Box and Fiddle
Year 17 No 04
December 1993
Price 60p
12 pages
7 month subscription £7.00
Editor – Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
As space is at a premium this month, I intend keeping this very brief.
Unfortunately, this lack of space has led to a number of Club reports being omitted for which I apologise. The Shetland Festival report will appear in the next issue.
From Margaret, Jeanette and myself, Compliments of the season.
Doug Adamson
Alastair Hunter
by Doug Adamson
The subject of our feature this month is accordionist Alastair Hunter, leader of the Lorne Scottish Dance Band. Alastair has lived in Aberdeen for the last 35 years, but was brought up in Oban where his love of Scottish music, especially Scottish music, stemmed largely from the influence of this father, the late Charlie Hunter, founder of the Oban and Lorne Strathspey and Reel Society. After a few years of piano tuition, a purely chance encounter with a friend of his father led to a 12 year old Alastair being given a loan of a small 12 bass Pietro. A few years and several “boxes” later, Alastair, at the age of 16, formed his first band with school friend Charlie McLean from Tiree (now living Busby) and Duncan Campbell of Oban – two “boxes”, drums and an old Grampian amplifier which gave out electric shocks every time anyone touched the casing!
The band continued to play in the Oban area for the next ten years or so, apart from breaks necessitated by National Service and studying for a Degree in Agriculture at Glasgow University. With the exception of Duncan Campbell, the band personnel changed over this period and Alastair has many happy memories of the musicians he was associated with including pianists Ann McCallum, Margaret Fletcher and Peter McKillop; fiddlers Callie McInnes (the “Ariogan Fiddler”), Colin Bannatyne and of course, father Charlie (David McBrayne & Co permitting!); drummers Donnie McLeod and Freddie Nicholson; bass players Tony and Maurice Thomson. In due course Duncan Campbell was to relinquish his drums and become the band’s bass player.
While still at University, Alastair, now playing a Hohner Atlantic, was persuaded to compete at the Perth Festival. The idea came from Jimmy Parker of Auchencairn, whom Alastair met while a student working on a farm near Kirkcudbright, and the visit to the Fair City, “chaperoned” by Duncan Campbell and Orcadian Sinclair Moodie, certainly proved worthwhile. He won the Senior Scottish Trophy at the first attempt in 1956 and again two years later. In 1959 he was runner up. His subsequent associations with the Festival were to be in the role of adjudicator. It was around this time that Alastair and the band cut their first solo and band discs with the Gaelfonn Recording Company.
A major change came in Alastair’s life when he moved to Aberdeen in 1958 to take up an appointment with the then North of Scotland College of Agriculture. Contacts were soon made with other musicians in the north-eat and the nucleus was formed of what was to become the Lorne Scottish Dance Band.
Within a month of arriving in Aberdeen, an invitation came to play at an International Festival in Strasbourg, then the following year a two week tour of France with Bobby Watson and the Clan Hay Dancers of “Kilt is My Delight” fame. The venues on this tour were many and varied and included the Deauville Casino, the British Embassy in Paris and also a whisky importers reception on the second stage of the Eiffel Tower where the combination of hospitality and altitude played havoc with the demonstration Eightsome Reel! It was on this trip that the inspiration came for Alastair’s musette-style composition “The Cockroach Inn”.
One of the first musicians to join forces with Alastair in Aberdeen was pianist Jessie Cruickshank who, in spite of ill-health, remained the band’s pianist till shortly before her death in 1990. She holds a very special place in the story of the Lorne SDB. Along with Alasdair Cameron, who hailed from Beauly and is now minister of Sherwood Church in Paisley, Alistair and Jessie formed the Lorne Trio and, after several recording for the B.B.C. Gaelic Department , joined the ranks of the Saturday evening “Scottish Dance Music” regulars. A couple of years later they were joined by Ron Gonella on fiddle and Jack Stephen on drums to make up their now established 5 piece group. Later, Ron’s place was taken by Florence Burns and, apart from the loss of Jessie Cruickshank and her replacement by Alistair’s daughter Eileen, the band personnel have remained the same for almost 20 years. No “rent-a-band” here!
Overseas travel has featured largely in Alistair’s recent career. Visits to Festivals in Brittany started as far back as 1969 with a visit to the Fete de Cornouaille in Quimper, followed by several trips to the Lorient Festival when the band was augmented by such first class musicians as Jim Halcrow and Ivor Britton.
The opportunity to take early retirement arose in 1986 and since then Alistair has clocked up more than 30 overseas trips. These have mainly been to St Andrew’s Balls or Scottish Country Dance Schools in such places as Oman, Kuwait, Istanbul, Ankara, Rio de Janeiro and Florida, in addition to numerous visits to Holland, Belgium and Germany. Currently on the cards for next year are visits to Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and a return visit to Florida.
The recorded scene has not been neglected either and, in addition to several L.P.s and a couple of privately released cassettes, the Lorne SDB has recorded the music for two of the R.S.C.D.S. books of dances.
Alastair now devotes most of his time to teaching accordion and keyboard and his playing is almost entirely for Scottish country Dancing, either solo with electronic bass or as a 3 or 4 piece group with Florence Burns, Jack Stephen and daughter Eileen. On occasions when Florence is unable to get time off from her daytime teaching post, Alistair’s son Russell, now established as a Scottish Dance musician in his own right, steps into the breach and has enjoyed several of the band’s overseas trips.
The distinctive sound of the Lorne SDB is due in no small measure to the 32 year old Gola which Alistair bought in 1964 for £220! The advert appeared in the local evening paper and Alistair, though sorely tempted, quickly put the idea out of his mind as the need to replace his aging car was a higher priority. He reckoned however without accordionist and motor engineer friend Skene Foote who was not going to see an opportunity like that pass by. Skene insisted that Alastair went to see the instrument and volunteered to overhaul the car engine free of charge. A deal was struck and Alastair, still the proud possessor of the Gola, is forever grateful for his friend’s foresight and generosity.
Introducing the Clubs
No 19 Fintry Accordion & Fiddle Association
by Frank Farquharson
The above grand title was selected by the founder members of the Club.
