Box and Fiddle
Year 29 No 06
February 2006
Price £2.20
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £24.20 + p&p £7.50 (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
As we go to press, the Scottish Dance Music scene is trying to come to terms with the loss of two of our most loved and respected musicians – accordionist Dr Sandy Tulloch and fiddler, Iain Peterson. Both of these gentlemen have inspired dozens of composers and players and will be missed enormously by all who knew them. Our sympathies go out to their families.
This month we follow the travels of Yellyhoo (Denmark and Germany), the John Stuart Band (Beijing), the Ian Thomson Band (South Korea) and the Cameronian Band (Kenya). If your band is playing in some exotic location, we’d be delighted to print your article and photographs.
We’re very much looking forward to the Box and Fiddle Day in the RSAMD in Glasgow on Sunday, February 5th, and hope to see many of you there.
Karin Ingram
RSAMD on Tour
by Jacqueline France McNeill
Young people learn in the classroom………
Roy Stewart (27/08/39 – 08/10/05) - Obituary
by Ann Wall
Roy Stewart passed away very suddenly in The Music Hall, Aberdeen. He was attending a Fiddlers’ Rally.
Roy came from a very musical family and started to play the fiddle at the age of 12. By the age of 14 he was performing in the family band touring throughout Scotland. Mainly self-taught, with help from his grandfather, music was a very large part of his life.
During his National Service in the Gordon Highlanders he was a member of a dance band called The Gordonaires and performed at many dances while stationed in Kenya. Roy and his mother played locally in The Stewart Trio and then The Stewart Duo.
He worked at Dounreay in the Chemistry Labs for a number of years before working for the River Purification Board. After he took early retirement he spent two days a week working for Citizens Advice Bureau in Thurso and Wick.
He was a very keen member of Thurso/Dounreay S&R Society and he was the Secretary of the Society for a number of years up until his untimely death. He represented the Society at many Fiddlers’ Rallies all over Scotland.
He was very proud to be a member of The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and had toured Canada with them in July 2005.
Roy was the Chairman and Secretary of Thurso Accordion & Fiddle Club. He also acted as compere each Club night as well as writing the reports for the Box and Fiddle. He played at every Club night in Thurso and Wick. He also led and arranged music for The Pentland Fiddlers. He was a talented composer and was also excellent at writing and playing harmonies.
Roy performed at many concerts and ceilidhs in Caithness and Sutherland and as well as being an excellent musician he was a talented singer.
Roy played fiddle with the band called Whisky for over ten years and the band have dedicated their recent CD The Second Sip to his fond memory.
Nothing was too much bother for Roy and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him
'Out of Africa' Part 2 - Kenya
by Charlie Todd
Following on from last month’s article about Uganda, we’re off on our travels once again, this time to neighbouring Kenya.
The Cameronian SDB, consisting of Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Frank Morrison together with band roadies Kris Todd and Sandra Graham took to the road on Friday 18th November.
Day 1 – Rise at 3am, drive to Glasgow Airport, 1 hour flight to London Heathrow, 8 hour flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, sponsored by B.A. Move watch forward by 3 hours. Meet up with our hosts Bob and Sue Oliver and Wilson and Janette Graham.
Day 2 – Rise at 9am. Plans to visit the local ‘Triangle Market’ are shelved since there are a couple of very large meetings being held in town by opposing factions, for and against a new Constitution, for which there is a Referendum in a couple of days. Trouble is expected (but thankfully didn’t materalise). Instead at 11am we visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and at 1pm the Giraffe Centre. Remained of the afternoon at leisure with a G&T in the garden. Evening – drive to the Muthega Golf Club (which featured in both of the films referred to below) to play for the Annual Ball of the Nairobi Branch of the RSCDS.
Day 3 – Drive up to Lake Naivasha which sits in the Great Rift Valley an hour north East of Nairobi, having stopped at the viewing point on the rim at 8,000 feet above sea level to look over to the extinct crater of Mount Longanot. Spend the afternoon at Elsemere, one-time home of world famous naturalists George and Joy Adamson (of ‘Born Free’ fame). See colobus and vervet monkeys, hippopotami, fish eagles, pelicans, hornbills and numerous other members of Kenya’s fantastically rich birdlife. (Apparently there are more species of birds on Karen Gold Course than there are in the UK.) On the shores of the Lake is the famous ‘Djinn Palace’, one-time home of Scotland’s senior aristocrat the Earl of Errol, whose life and murder during WW2 were dramatically portrayed in the film ‘White Mischief’. Evening – drinks and a meal at the home of south African born Chieftain Stewart Henderson whose lovely wife Linda has prepared a traditional South African meal in what they call a ‘potjie’ (pronounced poi-key) pot – a three-legged witches cauldron type pot similar to the type which graced many a ‘swee’ on the old Scottish dwelling house range. In fact they are still available and are, I believe, made in Falkirk?
Day 4 – Drive out to the airport and take the 40 minute flight down to Mombassa on the Indian Ocean. Transfer by taxi to the Driftwood Beach Club at Malindi.
Day 5 – At leisure – read, swim and eat and most importantly drink. Swimming in the Indian Ocean is an experience in itself. The shallow water within the Reef heats up quickly so it’ like being in a very warm bath.
Day 6 – After breakfast spend 2 hours snorkeling on the reef in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Huge variety of colourful tropical fish. Afternoon – by tuk-tuk to Malindi Town to visit the tourist shops.
Day 7 – After breakfast return to Monbassa and stop for 3 hours in the vicinity of Fort Jesus to sightsee and eat locally before returning to the airport and flying back to Nairobi. Evening – attend small gathering hosted by Neil and Joanna MacDougall. Joanna, a native of the Isle of Lewis, who has spent over 40 years in Africa with her Water Engineer husband, insists that everyone perform their party piece. Having left the accordions back at base Charlie is obliged to sing in public for the first time in living memory (and hopefully the last).
