Box and Fiddle
Year 15 No 06
February 1992
Price 50p
12 pages
8 month subscription £6.00
Editor – Interim 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
This month sees the publication of the Club Directory. A few Clubs who have paid their Annual subscriptions have omitted to enclose their Registration forms, so unfortunately full details of these Clubs cannot be listed at present. As soon as the relevant details have been received, they shall be published.
Although again short of readers’ letters and replies to the ‘Point for Discussion’ this is another full edition.
Hope you enjoy it.
Doug Adamson
Addie Harper
by Andy Ross
For more years than he cares to remember, Addie Harper has been involved in the Scottish music scene, not only in his native Caithness, but throughout Scotland and even further afield.
Born at Stirkoke near Wick, there was music in the Harper house from his earliest days. Man of the house “Robbie the Sheep Shearer” played a single row melodeon, performing many West coast melodies picked up from Lewis and Harris men who had worked alongside him in the Argentine.
Being the youngest of a family of four, Addie often found great difficulty getting a “shottie” of the melodeon – the only musical instrument in the house. This was to change, however, with the arrival of a fiddle when Addie was about 5 years of age. This instrument came from Evangelist, Jock Troup, a local man who had travelled all over the world to preach, always returning to spend an annual holiday near to the Harper family home.
For some time Addie struggled to pick up and play music by ear, gleaning tunes from borrowed records of such greats as William Powrie, David Hutchison, Peter Wyper and, of course, Jimmy Shand.
In those days fiddles were strung with gut strings which were very liable to break and difficult to obtain. Occasionally, repairs had to be made by knotting the broken string behind the bridge or down at the peg box – if this course of action failed there was nothing for it but to keep going on three strings! Eventually another instrument appeared – Addie’s brother had purchased a mandolin banjo for the princely sum of five shillings. Addie took to it “like a duck to water” and could soon play all the tunes he already played on the fiddle, coping easily with the eight strings tuned in pairs.
Everything was to change for Addie when he was about 12. A Mrs Murray of Greystones Farm who had often listened to the young musician, insisted on arranging and paying for violin lessons with Margaret Henderson of Wick. Being very apprehensive about going for lessons and not wanting to be seen carrying a fiddle case, he took to all the back streets, casting furtive glances in all directions as he made his way to Margaret’s house for the first lesson.
Upon reaching the house, he had decided to tap gently on the door, then beat a hasty retreat before it could be answered. Fortunately for him, Margaret had seen him approaching and flung open the door with a warm welcome. For four years he regularly attended lessons and in ensuing years Margaret also taught such prominent players as Isobel and Hamish Auld, Addie Harper Jnr and Gordon Gunn.
BILBSTER BAND
For some time Addie had fostered a desire to play for dancing, so quickly grasped the opportunity when a local farm worker indicated that he intended forming a band. This band comprised an accordion, two fiddles and drums.
After a few weeks of intensive practice, the first engagement was arranged in the Bilbster Hall and so the Bilbster Band was born. With no amplification and many sets of tunes being played 3 or 4 times during the evening, the band got through their first public appearance, picking up another 3 booking on the night. Later, with several bands being formed in Caithness, Addie decided it was time to form his own group.
Billy Dowler, an Australian now living in Wick, played accordion and, fortunately, possessed records of all the popular Scottish musicians of the period. He teamed up with Addie along with Sandy Meiklejohn on piano and drummer Jimmy Bain to form the original Wick Scottish Dance Band.
Amplification was borrowed and the band played its first big engagement – Dunbeath Highland Games night dance. This was around 1950 and the band quickly built up a big following, sometimes as many as three busloads of dancers accompanying them to gigs in the village halls joining up with the locals to dance the night away. This line up remained for some time until Billy decided to return to Australia.
WICK S.D.B. – V1
It was then that Eann Nicholson and Addie came together and after lots of hard practice and reshuffles a “new” Wick Scottish Dance Band emerged. The year was 1953 and the other band members were David Smith on piano, Jimmy Bain, double bass and Chris Duncan on drums. This line up auditioned in Aberdeen for a B.B.C. broadcast, passed with flying colours and took to the airways for the first of their many broadcasts about one month later.
The Band’s second broadcast will never be forgotten by Addie. Nearly all broadcasts then were live and this one was scheduled for a 6.30 p.m. start from the Town Hall, Wick. Rehearsals should have started at 5.30 but because of technical difficulties the first note wasn’t struck till around 6 p.m. when it was discovered that the piano was so badly out of tune that it could not be used. Panic set in – where could a replacement instrument be found in so short a time? An urgent phone call was made to the Head Steward of the British Legion Club, Bill Henderson, who quickly arranged for a bunch of strong men to load the Club’s piano onto a lorry kindly provided by local haulage contractor D. Steven.
Upon arrival at the Town Hall, the men struggled to get the piano onto the stage, finally succeeding with 5 minutes to spare! There was no time for a rehearsal or balance before the programme was relayed to Scottish Dance Music fans the length and breadth of the country.
During the broadcast the streets of Wick were deserted as everyone stayed indoors glued to their wireless sets. The band members felt like local heroes as they strolled through the streets after the transmission to be complimented on their performance – if only the listeners knew the problems there had been just a short time previously!
More and more broadcasts followed, also offers to play at dances in many far away places. Strangely, none of the band members held driving licences at the time so transport duties were undertaken by Humber taxis hired from the local Co-op Garage.
WICK S.D.B. – V2
With an ever growing demand for their music over a large geographical area, some band members found it increasingly difficult to get time off work to fulfil these engagements. The front line of Eann and Addie remained, joined by Isobel Auld (piano), her brother Hamish on double bass and John Gunn on drums.
With a chuckle in his voice Addie recalls the first memorable trip undertaken by the band to the Western Isles to play at Lochmaddy and Balinvanish.
Having now passed their driving tests, the band purchased an old Austin Shooting Brake (AJS 274) and so at 6 a.m. they set off from Wick to catch the mid-day flight at Inverness for Stornoway. Upon arrival on Lewis a van was on hand to transport them to their appointed place for collection by boat.
This place was a small island reached when the van drove through an expanse of water around 1ft deep. The driver hurriedly offloaded players and instruments and beat a hasty retreat as the tide was coming in very fast.