The members of the Fintry Ceilidh Band, namely Robert Aitken, Jimmy Burgess and Alex Fitzsimmons decided to pay a visit to the M.A.F.I.A. Club in the Black Bull Hotel in Milngavie, the guest artistes that night being Jim Brown and Bobby Campbell.
The miles between Milngavie and Fintry were occupied discussing the night’s events and the outcome was – why don’t we start a Club of our own?
It was after a great deal of discussion and thought that it was decided to go ahead – nothing ventured, nothing gained!
The first meeting was held in the small lounge of the Fintry Inn with the guest artiste being Jimmy Lindsay from Glenalmond. It was really a ‘posh’ Club – they had the use of a grand piano!
Among the many talented musicians who supported the Club were the late Dennis McLaughlin and Bobby Lilley, both sadly missed, and Jimmy Yeaman, all on fiddle. The accordionists who attended were Bill Butler, Alisdair McPhail Snr, and our own Jimmy Shand – Dochie McCallum.
The first M.C. was Alex Fitzsimmons who continued in that position until the Club went into ‘suspended animation’ due to the lack of helping hands. The running of the Club had been carried on by Alex with the help of his good lady, Janet. With his employment taking him away from home and not knowing when he would get back, it became quite a burden with two young daughters at school. The problem of babysitters raised its ugly head, so more and more was laid at Janet’s feet. The final straw came when Alex was involved in a ‘rear shunt’ whilst on his way to a gig. The resultant back injuries put paid to humping about PA equipment, so after many loyal years helping to entertain the ‘punters’, Alex and Janet said that enough was enough, and F.A.F.A., as it was now known, ceased to exist, albeit temporarily.
When the new season started folk realised that there was no F.A.F.A. and they began to ask questions as to why it could not be restarted.
After long discussion, visits, phone calls and a lot of thinking, it was with the help of Morag MAcAskill and Jimmy Yeaman that a meeting was held in the home of Mary Bruce in Drymen – in attendance Mary Bruce, Morag MacAskill, Jimmy Yeaman, Sandy Shearlaw and myself Frank Farquharson.
The meeting was chaired by Jimmy and after all the ifs and ands, wheres and whens had been ironed out, Jimmy summed up by stating in a few words, “There is nothing to stop you – get on with it! I’ll be your first guest artiste.”
It was agreed that we would have a go, so with Sandy as Treasurer/Secretary and yours truly as Chairman, we set our sights for a December meeting. I had already spoken to the owners of the Fintry Inn who were agreeable – the only snag was they intended to start alterations in the Spring. We were made welcome and the F.A.F.A. was reborn and raring to go.
The first night was a great success and as you would expect with the ‘Phantom Fiddler’ and his ‘posse’, and as luck would have it we finished the season without a move.
When September came round we had found a new venue in the Barn Theatre at Culcreach Castle – great surroundings, great acoustics, but it was draughty – really no use for a seated audience. So, next season, we moved to the comfort of the Dining Room in the Clachan Hotel on the outskirts of the village.
We spent many happy years in those surroundings being entertained by talented professional musicians, but much more gratifying was the emergence of the youngsters through the years. We can think of one with two little short legs and two small arms appearing from behind a ‘box’ and who is now a young man who has just won the British Junior Championship for the second year in succession.
It is also gratifying when a Club gives a young player his first guest artiste spot ‘at home’ and the icing on the cake is when he and fellow musicians present their first broadcast. When being interviewed on radio he publicly thanks his Club for the encouragement – that makes it all worthwhile. That, after all is what the Clubs are here for – to encourage youngsters to keep our native music alive.
Fintry being one of the smaller Clubs with regard to members and players has been lucky that so many of the youngsters are ‘Festival minded’ and have awards to prove their talent.
It was with regret that we moved from the Clachan Hotel, the reason being lack of space as members were increasing and the Sports Club Lounge offered to us exactly what we required – ample seating, stage space and good acoustics.
Our January meeting in 1990 was the 10th Anniversary of the reconstituted club, our guests that night being the Newtongrange club. What a night – rain poured down and the car park flooded. There was no time for last minute thanks. However, all ended well. They got home safely. The main guests included Jimmy and Joan Blue, Bobby and Agnes Crowe and Norrie and Sheila Williams. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening we had.
We are now looking forward to our December meeting which will be the 21st Anniversary of the foundation of the F.A.F.A.
The Fintry club have a very good relationship with their neighbouring Clubs i.e. Balloch, Dunblane and Milngavie and all Committee members try to visit each Club as often as time permits and this I feel strengthens the real purpose of an Accordion Club – the furtherance of our native music.
It does not seem like 14 years since Sandy and I went, fingers crossed, to our first meeting. If we have, with the help of our guests, sent our members home happy, we have been successful and long may it continue.
To conclude, Sandy and I thank all who have supported the Club in the past, and look forward to your continued support to enable us to ‘keep the music alive’.
Thanks Morag and Jimmy for the push.
Colin Finlayson (1952-93) – An Appreciation
by Ricki, Neil, Gus, Stan, Alasdair & Gordon
It was with feelings of disbelief that we heard of the sudden death of Colin in Geneva on 19th September, 1993, at the age of 41.
An unassuming man, he graced the Scottish music scene for many years and throughout the country his passing is mourned by all who danced to or simply listened to his music. Colin was held in the highest regard by all as a musician but more particularly for what he was as a man.
From earlier days when through his frequent visits to Iona, direct influences to his musical development came from bobby MacLeod and Pibroch McKenzie, he went on to play piano in the bands of John Renton, Ronnie Easton and Kenny Thomson respectively, while gradually bringing together his own band in the mid-seventies.
On his own admission, his own band was more for dancing to rather than a ‘listening’ band and he traveled widely to play at functions.
He began broadcasting in 1982 and featured on ‘Take the Floor’ each year until he left Scotland to work in Geneva in 1990. His playing took him to many a Country Dance and latterly he made two records for the R.S.C.D.S. covering books 7 and 10 – records which underline the strict tempo of his playing which many have commented upon.
