Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 04
December 2019
Price £3.00
52 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
I’m looking out my office window on to a cold November morning………
Pia Walker
Accordion Champions Showcase Event
by Peter Bruce
On the Sunday afternoon of 27th October, The Salutation hotel had a capacity crowd of 280 eager to hear one of the biggest arrays of accordion talent ever assembled in Scotland. The brains behind this was Leonard Brown.
The first former Champion was Jimmy Cassidy (1967). Jimmy is not just a ‘Scottish’ player; he also won many Classical Competitions in the 1960s. His great talents are not limited to accordion: he is also a gifted pianist and arranger and played piano and keyboards for many years in the North East of England club circuit. He played a varied mix of Scottish and Continental pieces, including a tribute to his mentor Bill Wilkie MBE, who ran the Festival for an amazing 60 years.
Next on stage was the 1974 winner, Jim Lindsay. Jim is one of the most imaginative and creative bandleaders on the Scottish scene. There are always new and interesting ideas played with great taste in any of his performances. A highlight was his performance of the famous Skaters Waltz by Waldteufel.
The performers being in chronological order, James Coutts (1992) was next. James, always note perfect, played some great traditional sets, finishing with a set of reels composed by Scott Skinner and Ronnie Cooper.
The fourth Champion was the ebullient Michael Philip (2000). Michael is perhaps the most prolific composer of the present time, and he played many of his compositions with great style. He introduced Margaret Robertson on fiddle and Nicol McLaren on harmony accordion to play with him. The overall sound was fantastic.
The penultimate Champion of the afternoon was Liam Stewart (2003 and 2013). Liam is a conservatoire-educated pianist, in addition to being a Champion accordionist, and so is expert in many different styles of music. Highlights were a transcendental performance / arrangement of Memories of Willie Snaith by the late Jimmy Shand and some jazz / swing pieces including Lullaby of Birdland.
We also had a surprise guest duo; Myles and April Macaulay from Glasgow, aged 11 and 9 respectively, with Myles on accordion and April on fiddle. Their playing of Irish airs, jigs and reels brought the house down and received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. We will surely hear much more from them in future.
The final winner on stage was the man himself; Leonard (2012), introduced by Nicol McLaren. At the present time Leonard does tremendous work to promote our music and the capacity crowd of 280 said it all. Leonard played in his usual superb style, with some current Scottish hit tunes and a fabulous performance of Orange Blossom Special.
To finish off the afternoon there was a stramash with the Champions, all immaculately presented in dinner suits, playing together.
Special thanks have to be given to the accompanying musicians; Callum Wallace on drums with Jimmy Cassidy, Malcolm Ross on drums with the other champions, and Graham Berry on piano accompanying all six champions.
A limited edition CD titled An Audience with the Accordion Champions is to be released for general sale on 1st December, just in time for Christmas.
Thanks are also due to the Michael Philip family for dealing with tickets and raffle, and to The Sally which, as ever, was a great venue.
The magnificent afternoon ended just before 5pm, with all 280 still present and many giving thanks to Leonard for his fantastic work.
The 32nd Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2019
by Anne Smith
Anticipation and excitement abounded both locally and further afield as our much loved Festival approached. There were musical acts……………
Centre Stage
Ray Carse
In Memory – Ian Hay – The dedicated Chairman of Dunblane A&F Club died on 23rd June 2018, aged 88
by James Gunn
Born and raised along with twin brothers Tom and Roy by their parents Jimmy and Peggy at Stirling Road, Kilsyth, Ian enthusiastically helped his aunt and uncle at their farm at Old Inns, Cumbernauld, and developed a love of farming from a young age. He studied at Agricultural College and later worked at Cochno Vet School and Woodilee Farm, Kirkintilloch, and as a feed company representative. Ian and his brothers were keen members of the Boys’ Brigade, and he progressed to become a leader.
Ian and Moira had lived and farmed at Ballendall, Kinbuck since they were married on 7th December 1962. They had five children, Jimmy, Helen, Sandy, John and Ann, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and were proud of all of them.
For more than 20 years, enthusiastic button-box player Ian and Moira hosted charity nights raising many thousands of pounds for Strathcarron Hospice.
