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1)
2)
3)
Advanced Duet
1)
2)
Premier Duet
1) Robert Muir & Robert Hutcheson (Dunfermline)
Preparatory Band
1)
2)
Elementary Band
1)
2)
Intermediate Band
1)
2)
Advanced Band
1)
2)
Elementary Orchestra
1) J. R. Brown Elementary Orchestra (Wishaw)
2) Keith Dickson Elementary Orchestra (Dolphinton)
Intermediate Orchestra
1) J. R. Brown Intermediate Orchestra (Wishaw)
2)
3)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
1) Kingdom Six Art Level Group (Lochgelly)
Bell Trophy Championship
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and once again it was a phenomenal success with both musicians and enthusiasts traveling from all parts of the country to take part, or be part of this enormous feast of music. The only thing we were a little bit short on was piano players and I think everyone present would agree that Mabel Gray deserves a medal for the work she did that night and for the quality of her playing accompanying all different styles of music.
May I say a special thank you to the hotel staff for their service, both at the bar and with suppers throughout the evening.
A special thank you must also go to my wife Anne, for the way she coped with all the welcome visitors back at the house afterwards, giving out cups of tea, coffee and sandwiches, as if it was an everyday occurrence.
As usual there was a star-studded line-up of musicians all giving of their own special talents.
Our old friend Angus McKinnon traveled all the way from Dallas in Morayshire to give us a few selections on the Jews Harp, during which you could have heard a pin drop in the hall. Thanks folks for your appreciation, especially since Angus is a very young 84 year old.
Supporting artistes on piano were Anne Black, Violet Morrison, all the way from Borve on the Isle of Lewis, and Mabel Gray who did most of the work.
Drummers present were Robert McFadyen, Ally McIntrye, Davie Scott and Duncan Christie. No mean line-up, I’m sure you’ll agree.
On fiddles this year we had Angie Smith, Neil Dawson, Melvin Wilson, Ian Peterson, Tom Lapsley and Mark MacDougall.
Now to accordion players, two of whom came all the way from the Isle of Lewis, Alex Morrison and Archie McKillop, both excellent players we all enjoyed hearing. Another great player we all enjoyed and who came all the way from the Shetland Isles was Alan Nicolson. Other accordionists everybody enjoyed hearing were Mark Cummine and Dochie McCallum from Balmaha ; Neil Caul from Invergowrie (nice to hear Neil again) ; Tommy Kettles from the Stirling area who gave us a few lively selections of jazz – much appreciated Tommy, thank you ; Ian Thomson from Stirling ; Iain Cathcart from West Kilbride ; James and Marie Coutts from Kirkcaldy ; Jimmy Lindsay from Glenalmond ; Lindsay Weir all the way from Culbokie on the Black Isle accompanied byher mother who never misses a ceilidh – thanks very much ladies ; Neil MacEachern from Luss ; Lynne Gould and Lynn Christie from Huntly – nice to see you girls ; Bruce Peebles from Forfar ; Ian Anderson from Balloch – a young lad with a great future ahead of him ; Fiona and Alison Gilfillan from Perth ; Peter Bruce, also from Perth, and Anda Campbell all the way from Bunessan on the Isle of Mull. I managed to get w wee tune myself to start the evening off. One young lad I almost forgot was Andy Renwick who gave us a fantastic selection on the pipes.
As most people know, admission to the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is absolutely free of charge, but there is one slight catch – we organize a collection around half time which goes to handicapped children and as a result of the collection this year, we have over £350 to give to these children. Thank you all very much for your generosity.
May I add at this point, if I missed anyone out and they didn’t get a tune, my sincere apologies, but I did try to make sure that everyone got a shot.
Once again folks, on behalf of Anne and myself, may I thank you all sincerely for making the effort to come along to the Tayside Hotel and make the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ another night to remember.
Next year’s ceilidh is already booked and is on Friday, 6th November, 1992 in the Tayside Hotel at 7.30pm. We look forward to seeing you then, don’t miss it.
Thank you one and all.
Introducing the Clubs
No 4 Oban
by Duncan Campbell
There had been talk amongst local musicians and enthusiasts about the possibility of forming a Club in Oban, however, local bandleader Billy ford placed an advert in the local paper inviting anybody interested to come to a meeting in the Park Hotel, on 24th September, 1975.
At this meeting it was unanimously agreed a club to be called the Oban Accordion and Fiddle Club, to meet in the Park Hotel on the first Wednesday of the month.
A Committee was appointed as follows :
Chairman - Colin Campbell
Social Convenor – Billy Ford
Secretary & Treasurer – Duncan Campbell
Committee Members – D. MacDonald, P. Archibald, D. MacGill and John MacLean.
S. Moodie and J. Spence had already intimated that while they wholeheartedly supported the aims of the Club, they did not wish to join the Committee.
The first meeting was arranged for November 5th, with Alasdair Hunter as the guest artiste, admission charge being 50p.
Around 60 people attended the first meeting but number rapidly increased so much so that by the next year we were forced to sell tickets in advance to avoid disappointment to those traveling considerable distances.
The Park Hotel was an excellent venue for the Club, having all the facilities required – good stage, spacious dining room, accommodation if required, changing rooms etc., and it was a great disappointment when in 1986 part of the hotel was closed off and they were operating in a limited capacity. The dining room was sectioned off and they could no longer offer us any facility to have our Club meetings.
We moved to the centrally situated Royal Hotel for one year only, and the following year to our present location, the Highlands Restaurant, the lease of which had been acquired by two of our Committee members, Billy Ford and Neil Sinclair.