Throughout his life he was closely connected with the Island of Iona where the family holiday home exists to this day and the islands of Mull and Iona, their people and their culture were close to his heart. They also had the greatest of influence on his musical interests and interpretation and in 1985 when he was asked by close friend Anda Campbell to make the record ‘The Argyll Arms Ceilidh’ this provided the opportunity to set down for posterity the Colin Finlayson sound with its strict tempo while capturing the swing of the 2/4 march and the lilt of the Gaelic waltz.
His broadcasts and records include many of his compositions, quite a number of which Iain Peterson has published and which convey his liking for and ability in composing 4/4 marches, jogs and reels. Of particular note is his tune for his mother composed not long before he died and the march which began his broadcasting career dedicated to ‘The Troops’.
As with many followers and friends, we have difficulty in accepting that our tunes with Big Colin are in the past but, it is a past which holds many dear memories which will not be forgotten. Colin was a champion of causes and many have benefited from his interest and efforts during a lifetime which was all too short. For our part we are proud to have known him and to have made music with him over the years.
We extend to his widow Deone, his daughters Lindsay and Sheena and to his mother, our sincere condolences on his passing.
Mrs Deone Finlayson, her daughters Lindsay and Sheena, Mrs Pam Finlayson and the members of the Finlayson family wish to express their thanks to all those who attended the Memorial Service for Colin at Alloway Parish Church and for the many expressions of support and sympathy which they have received.
44th All Scotland Accordion Festival 1993 – 6th November 1993
by Bill Wilkie
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Allison Gilfillan (Perth)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Lindsay Weir (Cukbokie)
2) Scott Gordon (Galston)
3) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
2) Lynne Elrick (Melrose)
3) Niall Skinner (Currie)
Veterans’ Section
1) Lillian Nicholson (Aberdeen)
2) Hector Henderson (Fort William)
3) Leslie Craig (Ireland)
Scottish Traditional (Under 12)
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3)
Junior Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
3) Sandra Hutchison (Thornhill)
Junior Solo Pipe Music (Under 16)
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
3) Sandra Hutchison (Thornhill)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
3)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Dana Quinn (Dumfries)
Own Composition
1) Richard Wong (Glasgow)
2) James Corbett (Lairg)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Trios
1) Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
2) Scott Gardon (Galston)
3) David Oswald (Blairgowrie)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Andrew Knight (Dalkeith)
3) David Anderson (Kingskettle)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Dana Quinn Band (Dumfries)
2) Sandra Hutchison (Dumfries)
3) Gartmhor Ceilidh Band (Gartocharn)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
3) Jacqueline Beaumont (Sma’ Glen)
Senior Fiddle
1) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
2) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
3) Celia McIntyre (Edinburgh)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
3)
9 Years and Under
1) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
2) Neal Galbraith
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
11 Years and Under
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Graham Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Fiona Greer (Glenrothes)
13 Years and Under
1) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Jamie McKelvie (Dundee)
15 Years and Under
1) Maire Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Colin Train (Carluke)
3) Fiona McConnell (Glasgow)
John Leslie Championship
1)
2)
Area Junior Championship
1)
2)
3)
Preparatory Solo
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Solo
1) Andrew Dickson (Glasgow)
2) Pauline McCloy (Wishaw)
3=) Jayne Waddell (Eyemouth) & Laura Smith (Kinglassie)
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Vicki Craig (Haddington)
2) Jill Craig (Haddington)
3) Peter MacFarlane (Wishaw)
Intermediate Solo
1) Lauren MacFarlane (Wishaw)
2) Anthony Mitchell (Livingston)
3) Joanne Lindsay (Wishaw)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Grant Law (Wishaw)
2) Avril Kinloch (Biggar)
3)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Craig (Rosyth)
2)
3)
Open Area Solo
1) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
2)
3)
Polka (Under 16)
1) Kevin Swinton (St Boswells)
2) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
3=) Colin Train (Carluke) & Jim Moffat (Biggar)
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Lyndsey-Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) George Agnew (Airdrie)
3) Pauline Lavery (Dumfries)
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1) Robert Allison & David Lindsay (Wishaw)
2) Stewart Allan & John Leiper (Wishaw)
3) Murray & Victoria Scott (Wishaw)
Elementary Duet
1) Vicki & Jill Craig (Haddington)
2) James & David Gray (Biggar)
3) Ross Cameron & Robert Brodie (Airdrie)
Intermediate Duet
1) David & Marcus McCloy (Shotts)
2) Niall Skinner & Donald MacKay (Currie)
3)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Lauren & Peter MacFarlane (Wishaw)
2) Julian Fleming & Leann Cross (wishaw)
3) Jill Moffat & David Siracky (Carnwath)
Advanced Duet
1)
2)
Premier Duet
1)
Preparatory Orchestra
1) G & B Laurie (Paisley)
2) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
3) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
Elementary Orchestra
1) G & B Laurie (Paisley)
2) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
Intermediate Orchestra
1) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
2) G Laurie (Paisley)
3) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
Advanced Orchestra
1) Fife Accordion Band
2)
Elementary Group
1) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
2)
Intermediate Group
1) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
2) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
3) Craig Veldon (Airdrie)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
Kingdom Five
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small (Dunshalt)
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Liam Smith (Kinross)
2) Janet Steele (Stirling)
3) Barry Howieson (High Valleyfield)
Record Review
Come Again – You’re Welcome – Shetland Fiddlers Society – SF54
Letters
Now that a few weeks have passed since our three regular programmes of Shepherd’s Fancy, Take the Floor and The Reel blend have been ‘re-jigged’ in one way or another, I think it’s time to voice one or two opinions about the changes made.
I accept that it is part of our human nature to resist change, but I am still very disappointed with the new programmes and their format. It seems I am not alone in my dissatisfaction. I have spoken to several friends and contacts, and none, so far, have been satisfied with the new programmes. (My own list of complaints is too extensive to include in this latter, but I shall communicate them to the B.B.C.)
