Box and Fiddle
Year 05 No 06
February 1982
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Hi there – now that the weather has improved, life is much more pleasant, there is a new vigour in the Club scene. Attendances up, more players re-emerging from their hibernation and the guest artistes have a crispness that’s been lacking recently. Whatever the reason, the Clubs are reporting a renewed interest.
To jog your memory, here is the latest news of two of the biggest Festivals. On Saturday, 20th February, the NAO Festival is being held in Govan Town Hall, Glasgow, under the directorship of Mrs Loretta Blair. The day ends with a dance. On Saturday, 6th March, it is the turn of our own NAAFC Festival. It is being held in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh. This promises to be even bigger and better, new sections, new stars, Clinkscale Roadshow, with a Concert and Dance to follow. This year our own photographer, Bill Dickman, will be there and we hope to get all the winners. He will also be available for private photographs.
A word to those winners of the NAO area sections, advances, Bell or junior. Your entries for the National championship must be in by 15th March. This year’s Accordion Day is 22nd May in Llandudno, Wales. There is a new section called ‘Ethnic Solo’ – dress, performance and appropriate music for 4 minutes.
Advance notice now, Pontins are going to be running an Accordion Weekend 5th, 6th and 7th November 82 at their Sands Bay Camp, Somerset. It can hold about 700 people. The charge, at the moment , will be about £27. Malcolm Gee, 146 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, DY10 5SL, telephone 64271 can give you more information.
Welcome back Kirsty Bissett. I can see your name once again in the Club reports (see Balloch). Look after yourself now.
Welcome back to the fold the original Accordion and Fiddle club, Dumfries. After a lapse of about a year Max Houliston has got it going again. They meet once again at Oughton’s Restaurant on the third Monday of the month i.e. 15th March. Tele Oughton’s on 3799.
Edinburgh Club have a new address at Abbey Lane, Abbey Hill, Edinburgh. Mr Adam Braidwood, 81 Craigleithill Gardens, Blackhall, Edinburgh is the Secretary.
Owing to a fire, Thurso Club are now meeting in the Pentland Hotel.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
Let’s begin this month by looking forward. ‘TTF’ Producer Freeland Barbour tells me he’s got all the programmes till the first week in March prepared. So what’s in store?
Well, on 30th January 82, Jim Dawson from Alloa has another session and the feature is on bobby Crowe.
On 6th February, Grace McCleaver and the Lochearn Band return after quite a long absence and the feature will be on Mary Milne from Banchory.
Saturday, 13th February, is a date worth noting. Fraser McGlynn and his Band do the honours and Robbie interviews Bobby Brown from Canada (whose records are featured this month in the ‘Record Review.’)
Alastair Hunter and the Lorne Band return to do a session on 20th February and featured on Robbie’s spot will be Dave Ireland.
The great Iain MacPhail Band appear on 27th February and Robbie talks to John Drury from Aberdeen. John is a prolific creator of many popular dances.
On 16th March, Bill Hendrie’s Band re-appear after a long absence.
Beyond that, Ian Holmes is lined up and Freeland has been auditioning a selection of brand new bands which will be featuring as the year progresses.
Look out too for old favourites like Jim Johnstone who is currently doing the ‘On Tour’ series on Radio Scotland which goes out every Friday night at 6.30pm.
It might interest listeners to know that very often on ‘The Best of Scottish’ (Saturday 12 noon and repeated Monday at 4.05pm) something is included from Robbie Shepherd’s ‘Reel Blend’ and /or ‘TTF’. Recently part of the Alistair Hunter interview was featured on ‘Best of Scottish’ as well as the old private recording of Bobby MacLeod’s Band in which Alastair’s father played fiddle.
That was an interesting interview, but I was a wee bit surprised that after having made quite a thing of not having a second box, Robbie chose not to mention that Jim Halcrow was included on the track he chose from ‘A Scottish Ramble’ LP by the Lorna Band.
Ian Anderson from Forres impressed me in his latest broadcast. The band was very neat and tidy, although some nervous mistakes from Ian himself on lead box were noticeable. All-in-all though they produced a well balanced, well played programme of music which had a lift which was sadly lacking on their last LP.
Callum Wilson’s broadcast was not his best by a long chalk, but I enjoyed his choice of tunes. The band suffers a little from the fact that Callum himself tends to push too much. No doubt nerves have a lot to do with it, but the end result is not a blend, but a band backing a solo box. The rest of the band is always just that little bit behind. It’s a shame really, because, like Ian Anderson, the musicians are, generally speaking, only broadcasting with their respective leaders. I always feel they should get a better crack of the whip.
John Huband’s live session (recorded before a live audience in Aberdeen studio – I suppose that’s as close to ‘live’ as you’ll get) was very good indeed. The fact that he played the ‘Box and Fiddle Rag’ has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I liked the broadcast!!
What actually came over was that the Tayside Sound played very few of the ‘modern’ multi-note tunes that tend to be associated with John, but stuck to the good, solid, melodic country dance music and played it very well indeed.
The recording suffered a bit from over emphasis of Davie Stewart’s second box, but that was also true of Irene Dear’s accordion in the week before’s programme recorded the same night in the same studio.
Robbie Shepherd’s interview with that grand old lady of piping Bessie Brown was obviously repeated nationally because Bessie appeared in the New Year’s Honours List, having been awarded the B.E.M. However, I don’t necessarily agree that ‘TTF’ was the right place for that. Perhaps a modified edition of the ‘Reel Blend’ may have been a better forum for such a feature.
