Box and Fiddle
Year 37 No 06
February 2014
Price £2.70
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £29.70 + p&p £13.75 (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
Charlie Todd is undertaking a review of the Association’s guest Artiste List which, with the ever changing scene created by modern communications technology, needs updating. We need whatever is available from the following – postal address, landline, mobile, e-mail, website, solo/duo/trio/band. Can all existing artistes please check their existing entries on the Association’s website and let him know of any changes. Can NEW guest artistes send him all their details please. All information to.........
Karin Ingram
19th Shand Morino Gathering
by Charlie Todd
Sunday, 19th January, 2014 and once again a dreich month is enlivened by the prospect of an afternoon of good music and renewed friendships at the 19th Annual Shand Morino Gathering in the Windygates Institute. We do our best to observe all the speed limits on the way there, thereby avoiding the unwelcome attentions of the boys in blue, only to be greeted on arrival by one of their number. But this is a warm and friendly greeting from one long retired, compere for the afternoon, John McDonald. As always, all arrivals are ushered through to the kitchen area for a welcoming plate of soup (I opted for the curried parsnip this year – a cracking choice), a chunk of crusty bread and a wee blether – the calm before the storm.
Proceedings kick-off promptly at 1p.m. with a brief welcome from John McDonald and a brief explanation on the history of the Shand Morino by Bruce Lindsay Snr to the full hall. This year there are about 30 Shand Morino’s lined up, of various shapes and sizes, predominantly of various shades of red, but with a few of the less common black ones and Dave Pullar’s very unusual gold one. This year there are even three red ones available for sale (if anyone out there is looking for one). Bruce then introduced the first in a series of cracking players to get things under way – George Wilson from Cupar, who plays lead accordion in Jack Stalker’s Dance Band. Keyboard backing this year was in the capable hands of Graeme Burns, who periodically moved seats and picked up the fiddle to accompany various players in that role. Next on lead was Davy Ross from Kilmarnock, who gave his usual polished performance, then Roy Magna from Markinch, whose dedication to the Shand Morino is such that he moved up to Fife from the South of England 50 years ago so that he could live near ‘the great man himself’. Both Roy and the next on stage, Robin Waitt from Canonbie, sport fairly recently acquired black Shand Morinos. Very few of them were produced but the ‘specs’ were excellent and they are highly sought after. Robin is just the lad to put his through its paces. His box came from another past master, the late Toby Stewart, from Ecclefechan.
Ian Cruickshanks from Kirriemuir was next playing his beautiful box acquired in Orkney. Ian’s playing is always precise and captivating and he is one of the only players to follow in the footsteps of players like Sir Jimmy and Rob Gordon, playing a wide variety of Old Time and Sequence in addition to Scottish and Ballroom. Alex Houston from Windygates itself, a relative newcomer to the instrument, then played and explained that he had unsuccessfully tried to trace and recover his late father’s Shand Morino but that it had come as something of a consolation to discover that the one he had bought had been owned by his hero, Jimmy Blue, at one time. Arthur Wood from Montrose was followed by Sandy McAllan from Aberdeen who explained the moving story behind Scott Skinner’s lovely slow air ‘The Weeping Birches of Kilmorack’ before playing it. Archie Paterson from Thornhill, Stirlingshire was another player able to name an illustrious previous owner of his box – this time Billy McGuire from Dysart. “The poor box must be wondering what’s happened” he joked. A new member of the club, the ‘Shand Morino Owners Club’ that is, was on next. Davie Millar from Newbigging, near Carnwath, had acquired his box a couple of months ago from Colin Chalmers who lives on the outskirts of Dundee - on the recommendation of Ian Cruickshanks. Davie stuck to his tried and tested (and entirely appropriate) ‘John McDonald’s March’ and ‘McDonald of Sleat’ for this, his first visit. Bringing the first half to a close was a visitor from the ‘Deep South’ – Cody Roberts from Shropshire who had journeyed up by train (made precarious by all the railways in Fife being closed at the weekend) to attend. He was joined on stage by fellow gardener, Ian Cruickshanks, for a couple of selections. I wonder what he made of his first visit? Everyone certainly appreciated all the effort he had put in to get here.