The ‘B&F’ is the ideal vehicle through which to air grievances about the changes and new formats, so I wonder if subscribers might be canvassed for their opinions, perhaps through a questionnaire. One can only hope that if the response is sufficient, we might be able to communicate our dissatisfaction to the Controller of B.B.C. Radio Scotland, who is, I understand, the person responsible for all the alterations.
Reader take note – nothing will be achieved if we all just grumble to one another about it.
Julie Preston
In the October issue ‘G.S.’ of Coventry queried whether it was necessary to bring over foreign accordionists in view of the many talented players in Scotland. I believe it is.
It is obvious that traditional Scottish accordion music has many talented masters (and mistresses!) No ‘foreigner’ can challenge their skill and interpretation of their own idiom.
But surely it is interesting and important for the accordion movement as a whole, to hear from time to time, accordionists from abroad who are prominent in their own field.
The obverse side of the coin is that when I have seen Scottish accordionists playing at Festivals on the Continent, they have received a tremendous and appreciative welcome! No question of the locals (not a Scottish emigrant in sight) saying ‘Why do we have to bring these foreigners over’.
At the present time it is not easy to develop the popularity of the accordion ; there are many distractions and alternative instruments. Remaining ‘blinkered’ about what is happening elsewhere in the accordion world is not, in my view, the way forward.
Jim Cooper
We were delighted to read the tribute to Andy Stewart written by Jimmy Blue, it was so well written and the photographs were super. We too remember Andy with affection and admiration and were with the Ian Powrie/Jimmy Blue Band and Andy on many, many occasions and got to know Andy very well.
We would endorse everything that Jimmy said and could add many more anecdotes to illustrate what a good boss he was and how much he was liked and respected by those who worked with him. He will be missed not only in Scotland but all over the world.
I also wanted to ask other questions but you may not want to publish all or any of this letter. Could you not run more competitions and have good prizes e.g. tickets for concerts, C.D.’s or cassettes donated by the record companies or artistes music books etc, etc – the list is endless.
Surely someone on your Committee would be willing to undertake this to increase your readership and keep it alive.
There is a project which the A&F Clubs may wish to pursue regarding McKenzie Murdoch, the noted Scottisj violinist.
His son, now in his 90s, wrote to Robbie Shepherd to tell him that his father’s fuberal had been attended by Sir Harry Lauder who sang, and a bronze plaque of a violin etc was unveiled but vandals stole the violin.
Is there any way that a similar commemorative plaque could be provided by the N.A.A.F.C. to honour his name? After all, there is a lovely commemorative stone to honour the memory of and legacy of J. Scott Skinner which is a lovely tribute to an outstanding personality.
M.A. Hutchison (Mrs)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 93 – Club Night 4th Dec Supper Dance to Dick Black Band
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 10th Dec 93 – Dance to Dick Black Band
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 5th Dec 93 – Andrew Knight & the West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Dec 93 - Dance
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 93 – Bill Black SDB
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Dec 93 – Dick Black Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 93 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 2nd Dec 93 – Archie Duncan
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 21st Dec 93 – Ron Hodgson & Julie Best 10th Dec Dance to Bruce Lindsay Band
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 93 – Glencraig SDB
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) 2nd Dec 93 – Bill Black SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 21st Dec 93 - tbc
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – All Star Band
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 2nd Dec 93 – Colin Dewar Trio
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 10th/11th Dec 93 – Alastair McPhail SDB, Gordon Shand, David Solley and Lex Keith
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 15th Dec 93 – Club Night with Robert Veitch and Henry White
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 93 – David Oswald SDB (21st Birthday)
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Dec 93 – Jock Fraser SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Dec 93 – Jim MacKay SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 7th Dec 93 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 7th Dec 93 – Pauline Lavery 3rd Dec Dance to Jim Johnstone at Locharbriggs CC
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 15th Dec 93 – Jason Dove Band
Kinlochshiel (Strathcarron Hotel) - 13th Dec 93 – Lochaber S&R Society
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – Aberdeen S&R Society 29th Dec Dance to Garioch Blend
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 93 – Charlie Todd & the Cameronian SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate)
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 21st Dec 93 – Jock Loch Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – Deirdre Adamson
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) – 2nd Dec 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 93 – Michael Garvin SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Dec 93 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 5th Dec 93 – Angie Smith & Friends
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 2nd Dec 93 – Banchory S&R Society
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 14th Dec 93 – Deirdre Adamson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 21st Dec 93 – Wick Fiddlers
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Ayr
2. Banff
3. Belford
4. Coalburn
5. Crieff
6. Dunblane
7. East Kilbride
8. Etterick & Yarrow
9. Fintry
10. Forres
11. Glendale
12. Gretna
13. Islay
14. Highland
15. Kinlochshiel
16. Kelso
17. Lockerbie
18. Montrose
19. Newtongrange
20. North East
21. Peebles
22. Perth
23. Renfrew
24. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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 (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
47. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
48. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
49. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
50. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
51. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
52. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
53. Mull A&F Club
54. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
55. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
56. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
57. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
58. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
59. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
60. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
61. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
62. Renfrew A&F Club (
63. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
64. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
65. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
66. Sutherland A&F Club (
67. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
68. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
69. Tranent A&F Club
70. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
71. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
72. 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?)
73. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
74. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
75. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
76. Buchan A&F Club
77. Callander A&F Club (
78. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
79. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
80. Club Accord
81. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
82. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
83. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
84. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
85. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
86. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
87. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
88. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
89. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
93. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
94. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
95. Newcastleton Accordion Club
96. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
97. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
98. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
99. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
100. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
101. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
102. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
103. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £94
Half Page - £47
Quarter Page - £24
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
As space is at a premium this month, I intend keeping this very brief.
Unfortunately, this lack of space has led to a number of Club reports being omitted for which I apologise. The Shetland Festival report will appear in the next issue.
From Margaret, Jeanette and myself, Compliments of the season.
