Box and Fiddle
Year 28 No 06
February 2005
Price £2.20
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Everyone was extremely saddened by the sudden death of bobby coghill early last month. As you know, Bobby was due to be one of the NAAFC’s Guests of Honour at this year’s AGM. He was thrilled to have been asked, and we are so pleased that his family has agreed to accept the award in his memory. We shall, of course, be publishing articles about each of the recipients in the months before the AGM.
Remember, the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon are a week earlier than usual this year. They take place in The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Sunday, 19th of June. The Honours Recipients are Bobby Coghill, Ken Mutch and Robert whitehead. Ticket details will be available in March B&F, as will voting slips for the BAFFIs.
Many Clubs have been donating money to the Tsunami Disaster Appeal and some of our readers have even been organizing special fund-raising events. If you or your Club are doing something for the appeal next month, please let us know and we’ll publicise it free of charge.
Don’t forget the Box and Fiddle Day in the RSAMD in Glasgow on Sunday 6th of February. It promises to be a superb event.
We’ve a cracker of a lead article from Bill Jarvis this month. I’m sure his reminiscences will also bring back fond memories for many of you.
Karin Ingram
To the Beat of the Drum
by Bill Jarvis
Looking all the way back to the middle to late thirties, I can remember living in a small farm cottage at Lawfield near Pitlessie, Fife, where my brother and I went to the same school as the present Chancellor, Gordon Brown. I only recently found this out from an old school pal although obviously he was there much later than us.
I can’t for the life of me remember where it appeared from, but 'it' was an old melodeon which suddenly turned up in our house and which I took an immediate shine to. I seemed to be able to knock a tune out of it right away, my favourite being the “Deil among the Tailors”. My outstanding memory of that time was being asked to play at the local school concert which was my very first foray into showbiz and a gie hairy one at that. I always had the idea that I would like to play an instrument and when a Mr Thompson from Ladybank, a local tailor and noted violinist and leader of the then Gleneagles Orchestra came to our school offering lessons I thought my dreams had come true. Unfortunately, as stated before, this was the 1930s and the fee of 2/6d (or 12.5 pence) per lesson was beyond most parents, including mine, so the dream was short lived. The fee incidentally included the purchase of a fiddle.
There was however another avenue of approach when a gentleman by the name of “Fiddlie” Adamson arrived at the school on his bike with his fiddle slung over his back ready to give dancing lessons at 6d a time. This was accepted with relish and it wasn’t long before my brother and I were doing our bit dancing the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance dressed in our home made kilts at the mid term and Annual Ball held by Mr Adamson every year. We were even travelling to the various Halls he taught in to demonstrate the dances. By the time I reached 9 however the dancing bug had worn off - but the fondness for the music hadn’t. My job every Saturday afternoon was to take the wireless accumulator “battery” to the farm and pick up the one that had been charging all week, taking great care not to spill any of the acid on my clothes on the way back especially when crossing the stile. I always had to be back in time for one programme, the Scottish Dance Music of course, the main bands at the time being Jimmy Shand and Will Hannah. It was a few years later that I was to meet both these gentlemen and in fact play with one of them.
After moving to Ladybank at the age of 9/10 there seemed to be a spell when nothing much took place except that my brother and I were given the loan of a piano accordion. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a tune out of it although I’d had no problem with the melodeon. By the time I had reached 12 my father, who was a railway worker, met a fellow worker who played the melodeon who agreed that I could go to his house for lessons. It is to this gentleman, Jim Crawford, who has now reached his 90th birthday and just released a new CD that I owe so much. I spent a lot of time at Jim’s house but quickly lost interest in the accordion when I spotted a drum kit there which belonged to his father. I was allowed to have a go, and in a short time the two of us were having some not bad sessions. Ella, Jim’s wife came up with the idea that we should add a pianist and Jim enlisted the help of Isa Muckersie, a local lady, and his first band was born.
I was 14 by then. Jim & Ella then decided it might be a good idea to run a dance to see how we would be received so a venue was chosen, Giffordtown Village Hall, about a mile from Ladybank. It was an absolute sell-out and after all expenses we made £1 each, so not to be deterred we announced another one for the next week - which was a complete flop - we made 3/6d each (about 17.5p). The decision was made to give it one more try and as the saying goes ‘the rest is history’ and the dance carried on for over 20 years. I would like to mention here that the Hall at that time had paraffin lamps hanging from the roof which had to have their wicks trimmed at half time, but after a short time the Hall Committee decided that they would upgrade to Tilley lamps and I can still see to this day old Jock Fulton with his pipe going full blast pumping up these lights at the interval. A favourite trick of Jock’s too was to stand at the door during the quadrilles and when the dancers came down their sets during the dance he opened the door and let them right out and back again, a great laugh.
We had no transport in these days so all our gear was wheeled up to the Hall on a barrow, including the lemonade and sandwiches. Nothing stopped us and when we had a snowstorm one weekend we left just after lunchtime and dug our way up to the Hall ready for all the walkers, cyclists etc at night. Everything was loaded on to a sledge and pulled up that night.
Naturally the band then started to increase with the addition of Bill Beattie on fiddle, who was replaced later by Jimmy Dowie. Our reputation began to spread and jobs came in from other areas so a local bus was hired to take us to the venues and the bus driver just happened to play double bass. He was Bill Adamson, the son of the aforementioned dance teacher. He also waited at the station every Saturday to get dancers off the train from Cupar and take them to Giffordtown then back to the station in time for the last train. We were now also hiring amplification equipment as the Halls got bigger. The bus was always filled to capacity with dancers “our fans”.
It was at this time that Jim and Ella asked if I would like to go with them to a dance at which Jimmy Shand was playing. It was being held in Milton of Balgonie Hall in Fife, one of the places we played, so a bus load of us set off to see the great man. At the interval Jim introduced me to Jimmy and asked if he would let me play with the band. I remember Jim saying “he won’t let you down”, but I very nearly did with nerves. I was still only 14 at the time and the “talk of the steamie” all the way home in the bus - it was one of these events I have never forgotten. A few weeks later we went to see Will Hannah at Markinch Town Hall and he turned up two hours late which completely spoiled the image. It’s a lesson I have never forgotten and I would rather be an hour early than five minutes late. The Jimmy Shand dance meant that I could no longer go to his dances because whenever I arrived wee Owen McCabe waved me up on stage and disappeared leaving me to get on with it. He was a great help to me, giving me lots of encouragement and lots of does and don’ts. I also learned a lot from one of Jimmy’s other drummers Len Kidd. I never met him but learned a lot just listening to his style on the original Beltona records, I think I had them all.
By this time I was serving my apprenticeship as a joiner earning 10 shillings per week (50p) but with £1/10d or £2.00d on a Friday from 8pm till 2am and £1.00 on a Saturday I was “in the money” with the band. I was now in a position to buy my own drum kit and did so buying a second hand kit from a Mr Gibson in Letham, Fife. That created a problem, as I had no way to get them home. So I set off the 5 miles with my bike and I got the case through the bar and the bass drum on the handlebars and pushed them all the way home. Nobody was more proud when I built them up in the bedroom and nearly drove my parents mad.
Eventually, like everyone else, I got my Call Up papers for the RAF at 17 and my boss refused to sign my Exemption Papers because he said I spent too much time with the band and wasn’t interested in the job. My reply was that I was interested in the money the band provided because I couldn’t live on his wages, and so I headed for RAF Padgate on 6th June 1946. I did my “square-bashing” at RAF West Kirby on the Wirral Peninsula and was then posted for Trade training to Melksham in Wiltshire. Although I had applied to continue as a joiner the powers that be decided that I was more suited to instrument repairs and that was my job for the next 2 years. I found this very interesting and when I completed the course I was sent out to Southern Rhodesia to a flying training school. Our job was to keep the aircraft serviceable for the young trainee officers training as pilots. I was very lucky in that within 6 weeks of being posted there I was the senior technician and spent an awful lot of my time in the air with the test pilot checking and calibrating the instruments between the 2 cockpits and running up a huge log of flying hours.
When I returned from the RAF two and a half years later, my job was waiting for me in the band and I didn’t even get a night off, Jim insisted that I come back on the first Saturday. It was a bit strange at first after being away so long and not doing any playing, but it’s amazing how you settle in and gain confidence. I recall one job we played at was a garden fete at Connachie Estate in Fife which was being opened by the late Will Fyfe. I ended up with his autograph on my side drum and I kept that for many years - I wish I still had it now. By this time Bill Beattie had left the band and Jim’s brother John had come in on piano accordion. There was then talk of an audition for the BBC and Jim, being the perfectionist he is, insisted on weekly practises. However after about a year and no sign of an audition I’m afraid I rebelled and left the band. I then teamed up with a local band who were playing quite a lot of modern dancing but I soon found out I wasn’t cut out for that type of work. Besides I was now “going steady” and too much band work didn’t fit in with my plans. I always had a terrible job trying to persuade Helen to go to a Jimmy Shand dance because she always knew she would be left on her own while I was on stage.