Ian was involved with and supported our Club since its formation, and was its chairman for 45 years. He was a natural in that role. On meeting nights, he was always at the door with a smile and friendly word for everyone on the way in and out. He was unfailingly courteous and considerate to the guest artistes, club and visiting players, his fellow committee members and everyone who helped out. He worked tirelessly to promote the Club, to encourage new players and listeners to come along, and was very successful in doing that.
A very well-known, liked and respected figure in his community, Ian was a keen member of the local Burns and Probus Clubs and was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Farmers Union. He was a regular attendee at Ardoch Parish Church, Brace, which was full to capacity for his funeral service. He had been a member of the Ways and Means Committee of the church for over 40 years.
Always a very sociable and welcoming person, Ian was a true gentleman. We miss him, and are honoured to have known him.
In Memory – Kenny Wilson (25th June 1930 – 2nd Nov 2019)
by Charlie Todd
Over 200 mourners gathered on Friday 8th November at St Mary’s Kirk, Biggar to celebrate the life of local fiddler, Kenny Wilson. Kenny originally hailed from nearby Leadhills where he spent most of his working life as Head Gamekeeper on the Marquis of Linlithgow’s Hopetoun Estate. Retiring in 1992, after 28 years in the job, he settled in Biggar and his expertise was immediately recognised by part- time employment with Saville’s of Edinburgh and The Game Conservancy Council as an Estate Agent and Game Advisor. Musically he will be best remembered as the fiddler with the local broadcasting bands of Max Houliston and Ian Holmes from Dumfries and later with West Coast bandleader Allan McIntosh. Along the way he became Conductor of the Border Strathspey and Reel Society and a J.P., a job he took very seriously, sitting on the bench of Lanark’s Magistrate’s Court, and woe-betide anyone, either the accused, their counsel or the police, who tried to take liberties with the procedures and dignity of the court. Kenny was active up until a few months ago and enjoyed nothing more than a musical session with his friend Pete Clark from Dunkeld, who played before and after the service. He is survived by daughter Valerie and her husband Andrew, grandson Alasdair and partner Pat.
A full account of Kenny’s life and times can be found in the October 2011 B&F 35th Year No 2 or on our B&F website www.boxandfiddle.com Musician Biographies
In Memory – Jimmy Boal (1936 – 2019)
by George T Watt
It was in his home town of Dundee that the Scottish music scene bid a fond farwell to Jimmy Boal. Jimmy led the Maple Leaf Scottish Dance Band, who were Dundee’s own band but had a reputation that reached far and beyond Tayside. In their day, they were one of the top bands around and played for the RSCDS AGM Ball on 4 separate occasions in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. They also recorded an album of Scottish dance music entitled Welcome to Tayside BSLP 117S on the Thistle Label, part of the EMI Group. The Maple Leaf also organised dance holidays in Austria, Germany and Holland as well as traveling to many parts of Britain.
The band members were Jimmy Boal on lead accordion, Muriel Boal on second accordion, Betty Tindal on piano, John white on bass and Sandy Thomson on drums. They played together for many, many years which helped to make the Maple Leaf one of the most consistent bands around both musically and collectively. The Maple Leaf also played for RSCDS Dundee’s summer dances for nigh on 35 years. Yet despite their high status and high regard, Jimmy aye maintained that the best part was making so many friends over the years.