The rain began to fall, there was no shelter, the island got smaller and smaller as the sea waters encroached, hunger pangs were beginning to strike, when after a considerable time a small open boat arrived. With much relief, all piled on board and with barely enough room for players and instruments they set sail for Lochmaddy. Still more delays – the time was now around 8 p.m. and they had been travelling for 14 hours and were still not at their final destination. Transport eventually arrived and upon reaching a big building where they were to spend the night, all felt like a stiff dram. However, enquiries revealed that the nearest bar was several miles away and, instead of being in a hotel they were in the Lochmaddy Mental Hospital!
Fortunately, a good meal was soon served, then it was off to the Lochmaddy Hall for a midnight start – no electricity and a badly out-of-tune piano! Despite these problems a great night was enjoyed by all then it was back to bed in the hospital for a few hours sleep. However, a good night’s rest was out of the question as the residents kept popping in for a peep at the strangers.
Before leaving, the band played for an hour as the patients and staff danced and sang to the music and there was much disappointment when it was time for the band members to be on their way again and all were sad to say farewell.
Another memorable trip recalled by Addie was to play for the Glasgow-Caithness Association. The band had been presented with a set of deer antlers to decorate their vehicle by local A.A. patrolman Rex Watt, who only retired a couple of years ago.
At 5.30 a.m. the shooting brake was loaded with the double bass strapped on the roof rack – scroll facing backwards and the antlers to the front. About 20 miles from Glasgow an inquisitive police patrol pulled in the band car for an inspection thinking they had caught a load of deer poachers. However, after untying the ropes and looking under the covers to discover only a double bass, they were waved on their way to the Highlanders Institute.
There were many good Scottish Dance Bands around this time, each with their own individual styles, but still the offers of broadcasts poured in from the B.B.C.
During one phone conversation with the Producer at the time – James Hunter – Addie tentatively suggested that perhaps he could play one set on his banjo in a forthcoming broadcast. “We’ll see how it sounds” replied James, but after hearing the rehearsal, gave the ‘thumbs up’ and so the Wick S.D.B. sound became even more distinctive, especially with the arrival of the Hawaiian guitar at a later date.
Eann Nicolson, without a doubt one of Scotland’s finest accordionists of the era, practiced many hours with Addie to keep up the standard and increase the Band’s repertoire. Not only was Eann an accomplished player, but he also had the ability to tune an accordion to suit his own personal taste which always shone through in the Wick Scottish sound.
RECORDINGS
Because of their increasing popularity, it was inevitable that the band would be offered an opportunity to appear on record and this happened in 1964 when they recorded an E.P. called “Pentland Airs”, marketed on the Thistle Records Label. This disc was recorded in a small studio in Bank Row, Wick, by Jim Johnstone who is now the driving force behind internationally known Grampian Records of Wick.
Unfortunately this first recording was not a resounding success, but very soon the good times arrived with the recording of “Heather and Shamrock”, quickly followed with “By the Peat Fire Flame”, both on the Grampian Label.
The band’s fame was soon recognised by Bryce Laing who offered them a recording contract with E.M.I. They could hardly believe their luck, but soon their first record on this prestigious label was issued. The year was 1970 and after even more hard practice “The Sound of the North” was recorded in Craighall Studios, Edinburgh.
In the ensuing eight years a further twelve records were made for E.M.I. including “Curtain Up” with guest singers Argo Cameron and the late John Mearns who took the opportunity to record for the first time the extremely popular “Auld Meal Mill”.
Time marches on and in 1978 came the first major change for over 20 years. Eann continued recording with his new Wick S.D.B. while Addie, Isobel and Hamish were joined by Addie Jnr and Bobby Coghill on accordions to form a new Band.
It was back to E.M.I. where the new group recorded “Head North” (this L.P. gained a SCOTS Star Award), then “Pride of the North”. These recordings heralded an extremely busy time for the new line up with many engagements in the South-west of Scotland and North of England meaning lots of travel and ever increasing costs for fuel, accommodation etc.
TRIO FORMED
Eventually, because of these spiralling costs, Addie decided to reduce the playing compliment to a trio. With modern electronic technology, the trio can produce a ‘big’ sound with Addie continuing to play fiddle/banjo/ Hawaiian guitar, Isobel Harper (nee Auld) on piano/bass and Addie Jnr or Alastair MacDonald on accordion. If a drummer is required, the services of Chris Duncan (of the original Wick S.D.B.) can be called upon.
Although the trio keeps Addie and Isobel very busy, they still find time to rehearse and play with the Wick Fiddlers - a group formed around 16 years ago and currently comprising 8 fiddlers, accordion, piano/bass and drums. Both are also pleased to tutor a group of young players “The Young Traditionals” who continue to play music “a la Harper” – five fiddles, four accordionists, one guitar and Isobel on piano/bass.
Addie is also actively involved with the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club where he has been Chairman for the past four seasons. Also, over a six month period he made a video record of all Club meetings until three months ago when his video recorded was damaged by a huge wave which engulfed his van when filming a particularly severe storm near Wick.
Over the years, many great compositions have flowed fro his pen, possibly he best known and most often performed by other musicians being “The Barrowburn Reel”, “John Keith Laing”, “Walking on the Moon” and “Pipe Major Jim Christie of Wick”.
In 1986, he formed his own recording company – Harp Records and through this medium has produced amongst others “Down That Road Again” with his trio, “On the Fiddle” with Gordon Gunn, “A Change from the Box” with Addie Jnr and “Ceilidh Night at MacKay’s”, a self explanatory title featuring many local artistes.
Addie still relishes playing for dances and at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs and continues to undertake long journeys from Wick to far flung engagements – helped greatly now with the opening of the Dornoch, Cromarty and Kessock Bridges and he says, “as long as the fowk are prepared to dance to us or listen to the music we produce, I’ll keep on playing.” I hope this will be for many years to come.
Neil Mathieson – An Appreciation
by Doug Adamson
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Neil Mathieson on Saturday, 21st December, 1991.
I first met Neil in Tobermory many years ago and only a month ago I was present at the Glenfarg A&F Club where the big fellow was his usual cheerful self, running the Club efficiently and having a welcoming word for all present.