Any successful Club has to have the support of the local musicians and in the main this has happened although once or twice we have been thin on the ground.
Sadly, we lost two of the most respected drummers on the Scottish scene Arthur Easson and Dickie McGuire.
Arthur had come to live locally and played regularly at the Club until ill health forced him into hospital.
Dickie had been a founder member and enjoyed his evenings with us until his sudden death.
Fraser McGlynn was a great support in our early years, coming from Tarbert with his band which was very much appreciated.
We have been disappointed that no young accordionists have been coming on in the Oban area for some years now. Ross McPherson and Hector MacFadyen were the last to come on the scene. It is always of great interest to watch the progress of young players.
Neil Sinclair and Colin Campbell are both taking pupils this year, so we hope to have some new faces at the Club before too long.
Over the years we have had a wide range of guest artistes, both accordion and fiddle. We have had many outstanding evenings and lots of our guests complimented our audience and expressed their willingness to come back again.
As a contrast from the Scottish scene, Jack Emblow and party filled the guest spot in December, 1979.
Only one has our guest artiste failed to appear. Gordon Pattullo was completely snowed in and could not get out of his farm gate.
We have had successful dances in the Park Hotel and McTavish’s Kitchens with bands such as Bobby MacLeod, Bobby Harvey, Billy Anderson and latterly, Tommy Walker.
We are very lucky having fiddle players like young Lyndsay Joss from Connel, Adrian O’Rourke and Maurice Duncan playing at our club from time to time. Adrian and Maurice were playing in the final of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship at Blair Atholl and acquitted themselves very well.
In the last few years we have given the proceeds of our May Club night to Heartstart, Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival and the 1992 Oban Mod.
In the 17 years of the Club’s existence, I think that it can truly be said that there has been a lot of enjoyment given to audiences, local players and guest artistes alike and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all who have helped me in many ways over the years, including my wife and daughter who have been a tower of strength to me.
I feel confident that under our present Chairman, Angus MacFadyen and his Committee, our Club will continue to prosper and be in the forefront of our type of music for many years to come.
The Fourth Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
17th – 21st October, 1991
The weather was blowing a double forte, even by Shetland standards...........
The Auld Meal Mill
by Noel Donaldson
The musical tribute to the late north-east singer and raconteur John Mearns………..
Your Letters
When, some months ago, I received a letter from Dougie McNeilage of Tobermory, asking me to let the N.A.A.F.C. know about the bobby MacLeod Lifeboat Building Fund, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. In one of my brighter moments I had the idea of running a multi-band dance in the Corran Halls and I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, kindness and support of so many people that it makes me feel very humble indeed.
I would like to list some of the wonderful supporters :-
Neil Sinclair and his catering and bar staff in the Corran Halls
The many people who donated money.
The A&F Clubs and all those other people over the country, for their efforts in selling raffle tickets and the many, many people who bought these raffle tickets.
Those who donated prizes for the raffle.
Robbie Shepherd, Robin Brock and John Carmichael for plugging the event on their radio programmes.
The ‘B&F’, the ‘Accordion Times’ and ‘Am Muilleach’ for sponsoring the dance advertisements.
My Executive Committee for their support in this venture and especially Cathy Andrews for co-ordinating the raffle – ‘with a little help from her friends’.
Duncan Campbell for all his enthusiasm and dedication at the Oban end.
Dougie McNeilage for his co-operation and hard work – any man who asks for 500 books of raffle tickets is giving me support! I doubt if there can be another Lifeboat Station with such a livewire for a Treasurer!
Anda and Helen Campbell of Bunessan for putting up the prize for the in-house raffle.
All of the musicians for giving, free, their time and talents to play for the dance and to make Friday, 11th October, 1991, such a memorable night.
And I must pinpoint Bobby Crowe – not only for setting up amps and gear on stage for every band, but also for his enthusiasm, hard work and assistance all along the way.
My wife, Joan, who made endless lists, wrote countless letters asking for donations, sent in adverts, asked for sponsorship, made posters –
And, of course, the wonderful people who came to the dance and gave us their wholehearted enthusiasm throughout the night – it was a special delight to greet so many members of the MacLeod family – Bobby’s sister Ishbel, his daughter Rhoda, sons Duncan, Alastair and Robert, and a few grandsons as well.
We were also very grateful for the lovely letters of appreciation we received after the dance – these were indeed a bonus.
Thank you all
Jimmy Blue
P.S. Proceeds of the raffle and dance at the Corran Halls, Oban, on 11th October, 1991
Raffle………………………£3,020.26
Dance & Donations………£1,979.74
TOTAL £5,000.00
Therefore, £5,000 donated to R.N.L.I. Bobby MacLeod Building
Raffle prizes, main winners
£250 – B. Urquhart
£100 – A. Millar
£50 – H. Menzies
Tom Anderson
Regrettably, I never met Shetland fiddle maestro Tom Anderson, but like thousands of musically minded Scots, I harboured a tremendous admiration for his immense contribution to one of our foremost traditions.
The player who kindled a re-birth of Shetland fiddle music and convinced islanders that it was a heritage to be treasured, was the subject of a recent tribute on B.B.C Television’s Channel 1. Tom died last month.
The tribute was introduced by his best known pupil, Aly Bain, who charted the 80 year olds amazing career from his early days as an eager 10 year old, listening to the stars of the day such as Scott Skinner on a wind-up gramophone and gleaning tips from his dad and Uncle Willie, both fiddle players in their own right.