Jimmy suffered from a cancer that proved fatal, yet despite the treatment and many operations he remained up-beat and jovial throughout. I was fortunate to spend some time with Jimmy just before he died. We had a great blether, and you would never have known he was so desperately ill. Jimmy was not only a great accordionist, but he was also an excellent arranger and composer. He was a great asset to the Scottish country dance scene and will be fondly remembered for many years to come.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Simon Howie SDB - The 2020 Sound
Book Review
Rob Howard - Accordion Anthology 2 - Independent
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
7th Dec 2019 – Donald MacLeod SDB + piper Rona Lightfoot
14th Dec 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
21st Dec 2019 – Iain Anderson SDB
28th Dec 2019 – The 60s Bairns join Gary and an invited audience in Aberdeen and share some Festive cheer.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 10th Dec 2019 – Christmas Social Dance to James Coutts Trio
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 11th Dec 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Dec 2019 – Dinner Dance to John Douglas
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 1st Dec 2019 – Susan & Scott Gordon Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 15th Dec 2019 – Club Night
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Dec 2019 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 18th Dec 2019 – Christmas Dance to McBains Dance Band
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 8th Dec 2019 – Jim Gold Trio + Shelley Clark
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 10th Dec 2019 – Stella Wilkie & Joan Blue
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 19th Dec 2019 – Christmas Party
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 3rd Dec 2019 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 12th Dec 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 12th Dec 2019 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 17th Dec 2019 – Willie McRobert Band
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 1st Dec 2019 – Stuart Cameron SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Dec 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 5th Dec 2019 – Willie Scott Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Dec 2019 – Ian Smith Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 10th Dec 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 16th Dec 2019 – Ray Carse (Christmas special)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 6th Dec 2019 – Annual Dainner Dance to The Garioch Blend
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 22nd Dec 2019 – David Vernon
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th Dec 2019 – David Vernon
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 3rd Dec 2019 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 5th Dec 2019 – Gavin Piper
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 19th Dec 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 4th Dec 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 1st Dec 2019 – Michael Philip SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 16th Dec 2019 – Calum MacColl Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 11th Dec 2019 – Archie McAllister Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 5th Dec 2019 – Scott Leslie Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 3rd Dec 2019 – Glencraig SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 11th Dec 2019 – Alex Ross Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 29th Dec 2019 – Roger Dobson Trio
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 5th Dec 2019 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 17th Dec 2019 – Wayne Robertson
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Dec 2019 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 3rd Dec 2019 – Dave Morrice
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 5th Dec 2019 – Robert Nairn SDB
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 4th Dec 2019 - AGM 11th 18th Dec 19 – Club Night
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Dec 2019 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Dec 2019 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 3rd 10th Dec 2019 – Club Night 17th Dec 19 – Christmas Dance to Leonard Brown
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Dec 2019 – Caithness Scorries
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 5th Dec 2019 – Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 10th Dec 2019 – Bon Accords
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Balloch
4. Banff & District
5. Button Key
6. Canderside
7. Castle Douglas
8. Clydesdale
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline
13. Duns
14. Ellon
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Glenfarg
19. Gretna
20. Highland
21. Inveraray
22. Kelso
23. Langholm
24. Lockerbie
25. Macmerry
26. Mauchline
27. North East
28. Orkney
29. Peebles
30. Perth
31. Seghill
32. Shetland
33. Tynedale
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. 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 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
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. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Small Boxed £20
B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
I’m looking out my office window on to a cold November morning………
Pia Walker
Accordion Champions Showcase Event
by Peter Bruce
On the Sunday afternoon of 27th October, The Salutation hotel had a capacity crowd of 280 eager to hear one of the biggest arrays of accordion talent ever assembled in Scotland. The brains behind this was Leonard Brown.
The first former Champion was Jimmy Cassidy (1967). Jimmy is not just a ‘Scottish’ player; he also won many Classical Competitions in the 1960s. His great talents are not limited to accordion: he is also a gifted pianist and arranger and played piano and keyboards for many years in the North East of England club circuit. He played a varied mix of Scottish and Continental pieces, including a tribute to his mentor Bill Wilkie MBE, who ran the Festival for an amazing 60 years.
Next on stage was the 1974 winner, Jim Lindsay. Jim is one of the most imaginative and creative bandleaders on the Scottish scene. There are always new and interesting ideas played with great taste in any of his performances. A highlight was his performance of the famous Skaters Waltz by Waldteufel.
The performers being in chronological order, James Coutts (1992) was next. James, always note perfect, played some great traditional sets, finishing with a set of reels composed by Scott Skinner and Ronnie Cooper.
The fourth Champion was the ebullient Michael Philip (2000). Michael is perhaps the most prolific composer of the present time, and he played many of his compositions with great style. He introduced Margaret Robertson on fiddle and Nicol McLaren on harmony accordion to play with him. The overall sound was fantastic.
The penultimate Champion of the afternoon was Liam Stewart (2003 and 2013). Liam is a conservatoire-educated pianist, in addition to being a Champion accordionist, and so is expert in many different styles of music. Highlights were a transcendental performance / arrangement of Memories of Willie Snaith by the late Jimmy Shand and some jazz / swing pieces including Lullaby of Birdland.
We also had a surprise guest duo; Myles and April Macaulay from Glasgow, aged 11 and 9 respectively, with Myles on accordion and April on fiddle. Their playing of Irish airs, jigs and reels brought the house down and received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. We will surely hear much more from them in future.