Tea time – steak bridies, once again generously donated by Dave Pullar, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us (best wishes Dave from the Committee and everyone attending), scones, assorted fancies, biscuits and tea all washed down by conversations with friends old and new and the exchange of information that is such an important ingredient in these annual get-togethers. A big thank you to all the ladies in the kitchen from all us hungry visitors.
Act 2 Scene 1 – enter our friends from across the water, namely Donal Ring for the first time accompanied by brother Michael, who plays the 5-row, together with Michael Horgan and Jerry Coakley all from the Cork area in the Irish Republic. (I actually have a family connection with Cork because Lance Corporal Charlie Todd of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was on garrison duty in Cork in 1918 when the Great War ended. But on second thoughts it’s probably better not to mention that!) Now it was the turn of one of the younger players present, dual instrumentalist Scott Band who gave a solid performance as always. Then it was back to those old stagers Roger Dobson from Newcastleton, Andy Greig from Anstruther and Box and Fiddle Webwatch correspondent Bill Young from Troon. All played well in their own distinctive styles.
With time wearing on it was the turn of two of the leading lights of the Buttons and Bows learners class who meet in the Windygates institute on a Wednesday evening. Firstly Ian Stewart, who I’m sure wouldn’t be offended used a quote from David Philips book on Jimmy Shand by saying that he is ‘nae spring chicken’. Ian has acquired one of the earlier, smaller and if anything more powerful red Shand Morino’s and confidently played its sharp, clear tone came through particularly well. Then it was Gladys Wright’s turn, this time on one of the rare black instruments. Gladys led a couple of grand waltz selections to bring the Shand Morino players to a close. Well done to these two ‘learners’ who are now poised to join the ranks of the seasoned players.
That brought the Shand Morino players to an end so it was ‘open stage’ with Robert Dykes the first to give us a tune, then Allan Scott from Midlem (Kelso), followed by the usual stramash when all the players, including Dave Ritchie (Falkland), Chris Ratter (Dalkeith), Stuart Venters (Buckhaven), Bobby Dowds (Leuchars), Ian McCallum and Dave Matthew (Gauldry), who unfortunately due to lack of time did not have solo spots, (apologies also to Allan Petrie) All took to the stage, and the front of the hall, to create the grand finale.
Many thanks to all of the above for their fine efforts and also to the backing musicians. Resident pianist was Graeme Burns who backed almost everyone with frequent appearances from second accordionists Jack Delaney, Ian McCallum, Stuart Venters and Bruce Lindsay Snr. The only fiddler this year was once again Graeme Burns and drummers were Dave Taylor, Tom Hope, Jock Ireland and Charlie Todd.
The great thing about the Gathering is that no two years are identical and while there were some faces missing from last year’s event there are always some new to keep take their place and keep things fresh. Congratulations once again to the Windygates Committee, and in particular to Bruce Lindsay Snr and John McDonald, for staging such a successful afternoon and for helping to preserve this wonderful instrument which is so central to our traditional music. Thanks also to ‘scullery maids’ in the kitchen, the donors of raffle prizes and to everyone else for ‘just being there’.
What are the chances of that?
And just to round off, since it principally concerns John McDonald, on 12th January Keith Dickson, our B&F Webmaster, passed on a query he had received to the website, It read :
Hi I was wondering if u had any articles etc about my gran, Margaret McNab, who played the piano with Jimmy Shand in the late 1930's. My gran lived in Auchtermuchty with my grandad William McNab who was a Police Sergeant in village too but not sure of dates.
