Box and Fiddle
Year 41 No 04
December 2017
Price £3.00
52 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
The last couple of months have been some months. We had the Festivals …………
Pia Walker
Orkney Celebrations
by
October was a celebratory month for us as it is 40 years since the Club was formed. Jim Marwick, our present Chairman, was a founder member and is still playing his accordion with us – and drums if necessary. We celebrated with a dinner at the Legion with around 50 members and fiends. Jim welcomed everyone and gave a brief and interesting history of the Club. Through the years playing members have numbered around 20 and today’s we still manage well into the teens every Wednesday. Venues have changed over the years, but now we meet in The Reel, an ideal venue, all year round except for a couple of weeks around Christmas. Jim introduced our special guests; Ally Eunson (widow of founder member Alfie Eunson) and her daughter, Evelyn; Jim Anderson, our faithful compere; and Harvey Johnston, OIC Convenor, and his wife Helen.
A lovely meal was served by Mitzi Collingwood and her staff and the beautiful anniversary cake, made by Netta Harcus of Westray, was cut by Ally and Jim. Harvey proposed a toast to the future of the Club. In thanking the Club for the invitation, he said that while we might no be able to communicate in all the languages over the world, music was a universal language that everyone could share. He listed a wide range of people who had kept traditional music alive in Orkney from the past, right through to the present.
We invited Da Fustra, the very popular Shetland band, to come south and celebrate with us. We had four fantastic nights with them. They came to The Reel on the Wednesday and had a tune with us there. On Thursday in Westray they played at a fund raising concert for the Lifeboat. A very enthusiastic audience enjoyed a first class concert of excellent music and, of course, the friendly banter within the band. It was great that 10 people from the neighbouring island of Papa Westray hired a boat to come across for the occasion. Then it was back to Kirkwall on Friday morning to prepare for our open night to continue the 40 years of celebration – and what a celebration. Over 100 people equally enjoyed the wonderful selection on styles of music from Scottish to Irish to French musettes with James’ French accent improving by the minute. The highlight and surprise was when the band played a new tune, a march written by Alan Gifford, fiddle player with Da Fustra. He had specially composed it for us and called it Orkney Accordion & Fiddle Club’s 40th Anniversary. Thank you, Alan, Kevin, James, Derek and Cecil for a truly special evening.
On to the Saturday, and they were all geared up to play for a dance at the British Legion. It was hugely successful with enthusiastic dancers filling the floor for every dance. This concluded what had been a fantastic few days of music at its best.
Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2017
by Pia Walker
October means the annual pilgrimage to the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival organised by the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club.
This year was the 30th Festival and it is the 40th Anniversary of the Club. I therefore decided to ask the Club Chairman, Peter Leask, a little more about himself and the Club and the Festival in general.
Peter has been Chairman since November 2000 and took over from Gussie Angus. He himself doesn’t play an instrument, although he loves to listen to the music. The only one in the near family who played was a cousin, Jack Leask, who played the accordion.
Peter got involved when son James wanted to learn the accordion at the age of 9. Jim Halcrow found him a 48 bass accordion and he went to Alice Nicolson at Brindister for lessons. In 1994, when James was 10, he started going to the Accordion & Fiddle Club to play. This was, of course, also Peter’s first time at a Club and he remembers that Gordon Shand was the guest that night. “It was my first ever time to the Club and I got hooked”. From then on it became a family affair as the whole family started going to the Club regularly so that the children, James and John, could hear all the different players. Peter believes that as well as going to lessons, it is very important for youngsters to listen to others in order to get a better understanding of the music. “Unfortunately many young people play and then go home. I suppose it depends a lot on whether the parents are into traditional music or not”.
40 years ago, the first Chairman was Frank Chadwick, who along with his wife Lillian owned the Hayfield Hotel in Lerwick. Lillian was a close relation to Ronnie Cooper, the well known musician and composer, and Hayfield became the location for many a music session with many such famous names as Ronnie, Willie Hunter, Jim Halcrow and ‘peerie Willie Johnston’ to name but a few.