And talking of the ‘Reel Blend’ I must compliment Robbie Shepherd on his ability to dig up some real old, best forgotten but delightfully remembered nostalgia!
William Hannah, playing his own composition ‘The Agnes Waltz’ (just barely audible through the hiss and clicks of the old 78) brought back memories of acquiring an old 78 of Mantovani’s Dance Orchestra playing the self same tune.
I enjoyed the tracks of Lindsay Ross’s Bnad from the singles produced many moons ago. I was never a great fan of Lindsay Ross’s Band and consequently don’t have any of these old records. Shame on me for being so narrow minded in my youth!
Although I haven’t spoken to Robin Brock for some time, I understand he has recovered from his major operation late last year and his programme ‘Folk’s around Robin’ continues to go from strength to strength on Monday nights at 7pm on Radio Forth.
John Carmichael on West Sound is building quite an audience. I think there’s room for another programme, more aimed at the enthusiast here. After all, Radio Forth have proved the viability of such a venture. They started out with ‘Pure Scotch’ with Steve Jack and eventually Robin Brock got a spot on that show which developed into the really excellent enthusiasts programme ‘Folks Around Robin’.
Hopefully West Sound will come up with something in the not-too-distant future.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Just before Christmas I had a letter from Canada and several LPs in a package, all from ex-Stan Hamilton Band accordionist Bobby Brown.
Bobby had seen a review in the ‘B&F’ of his first LP ‘The Island fling’ and had been so delighted that he sent all the albums he’s been involved with over the last two or three years.
The other night the phone rang and Bobby Brown was on the other end! This time though he was in Scotland for a short trip when he hoped to tie up a deal for the release of the records in the UK.
Bobby visited Gibson Ross in Turriff who runs Ross Records (recently signs deals with Bryce Laing for some big name artistes). I understand from Bobby that Gibson Ross will be testing the market fairly soon with some of the Canadian produced goodies.
And goodies they are! Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent have three current albums – all with full-length dances – which Ross Records now have the right to reproduce.
Added to that are at least two records by ‘Cape Breton Symphony fiddle’ which is one of the best fiddle groups in the world. Bobby arranges all the music and plays piano and accordion with them.
Hopefully all five albums will be released here through Ross Records, but, unfortunately, at the time of writing Gibson Ross has gone off on holiday, so I’ve been unable to confirm his plans.
However, to whet you appetite let me tell you something about ‘The Scottish Accent’ and the ‘Cape Breton Symphony’ and their records.
The Scottish Accent was formed following the break-up of Stan Hamilton’s Band by leader bobby Brown. Bobby left the Falkirk area of Scotland and emigrated to Canada back in 1956. He’s a super box player with a lightness and enthusiasm which immediately hits you between the eyes.
There’s only two Scots in the band – Bobby himself and the drummer Matt Watson. The others are Canadian, but all with Scottish connections and certainly with a love and feeling for the music which manifests itself in total commitment.
Catchy Tunes
The band play some very catchy tunes which have been taken up by some of the best of the Scottish bands. Andrew Rankine has recorded and broadcast the ‘Lemonville Jig’ which first appeared on the Bobby Brown LP ‘The Island Fling.’ ‘The Murray River Jig’ is another tune played here and taken from Bobby’s record. Alex MacArthur too has broadcast some of the new tunes.
Although the Country Dancers may not know it – they too have taken to Bobby’s tunes. They are played at many of the dances up and down the country, both North and South of the Border.
George Fleming’s very popular Scottish Country Dance Band has been playing the popular Canadian tunes at dances now for more than two years and the dancers lap them up.
So a combination of good, catchy tunes and superlative playing makes Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent one of the best Scottish Dance Bands I have heard anywhere.
Well Recorded
The records are very well recorded in a very good studio and Bobby himself has complete control of the production. The end result of each record is as good as the last. The sound balance is virtually the same on each.
‘The Island Fling’ was first released in 1979/80 and has a selection of nine dances on it.
The jigs are all 8 x 32 bars and include ‘The Happy Meeting’, ‘Haste to the Wedding’ and ‘The Island Fling’.
‘The Birks of Abergeldie’ is an 8 x 48 bar reel from Book 9 of the RSCDS. ‘The Baldovan Reel’ is a very popular 4 x 32 bar reel and also on this album is one of the best sets of singalong tunes you could wish for included in ‘The Irish Rover’ – Jimmy Cosh’s very popular dance. The original tune is followed by
The Minstrel Boy
The Halls of Montezuma
Dublin in the Green
Yankee Doodle Boy
Wild Colonial Boy
And The Caissons Go Rolling Along
A real Irish / American singalong.
There’s also three strathspeys including ‘Dalkeith’s’, ‘The Northern Meeting’ and ‘Mary Hamilton’ created by John Drewry. The tune for this is ,of course, ‘Mary Hamilton of Auchencruive’ which was composed by Stan Hamilton’s father in honour of Stan’s mother.
Bobby’s second record ‘The Maid of the Mill’ is in similar vein.
There’s a couple of jigs, three strathspeys and three reels, one of which is titled ‘The Twa Meenit Reel’ and utilizes the tune ‘Whistlin’ Rufus’.
Bobby’s latest with the Scottish Accent is ‘Tarry a While’ and again the format is exactly the same with full-length dances.
He does pick good tunes for the programme on each record and the whole thing is very enjoyable whether you dance or just listen.
Swinging Music
If Gibson Ross decides to publish the records here as they are in Canada then the sleeves are also a treat with a good colour photograph on each and copious sleeve notes and dance origins on each too.
The other two records in the series are by the Cape Breton Symphony.