Neil moved to Balado Farm, Kinross, where his father was a gamekeeper when he was three. He attended Crook of Devon Primary School and then moved to Kinross Secondary School.
Always keen on music, Neil received his first accordion from his brother Tommy, when he was ten.
On leaving school he traveled all over Britain as a plant operator, but in the early 1980’s he decided to turn professional. Along with Andy Ramage (double bass), Neil formed a duo (Harness), and they worked together until Neil took ill in 1988, when they decided to go their separate ways.
Neil started the Glenfarg A&F Club along with Stewart Smith in 1988, where he was both Chairman and Secretary until his untimely death.
Neil made many friends all over the country and especially in Mull, the West Coast and the Highlands where he was a well known performer. To these people and all of us he will be sadly missed.
Our sympathies go out to his wife Sheena, his 10 month old son Fraser, his mumand all his relations.
Introducing the Clubs
No 6 Islesteps and District
The Club now known as Islesteps A&F Club is, contrary to some opinions, a direct descendent of Scotland’s first Club then named the ‘Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club’.
Mine host at ‘The Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’, a young man called Max Houliston, who needs no introduction to Scottish dance music enthusiasts, gathered together some like-minded musicians with the aim of promoting the music and give the players a chance to play in front of an audience.
It was August 1965 when this small Club started and before long it was decided to invite a Guest Artiste each month. Some of the first to appear were Bobby Harvey, Ivor Britton, Ian Holmes, Jimmy Yeaman and Bobby Crowe.
As the Club grew, it moved to the downstairs lounge in the ‘Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’ and then after a spell there it was moved to another of Max’s establishments ‘Oughton’s’ in Church Place.
The manager of Oughton’s was Tony Dalton, another musician and enthusiast, who took over the running of the Club and it continued in the same vein, bringing on youngsters as well as established players.
Around 1981 Tony decided to branch out on his own and bought the ‘Cargenholm Hotel’ on the outskirts of Dumfries. . With Max being heavily involved with his various business activities the Club moved to Cargenholm and being in the Islesteps area, the name became ‘The Islesteps A&F Club’.At that time Tony, as did Max, organized and ran the Club single-handed and it was only prior to Tony selling the ‘Cargenholm’ that a Committee was formed to keep the club going. At this point I would like to thank Max Houliston for his help with the history of the Club.
The Committee started running the Club for the 85/86 season, with Tony still acting as M.C., John Douglas, well known local musician, as chairman, John Patterson as Treasurer, myself Ian Gray, as Secretary, members Stuart Tweedie, Bobby Murray and another box player Jimmy Kirkpatrick. Since then Bobby has dropped out for health reasons and has been replaced by John Caskie who is doing a great job as M.C. taking over from Tony Dalton.
We continue the Club on the same format as first started as a listening Club, there is no dancing at Islesteps. Stovies are still served free, admission is £1.50, players are always welcome, again free, no-one is refused a turn if they have an instrument and over the years the ages of the players have ranged from five to eighty.
We aim to continue inviting top line guests to Islesteps and although door money seldom pays their fees, we have a very active back-up team (Committee members wives selling raffle tickets etc) to help out.
Two dances a season are held with broadcasting bands and these are priced at an affordable level in thanks to our regular attenders and to top up our funds.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had three venues since 85/86, firstly ‘Cargenholm’ to 1987, one season ‘Driveway’ and now ‘Maybe House’, where we are looked after by mine hosts Rory and Annette.
The backbone of any club is as at the very first meeting started by Max, the local players, and we at Islesteps are fortunate to have and excellent spinal ‘chord’ with an age difference of some seventy years.
Finally, to our regular customers, a big thank you for turning up in all sorts of weather to ensure our guests get a good welcome at Islesteps – as one top fiddler once said “A richt Couthy Place”.
Desktop Publishing Systems
by Charlie Todd
All of us are aware of the contribution being made by modern technology…………..
Where Does the £15 Do?
by Andrew Nairn (Association Secretary)
It is with some trepidation that I take up the challenge………………
Hogmanay
by Noel Donaldson
It’s been some years now since we had something to celebrate so far as the ‘Bells’ programmes on Hogmanay are concerned. In my opinion there has been nothing to match the classics of yesteryear – Andy Stewart, Findlay Currie, Duncan MacRae, Jimmy Shand and the White Heather era.
The T.V. companies never seem to capture the nostalgia of the magic moment quite like they did in the shows of the past, though the Graham Geddes Band who featured on Grampian Television’s programme deserve a pat on the back.
However, I raise my glass to the B.B.C. for mining an eighteen carat gold nugget. They did the next best thing, re-opened the White Heather Club albeit temporarity and invited some of its ‘honorary members’ along as guests.
The B.B.C. threw a party in an hotel lounge and treated them to a few celluloid reminiscences from the archives. There were some rye smiles as the television set brought the good old days back to life. After all, ‘a lot of water has flowed under the bridge’ since the first Hogmanay programme went out on air in 1958.
Faces had a few more lines and heads were somewhat greyer if not barer, but the spirit of the shows that captured 10 million viewers in its first attempt, the camaraderie and the enthusiasm were as clear as the memories themselves.
Memories of the very first show which ushered in 1958 from the Springfield Studios in Glasgow and proved such a popular pilot that it began an eleven year run three months later.
The first series was hosted by the famous Scots tenor Robert Wilson, but it was a young actor who then took over the reins and guided the show to the top. Andy Stewart was already one of the White Heather set, having auditioned in one of the most unorthodox studios in the business…….the gent’s toilet at Queen Margaret Drive.
Producer, Iain MacFadyen, who was looking for someone to do bothy ballads, gave Andy the job on the spot. Andy, who wasn’t able to attend the reunion quipped in a T.V. contribution from his home: “Well, you always sing well in the toilet don’t you?”
Along with tenor James Urquhart, the Joe Gordon Folk Four, the legendary Jimmy Shand and his band, Ian Powrie and his band, progressive Highland Dancers Dixie Ingram and Isobel James and the White Heather Dancers, the show took off.
The secret of its success was the family feeling the show generated, its spontaneith – sometimes songs were completed minutes before the show and woven together by an incurable sense of humour.