Day 8 – After breakfast drive to the Maasai Market, a huge weekly gathering of traditional local arts and crafts. Afternoon – 3pm entertain the elderly residents of Harrison house, the last of the old colonials, for 2 hours. Evening – attend a local school production of Babes in the Wood followed by tilapia and chips in the Java House at Nakumatt Junction.
Day 9 – 10am sound check at The Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, venue for the St Andrews Ball. As usual 4 hours for a job that should have taken 20 minutes. Visit the Sarit Centre at Westlands and stock up on things you can’t get at home – mosquito nets, etc. Evening - dinner, speeches and we play from 11pm till 2am.
Day 10 – Rise late and after a leisurely breakfast visit the Bizarre Bazaar – a gathering of mzungu (white settler) produced arts and crafts. Evening – attend the Karen Golf Club and play some background music at the presentation of prizes of the Caledonian Golf Tournament. (The Karen District occupies the land of Danish authoress Karen Blixen whose life story was told in ‘Out of Africa’.)
Day 11 – Drive down to the Magadi Soda Lakes, located south-west of Nairobi, again in the Great Rift Valley. This 104 sq km lake is completely surrounded by vast natural soda flats which are continually supplemented as the water evaporates. These sweltering hot plains prevent any animals from reaching the alkaline lake at its centre. View pelicans and pink flamingoes in the searing heat of the world’s largest mined soda lake. Evening – 11pm departure from Jomo Kenyatta to London Heathrow then Glasgow Abbotsinch and home.
Observations on Africa – Almost every aspect of life in Africa is different and Kenya is no exception. Northern Kenya borders on Ethiopia, which the north-east adjoins the Somali Republic – both unruly and frequently wracked by civil war and famine. To the west lies Uganda and Lake Victoria part of which lies within Kenya’s borders. Here are some observations on life in Kenya for the ex-pat.
Security – Home security is rigorous. Houses or apartments may be grouped in walled complexes with ‘askari’ on the gate. Even within the compound each garden will be walled. The gardener will open the gate in daytime and again an askari, who spends a long night in a sentry type box, during the hours of darkness. Because Nairobi sits almost on the Equator it gets dark just after six every night and light again at six in the morning all the year round. All windows are barred or grilled with a heavy gauge metal door protecting the normal wooden front and back doors of the house. Internally there will be at least one more metal door to separate the sleeping quarters from the living quarters, the idea being that thieves are welcome to steal the telly so long as they don’t murder everyone in the process!
Travel – Being a former British Protectorate traffic drives on the left, as we do. Roads are generally in a deplorable condition – potholes are everywhere. So, ironically, are ‘sleeping policemen’ although the need for them is generally negated by the potholes. It’s best to have the suspension raised before you take your new car out on the road. Traffic lights are used as a guide rather than taken as gospel. Roundabouts, and there are many, particularly on Nairobi’s main road, the Uhuru (Freedom) Highway, are an absolute free-for-all even when supposedly controlled by traffic lights. The height and weight of a 4 x 4 is a definite advantage. Street lighting is very scarce, although it has improved marginally in the past year due to ‘sponsorship’.
Gardens – Beautiful flowering plants and trees grow in profusion. The combination of height above sea level (almost 5,500 feet) which makes it bearably cool compared to the coast, periodic monsoon rainfall and the distinctive, rich, red soil give rise to an abundance of bougainvillea, frangipani, poinsettia, flame trees (of Thika fame) and dozens of others. To create a lawn you don’t sow grass seed, you merely lift and break up a square of turf and plant a few roots at 3 inch intervals. Six weeks later it will have spread to give you a new lawn. Roadside vendors on tracts of spare ground give you dozens of plant species to choose from at minimal cost. The trees play host to an unsurpassed variety of birdlife. You’re far more likely to wake up to the cry of an ibis in the trees than a cockerel. Houses tend to be built on hillsides and monkeys sometimes make their way along the trees bordering the streams in the intervening valleys which serve to drain away the monsoon rainwaters.
Safari – The word comes from the Swahili meaning ‘journey’ but will be forever linked in our minds with viewing wildlife on the plains. Kenya (with its numerous gameparks including the Maasai Mara and Tsavo) and neighbouring Tanzania (with the Serengeti and the Ngorrogorro Crater) play host to hundreds of thousands of wild animals. The Mara River is famous for its hippos and crocodiles as well as being a major obstacle, which has to be crossed, in the path of the annual migration. Lake Nakuru is the home of tens of thousands of flamingo while in the north of Kenya the area around Lake Turkana is known as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’ since Professor Richard Leakey discovered some of the oldest human remains ever found. Uganda is perhaps best known as one of the last refuges of the mountain gorilla and for Lake Victoria’s various attractions.
The Coast – Kenya sits on the Indian Ocean and has two principal resorts – Mombasa and Malindi. Both are major locations for game fishing – marlin, shark, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado etc but equally important also boast a reef which provides wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving and beautiful, palm fringed, white sandy beaches for those who prefer a more relaxed holiday. A variety of hotels with evocative names such as White Sands, Nyali Beach, Hemmingways and Turtle Bay line the beaches. There are various things to do and see such as crocodile farms, butterfly farms and wood carving factories.
Shopping – The two major supermarket chains are Nakumatt and Uchumi. There are several shopping malls distributed around the city. Native stalls called ‘dukas’ appear along roadsides or collectively in markets, some of which cater for tourists. Kenya has a thriving industry devoted to carving everything from animals to Maasai warriors. My own favourites are the City Market in central Nairobi and the Triangle Market at Westlands, slightly further out. Haggling is obligatory but good natured (and you know you’ve done well when they congratulate you as occasionally happens).
Eating Out – For Scotland’s ‘other national dish’ the ‘Indian’ there is no finer place on earth. Asian labourers originally came to East Africa to build the railways a century ago and most stayed on. Their descendents run businesses and restaurants, and if you think your local Indian restaurant is good you should try this.