This is a group of four fiddlers who play the most swinging music in the Scottish/Irish tradition you ever heard. I have to say it – but record one, which was recorded back in 1978, is the better of the two. The fiddles blend beautifully and the backings are immaculate. The choice of tunes too is absolutely first class. A good mixture, of Scottish/Irish and Cape Breton.
Yes, indeed – a feast of good music on five different LP records which hopefully will be available here before too long.
Robin Brock
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Robin Brock will turn 41 three days before Scotsman all over the world bring in the New Year, accompanied, no doubt, by the kind of music the East Lothian accordionist and double bass supreme has loved passionately for most of his life.
But Robin himself is taking life very easily at the moment.
He has to, having only recently been discharged from hospital following a gall bladder operation.
When asked jokingly if the old maxim about like beginning at 40 was true, he replied “I thought it was finished three weeks ago!”
The doctor has told him he has not to do anything for the next eight weeks, but, “Ach” says Robin “I don’t like just sitting about”.
He certainly has plenty to keep him going. The farm he bought just outside Penicuik just over seven years ago is thriving and has expanded to 175 acres. He employs 40 people and still operates the landscape contracting business he trained for, for over seven years.
Main Interest
Apart from all this, he co-presents ‘Pure Scotch’ with Steve Jack every Friday night on Radio Forth. The programme is a light-hearted, two hour Scottish request programme. However, his main interest every week is his very own programme called ‘Folks Around Robin.’ Every week Robin plays host to a band or well-known group of musicians and records their music. Each selection of music is interspersed with ‘informal blethers’ when the bandleader is invited to introduce members of the band, tunes they play and recount any interesting or amusing incidents from the past.
“There is anything from ten to twelve hours of hard graft involved in any programme” say Robin, “but I really enjoy it. I have been so many places, met so many marvellous people through Scottish music that I’m only to delighted to be able to put something back into it.”
Robin’s programme is obviously the apple of his eye. It is like another child to his apart from Russell (12) and Susan (9), children of his 15-year-marriage to wife Linda.
Credibility
He says he is trying to rid Scottish dance music of the ‘heather, haggis and hairy knees’ image. He is striving to give the music and the musicians the credibility he feels they deserve.
“It has been portrayed like that for far to long. I have believed, passionately, for a long, long time” he continues “that we have musicians here in Scotland who are as good in their chosen field as any other throughout the world”.
Robin’s aim, when initially approached to do the programme by Radio Forth Producer Sandy Wilkie two years ago, was to try something different. Introduce bandleaders to the public, put a personality to the name. Encourage other people to play.
“If as a result of my efforts I have encouraged people to begin playing again or make even one youngster pick up an accordion than I am well satisfied” he states.
He is particularly proud in respect of getting popular bandleader Angus Fitchet and Bobby MacLeod to do their first broadcast with their own bands for over 25 years. No mean achievement and one which speaks volumes for Robin’s dedication and respect in the Scottish dance scene.
He is delighted to sit and chat about the programme. After all, he is still a relative rookie on the other side of the little glass panel.
Robin is grateful to programme controller Tom Steel of Radio Forth for having enough faith in his suggestions to let him carry then through. He says he felt Scottish music was at its lowest ebb two years ago. Playing standards seemed to have fallen. Bands and production staff cared little how the sound came across.
But Robin is quick to qualify that forthright statement by saying “working with musicians from the lesser-known to the top names over the past few years, my faith in Scottish dane music has been restored ten-fold. I am delighted with the enthusiasm now and the huge talent coming through with the youngsters.
No Worries
“If that is what the general standard is like then Scottish dance music need have no worries about the future. But it’s a pity more youngsters are not joining bands instead of playing solo all the time.”
Most people, of course, are aware of Robin’s own particular talent and versatility. He is best known for his work on double bass and accordion, but says he can get a tune out of almost anything.
He has played alongside, for long spells, three of Scottish dance music biggest names – Jim Johnstone, Jimmy Shand and Jim MacLeod. “It is a privilege to have them as friends” he admits. He also had a spell playing for The Corries and has made countless appearances with many other bands and throughout the years has been very busy as a session musician in recording and television studios.
The days with Shand are recalled as “a dream come true.” His admiration for the man knows no bounds. “Without him Scottish dance music as we know it would not have existed” he says. “We own him a great deal.”
Robin joined the Jim Johnstone band when the Tranent born accordionist left Andrew Rankine. After all, Robin was born only a few miles away, at Thorntonloch, an agricultural community now lost for ever under the construction work for the nuclear power station at Torness.
Many Regrets
The Johnstone Band was exceptionally popular, bit it had its disadvantages. Jim was snapped up by Jimmy Shand for his Australian tours, but on his return it was Robin’s turn to join the legend.
Pressure of work in his landscaping business forced Robin, with many regrets, to call it a day.
“But as one door shut, another one opened” he says. Jim MacLeod asked him to do a radio series, ‘On Tour.’ After that most of his playing time was spent in Jim’s base at Dunblane Hydro.
Seven “very happy years” were spent with Jim. “It suited me just fine” Sys Robin “because with Shand it was Fife one night, Southampton the next. I just couldn’t do that. I like some stability and at least with Jim I knew where I would be playing anything up to a year ahead.”
But business commitments one again began to interfere. He had decided to go freelance again when he was approached by Jim Johnstone to do the ‘Songs of Scotland’ series. Robin played in that band for a second spell of almost three years before he again decided to give it a rest.
