Box and Fiddle
Year 17 No 02
October 1993
Introducing the Clubs
No 17 Dunblane
by Andrew J. Dunbar
When I was asked by the Editor to compile a history of Dunblane A&F Club, my immediate reaction was to seek assistance to establish just how far back the Club actually goes, and which could rate us as one of the oldest. To this end, I obtained the help of one of its founder members, well known bandleader Jim MacLeod.
The actual musical connection began in 1953, when Alex MacArthur and Jim formed a band. Having spent some time together, they eventually split to have their own groups, and Jim joined the Stakis Organisation at Dunblane Hydro. Tommy Ford was, and still is, the lead accordionist, and the great Jimmy McFarlane played fiddle, xylophone, tin whistle and even piano. Eventually, to give the band a break during the evening performances, a trio was formed of Jim Cleland on accordion, Tommy McCulloch on organ and Alec McMullan on drums.
By this time Accordion and Fiddle Clubs were being formed, and it was decided that Dunblane could support one and to start it in the Hydro Hotel. The Committee, if that could be the title, was the aforementioned trio, supported by Jim MacLeod in his role as Entertainments Manager in the hotel.
Great names were invited to appear at the Club, and we were honoured to have Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Andrew Rankine, Jim Johnstone, John Ellis, Alex MacArthur and, of course, Tommy Ford who personally invited Will Starr. Dermot O’Brien also made an early appearance.
With the Decca connection of Jim MacLeod, it was arranged that recording be made, and we got down to some serious rehearsals under the baton of Jim McFarlane. The big night came, and a very apprehensive group of players sat in front of a battery of microphones. All went well, and the record came out in 1974, with guest Angus Cameron. The result was so good, a further recording was made the following year, this time with Bob Christie as guest, and of course, each time we were led by Tommy Ford on accordion.
The records proved to be so popular that very few copies are now available, although some originals are carefully kept. It should be mentioned that Robbie Shepherd still uses one track ‘Kenmuir’s Up An’ Awa’’ as his opening music on ‘Take the Floor’.
Increased playing commitments of the Trio ultimately forced them to give up their involvement in the Club, and in 1976 Jim MacLeod, Chic Kirkwood, Veronica Black and Andrew Dunbar agreed to reform the Club and we continued in the Hydro Hotel. In fact, one of my great memories was a repeat visit of Dermot O’Brien and his Trio, which brought in an attendance of over 300 and filled the Strathallan Suite.
By this time we had joined the National Association, and the highlight of the year was the annual A.G.M Weekend, which was originally always held in the Hydro, and where special guests were presented with their personal portraits.
Due to administrative difficulties, the Club had to change premises, and we moved across the town to our present location in Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, Dunblane, where we continue successfully. Our current Committee members are Ian Hay (Chairman), Ann Dunbar (Secretary), Andrew Dunbar (Treasurer) and committee members Jimmy Aikman, Jean and George Mackenzie and Willie Cassie.
Our final story – Willie Cassie donated a cup to the Club, to be awarded each your top the most improved player under the age of 18. Willie has not been in good health recently, and we wish him well and a speedy return to the Club. We meet the third Tuesday of each month. You will all be made welcome.
No 17 Dunblane
by Andrew J. Dunbar
When I was asked by the Editor to compile a history of Dunblane A&F Club, my immediate reaction was to seek assistance to establish just how far back the Club actually goes, and which could rate us as one of the oldest. To this end, I obtained the help of one of its founder members, well known bandleader Jim MacLeod.
The actual musical connection began in 1953, when Alex MacArthur and Jim formed a band. Having spent some time together, they eventually split to have their own groups, and Jim joined the Stakis Organisation at Dunblane Hydro. Tommy Ford was, and still is, the lead accordionist, and the great Jimmy McFarlane played fiddle, xylophone, tin whistle and even piano. Eventually, to give the band a break during the evening performances, a trio was formed of Jim Cleland on accordion, Tommy McCulloch on organ and Alec McMullan on drums.
By this time Accordion and Fiddle Clubs were being formed, and it was decided that Dunblane could support one and to start it in the Hydro Hotel. The Committee, if that could be the title, was the aforementioned trio, supported by Jim MacLeod in his role as Entertainments Manager in the hotel.
Great names were invited to appear at the Club, and we were honoured to have Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, Angus Fitchet, Ian Powrie, Andrew Rankine, Jim Johnstone, John Ellis, Alex MacArthur and, of course, Tommy Ford who personally invited Will Starr. Dermot O’Brien also made an early appearance.
With the Decca connection of Jim MacLeod, it was arranged that recording be made, and we got down to some serious rehearsals under the baton of Jim McFarlane. The big night came, and a very apprehensive group of players sat in front of a battery of microphones. All went well, and the record came out in 1974, with guest Angus Cameron. The result was so good, a further recording was made the following year, this time with Bob Christie as guest, and of course, each time we were led by Tommy Ford on accordion.
The records proved to be so popular that very few copies are now available, although some originals are carefully kept. It should be mentioned that Robbie Shepherd still uses one track ‘Kenmuir’s Up An’ Awa’’ as his opening music on ‘Take the Floor’.
Increased playing commitments of the Trio ultimately forced them to give up their involvement in the Club, and in 1976 Jim MacLeod, Chic Kirkwood, Veronica Black and Andrew Dunbar agreed to reform the Club and we continued in the Hydro Hotel. In fact, one of my great memories was a repeat visit of Dermot O’Brien and his Trio, which brought in an attendance of over 300 and filled the Strathallan Suite.
By this time we had joined the National Association, and the highlight of the year was the annual A.G.M Weekend, which was originally always held in the Hydro, and where special guests were presented with their personal portraits.
Due to administrative difficulties, the Club had to change premises, and we moved across the town to our present location in Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, Dunblane, where we continue successfully. Our current Committee members are Ian Hay (Chairman), Ann Dunbar (Secretary), Andrew Dunbar (Treasurer) and committee members Jimmy Aikman, Jean and George Mackenzie and Willie Cassie.
Our final story – Willie Cassie donated a cup to the Club, to be awarded each your top the most improved player under the age of 18. Willie has not been in good health recently, and we wish him well and a speedy return to the Club. We meet the third Tuesday of each month. You will all be made welcome.