Andy recalled one occasion when he prevailed upon Jimmy to slow down a certain section in a song for effect. The man from ‘muchty who refused to compromise his strict tempo style told Andy “You sing what you like but I’ll be playing it 2/4”. Jimmy defended his style at the reunion gathering when he said “You can copy certain individuals, but you are far better if you search for your own style”.
Asked if he found it exciting working with Andy, the accordionist quashed any development of that angle and replied “I never get excited”. Ian Powrie ribbed Jimmy (81) about how he phones him u-p and says “Is that you son?” and reflected “I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or not”.
Isobel James enthused about her big break at the Club at the tender age of 17. She said “It was incredible. It was just like old times, a night of nostalgia almost as unashamed as the tartan programme the show adhered to with dancing and selections from Ian, Jimmy and Jack Cooper, who was also spotted in the flashback excerpts.
James Urquhart said that some people labeled the programme ‘Heather and Haggis’ but he never had any reservations as they were always presented sincerely. The tenor delighted the company when he sang “The Scottish Soldier” and brought a lump to a few troats, not least to Andy Stewart watching the programme up North.
Cross-Channel Packet
News of the Accordion in France compiled by Ralph Harvey
Centuries of goodwill between the peoples of France and Scotland………..
Your Letters
Congratulations on your decision to include dancer instructions in the ‘B&F’. Since dancing is never far away when boxes and fiddles are out, the entry is very appropriate. In fact, it could be argued that the survival of box and fiddle players depends on a healthy dance scene and so deserves every encouragement.
Many players at Clubs ‘survive’ on a parallel dance structure notwithstanding the valuable platform the Clubs provide for young players who might not have any other outlet. How often have we seen young players progress through the Clubs only to disappear, when having achieved valuable experience and often high standards, because there are too few outlets for their talents?
On the other hand, many players make a successful transition to the dance band scene and so keep on playing for everyone’s enjoyment.
It’s worth mentioning here that our local ‘B&F’ Club at Newtongrange, run regular monthly dances through the winter months, have dance practice sessions most weeks and are to be congratulated on this.
Can I also say that I welcome the rejuvenation and adoption of many of the sequence dances currently in use. Dances such as the Eva 3-Step, Britannia 2-Step and endless waltz based sequences lend themselves to Scottish music and increase the variety and range of musicians. Some purists, no doubt, resent the intrusion of these imported dances, but I doubt if there is sufficient pure Scottish dancing activity to sustain the number of musicians available.
The B.B.C. are also to be thanked for diversifying and allowing the broadcasting of a wider range of dance music. Furthermore, diversification gives freer range to bands who are allowed beyond the pure Scottish presentation and musical arrangement and are using other influences such as military, brass band, Viennese, music hall and big band/ballroom to name but a few.
I appreciate the space in the ‘B&F’ is limited and that a balance must be struck in its content, but hope that more space could be given to dancing. Any news, views, forthcoming events etc would be extremely interesting (and might even increase circulation).
Gordon Clark
Record and Book Review
Accordion Bonanza No.4 – Stebelin Recording Co.
Select-A-Tune – Deeay Music
Take the Floor
1st Feb 92 – Neil McEachern SDB
8th Feb 92 – Tain SDB from Elgin Town Hall
15th Feb 92 – Dennis Morrison and the Glenmore SDB from Elgin Town Hall
22nd Feb 92 – Lynn Gould SDB
29th Feb 92 - Jim MacLeod SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Feb 1992 – Billy McGuire
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 1992 – Dick Black Band
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Feb 1992 – John Findlay SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Feb 1992 – Ian Holmes Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Feb 1992 – Ian Muir Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Feb 1992 – Jim Clelland Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Feb 1992 – John Leslie
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 1992 – Ian Hutson SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 1992 – Glencraig SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club) 4th Feb 1992 – Gordon shand SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 18th Feb 1992 – Ballochmyle CB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 1992 – Gordon Pattullo
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Feb 1992 – Mark MacDougall
22nd Fen 1992 – Dance to Craig McCallum
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Feb 1992 – Glencraig SDB
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 11th Feb 1992 – Simon Howie SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 21st Feb 1992 – Jack Stitt Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Feb 1992 – Ian McLachlan
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 19th Feb 1992 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 1992 – Mark Cummine SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Feb 1992 – James Coutts SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 20th Feb 1992 – Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Feb 1992 – Duncan Chisholm
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Feb 1992 – Neil MAcEachern SDB
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 4th Feb 1992 – Michael Philip SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Feb 1992 – Calum Low Sound
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) - 11th Feb 1992 – Ian MacDonald & the Skye Club
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Feb 1992 – Harold Smith Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Feb 1992 – Alistair McCulloch Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 18th Feb 1992 – Bobby Crowe Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 25th Feb 1992 – James & Mairi Coutts
14th Dance to Bill Black SDB
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 18th Feb 1992 – Derek Hamilton & Friends
22nd Feb 1992 – Dance to Bill Black SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 1992 – Iain MacPhail SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) – 6th Feb 1992 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 20th Feb 1992 – Duncan Black SDB
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Feb 1992 – Angus Oliver Band
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 1992 – Deirdre Adamson Trio
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 1992 – Ballochmyle CB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Feb 1992 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 1992 – Band Night
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 11th Feb 1992 – Ron Hodgson & Julie Best
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Ayr
3. Biggar
4. Blairgowrie
5. Button Key
6. Castle Douglas
7. Coalburn
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane
10. Dunfermline
11. Dunoon & Cowal
12. Etterick & Yarrow
13. Fintry
14. Forres
15. Glendale
16. Gretna
17. Highland
18. Islesteps
19. Kelso
20. Kinlochsheil
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. Mauchline
25. North East
26. Oban
27. Ormiston
28. Peebles
29. Premier
30. Renfrew
31. Stirling
32. Thurso
33. 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 above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991?)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Coalburn A&F Club
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club
29. Forfar A&F Club
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to a venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
41. Kintore A&F Club
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
55. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
56. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
57. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
58. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
59. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
60. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
61. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
62. Sutherland A&F Club (
63. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
64. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
65. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
66. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
67. 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?)
68. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
69. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
70. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
77. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
85. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
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
This month sees the publication of the Club Directory. A few Clubs who have paid their Annual subscriptions have omitted to enclose their Registration forms, so unfortunately full details of these Clubs cannot be listed at present. As soon as the relevant details have been received, they shall be published.
Although again short of readers’ letters and replies to the ‘Point for Discussion’ this is another full edition.
Hope you enjoy it.
Doug Adamson
Addie Harper
by Andy Ross
For more years than he cares to remember, Addie Harper has been involved in the Scottish music scene, not only in his native Caithness, but throughout Scotland and even further afield.
Born at Stirkoke near Wick, there was music in the Harper house from his earliest days. Man of the house “Robbie the Sheep Shearer” played a single row melodeon, performing many West coast melodies picked up from Lewis and Harris men who had worked alongside him in the Argentine.
Being the youngest of a family of four, Addie often found great difficulty getting a “shottie” of the melodeon – the only musical instrument in the house. This was to change, however, with the arrival of a fiddle when Addie was about 5 years of age. This instrument came from Evangelist, Jock Troup, a local man who had travelled all over the world to preach, always returning to spend an annual holiday near to the Harper family home.
For some time Addie struggled to pick up and play music by ear, gleaning tunes from borrowed records of such greats as William Powrie, David Hutchison, Peter Wyper and, of course, Jimmy Shand.
In those days fiddles were strung with gut strings which were very liable to break and difficult to obtain. Occasionally, repairs had to be made by knotting the broken string behind the bridge or down at the peg box – if this course of action failed there was nothing for it but to keep going on three strings! Eventually another instrument appeared – Addie’s brother had purchased a mandolin banjo for the princely sum of five shillings. Addie took to it “like a duck to water” and could soon play all the tunes he already played on the fiddle, coping easily with the eight strings tuned in pairs.
Everything was to change for Addie when he was about 12. A Mrs Murray of Greystones Farm who had often listened to the young musician, insisted on arranging and paying for violin lessons with Margaret Henderson of Wick. Being very apprehensive about going for lessons and not wanting to be seen carrying a fiddle case, he took to all the back streets, casting furtive glances in all directions as he made his way to Margaret’s house for the first lesson.
Upon reaching the house, he had decided to tap gently on the door, then beat a hasty retreat before it could be answered. Fortunately for him, Margaret had seen him approaching and flung open the door with a warm welcome. For four years he regularly attended lessons and in ensuing years Margaret also taught such prominent players as Isobel and Hamish Auld, Addie Harper Jnr and Gordon Gunn.
BILBSTER BAND
For some time Addie had fostered a desire to play for dancing, so quickly grasped the opportunity when a local farm worker indicated that he intended forming a band. This band comprised an accordion, two fiddles and drums.
After a few weeks of intensive practice, the first engagement was arranged in the Bilbster Hall and so the Bilbster Band was born. With no amplification and many sets of tunes being played 3 or 4 times during the evening, the band got through their first public appearance, picking up another 3 booking on the night. Later, with several bands being formed in Caithness, Addie decided it was time to form his own group.
Billy Dowler, an Australian now living in Wick, played accordion and, fortunately, possessed records of all the popular Scottish musicians of the period. He teamed up with Addie along with Sandy Meiklejohn on piano and drummer Jimmy Bain to form the original Wick Scottish Dance Band.
Amplification was borrowed and the band played its first big engagement – Dunbeath Highland Games night dance. This was around 1950 and the band quickly built up a big following, sometimes as many as three busloads of dancers accompanying them to gigs in the village halls joining up with the locals to dance the night away. This line up remained for some time until Billy decided to return to Australia.
WICK S.D.B. – V1
It was then that Eann Nicholson and Addie came together and after lots of hard practice and reshuffles a “new” Wick Scottish Dance Band emerged. The year was 1953 and the other band members were David Smith on piano, Jimmy Bain, double bass and Chris Duncan on drums. This line up auditioned in Aberdeen for a B.B.C. broadcast, passed with flying colours and took to the airways for the first of their many broadcasts about one month later.
The Band’s second broadcast will never be forgotten by Addie. Nearly all broadcasts then were live and this one was scheduled for a 6.30 p.m. start from the Town Hall, Wick. Rehearsals should have started at 5.30 but because of technical difficulties the first note wasn’t struck till around 6 p.m. when it was discovered that the piano was so badly out of tune that it could not be used. Panic set in – where could a replacement instrument be found in so short a time? An urgent phone call was made to the Head Steward of the British Legion Club, Bill Henderson, who quickly arranged for a bunch of strong men to load the Club’s piano onto a lorry kindly provided by local haulage contractor D. Steven.
Upon arrival at the Town Hall, the men struggled to get the piano onto the stage, finally succeeding with 5 minutes to spare! There was no time for a rehearsal or balance before the programme was relayed to Scottish Dance Music fans the length and breadth of the country.
During the broadcast the streets of Wick were deserted as everyone stayed indoors glued to their wireless sets. The band members felt like local heroes as they strolled through the streets after the transmission to be complimented on their performance – if only the listeners knew the problems there had been just a short time previously!
More and more broadcasts followed, also offers to play at dances in many far away places. Strangely, none of the band members held driving licences at the time so transport duties were undertaken by Humber taxis hired from the local Co-op Garage.
WICK S.D.B. – V2
With an ever growing demand for their music over a large geographical area, some band members found it increasingly difficult to get time off work to fulfil these engagements. The front line of Eann and Addie remained, joined by Isobel Auld (piano), her brother Hamish on double bass and John Gunn on drums.
With a chuckle in his voice Addie recalls the first memorable trip undertaken by the band to the Western Isles to play at Lochmaddy and Balinvanish.
Having now passed their driving tests, the band purchased an old Austin Shooting Brake (AJS 274) and so at 6 a.m. they set off from Wick to catch the mid-day flight at Inverness for Stornoway. Upon arrival on Lewis a van was on hand to transport them to their appointed place for collection by boat.
This place was a small island reached when the van drove through an expanse of water around 1ft deep. The driver hurriedly offloaded players and instruments and beat a hasty retreat as the tide was coming in very fast.