Doug Adamson
Alastair Hunter
by Doug Adamson
The subject of our feature this month is accordionist Alastair Hunter, leader of the Lorne Scottish Dance Band. Alastair has lived in Aberdeen for the last 35 years, but was brought up in Oban where his love of Scottish music, especially Scottish music, stemmed largely from the influence of this father, the late Charlie Hunter, founder of the Oban and Lorne Strathspey and Reel Society. After a few years of piano tuition, a purely chance encounter with a friend of his father led to a 12 year old Alastair being given a loan of a small 12 bass Pietro. A few years and several “boxes” later, Alastair, at the age of 16, formed his first band with school friend Charlie McLean from Tiree (now living Busby) and Duncan Campbell of Oban – two “boxes”, drums and an old Grampian amplifier which gave out electric shocks every time anyone touched the casing!
The band continued to play in the Oban area for the next ten years or so, apart from breaks necessitated by National Service and studying for a Degree in Agriculture at Glasgow University. With the exception of Duncan Campbell, the band personnel changed over this period and Alastair has many happy memories of the musicians he was associated with including pianists Ann McCallum, Margaret Fletcher and Peter McKillop; fiddlers Callie McInnes (the “Ariogan Fiddler”), Colin Bannatyne and of course, father Charlie (David McBrayne & Co permitting!); drummers Donnie McLeod and Freddie Nicholson; bass players Tony and Maurice Thomson. In due course Duncan Campbell was to relinquish his drums and become the band’s bass player.
While still at University, Alastair, now playing a Hohner Atlantic, was persuaded to compete at the Perth Festival. The idea came from Jimmy Parker of Auchencairn, whom Alastair met while a student working on a farm near Kirkcudbright, and the visit to the Fair City, “chaperoned” by Duncan Campbell and Orcadian Sinclair Moodie, certainly proved worthwhile. He won the Senior Scottish Trophy at the first attempt in 1956 and again two years later. In 1959 he was runner up. His subsequent associations with the Festival were to be in the role of adjudicator. It was around this time that Alastair and the band cut their first solo and band discs with the Gaelfonn Recording Company.
A major change came in Alastair’s life when he moved to Aberdeen in 1958 to take up an appointment with the then North of Scotland College of Agriculture. Contacts were soon made with other musicians in the north-eat and the nucleus was formed of what was to become the Lorne Scottish Dance Band.
Within a month of arriving in Aberdeen, an invitation came to play at an International Festival in Strasbourg, then the following year a two week tour of France with Bobby Watson and the Clan Hay Dancers of “Kilt is My Delight” fame. The venues on this tour were many and varied and included the Deauville Casino, the British Embassy in Paris and also a whisky importers reception on the second stage of the Eiffel Tower where the combination of hospitality and altitude played havoc with the demonstration Eightsome Reel! It was on this trip that the inspiration came for Alastair’s musette-style composition “The Cockroach Inn”.
One of the first musicians to join forces with Alastair in Aberdeen was pianist Jessie Cruickshank who, in spite of ill-health, remained the band’s pianist till shortly before her death in 1990. She holds a very special place in the story of the Lorne SDB. Along with Alasdair Cameron, who hailed from Beauly and is now minister of Sherwood Church in Paisley, Alistair and Jessie formed the Lorne Trio and, after several recording for the B.B.C. Gaelic Department , joined the ranks of the Saturday evening “Scottish Dance Music” regulars. A couple of years later they were joined by Ron Gonella on fiddle and Jack Stephen on drums to make up their now established 5 piece group. Later, Ron’s place was taken by Florence Burns and, apart from the loss of Jessie Cruickshank and her replacement by Alistair’s daughter Eileen, the band personnel have remained the same for almost 20 years. No “rent-a-band” here!
Overseas travel has featured largely in Alistair’s recent career. Visits to Festivals in Brittany started as far back as 1969 with a visit to the Fete de Cornouaille in Quimper, followed by several trips to the Lorient Festival when the band was augmented by such first class musicians as Jim Halcrow and Ivor Britton.
The opportunity to take early retirement arose in 1986 and since then Alistair has clocked up more than 30 overseas trips. These have mainly been to St Andrew’s Balls or Scottish Country Dance Schools in such places as Oman, Kuwait, Istanbul, Ankara, Rio de Janeiro and Florida, in addition to numerous visits to Holland, Belgium and Germany. Currently on the cards for next year are visits to Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and a return visit to Florida.
The recorded scene has not been neglected either and, in addition to several L.P.s and a couple of privately released cassettes, the Lorne SDB has recorded the music for two of the R.S.C.D.S. books of dances.
Alastair now devotes most of his time to teaching accordion and keyboard and his playing is almost entirely for Scottish country Dancing, either solo with electronic bass or as a 3 or 4 piece group with Florence Burns, Jack Stephen and daughter Eileen. On occasions when Florence is unable to get time off from her daytime teaching post, Alistair’s son Russell, now established as a Scottish Dance musician in his own right, steps into the breach and has enjoyed several of the band’s overseas trips.
The distinctive sound of the Lorne SDB is due in no small measure to the 32 year old Gola which Alistair bought in 1964 for £220! The advert appeared in the local evening paper and Alistair, though sorely tempted, quickly put the idea out of his mind as the need to replace his aging car was a higher priority. He reckoned however without accordionist and motor engineer friend Skene Foote who was not going to see an opportunity like that pass by. Skene insisted that Alastair went to see the instrument and volunteered to overhaul the car engine free of charge. A deal was struck and Alastair, still the proud possessor of the Gola, is forever grateful for his friend’s foresight and generosity.
Introducing the Clubs
No 19 Fintry Accordion & Fiddle Association
by Frank Farquharson
The above grand title was selected by the founder members of the Club.
The members of the Fintry Ceilidh Band, namely Robert Aitken, Jimmy Burgess and Alex Fitzsimmons decided to pay a visit to the M.A.F.I.A. Club in the Black Bull Hotel in Milngavie, the guest artistes that night being Jim Brown and Bobby Campbell.
The miles between Milngavie and Fintry were occupied discussing the night’s events and the outcome was – why don’t we start a Club of our own?