The Java Coffee House is a small chain which started recently but which has a great future ahead of it. Ironically, although Kenya produces some of the best tea and coffee in the world there was no-where that you could guarantee to get a good cup of either until the enterprising Kenyan wives of three US citizens started this business. They do good food too, although you’re more likely to get tilapia or Nile perch (from Lake Victoria) with your chips than haddock. Exotic fruits such as mango, paw-paw, pineapple, avocado etc are available in abundance. Sugar is semi-refined i.e. a brown colour but equally sweet. Tusker and Whitecap are the favourite local lagers but you can’t beat a Gin & Tonic as a ‘Sundowner’. Stoney Tangaweisi is a very popular locally-brewed ginger beer. The brewery was bought over by Coca Cola so it must be good.
Transport – Even setting aside financial constraints Kenyans are keen walkers and will happily walk miles each way to and from work. The most economic form of transport is the minibus or ‘matatu’ as they are called. Up until two years ago there was no enforced regulations regarding numbers carried and safety but a serious of serious crashes with high casualties changed all that. Buses are popular but there is no local train service. Heavy goods vehicles frequently severely overload to the extent that they are unable to climb the many hills and start rolling back, taking all in their wake. Very occasionally, just to show how much they’ve understood the root of the problem, the replacement vehicle sent to pick up the load at the crash site will suffer a similar fate! Engines, as a rule, are badly serviced and exhausts spew out clouds of noxious fumes. Fuel, I understand, is a bit more ‘raw’ than we are accustomed to here.
Conclusion – Kenya frequently received a bad press whenever an incident hits the international headlines but while it undoubtedly has its problems it is a wonderful tourist destination and visitors to the country are well looked after.
Our thanks to the Caledonian Societies of both Kenya and Uganda, to all our hosts, drivers, the sponsors (especially British Airways and SN Brussels) for making our trips such an interesting and unforgettable experience.
Trip to Beijing
by John Stuart
On Thursday, 26th November, I set off with my band from Edinburgh Airport to play some gigs for The Caledonian Society of Beijing in China. The line-up was Jimmy MacDonald from Tighnabruaich on keyboard, Richard Hughes from Tobermory on drums, Stewart Reid from Dunfermline on fiddle and myself on accordion.
The trip started off okay but quickly ran into trouble when we missed our connection to Beijing at Heathrow by 10 minutes due to fog. Panic! Had to make a quick decision to fly to Shanghai instead – at least it was in China!
Duly got to Shanghai only to find that my case had been lost, which had all my music, kilt etc. in it. We then tried to get a flight to Beijing, only to find that we would have to wait seven hours for the next available flight. However, we eventually got to our destination 28 hours after leaving, and the case turned up the next day.
We were collected from the airport by Mrs Mary Miller-Bakewell of The Caledonian Society, who gave us our accommodation and looked after us during our stay. I have to say that the hospitality given to us by the Society was excellent.
The main function we were booked for was the St Andrews Ball in The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing which was a great success. The hotel provided the sound system, complete with sound engineer, which was a great help and the guests were still dancing enthusiastically at 3am next morning.
Over and above that we played at the one and only ‘Scottish’ pub in the middle of Beijing and had a good going ceilidh, part of which was broadcast on Beijing local radio. We also played at a local school near to where we were staying. The children wanted to see our kilts and learn some dances, very enjoyable. The remaining nights we played in a bar/restaurant and then at the British Embassy House in Beijing, so a busy and enjoyable time was had by the entire band.
We also managed to fit in some sightseeing. We walked on part of the Great Wall of china, which was a great thrill, and did a tour of The Forbidden City in Beijing and learned to barter with the local shop keepers.
I am glad to say that the return journey went without a hitch and we returned home with only a bit of ‘jet-lag’ to worry about. All-in-all a great trip and I must thank The Caledonian Society of Beijing for their kindness, and for showing us a little bit of China.
South Korea
by Ian Thomson
When the call first came in, “Would you like to play at the St Andrews Ball in South Korea?”, there was only one answer. However, after some discussion with the rest of the band I found myself in need of both a keyboard player and fiddler, due to early motherhood, and impending fatherhood respectively. So we had to find replacements who would not only fit in musically and socially, but would have a similar sense of humour to the remaining three band members. The fiddle was easy; Willie Johnstone from Perth (originally Insch) was an obvious stand-in as he has successfully covered that role on a Shetland Festival trip, and a few other gigs. He was delighted to accept. The keyboard position was a much more difficult proposition, and after a few unsuccessful phone calls, I decided to ask Martin Henderson of The Cullivoe Band from Shetland, who was down playing for my wife’s 40th birthday party in June. He accepted immediately. The band was complete with the line-up being Mark Cummine on second accordion, Willie Johnstone on fiddle, Martin Henderson on keyboard, Stevie Mills on drums and myself on lead accordion.
We all met up at Edinburgh airport on the 16th November at midday, and the journey began. Our flights all went to schedule and we managed an upgrade to Business Class on the London to Hong Kong stage of the journey. So, having set out at midday on the Wednesday, we eventually landed in Seoul at 9pm on the Thursday, which was effectively 24 hours of traveling as Korean time is 9 hours ahead of UK. The first task was to board the correct bus with all the band gear and personnel and make the fifty minute journey to The Grand Hilton Hotel where we were to stay. We managed this successfully and were met at the hotel by the piper Donald Martin, who had traveled a few days earlier. Our accommodation was a four bedroom suite with excellent facilities; a fridge full of groceries which included a case of beer was most welcome. In fact, it was so welcome that only one can remained by the morning!
We were all up bright and early the next morning due to the jet-lag and not really knowing what time it was! Our first gig was at the local school, which was having a mini St Andrews Ball. The British and International schools had got together for this and the pupils had been practicing their set dances for months. The dancing commenced at 11am, with a break for lunch (haggis and sausages), and more set dances afterwards. The standard of dancing was superb; it was great to see almost 200 British and Korean kids dancing dances such as The Eightsome Reel, Hamilton House and The Reel of Seoul, which was devised by Gavin Mackay who is an ex-pat living in Seoul who runs the local sausage factory. We returned to our hotel just before 3pm, changed out of our kilts, and headed to downtown Seoul for some sightseeing. Approximately 12 hours later we returned to the hotel with our sight slightly diminished due to most of the sights visited being local bars!