The rain began to fall, there was no shelter, the island got smaller and smaller as the sea waters encroached, hunger pangs were beginning to strike, when after a considerable time a small open boat arrived. With much relief, all piled on board and with barely enough room for players and instruments they set sail for Lochmaddy. Still more delays – the time was now around 8 p.m. and they had been travelling for 14 hours and were still not at their final destination. Transport eventually arrived and upon reaching a big building where they were to spend the night, all felt like a stiff dram. However, enquiries revealed that the nearest bar was several miles away and, instead of being in a hotel they were in the Lochmaddy Mental Hospital!
Fortunately, a good meal was soon served, then it was off to the Lochmaddy Hall for a midnight start – no electricity and a badly out-of-tune piano! Despite these problems a great night was enjoyed by all then it was back to bed in the hospital for a few hours sleep. However, a good night’s rest was out of the question as the residents kept popping in for a peep at the strangers.
Before leaving, the band played for an hour as the patients and staff danced and sang to the music and there was much disappointment when it was time for the band members to be on their way again and all were sad to say farewell.
Another memorable trip recalled by Addie was to play for the Glasgow-Caithness Association. The band had been presented with a set of deer antlers to decorate their vehicle by local A.A. patrolman Rex Watt, who only retired a couple of years ago.
At 5.30 a.m. the shooting brake was loaded with the double bass strapped on the roof rack – scroll facing backwards and the antlers to the front. About 20 miles from Glasgow an inquisitive police patrol pulled in the band car for an inspection thinking they had caught a load of deer poachers. However, after untying the ropes and looking under the covers to discover only a double bass, they were waved on their way to the Highlanders Institute.
There were many good Scottish Dance Bands around this time, each with their own individual styles, but still the offers of broadcasts poured in from the B.B.C.
During one phone conversation with the Producer at the time – James Hunter – Addie tentatively suggested that perhaps he could play one set on his banjo in a forthcoming broadcast. “We’ll see how it sounds” replied James, but after hearing the rehearsal, gave the ‘thumbs up’ and so the Wick S.D.B. sound became even more distinctive, especially with the arrival of the Hawaiian guitar at a later date.
Eann Nicolson, without a doubt one of Scotland’s finest accordionists of the era, practiced many hours with Addie to keep up the standard and increase the Band’s repertoire. Not only was Eann an accomplished player, but he also had the ability to tune an accordion to suit his own personal taste which always shone through in the Wick Scottish sound.
RECORDINGS
Because of their increasing popularity, it was inevitable that the band would be offered an opportunity to appear on record and this happened in 1964 when they recorded an E.P. called “Pentland Airs”, marketed on the Thistle Records Label. This disc was recorded in a small studio in Bank Row, Wick, by Jim Johnstone who is now the driving force behind internationally known Grampian Records of Wick.
Unfortunately this first recording was not a resounding success, but very soon the good times arrived with the recording of “Heather and Shamrock”, quickly followed with “By the Peat Fire Flame”, both on the Grampian Label.
The band’s fame was soon recognised by Bryce Laing who offered them a recording contract with E.M.I. They could hardly believe their luck, but soon their first record on this prestigious label was issued. The year was 1970 and after even more hard practice “The Sound of the North” was recorded in Craighall Studios, Edinburgh.
In the ensuing eight years a further twelve records were made for E.M.I. including “Curtain Up” with guest singers Argo Cameron and the late John Mearns who took the opportunity to record for the first time the extremely popular “Auld Meal Mill”.
Time marches on and in 1978 came the first major change for over 20 years. Eann continued recording with his new Wick S.D.B. while Addie, Isobel and Hamish were joined by Addie Jnr and Bobby Coghill on accordions to form a new Band.
It was back to E.M.I. where the new group recorded “Head North” (this L.P. gained a SCOTS Star Award), then “Pride of the North”. These recordings heralded an extremely busy time for the new line up with many engagements in the South-west of Scotland and North of England meaning lots of travel and ever increasing costs for fuel, accommodation etc.
TRIO FORMED
Eventually, because of these spiralling costs, Addie decided to reduce the playing compliment to a trio. With modern electronic technology, the trio can produce a ‘big’ sound with Addie continuing to play fiddle/banjo/ Hawaiian guitar, Isobel Harper (nee Auld) on piano/bass and Addie Jnr or Alastair MacDonald on accordion. If a drummer is required, the services of Chris Duncan (of the original Wick S.D.B.) can be called upon.
Although the trio keeps Addie and Isobel very busy, they still find time to rehearse and play with the Wick Fiddlers - a group formed around 16 years ago and currently comprising 8 fiddlers, accordion, piano/bass and drums. Both are also pleased to tutor a group of young players “The Young Traditionals” who continue to play music “a la Harper” – five fiddles, four accordionists, one guitar and Isobel on piano/bass.
Addie is also actively involved with the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club where he has been Chairman for the past four seasons. Also, over a six month period he made a video record of all Club meetings until three months ago when his video recorded was damaged by a huge wave which engulfed his van when filming a particularly severe storm near Wick.
Over the years, many great compositions have flowed fro his pen, possibly he best known and most often performed by other musicians being “The Barrowburn Reel”, “John Keith Laing”, “Walking on the Moon” and “Pipe Major Jim Christie of Wick”.
In 1986, he formed his own recording company – Harp Records and through this medium has produced amongst others “Down That Road Again” with his trio, “On the Fiddle” with Gordon Gunn, “A Change from the Box” with Addie Jnr and “Ceilidh Night at MacKay’s”, a self explanatory title featuring many local artistes.
Addie still relishes playing for dances and at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs and continues to undertake long journeys from Wick to far flung engagements – helped greatly now with the opening of the Dornoch, Cromarty and Kessock Bridges and he says, “as long as the fowk are prepared to dance to us or listen to the music we produce, I’ll keep on playing.” I hope this will be for many years to come.
Neil Mathieson – An Appreciation
by Doug Adamson
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Neil Mathieson on Saturday, 21st December, 1991.
I first met Neil in Tobermory many years ago and only a month ago I was present at the Glenfarg A&F Club where the big fellow was his usual cheerful self, running the Club efficiently and having a welcoming word for all present.
Neil moved to Balado Farm, Kinross, where his father was a gamekeeper when he was three. He attended Crook of Devon Primary School and then moved to Kinross Secondary School.