The Club was started in 1978 by a group of local musicians. The idea was basically for them to meet and have a tune together. Over the years, the Club has grown, and meets in the Shetland House every 2nd Tuesday from mid-September until late March and it aims to have guests from outside Shetland visiting 4 times during this period. Later in March they have a dance in one of the halls with a guest artiste providing the music. “We have a regular pool of players who come along for a tune and to entertain the audience who can vary from 50 to 100, with more on a guest night.” The audience revenue is used to help raise funds for the annual festival. Another popular event, which can attract audiences of up to 200, is the Monday pre-Up Helly Aa night in January. As there are not enough homegrown bands to cover the 11 or so dance halls that open in Lerwick for this incredible spectacular that is Up Helly Aa, the organizers ‘import’ dance bands from the mainland and they and many other visitors try to make it along to this very special club night extravaganza. In addition, they have a fund raising concert in the Garrison Theatre in Lerwick in July, which is usually a sell-out with quite a number of tourists coming along.
I asked Peter how he saw the future of the Club and he doesn’t think it is different from anywhere else in that they are now competing with so many other events and attractions. He feels that they are probably lucky in that there is a lot of tuition happening there at the moment and this means that a number of youngsters come to the club to play. Their tutors bring them along to give them experience of playing in front of an audience and the Club hope that this will encourage some of them to become involved in future years.
He continues, “We are lucky in having a very good committee, comprising both young and not-so-young, that keeps the whole thing going.
But back to the Festival which has reached 30. How did it begin in 1987? “The Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club Committee at the time, on the suggestion of Committee member Eileen Hunter, decided that since Shetland had a successful Folk Festival why could it not have an Accordion & Fiddle Festival? After some deliberation it was decided it was decided to give it a go for a year and see how it went and so the first one was held in October 1988. Nobody really knew whether it would work and nobody had any idea if it would attract an audience from outside Shetland. As it turned out it was a great success and it was decided to make it an annual event.” He continues: “It has really evolved slowly over a period of years. The basic format is the same as it was in the beginning with the focal points being the Festival Club in Islesburgh Community Centre, concerts and dances held throughout Shetland on Thursday and Friday evenings, the Grand Dance on Saturday evening and the final concerts on Sunday afternoon. Various things have been added, such as the Saturday morning youth concert, which features local youngsters, and more recently a youth session in the afternoon to give them the opportunity to sit in at a session rather than performing in a concert style situation.”
But surely in the span of 30 years something must have changed in the organisation of the Festival? What happens behind the scenes? The logistics and administration must be immense?
“Modern communication methods such as e-mail and social media have made administration much easier than it was. Artistically we bring in more visiting artistes from outside Shetland these days compared to the early years, usually in the region of 70+. Most musicians arrive by air and the choice of flights is greater than it once was.”
Logistically one of the main challenges over the years was getting instruments to Shetland by air. In the early days British Airways used larger aircraft and there was capacity for instruments as well as passengers. Over time, the aircraft got smaller and transport of instruments became a problem. Initially it was still possible to fly them in along with the musicians as arrivals were spread out over a couple of days on several different flights. However, when it came to the return journey on the Monday morning, when most people were leaving at the same time, we had a problem. For a few years, we had to charter a small aircraft to transport all the gear to Aberdeen. We were fortunate because the aircraft that came to Shetland with newspapers was available for the job and this helped to keep costs within reach. The only problem was that the flight had to leave at 0730 on Monday morning and it meant the Committee had to go round the session rooms taking instruments off people while the ‘final fling’ was still in full flow! Things got to the stage that this could no longer work so another method of transportation was necessary. Robert Whitehead actually came up with the idea of taking a van all the way up from Newcastle to Shetland, picking up instruments at various locations along the route and connecting with the ferry from Aberdeen and doing the return journey at the end of the Festival. This has worked exceptionally well now for many years and ensures safe transportation of a very valuable cargo! The Committee is extremely indebted to Robert for undertaking this for us each year.”