The final winner on stage was the man himself; Leonard (2012), introduced by Nicol McLaren. At the present time Leonard does tremendous work to promote our music and the capacity crowd of 280 said it all. Leonard played in his usual superb style, with some current Scottish hit tunes and a fabulous performance of Orange Blossom Special.
To finish off the afternoon there was a stramash with the Champions, all immaculately presented in dinner suits, playing together.
Special thanks have to be given to the accompanying musicians; Callum Wallace on drums with Jimmy Cassidy, Malcolm Ross on drums with the other champions, and Graham Berry on piano accompanying all six champions.
A limited edition CD titled An Audience with the Accordion Champions is to be released for general sale on 1st December, just in time for Christmas.
Thanks are also due to the Michael Philip family for dealing with tickets and raffle, and to The Sally which, as ever, was a great venue.
The magnificent afternoon ended just before 5pm, with all 280 still present and many giving thanks to Leonard for his fantastic work.
The 32nd Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2019
by Anne Smith
Anticipation and excitement abounded both locally and further afield as our much loved Festival approached. There were musical acts……………
Centre Stage
Ray Carse
In Memory – Ian Hay – The dedicated Chairman of Dunblane A&F Club died on 23rd June 2018, aged 88
by James Gunn
Born and raised along with twin brothers Tom and Roy by their parents Jimmy and Peggy at Stirling Road, Kilsyth, Ian enthusiastically helped his aunt and uncle at their farm at Old Inns, Cumbernauld, and developed a love of farming from a young age. He studied at Agricultural College and later worked at Cochno Vet School and Woodilee Farm, Kirkintilloch, and as a feed company representative. Ian and his brothers were keen members of the Boys’ Brigade, and he progressed to become a leader.
Ian and Moira had lived and farmed at Ballendall, Kinbuck since they were married on 7th December 1962. They had five children, Jimmy, Helen, Sandy, John and Ann, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and were proud of all of them.
For more than 20 years, enthusiastic button-box player Ian and Moira hosted charity nights raising many thousands of pounds for Strathcarron Hospice.
Ian was involved with and supported our Club since its formation, and was its chairman for 45 years. He was a natural in that role. On meeting nights, he was always at the door with a smile and friendly word for everyone on the way in and out. He was unfailingly courteous and considerate to the guest artistes, club and visiting players, his fellow committee members and everyone who helped out. He worked tirelessly to promote the Club, to encourage new players and listeners to come along, and was very successful in doing that.
A very well-known, liked and respected figure in his community, Ian was a keen member of the local Burns and Probus Clubs and was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Farmers Union. He was a regular attendee at Ardoch Parish Church, Brace, which was full to capacity for his funeral service. He had been a member of the Ways and Means Committee of the church for over 40 years.
Always a very sociable and welcoming person, Ian was a true gentleman. We miss him, and are honoured to have known him.
In Memory – Kenny Wilson (25th June 1930 – 2nd Nov 2019)
by Charlie Todd
Over 200 mourners gathered on Friday 8th November at St Mary’s Kirk, Biggar to celebrate the life of local fiddler, Kenny Wilson. Kenny originally hailed from nearby Leadhills where he spent most of his working life as Head Gamekeeper on the Marquis of Linlithgow’s Hopetoun Estate. Retiring in 1992, after 28 years in the job, he settled in Biggar and his expertise was immediately recognised by part- time employment with Saville’s of Edinburgh and The Game Conservancy Council as an Estate Agent and Game Advisor. Musically he will be best remembered as the fiddler with the local broadcasting bands of Max Houliston and Ian Holmes from Dumfries and later with West Coast bandleader Allan McIntosh. Along the way he became Conductor of the Border Strathspey and Reel Society and a J.P., a job he took very seriously, sitting on the bench of Lanark’s Magistrate’s Court, and woe-betide anyone, either the accused, their counsel or the police, who tried to take liberties with the procedures and dignity of the court. Kenny was active up until a few months ago and enjoyed nothing more than a musical session with his friend Pete Clark from Dunkeld, who played before and after the service. He is survived by daughter Valerie and her husband Andrew, grandson Alasdair and partner Pat.