These early influences were to stand him in good stead and no matter where he turned in later life there always seemed to be a fiddle around or a tune worth retaining for posterity.
Aly recalled how Tom was well placed to pursue his abiding interest as an Insurance Agent picking up new tunes as well as policies. He didn’t hoard the tunes though and made them readily available to other musicians, particularly at a national; level during his tutorials at the School of Scottish Studies at Stirling.
Although a keen composer, passing on the distinctive Shetland fiddle style was his paramount passion. Interviewed during his 80th birthday celebrations, he said “The most important thing is to preserve the traditional music………so much has been lost.”
At one stage he had more than 200 pupils throughout Shetland and from the pool, formed a traveling fiddle orchestra, ‘The Young Heritage’. Said Aly, “He was almost like a grandfather figure to them. They are the ones who will miss him most”.
Two of Tom’s greatest assets were patience and an ability to listen. Tom declared : “Never brush youngsters aside because their problems are important to them”. Strangely enough, fame was not the goal that he commended to them. The real reward, he impressed on them, was simply finding enjoyment in their music and the joy in playing a part in its preservation.
There was nothing blinkered about Tom Anderson’s musical philosophy. He didn’t adopt a purist stance and attempt to foist the Shetland style on his pupils to the exclusion of all else……quite the reverse. He welcomed other fiddle influences in the name of progress, satisfied in the knowledge that there was enough living and recorded examples of the original style to keep the tradition alive.
Aly Bain described Tom Anderson as a man who had dedicated his whole life to Shetland fiddle music and added “He was part of everyone’s life. We will all miss him”.
The television programme interspersed with film and recordings of Shetland and its musicians including cameo performances from Tom’s close friend, the renowned guitarist Peerie Willie Johnstone, was a wonderful tribute to one of Scotland’s finest musical guardians.
But the ultimate memorial will lie in the finely tutored hands of his pupils, past and present who will ensure that the lessons he taught will live on.
Noel Donaldson
Record and Book Review
The Shores of Loch Alvie – Bobby Crowe SDB – Grasmere Records GRTC48
Take the Floor
7th Dec 91 – Bobby Crowe SDB
14th Dec 91 – Neil Barron SDB
21st Dec 91 – Colin Dewar SDB
28th Dec 91 – Craig McCallum SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 17th Dec 91 – Garioch Blend
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 91 – Dance to Alan Gardiner SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Dec 91 – Alan Gardiner
13th Dec 91 – Dance to John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Dec 91 – Club Dance
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Dec 91 – Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Dec 91 – Dick Black Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 17th Dec 91 – David Vernon
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Dec 91 – Ian Cameron & the Kyle C.B.
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – Wayne Robertson Trio
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Dec 91 – Jim MacLeod Band
Dundee (Tay Centre Hotel) – 5th Dec 91 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 10th Dec 91 – Paddy Neary
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 18th Dec 91 – Club Night
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Dec 91 – Andrew Gordon & Friends
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Dec 91 – Seamus O’Sullivan & Dancer
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Dec 91 – Willie McGuire
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Dec 91 – Jock Fraser Band
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Dec 91 – Gordon Simpson
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 3rd Dec 91 – Brian Griffin
20th Dec 91 – Dance to Ian Muir SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 11th Dec 91 – Morag Robertson
Kinlochshiel (Kyle Hotel) - 10th Dec 91 - Willie Lawrie
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – The Garioch Fiddlers
27th Dec 91 – Dance to The Garioch Blend
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Dec 91 – Willie McFarlane
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 16th Dec 91 – Club Night
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Dec 91 – Iain Cathcart SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – Johnny Duncan
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 3rd Dec 91 – Special Club Night
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) – 5th Dec 91 – Simon Howie Quartet
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Dec 91 – Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Dec 91 – Glencraig SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Dec 91 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 9th Dec 91 – Ian MacDonald Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 10th Dec 91 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Belford
5. Castle Douglas
6. Dunblane
7. Dunoon & Cowal
8. East Kilbride
9. Etterick & Yarrow
10. Forfar
11. Forres
12. Glendale
13. Islesteps
14. Kintore
15. Livingston
16 Mauchline
17 Montrose
18 Newtongrange
19. North East
20. Oban
21. Ormiston
22. Peebles
23. Perth
24. Premier
25. Renfrew
26. Rothbury
27. Sutherland
28. Thurso
29. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Coalburn A&F Club
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. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forfar A&F Club
29. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
30. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
31. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
32. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
33. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
36. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
37. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
38. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
39. Kintore A&F Club
40. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
41. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
42. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Mull A&F Club
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
49. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
50. 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)
51. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
52. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
53. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
54. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
55. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
56. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
57. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
58. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
59. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
60. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
61. Sutherland A&F Club (
62. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
63. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
64. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
65. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
66. 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?)
67. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
68. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
69. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
70. Buchan A&F Club
71. Callander A&F Club (
72. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
73. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Club Accord
75. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
76. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
83. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
84. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
85. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
As we come to the end of another year, I would like to thank most sincerely everybody who has contributed in any way to helping me produce the paper. The rallying calls of the spring have been well and truly answered and I am hopeful that the ‘B&F’ will now go from strength to strength.
Just one worrying aspect – Margaret informs me that some Clubs are taking a long time to pay their papers. Printer’s bills have to be met promptly and it would be appreciated if these Clubs could see their way to settling their account a wee bit quicker.
Please remember copy for the January issue must reach me by Tuesday, 10th December.
Margaret, Jeanette and I wish you all the Compliments of the Season.