Upon asking Peter what their approximate budget was, I was told it was just over £50k! 50% of that is transport costs for visiting artistes. That is an incredible amount of money find each year – hats off to the Committee! Well, hats off to all organizing committees wherever they are, as we all do it for the love of our type of music and dance.
When you are in Shetland at the Festival, one of the things you notice is the good humour of the Committee and the way they deal with problems along the way and still manage not to look stressed. As an organiser of events myself, I am hugely impressed with this. How come they aren’t running around tearing their hair out, yelling blue murder at each other, or seen muttering in various corners? Unflappable Peter replied that they don’t really have an insurmountable problems. Each Committee member has a job to do. Of course, there are hiccups. For example when 2 keyboards ended up at one hall and none at another. Luckily, the halls were not too far apart and all was sorted out before the concerts started!
Iain MacPhail, who is a regular visitor to Shetland, mostly for Up-Helly-Aa, opened the Festival and this year’s concerts were amazing with bands, a few of whom, were in the initial line-up 30 years ago. It was a delight to hear these experienced dance bands. They had a well-rehearsed sound and a good repertoire, which made them a joy to dance to. The Grand Dance was MCed by Mrs May and Mr Johnston – oh sorry, Mr McLaren and Mr Kirkpatrick. This is well known as a dance marathon and I personally, according to my pedometer, danced more than 18,000 steps or 3km! The youth concert was a showcase of the future and it was standing room only to hear so many young people play to an amazingly high standard.
In Memory – Fred Donald
by Andy Ross
The Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club said farewell recently to one of its founder members, accordionist Freddie Donald, who passed away at the age of 81. Early in November 1977, he, along with a fellow musician Ray MacKenzie, called on me asking if I would help them to set up a Club in Forres. I agreed, and within a few weeks a Steering Committee had been formed and the first musical meeting was held on Burns Night in January, 1978m with music by Graeme Mitchell and his band along with quite a few players from the North East Club in Keith. After 5 months, a general meeting was held and it was agreed officially to form a Club; and within 10 days, 210 members had joined.
Freddie was on the Club’s Committee for 35 years and did a tremendous amount of work other than playing. He was a joiner by trade and made the two music stands which grace the stage at every meeting after having been decorated by another Club member. For many years, he organised a small group of Club players who entertain at charity and other events in and around Forres. To show the Club’s appreciation for all the assistance he had provided, he was made a Life Member in 2008.
At his funeral we heard a tune he had written. It is names The 25th Anniversary of the Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club and was played by three Club players: fiddler Andy McCormack, accordionist Yvonne Cameron and Ena Brian on keyboard. As his coffin was leaving the chapel, a tune was played on the PA which he had recorded some time ago. It had been recorded by the Club’s Chairperson Sheena Kelman to mark his late mother’s 100th birthday a few years ago.
Because of serious health problems he had moved from Forres to Speyside Nursing Home at Aberlour and this establishment and the Club will benefit equally from the donations received at his funeral in Forres on 2nd November.