Always keen on music, Neil received his first accordion from his brother Tommy, when he was ten.
On leaving school he traveled all over Britain as a plant operator, but in the early 1980’s he decided to turn professional. Along with Andy Ramage (double bass), Neil formed a duo (Harness), and they worked together until Neil took ill in 1988, when they decided to go their separate ways.
Neil started the Glenfarg A&F Club along with Stewart Smith in 1988, where he was both Chairman and Secretary until his untimely death.
Neil made many friends all over the country and especially in Mull, the West Coast and the Highlands where he was a well known performer. To these people and all of us he will be sadly missed.
Our sympathies go out to his wife Sheena, his 10 month old son Fraser, his mumand all his relations.
Introducing the Clubs
No 6 Islesteps and District
The Club now known as Islesteps A&F Club is, contrary to some opinions, a direct descendent of Scotland’s first Club then named the ‘Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club’.
Mine host at ‘The Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’, a young man called Max Houliston, who needs no introduction to Scottish dance music enthusiasts, gathered together some like-minded musicians with the aim of promoting the music and give the players a chance to play in front of an audience.
It was August 1965 when this small Club started and before long it was decided to invite a Guest Artiste each month. Some of the first to appear were Bobby Harvey, Ivor Britton, Ian Holmes, Jimmy Yeaman and Bobby Crowe.
As the Club grew, it moved to the downstairs lounge in the ‘Hole I’ the Wa’ Inn’ and then after a spell there it was moved to another of Max’s establishments ‘Oughton’s’ in Church Place.
The manager of Oughton’s was Tony Dalton, another musician and enthusiast, who took over the running of the Club and it continued in the same vein, bringing on youngsters as well as established players.
Around 1981 Tony decided to branch out on his own and bought the ‘Cargenholm Hotel’ on the outskirts of Dumfries. . With Max being heavily involved with his various business activities the Club moved to Cargenholm and being in the Islesteps area, the name became ‘The Islesteps A&F Club’.At that time Tony, as did Max, organized and ran the Club single-handed and it was only prior to Tony selling the ‘Cargenholm’ that a Committee was formed to keep the club going. At this point I would like to thank Max Houliston for his help with the history of the Club.
The Committee started running the Club for the 85/86 season, with Tony still acting as M.C., John Douglas, well known local musician, as chairman, John Patterson as Treasurer, myself Ian Gray, as Secretary, members Stuart Tweedie, Bobby Murray and another box player Jimmy Kirkpatrick. Since then Bobby has dropped out for health reasons and has been replaced by John Caskie who is doing a great job as M.C. taking over from Tony Dalton.
We continue the Club on the same format as first started as a listening Club, there is no dancing at Islesteps. Stovies are still served free, admission is £1.50, players are always welcome, again free, no-one is refused a turn if they have an instrument and over the years the ages of the players have ranged from five to eighty.
We aim to continue inviting top line guests to Islesteps and although door money seldom pays their fees, we have a very active back-up team (Committee members wives selling raffle tickets etc) to help out.
Two dances a season are held with broadcasting bands and these are priced at an affordable level in thanks to our regular attenders and to top up our funds.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had three venues since 85/86, firstly ‘Cargenholm’ to 1987, one season ‘Driveway’ and now ‘Maybe House’, where we are looked after by mine hosts Rory and Annette.
The backbone of any club is as at the very first meeting started by Max, the local players, and we at Islesteps are fortunate to have and excellent spinal ‘chord’ with an age difference of some seventy years.
Finally, to our regular customers, a big thank you for turning up in all sorts of weather to ensure our guests get a good welcome at Islesteps – as one top fiddler once said “A richt Couthy Place”.
Desktop Publishing Systems
by Charlie Todd
All of us are aware of the contribution being made by modern technology…………..
Where Does the £15 Do?
by Andrew Nairn (Association Secretary)
It is with some trepidation that I take up the challenge………………
Hogmanay
by Noel Donaldson
It’s been some years now since we had something to celebrate so far as the ‘Bells’ programmes on Hogmanay are concerned. In my opinion there has been nothing to match the classics of yesteryear – Andy Stewart, Findlay Currie, Duncan MacRae, Jimmy Shand and the White Heather era.
The T.V. companies never seem to capture the nostalgia of the magic moment quite like they did in the shows of the past, though the Graham Geddes Band who featured on Grampian Television’s programme deserve a pat on the back.
However, I raise my glass to the B.B.C. for mining an eighteen carat gold nugget. They did the next best thing, re-opened the White Heather Club albeit temporarity and invited some of its ‘honorary members’ along as guests.
The B.B.C. threw a party in an hotel lounge and treated them to a few celluloid reminiscences from the archives. There were some rye smiles as the television set brought the good old days back to life. After all, ‘a lot of water has flowed under the bridge’ since the first Hogmanay programme went out on air in 1958.
Faces had a few more lines and heads were somewhat greyer if not barer, but the spirit of the shows that captured 10 million viewers in its first attempt, the camaraderie and the enthusiasm were as clear as the memories themselves.
Memories of the very first show which ushered in 1958 from the Springfield Studios in Glasgow and proved such a popular pilot that it began an eleven year run three months later.
The first series was hosted by the famous Scots tenor Robert Wilson, but it was a young actor who then took over the reins and guided the show to the top. Andy Stewart was already one of the White Heather set, having auditioned in one of the most unorthodox studios in the business…….the gent’s toilet at Queen Margaret Drive.
Producer, Iain MacFadyen, who was looking for someone to do bothy ballads, gave Andy the job on the spot. Andy, who wasn’t able to attend the reunion quipped in a T.V. contribution from his home: “Well, you always sing well in the toilet don’t you?”
Along with tenor James Urquhart, the Joe Gordon Folk Four, the legendary Jimmy Shand and his band, Ian Powrie and his band, progressive Highland Dancers Dixie Ingram and Isobel James and the White Heather Dancers, the show took off.
The secret of its success was the family feeling the show generated, its spontaneith – sometimes songs were completed minutes before the show and woven together by an incurable sense of humour.