New Phase
Billy Craib was able to rejoin Jim’s Band and Robin returned to the peace and quiet of his beloved Mauricewood Farm. The good clean air kept him occupied for almost two years without playing a note professionally before a phone call from old friend Ian Holmes, asking his to do a spot on Radio forth, pulled him back to the studio.
That, as Robin was later to discover, would lead to a new phase in his career and the rest, as they say, is history.
Robin’s programme is now amongst the most popular in Scotland and selling well elsewhere. Radios London, Thames and Tay have all bought it and many others are expressing an interest.
So, having been in the main thrust of the revival, is he pleased with the present set-up in Scotland? What does he think of it now?
Revival
“Magnificent, But I would like to see more village halls opening their doors to Scottish dance music again. There seems to be a move into hotel lounges at the moment, but I think if people had the courage to promote dances in halls then the Scottish scene would boom again.”
And he is right. There is an undercurrent now. People genuinely want to dance to Scottish music again, halls are being booked and the promoters and the dance bands are as busy again as they ever were.
“Scottish music will go on forever” concludes Robin. And the programme? “Who knoe’s, even if it ends tomorrow, I can still look back and say that for a couple of years at least my efforts have done something to help revive the music I love.”
Hear, Hear!
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Having just returned from a tour of Northern Ireland, and as a result of being motivated so much, with your permission, I would like to inform all players and readers of my experience there.
Initially, when invited by the Secretary of the Premier A&F Club, I hesitated, then asked the self-preserving question “Is it safe?” When assured that I would be well and carefully looked after, I checked my diary and said “Yes”.
Bear in mind that Northern Ireland was just as strange for me as for a Scottish player, for, being from Southerm Ireland, I remember having done only three concerts in my whole career in the North. However, it is with delight I remember, as a young lad, that all the best dancing and music competitions took place there, to which I was a regular competitor. So to the tour.
My good friend Jimmy McAllister met my wife June and I in Crumlin and took us to his home in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. Without even the slightest exaggeration, the family’s hospitality was beautiful (including Sara’a home baked buns). Early evening, Jimmy and myself set up the accordion. Just when I thought I had finished ‘setting up’, to my surprise he (Jimmy) informed me that we had just begun. What a genius of a man for sound. Pardon the pun, but it was the ‘soundest education’ I had received in years. We went for some tea and I could not wait to get playing.
On the night, however, as anxious as I was to get going, my anxiety represented only a tiny fraction of what I saw in the faces of the people at the Premier Club. They were absolutely ravenous for tunes. Their concentration and interest I have never seen equalled.
They savoured and devoured every note, and my feeling was nothing short of elation. My request sheet for the second spot numbered 38 tunes and their enthusiasm never dwindled, but only increased as the night continued, and closed.
Conversing with the Committee afterwards, they expressed their appreciation that I had come over, informing me that they had been ‘let down’ by quite a few players in the past, which is something that really annoys me, because it breed unreliability.
One gentlemen in particular who writes and talks a lot lately and equally promises a lot, when the time comes, says and does very little if anything. Shallow words indeed from a man who derives his lot from every sphere of the accordion.
And here A applaud my good friend Sandy MacArthur, and my other good friend Gordon Pattullo, who honoured their engagements (indeed they toured before I arrived) and both dedicated ambassadors of accordion music and both fine people.
May I ask in closing, if you are ever asked to play in Northern Ireland, think wisely. For should you say no, you will miss a beautiful experience.
Paddy Neary
13 Milton Crescent
Auchterarder
Perthshire
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 24 Feb 82 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21 Feb 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 22 Feb 82 Eddie Edmonds Quartet
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 18 Feb 82 Malcolm McLean (accordion) & Frank Henery (guitar)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) – 4 Mar 82 Peter Bruce
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 17 Feb 82 Paddy Neary 17 Mar 82 Iain MacPhail Trio 21 Apr Currie Brothers
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 16 Feb 82 Colin Campbell Trio
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) – Feb 82 Jock Fraser & Billy Nelson
Drumpellier (Dalrymple House, Cleland) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 16 Feb 82 Kerry Watson & David Steel 9 Mar 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 2 Mar 82 Archie Duncan 26 Mar 82 Annual Dance Bill Douglas SDB 6 Apr 82 Ian Anderson 4 May Dave Stewart
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 25 Feb 82 Mike Clark
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 17 Mar 82 Currie Brothers 21 Apr 82 Walter Perrie
Falkirk (Park Hotel, Falkirk) – Feb 82 Angus Cameron accompanied by Jim Cleland (piano)
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 22 Feb 82 David Steel and Kerry Watson
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB 10 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle) 16 Mar 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) – 11 Feb 82 The Black Family
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 15 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio 26 Mar 82 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 24 Feb 82 Graham Geddes SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4 Mar 82 George Stirrat & Jimmy Yeaman 18 Mar 82 Currie Brothers
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 18 Feb 82 Willie Simpson Quartet
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – Feb Alan Roy
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Mar 82 Tommy Ford
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 22 Feb 82 Callum Wilson SDB 18 Apr 82 Festival
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 2 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle) & Jennifer Wilson (piano)
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – Feb 82 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 25 Feb 82 Currie Brothers
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – Feb 82 George Bell SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1 Mar 82 Davie Ross SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – Mar 82 Ian Horsburgh
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Campbeltown
6. Cleland
7. Crieff & District
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Dingwall
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline & District
13. East Kilbride
14. Edinburgh
15. Fintry
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. Oban
25. Ormiston
26. Peebles
27. Shetland
28. Stranraer
29. Thurso
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
15. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
16. Derwentside A&F Club
17. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
18. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
28. Galston A&F Club (1969)
29. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
30. Gorebridge) (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Hi there – now that the weather has improved, life is much more pleasant, there is a new vigour in the Club scene. Attendances up, more players re-emerging from their hibernation and the guest artistes have a crispness that’s been lacking recently. Whatever the reason, the Clubs are reporting a renewed interest.