It was after a great deal of discussion and thought that it was decided to go ahead – nothing ventured, nothing gained!
The first meeting was held in the small lounge of the Fintry Inn with the guest artiste being Jimmy Lindsay from Glenalmond. It was really a ‘posh’ Club – they had the use of a grand piano!
Among the many talented musicians who supported the Club were the late Dennis McLaughlin and Bobby Lilley, both sadly missed, and Jimmy Yeaman, all on fiddle. The accordionists who attended were Bill Butler, Alisdair McPhail Snr, and our own Jimmy Shand – Dochie McCallum.
The first M.C. was Alex Fitzsimmons who continued in that position until the Club went into ‘suspended animation’ due to the lack of helping hands. The running of the Club had been carried on by Alex with the help of his good lady, Janet. With his employment taking him away from home and not knowing when he would get back, it became quite a burden with two young daughters at school. The problem of babysitters raised its ugly head, so more and more was laid at Janet’s feet. The final straw came when Alex was involved in a ‘rear shunt’ whilst on his way to a gig. The resultant back injuries put paid to humping about PA equipment, so after many loyal years helping to entertain the ‘punters’, Alex and Janet said that enough was enough, and F.A.F.A., as it was now known, ceased to exist, albeit temporarily.
When the new season started folk realised that there was no F.A.F.A. and they began to ask questions as to why it could not be restarted.
After long discussion, visits, phone calls and a lot of thinking, it was with the help of Morag MAcAskill and Jimmy Yeaman that a meeting was held in the home of Mary Bruce in Drymen – in attendance Mary Bruce, Morag MacAskill, Jimmy Yeaman, Sandy Shearlaw and myself Frank Farquharson.
The meeting was chaired by Jimmy and after all the ifs and ands, wheres and whens had been ironed out, Jimmy summed up by stating in a few words, “There is nothing to stop you – get on with it! I’ll be your first guest artiste.”
It was agreed that we would have a go, so with Sandy as Treasurer/Secretary and yours truly as Chairman, we set our sights for a December meeting. I had already spoken to the owners of the Fintry Inn who were agreeable – the only snag was they intended to start alterations in the Spring. We were made welcome and the F.A.F.A. was reborn and raring to go.
The first night was a great success and as you would expect with the ‘Phantom Fiddler’ and his ‘posse’, and as luck would have it we finished the season without a move.
When September came round we had found a new venue in the Barn Theatre at Culcreach Castle – great surroundings, great acoustics, but it was draughty – really no use for a seated audience. So, next season, we moved to the comfort of the Dining Room in the Clachan Hotel on the outskirts of the village.
We spent many happy years in those surroundings being entertained by talented professional musicians, but much more gratifying was the emergence of the youngsters through the years. We can think of one with two little short legs and two small arms appearing from behind a ‘box’ and who is now a young man who has just won the British Junior Championship for the second year in succession.
It is also gratifying when a Club gives a young player his first guest artiste spot ‘at home’ and the icing on the cake is when he and fellow musicians present their first broadcast. When being interviewed on radio he publicly thanks his Club for the encouragement – that makes it all worthwhile. That, after all is what the Clubs are here for – to encourage youngsters to keep our native music alive.
Fintry being one of the smaller Clubs with regard to members and players has been lucky that so many of the youngsters are ‘Festival minded’ and have awards to prove their talent.
It was with regret that we moved from the Clachan Hotel, the reason being lack of space as members were increasing and the Sports Club Lounge offered to us exactly what we required – ample seating, stage space and good acoustics.
Our January meeting in 1990 was the 10th Anniversary of the reconstituted club, our guests that night being the Newtongrange club. What a night – rain poured down and the car park flooded. There was no time for last minute thanks. However, all ended well. They got home safely. The main guests included Jimmy and Joan Blue, Bobby and Agnes Crowe and Norrie and Sheila Williams. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening we had.
We are now looking forward to our December meeting which will be the 21st Anniversary of the foundation of the F.A.F.A.
The Fintry club have a very good relationship with their neighbouring Clubs i.e. Balloch, Dunblane and Milngavie and all Committee members try to visit each Club as often as time permits and this I feel strengthens the real purpose of an Accordion Club – the furtherance of our native music.
It does not seem like 14 years since Sandy and I went, fingers crossed, to our first meeting. If we have, with the help of our guests, sent our members home happy, we have been successful and long may it continue.
To conclude, Sandy and I thank all who have supported the Club in the past, and look forward to your continued support to enable us to ‘keep the music alive’.
Thanks Morag and Jimmy for the push.
Colin Finlayson (1952-93) – An Appreciation
by Ricki, Neil, Gus, Stan, Alasdair & Gordon
It was with feelings of disbelief that we heard of the sudden death of Colin in Geneva on 19th September, 1993, at the age of 41.
An unassuming man, he graced the Scottish music scene for many years and throughout the country his passing is mourned by all who danced to or simply listened to his music. Colin was held in the highest regard by all as a musician but more particularly for what he was as a man.
From earlier days when through his frequent visits to Iona, direct influences to his musical development came from bobby MacLeod and Pibroch McKenzie, he went on to play piano in the bands of John Renton, Ronnie Easton and Kenny Thomson respectively, while gradually bringing together his own band in the mid-seventies.
On his own admission, his own band was more for dancing to rather than a ‘listening’ band and he traveled widely to play at functions.
He began broadcasting in 1982 and featured on ‘Take the Floor’ each year until he left Scotland to work in Geneva in 1990. His playing took him to many a Country Dance and latterly he made two records for the R.S.C.D.S. covering books 7 and 10 – records which underline the strict tempo of his playing which many have commented upon.
Throughout his life he was closely connected with the Island of Iona where the family holiday home exists to this day and the islands of Mull and Iona, their people and their culture were close to his heart. They also had the greatest of influence on his musical interests and interpretation and in 1985 when he was asked by close friend Anda Campbell to make the record ‘The Argyll Arms Ceilidh’ this provided the opportunity to set down for posterity the Colin Finlayson sound with its strict tempo while capturing the swing of the 2/4 march and the lilt of the Gaelic waltz.