A full account of Kenny’s life and times can be found in the October 2011 B&F 35th Year No 2 or on our B&F website www.boxandfiddle.com Musician Biographies
In Memory – Jimmy Boal (1936 – 2019)
by George T Watt
It was in his home town of Dundee that the Scottish music scene bid a fond farwell to Jimmy Boal. Jimmy led the Maple Leaf Scottish Dance Band, who were Dundee’s own band but had a reputation that reached far and beyond Tayside. In their day, they were one of the top bands around and played for the RSCDS AGM Ball on 4 separate occasions in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. They also recorded an album of Scottish dance music entitled Welcome to Tayside BSLP 117S on the Thistle Label, part of the EMI Group. The Maple Leaf also organised dance holidays in Austria, Germany and Holland as well as traveling to many parts of Britain.
The band members were Jimmy Boal on lead accordion, Muriel Boal on second accordion, Betty Tindal on piano, John white on bass and Sandy Thomson on drums. They played together for many, many years which helped to make the Maple Leaf one of the most consistent bands around both musically and collectively. The Maple Leaf also played for RSCDS Dundee’s summer dances for nigh on 35 years. Yet despite their high status and high regard, Jimmy aye maintained that the best part was making so many friends over the years.
Jimmy suffered from a cancer that proved fatal, yet despite the treatment and many operations he remained up-beat and jovial throughout. I was fortunate to spend some time with Jimmy just before he died. We had a great blether, and you would never have known he was so desperately ill. Jimmy was not only a great accordionist, but he was also an excellent arranger and composer. He was a great asset to the Scottish country dance scene and will be fondly remembered for many years to come.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Simon Howie SDB - The 2020 Sound
Book Review
Rob Howard - Accordion Anthology 2 - Independent
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
7th Dec 2019 – Donald MacLeod SDB + piper Rona Lightfoot
14th Dec 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
21st Dec 2019 – Iain Anderson SDB
28th Dec 2019 – The 60s Bairns join Gary and an invited audience in Aberdeen and share some Festive cheer.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 10th Dec 2019 – Christmas Social Dance to James Coutts Trio
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 11th Dec 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Dec 2019 – Dinner Dance to John Douglas
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 1st Dec 2019 – Susan & Scott Gordon Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 15th Dec 2019 – Club Night
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Dec 2019 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 18th Dec 2019 – Christmas Dance to McBains Dance Band
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 8th Dec 2019 – Jim Gold Trio + Shelley Clark
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 10th Dec 2019 – Stella Wilkie & Joan Blue
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 19th Dec 2019 – Christmas Party
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 3rd Dec 2019 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 12th Dec 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 12th Dec 2019 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 17th Dec 2019 – Willie McRobert Band
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 1st Dec 2019 – Stuart Cameron SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Dec 2019 – Alan Crookston CB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 5th Dec 2019 – Willie Scott Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Dec 2019 – Ian Smith Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 10th Dec 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 16th Dec 2019 – Ray Carse (Christmas special)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 6th Dec 2019 – Annual Dainner Dance to The Garioch Blend
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 22nd Dec 2019 – David Vernon
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th Dec 2019 – David Vernon
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 3rd Dec 2019 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 5th Dec 2019 – Gavin Piper
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 19th Dec 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 4th Dec 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 1st Dec 2019 – Michael Philip SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 16th Dec 2019 – Calum MacColl Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 11th Dec 2019 – Archie McAllister Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 5th Dec 2019 – Scott Leslie Trio
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 3rd Dec 2019 – Glencraig SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 11th Dec 2019 – Alex Ross Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 29th Dec 2019 – Roger Dobson Trio
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 5th Dec 2019 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 17th Dec 2019 – Wayne Robertson
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Dec 2019 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 3rd Dec 2019 – Dave Morrice
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 5th Dec 2019 – Robert Nairn SDB
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 4th Dec 2019 - AGM 11th 18th Dec 19 – Club Night
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Dec 2019 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Dec 2019 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 3rd 10th Dec 2019 – Club Night 17th Dec 19 – Christmas Dance to Leonard Brown
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Dec 2019 – Caithness Scorries
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 5th Dec 2019 – Garioch Blend
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 10th Dec 2019 – Bon Accords
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Balloch
4. Banff & District
5. Button Key
6. Canderside
7. Castle Douglas
8. Clydesdale
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline
13. Duns
14. Ellon
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Glenfarg
19. Gretna
20. Highland
21. Inveraray
22. Kelso
23. Langholm
24. Lockerbie
25. Macmerry
26. Mauchline
27. North East
28. Orkney
29. Peebles
30. Perth
31. Seghill
32. Shetland
33. Tynedale
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. 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 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
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. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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