To jog your memory, here is the latest news of two of the biggest Festivals. On Saturday, 20th February, the NAO Festival is being held in Govan Town Hall, Glasgow, under the directorship of Mrs Loretta Blair. The day ends with a dance. On Saturday, 6th March, it is the turn of our own NAAFC Festival. It is being held in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh. This promises to be even bigger and better, new sections, new stars, Clinkscale Roadshow, with a Concert and Dance to follow. This year our own photographer, Bill Dickman, will be there and we hope to get all the winners. He will also be available for private photographs.
A word to those winners of the NAO area sections, advances, Bell or junior. Your entries for the National championship must be in by 15th March. This year’s Accordion Day is 22nd May in Llandudno, Wales. There is a new section called ‘Ethnic Solo’ – dress, performance and appropriate music for 4 minutes.
Advance notice now, Pontins are going to be running an Accordion Weekend 5th, 6th and 7th November 82 at their Sands Bay Camp, Somerset. It can hold about 700 people. The charge, at the moment , will be about £27. Malcolm Gee, 146 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, DY10 5SL, telephone 64271 can give you more information.
Welcome back Kirsty Bissett. I can see your name once again in the Club reports (see Balloch). Look after yourself now.
Welcome back to the fold the original Accordion and Fiddle club, Dumfries. After a lapse of about a year Max Houliston has got it going again. They meet once again at Oughton’s Restaurant on the third Monday of the month i.e. 15th March. Tele Oughton’s on 3799.
Edinburgh Club have a new address at Abbey Lane, Abbey Hill, Edinburgh. Mr Adam Braidwood, 81 Craigleithill Gardens, Blackhall, Edinburgh is the Secretary.
Owing to a fire, Thurso Club are now meeting in the Pentland Hotel.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
Let’s begin this month by looking forward. ‘TTF’ Producer Freeland Barbour tells me he’s got all the programmes till the first week in March prepared. So what’s in store?
Well, on 30th January 82, Jim Dawson from Alloa has another session and the feature is on bobby Crowe.
On 6th February, Grace McCleaver and the Lochearn Band return after quite a long absence and the feature will be on Mary Milne from Banchory.
Saturday, 13th February, is a date worth noting. Fraser McGlynn and his Band do the honours and Robbie interviews Bobby Brown from Canada (whose records are featured this month in the ‘Record Review.’)
Alastair Hunter and the Lorne Band return to do a session on 20th February and featured on Robbie’s spot will be Dave Ireland.
The great Iain MacPhail Band appear on 27th February and Robbie talks to John Drury from Aberdeen. John is a prolific creator of many popular dances.
On 16th March, Bill Hendrie’s Band re-appear after a long absence.
Beyond that, Ian Holmes is lined up and Freeland has been auditioning a selection of brand new bands which will be featuring as the year progresses.
Look out too for old favourites like Jim Johnstone who is currently doing the ‘On Tour’ series on Radio Scotland which goes out every Friday night at 6.30pm.
It might interest listeners to know that very often on ‘The Best of Scottish’ (Saturday 12 noon and repeated Monday at 4.05pm) something is included from Robbie Shepherd’s ‘Reel Blend’ and /or ‘TTF’. Recently part of the Alistair Hunter interview was featured on ‘Best of Scottish’ as well as the old private recording of Bobby MacLeod’s Band in which Alastair’s father played fiddle.
That was an interesting interview, but I was a wee bit surprised that after having made quite a thing of not having a second box, Robbie chose not to mention that Jim Halcrow was included on the track he chose from ‘A Scottish Ramble’ LP by the Lorna Band.
Ian Anderson from Forres impressed me in his latest broadcast. The band was very neat and tidy, although some nervous mistakes from Ian himself on lead box were noticeable. All-in-all though they produced a well balanced, well played programme of music which had a lift which was sadly lacking on their last LP.
Callum Wilson’s broadcast was not his best by a long chalk, but I enjoyed his choice of tunes. The band suffers a little from the fact that Callum himself tends to push too much. No doubt nerves have a lot to do with it, but the end result is not a blend, but a band backing a solo box. The rest of the band is always just that little bit behind. It’s a shame really, because, like Ian Anderson, the musicians are, generally speaking, only broadcasting with their respective leaders. I always feel they should get a better crack of the whip.
John Huband’s live session (recorded before a live audience in Aberdeen studio – I suppose that’s as close to ‘live’ as you’ll get) was very good indeed. The fact that he played the ‘Box and Fiddle Rag’ has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I liked the broadcast!!
What actually came over was that the Tayside Sound played very few of the ‘modern’ multi-note tunes that tend to be associated with John, but stuck to the good, solid, melodic country dance music and played it very well indeed.
The recording suffered a bit from over emphasis of Davie Stewart’s second box, but that was also true of Irene Dear’s accordion in the week before’s programme recorded the same night in the same studio.
Robbie Shepherd’s interview with that grand old lady of piping Bessie Brown was obviously repeated nationally because Bessie appeared in the New Year’s Honours List, having been awarded the B.E.M. However, I don’t necessarily agree that ‘TTF’ was the right place for that. Perhaps a modified edition of the ‘Reel Blend’ may have been a better forum for such a feature.
And talking of the ‘Reel Blend’ I must compliment Robbie Shepherd on his ability to dig up some real old, best forgotten but delightfully remembered nostalgia!