His broadcasts and records include many of his compositions, quite a number of which Iain Peterson has published and which convey his liking for and ability in composing 4/4 marches, jogs and reels. Of particular note is his tune for his mother composed not long before he died and the march which began his broadcasting career dedicated to ‘The Troops’.
As with many followers and friends, we have difficulty in accepting that our tunes with Big Colin are in the past but, it is a past which holds many dear memories which will not be forgotten. Colin was a champion of causes and many have benefited from his interest and efforts during a lifetime which was all too short. For our part we are proud to have known him and to have made music with him over the years.
We extend to his widow Deone, his daughters Lindsay and Sheena and to his mother, our sincere condolences on his passing.
Mrs Deone Finlayson, her daughters Lindsay and Sheena, Mrs Pam Finlayson and the members of the Finlayson family wish to express their thanks to all those who attended the Memorial Service for Colin at Alloway Parish Church and for the many expressions of support and sympathy which they have received.
44th All Scotland Accordion Festival 1993 – 6th November 1993
by Bill Wilkie
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
2) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Allison Gilfillan (Perth)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Lindsay Weir (Cukbokie)
2) Scott Gordon (Galston)
3) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
All Scotland Senior Amateur
1) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
2) Lynne Elrick (Melrose)
3) Niall Skinner (Currie)
Veterans’ Section
1) Lillian Nicholson (Aberdeen)
2) Hector Henderson (Fort William)
3) Leslie Craig (Ireland)
Scottish Traditional (Under 12)
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3)
Junior Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
3) Sandra Hutchison (Thornhill)
Junior Solo Pipe Music (Under 16)
1) Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
2) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
3) Sandra Hutchison (Thornhill)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Lynne Christie (Huntly)
3)
Junior Girls Scottish Traditional (Under 16)
1) Pauline Bradley (Balloch)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Dana Quinn (Dumfries)
Own Composition
1) Richard Wong (Glasgow)
2) James Corbett (Lairg)
3) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Trios
1) Lindsay Weir (Culbokie)
2) Scott Gardon (Galston)
3) David Oswald (Blairgowrie)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Andrew Knight (Dalkeith)
3) David Anderson (Kingskettle)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Dana Quinn Band (Dumfries)
2) Sandra Hutchison (Dumfries)
3) Gartmhor Ceilidh Band (Gartocharn)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
3) Jacqueline Beaumont (Sma’ Glen)
Senior Fiddle
1) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
2) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
3) Celia McIntyre (Edinburgh)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
7 Years and Under
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
3)
9 Years and Under
1) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
2) Neal Galbraith
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
11 Years and Under
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Graham Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Fiona Greer (Glenrothes)
13 Years and Under
1) Eileen Harkness (Paisley)
2) Jill Blackburn (Hexham)
3) Jamie McKelvie (Dundee)
15 Years and Under
1) Maire Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Colin Train (Carluke)
3) Fiona McConnell (Glasgow)
John Leslie Championship
1)
2)
Area Junior Championship
1)
2)
3)
Preparatory Solo
1)
2)
3)
Elementary Solo
1) Andrew Dickson (Glasgow)
2) Pauline McCloy (Wishaw)
3=) Jayne Waddell (Eyemouth) & Laura Smith (Kinglassie)
Higher Elementary Solo
1) Vicki Craig (Haddington)
2) Jill Craig (Haddington)
3) Peter MacFarlane (Wishaw)
Intermediate Solo
1) Lauren MacFarlane (Wishaw)
2) Anthony Mitchell (Livingston)
3) Joanne Lindsay (Wishaw)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Grant Law (Wishaw)
2) Avril Kinloch (Biggar)
3)
Advanced Solo Championship
1) Michael Craig (Rosyth)
2)
3)
Open Area Solo
1) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
2)
3)
Polka (Under 16)
1) Kevin Swinton (St Boswells)
2) Ross Lowthian (Melrose)
3=) Colin Train (Carluke) & Jim Moffat (Biggar)
Senior Polka Section (16 and over)
1) Lyndsey-Ann Allan (Paisley)
2) George Agnew (Airdrie)
3) Pauline Lavery (Dumfries)
Theme Solo
Elementary Free Bass
1)
Intermediate Free Bass
1)
2)
Open Solo Free Bass
1)
2)
Entertainment
1)
Preparatory Duet
1) Robert Allison & David Lindsay (Wishaw)
2) Stewart Allan & John Leiper (Wishaw)
3) Murray & Victoria Scott (Wishaw)
Elementary Duet
1) Vicki & Jill Craig (Haddington)
2) James & David Gray (Biggar)
3) Ross Cameron & Robert Brodie (Airdrie)
Intermediate Duet
1) David & Marcus McCloy (Shotts)
2) Niall Skinner & Donald MacKay (Currie)
3)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) Lauren & Peter MacFarlane (Wishaw)
2) Julian Fleming & Leann Cross (wishaw)
3) Jill Moffat & David Siracky (Carnwath)
Advanced Duet
1)
2)
Premier Duet
1)
Preparatory Orchestra
1) G & B Laurie (Paisley)
2) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
3) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
Elementary Orchestra
1) G & B Laurie (Paisley)
2) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
Intermediate Orchestra
1) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
2) G Laurie (Paisley)
3) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
Advanced Orchestra
1) Fife Accordion Band
2)
Elementary Group
1) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
2)
Intermediate Group
1) Keith Dickson (West Linton)
2) Alistair Gillespie (Biggar)
3) Craig Veldon (Airdrie)
Advanced Group Section
1)
2)
Art Level Group
Kingdom Five
John Leslie Championship
1) Angela Small (Dunshalt)
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Liam Smith (Kinross)
2) Janet Steele (Stirling)
3) Barry Howieson (High Valleyfield)
Record Review
Come Again – You’re Welcome – Shetland Fiddlers Society – SF54
Letters
Now that a few weeks have passed since our three regular programmes of Shepherd’s Fancy, Take the Floor and The Reel blend have been ‘re-jigged’ in one way or another, I think it’s time to voice one or two opinions about the changes made.