Debbie krzyzanowska
The late 30s, over 70 years ago, very little chance I thought to myself but with the Shand Morino Gathering due the following Sunday I passed the query to John McDonald who immediately came back with the following :
Margaret McNab (nee Margaret Low) was the pianist in Jimmy Shand’s band in the 1930’s. Margaret was brought up in Leven (Fife) and had a sister named Ella who was a dancing teacher. As a pianist, Margaret did in fact make a few recordings with Jimmy Shand and drummer Len Kydd (Dundee) on Beltona (78) records. Two of the recordings being the “Rocky Mountain Medley” ( She’ll be coming round the Mountain – Can I sleep in your barn? – Hand me down your walking cane - Chicken Reel and Turkey in the Straw). Another being the “Blue Ridge Medley” – Grand Old Duke of York – West Colorado Sunset, etc. The recording studio was in Abbey Road (London). Margaret married William McNab from the Killin area, who was a member of the Fife Police and who was my Sergeant when I was stationed at Auchtermuchty in 1961/63, which was very convenient for us because Jimmy Shand lived ‘just up the road’. Margaret Low’s name is mentioned on page 175 of the book ‘The Jimmy Shand Story’ by Ian Cameron. (bearing in mind this would be before Margaret was married! ) Margaret and her husband moved to Glenrothes when he retired from the police around 1963. There were two daughters one Margaret, but the name of the other one escapes me.
And would you believe it Margaret is Debbie’s mum. Can any of our readers add anything else to this? If so let me know particularly if you know of a photograph of Margaret Low with the Jimmy Shand Band.
W. Roger Crook (Obituary)
by
Roger was born in Forfar and spent his childhood on his parents’ poultry farm in Aberlemno. He was educated at the local primary school and Brechin High School. He started his musical life by having lessons on the violin at the age of 6, going to the well known musician and poet Jack D. Michie who had a music shop in Brechin.
He had singing lessons as a teenager from Ann Nicoll in Forfar. His voice matured early and he sang the part of the Captain of the Fleet in Brechin High’s production of Dido and Aeneas while in his first year. Roger led the school orchestra and sang in the Gardner Memorial Church choir. He earned pocket money working for the next farm pulling neeps. A friend who lived on a farm 6 miles away remembers meeting him for the first time on a Sunday in August 1958. Aged 16, he arrived driving a tractor with a trailer, and, all on its own, lying in the trailer was…. a fiddle. He has said these were his happiest years. Roger was also captain of the school football team and continued to play football at music college. It was a proud day indeed when Roger’s team beat the Jordanhill College P.E. students. After a leg injury, Roger became a referee and continued that for many years in the schools he taught in.
Roger went to study Violin/Viola at the R.S.A.M.D. in 1960, but changed over to first study voice with Ena Mitchell. Roger became leading tenor at the Wellington church in Glasgow. His college piano teacher said she had never met anyone more musical but unfortunately it stopped at his wrists. In 1961 while a student aged 19, Roger spent his summer holidays working on the buses in Arbroath where his retired parents lived and he often joked that it was his first conducting job. An example of his quick wit was an occasion when a lady and her son were paying their fare and she said to Roger her son was under 14 and qualified for a half fare. Roger retorted “madam I am here to collect fares not confessions”.
Roger sang principal roles in college operas, and this was how he met Nancy in February 1965. Roger was rehearsing the part of Don Jose in the opera Carmen in a practice room. Needing an accompanist, he looked out in the corridor, just as Nancy, a first year piano student, was walking past. She sight read the well known Flower Song for him and the rest as they say is history. However this relationship may have been on shaky ground when Nancy accepted a challenge to a game of table tennis in the student common room, not knowing that Roger, president of the student representative council, was also table tennis champion and he proceeded to thrash her to the amusement of the watching students.
However, Nancy and Roger eventually got married in Glasgow in 1968. The 3 day honeymoon had to be fitted in between Roger and Nancy’s various summer professional engagements i.e. Roger singing opera in Myfod, Wales; Nancy accompanying a choir at the Llangollen and then Middlesbrough festivals; Roger singing in Pitlochry. (Roger sang in Pitlochry Highland Nights for 13 summers).
Roger became much in demand as a Tenor soloist in oratorio throughout Scotland and Northern England. He would often perform alongside 3 English soloists who remarked he would make a fortune living down south doing the busier oratorio circuit. But Roger’s temperament was such that he preferred the security of a regular salary. So he taught music in schools in Clydebank. He continued to referee football, became a member of the Glasgow based John Currie Singers, a professional group who gave many first performances of new works. Roger and Nancy also joined the Gordon Mabbott Singers.