Being in the RAF and travelling to South Africa and Rhodesia had given me itchy feet so in March 1953 I set of for Vancouver, Canada. I had an uncle who worked in a Gold Mine at Bralorne in the foothills of the Rockies so I went visiting there first. My uncle got me a job on the mine building a huge tower for the dam gates. I started there on 6th May and on the 12th June I came out of there with $1000 in the bank, a lot of money in these days, and headed for Vancouver. I started going round the building sites looking for work (always with the overalls on and the tools in the car boot). That was the first place I saw a sign applying for tradesmen which stated “No English Need Apply”. I don’t see that happening today. The next obvious step was to look at the possibility of starting a band and I was put in touch with a Glasgow couple Sam & Isobel Devlin who played fiddle and piano respectively. We got on like a house on fire from the start and set about looking for an accordionist. I got in touch with the Vancouver School of Music and got a young fellow of 17 of Swedish descent, Ron Pajala, who was a great musician but couldn’t get the style of playing Scottish music. There was however a saviour at hand, none other than Bobby MacLeod who was coming to Vancouver, so with a lot of cheek I contacted him at his hotel and asked if he would come along and help us out. He very graciously agreed and we had a great night at Sam’s house and got the problems solved. It worked both ways because Bobby told us that he was extremely homesick and also enjoyed the company. The young lads playing changed dramatically. We ended up playing for all the Scottish Societies in Vancouver and up into the Fraser Valley and we also got a contract playing for a Swedish club every month. That was great fun because young Ron kept us right with everything. By this time Helen had come out to Vancouver and we got married on 5th December 1953, and it gave her great pleasure when we played for the Swedish dances that the young fellows always came up to the stage and bowed and asked my permission to dance with her. I can’t see that happening today.
We were eventually forced to come home from Canada for health reasons in late 1955 and in 1956 our first daughter Pat was born, followed by our second Lesley in 1958 and there didn’t seem to be any time for band work. However it was then that I met Jackie Forsyth and when his drummer took ill a few months later he offered me the job. This obviously meant my first broadcast as well and these were all done live from the Coldside Library, Dundee. We were broadcasting every 2 months at that time because Jackie did work for Childrens Hour, the World Service and of course the SDM which of course was on twice weekly at that time and a lot more bands were used. Jackie used to do a lot of work down south which was a great experience and we always stayed at a wee hotel at Bedale near Catterick on the way down. When we got there, there was always a sign in the window saying “Jackie Forsyth’s Band Arriving Tonight” and the place was jumping, so the instruments were pulled out of the van and the party started. We could never get to bed till the early hours and normally had to be on the road early again soon after. That particular tour was always the Kings Hall Derby, The Cutlers Hall Sheffield, Sherwood Rooms Nottingham, and Trentham Gardens Ballroom Stoke-on-Trent. We would then stay at the Black Swan Morpeth and head for home early morning.
On this occasion we had a broadcast when we got home on the Saturday and were heading on to Perth Road Dundee near the Invercarse Hotel - they were digging up the tramlines so it was one way traffic – when the car in front of us stopped suddenly for a dog, giving Jackie no chance and we ploughed into the back of it. Imagine a Bedford minibus with 5 bodies, all our luggage for a week, all the amplification and instruments -everything just piled up everywhere and the bass fiddle which was slung under the roof clobbered us all. You can imagine the scene with all the instruments pulled out at the roadside and all being tried out like a crowd of buskers. Fortunately no damage was done and we continued on to the studio and the broadcast. On another occasion, Jackie always went in to the Picture House next to the studio and bought sweets to suck. We were sailing through the first set, fortunately nearing the end, when he sunk his teeth into his sweet and it was full of sherbet. He must have turned 10 different colours in the next few seconds but gamely played on though he was choking. Luckily Bill Jack, the announcer, spotted his predicament and between him and the engineer they delayed the start of the next dance by talking a load of rubbish, allowing Jackie to recover - the joys of live broadcasting!
Just after leaving the Forsyth Band, my wife Helen had terrible problems with a hip reconstruction operation and had to spend 6 months in plaster in Bridge of Earn Hospital ,needless to say she like many others had great difficulty sleeping, I was talking to Jackie about this one day and a few days later he phoned and said he had a couple of tapes for me, he had sat down with his Electrovox and recorded two 9inch reel-to-reel tapes of every conceivable kind of music and handed them over saying “I hope these will help”. Helen I must say was forever grateful and always considered Jackie as a true and loyal friend. Oh how I wish I had these tapes now - but I think we left them at the hospital for the benefit of others. I’m sure that ward was the quietest in the hospital every night.
By this time I got the offer of a job as an Insurance Agent and jumped at the chance. I soon found out though that this job and band work didn’t mix so reluctantly I left the band. About a year later I was promoted to Assistant Manager in the Arbroath office and was in the office on my own on my first Saturday when the phone rang. It was Lindsay Ross, whose exact words were “Can you be at my house at 1 o’clock, we’re doing a broadcast in Aberdeen at 5.30 and we’ll need to rehearse?” This was very typical of Lindsay but he was the type that always got away with it. I think I did his broadcasts for something like 5/6 years and his first LP for Polydor which has just been re released on CD along with his second. There was another occasion when Lindsay phoned me at my office in Haddington at 3pm and said “Can you be in Edinburgh at 6 we’re making an LP”. I gave Malcolm, Lindsay’s son his first pair of drumsticks and a few months later I was in Shetland with Mickie Ainsworth when Lindsay phoned Helen for me to do a broadcast. Malcolm took my place at 12 years old and played on with his dad till the day he died. He is now very well known as one of the finest drummers in Scotland today.
Going back for a moment to the Shetland tour with Mickie (who at that time was a Sales Rep for Hohner and had been invited to work in the London area), this also included Alan Clark on accordion, Jim Brown on fiddle, Bill Hendry (Dundee) on piano and myself. One incident I recall very vividly was playing a concert and dance on the island of Whalsay and at around 3 in the morning we were on our way back to the mainland on a small boat. It was a beautiful moonlit night and you could see land on both sides of the Sound. Alan and Jim got out their instruments and, sitting on top of the small cabin, started to play The Dark Island. It was one of those magical moments you can never forget. When I turned to speak to Mickie, and I’m sure he won’t mind me mentioning this, he was wiping away the tears and all he said was “who wants to go to London anyway” – and as far as I know he never did.
Lindsay Ross had a policeman pal who drove us to the broadcasts and Lindsay, along with Angus and myself, were in the back seat where they were sorting out the music for the broadcast when Angus said “Lins what’s this tune you have for the Gay Gordons?” - it was only a name. Lindsay’s reply was “We’ll sort something out before we get there” and he proceeded to diddle and sing a melody while Angus wrote it down and it was broadcast live on the programme. I have seen Angus do the same thing writing out arrangements for his own band while we were on stage in the theatre and handing the copies out before the curtain opened. Basically they were both musical geniuses.
After being promoted in my job from Haddington to Perth I was again back among the musicians I knew and the phone started ringing again. I can’t actually recall how it happened but I was asked if I could get a band together for the residency at the new City Mills Hotel in Perth. So when the Hotel opened the band were Angus Cameron, Davie Stewart Alex Cameron and myself, We had to audition for the job but the Entertainments Manager was Jim MacLeod. He just said “I don’t need to audition you lads, let’s have a wee session” and the job was ours. After a few months though the lads got fed up with travelling 3 times a week from Kirriemuir to Perth so I had to find another band. My brother Pete, (guitar & vocals) was playing with Alan Clark (accordion) and Dick Petrie (bass) so they agreed to join me and we carried on with the job. The Hotel decided to cut back from 3 nights to 1 so we started to look around for another job and when the Green Hotel, Kinross advertised for a band we got the job. In early 1973 I received a call from Tommy Kettles who I had met through his adjudication work at Bill Wilkie’s Festival. He wanted to know if I would like to go to Georgia with his band. I asked if this was in America but no it was the Russian one. I wasn’t all that keen at first but after a lot of assurances by Tommy and his merry men, agreement was reached. The tour appeared to be Arts Council sponsored and we were told the wives could go as well but we had to pay a contribution towards the fare, and the amount quoted was £80. We had to pay a £15 deposit with the balance due when visas etc came through. When they eventually did arrive there was no request for the balance so I phoned Tommy and his reply was “say nothing and if anyone asks we will say Helen is our wardrobe mistress” and so it was. We had a fabulous 2 weeks in Georgia and were treated like royalty. There were 20 in the company, 12 country dancers, 1 piper, 1 singer, 2 Highland dancers and the 4 piece band. It was a great experience playing in theatres, factory canteens and on TV and everything we did was filmed. The film was shown to us before we left for home. I believe a copy was sent to, at that time STV and I seem to remember Tommy having to go there to help with the editing, but it has never been shown. It was still the holiday of a lifetime.
It was in 1973 that I decided to leave the Insurance job and I bought a wee paper shop in Carnoustie. I had no idea what I had let myself in for but it was a great way to meet people and we built it up into a thriving business though because of the hours worked, holidays and days off were out of the question.
We stuck at it for 13 years but when the supermarkets and every other shop started to get papers it was time to get out. It also made a big hole in the time available for band work. However, having met Angus Cameron and Davie Stewart in Lindsay’s band I suppose it was a natural progression that when Angus decided to form his own band I was asked to join along with Bill Cormack on piano, Rab Smillie on bass, Willie Mann on second accordion and Davie on lead. For some reason we landed a fair bit of Theatre work which was a new experience and very enjoyable because it meant an early finish every night. This also involved backing the main artists who were a very varied lot including Margaret Savage (the female lead from the Black & White Minstrels), Harry Worth (an absolute gentleman), John Pertwee and various others not so well known. Angus of course did a lot of solo work and a lot of session work so the band never really took off. He was a musical genius, who also ran the Angus Strathspey & Reel Society and was very much in the same mould as Lindsay - very laid back. I only saw him worried twice, once when we arrived at the Beechgrove in Aberdeen with Lindsay for a broadcast. While unloading the van Angus said to Lindsay “did you put my fiddle in”? to which Lindsay replied “no”. The fiddle had been left lying on the wall at Maj (Lindsay’s sister’s) house where we had been rehearsing. Fortunately it was found none the worse for wear and meantime Angus borrowed Hector McAndrew’s fiddle for that broadcast.
The second time was when the band were on stage at the Whitehall theatre in Dundee, we used to start as the curtains began to open and Angus would walk on to the front playing Only on this occasion when he picked up his fiddle from the case at the side of the stage it fell to pieces. We played the first set without him and by the time we went on for our second spot Angus had borrowed another fiddle. A hair raising moment though.