Centre Stage
Gordon Young
68th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2017
by
All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Solo (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Matthew Maclennan (Edinburgh)
2) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
3) John Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) John Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Gary Sutherland (Fife)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) John Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band – Best Rhythm Section (John Gibson Memorial Trophy)
C
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Memorial Quaich)
1)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Allan W. Smith (Kirkfieldbank)
3) Ewan Reid (Westhill)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
2) Robert Black (Bo’ness)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Open Button Key Traditional Accordion Solo (Duncan Campbell Memorial Trophy)
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Sheena Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
2) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3)
Gaelic Medley (Accordion or Fiddle) (Iain MacPhail Trophy)
1) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Emily Gifford (Shetland)
2) Abbie Christie (Banchory)
3) Victoria Bryne-McCombie (Shetland)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephens Silver Salver)
1) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
2)
3)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Most Promising Under 16 Accordionist (Bill Wilkie Memorial Trophy)
Emily Gifford (Shetland)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) George Davidson (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Ellie McLaren (Braemar)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) (Pibroch MacKenzie Memorial Quaich)
1) George Davidson (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Rosie Winchester (Keith)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Anya Johnston (Lerwick)
2) Mia Clark (Shetland)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Shelagh Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Anya Johnston (Lerwick)
2) Mia Clark (Shetland)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Charlotte Slater (Ellon)
2) Emily Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Yelena Anderson (Shetland)
Fiddle Group Competition
1) Abbie Dawson (Alford)
2) Margaret Robertson (Shetland)
3) Aberdeen S&R Society
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Continental Solo
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
3) Ewan Dowie (Cupar)
Open World Music Solo (Accordion World Cup)
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Ewan Dowie (Cupar)
3) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Under 12 Continental Solo
1) Fin Hope (Broughton)
2) Abbie Christie (Banchory)
3) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
Under 16 Continental Solo
1) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Under 16 World Music Solo (Accordion World Cup)
1) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3)
Under 12 World Music Solo
1) Joseph Finkelstein (Currie)
2) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
3) Charlotte Hamlet (Dumfries)
Bon Accords Ceilidh Weekend
by Deryn & Robin
Our February Ceilidh Weekend was once more a resounding success. Friday night……
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Stirling at 90 – Glencraig SDB – SBCD001
The High Summit – Paul Anderson – FINCD506
The Accordion at Christmas – Gordon Pattullo – GPCD008
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
Not shown
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 12th Dec 2017 – Graeme Mitchell SDB – Christmas Social Buffet Dance
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th Dec 2017 – Glencraig SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 2017 – Dance to John Waugh
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Jim Lindsay Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Dec 2017 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 13th Dec 2017 – Dance to McBains DB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th Dec 2017 - tbc
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th Dec 2017 – Club Afternoon with Shelley Clark
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th Dec 2017 – Glencraig SDB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th Dec 2017 – Buttons & Bows – Christmas Party
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 2017 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - Dec 2017 -
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) – 19th Dec 2017 – Willie McRobert Band
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 2017 – Roger Dobson Quartet
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th Dec 2017 – Scott Band SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - Dec 2017 -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 2017 – Willie Scott Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 12th Dec 2017 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 1st Dec 2017 – The Garioch Blend (Dinner Dance)
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 17th Dec 2017 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 2017 – Gavin Piper Duo
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th Dec 2017 – Ross MacPherson SDB
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 7th Dec 2017 – Cameronian SDB
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) - 11th Dec 2017 – Iain Cathcart SDB & West Telferton CB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 20th Dec 2017 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th Dec 2017 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Claire Gullan Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th Dec 2017 – John Stuart SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 13th Dec 2017 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th Dec 2017 – Andrew MacDonald Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th Dec 2017 – Richard Ross Quartet
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 13th Dec 2017 – Neil Hardie SDB
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 13th Dec 2017 – Iain MacPhail SDB (50th Anniv)
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th Dec 2017 – Iain Angus Macleod
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 2017 – Cameronian SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 2017 – Gordon Pattullo Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th Dec 2017 – Graeme MacKay Trio
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th 13th 20th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 19th Dec 2017 – Martin Donaldson SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Dec 2017 – Roy Hendrie & Dave Morrice
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th Dec 2017 – Club Night 19th Dec 2017 – Dance to Leonard Brown
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 7th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 14th Dec 2017 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Dec 2017 – Daniel McPhee
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Dec 2017 – Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 9th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 12th Dec 2017 – Jock Campbell SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Beith
7. Blairgowrie
8. Buttonkey
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Ellon
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Glasgow
19. Glendale
20. Glenfarg
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Lewis & Harris
27. Livingston
28. Lockerbie
29. Macmerry
30. Newburgh
31. North East
32. Oban
33. Perth
34. Rothbury
35. Shetland
36. Stonehouse
37. Turriff & District
38. Tynedale
39. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
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. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
The last couple of months have been some months. We had the Festivals …………
Pia Walker
Orkney Celebrations
by
October was a celebratory month for us as it is 40 years since the Club was formed. Jim Marwick, our present Chairman, was a founder member and is still playing his accordion with us – and drums if necessary. We celebrated with a dinner at the Legion with around 50 members and fiends. Jim welcomed everyone and gave a brief and interesting history of the Club. Through the years playing members have numbered around 20 and today’s we still manage well into the teens every Wednesday. Venues have changed over the years, but now we meet in The Reel, an ideal venue, all year round except for a couple of weeks around Christmas. Jim introduced our special guests; Ally Eunson (widow of founder member Alfie Eunson) and her daughter, Evelyn; Jim Anderson, our faithful compere; and Harvey Johnston, OIC Convenor, and his wife Helen.