After a long lie in on the Saturday, we made our way to the Ballroom at the Hotel for a sound check, which went extremely well even though the sound engineer didn’t speak much English, and he had trouble understanding our accents (especially Martin’s Shetland brogue!) The ball commenced at 7pm with a champagne reception, followed by dinner. Now, it’s probably not the first time that a band has traveled to far-flung places and partaken in too much alcohol before they were due to play, so, to avoid this Mark was in charge of the drinking! The ball finishes at 4.30am with a champagne breakfast, so we had a long night ahead. I’m pleased to report that most band members were actually seen drinking water and just the odd alcoholic beverage before 3am, which was the agreed time after which the curfew was lifted. The tune and the ‘craic’ was excellent (from the band’s point of view anyway!) and when Auld Lang Syne was sung just after 4am, the band weren’t finished! After playing for a wee jig about the floor, the music kept coming until, after a few more sets dances and forty minutes later, we decided that the champagne breakfast could wait no longer. We tucked in to sausages and scrabbled eggs accompanied by whisky and champagne, at 5am, whilst mixing with the British Ambassador, and other such dignitaries. Finally, we returned to the suite, and after another couple of refreshments we retired at 8am, not before being entertained by Willie demonstrating his version of The Highland Fling (and almost falling out a window in the process).
Sunday was mostly spent recovering, but in the evening we had been invited to Gavin (the sausage man)’s sausage factory. He has a small restaurant attached to the factory, which also serves beer and wine, so we were persuaded. We took the instruments along for a tune and had a most enjoyable evening, eventually returning home at 3am.
Monday was the last day and time to make the long journey home, which was highlighted by an 8 hour stopover in Hong Kong. This allowed enough time to head into Kowloon and do some Christmas shopping; £2 for a ‘genuine imitation’ Rolex.
The Hong Kong to London flight was again upgraded to Business Class, so we arrived home the following day relatively relaxed after the long journey. My thanks goes to the band who without exception were well behaved when they had to be, and performed when required (musically!) to a high standard.
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Over the Waves to Shetland – Da Fustra – HRMCD012 – Highlander Music
Tuned In – Andy Kain Band – BRCD040 – Bryan’s Room Recordings
Duck! – Sgoil Chiuil na Gaidhealtaschd – SCGCD005
Celtic Steps – Lindsay Weir SDB – GLRCD01 – Glasfield Records
Chasing Shadows – George Balfour – GBCD001 – Independent
Feis Rois – FR007 - Independent
Book Review
An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Vol 2 – Rob Howard
80 Years of Dundee Dancing – Dundee RSCDS Branch Tribute Book – LBFM2005
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
4th Feb 06 – Glenelvan SDB (The Vass Family from Nairn)
11th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB (Dance Tutor & Caller Annabel Oates)
18th Feb 06 – Steven Carcary SDB with Guest Presenter Robert Lovie (Jimmy Scott, pianist)
25th Feb 06 – (Sandy Nixon SDB)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 21st Feb 06 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Feb 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Feb 06 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Feb 06 – Karen Hannah & Alan Small
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 2nd Feb 06 – George Stirrat SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Feb 06 – Sandy Legget Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Feb 06 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Feb 06 – Alan Roy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Feb 06 – Alexander Lindsay Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 23rd Feb 06 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Feb 06 – Simon Thoumire & David Milligan
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Feb 06 - tba
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 14th Feb 06 – Richie Ahearne & the Dalcassian Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Feb 06 – Roman Voluischek
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 8th Feb 06 - tbc
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 – Bill Brian
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Feb 06 – Seamus O’Sullivan Duo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Feb 06 -
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 20th Feb 06 – James Paterson Band
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – The Garioch Blend
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Feb 06 – Alistair Lennox Thistle Dubh CB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Feb 06 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Feb 06 – Lynn Gould Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Feb 06 – David Bowen Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 13th Feb 06 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 16th Feb 06 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Feb 06 – Gleneuglie Strollers
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Feb 06 – Simon Howie SDB
Gretna (Social & Athletic Club) - 5th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 12th Feb 06 – Gordon Shand SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Feb 06 – Graham MacKenzie
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 8th Feb 06 – Allan McIntosh & the Heather SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Feb 06 – Highland A&F Club
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Feb 06 – Robert Whitehead Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 22nd Feb 06 – Lynne Christie SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 – Club Members Night
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 16th Feb 06 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 27th Feb 06 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Feb 06 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Feb 06 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Feb 06 – James Coutts Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 10th Feb 06 – Dance to Iain Cathcart 28th Feb 06 – William Marshall Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Feb 06 – David Vernon
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 23rd Feb 06 – Alistair McCulloch
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 1st Feb 06 – Andy Kain Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Feb 06 – West Telferton CB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Feb 06 – Daniel McPhee
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 2nd Feb 06 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 23rd Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Wayne Robertson Trio
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig) 1st Feb 06 - tbc
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 7th Feb 06 – Gordon Pattullo
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Feb 06 – Morag Robertson Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Feb 06 – Lyne Valley Band
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 12th Feb 06 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 9th Feb 06 – Reel Thing
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Bowling Club) - 1st Feb 06 – Bearsden Young Fiddlers
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 18th Feb 06 – Charles Fitzpatrick
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Feb 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Feb 06 – Local Night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 2nd Feb 06 – Members’ Night
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 2nd Feb 06 - tbc
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 9th Feb 06 – John Stuart SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Paul Anderson Duo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Cults
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Dunoon
15. Duns
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Galashiels
20. Galston
21. Glendale
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Haddington
25. Highland
26. Inveraray
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Ladybank
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Mauchline
34. Newmill
35. North East
36. Oban
37. Premier
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Thornhill
42. Thurso
43. West Barnes
44. 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. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
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. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. 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
As we go to press, the Scottish Dance Music scene is trying to come to terms with the loss of two of our most loved and respected musicians – accordionist Dr Sandy Tulloch and fiddler, Iain Peterson. Both of these gentlemen have inspired dozens of composers and players and will be missed enormously by all who knew them. Our sympathies go out to their families.