Around 1975 when we had the paper shop we had a young fellow called Derek Orrock who was one of our paper boys, Helen always said if we had had a son that would have been him, he was a gem. One day whilst going over the hurdles at the school sports he banged his knee which swelled up quite badly, he went to the doctor with his mum under great protestation and was sent immediately to Ninewells Hospital Dundee. To cut a long story short within a few weeks his right leg was amputated at the hip yet within 3 months he was back delivering his papers. Also at this time there was a huge campaign going on at the hospital to acquire a CT scanner for the hospital and the public responded magnificently with all kinds of fundraising. Derek’s mother Eva was co-opted onto the committee for the Carnoustie area so we got together and I suggested a Scottish Concert in the Beach Hall and set about phoning all my colleagues in the bands asking for their FREE services. We ended up with a huge cast led by comedian Eddie Rose, the Foundry Bar Band, Jim Reid (folk singer), the John Ellis band, dancers, singers and all kinds of volunteers. Between the tickets and the raffle we raised £1,000 on that night. The Concert was talked about for weeks and eventually we repeated the process but this time I phoned Billy Anderson to get some free advertising on his programme. He said “let’s do better than that” and brought his band, Albany, and did the compeering for that night. We eventually ran out of time as we had so many artists. I could never thank all these musicians and friends for their help at that time and it was such a boost to Derek and his family. Incidentally the same amount was raised on the second night, no mean feat in these days. Sadly Derek passed away at the age of 19 but before that he received an award from the Newsagents Federation for his courage and fortitude and his mother was also given a substantial cheque for the Scanner Appeal.
One Friday evening I had a call at the shop from Lindsay asking if I could help him out in Edinburgh the next night. Unfortunately I had just let all the assistants go off home and couldn’t get anyone to stand in so I said if he was stuck I would go through after the shop closed. He said he new someone else who was actually recording in Edinburgh and if he were finished in time he would get him. He didn’t call back so I assumed he had got fixed up. I was however to get a serious shock the next morning when an Auxiliary Nurse came into the shop from night shift and asked if I knew Lindsay? When I replied that I did she just said “We’ve got him in the morgue”. Tragically Lindsay had died of a brain haemorrhage after arriving home. That was one of the biggest shocks I have ever received.
One of the tours we did with Angus was to a Celtic Festival at Lorrient in Brittany which is a very well established event and involves a huge parade on the first day with all the participants, pipe bands dancers, folk groups, dance bands, and all kinds of sports people from all the Celtic countries. We did radio and television work as well so it was hard work but a great experience. The band this time were Angus on fiddle, Gordon Pattullo and Willie Mann on accordions, Rab Smillie on bass or piano and myself. We came right back from France on the Saturday and started in the Whitehall in Dundee on the Tuesday for the week. Willie sadly lost his life at 21 in a car accident a few days later which was a terrible blow to all of us.
Another 4 bands I was involved with at this time were Bobby Crowe, the Olympians, Cameron Kerr, and the Glendaruel. I only played with Cameron Kerr for broadcasts but the others were heavily involved in Country Dancing which meant a lot of travelling I was also involved as part of the backing group for Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club with Joan Blue on piano and John Strachan on Bass. That job went on for a number of years and meant backing all the musicians at the club I had the privilege there of playing with people such as Bill Powrie, Jim Brown , Bobby Campbell, John Hubband, Mickie Ainsworth, Jimmy Blue, Alan Kindness and Simon Howie to name a few.
On one occasion when Jim Brown and Bobby Campbell were playing at Bridge of Cally Hotel they were approached by an Army Major and asked if they could provide a big band for a military dance. When Jim asked how big the answer was 10 piece, so few weeks later after a rehearsal dinner dance with Jim, Bobby, Joan, and myself at Dreghorn Barracks Edinburgh and one rehearsal with the 10 piece we set off for an estate at Pathhead Midlothian and a huge marquee to play for the Queen the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke & Duchess of Kent and Princess Anne as she was then. The event, if my memory serves me correctly, was the amalgamation ball of the Royal Scots Greys and the 3rd Highland Caribiniers, to form the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, whose band went on to record Amazing Grace which went straight to No 1 in the Charts. Our band on that occasion consisted of accordionists Peter Bruce, Mickie Ainsworth, Bobby Campbell and Ian Anderson, fiddlers Jim Brown, Angus Cameron, and A Findlay, pianist Joan Blue, Dave Barclay on bass and myself on drums. We left Perth at 5pm and got home again at 9am the next morning so we were a rather bedraggled bunch emptying the van at Perth station that morning. Jim in his inimitable way came away with a cracker while we were setting up for the dance that night. The Major organising the event came over to him and Jim asked how things were, the Major replied “if I get any more f----ng problems I’ll go mad”. Jim’s reply was to put his hand on the Major’s shoulder and say “That’s the stuff Major now you’re talking my f----ng language”. He was a real character.
There seemed to be a spell then where I was doing mainly Scottish Country dances with various bands until I was asked to go with the Glendaruel band to Ashaffenberg in Bavaria which was arranged through Perth’s Twinning Committee. Again it was a team of dancers and the band, with Alan Kindness on accordion, Angus Cameron on fiddle, Maureen Rutherford on piano and yours truly. That tour was very much Country Dancing but also included quite a bit of sightseeing so was very pleasant, our wives also having been invited, so it was really a holiday.
My next foray into regular work was with John Ellis and the Highland Country Band and this meant a lot of very late nights with dances finishing at 5 am and getting home in time for work .We were playing at places like Blair Castle, Stirling Castle, Hopetoun House, Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, the New Sheraton Hotel Edinburgh and Ingleston Showground Edinburgh. These were not Country Dances as such but had the peculiar title of Reel Dances and consisted of nothing but reels and jigs, all danced with the hands behind the back and swinging from side to side. The dances all finished with breakfast. John is a great stickler that when you play with him you don’t play with anyone else. This naturally didn’t go down too well so when Simon Howie phoned and asked me to help him out I agreed on condition that I fill the Ellis commitments first. This worked reasonably well for a wee while but inevitably I was eventually found out, just about the same time as Doug Cargill, the bass player with Ellis who had also been playing with Neil Barron. The band had also been rehearsing for a new LP, which we were due to record on a Sunday. The previous Monday I was admitted to hospital with kidney stones but I got out 2 days later so called John to say I was home, to be told he had booked another drummer for the LP so it was time to move on and I was delighted to join the Simon Howie band . This was a very busy period with a great variety of work which went on for quite a few years.
One Friday my wife and I were having a look round Marks & Spencer in Perth when we bumped into an old friend who is a mad keen country dance teacher and a Mod Gold Medallist. She mentioned that she had been invited to Tokyo for a festival there. It transpired that the band who had been booked to go had backed out, so she asked who I was playing with? To cut a long story short Simon Howie was booked the next day although unfortunately I was unable to go on that trip for business reasons and that was more or less the end of my time with the band.
It never failed to amaze me that when one door closed another one opened and the same thing happened again. I was at Arbroath Accordion club shortly after and was approached by a young lad who asked if I would play at a dance with him the next Saturday at Largoward. He was 16 years old and I must admit I was a bit apprehensive on the way to the gig because I had never heard him play and having played at Largoward on many occasions with Jackie Forsyth, the Olympians, Bobby Crowe and many others I knew they were mad keen on their dancing. I needn’t have worried though, we had a great night and were booked to play there regularly after that. The young lad was Wayne Robertson, a very clever musician indeed. We did a lot of work as a duo and occasionally added guitar and mandolin in the shape of Nigel Jelks who used to play a lot with Lindsay Ross and Malcolm. We were kept on the go and eventually applied for an audition for “Take The Floor”. For some unknown reason this took over a year to come through but we passed ok and were given our first broadcast. Unfortunately I was taken to hospital with pneumonia 2 days before the broadcast and Malcolm was again the saviour who stood in for me on that occasion. The illness was a lot worse than we thought at first though and it was six months before I felt able to return, so I stood down and decided to just play if and when I was needed. Maybe someone was trying to tell me I was getting too old for the job? In the early 1990s I was having more and more difficulty walking and after having all kinds of tests, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since I had my own shop in Dundee which involved a lot of heavy lifting so I was finding it quite difficult to cope with that never mind worrying about playing , however after 4 years on one drug they changed me to a new one and the result was amazing. I am still on that drug and now don’t even have to use a stick any longer.
The last gig I did before giving up was with Nicol McLaren’s Band (Yes Nicol has that effect on people – the Ed) at Hopetoun House Edinburgh, playing at a dinner dance for a French battery company. Funnily enough I had done the same job for the same company on a previous occasion but with the John Ellis Band at Blair Castle, and yes there were a few of them on both occasions with their kilts on with the pleats at the front. I was asked however to do some theatre work at Perth & Pitlochry Theatres with the Perth Strathspey and Reel Society and did both these jobs for 2 years. It was strange though, with 40 musicians around you instead of 4 or 5 and it wasn’t easy finding the” Middle of The Road.” I also did two cassettes for them but the orchestra recorded them in the Perth Bowling Club then I went out to Donny & Diane’s Studio and added drums to the tapes there. That too was a funny experience but I got through it.
Having been asked by our eldest daughter in 1999 if we would consider moving through to the Lanark area to help her out with her business and young twins we decided to take the plunge, but I must admit I do miss being among all the musicians in the Tayside & Perth area and getting all the regular gossip.
I am however back having a tune or two at Lanark Accordion and Fiddle Club and am thoroughly enjoying this. Who knows I might even get a job in a band again. 75 isn’t too old so long as I can get home to bed early!