Andy recalled one occasion when he prevailed upon Jimmy to slow down a certain section in a song for effect. The man from ‘muchty who refused to compromise his strict tempo style told Andy “You sing what you like but I’ll be playing it 2/4”. Jimmy defended his style at the reunion gathering when he said “You can copy certain individuals, but you are far better if you search for your own style”.
Asked if he found it exciting working with Andy, the accordionist quashed any development of that angle and replied “I never get excited”. Ian Powrie ribbed Jimmy (81) about how he phones him u-p and says “Is that you son?” and reflected “I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or not”.
Isobel James enthused about her big break at the Club at the tender age of 17. She said “It was incredible. It was just like old times, a night of nostalgia almost as unashamed as the tartan programme the show adhered to with dancing and selections from Ian, Jimmy and Jack Cooper, who was also spotted in the flashback excerpts.
James Urquhart said that some people labeled the programme ‘Heather and Haggis’ but he never had any reservations as they were always presented sincerely. The tenor delighted the company when he sang “The Scottish Soldier” and brought a lump to a few troats, not least to Andy Stewart watching the programme up North.
Cross-Channel Packet
News of the Accordion in France compiled by Ralph Harvey
Centuries of goodwill between the peoples of France and Scotland………..
Your Letters
Congratulations on your decision to include dancer instructions in the ‘B&F’. Since dancing is never far away when boxes and fiddles are out, the entry is very appropriate. In fact, it could be argued that the survival of box and fiddle players depends on a healthy dance scene and so deserves every encouragement.
Many players at Clubs ‘survive’ on a parallel dance structure notwithstanding the valuable platform the Clubs provide for young players who might not have any other outlet. How often have we seen young players progress through the Clubs only to disappear, when having achieved valuable experience and often high standards, because there are too few outlets for their talents?
On the other hand, many players make a successful transition to the dance band scene and so keep on playing for everyone’s enjoyment.
It’s worth mentioning here that our local ‘B&F’ Club at Newtongrange, run regular monthly dances through the winter months, have dance practice sessions most weeks and are to be congratulated on this.
Can I also say that I welcome the rejuvenation and adoption of many of the sequence dances currently in use. Dances such as the Eva 3-Step, Britannia 2-Step and endless waltz based sequences lend themselves to Scottish music and increase the variety and range of musicians. Some purists, no doubt, resent the intrusion of these imported dances, but I doubt if there is sufficient pure Scottish dancing activity to sustain the number of musicians available.
The B.B.C. are also to be thanked for diversifying and allowing the broadcasting of a wider range of dance music. Furthermore, diversification gives freer range to bands who are allowed beyond the pure Scottish presentation and musical arrangement and are using other influences such as military, brass band, Viennese, music hall and big band/ballroom to name but a few.
I appreciate the space in the ‘B&F’ is limited and that a balance must be struck in its content, but hope that more space could be given to dancing. Any news, views, forthcoming events etc would be extremely interesting (and might even increase circulation).
Gordon Clark
Record and Book Review
Accordion Bonanza No.4 – Stebelin Recording Co.
Select-A-Tune – Deeay Music
Take the Floor
1st Feb 92 – Neil McEachern SDB
8th Feb 92 – Tain SDB from Elgin Town Hall
15th Feb 92 – Dennis Morrison and the Glenmore SDB from Elgin Town Hall
22nd Feb 92 – Lynn Gould SDB
29th Feb 92 - Jim MacLeod SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25th Feb 1992 – Billy McGuire
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 1992 – Dick Black Band
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Feb 1992 – John Findlay SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 2nd Feb 1992 – Ian Holmes Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Feb 1992 – Ian Muir Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Feb 1992 – Jim Clelland Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 27th Feb 1992 – John Leslie
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 1992 – Ian Hutson SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 1992 – Glencraig SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club) 4th Feb 1992 – Gordon shand SDB
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 18th Feb 1992 – Ballochmyle CB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 1992 – Gordon Pattullo
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Feb 1992 – Mark MacDougall
22nd Fen 1992 – Dance to Craig McCallum
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 19th Feb 1992 – Glencraig SDB
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 11th Feb 1992 – Simon Howie SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 21st Feb 1992 – Jack Stitt Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Feb 1992 – Ian McLachlan
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 19th Feb 1992 – Jim Johnstone SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 1992 – Mark Cummine SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Feb 1992 – James Coutts SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 20th Feb 1992 – Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Feb 1992 – Duncan Chisholm
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Feb 1992 – Neil MAcEachern SDB
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 4th Feb 1992 – Michael Philip SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 26th Feb 1992 – Calum Low Sound
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) - 11th Feb 1992 – Ian MacDonald & the Skye Club
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Feb 1992 – Harold Smith Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Feb 1992 – Alistair McCulloch Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 18th Feb 1992 – Bobby Crowe Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 25th Feb 1992 – James & Mairi Coutts
14th Dance to Bill Black SDB
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 18th Feb 1992 – Derek Hamilton & Friends
22nd Feb 1992 – Dance to Bill Black SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 1992 – Iain MacPhail SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) – 6th Feb 1992 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 20th Feb 1992 – Duncan Black SDB
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 27th Feb 1992 – Angus Oliver Band
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 1992 – Deirdre Adamson Trio
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 1992 – Ballochmyle CB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Feb 1992 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 1992 – Band Night
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 11th Feb 1992 – Ron Hodgson & Julie Best
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Ayr
3. Biggar
4. Blairgowrie
5. Button Key
6. Castle Douglas
7. Coalburn
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane
10. Dunfermline
11. Dunoon & Cowal
12. Etterick & Yarrow
13. Fintry
14. Forres
15. Glendale
16. Gretna
17. Highland
18. Islesteps
19. Kelso
20. Kinlochsheil
21. Kintore
22. Lesmahagow
23. Livingston
24. Mauchline
25. North East
26. Oban
27. Ormiston
28. Peebles
29. Premier
30. Renfrew
31. Stirling
32. Thurso
33. 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 above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991?)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Coalburn A&F Club
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club
29. Forfar A&F Club
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to a venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
41. Kintore A&F Club
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
55. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
56. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
57. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
58. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
59. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
60. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
61. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
62. Sutherland A&F Club (
63. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
64. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
65. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
66. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
67. 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?)
68. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
69. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
70. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
77. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
85. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
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