Doug Adamson
Frank Reid and his Band
by B.T.
Sixteen years ago the band was going to play for the mid-Sussex Caledonian Society Dance in Haywards Heath. That Friday Frank took his van with his Domino Morino accordion and amplification to his work in London – where the whole lot was nicked. He knew that Bernard Dixon had sold Andrew Rankine a Morino VN and so he gave the latter a ring in Leicester. Frank asked Andrew what he thought was the worst possible thing that could happen to a box player? After a short pause for thought, he replied “that someone should die and leave him a hundred ……… …….. records!”
To shorten the story, Frank borrowed back his old Paolo Soprani from Bernard Dixon and the amplification from Michael Shaw, who I understand now lives in Strathpeffer and has a lot to do with the Dingwall Accordion and Fiddle Club. So, when I arrived at Haywards Heath that evening I was told of affairs by the M.C. Bruce Urquhart. After introductions I said I had a box in the boot of my car. I could see that Frank was not impressed, but he politely asked what it was. I said a Hohner VM knowing full well knowing it was the same as Frank’s stolen box. His face lit up, but being Frank he asked if it had “Power Bass” – it hadn’t. I think he used it for about a month when miraculously all his gear was found and with it the Morino unharmed. That was how I met him.
Frank was born in Glasgow 40 years ago, but after 10 months, his father’s job took him south to Staffordshire then the London area. His parents are both from Glasgow and started the Scottish Country Dancing when their sons took an interest in Highland dancing. Frank was 10 at that time and learning piano which he took to Grade 8. He started playing the box, a Galleazo and progressed via the aforementioned Paolo Soprani and Hohner Domino to Elkavox which he plays now.
At the start he was helped by Graham Catell at the London Highland Club which used to meet at Fetter Lane and later moved to St Columba’s, Pont Street. At first he played in Flora Argent’s band and it was here he met Ken Slaven who was to become the fiddler in his own band until he moved north to Aberdeen. They started by playing for the Highlands and Islands Society on a weekly basis at Fetter Lane.
The band expanded to take in Bobby and David his brothers, on drums and double bass and slightly later his sister Anne joined to play piano. The youth of the band is emphasised by knowing that Anne made her first recording with the band aged 14 and she played for many years. There has always been a strong family flavour to the band although Bobby is the only one with him on a regular basis at present.
Frank is a chartered accountant working as a financial director to a computer company. Bobby is an electrician and Anne is now married. Ray Milbourne (original Secretary of the N.A.A.F.C) took her place and he has played with some well know folk, among whom one would number Andrew Rankine, Iain MacPhail and Jimmy Lindsay.
Ken Slaven was followed by Ian Mills, from Northumberland. Alasdair Fraser and his brother Ian, Terry Crumbliss from America who was a professional flute player and Highland dancer and he now has Sheena Reid (no relation) who play second box on Frank’s old Domino Morino. She learned her Scottish Country Dance music as Frank had before her, listening to records by Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Jimmy Blue and Jim Johnstone. Frank’s wife, Kathy, sometimes turns up with her penny whistle.
The band plays all over the South-East as far west as Cardiff and up to Nottingham. Via, Ian Mills, who comes from those parts, they went up to Newcastleton where they won the Band contest and Frank the Solo Accordion. He told me he met a wide range of people, Albie Tedham, Roger Dobson and his band, John Dagg and his trio, Alan Coulson and many other.
About 50% of their work is R.S.C.D.S. related and Frank has a formidable series of records embracing a number of tracks which have become standards for several popular published dances. The rest is divided between Balls, and what he calls the Barn Dance/Wedding market.
He is too modest to say so, but he can to a certain extent pick his gigs, which because of work and family, he limits to two a week.
There is another dimension to all this, the foreign travel. At the time of writing he is about to set off on a three week tour of Australia and New Zealand, taking with him 150 people wishing to make a tour with Scottish Dancing involved. During the day they see the sights and perhaps in the evening they have a dance or ceilidh. Frank stresses that it is not a school. This is one of the most ambitious trips which have included Hamelin, Denmark, Kilkenny and Canada, whilst he has done regular gigs to Eindhoven, Luxembourg, Jersey and Paris. The organisation behind this is Richard Furlong and his firm of travel agents. You will not be surprised to learn that Richard is Frank’s relief drummer and takes Bobby’s place, particularly on these trips abroad.
What is it that motivated Frank Reid in this desert of Scottish music? As he puts it, most of the people in his office would be hard pressed to describe an accordion. Further, there are no competitions here, so it is very difficult to find the bench marks.
When he was young he would go north to Scotland to help keep up his standards but the inevitable work and family responsibilities have combined to prevent him from going north. It seemed to me that he had a triple drive, he enjoys it, is musically talented, technically competent and last, he runs a very successful musical and commercial operation.
His aim is to spread the popularity of Scottish Country Dancing. He is singularly fitted to do this with his swinging band and I think the proof lies in his phenomenal popularity, evidenced by the constant call on his time and the full halls to which he plays.
A very well known dancer and teacher said to me when he was beginning to tire at the end of a twenty dance programme, Frank Reid could lift him and his fellow dancers and the fatigue would evaporate.
Frank’s small, compact frame exudes a high level of energy which is transmitted through his music and everything he does and to this one can add a remarkable, cheerful and cheering personality.
South of the Border we hope he will lead his band for at least a second twenty five years.