The undernoted are all people I had the privilege to play with, some on a regular basis and others just helping out on the odd occasion. Since I have just made this list up out of my head, I’m sure to have missed out someone, if so please accept my apologies.
Broadcasts& LPS etc Dances, Weddings, Accordion Clubs Etc
Bobby Crowe Angus Fitchet
Jimmy Blue Ron Gonella
Jack Forsyth Johnny Duncan Jim Johnstone
Lindsay Ross & 1LP Angus Cameron Peter Bruce
Olympians Gordon Pattulo Bill Black
Cameron Kerr Jimmy Cassidy Duncan Black
Glendaruel & 2 LPs Alan Clark Robert Black
John Ellis Hamish Smith Ian McAllum
Simon Howie Colin Dewar Willie Mann
Wayne Robertson 1 Tape David Cunningham Snr Davie Stewart
Mickie Ainsworth & 1LP Tom Clark Alan Kindness
John Huband & 1LP Kevin Clark Bill Wilkie
Perth Fiddle Orchestra 2 Tapes Sandy Nixon Alexander Brothers
Willie Simpson
And a special mention to the man who started it all Jim Crawford and of course his brother John
Thanks to everyone for many happy memories.
Farewell Lesmahagow Club
by Jack & Jean Gray
September 1979 – myself, Jack Gray, along with hotelier the late Norman Kelgard and the late David Dickman from Lanark talked about starting a Box and Fiddle Club. An advert placed in our local paper brought on a meeting in The Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow. The interest in starting a club was shown by the attendance of 65 people.
I, being then a box player, found myself unanimously proposed as Chairman, David Dickman (fiddler and piper) – Vice Chairman, Norman Kelgard – Treasurer and Mrs May McConachan – Secretary. On contacting Andrew Nairn, the Secretary of the NAAFC, they advised that as we were outwith the 12 mile distance to the nearest Club (Biggar), we were more than welcome to become members.
The Club, to be held on the second Thursday of each month, started in October 1979 with our first guest artiste, George Stirrat.
An ongoing club encounters the need for changes; a couple of years after starting Norman sold the Craignethan and retired and we had to move up the road to The Masonic Hall, Lesmahagow. The Committee also changed, now Willie Wilson – Vice Chairman, Charlie Todd – Treasurer, my wife Jean – Secretary and door person, along with Agnes Hope (who also sells raffle tickets) and Committee member Iain Buchanan. Mrs Wilson supplies sandwiches and cakes for our guest artistes each month. Elsie bakes pancakes and helps Jean in the kitchen serving cups of tea.
I am proud of the steadfast support over the years, proving this to be a grand Club. Over the years we held numerous dances, with headlining Scottish Dance bands, enabling monthly followers of the Club a chance to get those feet into action around the dance floor.
The many dance bands that provided superb entertainment throughout the years included the great Jim Johnstone, Sandy MacArthur, Max Houliston, John Douglas, Dermot O’Brien, Ian Holmes, Bill Black, Sandy Nixon, The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band, Gordon Shand, William Paterson, Gary Glair, Seamus O’Sullivan, Ian Muir, Roy Hendrie, David Ross and the Lomond Ceilidh Band.
As well as bands we had many excellent soloists – the wee man Walter Perrie, Tom Alexander, John Morgan, David Vernon, Tommy Ford, Alan Roy, Gordon Pattullo, Jimmy Cassidy, Wayne Robertson, and that fiddler supreme, the late Ron Gonella. Bands and soloists alike, there were many, many more, too numerous to name, but all provided the Club with memorable evenings. For myself, it has been a pleasure to meet with, and listen to, all the musicians and to be known as a friend to them.
I must not forget the stalwarts of the Club who, come rain or shine, attended and kept this Club going, from beginners to old hands, young and old displaying their many talents and, of course, the ever-attending audiences who came to listen.
I feel I must mention our ever-faithful pianist George Walker, drummer Hugh Gebbie and Adam Angus for lifting and laying the gear on a Thursday morning. Last, but not least, the people behind the scenes – Sneddon the baker for our pies and Eric the barman. To all who in any way helped throughout the years, a very big thank you.
After 25 years and 8 months (being absent only once for hospital treatment), the time has now come when Jean and I have decided to retire, age and health being the factors in our decision. We have asked the Committee members if they want to continue but no-one is able to give the commitment and time that is necessary to run such a Club, therefore the Club is closing down with its last night being held in May 2005.
In my time as Chairman, I have seen a change in society; more Clubs have appeared locally, attendances have diminished and the younger up-and-coming players are now seeling other avenues to gather together to display their brilliant talent. However, I’m sure the music will live on through them no matter what type of event.
We thank each and every one who supported our Club.
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
We have been very busy………………..
Greetings from Inverness
By Margo MacLennan
TMC classes ………….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
An Evening with Friends at Jimmy Norman’s Vol 4 – Colin Dewar SDB – NORDC0204 – Independent
Naethin’ Ower Fancy – Duncan McCallum – DMCD01 - Independent
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Willie MacPherson (1920 – 1974)
I have been asked by the family of the well-known Elgin fiddler (Brumley Brae, The Coleburn, Bow Brig etc) to help them in putting together a tribute to their father that will accompany a small collection of his fiddle tunes to be published in 2005.
Willie was an exceptional musician, playing for 11 years in the first violins of the S.N.O. as well as making important contributions to the traditional music scene and in teaching the instrument.
I would be very interested to receive any factual information, recollections or anecdotes relating to Willie’s career in the traditional music scene – especially covering the years 1946 to 1955 (he played with Annie Shand Scott at some time during this period) and from 1966 (when he returned to Elgin) to his death in 1974.
Richard Bennett, Moray
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
5th Feb 05 – John Renton SDB (40 Years of the Tain SDB)
12th Feb 05 – The David Bowen Trio (Composer, Dr Bruce Thomson)
19th Feb 05 – Niall Kirkpatrick SDB (Personal Choice by Judith Nicolson)
26th Feb 05 – John Carmichael & Guests (OB from Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, Glasgow with guests The Midden and Williamwood Pipe Band)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 22nd Feb 05 – David Cunningham SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 9th Feb 05 – Marian Anderson SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 20th Feb 05 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 6th Feb 05 – Steven Carcary & his Pupils
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 3rd Feb 05 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 20th Feb 05 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 28th Feb 05 – Gordon Pattullo
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 23rd Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 21st Feb 05 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 24th Feb 05 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Feb 05 – Glencraig SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Feb 05 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Feb 05 – Richard Shalcross Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 10th Feb 05 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 1st Feb 05 – Gordon Pattullo & Angela MacEachern
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 3rd Feb 05 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – David Vernon
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 17th Feb 05 – James Coutts SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 3rd Feb 05 – Colin Garvin Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 9th Feb 05 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 15th Feb 05 – John Morgan
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – Youth Night
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 16th Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 8th Feb 05 – Michael Philip SDB 25th Feb 05 – Dance to John Morgan
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 21st Feb 05 – Scott Leslie SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – 24th Feb 05 – John Morgan
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 - tbc
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 28th Feb 05 – Alan Ross SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 27th Feb 05 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 9th Feb 05 – Tom Orr SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 3rd Feb 05 – Gary Blair
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 14th Feb 05 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 17th Feb 05 – Marian Anderson SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 2nd Feb 05 – Club night
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 22nd Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 6th Feb 05 – The Hebrideans
Haddington (Railway Inn) - Feb 05 – Jimmy Cassidy Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Feb 05 – Karen Steven
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 9th Feb 05 – Oban A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 3rd Feb 05 – Stuart Adamson SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 1st Feb 05 – George Hood SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 23rd Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 28th Feb 05 – Iain Anderson Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 9th Feb 05 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Feb 05 – Sandy Legget SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Feb 05 - tbc
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 15th Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 11th Feb 05 – Dance to Neil Hardie 22nd Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 15th Feb 05 – Jimmy Cassidy
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – AGM + Wayne Robertson Duo
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 24th Feb 05 – Ian Cruickshank SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 2nd Feb 05 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Feb 05 – Andrew Gordon Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 1st Feb 05 – Wayne Robertson
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 3rd Feb 05 – Bill Black SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 24th Feb 05 – Ian Anderson Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – Neil Galloway SDB
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig) 2nd Feb 05 - tbc
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 1st Feb 05 – Gavin Piper
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Feb 05 – Duncan MacKinnon Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 3rd Feb 05 – Burns Brothers Trio
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 13th Feb 05 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 10th Feb 05 – Andy Kain
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 8th Feb 05 – Roy Hendrie Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 7th Feb 05 – Local Night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 3rd Feb 05 - Lovhnagar
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 10th Feb 05 – William Marshall
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – Highland A&F Club
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1, Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banchory
8. Beith
9. Belford
10. Biggar
11. Blairgowrie
12. Button Key
13. Campsie
14 Carlisle
15 Castle Douglas
16 Coalburn
17. Cults
18. Dingwall
19. Dunblane
20. Dunfermline
21. Dunoon & Cowal
22. Duns
23. Fintry
24. Forfar
25. Forres
26. Galston
27. Glendale
28. Glenrothes
29. Gretna
30. Highland
31. Inveraray
32. Isle of Skye
33. Islesteps
34. Kelso
35. Lanark
36. Langholm
38. Lesmahagow
39. Lewis & Harris
40. Livingston
41. Montrose
42. Newmill
43. North East
44. Oban
45. Peebles
46. Phoenix (Ardrishaig)
47. Premier
48. Rothbury
49. Shetland
50. Thornhill
52. Thurso
53. Turriff
54. West Barnes
55. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. West Barnes ( - present)
76. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83 Callander A&F Club (
84 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86 Club Accord
87 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
102. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
115. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
116. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
117. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
118. Tranent A&F Club
119. Vancouver
120. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
121. Wellbank A&F Club
122. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Everyone was extremely saddened by the sudden death of bobby coghill early last month. As you know, Bobby was due to be one of the NAAFC’s Guests of Honour at this year’s AGM. He was thrilled to have been asked, and we are so pleased that his family has agreed to accept the award in his memory. We shall, of course, be publishing articles about each of the recipients in the months before the AGM.