A lovely meal was served by Mitzi Collingwood and her staff and the beautiful anniversary cake, made by Netta Harcus of Westray, was cut by Ally and Jim. Harvey proposed a toast to the future of the Club. In thanking the Club for the invitation, he said that while we might no be able to communicate in all the languages over the world, music was a universal language that everyone could share. He listed a wide range of people who had kept traditional music alive in Orkney from the past, right through to the present.
We invited Da Fustra, the very popular Shetland band, to come south and celebrate with us. We had four fantastic nights with them. They came to The Reel on the Wednesday and had a tune with us there. On Thursday in Westray they played at a fund raising concert for the Lifeboat. A very enthusiastic audience enjoyed a first class concert of excellent music and, of course, the friendly banter within the band. It was great that 10 people from the neighbouring island of Papa Westray hired a boat to come across for the occasion. Then it was back to Kirkwall on Friday morning to prepare for our open night to continue the 40 years of celebration – and what a celebration. Over 100 people equally enjoyed the wonderful selection on styles of music from Scottish to Irish to French musettes with James’ French accent improving by the minute. The highlight and surprise was when the band played a new tune, a march written by Alan Gifford, fiddle player with Da Fustra. He had specially composed it for us and called it Orkney Accordion & Fiddle Club’s 40th Anniversary. Thank you, Alan, Kevin, James, Derek and Cecil for a truly special evening.
On to the Saturday, and they were all geared up to play for a dance at the British Legion. It was hugely successful with enthusiastic dancers filling the floor for every dance. This concluded what had been a fantastic few days of music at its best.
Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2017
by Pia Walker
October means the annual pilgrimage to the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival organised by the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club.
This year was the 30th Festival and it is the 40th Anniversary of the Club. I therefore decided to ask the Club Chairman, Peter Leask, a little more about himself and the Club and the Festival in general.
Peter has been Chairman since November 2000 and took over from Gussie Angus. He himself doesn’t play an instrument, although he loves to listen to the music. The only one in the near family who played was a cousin, Jack Leask, who played the accordion.
Peter got involved when son James wanted to learn the accordion at the age of 9. Jim Halcrow found him a 48 bass accordion and he went to Alice Nicolson at Brindister for lessons. In 1994, when James was 10, he started going to the Accordion & Fiddle Club to play. This was, of course, also Peter’s first time at a Club and he remembers that Gordon Shand was the guest that night. “It was my first ever time to the Club and I got hooked”. From then on it became a family affair as the whole family started going to the Club regularly so that the children, James and John, could hear all the different players. Peter believes that as well as going to lessons, it is very important for youngsters to listen to others in order to get a better understanding of the music. “Unfortunately many young people play and then go home. I suppose it depends a lot on whether the parents are into traditional music or not”.
40 years ago, the first Chairman was Frank Chadwick, who along with his wife Lillian owned the Hayfield Hotel in Lerwick. Lillian was a close relation to Ronnie Cooper, the well known musician and composer, and Hayfield became the location for many a music session with many such famous names as Ronnie, Willie Hunter, Jim Halcrow and ‘peerie Willie Johnston’ to name but a few.