This month we follow the travels of Yellyhoo (Denmark and Germany), the John Stuart Band (Beijing), the Ian Thomson Band (South Korea) and the Cameronian Band (Kenya). If your band is playing in some exotic location, we’d be delighted to print your article and photographs.
We’re very much looking forward to the Box and Fiddle Day in the RSAMD in Glasgow on Sunday, February 5th, and hope to see many of you there.
Karin Ingram
RSAMD on Tour
by Jacqueline France McNeill
Young people learn in the classroom………
Roy Stewart (27/08/39 – 08/10/05) - Obituary
by Ann Wall
Roy Stewart passed away very suddenly in The Music Hall, Aberdeen. He was attending a Fiddlers’ Rally.
Roy came from a very musical family and started to play the fiddle at the age of 12. By the age of 14 he was performing in the family band touring throughout Scotland. Mainly self-taught, with help from his grandfather, music was a very large part of his life.
During his National Service in the Gordon Highlanders he was a member of a dance band called The Gordonaires and performed at many dances while stationed in Kenya. Roy and his mother played locally in The Stewart Trio and then The Stewart Duo.
He worked at Dounreay in the Chemistry Labs for a number of years before working for the River Purification Board. After he took early retirement he spent two days a week working for Citizens Advice Bureau in Thurso and Wick.
He was a very keen member of Thurso/Dounreay S&R Society and he was the Secretary of the Society for a number of years up until his untimely death. He represented the Society at many Fiddlers’ Rallies all over Scotland.
He was very proud to be a member of The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and had toured Canada with them in July 2005.
Roy was the Chairman and Secretary of Thurso Accordion & Fiddle Club. He also acted as compere each Club night as well as writing the reports for the Box and Fiddle. He played at every Club night in Thurso and Wick. He also led and arranged music for The Pentland Fiddlers. He was a talented composer and was also excellent at writing and playing harmonies.
Roy performed at many concerts and ceilidhs in Caithness and Sutherland and as well as being an excellent musician he was a talented singer.
Roy played fiddle with the band called Whisky for over ten years and the band have dedicated their recent CD The Second Sip to his fond memory.
Nothing was too much bother for Roy and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him
'Out of Africa' Part 2 - Kenya
by Charlie Todd
Following on from last month’s article about Uganda, we’re off on our travels once again, this time to neighbouring Kenya.
The Cameronian SDB, consisting of Charlie Todd, Ian Graham and Frank Morrison together with band roadies Kris Todd and Sandra Graham took to the road on Friday 18th November.
Day 1 – Rise at 3am, drive to Glasgow Airport, 1 hour flight to London Heathrow, 8 hour flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, sponsored by B.A. Move watch forward by 3 hours. Meet up with our hosts Bob and Sue Oliver and Wilson and Janette Graham.
Day 2 – Rise at 9am. Plans to visit the local ‘Triangle Market’ are shelved since there are a couple of very large meetings being held in town by opposing factions, for and against a new Constitution, for which there is a Referendum in a couple of days. Trouble is expected (but thankfully didn’t materalise). Instead at 11am we visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and at 1pm the Giraffe Centre. Remained of the afternoon at leisure with a G&T in the garden. Evening – drive to the Muthega Golf Club (which featured in both of the films referred to below) to play for the Annual Ball of the Nairobi Branch of the RSCDS.
Day 3 – Drive up to Lake Naivasha which sits in the Great Rift Valley an hour north East of Nairobi, having stopped at the viewing point on the rim at 8,000 feet above sea level to look over to the extinct crater of Mount Longanot. Spend the afternoon at Elsemere, one-time home of world famous naturalists George and Joy Adamson (of ‘Born Free’ fame). See colobus and vervet monkeys, hippopotami, fish eagles, pelicans, hornbills and numerous other members of Kenya’s fantastically rich birdlife. (Apparently there are more species of birds on Karen Gold Course than there are in the UK.) On the shores of the Lake is the famous ‘Djinn Palace’, one-time home of Scotland’s senior aristocrat the Earl of Errol, whose life and murder during WW2 were dramatically portrayed in the film ‘White Mischief’. Evening – drinks and a meal at the home of south African born Chieftain Stewart Henderson whose lovely wife Linda has prepared a traditional South African meal in what they call a ‘potjie’ (pronounced poi-key) pot – a three-legged witches cauldron type pot similar to the type which graced many a ‘swee’ on the old Scottish dwelling house range. In fact they are still available and are, I believe, made in Falkirk?
Day 4 – Drive out to the airport and take the 40 minute flight down to Mombassa on the Indian Ocean. Transfer by taxi to the Driftwood Beach Club at Malindi.
Day 5 – At leisure – read, swim and eat and most importantly drink. Swimming in the Indian Ocean is an experience in itself. The shallow water within the Reef heats up quickly so it’ like being in a very warm bath.
Day 6 – After breakfast spend 2 hours snorkeling on the reef in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Huge variety of colourful tropical fish. Afternoon – by tuk-tuk to Malindi Town to visit the tourist shops.
Day 7 – After breakfast return to Monbassa and stop for 3 hours in the vicinity of Fort Jesus to sightsee and eat locally before returning to the airport and flying back to Nairobi. Evening – attend small gathering hosted by Neil and Joanna MacDougall. Joanna, a native of the Isle of Lewis, who has spent over 40 years in Africa with her Water Engineer husband, insists that everyone perform their party piece. Having left the accordions back at base Charlie is obliged to sing in public for the first time in living memory (and hopefully the last).
Day 8 – After breakfast drive to the Maasai Market, a huge weekly gathering of traditional local arts and crafts. Afternoon – 3pm entertain the elderly residents of Harrison house, the last of the old colonials, for 2 hours. Evening – attend a local school production of Babes in the Wood followed by tilapia and chips in the Java House at Nakumatt Junction.