Remember, the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon are a week earlier than usual this year. They take place in The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Sunday, 19th of June. The Honours Recipients are Bobby Coghill, Ken Mutch and Robert whitehead. Ticket details will be available in March B&F, as will voting slips for the BAFFIs.
Many Clubs have been donating money to the Tsunami Disaster Appeal and some of our readers have even been organizing special fund-raising events. If you or your Club are doing something for the appeal next month, please let us know and we’ll publicise it free of charge.
Don’t forget the Box and Fiddle Day in the RSAMD in Glasgow on Sunday 6th of February. It promises to be a superb event.
We’ve a cracker of a lead article from Bill Jarvis this month. I’m sure his reminiscences will also bring back fond memories for many of you.
Karin Ingram
To the Beat of the Drum
by Bill Jarvis
Looking all the way back to the middle to late thirties, I can remember living in a small farm cottage at Lawfield near Pitlessie, Fife, where my brother and I went to the same school as the present Chancellor, Gordon Brown. I only recently found this out from an old school pal although obviously he was there much later than us.
I can’t for the life of me remember where it appeared from, but 'it' was an old melodeon which suddenly turned up in our house and which I took an immediate shine to. I seemed to be able to knock a tune out of it right away, my favourite being the “Deil among the Tailors”. My outstanding memory of that time was being asked to play at the local school concert which was my very first foray into showbiz and a gie hairy one at that. I always had the idea that I would like to play an instrument and when a Mr Thompson from Ladybank, a local tailor and noted violinist and leader of the then Gleneagles Orchestra came to our school offering lessons I thought my dreams had come true. Unfortunately, as stated before, this was the 1930s and the fee of 2/6d (or 12.5 pence) per lesson was beyond most parents, including mine, so the dream was short lived. The fee incidentally included the purchase of a fiddle.
There was however another avenue of approach when a gentleman by the name of “Fiddlie” Adamson arrived at the school on his bike with his fiddle slung over his back ready to give dancing lessons at 6d a time. This was accepted with relish and it wasn’t long before my brother and I were doing our bit dancing the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance dressed in our home made kilts at the mid term and Annual Ball held by Mr Adamson every year. We were even travelling to the various Halls he taught in to demonstrate the dances. By the time I reached 9 however the dancing bug had worn off - but the fondness for the music hadn’t. My job every Saturday afternoon was to take the wireless accumulator “battery” to the farm and pick up the one that had been charging all week, taking great care not to spill any of the acid on my clothes on the way back especially when crossing the stile. I always had to be back in time for one programme, the Scottish Dance Music of course, the main bands at the time being Jimmy Shand and Will Hannah. It was a few years later that I was to meet both these gentlemen and in fact play with one of them.
After moving to Ladybank at the age of 9/10 there seemed to be a spell when nothing much took place except that my brother and I were given the loan of a piano accordion. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a tune out of it although I’d had no problem with the melodeon. By the time I had reached 12 my father, who was a railway worker, met a fellow worker who played the melodeon who agreed that I could go to his house for lessons. It is to this gentleman, Jim Crawford, who has now reached his 90th birthday and just released a new CD that I owe so much. I spent a lot of time at Jim’s house but quickly lost interest in the accordion when I spotted a drum kit there which belonged to his father. I was allowed to have a go, and in a short time the two of us were having some not bad sessions. Ella, Jim’s wife came up with the idea that we should add a pianist and Jim enlisted the help of Isa Muckersie, a local lady, and his first band was born.
I was 14 by then. Jim & Ella then decided it might be a good idea to run a dance to see how we would be received so a venue was chosen, Giffordtown Village Hall, about a mile from Ladybank. It was an absolute sell-out and after all expenses we made £1 each, so not to be deterred we announced another one for the next week - which was a complete flop - we made 3/6d each (about 17.5p). The decision was made to give it one more try and as the saying goes ‘the rest is history’ and the dance carried on for over 20 years. I would like to mention here that the Hall at that time had paraffin lamps hanging from the roof which had to have their wicks trimmed at half time, but after a short time the Hall Committee decided that they would upgrade to Tilley lamps and I can still see to this day old Jock Fulton with his pipe going full blast pumping up these lights at the interval. A favourite trick of Jock’s too was to stand at the door during the quadrilles and when the dancers came down their sets during the dance he opened the door and let them right out and back again, a great laugh.
We had no transport in these days so all our gear was wheeled up to the Hall on a barrow, including the lemonade and sandwiches. Nothing stopped us and when we had a snowstorm one weekend we left just after lunchtime and dug our way up to the Hall ready for all the walkers, cyclists etc at night. Everything was loaded on to a sledge and pulled up that night.
Naturally the band then started to increase with the addition of Bill Beattie on fiddle, who was replaced later by Jimmy Dowie. Our reputation began to spread and jobs came in from other areas so a local bus was hired to take us to the venues and the bus driver just happened to play double bass. He was Bill Adamson, the son of the aforementioned dance teacher. He also waited at the station every Saturday to get dancers off the train from Cupar and take them to Giffordtown then back to the station in time for the last train. We were now also hiring amplification equipment as the Halls got bigger. The bus was always filled to capacity with dancers “our fans”.
It was at this time that Jim and Ella asked if I would like to go with them to a dance at which Jimmy Shand was playing. It was being held in Milton of Balgonie Hall in Fife, one of the places we played, so a bus load of us set off to see the great man. At the interval Jim introduced me to Jimmy and asked if he would let me play with the band. I remember Jim saying “he won’t let you down”, but I very nearly did with nerves. I was still only 14 at the time and the “talk of the steamie” all the way home in the bus - it was one of these events I have never forgotten. A few weeks later we went to see Will Hannah at Markinch Town Hall and he turned up two hours late which completely spoiled the image. It’s a lesson I have never forgotten and I would rather be an hour early than five minutes late. The Jimmy Shand dance meant that I could no longer go to his dances because whenever I arrived wee Owen McCabe waved me up on stage and disappeared leaving me to get on with it. He was a great help to me, giving me lots of encouragement and lots of does and don’ts. I also learned a lot from one of Jimmy’s other drummers Len Kidd. I never met him but learned a lot just listening to his style on the original Beltona records, I think I had them all.
By this time I was serving my apprenticeship as a joiner earning 10 shillings per week (50p) but with £1/10d or £2.00d on a Friday from 8pm till 2am and £1.00 on a Saturday I was “in the money” with the band. I was now in a position to buy my own drum kit and did so buying a second hand kit from a Mr Gibson in Letham, Fife. That created a problem, as I had no way to get them home. So I set off the 5 miles with my bike and I got the case through the bar and the bass drum on the handlebars and pushed them all the way home. Nobody was more proud when I built them up in the bedroom and nearly drove my parents mad.
Eventually, like everyone else, I got my Call Up papers for the RAF at 17 and my boss refused to sign my Exemption Papers because he said I spent too much time with the band and wasn’t interested in the job. My reply was that I was interested in the money the band provided because I couldn’t live on his wages, and so I headed for RAF Padgate on 6th June 1946. I did my “square-bashing” at RAF West Kirby on the Wirral Peninsula and was then posted for Trade training to Melksham in Wiltshire. Although I had applied to continue as a joiner the powers that be decided that I was more suited to instrument repairs and that was my job for the next 2 years. I found this very interesting and when I completed the course I was sent out to Southern Rhodesia to a flying training school. Our job was to keep the aircraft serviceable for the young trainee officers training as pilots. I was very lucky in that within 6 weeks of being posted there I was the senior technician and spent an awful lot of my time in the air with the test pilot checking and calibrating the instruments between the 2 cockpits and running up a huge log of flying hours.
When I returned from the RAF two and a half years later, my job was waiting for me in the band and I didn’t even get a night off, Jim insisted that I come back on the first Saturday. It was a bit strange at first after being away so long and not doing any playing, but it’s amazing how you settle in and gain confidence. I recall one job we played at was a garden fete at Connachie Estate in Fife which was being opened by the late Will Fyfe. I ended up with his autograph on my side drum and I kept that for many years - I wish I still had it now. By this time Bill Beattie had left the band and Jim’s brother John had come in on piano accordion. There was then talk of an audition for the BBC and Jim, being the perfectionist he is, insisted on weekly practises. However after about a year and no sign of an audition I’m afraid I rebelled and left the band. I then teamed up with a local band who were playing quite a lot of modern dancing but I soon found out I wasn’t cut out for that type of work. Besides I was now “going steady” and too much band work didn’t fit in with my plans. I always had a terrible job trying to persuade Helen to go to a Jimmy Shand dance because she always knew she would be left on her own while I was on stage.
Being in the RAF and travelling to South Africa and Rhodesia had given me itchy feet so in March 1953 I set of for Vancouver, Canada. I had an uncle who worked in a Gold Mine at Bralorne in the foothills of the Rockies so I went visiting there first. My uncle got me a job on the mine building a huge tower for the dam gates. I started there on 6th May and on the 12th June I came out of there with $1000 in the bank, a lot of money in these days, and headed for Vancouver. I started going round the building sites looking for work (always with the overalls on and the tools in the car boot). That was the first place I saw a sign applying for tradesmen which stated “No English Need Apply”. I don’t see that happening today. The next obvious step was to look at the possibility of starting a band and I was put in touch with a Glasgow couple Sam & Isobel Devlin who played fiddle and piano respectively. We got on like a house on fire from the start and set about looking for an accordionist. I got in touch with the Vancouver School of Music and got a young fellow of 17 of Swedish descent, Ron Pajala, who was a great musician but couldn’t get the style of playing Scottish music. There was however a saviour at hand, none other than Bobby MacLeod who was coming to Vancouver, so with a lot of cheek I contacted him at his hotel and asked if he would come along and help us out. He very graciously agreed and we had a great night at Sam’s house and got the problems solved. It worked both ways because Bobby told us that he was extremely homesick and also enjoyed the company. The young lads playing changed dramatically. We ended up playing for all the Scottish Societies in Vancouver and up into the Fraser Valley and we also got a contract playing for a Swedish club every month. That was great fun because young Ron kept us right with everything. By this time Helen had come out to Vancouver and we got married on 5th December 1953, and it gave her great pleasure when we played for the Swedish dances that the young fellows always came up to the stage and bowed and asked my permission to dance with her. I can’t see that happening today.