42nd Perth All Scotland Festival
“The Best Yet”
by Robert Kennedy
This seemed to be the opinion of everyone who attended the evening concert of the Perth 42nd All Scotland Festival. With a cast of long established celebrities including Jim MacLeod, George Duffus and the delightful Danielle Pauly from France – it is not surprising that the show was sold out well in advance.
The atmosphere was created and the tempo set by the Minstrels and the Sandra Wright Dancers who followed the Bill Wilkie Band act.
A highlight of the show was the brilliant performance of Billy McGuire, first on his miniature Chinese melodeon then on his much loved Paolo Soprani. Just a run-of-the-mill accordion, but in Billy’s hands, more like a Shand Morino.
You could have heard a pin drop during the finals of the Senior Open (Trad) Championship. The atmosphere was tense and one could see the strain on the faces of many of the finalists. The most relaxed of all was the man who won, Robert Ross of Alloa. He is our new All Scotland Open Solo (Trad) Champion. It was, however, a highly competitive contest with runner-up James Coutts of Kirkcaldy only one point behind the champion.
Mention must be made of the confident, controlled style of the new Under 12’s Champion Gordon Fraser of Munlochy, Inverness. This is the first year of this section and Gordon got it off to a great start.
Talented James Coutts presented his winning Trio in the concert and what music this was. His fiddler had to rush away to play with Jim Johnstone during the evening so Ron Gonella, after adjudicating all day, sportingly offered to stand in with the Trio for the concert appearance. Ron is the greatest of all professionals and the competitors adored his style of adjudication. His remarks were designed to help them understand what is required and to encourage them to do better next year.
There was feverish activity during the day with 9 adjudicators employed to adjudicate the contests in 7 halls. Entries for many of the Scottish Sections were up this year. For instance, the Senior Scottish Band Contest had 7 entries against 2 last year, however classical sections were down due to the fact it is thought that many accordionists in Scotland are disenchanted with the N.A.O. who are always late in publishing the test pieces and as Perth is first in the year’s cycle of contests, teachers do not have time to prepare their pupils for this important Festival.
Also, there have been occasions when the pieces selected by the N.A.O. were unavailable anywhere, causing further delays.
It has been rumoured in many areas that if the N.A.O. does not get its act together regarding North of the Border, Scotland may form its own N.A.O. and have its own national contests for the classical sections. This would be a sad blow to the All-Britain Accordion Day which depends to a larger extent on the huge contingents of Scottish accordionists.
Returning to the Concert. The charming Danielle Paulyproved to be one of the most popular of all the many virtuoso artistes BillWilkie has brought over from the Continent for his shows over the years and accordionists were fascinated by her demonstration of the French Maugein Frere accordions in the foyer of the City Hall during the day. I am sure it will not be long before Bill arranges a return visit for this brilliant and beautiful artiste.
Thanks to Bill and Ena Wilkie and all their willing staff for a happy and smooth running Festival and a show to remember for many a year to come.
The official winners list for 1991 is :
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Robert Ross (Alloa)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Arbroath)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) Richard Wong (Glasgow)
2) Alisdair MacCuish (Paisley)
3) Douglas Hunter (Musselburgh)
Veterans’ Section
1) Bobby Crowe (Balmullo)
2) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
3) Hector Henderson (Fort William)
Scottish Traditional (Under 12)
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Angus Lyon (Lamington)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Scott Gordon (Galston)
3) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
Junior Solo Pipe Music
1)= Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
1)= Scott Gordon (Galston)
2)= Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2)= Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Trios
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Lindsay Weir (Dingwall)
3) David Oswald (Blairgowrie)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Ian Hutson (Dunbar)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Kenny Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
2) The Sma’ Glen Tappers (Crieff)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle, Under 12
1) Jacqueline Beaumont (Sma’ Glen)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle (Under 16)
1) Alan Thomson (Kirriemuir)
2) Ewan Stark (Falkland)
3) Sara Fraser (Crieff)
Senior Fiddle
1) Mhairi Skinner (Currie)
2) Keith McWhan (Dumfries)
3) Marie Fielding (Pathhead)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Alastair Lang (Linwood)
2) Greme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
9 Years and Under
1) Fiona Greer
2) Scott Ramsay (Erskine)
3) Euan Crawford (Paisley)
11 Years and Under
1) James McKelvie
2) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
3) Alistair McKenzie (Inchinnan)
13 Years and Under
1) Kevin Swinton
2) Angus Lyon (Lamington)
3) David Ritchie
15 Years and Under
1) Kirsten Lyon (Lamington)
2) Colin McNeill (Carluke)
3) Elizabeth Flannigan (St Boswells)
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small (Dunshelt)
2)
Area Junior Championship
1) l
2)
3)
Preparatory Solo
1) Robin Hamilton (Haddington)
2) Iain Prentice (Dolphinton)
3) Bruce Gibb (Balbeggie)
Elementary Solo
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Mark Harbinson (Motherwell)
3) Marion McLeod (Helensburgh)
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Neill Skinner (Biggar)
2) Stuart Coubrough (Biggar)
3) Anthony Mitchell (Biggar)
Intermediate Solo
1) Colin Train (Carluke)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) Janette Winters (Glasgow)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Alex Meikle (Lochwinnoch)
2) Shirley Campbell (Dumfries)
3) Kirsty Benton (Carluke)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Aileen Smith (Kinross)
2) Michael Craig (Rosyth)
3) Craig Cuthbertson (Dunfermline)
Open Area Solo
1) Michael Paton (Dunfermline)
2) Craig Drysdale (Kirkcaldy)
3) Grant McConnell (Carluke)
Polka (Under 16)
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Fiona Cuthbertson (Closeburn)
2) Pamela Mutch (Armadale)
3) Andrew Smith (Dunbar)
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Duet
1) David & Marcus McCloy (Wishaw)
2) Jill & Vicki Craig (Haddington)
3) Joanne Lindsay & Lynne Stevenson (Wishaw)
Intermediate Duet
1)
2)
3)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1)
2)
3)
Advanced Duet
1)
2)
Premier Duet
1) Robert Muir & Robert Hutcheson (Dunfermline)
Preparatory Band
1)
2)
Elementary Band
1)
2)
Intermediate Band
1)
2)
Advanced Band
1)
2)
Elementary Orchestra
1) J. R. Brown Elementary Orchestra (Wishaw)
2) Keith Dickson Elementary Orchestra (Dolphinton)
Intermediate Orchestra
1) J. R. Brown Intermediate Orchestra (Wishaw)
2)
3)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
1) Kingdom Six Art Level Group (Lochgelly)
Bell Trophy Championship
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and once again it was a phenomenal success with both musicians and enthusiasts traveling from all parts of the country to take part, or be part of this enormous feast of music. The only thing we were a little bit short on was piano players and I think everyone present would agree that Mabel Gray deserves a medal for the work she did that night and for the quality of her playing accompanying all different styles of music.