Day 9 – 10am sound check at The Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, venue for the St Andrews Ball. As usual 4 hours for a job that should have taken 20 minutes. Visit the Sarit Centre at Westlands and stock up on things you can’t get at home – mosquito nets, etc. Evening - dinner, speeches and we play from 11pm till 2am.
Day 10 – Rise late and after a leisurely breakfast visit the Bizarre Bazaar – a gathering of mzungu (white settler) produced arts and crafts. Evening – attend the Karen Golf Club and play some background music at the presentation of prizes of the Caledonian Golf Tournament. (The Karen District occupies the land of Danish authoress Karen Blixen whose life story was told in ‘Out of Africa’.)
Day 11 – Drive down to the Magadi Soda Lakes, located south-west of Nairobi, again in the Great Rift Valley. This 104 sq km lake is completely surrounded by vast natural soda flats which are continually supplemented as the water evaporates. These sweltering hot plains prevent any animals from reaching the alkaline lake at its centre. View pelicans and pink flamingoes in the searing heat of the world’s largest mined soda lake. Evening – 11pm departure from Jomo Kenyatta to London Heathrow then Glasgow Abbotsinch and home.
Observations on Africa – Almost every aspect of life in Africa is different and Kenya is no exception. Northern Kenya borders on Ethiopia, which the north-east adjoins the Somali Republic – both unruly and frequently wracked by civil war and famine. To the west lies Uganda and Lake Victoria part of which lies within Kenya’s borders. Here are some observations on life in Kenya for the ex-pat.
Security – Home security is rigorous. Houses or apartments may be grouped in walled complexes with ‘askari’ on the gate. Even within the compound each garden will be walled. The gardener will open the gate in daytime and again an askari, who spends a long night in a sentry type box, during the hours of darkness. Because Nairobi sits almost on the Equator it gets dark just after six every night and light again at six in the morning all the year round. All windows are barred or grilled with a heavy gauge metal door protecting the normal wooden front and back doors of the house. Internally there will be at least one more metal door to separate the sleeping quarters from the living quarters, the idea being that thieves are welcome to steal the telly so long as they don’t murder everyone in the process!
Travel – Being a former British Protectorate traffic drives on the left, as we do. Roads are generally in a deplorable condition – potholes are everywhere. So, ironically, are ‘sleeping policemen’ although the need for them is generally negated by the potholes. It’s best to have the suspension raised before you take your new car out on the road. Traffic lights are used as a guide rather than taken as gospel. Roundabouts, and there are many, particularly on Nairobi’s main road, the Uhuru (Freedom) Highway, are an absolute free-for-all even when supposedly controlled by traffic lights. The height and weight of a 4 x 4 is a definite advantage. Street lighting is very scarce, although it has improved marginally in the past year due to ‘sponsorship’.
Gardens – Beautiful flowering plants and trees grow in profusion. The combination of height above sea level (almost 5,500 feet) which makes it bearably cool compared to the coast, periodic monsoon rainfall and the distinctive, rich, red soil give rise to an abundance of bougainvillea, frangipani, poinsettia, flame trees (of Thika fame) and dozens of others. To create a lawn you don’t sow grass seed, you merely lift and break up a square of turf and plant a few roots at 3 inch intervals. Six weeks later it will have spread to give you a new lawn. Roadside vendors on tracts of spare ground give you dozens of plant species to choose from at minimal cost. The trees play host to an unsurpassed variety of birdlife. You’re far more likely to wake up to the cry of an ibis in the trees than a cockerel. Houses tend to be built on hillsides and monkeys sometimes make their way along the trees bordering the streams in the intervening valleys which serve to drain away the monsoon rainwaters.
Safari – The word comes from the Swahili meaning ‘journey’ but will be forever linked in our minds with viewing wildlife on the plains. Kenya (with its numerous gameparks including the Maasai Mara and Tsavo) and neighbouring Tanzania (with the Serengeti and the Ngorrogorro Crater) play host to hundreds of thousands of wild animals. The Mara River is famous for its hippos and crocodiles as well as being a major obstacle, which has to be crossed, in the path of the annual migration. Lake Nakuru is the home of tens of thousands of flamingo while in the north of Kenya the area around Lake Turkana is known as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’ since Professor Richard Leakey discovered some of the oldest human remains ever found. Uganda is perhaps best known as one of the last refuges of the mountain gorilla and for Lake Victoria’s various attractions.
The Coast – Kenya sits on the Indian Ocean and has two principal resorts – Mombasa and Malindi. Both are major locations for game fishing – marlin, shark, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado etc but equally important also boast a reef which provides wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving and beautiful, palm fringed, white sandy beaches for those who prefer a more relaxed holiday. A variety of hotels with evocative names such as White Sands, Nyali Beach, Hemmingways and Turtle Bay line the beaches. There are various things to do and see such as crocodile farms, butterfly farms and wood carving factories.
Shopping – The two major supermarket chains are Nakumatt and Uchumi. There are several shopping malls distributed around the city. Native stalls called ‘dukas’ appear along roadsides or collectively in markets, some of which cater for tourists. Kenya has a thriving industry devoted to carving everything from animals to Maasai warriors. My own favourites are the City Market in central Nairobi and the Triangle Market at Westlands, slightly further out. Haggling is obligatory but good natured (and you know you’ve done well when they congratulate you as occasionally happens).
Eating Out – For Scotland’s ‘other national dish’ the ‘Indian’ there is no finer place on earth. Asian labourers originally came to East Africa to build the railways a century ago and most stayed on. Their descendents run businesses and restaurants, and if you think your local Indian restaurant is good you should try this.