We were eventually forced to come home from Canada for health reasons in late 1955 and in 1956 our first daughter Pat was born, followed by our second Lesley in 1958 and there didn’t seem to be any time for band work. However it was then that I met Jackie Forsyth and when his drummer took ill a few months later he offered me the job. This obviously meant my first broadcast as well and these were all done live from the Coldside Library, Dundee. We were broadcasting every 2 months at that time because Jackie did work for Childrens Hour, the World Service and of course the SDM which of course was on twice weekly at that time and a lot more bands were used. Jackie used to do a lot of work down south which was a great experience and we always stayed at a wee hotel at Bedale near Catterick on the way down. When we got there, there was always a sign in the window saying “Jackie Forsyth’s Band Arriving Tonight” and the place was jumping, so the instruments were pulled out of the van and the party started. We could never get to bed till the early hours and normally had to be on the road early again soon after. That particular tour was always the Kings Hall Derby, The Cutlers Hall Sheffield, Sherwood Rooms Nottingham, and Trentham Gardens Ballroom Stoke-on-Trent. We would then stay at the Black Swan Morpeth and head for home early morning.
On this occasion we had a broadcast when we got home on the Saturday and were heading on to Perth Road Dundee near the Invercarse Hotel - they were digging up the tramlines so it was one way traffic – when the car in front of us stopped suddenly for a dog, giving Jackie no chance and we ploughed into the back of it. Imagine a Bedford minibus with 5 bodies, all our luggage for a week, all the amplification and instruments -everything just piled up everywhere and the bass fiddle which was slung under the roof clobbered us all. You can imagine the scene with all the instruments pulled out at the roadside and all being tried out like a crowd of buskers. Fortunately no damage was done and we continued on to the studio and the broadcast. On another occasion, Jackie always went in to the Picture House next to the studio and bought sweets to suck. We were sailing through the first set, fortunately nearing the end, when he sunk his teeth into his sweet and it was full of sherbet. He must have turned 10 different colours in the next few seconds but gamely played on though he was choking. Luckily Bill Jack, the announcer, spotted his predicament and between him and the engineer they delayed the start of the next dance by talking a load of rubbish, allowing Jackie to recover - the joys of live broadcasting!
Just after leaving the Forsyth Band, my wife Helen had terrible problems with a hip reconstruction operation and had to spend 6 months in plaster in Bridge of Earn Hospital ,needless to say she like many others had great difficulty sleeping, I was talking to Jackie about this one day and a few days later he phoned and said he had a couple of tapes for me, he had sat down with his Electrovox and recorded two 9inch reel-to-reel tapes of every conceivable kind of music and handed them over saying “I hope these will help”. Helen I must say was forever grateful and always considered Jackie as a true and loyal friend. Oh how I wish I had these tapes now - but I think we left them at the hospital for the benefit of others. I’m sure that ward was the quietest in the hospital every night.
By this time I got the offer of a job as an Insurance Agent and jumped at the chance. I soon found out though that this job and band work didn’t mix so reluctantly I left the band. About a year later I was promoted to Assistant Manager in the Arbroath office and was in the office on my own on my first Saturday when the phone rang. It was Lindsay Ross, whose exact words were “Can you be at my house at 1 o’clock, we’re doing a broadcast in Aberdeen at 5.30 and we’ll need to rehearse?” This was very typical of Lindsay but he was the type that always got away with it. I think I did his broadcasts for something like 5/6 years and his first LP for Polydor which has just been re released on CD along with his second. There was another occasion when Lindsay phoned me at my office in Haddington at 3pm and said “Can you be in Edinburgh at 6 we’re making an LP”. I gave Malcolm, Lindsay’s son his first pair of drumsticks and a few months later I was in Shetland with Mickie Ainsworth when Lindsay phoned Helen for me to do a broadcast. Malcolm took my place at 12 years old and played on with his dad till the day he died. He is now very well known as one of the finest drummers in Scotland today.
Going back for a moment to the Shetland tour with Mickie (who at that time was a Sales Rep for Hohner and had been invited to work in the London area), this also included Alan Clark on accordion, Jim Brown on fiddle, Bill Hendry (Dundee) on piano and myself. One incident I recall very vividly was playing a concert and dance on the island of Whalsay and at around 3 in the morning we were on our way back to the mainland on a small boat. It was a beautiful moonlit night and you could see land on both sides of the Sound. Alan and Jim got out their instruments and, sitting on top of the small cabin, started to play The Dark Island. It was one of those magical moments you can never forget. When I turned to speak to Mickie, and I’m sure he won’t mind me mentioning this, he was wiping away the tears and all he said was “who wants to go to London anyway” – and as far as I know he never did.
Lindsay Ross had a policeman pal who drove us to the broadcasts and Lindsay, along with Angus and myself, were in the back seat where they were sorting out the music for the broadcast when Angus said “Lins what’s this tune you have for the Gay Gordons?” - it was only a name. Lindsay’s reply was “We’ll sort something out before we get there” and he proceeded to diddle and sing a melody while Angus wrote it down and it was broadcast live on the programme. I have seen Angus do the same thing writing out arrangements for his own band while we were on stage in the theatre and handing the copies out before the curtain opened. Basically they were both musical geniuses.
After being promoted in my job from Haddington to Perth I was again back among the musicians I knew and the phone started ringing again. I can’t actually recall how it happened but I was asked if I could get a band together for the residency at the new City Mills Hotel in Perth. So when the Hotel opened the band were Angus Cameron, Davie Stewart Alex Cameron and myself, We had to audition for the job but the Entertainments Manager was Jim MacLeod. He just said “I don’t need to audition you lads, let’s have a wee session” and the job was ours. After a few months though the lads got fed up with travelling 3 times a week from Kirriemuir to Perth so I had to find another band. My brother Pete, (guitar & vocals) was playing with Alan Clark (accordion) and Dick Petrie (bass) so they agreed to join me and we carried on with the job. The Hotel decided to cut back from 3 nights to 1 so we started to look around for another job and when the Green Hotel, Kinross advertised for a band we got the job. In early 1973 I received a call from Tommy Kettles who I had met through his adjudication work at Bill Wilkie’s Festival. He wanted to know if I would like to go to Georgia with his band. I asked if this was in America but no it was the Russian one. I wasn’t all that keen at first but after a lot of assurances by Tommy and his merry men, agreement was reached. The tour appeared to be Arts Council sponsored and we were told the wives could go as well but we had to pay a contribution towards the fare, and the amount quoted was £80. We had to pay a £15 deposit with the balance due when visas etc came through. When they eventually did arrive there was no request for the balance so I phoned Tommy and his reply was “say nothing and if anyone asks we will say Helen is our wardrobe mistress” and so it was. We had a fabulous 2 weeks in Georgia and were treated like royalty. There were 20 in the company, 12 country dancers, 1 piper, 1 singer, 2 Highland dancers and the 4 piece band. It was a great experience playing in theatres, factory canteens and on TV and everything we did was filmed. The film was shown to us before we left for home. I believe a copy was sent to, at that time STV and I seem to remember Tommy having to go there to help with the editing, but it has never been shown. It was still the holiday of a lifetime.
It was in 1973 that I decided to leave the Insurance job and I bought a wee paper shop in Carnoustie. I had no idea what I had let myself in for but it was a great way to meet people and we built it up into a thriving business though because of the hours worked, holidays and days off were out of the question.
We stuck at it for 13 years but when the supermarkets and every other shop started to get papers it was time to get out. It also made a big hole in the time available for band work. However, having met Angus Cameron and Davie Stewart in Lindsay’s band I suppose it was a natural progression that when Angus decided to form his own band I was asked to join along with Bill Cormack on piano, Rab Smillie on bass, Willie Mann on second accordion and Davie on lead. For some reason we landed a fair bit of Theatre work which was a new experience and very enjoyable because it meant an early finish every night. This also involved backing the main artists who were a very varied lot including Margaret Savage (the female lead from the Black & White Minstrels), Harry Worth (an absolute gentleman), John Pertwee and various others not so well known. Angus of course did a lot of solo work and a lot of session work so the band never really took off. He was a musical genius, who also ran the Angus Strathspey & Reel Society and was very much in the same mould as Lindsay - very laid back. I only saw him worried twice, once when we arrived at the Beechgrove in Aberdeen with Lindsay for a broadcast. While unloading the van Angus said to Lindsay “did you put my fiddle in”? to which Lindsay replied “no”. The fiddle had been left lying on the wall at Maj (Lindsay’s sister’s) house where we had been rehearsing. Fortunately it was found none the worse for wear and meantime Angus borrowed Hector McAndrew’s fiddle for that broadcast.
The second time was when the band were on stage at the Whitehall theatre in Dundee, we used to start as the curtains began to open and Angus would walk on to the front playing Only on this occasion when he picked up his fiddle from the case at the side of the stage it fell to pieces. We played the first set without him and by the time we went on for our second spot Angus had borrowed another fiddle. A hair raising moment though.