The Club was started in 1978 by a group of local musicians. The idea was basically for them to meet and have a tune together. Over the years, the Club has grown, and meets in the Shetland House every 2nd Tuesday from mid-September until late March and it aims to have guests from outside Shetland visiting 4 times during this period. Later in March they have a dance in one of the halls with a guest artiste providing the music. “We have a regular pool of players who come along for a tune and to entertain the audience who can vary from 50 to 100, with more on a guest night.” The audience revenue is used to help raise funds for the annual festival. Another popular event, which can attract audiences of up to 200, is the Monday pre-Up Helly Aa night in January. As there are not enough homegrown bands to cover the 11 or so dance halls that open in Lerwick for this incredible spectacular that is Up Helly Aa, the organizers ‘import’ dance bands from the mainland and they and many other visitors try to make it along to this very special club night extravaganza. In addition, they have a fund raising concert in the Garrison Theatre in Lerwick in July, which is usually a sell-out with quite a number of tourists coming along.
I asked Peter how he saw the future of the Club and he doesn’t think it is different from anywhere else in that they are now competing with so many other events and attractions. He feels that they are probably lucky in that there is a lot of tuition happening there at the moment and this means that a number of youngsters come to the club to play. Their tutors bring them along to give them experience of playing in front of an audience and the Club hope that this will encourage some of them to become involved in future years.
He continues, “We are lucky in having a very good committee, comprising both young and not-so-young, that keeps the whole thing going.
But back to the Festival which has reached 30. How did it begin in 1987? “The Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club Committee at the time, on the suggestion of Committee member Eileen Hunter, decided that since Shetland had a successful Folk Festival why could it not have an Accordion & Fiddle Festival? After some deliberation it was decided it was decided to give it a go for a year and see how it went and so the first one was held in October 1988. Nobody really knew whether it would work and nobody had any idea if it would attract an audience from outside Shetland. As it turned out it was a great success and it was decided to make it an annual event.” He continues: “It has really evolved slowly over a period of years. The basic format is the same as it was in the beginning with the focal points being the Festival Club in Islesburgh Community Centre, concerts and dances held throughout Shetland on Thursday and Friday evenings, the Grand Dance on Saturday evening and the final concerts on Sunday afternoon. Various things have been added, such as the Saturday morning youth concert, which features local youngsters, and more recently a youth session in the afternoon to give them the opportunity to sit in at a session rather than performing in a concert style situation.”
But surely in the span of 30 years something must have changed in the organisation of the Festival? What happens behind the scenes? The logistics and administration must be immense?
“Modern communication methods such as e-mail and social media have made administration much easier than it was. Artistically we bring in more visiting artistes from outside Shetland these days compared to the early years, usually in the region of 70+. Most musicians arrive by air and the choice of flights is greater than it once was.”
Logistically one of the main challenges over the years was getting instruments to Shetland by air. In the early days British Airways used larger aircraft and there was capacity for instruments as well as passengers. Over time, the aircraft got smaller and transport of instruments became a problem. Initially it was still possible to fly them in along with the musicians as arrivals were spread out over a couple of days on several different flights. However, when it came to the return journey on the Monday morning, when most people were leaving at the same time, we had a problem. For a few years, we had to charter a small aircraft to transport all the gear to Aberdeen. We were fortunate because the aircraft that came to Shetland with newspapers was available for the job and this helped to keep costs within reach. The only problem was that the flight had to leave at 0730 on Monday morning and it meant the Committee had to go round the session rooms taking instruments off people while the ‘final fling’ was still in full flow! Things got to the stage that this could no longer work so another method of transportation was necessary. Robert Whitehead actually came up with the idea of taking a van all the way up from Newcastle to Shetland, picking up instruments at various locations along the route and connecting with the ferry from Aberdeen and doing the return journey at the end of the Festival. This has worked exceptionally well now for many years and ensures safe transportation of a very valuable cargo! The Committee is extremely indebted to Robert for undertaking this for us each year.”
Upon asking Peter what their approximate budget was, I was told it was just over £50k! 50% of that is transport costs for visiting artistes. That is an incredible amount of money find each year – hats off to the Committee! Well, hats off to all organizing committees wherever they are, as we all do it for the love of our type of music and dance.