I accept that it is part of our human nature to resist change, but I am still very disappointed with the new programmes and their format. It seems I am not alone in my dissatisfaction. I have spoken to several friends and contacts, and none, so far, have been satisfied with the new programmes. (My own list of complaints is too extensive to include in this latter, but I shall communicate them to the B.B.C.)
The ‘B&F’ is the ideal vehicle through which to air grievances about the changes and new formats, so I wonder if subscribers might be canvassed for their opinions, perhaps through a questionnaire. One can only hope that if the response is sufficient, we might be able to communicate our dissatisfaction to the Controller of B.B.C. Radio Scotland, who is, I understand, the person responsible for all the alterations.
Reader take note – nothing will be achieved if we all just grumble to one another about it.
Julie Preston
In the October issue ‘G.S.’ of Coventry queried whether it was necessary to bring over foreign accordionists in view of the many talented players in Scotland. I believe it is.
It is obvious that traditional Scottish accordion music has many talented masters (and mistresses!) No ‘foreigner’ can challenge their skill and interpretation of their own idiom.
But surely it is interesting and important for the accordion movement as a whole, to hear from time to time, accordionists from abroad who are prominent in their own field.
The obverse side of the coin is that when I have seen Scottish accordionists playing at Festivals on the Continent, they have received a tremendous and appreciative welcome! No question of the locals (not a Scottish emigrant in sight) saying ‘Why do we have to bring these foreigners over’.
At the present time it is not easy to develop the popularity of the accordion ; there are many distractions and alternative instruments. Remaining ‘blinkered’ about what is happening elsewhere in the accordion world is not, in my view, the way forward.
Jim Cooper
We were delighted to read the tribute to Andy Stewart written by Jimmy Blue, it was so well written and the photographs were super. We too remember Andy with affection and admiration and were with the Ian Powrie/Jimmy Blue Band and Andy on many, many occasions and got to know Andy very well.
We would endorse everything that Jimmy said and could add many more anecdotes to illustrate what a good boss he was and how much he was liked and respected by those who worked with him. He will be missed not only in Scotland but all over the world.
I also wanted to ask other questions but you may not want to publish all or any of this letter. Could you not run more competitions and have good prizes e.g. tickets for concerts, C.D.’s or cassettes donated by the record companies or artistes music books etc, etc – the list is endless.
Surely someone on your Committee would be willing to undertake this to increase your readership and keep it alive.
There is a project which the A&F Clubs may wish to pursue regarding McKenzie Murdoch, the noted Scottisj violinist.
His son, now in his 90s, wrote to Robbie Shepherd to tell him that his father’s fuberal had been attended by Sir Harry Lauder who sang, and a bronze plaque of a violin etc was unveiled but vandals stole the violin.
Is there any way that a similar commemorative plaque could be provided by the N.A.A.F.C. to honour his name? After all, there is a lovely commemorative stone to honour the memory of and legacy of J. Scott Skinner which is a lovely tribute to an outstanding personality.
M.A. Hutchison (Mrs)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 93 – Club Night 4th Dec Supper Dance to Dick Black Band
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 10th Dec 93 – Dance to Dick Black Band
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 5th Dec 93 – Andrew Knight & the West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Dec 93 - Dance
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 93 – Bill Black SDB
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Dec 93 – Dick Black Band
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 93 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 2nd Dec 93 – Archie Duncan
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 21st Dec 93 – Ron Hodgson & Julie Best 10th Dec Dance to Bruce Lindsay Band
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 93 – Glencraig SDB
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) 2nd Dec 93 – Bill Black SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 21st Dec 93 - tbc
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – All Star Band
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 2nd Dec 93 – Colin Dewar Trio
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 10th/11th Dec 93 – Alastair McPhail SDB, Gordon Shand, David Solley and Lex Keith
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 15th Dec 93 – Club Night with Robert Veitch and Henry White
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 93 – David Oswald SDB (21st Birthday)
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Dec 93 – Jock Fraser SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Dec 93 – Jim MacKay SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 7th Dec 93 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 7th Dec 93 – Pauline Lavery 3rd Dec Dance to Jim Johnstone at Locharbriggs CC
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 15th Dec 93 – Jason Dove Band
Kinlochshiel (Strathcarron Hotel) - 13th Dec 93 – Lochaber S&R Society
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – Aberdeen S&R Society 29th Dec Dance to Garioch Blend
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 93 – Charlie Todd & the Cameronian SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate)
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 21st Dec 93 – Jock Loch Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 93 – Deirdre Adamson
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) – 2nd Dec 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 93 – Michael Garvin SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Dec 93 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 5th Dec 93 – Angie Smith & Friends
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 2nd Dec 93 – Banchory S&R Society
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 14th Dec 93 – Deirdre Adamson
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 21st Dec 93 – Wick Fiddlers
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Ayr
2. Banff
3. Belford
4. Coalburn
5. Crieff
6. Dunblane
7. East Kilbride
8. Etterick & Yarrow
9. Fintry
10. Forres
11. Glendale
12. Gretna
13. Islay
14. Highland
15. Kinlochshiel
16. Kelso
17. Lockerbie
18. Montrose
19. Newtongrange
20. North East
21. Peebles
22. Perth
23. Renfrew
24. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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 (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
47. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
48. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
49. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
50. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
51. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
52. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
53. Mull A&F Club
54. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
55. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
56. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
57. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
58. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
59. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
60. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
61. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
62. Renfrew A&F Club (
63. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
64. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
65. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
66. Sutherland A&F Club (
67. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
68. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
69. Tranent A&F Club
70. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
71. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
72. 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?)
73. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
74. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
75. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
76. Buchan A&F Club
77. Callander A&F Club (
78. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
79. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
80. Club Accord
81. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
82. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
83. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
84. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
85. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
86. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
87. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
88. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
89. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
93. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
94. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
95. Newcastleton Accordion Club
96. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
97. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
98. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
99. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
100. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
101. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
102. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
103. Wellbank A&F Club
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