Around 1975 when we had the paper shop we had a young fellow called Derek Orrock who was one of our paper boys, Helen always said if we had had a son that would have been him, he was a gem. One day whilst going over the hurdles at the school sports he banged his knee which swelled up quite badly, he went to the doctor with his mum under great protestation and was sent immediately to Ninewells Hospital Dundee. To cut a long story short within a few weeks his right leg was amputated at the hip yet within 3 months he was back delivering his papers. Also at this time there was a huge campaign going on at the hospital to acquire a CT scanner for the hospital and the public responded magnificently with all kinds of fundraising. Derek’s mother Eva was co-opted onto the committee for the Carnoustie area so we got together and I suggested a Scottish Concert in the Beach Hall and set about phoning all my colleagues in the bands asking for their FREE services. We ended up with a huge cast led by comedian Eddie Rose, the Foundry Bar Band, Jim Reid (folk singer), the John Ellis band, dancers, singers and all kinds of volunteers. Between the tickets and the raffle we raised £1,000 on that night. The Concert was talked about for weeks and eventually we repeated the process but this time I phoned Billy Anderson to get some free advertising on his programme. He said “let’s do better than that” and brought his band, Albany, and did the compeering for that night. We eventually ran out of time as we had so many artists. I could never thank all these musicians and friends for their help at that time and it was such a boost to Derek and his family. Incidentally the same amount was raised on the second night, no mean feat in these days. Sadly Derek passed away at the age of 19 but before that he received an award from the Newsagents Federation for his courage and fortitude and his mother was also given a substantial cheque for the Scanner Appeal.
One Friday evening I had a call at the shop from Lindsay asking if I could help him out in Edinburgh the next night. Unfortunately I had just let all the assistants go off home and couldn’t get anyone to stand in so I said if he was stuck I would go through after the shop closed. He said he new someone else who was actually recording in Edinburgh and if he were finished in time he would get him. He didn’t call back so I assumed he had got fixed up. I was however to get a serious shock the next morning when an Auxiliary Nurse came into the shop from night shift and asked if I knew Lindsay? When I replied that I did she just said “We’ve got him in the morgue”. Tragically Lindsay had died of a brain haemorrhage after arriving home. That was one of the biggest shocks I have ever received.
One of the tours we did with Angus was to a Celtic Festival at Lorrient in Brittany which is a very well established event and involves a huge parade on the first day with all the participants, pipe bands dancers, folk groups, dance bands, and all kinds of sports people from all the Celtic countries. We did radio and television work as well so it was hard work but a great experience. The band this time were Angus on fiddle, Gordon Pattullo and Willie Mann on accordions, Rab Smillie on bass or piano and myself. We came right back from France on the Saturday and started in the Whitehall in Dundee on the Tuesday for the week. Willie sadly lost his life at 21 in a car accident a few days later which was a terrible blow to all of us.
Another 4 bands I was involved with at this time were Bobby Crowe, the Olympians, Cameron Kerr, and the Glendaruel. I only played with Cameron Kerr for broadcasts but the others were heavily involved in Country Dancing which meant a lot of travelling I was also involved as part of the backing group for Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club with Joan Blue on piano and John Strachan on Bass. That job went on for a number of years and meant backing all the musicians at the club I had the privilege there of playing with people such as Bill Powrie, Jim Brown , Bobby Campbell, John Hubband, Mickie Ainsworth, Jimmy Blue, Alan Kindness and Simon Howie to name a few.
On one occasion when Jim Brown and Bobby Campbell were playing at Bridge of Cally Hotel they were approached by an Army Major and asked if they could provide a big band for a military dance. When Jim asked how big the answer was 10 piece, so few weeks later after a rehearsal dinner dance with Jim, Bobby, Joan, and myself at Dreghorn Barracks Edinburgh and one rehearsal with the 10 piece we set off for an estate at Pathhead Midlothian and a huge marquee to play for the Queen the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke & Duchess of Kent and Princess Anne as she was then. The event, if my memory serves me correctly, was the amalgamation ball of the Royal Scots Greys and the 3rd Highland Caribiniers, to form the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, whose band went on to record Amazing Grace which went straight to No 1 in the Charts. Our band on that occasion consisted of accordionists Peter Bruce, Mickie Ainsworth, Bobby Campbell and Ian Anderson, fiddlers Jim Brown, Angus Cameron, and A Findlay, pianist Joan Blue, Dave Barclay on bass and myself on drums. We left Perth at 5pm and got home again at 9am the next morning so we were a rather bedraggled bunch emptying the van at Perth station that morning. Jim in his inimitable way came away with a cracker while we were setting up for the dance that night. The Major organising the event came over to him and Jim asked how things were, the Major replied “if I get any more f----ng problems I’ll go mad”. Jim’s reply was to put his hand on the Major’s shoulder and say “That’s the stuff Major now you’re talking my f----ng language”. He was a real character.
There seemed to be a spell then where I was doing mainly Scottish Country dances with various bands until I was asked to go with the Glendaruel band to Ashaffenberg in Bavaria which was arranged through Perth’s Twinning Committee. Again it was a team of dancers and the band, with Alan Kindness on accordion, Angus Cameron on fiddle, Maureen Rutherford on piano and yours truly. That tour was very much Country Dancing but also included quite a bit of sightseeing so was very pleasant, our wives also having been invited, so it was really a holiday.
My next foray into regular work was with John Ellis and the Highland Country Band and this meant a lot of very late nights with dances finishing at 5 am and getting home in time for work .We were playing at places like Blair Castle, Stirling Castle, Hopetoun House, Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, the New Sheraton Hotel Edinburgh and Ingleston Showground Edinburgh. These were not Country Dances as such but had the peculiar title of Reel Dances and consisted of nothing but reels and jigs, all danced with the hands behind the back and swinging from side to side. The dances all finished with breakfast. John is a great stickler that when you play with him you don’t play with anyone else. This naturally didn’t go down too well so when Simon Howie phoned and asked me to help him out I agreed on condition that I fill the Ellis commitments first. This worked reasonably well for a wee while but inevitably I was eventually found out, just about the same time as Doug Cargill, the bass player with Ellis who had also been playing with Neil Barron. The band had also been rehearsing for a new LP, which we were due to record on a Sunday. The previous Monday I was admitted to hospital with kidney stones but I got out 2 days later so called John to say I was home, to be told he had booked another drummer for the LP so it was time to move on and I was delighted to join the Simon Howie band . This was a very busy period with a great variety of work which went on for quite a few years.
One Friday my wife and I were having a look round Marks & Spencer in Perth when we bumped into an old friend who is a mad keen country dance teacher and a Mod Gold Medallist. She mentioned that she had been invited to Tokyo for a festival there. It transpired that the band who had been booked to go had backed out, so she asked who I was playing with? To cut a long story short Simon Howie was booked the next day although unfortunately I was unable to go on that trip for business reasons and that was more or less the end of my time with the band.
It never failed to amaze me that when one door closed another one opened and the same thing happened again. I was at Arbroath Accordion club shortly after and was approached by a young lad who asked if I would play at a dance with him the next Saturday at Largoward. He was 16 years old and I must admit I was a bit apprehensive on the way to the gig because I had never heard him play and having played at Largoward on many occasions with Jackie Forsyth, the Olympians, Bobby Crowe and many others I knew they were mad keen on their dancing. I needn’t have worried though, we had a great night and were booked to play there regularly after that. The young lad was Wayne Robertson, a very clever musician indeed. We did a lot of work as a duo and occasionally added guitar and mandolin in the shape of Nigel Jelks who used to play a lot with Lindsay Ross and Malcolm. We were kept on the go and eventually applied for an audition for “Take The Floor”. For some unknown reason this took over a year to come through but we passed ok and were given our first broadcast. Unfortunately I was taken to hospital with pneumonia 2 days before the broadcast and Malcolm was again the saviour who stood in for me on that occasion. The illness was a lot worse than we thought at first though and it was six months before I felt able to return, so I stood down and decided to just play if and when I was needed. Maybe someone was trying to tell me I was getting too old for the job? In the early 1990s I was having more and more difficulty walking and after having all kinds of tests, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since I had my own shop in Dundee which involved a lot of heavy lifting so I was finding it quite difficult to cope with that never mind worrying about playing , however after 4 years on one drug they changed me to a new one and the result was amazing. I am still on that drug and now don’t even have to use a stick any longer.
The last gig I did before giving up was with Nicol McLaren’s Band (Yes Nicol has that effect on people – the Ed) at Hopetoun House Edinburgh, playing at a dinner dance for a French battery company. Funnily enough I had done the same job for the same company on a previous occasion but with the John Ellis Band at Blair Castle, and yes there were a few of them on both occasions with their kilts on with the pleats at the front. I was asked however to do some theatre work at Perth & Pitlochry Theatres with the Perth Strathspey and Reel Society and did both these jobs for 2 years. It was strange though, with 40 musicians around you instead of 4 or 5 and it wasn’t easy finding the” Middle of The Road.” I also did two cassettes for them but the orchestra recorded them in the Perth Bowling Club then I went out to Donny & Diane’s Studio and added drums to the tapes there. That too was a funny experience but I got through it.
Having been asked by our eldest daughter in 1999 if we would consider moving through to the Lanark area to help her out with her business and young twins we decided to take the plunge, but I must admit I do miss being among all the musicians in the Tayside & Perth area and getting all the regular gossip.
I am however back having a tune or two at Lanark Accordion and Fiddle Club and am thoroughly enjoying this. Who knows I might even get a job in a band again. 75 isn’t too old so long as I can get home to bed early!
The undernoted are all people I had the privilege to play with, some on a regular basis and others just helping out on the odd occasion. Since I have just made this list up out of my head, I’m sure to have missed out someone, if so please accept my apologies.