The Java Coffee House is a small chain which started recently but which has a great future ahead of it. Ironically, although Kenya produces some of the best tea and coffee in the world there was no-where that you could guarantee to get a good cup of either until the enterprising Kenyan wives of three US citizens started this business. They do good food too, although you’re more likely to get tilapia or Nile perch (from Lake Victoria) with your chips than haddock. Exotic fruits such as mango, paw-paw, pineapple, avocado etc are available in abundance. Sugar is semi-refined i.e. a brown colour but equally sweet. Tusker and Whitecap are the favourite local lagers but you can’t beat a Gin & Tonic as a ‘Sundowner’. Stoney Tangaweisi is a very popular locally-brewed ginger beer. The brewery was bought over by Coca Cola so it must be good.
Transport – Even setting aside financial constraints Kenyans are keen walkers and will happily walk miles each way to and from work. The most economic form of transport is the minibus or ‘matatu’ as they are called. Up until two years ago there was no enforced regulations regarding numbers carried and safety but a serious of serious crashes with high casualties changed all that. Buses are popular but there is no local train service. Heavy goods vehicles frequently severely overload to the extent that they are unable to climb the many hills and start rolling back, taking all in their wake. Very occasionally, just to show how much they’ve understood the root of the problem, the replacement vehicle sent to pick up the load at the crash site will suffer a similar fate! Engines, as a rule, are badly serviced and exhausts spew out clouds of noxious fumes. Fuel, I understand, is a bit more ‘raw’ than we are accustomed to here.
Conclusion – Kenya frequently received a bad press whenever an incident hits the international headlines but while it undoubtedly has its problems it is a wonderful tourist destination and visitors to the country are well looked after.
Our thanks to the Caledonian Societies of both Kenya and Uganda, to all our hosts, drivers, the sponsors (especially British Airways and SN Brussels) for making our trips such an interesting and unforgettable experience.
Trip to Beijing
by John Stuart
On Thursday, 26th November, I set off with my band from Edinburgh Airport to play some gigs for The Caledonian Society of Beijing in China. The line-up was Jimmy MacDonald from Tighnabruaich on keyboard, Richard Hughes from Tobermory on drums, Stewart Reid from Dunfermline on fiddle and myself on accordion.
The trip started off okay but quickly ran into trouble when we missed our connection to Beijing at Heathrow by 10 minutes due to fog. Panic! Had to make a quick decision to fly to Shanghai instead – at least it was in China!
Duly got to Shanghai only to find that my case had been lost, which had all my music, kilt etc. in it. We then tried to get a flight to Beijing, only to find that we would have to wait seven hours for the next available flight. However, we eventually got to our destination 28 hours after leaving, and the case turned up the next day.
We were collected from the airport by Mrs Mary Miller-Bakewell of The Caledonian Society, who gave us our accommodation and looked after us during our stay. I have to say that the hospitality given to us by the Society was excellent.
The main function we were booked for was the St Andrews Ball in The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing which was a great success. The hotel provided the sound system, complete with sound engineer, which was a great help and the guests were still dancing enthusiastically at 3am next morning.
Over and above that we played at the one and only ‘Scottish’ pub in the middle of Beijing and had a good going ceilidh, part of which was broadcast on Beijing local radio. We also played at a local school near to where we were staying. The children wanted to see our kilts and learn some dances, very enjoyable. The remaining nights we played in a bar/restaurant and then at the British Embassy House in Beijing, so a busy and enjoyable time was had by the entire band.
We also managed to fit in some sightseeing. We walked on part of the Great Wall of china, which was a great thrill, and did a tour of The Forbidden City in Beijing and learned to barter with the local shop keepers.
I am glad to say that the return journey went without a hitch and we returned home with only a bit of ‘jet-lag’ to worry about. All-in-all a great trip and I must thank The Caledonian Society of Beijing for their kindness, and for showing us a little bit of China.
South Korea
by Ian Thomson
When the call first came in, “Would you like to play at the St Andrews Ball in South Korea?”, there was only one answer. However, after some discussion with the rest of the band I found myself in need of both a keyboard player and fiddler, due to early motherhood, and impending fatherhood respectively. So we had to find replacements who would not only fit in musically and socially, but would have a similar sense of humour to the remaining three band members. The fiddle was easy; Willie Johnstone from Perth (originally Insch) was an obvious stand-in as he has successfully covered that role on a Shetland Festival trip, and a few other gigs. He was delighted to accept. The keyboard position was a much more difficult proposition, and after a few unsuccessful phone calls, I decided to ask Martin Henderson of The Cullivoe Band from Shetland, who was down playing for my wife’s 40th birthday party in June. He accepted immediately. The band was complete with the line-up being Mark Cummine on second accordion, Willie Johnstone on fiddle, Martin Henderson on keyboard, Stevie Mills on drums and myself on lead accordion.
We all met up at Edinburgh airport on the 16th November at midday, and the journey began. Our flights all went to schedule and we managed an upgrade to Business Class on the London to Hong Kong stage of the journey. So, having set out at midday on the Wednesday, we eventually landed in Seoul at 9pm on the Thursday, which was effectively 24 hours of traveling as Korean time is 9 hours ahead of UK. The first task was to board the correct bus with all the band gear and personnel and make the fifty minute journey to The Grand Hilton Hotel where we were to stay. We managed this successfully and were met at the hotel by the piper Donald Martin, who had traveled a few days earlier. Our accommodation was a four bedroom suite with excellent facilities; a fridge full of groceries which included a case of beer was most welcome. In fact, it was so welcome that only one can remained by the morning!
We were all up bright and early the next morning due to the jet-lag and not really knowing what time it was! Our first gig was at the local school, which was having a mini St Andrews Ball. The British and International schools had got together for this and the pupils had been practicing their set dances for months. The dancing commenced at 11am, with a break for lunch (haggis and sausages), and more set dances afterwards. The standard of dancing was superb; it was great to see almost 200 British and Korean kids dancing dances such as The Eightsome Reel, Hamilton House and The Reel of Seoul, which was devised by Gavin Mackay who is an ex-pat living in Seoul who runs the local sausage factory. We returned to our hotel just before 3pm, changed out of our kilts, and headed to downtown Seoul for some sightseeing. Approximately 12 hours later we returned to the hotel with our sight slightly diminished due to most of the sights visited being local bars!