William Hannah, playing his own composition ‘The Agnes Waltz’ (just barely audible through the hiss and clicks of the old 78) brought back memories of acquiring an old 78 of Mantovani’s Dance Orchestra playing the self same tune.
I enjoyed the tracks of Lindsay Ross’s Bnad from the singles produced many moons ago. I was never a great fan of Lindsay Ross’s Band and consequently don’t have any of these old records. Shame on me for being so narrow minded in my youth!
Although I haven’t spoken to Robin Brock for some time, I understand he has recovered from his major operation late last year and his programme ‘Folk’s around Robin’ continues to go from strength to strength on Monday nights at 7pm on Radio Forth.
John Carmichael on West Sound is building quite an audience. I think there’s room for another programme, more aimed at the enthusiast here. After all, Radio Forth have proved the viability of such a venture. They started out with ‘Pure Scotch’ with Steve Jack and eventually Robin Brock got a spot on that show which developed into the really excellent enthusiasts programme ‘Folks Around Robin’.
Hopefully West Sound will come up with something in the not-too-distant future.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Just before Christmas I had a letter from Canada and several LPs in a package, all from ex-Stan Hamilton Band accordionist Bobby Brown.
Bobby had seen a review in the ‘B&F’ of his first LP ‘The Island fling’ and had been so delighted that he sent all the albums he’s been involved with over the last two or three years.
The other night the phone rang and Bobby Brown was on the other end! This time though he was in Scotland for a short trip when he hoped to tie up a deal for the release of the records in the UK.
Bobby visited Gibson Ross in Turriff who runs Ross Records (recently signs deals with Bryce Laing for some big name artistes). I understand from Bobby that Gibson Ross will be testing the market fairly soon with some of the Canadian produced goodies.
And goodies they are! Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent have three current albums – all with full-length dances – which Ross Records now have the right to reproduce.
Added to that are at least two records by ‘Cape Breton Symphony fiddle’ which is one of the best fiddle groups in the world. Bobby arranges all the music and plays piano and accordion with them.
Hopefully all five albums will be released here through Ross Records, but, unfortunately, at the time of writing Gibson Ross has gone off on holiday, so I’ve been unable to confirm his plans.
However, to whet you appetite let me tell you something about ‘The Scottish Accent’ and the ‘Cape Breton Symphony’ and their records.
The Scottish Accent was formed following the break-up of Stan Hamilton’s Band by leader bobby Brown. Bobby left the Falkirk area of Scotland and emigrated to Canada back in 1956. He’s a super box player with a lightness and enthusiasm which immediately hits you between the eyes.
There’s only two Scots in the band – Bobby himself and the drummer Matt Watson. The others are Canadian, but all with Scottish connections and certainly with a love and feeling for the music which manifests itself in total commitment.
Catchy Tunes
The band play some very catchy tunes which have been taken up by some of the best of the Scottish bands. Andrew Rankine has recorded and broadcast the ‘Lemonville Jig’ which first appeared on the Bobby Brown LP ‘The Island Fling.’ ‘The Murray River Jig’ is another tune played here and taken from Bobby’s record. Alex MacArthur too has broadcast some of the new tunes.
Although the Country Dancers may not know it – they too have taken to Bobby’s tunes. They are played at many of the dances up and down the country, both North and South of the Border.
George Fleming’s very popular Scottish Country Dance Band has been playing the popular Canadian tunes at dances now for more than two years and the dancers lap them up.
So a combination of good, catchy tunes and superlative playing makes Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent one of the best Scottish Dance Bands I have heard anywhere.
Well Recorded
The records are very well recorded in a very good studio and Bobby himself has complete control of the production. The end result of each record is as good as the last. The sound balance is virtually the same on each.
‘The Island Fling’ was first released in 1979/80 and has a selection of nine dances on it.
The jigs are all 8 x 32 bars and include ‘The Happy Meeting’, ‘Haste to the Wedding’ and ‘The Island Fling’.
‘The Birks of Abergeldie’ is an 8 x 48 bar reel from Book 9 of the RSCDS. ‘The Baldovan Reel’ is a very popular 4 x 32 bar reel and also on this album is one of the best sets of singalong tunes you could wish for included in ‘The Irish Rover’ – Jimmy Cosh’s very popular dance. The original tune is followed by
The Minstrel Boy
The Halls of Montezuma
Dublin in the Green
Yankee Doodle Boy
Wild Colonial Boy
And The Caissons Go Rolling Along
A real Irish / American singalong.
There’s also three strathspeys including ‘Dalkeith’s’, ‘The Northern Meeting’ and ‘Mary Hamilton’ created by John Drewry. The tune for this is ,of course, ‘Mary Hamilton of Auchencruive’ which was composed by Stan Hamilton’s father in honour of Stan’s mother.
Bobby’s second record ‘The Maid of the Mill’ is in similar vein.
There’s a couple of jigs, three strathspeys and three reels, one of which is titled ‘The Twa Meenit Reel’ and utilizes the tune ‘Whistlin’ Rufus’.
Bobby’s latest with the Scottish Accent is ‘Tarry a While’ and again the format is exactly the same with full-length dances.
He does pick good tunes for the programme on each record and the whole thing is very enjoyable whether you dance or just listen.
Swinging Music
If Gibson Ross decides to publish the records here as they are in Canada then the sleeves are also a treat with a good colour photograph on each and copious sleeve notes and dance origins on each too.
The other two records in the series are by the Cape Breton Symphony.