Roger auditioned successfully for the BBC and gave many broadcasts with the Scottish Radio Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Sinfonia and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
He travelled to Helensburgh to conduct the Dorian Choir from 1967-72 and the Dumbartonshire Operatic Society 1972-73. Nancy remembers taking their new son Ross in the back of the car to be looked after by the wife of the producer while Nancy went to accompany the society, and it was a great way to get Ross to sleep. That year the leading tenor went awol, and Roger had to step in at a week’s notice to play the part of Nanki Poo, getting a friend in to conduct.
In 1973, just before daughter Lynne was born, the family moved to Fife where Roger had promoted teaching posts in Kirkland 1973 – 76 during which he conducted the East Fife Ladies Choir; Auchterderran 1976-81, Viewforth 1981-86 during which he conducted Glenrothes Choral 1979-86 and lastly Inverkeithing High School from 1986 till his retirement in 2000. Roger also became an elder of the church when the family moved to Leslie in 1985.
Roger soon became heavily involved with Fife and Tayside amateur opera companies, taking leading tenor roles in 14 different operas.
It was a long standing joke that whenever the family were going anywhere, Roger would say humorously: “away and get the car out of the garage, son”. One day Ross, aged 9, took him at his word. He took the keys, planning to only turn on the ignition. Unfortunately the car had been left in first gear and leapt into the garage wall. Thankfully there was little damage as the roof rack was in between. Roger could not tell Ross off!
Roger joined the Fife based semi -professional vocal quartet Quatrain who had originally been formed in 1976 to work with the actor John Cairney in Linlithgow for the Lothian Heritage Festival. The group worked all over Scotland and Roger arranged most of their material. They gave many recitals at Arts clubs, travelling as far as places like Gatehouse of Fleet and back on the same night.
On one winter occasion while driving to Stonehaven, half of the group got stranded behind a jack-knifed lorry on the Lunan Bay hill. The other car load who made it in time entertained the audience taking it in turns to accompany each other’s solos. When the rest arrived an hour or two later they were all expected to sing the original concert complete!
Quatrain made 2 LPs and appeared on radio. The group retired after 20 years when Rhona Whyte their soprano died suddenly at the age of 50.
Roger always had a great love of Scottish Dance Music and over the years he played in the bands of John Ellis, Jim Johnston and Bert Shorthouse, playing piano, violin or accordion as required. He played piano and did the arrangements for the Fife Strathspey and Reel Society when they won the Golden Fiddle Award in 1981.
Roger made over 60 arrangements for the Fife Young Fiddlers. He had a band made up of school pupils when he taught at Kirkland High school and later he formed his own Thistle Ceilidh Band which included his son Ross on fiddle then drums. Ross spent 12 years in the band playing everywhere from Gleneagles to Guernsey and enjoyed Roger’s ability to teach dances to non-english speaking tourists as well as his repertoire of witty comments on the microphone such as “We have had a lot of requests – but we are going to keep playing anyway!”
Roger formed the Doric Trio with Nancy and Ron Gonnella, playing accordion and singing, and they made another LP just before Ron’s death. Roger and Nancy also formed the Rosslyn Duo (named after Ross and Lynne) and made a CD called Songs we Love.
Roger retired from his Inverkeithing teaching post in 2000 and proceeded to carry out much charity work playing in hospitals, hospices and old people’s homes in Fife, Lothians and the Borders. An old school teaching colleague formed “Harmony”, a charity who with lottery funding paid travel expenses of musicians to put on 40 concerts a month. In 2012 Harmony was given the Queen’s golden jubilee award for voluntary service by groups in the community bringing life through music. Dunfermline Scottish Country Dance Class have many happy memories of Roger playing at their Monday class and their monthly technique class which was attended by people from many areas.
Roger loved walking his dogs; it kept him very fit. Over the years Roger had 3 Alsatians in succession, all rescue dogs, then more recently a Labrador /collie.
Lynne was a daddy’s girl and always knew that he was there when she needed him. They spoke most days on the phone and shared a similar sense of humour. Roger was a wonderful grandad to Jasmine and Leyna, brave enough to babysit when he was asked to.
Ross valued his dad as an exceptionally solid, dependable father whose humour lasted throughout.