May I say a special thank you to the hotel staff for their service, both at the bar and with suppers throughout the evening.
A special thank you must also go to my wife Anne, for the way she coped with all the welcome visitors back at the house afterwards, giving out cups of tea, coffee and sandwiches, as if it was an everyday occurrence.
As usual there was a star-studded line-up of musicians all giving of their own special talents.
Our old friend Angus McKinnon traveled all the way from Dallas in Morayshire to give us a few selections on the Jews Harp, during which you could have heard a pin drop in the hall. Thanks folks for your appreciation, especially since Angus is a very young 84 year old.
Supporting artistes on piano were Anne Black, Violet Morrison, all the way from Borve on the Isle of Lewis, and Mabel Gray who did most of the work.
Drummers present were Robert McFadyen, Ally McIntrye, Davie Scott and Duncan Christie. No mean line-up, I’m sure you’ll agree.
On fiddles this year we had Angie Smith, Neil Dawson, Melvin Wilson, Ian Peterson, Tom Lapsley and Mark MacDougall.
Now to accordion players, two of whom came all the way from the Isle of Lewis, Alex Morrison and Archie McKillop, both excellent players we all enjoyed hearing. Another great player we all enjoyed and who came all the way from the Shetland Isles was Alan Nicolson. Other accordionists everybody enjoyed hearing were Mark Cummine and Dochie McCallum from Balmaha ; Neil Caul from Invergowrie (nice to hear Neil again) ; Tommy Kettles from the Stirling area who gave us a few lively selections of jazz – much appreciated Tommy, thank you ; Ian Thomson from Stirling ; Iain Cathcart from West Kilbride ; James and Marie Coutts from Kirkcaldy ; Jimmy Lindsay from Glenalmond ; Lindsay Weir all the way from Culbokie on the Black Isle accompanied byher mother who never misses a ceilidh – thanks very much ladies ; Neil MacEachern from Luss ; Lynne Gould and Lynn Christie from Huntly – nice to see you girls ; Bruce Peebles from Forfar ; Ian Anderson from Balloch – a young lad with a great future ahead of him ; Fiona and Alison Gilfillan from Perth ; Peter Bruce, also from Perth, and Anda Campbell all the way from Bunessan on the Isle of Mull. I managed to get w wee tune myself to start the evening off. One young lad I almost forgot was Andy Renwick who gave us a fantastic selection on the pipes.
As most people know, admission to the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ is absolutely free of charge, but there is one slight catch – we organize a collection around half time which goes to handicapped children and as a result of the collection this year, we have over £350 to give to these children. Thank you all very much for your generosity.
May I add at this point, if I missed anyone out and they didn’t get a tune, my sincere apologies, but I did try to make sure that everyone got a shot.
Once again folks, on behalf of Anne and myself, may I thank you all sincerely for making the effort to come along to the Tayside Hotel and make the ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ another night to remember.
Next year’s ceilidh is already booked and is on Friday, 6th November, 1992 in the Tayside Hotel at 7.30pm. We look forward to seeing you then, don’t miss it.
Thank you one and all.
Introducing the Clubs
No 4 Oban
by Duncan Campbell
There had been talk amongst local musicians and enthusiasts about the possibility of forming a Club in Oban, however, local bandleader Billy ford placed an advert in the local paper inviting anybody interested to come to a meeting in the Park Hotel, on 24th September, 1975.
At this meeting it was unanimously agreed a club to be called the Oban Accordion and Fiddle Club, to meet in the Park Hotel on the first Wednesday of the month.
A Committee was appointed as follows :
Chairman - Colin Campbell
Social Convenor – Billy Ford
Secretary & Treasurer – Duncan Campbell
Committee Members – D. MacDonald, P. Archibald, D. MacGill and John MacLean.
S. Moodie and J. Spence had already intimated that while they wholeheartedly supported the aims of the Club, they did not wish to join the Committee.
The first meeting was arranged for November 5th, with Alasdair Hunter as the guest artiste, admission charge being 50p.
Around 60 people attended the first meeting but number rapidly increased so much so that by the next year we were forced to sell tickets in advance to avoid disappointment to those traveling considerable distances.