This is a group of four fiddlers who play the most swinging music in the Scottish/Irish tradition you ever heard. I have to say it – but record one, which was recorded back in 1978, is the better of the two. The fiddles blend beautifully and the backings are immaculate. The choice of tunes too is absolutely first class. A good mixture, of Scottish/Irish and Cape Breton.
Yes, indeed – a feast of good music on five different LP records which hopefully will be available here before too long.
Robin Brock
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Robin Brock will turn 41 three days before Scotsman all over the world bring in the New Year, accompanied, no doubt, by the kind of music the East Lothian accordionist and double bass supreme has loved passionately for most of his life.
But Robin himself is taking life very easily at the moment.
He has to, having only recently been discharged from hospital following a gall bladder operation.
When asked jokingly if the old maxim about like beginning at 40 was true, he replied “I thought it was finished three weeks ago!”
The doctor has told him he has not to do anything for the next eight weeks, but, “Ach” says Robin “I don’t like just sitting about”.
He certainly has plenty to keep him going. The farm he bought just outside Penicuik just over seven years ago is thriving and has expanded to 175 acres. He employs 40 people and still operates the landscape contracting business he trained for, for over seven years.
Main Interest
Apart from all this, he co-presents ‘Pure Scotch’ with Steve Jack every Friday night on Radio Forth. The programme is a light-hearted, two hour Scottish request programme. However, his main interest every week is his very own programme called ‘Folks Around Robin.’ Every week Robin plays host to a band or well-known group of musicians and records their music. Each selection of music is interspersed with ‘informal blethers’ when the bandleader is invited to introduce members of the band, tunes they play and recount any interesting or amusing incidents from the past.
“There is anything from ten to twelve hours of hard graft involved in any programme” say Robin, “but I really enjoy it. I have been so many places, met so many marvellous people through Scottish music that I’m only to delighted to be able to put something back into it.”
Robin’s programme is obviously the apple of his eye. It is like another child to his apart from Russell (12) and Susan (9), children of his 15-year-marriage to wife Linda.
Credibility
He says he is trying to rid Scottish dance music of the ‘heather, haggis and hairy knees’ image. He is striving to give the music and the musicians the credibility he feels they deserve.
“It has been portrayed like that for far to long. I have believed, passionately, for a long, long time” he continues “that we have musicians here in Scotland who are as good in their chosen field as any other throughout the world”.
Robin’s aim, when initially approached to do the programme by Radio Forth Producer Sandy Wilkie two years ago, was to try something different. Introduce bandleaders to the public, put a personality to the name. Encourage other people to play.
“If as a result of my efforts I have encouraged people to begin playing again or make even one youngster pick up an accordion than I am well satisfied” he states.
He is particularly proud in respect of getting popular bandleader Angus Fitchet and Bobby MacLeod to do their first broadcast with their own bands for over 25 years. No mean achievement and one which speaks volumes for Robin’s dedication and respect in the Scottish dance scene.
He is delighted to sit and chat about the programme. After all, he is still a relative rookie on the other side of the little glass panel.
Robin is grateful to programme controller Tom Steel of Radio Forth for having enough faith in his suggestions to let him carry then through. He says he felt Scottish music was at its lowest ebb two years ago. Playing standards seemed to have fallen. Bands and production staff cared little how the sound came across.
But Robin is quick to qualify that forthright statement by saying “working with musicians from the lesser-known to the top names over the past few years, my faith in Scottish dane music has been restored ten-fold. I am delighted with the enthusiasm now and the huge talent coming through with the youngsters.
No Worries
“If that is what the general standard is like then Scottish dance music need have no worries about the future. But it’s a pity more youngsters are not joining bands instead of playing solo all the time.”
Most people, of course, are aware of Robin’s own particular talent and versatility. He is best known for his work on double bass and accordion, but says he can get a tune out of almost anything.
He has played alongside, for long spells, three of Scottish dance music biggest names – Jim Johnstone, Jimmy Shand and Jim MacLeod. “It is a privilege to have them as friends” he admits. He also had a spell playing for The Corries and has made countless appearances with many other bands and throughout the years has been very busy as a session musician in recording and television studios.
The days with Shand are recalled as “a dream come true.” His admiration for the man knows no bounds. “Without him Scottish dance music as we know it would not have existed” he says. “We own him a great deal.”
Robin joined the Jim Johnstone band when the Tranent born accordionist left Andrew Rankine. After all, Robin was born only a few miles away, at Thorntonloch, an agricultural community now lost for ever under the construction work for the nuclear power station at Torness.
Many Regrets
The Johnstone Band was exceptionally popular, bit it had its disadvantages. Jim was snapped up by Jimmy Shand for his Australian tours, but on his return it was Robin’s turn to join the legend.
Pressure of work in his landscaping business forced Robin, with many regrets, to call it a day.
“But as one door shut, another one opened” he says. Jim MacLeod asked him to do a radio series, ‘On Tour.’ After that most of his playing time was spent in Jim’s base at Dunblane Hydro.
Seven “very happy years” were spent with Jim. “It suited me just fine” Sys Robin “because with Shand it was Fife one night, Southampton the next. I just couldn’t do that. I like some stability and at least with Jim I knew where I would be playing anything up to a year ahead.”
But business commitments one again began to interfere. He had decided to go freelance again when he was approached by Jim Johnstone to do the ‘Songs of Scotland’ series. Robin played in that band for a second spell of almost three years before he again decided to give it a rest.
New Phase
Billy Craib was able to rejoin Jim’s Band and Robin returned to the peace and quiet of his beloved Mauricewood Farm. The good clean air kept him occupied for almost two years without playing a note professionally before a phone call from old friend Ian Holmes, asking his to do a spot on Radio forth, pulled him back to the studio.