After a long lie in on the Saturday, we made our way to the Ballroom at the Hotel for a sound check, which went extremely well even though the sound engineer didn’t speak much English, and he had trouble understanding our accents (especially Martin’s Shetland brogue!) The ball commenced at 7pm with a champagne reception, followed by dinner. Now, it’s probably not the first time that a band has traveled to far-flung places and partaken in too much alcohol before they were due to play, so, to avoid this Mark was in charge of the drinking! The ball finishes at 4.30am with a champagne breakfast, so we had a long night ahead. I’m pleased to report that most band members were actually seen drinking water and just the odd alcoholic beverage before 3am, which was the agreed time after which the curfew was lifted. The tune and the ‘craic’ was excellent (from the band’s point of view anyway!) and when Auld Lang Syne was sung just after 4am, the band weren’t finished! After playing for a wee jig about the floor, the music kept coming until, after a few more sets dances and forty minutes later, we decided that the champagne breakfast could wait no longer. We tucked in to sausages and scrabbled eggs accompanied by whisky and champagne, at 5am, whilst mixing with the British Ambassador, and other such dignitaries. Finally, we returned to the suite, and after another couple of refreshments we retired at 8am, not before being entertained by Willie demonstrating his version of The Highland Fling (and almost falling out a window in the process).
Sunday was mostly spent recovering, but in the evening we had been invited to Gavin (the sausage man)’s sausage factory. He has a small restaurant attached to the factory, which also serves beer and wine, so we were persuaded. We took the instruments along for a tune and had a most enjoyable evening, eventually returning home at 3am.
Monday was the last day and time to make the long journey home, which was highlighted by an 8 hour stopover in Hong Kong. This allowed enough time to head into Kowloon and do some Christmas shopping; £2 for a ‘genuine imitation’ Rolex.
The Hong Kong to London flight was again upgraded to Business Class, so we arrived home the following day relatively relaxed after the long journey. My thanks goes to the band who without exception were well behaved when they had to be, and performed when required (musically!) to a high standard.
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Over the Waves to Shetland – Da Fustra – HRMCD012 – Highlander Music
Tuned In – Andy Kain Band – BRCD040 – Bryan’s Room Recordings
Duck! – Sgoil Chiuil na Gaidhealtaschd – SCGCD005
Celtic Steps – Lindsay Weir SDB – GLRCD01 – Glasfield Records
Chasing Shadows – George Balfour – GBCD001 – Independent
Feis Rois – FR007 - Independent
Book Review
An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Vol 2 – Rob Howard
80 Years of Dundee Dancing – Dundee RSCDS Branch Tribute Book – LBFM2005
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
4th Feb 06 – Glenelvan SDB (The Vass Family from Nairn)
11th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB (Dance Tutor & Caller Annabel Oates)
18th Feb 06 – Steven Carcary SDB with Guest Presenter Robert Lovie (Jimmy Scott, pianist)
25th Feb 06 – (Sandy Nixon SDB)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 21st Feb 06 - tbc
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Feb 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Feb 06 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Feb 06 – Karen Hannah & Alan Small
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 2nd Feb 06 – George Stirrat SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Feb 06 – Sandy Legget Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Feb 06 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Feb 06 – Alan Roy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Feb 06 – Alexander Lindsay Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 23rd Feb 06 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Feb 06 – Simon Thoumire & David Milligan
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Feb 06 - tba
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 14th Feb 06 – Richie Ahearne & the Dalcassian Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Feb 06 – Roman Voluischek
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Ian Hutson SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 8th Feb 06 - tbc
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 – Bill Brian
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Feb 06 – Seamus O’Sullivan Duo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Feb 06 -
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 20th Feb 06 – James Paterson Band
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – The Garioch Blend
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Feb 06 – Alistair Lennox Thistle Dubh CB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Feb 06 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Feb 06 – Lynn Gould Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Feb 06 – David Bowen Trio
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 13th Feb 06 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 16th Feb 06 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Feb 06 – Gleneuglie Strollers
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Feb 06 – Simon Howie SDB
Gretna (Social & Athletic Club) - 5th Feb 06 – Roy Hendrie
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 12th Feb 06 – Gordon Shand SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Feb 06 – Graham MacKenzie
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 8th Feb 06 – Allan McIntosh & the Heather SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Feb 06 – Highland A&F Club
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Feb 06 – Robert Whitehead Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 22nd Feb 06 – Lynne Christie SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 – Club Members Night
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 16th Feb 06 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 27th Feb 06 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Feb 06 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Feb 06 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Feb 06 – James Coutts Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 10th Feb 06 – Dance to Iain Cathcart 28th Feb 06 – William Marshall Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Feb 06 – David Vernon
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Feb 06 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 23rd Feb 06 – Alistair McCulloch
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 1st Feb 06 – Andy Kain Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Feb 06 – West Telferton CB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Feb 06 – Daniel McPhee
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 2nd Feb 06 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 23rd Feb 06 – Iain Anderson SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Wayne Robertson Trio
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig) 1st Feb 06 - tbc
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 7th Feb 06 – Gordon Pattullo
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Feb 06 – Morag Robertson Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Feb 06 – Lyne Valley Band
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 12th Feb 06 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 9th Feb 06 – Reel Thing
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Bowling Club) - 1st Feb 06 – Bearsden Young Fiddlers
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 18th Feb 06 – Charles Fitzpatrick
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Feb 06 – Deirdre Adamson
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Feb 06 – Local Night
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 2nd Feb 06 – Members’ Night
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 2nd Feb 06 - tbc
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 9th Feb 06 – John Stuart SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Feb 06 – Paul Anderson Duo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Cults
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Dunoon
15. Duns
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Galashiels
20. Galston
21. Glendale
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Haddington
25. Highland
26. Inveraray
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Ladybank
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Mauchline
34. Newmill
35. North East
36. Oban
37. Premier
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Thornhill
42. Thurso
43. West Barnes
44. 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. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
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. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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