The Park Hotel was an excellent venue for the Club, having all the facilities required – good stage, spacious dining room, accommodation if required, changing rooms etc., and it was a great disappointment when in 1986 part of the hotel was closed off and they were operating in a limited capacity. The dining room was sectioned off and they could no longer offer us any facility to have our Club meetings.
We moved to the centrally situated Royal Hotel for one year only, and the following year to our present location, the Highlands Restaurant, the lease of which had been acquired by two of our Committee members, Billy Ford and Neil Sinclair.
Any successful Club has to have the support of the local musicians and in the main this has happened although once or twice we have been thin on the ground.
Sadly, we lost two of the most respected drummers on the Scottish scene Arthur Easson and Dickie McGuire.
Arthur had come to live locally and played regularly at the Club until ill health forced him into hospital.
Dickie had been a founder member and enjoyed his evenings with us until his sudden death.
Fraser McGlynn was a great support in our early years, coming from Tarbert with his band which was very much appreciated.
We have been disappointed that no young accordionists have been coming on in the Oban area for some years now. Ross McPherson and Hector MacFadyen were the last to come on the scene. It is always of great interest to watch the progress of young players.
Neil Sinclair and Colin Campbell are both taking pupils this year, so we hope to have some new faces at the Club before too long.
Over the years we have had a wide range of guest artistes, both accordion and fiddle. We have had many outstanding evenings and lots of our guests complimented our audience and expressed their willingness to come back again.
As a contrast from the Scottish scene, Jack Emblow and party filled the guest spot in December, 1979.
Only one has our guest artiste failed to appear. Gordon Pattullo was completely snowed in and could not get out of his farm gate.
We have had successful dances in the Park Hotel and McTavish’s Kitchens with bands such as Bobby MacLeod, Bobby Harvey, Billy Anderson and latterly, Tommy Walker.
We are very lucky having fiddle players like young Lyndsay Joss from Connel, Adrian O’Rourke and Maurice Duncan playing at our club from time to time. Adrian and Maurice were playing in the final of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship at Blair Atholl and acquitted themselves very well.
In the last few years we have given the proceeds of our May Club night to Heartstart, Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival and the 1992 Oban Mod.
In the 17 years of the Club’s existence, I think that it can truly be said that there has been a lot of enjoyment given to audiences, local players and guest artistes alike and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all who have helped me in many ways over the years, including my wife and daughter who have been a tower of strength to me.
I feel confident that under our present Chairman, Angus MacFadyen and his Committee, our Club will continue to prosper and be in the forefront of our type of music for many years to come.
The Fourth Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
17th – 21st October, 1991
The weather was blowing a double forte, even by Shetland standards...........
The Auld Meal Mill
by Noel Donaldson
The musical tribute to the late north-east singer and raconteur John Mearns………..
Your Letters
When, some months ago, I received a letter from Dougie McNeilage of Tobermory, asking me to let the N.A.A.F.C. know about the bobby MacLeod Lifeboat Building Fund, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. In one of my brighter moments I had the idea of running a multi-band dance in the Corran Halls and I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, kindness and support of so many people that it makes me feel very humble indeed.
I would like to list some of the wonderful supporters :-
Neil Sinclair and his catering and bar staff in the Corran Halls
The many people who donated money.
The A&F Clubs and all those other people over the country, for their efforts in selling raffle tickets and the many, many people who bought these raffle tickets.
Those who donated prizes for the raffle.
Robbie Shepherd, Robin Brock and John Carmichael for plugging the event on their radio programmes.
The ‘B&F’, the ‘Accordion Times’ and ‘Am Muilleach’ for sponsoring the dance advertisements.
My Executive Committee for their support in this venture and especially Cathy Andrews for co-ordinating the raffle – ‘with a little help from her friends’.
Duncan Campbell for all his enthusiasm and dedication at the Oban end.
Dougie McNeilage for his co-operation and hard work – any man who asks for 500 books of raffle tickets is giving me support! I doubt if there can be another Lifeboat Station with such a livewire for a Treasurer!
Anda and Helen Campbell of Bunessan for putting up the prize for the in-house raffle.
All of the musicians for giving, free, their time and talents to play for the dance and to make Friday, 11th October, 1991, such a memorable night.
And I must pinpoint Bobby Crowe – not only for setting up amps and gear on stage for every band, but also for his enthusiasm, hard work and assistance all along the way.
My wife, Joan, who made endless lists, wrote countless letters asking for donations, sent in adverts, asked for sponsorship, made posters –
And, of course, the wonderful people who came to the dance and gave us their wholehearted enthusiasm throughout the night – it was a special delight to greet so many members of the MacLeod family – Bobby’s sister Ishbel, his daughter Rhoda, sons Duncan, Alastair and Robert, and a few grandsons as well.
We were also very grateful for the lovely letters of appreciation we received after the dance – these were indeed a bonus.
Thank you all
Jimmy Blue
P.S. Proceeds of the raffle and dance at the Corran Halls, Oban, on 11th October, 1991
Raffle………………………£3,020.26
Dance & Donations………£1,979.74
TOTAL £5,000.00
Therefore, £5,000 donated to R.N.L.I. Bobby MacLeod Building
Raffle prizes, main winners
£250 – B. Urquhart
£100 – A. Millar
£50 – H. Menzies
Tom Anderson
Regrettably, I never met Shetland fiddle maestro Tom Anderson, but like thousands of musically minded Scots, I harboured a tremendous admiration for his immense contribution to one of our foremost traditions.