That, as Robin was later to discover, would lead to a new phase in his career and the rest, as they say, is history.
Robin’s programme is now amongst the most popular in Scotland and selling well elsewhere. Radios London, Thames and Tay have all bought it and many others are expressing an interest.
So, having been in the main thrust of the revival, is he pleased with the present set-up in Scotland? What does he think of it now?
Revival
“Magnificent, But I would like to see more village halls opening their doors to Scottish dance music again. There seems to be a move into hotel lounges at the moment, but I think if people had the courage to promote dances in halls then the Scottish scene would boom again.”
And he is right. There is an undercurrent now. People genuinely want to dance to Scottish music again, halls are being booked and the promoters and the dance bands are as busy again as they ever were.
“Scottish music will go on forever” concludes Robin. And the programme? “Who knoe’s, even if it ends tomorrow, I can still look back and say that for a couple of years at least my efforts have done something to help revive the music I love.”
Hear, Hear!
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Having just returned from a tour of Northern Ireland, and as a result of being motivated so much, with your permission, I would like to inform all players and readers of my experience there.
Initially, when invited by the Secretary of the Premier A&F Club, I hesitated, then asked the self-preserving question “Is it safe?” When assured that I would be well and carefully looked after, I checked my diary and said “Yes”.
Bear in mind that Northern Ireland was just as strange for me as for a Scottish player, for, being from Southerm Ireland, I remember having done only three concerts in my whole career in the North. However, it is with delight I remember, as a young lad, that all the best dancing and music competitions took place there, to which I was a regular competitor. So to the tour.
My good friend Jimmy McAllister met my wife June and I in Crumlin and took us to his home in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. Without even the slightest exaggeration, the family’s hospitality was beautiful (including Sara’a home baked buns). Early evening, Jimmy and myself set up the accordion. Just when I thought I had finished ‘setting up’, to my surprise he (Jimmy) informed me that we had just begun. What a genius of a man for sound. Pardon the pun, but it was the ‘soundest education’ I had received in years. We went for some tea and I could not wait to get playing.
On the night, however, as anxious as I was to get going, my anxiety represented only a tiny fraction of what I saw in the faces of the people at the Premier Club. They were absolutely ravenous for tunes. Their concentration and interest I have never seen equalled.
They savoured and devoured every note, and my feeling was nothing short of elation. My request sheet for the second spot numbered 38 tunes and their enthusiasm never dwindled, but only increased as the night continued, and closed.
Conversing with the Committee afterwards, they expressed their appreciation that I had come over, informing me that they had been ‘let down’ by quite a few players in the past, which is something that really annoys me, because it breed unreliability.
One gentlemen in particular who writes and talks a lot lately and equally promises a lot, when the time comes, says and does very little if anything. Shallow words indeed from a man who derives his lot from every sphere of the accordion.
And here A applaud my good friend Sandy MacArthur, and my other good friend Gordon Pattullo, who honoured their engagements (indeed they toured before I arrived) and both dedicated ambassadors of accordion music and both fine people.
May I ask in closing, if you are ever asked to play in Northern Ireland, think wisely. For should you say no, you will miss a beautiful experience.
Paddy Neary
13 Milton Crescent
Auchterarder
Perthshire
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 24 Feb 82 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21 Feb 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 22 Feb 82 Eddie Edmonds Quartet
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 18 Feb 82 Malcolm McLean (accordion) & Frank Henery (guitar)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) – 4 Mar 82 Peter Bruce
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 17 Feb 82 Paddy Neary 17 Mar 82 Iain MacPhail Trio 21 Apr Currie Brothers
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 16 Feb 82 Colin Campbell Trio
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) – Feb 82 Jock Fraser & Billy Nelson
Drumpellier (Dalrymple House, Cleland) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 16 Feb 82 Kerry Watson & David Steel 9 Mar 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 2 Mar 82 Archie Duncan 26 Mar 82 Annual Dance Bill Douglas SDB 6 Apr 82 Ian Anderson 4 May Dave Stewart
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 25 Feb 82 Mike Clark
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 17 Mar 82 Currie Brothers 21 Apr 82 Walter Perrie
Falkirk (Park Hotel, Falkirk) – Feb 82 Angus Cameron accompanied by Jim Cleland (piano)
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 22 Feb 82 David Steel and Kerry Watson
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB 10 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle) 16 Mar 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) – 11 Feb 82 The Black Family
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 15 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio 26 Mar 82 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 24 Feb 82 Graham Geddes SDB
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4 Mar 82 George Stirrat & Jimmy Yeaman 18 Mar 82 Currie Brothers
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 18 Feb 82 Willie Simpson Quartet
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – Feb Alan Roy
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Mar 82 Tommy Ford
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 22 Feb 82 Callum Wilson SDB 18 Apr 82 Festival
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 2 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle) & Jennifer Wilson (piano)
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – Feb 82 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 25 Feb 82 Currie Brothers
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – Feb 82 George Bell SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1 Mar 82 Davie Ross SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – Mar 82 Ian Horsburgh
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Campbeltown
6. Cleland
7. Crieff & District
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Dingwall
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline & District
13. East Kilbride
14. Edinburgh
15. Fintry
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. Oban
25. Ormiston
26. Peebles
27. Shetland
28. Stranraer
29. Thurso
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
15. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
16. Derwentside A&F Club
17. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
18. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
28. Galston A&F Club (1969)
29. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
30. Gorebridge) (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50