Broadcasts& LPS etc Dances, Weddings, Accordion Clubs Etc
Bobby Crowe Angus Fitchet
Jimmy Blue Ron Gonella
Jack Forsyth Johnny Duncan Jim Johnstone
Lindsay Ross & 1LP Angus Cameron Peter Bruce
Olympians Gordon Pattulo Bill Black
Cameron Kerr Jimmy Cassidy Duncan Black
Glendaruel & 2 LPs Alan Clark Robert Black
John Ellis Hamish Smith Ian McAllum
Simon Howie Colin Dewar Willie Mann
Wayne Robertson 1 Tape David Cunningham Snr Davie Stewart
Mickie Ainsworth & 1LP Tom Clark Alan Kindness
John Huband & 1LP Kevin Clark Bill Wilkie
Perth Fiddle Orchestra 2 Tapes Sandy Nixon Alexander Brothers
Willie Simpson
And a special mention to the man who started it all Jim Crawford and of course his brother John
Thanks to everyone for many happy memories.
Farewell Lesmahagow Club
by Jack & Jean Gray
September 1979 – myself, Jack Gray, along with hotelier the late Norman Kelgard and the late David Dickman from Lanark talked about starting a Box and Fiddle Club. An advert placed in our local paper brought on a meeting in The Craignethan Hotel, Lesmahagow. The interest in starting a club was shown by the attendance of 65 people.
I, being then a box player, found myself unanimously proposed as Chairman, David Dickman (fiddler and piper) – Vice Chairman, Norman Kelgard – Treasurer and Mrs May McConachan – Secretary. On contacting Andrew Nairn, the Secretary of the NAAFC, they advised that as we were outwith the 12 mile distance to the nearest Club (Biggar), we were more than welcome to become members.
The Club, to be held on the second Thursday of each month, started in October 1979 with our first guest artiste, George Stirrat.
An ongoing club encounters the need for changes; a couple of years after starting Norman sold the Craignethan and retired and we had to move up the road to The Masonic Hall, Lesmahagow. The Committee also changed, now Willie Wilson – Vice Chairman, Charlie Todd – Treasurer, my wife Jean – Secretary and door person, along with Agnes Hope (who also sells raffle tickets) and Committee member Iain Buchanan. Mrs Wilson supplies sandwiches and cakes for our guest artistes each month. Elsie bakes pancakes and helps Jean in the kitchen serving cups of tea.
I am proud of the steadfast support over the years, proving this to be a grand Club. Over the years we held numerous dances, with headlining Scottish Dance bands, enabling monthly followers of the Club a chance to get those feet into action around the dance floor.
The many dance bands that provided superb entertainment throughout the years included the great Jim Johnstone, Sandy MacArthur, Max Houliston, John Douglas, Dermot O’Brien, Ian Holmes, Bill Black, Sandy Nixon, The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band, Gordon Shand, William Paterson, Gary Glair, Seamus O’Sullivan, Ian Muir, Roy Hendrie, David Ross and the Lomond Ceilidh Band.
As well as bands we had many excellent soloists – the wee man Walter Perrie, Tom Alexander, John Morgan, David Vernon, Tommy Ford, Alan Roy, Gordon Pattullo, Jimmy Cassidy, Wayne Robertson, and that fiddler supreme, the late Ron Gonella. Bands and soloists alike, there were many, many more, too numerous to name, but all provided the Club with memorable evenings. For myself, it has been a pleasure to meet with, and listen to, all the musicians and to be known as a friend to them.
I must not forget the stalwarts of the Club who, come rain or shine, attended and kept this Club going, from beginners to old hands, young and old displaying their many talents and, of course, the ever-attending audiences who came to listen.
I feel I must mention our ever-faithful pianist George Walker, drummer Hugh Gebbie and Adam Angus for lifting and laying the gear on a Thursday morning. Last, but not least, the people behind the scenes – Sneddon the baker for our pies and Eric the barman. To all who in any way helped throughout the years, a very big thank you.
After 25 years and 8 months (being absent only once for hospital treatment), the time has now come when Jean and I have decided to retire, age and health being the factors in our decision. We have asked the Committee members if they want to continue but no-one is able to give the commitment and time that is necessary to run such a Club, therefore the Club is closing down with its last night being held in May 2005.
In my time as Chairman, I have seen a change in society; more Clubs have appeared locally, attendances have diminished and the younger up-and-coming players are now seeling other avenues to gather together to display their brilliant talent. However, I’m sure the music will live on through them no matter what type of event.
We thank each and every one who supported our Club.
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
We have been very busy………………..
Greetings from Inverness
By Margo MacLennan
TMC classes ………….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
An Evening with Friends at Jimmy Norman’s Vol 4 – Colin Dewar SDB – NORDC0204 – Independent
Naethin’ Ower Fancy – Duncan McCallum – DMCD01 - Independent
Letters to the Editor
Dear Karin
Willie MacPherson (1920 – 1974)
I have been asked by the family of the well-known Elgin fiddler (Brumley Brae, The Coleburn, Bow Brig etc) to help them in putting together a tribute to their father that will accompany a small collection of his fiddle tunes to be published in 2005.
Willie was an exceptional musician, playing for 11 years in the first violins of the S.N.O. as well as making important contributions to the traditional music scene and in teaching the instrument.
I would be very interested to receive any factual information, recollections or anecdotes relating to Willie’s career in the traditional music scene – especially covering the years 1946 to 1955 (he played with Annie Shand Scott at some time during this period) and from 1966 (when he returned to Elgin) to his death in 1974.
Richard Bennett, Moray
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
5th Feb 05 – John Renton SDB (40 Years of the Tain SDB)
12th Feb 05 – The David Bowen Trio (Composer, Dr Bruce Thomson)
19th Feb 05 – Niall Kirkpatrick SDB (Personal Choice by Judith Nicolson)
26th Feb 05 – John Carmichael & Guests (OB from Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, Glasgow with guests The Midden and Williamwood Pipe Band)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 22nd Feb 05 – David Cunningham SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 9th Feb 05 – Marian Anderson SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 20th Feb 05 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 6th Feb 05 – Steven Carcary & his Pupils
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 3rd Feb 05 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 20th Feb 05 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 28th Feb 05 – Gordon Pattullo
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 23rd Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 21st Feb 05 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 24th Feb 05 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 13th Feb 05 – Glencraig SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 8th Feb 05 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Feb 05 – Richard Shalcross Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 10th Feb 05 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 1st Feb 05 – Gordon Pattullo & Angela MacEachern
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 3rd Feb 05 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – David Vernon
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 17th Feb 05 – James Coutts SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 3rd Feb 05 – Colin Garvin Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 9th Feb 05 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 15th Feb 05 – John Morgan
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – Youth Night
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 16th Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 8th Feb 05 – Michael Philip SDB 25th Feb 05 – Dance to John Morgan
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 21st Feb 05 – Scott Leslie SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – 24th Feb 05 – John Morgan
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 - tbc
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 28th Feb 05 – Alan Ross SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 27th Feb 05 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 9th Feb 05 – Tom Orr SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 3rd Feb 05 – Gary Blair
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 14th Feb 05 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 17th Feb 05 – Marian Anderson SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 2nd Feb 05 – Club night
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 22nd Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 6th Feb 05 – The Hebrideans
Haddington (Railway Inn) - Feb 05 – Jimmy Cassidy Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 21st Feb 05 – Karen Steven
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 9th Feb 05 – Oban A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 3rd Feb 05 – Stuart Adamson SDB
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 1st Feb 05 – George Hood SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 23rd Feb 05 – Lothian SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 28th Feb 05 – Iain Anderson Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 9th Feb 05 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 10th Feb 05 – Sandy Legget SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Feb 05 - tbc
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 15th Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 11th Feb 05 – Dance to Neil Hardie 22nd Feb 05 – Alan Roy
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 15th Feb 05 – Jimmy Cassidy
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 2nd Feb 05 – AGM + Wayne Robertson Duo
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 24th Feb 05 – Ian Cruickshank SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 2nd Feb 05 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Feb 05 – Andrew Gordon Trio
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 1st Feb 05 – Wayne Robertson
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 3rd Feb 05 – Bill Black SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 24th Feb 05 – Ian Anderson Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – Neil Galloway SDB
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig) 2nd Feb 05 - tbc
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 1st Feb 05 – Gavin Piper
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Feb 05 – Duncan MacKinnon Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 3rd Feb 05 – Burns Brothers Trio
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 13th Feb 05 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 10th Feb 05 – Andy Kain
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 8th Feb 05 – Roy Hendrie Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 7th Feb 05 – Local Night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 3rd Feb 05 - Lovhnagar
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 10th Feb 05 – William Marshall
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 15th Feb 05 – Highland A&F Club
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1, Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banchory
8. Beith
9. Belford
10. Biggar
11. Blairgowrie
12. Button Key
13. Campsie
14 Carlisle
15 Castle Douglas
16 Coalburn
17. Cults
18. Dingwall
19. Dunblane
20. Dunfermline
21. Dunoon & Cowal
22. Duns
23. Fintry
24. Forfar
25. Forres
26. Galston
27. Glendale
28. Glenrothes
29. Gretna
30. Highland
31. Inveraray
32. Isle of Skye
33. Islesteps
34. Kelso
35. Lanark
36. Langholm
38. Lesmahagow
39. Lewis & Harris
40. Livingston
41. Montrose
42. Newmill
43. North East
44. Oban
45. Peebles
46. Phoenix (Ardrishaig)
47. Premier
48. Rothbury
49. Shetland
50. Thornhill
52. Thurso
53. Turriff
54. West Barnes
55. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. West Barnes ( - present)
76. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83 Callander A&F Club (
84 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86 Club Accord
87 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
102. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
115. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
116. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
117. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
118. Tranent A&F Club
119. Vancouver
120. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
121. Wellbank A&F Club
122. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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