When you are in Shetland at the Festival, one of the things you notice is the good humour of the Committee and the way they deal with problems along the way and still manage not to look stressed. As an organiser of events myself, I am hugely impressed with this. How come they aren’t running around tearing their hair out, yelling blue murder at each other, or seen muttering in various corners? Unflappable Peter replied that they don’t really have an insurmountable problems. Each Committee member has a job to do. Of course, there are hiccups. For example when 2 keyboards ended up at one hall and none at another. Luckily, the halls were not too far apart and all was sorted out before the concerts started!
Iain MacPhail, who is a regular visitor to Shetland, mostly for Up-Helly-Aa, opened the Festival and this year’s concerts were amazing with bands, a few of whom, were in the initial line-up 30 years ago. It was a delight to hear these experienced dance bands. They had a well-rehearsed sound and a good repertoire, which made them a joy to dance to. The Grand Dance was MCed by Mrs May and Mr Johnston – oh sorry, Mr McLaren and Mr Kirkpatrick. This is well known as a dance marathon and I personally, according to my pedometer, danced more than 18,000 steps or 3km! The youth concert was a showcase of the future and it was standing room only to hear so many young people play to an amazingly high standard.
In Memory – Fred Donald
by Andy Ross
The Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club said farewell recently to one of its founder members, accordionist Freddie Donald, who passed away at the age of 81. Early in November 1977, he, along with a fellow musician Ray MacKenzie, called on me asking if I would help them to set up a Club in Forres. I agreed, and within a few weeks a Steering Committee had been formed and the first musical meeting was held on Burns Night in January, 1978m with music by Graeme Mitchell and his band along with quite a few players from the North East Club in Keith. After 5 months, a general meeting was held and it was agreed officially to form a Club; and within 10 days, 210 members had joined.
Freddie was on the Club’s Committee for 35 years and did a tremendous amount of work other than playing. He was a joiner by trade and made the two music stands which grace the stage at every meeting after having been decorated by another Club member. For many years, he organised a small group of Club players who entertain at charity and other events in and around Forres. To show the Club’s appreciation for all the assistance he had provided, he was made a Life Member in 2008.
At his funeral we heard a tune he had written. It is names The 25th Anniversary of the Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club and was played by three Club players: fiddler Andy McCormack, accordionist Yvonne Cameron and Ena Brian on keyboard. As his coffin was leaving the chapel, a tune was played on the PA which he had recorded some time ago. It had been recorded by the Club’s Chairperson Sheena Kelman to mark his late mother’s 100th birthday a few years ago.
Because of serious health problems he had moved from Forres to Speyside Nursing Home at Aberlour and this establishment and the Club will benefit equally from the donations received at his funeral in Forres on 2nd November.
Centre Stage
Gordon Young
68th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2017
by
All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Solo (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Matthew Maclennan (Edinburgh)
2) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
3) John Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) John Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Gary Sutherland (Fife)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) John Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band – Best Rhythm Section (John Gibson Memorial Trophy)
C
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Memorial Quaich)
1)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Allan W. Smith (Kirkfieldbank)
3) Ewan Reid (Westhill)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Duncan Black (Edinburgh)
2) Robert Black (Bo’ness)
3) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Open Button Key Traditional Accordion Solo (Duncan Campbell Memorial Trophy)
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Sheena Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
2) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3)
Gaelic Medley (Accordion or Fiddle) (Iain MacPhail Trophy)
1) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Emily Gifford (Shetland)
2) Abbie Christie (Banchory)
3) Victoria Bryne-McCombie (Shetland)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephens Silver Salver)
1) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
2)
3)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Most Promising Under 16 Accordionist (Bill Wilkie Memorial Trophy)
Emily Gifford (Shetland)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) George Davidson (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Ellie McLaren (Braemar)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) (Pibroch MacKenzie Memorial Quaich)
1) George Davidson (Aberdeen)
2) Shona MacFadyen (Coatbridge)
3) Rosie Winchester (Keith)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Anya Johnston (Lerwick)
2) Mia Clark (Shetland)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Shelagh Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Anya Johnston (Lerwick)
2) Mia Clark (Shetland)
3) Lachlan Murdo Kennedy (Glasgow)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Charlotte Slater (Ellon)
2) Emily Laurenson (Shetland)
3) Yelena Anderson (Shetland)
Fiddle Group Competition