The player who kindled a re-birth of Shetland fiddle music and convinced islanders that it was a heritage to be treasured, was the subject of a recent tribute on B.B.C Television’s Channel 1. Tom died last month.
The tribute was introduced by his best known pupil, Aly Bain, who charted the 80 year olds amazing career from his early days as an eager 10 year old, listening to the stars of the day such as Scott Skinner on a wind-up gramophone and gleaning tips from his dad and Uncle Willie, both fiddle players in their own right.
These early influences were to stand him in good stead and no matter where he turned in later life there always seemed to be a fiddle around or a tune worth retaining for posterity.
Aly recalled how Tom was well placed to pursue his abiding interest as an Insurance Agent picking up new tunes as well as policies. He didn’t hoard the tunes though and made them readily available to other musicians, particularly at a national; level during his tutorials at the School of Scottish Studies at Stirling.
Although a keen composer, passing on the distinctive Shetland fiddle style was his paramount passion. Interviewed during his 80th birthday celebrations, he said “The most important thing is to preserve the traditional music………so much has been lost.”
At one stage he had more than 200 pupils throughout Shetland and from the pool, formed a traveling fiddle orchestra, ‘The Young Heritage’. Said Aly, “He was almost like a grandfather figure to them. They are the ones who will miss him most”.
Two of Tom’s greatest assets were patience and an ability to listen. Tom declared : “Never brush youngsters aside because their problems are important to them”. Strangely enough, fame was not the goal that he commended to them. The real reward, he impressed on them, was simply finding enjoyment in their music and the joy in playing a part in its preservation.
There was nothing blinkered about Tom Anderson’s musical philosophy. He didn’t adopt a purist stance and attempt to foist the Shetland style on his pupils to the exclusion of all else……quite the reverse. He welcomed other fiddle influences in the name of progress, satisfied in the knowledge that there was enough living and recorded examples of the original style to keep the tradition alive.
Aly Bain described Tom Anderson as a man who had dedicated his whole life to Shetland fiddle music and added “He was part of everyone’s life. We will all miss him”.
The television programme interspersed with film and recordings of Shetland and its musicians including cameo performances from Tom’s close friend, the renowned guitarist Peerie Willie Johnstone, was a wonderful tribute to one of Scotland’s finest musical guardians.
But the ultimate memorial will lie in the finely tutored hands of his pupils, past and present who will ensure that the lessons he taught will live on.
Noel Donaldson
Record and Book Review
The Shores of Loch Alvie – Bobby Crowe SDB – Grasmere Records GRTC48
Take the Floor
7th Dec 91 – Bobby Crowe SDB
14th Dec 91 – Neil Barron SDB
21st Dec 91 – Colin Dewar SDB
28th Dec 91 – Craig McCallum SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 17th Dec 91 – Garioch Blend
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 91 – Dance to Alan Gardiner SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Dec 91 – Alan Gardiner
13th Dec 91 – Dance to John Carmichael SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Dec 91 – Club Dance
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Dec 91 – Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Dec 91 – Dick Black Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 17th Dec 91 – David Vernon
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Dec 91 – Ian Cameron & the Kyle C.B.
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – Wayne Robertson Trio
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Dec 91 – Jim MacLeod Band
Dundee (Tay Centre Hotel) – 5th Dec 91 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 10th Dec 91 – Paddy Neary
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 18th Dec 91 – Club Night
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Dec 91 – Andrew Gordon & Friends
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Dec 91 – Seamus O’Sullivan & Dancer
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Dec 91 – Gordon Pattullo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Dec 91 – Willie McGuire
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Dec 91 – Jock Fraser Band
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Dec 91 – Gordon Simpson
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 3rd Dec 91 – Brian Griffin
20th Dec 91 – Dance to Ian Muir SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 11th Dec 91 – Morag Robertson
Kinlochshiel (Kyle Hotel) - 10th Dec 91 - Willie Lawrie
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – The Garioch Fiddlers
27th Dec 91 – Dance to The Garioch Blend
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Dec 91 – Willie McFarlane
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 16th Dec 91 – Club Night
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Dec 91 – Iain Cathcart SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Dec 91 – Johnny Duncan
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 3rd Dec 91 – Special Club Night
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) – 5th Dec 91 – Simon Howie Quartet
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Dec 91 – Laurie Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Dec 91 – Glencraig SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Dec 91 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 9th Dec 91 – Ian MacDonald Trio
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 10th Dec 91 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Belford
5. Castle Douglas
6. Dunblane
7. Dunoon & Cowal
8. East Kilbride
9. Etterick & Yarrow
10. Forfar
11. Forres
12. Glendale
13. Islesteps
14. Kintore
15. Livingston
16 Mauchline
17 Montrose
18 Newtongrange
19. North East
20. Oban
21. Ormiston
22. Peebles
23. Perth
24. Premier
25. Renfrew
26. Rothbury
27. Sutherland
28. Thurso
29. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1990 (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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
13. Button Key A&F Club (
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Coalburn A&F Club
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. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forfar A&F Club
29. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
30. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
31. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
32. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
33. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
36. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
37. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
38. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
39. Kintore A&F Club
40. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
41. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
42. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Mull A&F Club
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
49. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
50. 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)
51. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
52. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
53. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
54. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
55. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
56. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
57. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
58. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
59. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
60. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
61. Sutherland A&F Club (
62. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
63. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
64. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
65. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
66. 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?)
67. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
68. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
69. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
70. Buchan A&F Club
71. Callander A&F Club (
72. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
73. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Club Accord
75. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
76. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
83. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
84. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
85. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
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