1) Abbie Dawson (Alford)
2) Margaret Robertson (Shetland)
3) Aberdeen S&R Society
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Continental Solo
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
3) Ewan Dowie (Cupar)
Open World Music Solo (Accordion World Cup)
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Ewan Dowie (Cupar)
3) Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Under 12 Continental Solo
1) Fin Hope (Broughton)
2) Abbie Christie (Banchory)
3) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
Under 16 Continental Solo
1) Mike Laurenson (Shetland)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Under 16 World Music Solo (Accordion World Cup)
1) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2) India Islay Smith (Penicuik)
3)
Under 12 World Music Solo
1) Joseph Finkelstein (Currie)
2) Jake Johnstone (Crawfordjohn)
3) Charlotte Hamlet (Dumfries)
Bon Accords Ceilidh Weekend
by Deryn & Robin
Our February Ceilidh Weekend was once more a resounding success. Friday night……
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Stirling at 90 – Glencraig SDB – SBCD001
The High Summit – Paul Anderson – FINCD506
The Accordion at Christmas – Gordon Pattullo – GPCD008
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
Not shown
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 12th Dec 2017 – Graeme Mitchell SDB – Christmas Social Buffet Dance
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th Dec 2017 – Glencraig SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 2017 – Dance to John Waugh
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Jim Lindsay Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Dec 2017 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 13th Dec 2017 – Dance to McBains DB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th Dec 2017 - tbc
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th Dec 2017 – Club Afternoon with Shelley Clark
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th Dec 2017 – Glencraig SDB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th Dec 2017 – Buttons & Bows – Christmas Party
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 2017 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - Dec 2017 -
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) – 19th Dec 2017 – Willie McRobert Band
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Nicky McMichan SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 2017 – Roger Dobson Quartet
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th Dec 2017 – Scott Band SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - Dec 2017 -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 2017 – Willie Scott Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 12th Dec 2017 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 1st Dec 2017 – The Garioch Blend (Dinner Dance)
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 17th Dec 2017 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 2017 – Gavin Piper Duo
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th Dec 2017 – Ross MacPherson SDB
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 7th Dec 2017 – Cameronian SDB
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) - 11th Dec 2017 – Iain Cathcart SDB & West Telferton CB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 20th Dec 2017 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th Dec 2017 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 3rd Dec 2017 – Claire Gullan Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th Dec 2017 – John Stuart SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 13th Dec 2017 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th Dec 2017 – Andrew MacDonald Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th Dec 2017 – Richard Ross Quartet
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 13th Dec 2017 – Neil Hardie SDB
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 13th Dec 2017 – Iain MacPhail SDB (50th Anniv)
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th Dec 2017 – Iain Angus Macleod
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 2017 – Cameronian SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 2017 – Gordon Pattullo Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th Dec 2017 – Graeme MacKay Trio
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th 13th 20th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 19th Dec 2017 – Martin Donaldson SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Dec 2017 – Roy Hendrie & Dave Morrice
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th Dec 2017 – Club Night 19th Dec 2017 – Dance to Leonard Brown
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 7th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 14th Dec 2017 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Dec 2017 – Daniel McPhee
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Dec 2017 – Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 9th Dec 2017 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 12th Dec 2017 – Jock Campbell SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Beith
7. Blairgowrie
8. Buttonkey
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Ellon
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Glasgow
19. Glendale
20. Glenfarg
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Lewis & Harris
27. Livingston
28. Lockerbie
29. Macmerry
30. Newburgh
31. North East
32. Oban
33. Perth
34. Rothbury
35. Shetland
36. Stonehouse
37. Turriff & District
38. Tynedale
39. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
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. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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