Nancy has fond memories of the last two occasions Roger played the accordion and sang:- on April 30th at Dunfermline Ladies Morning Music Group and on May 8th at the Induction of the new minister at Broughton St Mary’s church Edinburgh where Nancy is organist.
Roger was a talented musician, a faithful helpful loving husband, a kind father to Ross and Lynne and devoted Grandad to Jasmine and Leyna. He will be sorely missed.
Here are just some of the reminiscences taken from the many cards Nancy has received:-
“Roger will be greatly missed as a fine, versatile musician and teacher who everybody liked and respected. Roger encouraged so many children to a life- long love of music for which they will always be grateful.
Anne Aitken:- “Roger was always kind and considerate as she witnessed from her early days in Brechin travelling on the Aberlemno bus from school, to most recently when he so thoughtfully visited her following the school reunion two years ago which Anne was unable to attend.
Agnes Thomson who taught with Roger at Inverkeithing said Roger would often keep staff entertained with his stories from his time as a clippie, his trips to football, and his many stories from the classroom. Roger gave generously of his time to others and that is how she will remember him.
Isobel and George Walker remember Roger’s singing in Quatrain and playing in his band. They always loved dancing to it.
Michael Welch remembers fine performances with various choral societies to Roger’s enthusiasm for Scottish songs and dance music and his experience and expertise in this field also. Michael took part with Roger in the Surge of the Sea project in aid of Anstruther Lifeboats which Roger undertook with integrity and professional attention to detail.
Nicola, his niece, will treasure memories of Roger’s jokes, love of fruit gums, slipping his young nieces some pocket money when they visited.
Mary Welsh has fond memories of a gentle man and a real gentleman. She enjoyed their chats when Roger was in the Abbey shop and was always grateful for his introduction to the “Lady” crosswords when they would pick each others’ brains on a particularly difficult clue.
Cousin Frances remembers Roger’s wonderful speech at daughter Lynne’s wedding. She will miss his newsletter at Christmas which always made her laugh.
Kate McCallum, president of Glenrothes Choral, smiles at remembering some of his pithy remarks; what a very special person he was and he will remain in their minds always. Liz Laing, treasurer, says Roger made us into singers, often with lots of fun. His arrangements were so singable. As a friend he never passed you by, always a smile and a word of welcome. Liz Gronkowski, Roger’s old neighbour in Leslie, says Roger was a lovely man and she is sure he will be adding his voice to the heavenly choir.
John Anderton speaks for all those at Trinity who have enjoyed Roger’s music over the years; he will be greatly missed in the Scottish Country dancing field. Roger’s friends at the Wednesday afternoon country dancing:- Roger was one of life’s gentlemen, who brought pleasure to many with his music. We feel privileged that he came to our party in April where he enjoyed his tea and meringues.
Adults with Special Needs, Parkgate Ceilidh, Rosyth – helpers Alison and Susan remember many happy hours dancing to Roger’s accordion music.
David and Sandra Welch enjoyed dancing to Roger’s music when he played for their Scottish Country Dance Class. His helpfulness and musical skills were a great support when teaching the class.
Sheila and John McLean say Roger’s accordion playing gave them so much pleasure over the years and throughout he was such a pleasant, gentlemanly person to be with. They really appreciated Roger playing for John’s 60th birthday 5 years ago and also remember his long association with Quatrain.
Iris Jarrett: I thought that Roger was one of the finest men I have ever met. Just so full of integrity and love for all he met. It shone from his kind eyes. He had a big heart, brim full of character, life and dynamism; fun to be around, interested in all, with time to spare for all. He must have been an ideal life companion, moreover he was such a good man, using his wonderful musical talents to benefit others as long as he could. You must have had so much fun together with so much in common and such understanding between you. So many people would want that but few achieve it as successfully as you two. Just …… a wonderful pair.
Sally Franks (former Pupil) : Roger was a truly inspirational man and certainly had a big impact on my own life, though I doubt he ever realized it. I never realized he had done so much; such a talented and kind man.
Rebecca Petford: Roger was a lovely man, the sort of person who people just felt they knew despite not having spent much time with him. He will be missed by a much wider circle of people than either of you would believe.
Carla Chiappa: Roger was a lovely kind, generous man who helped me on many occasions with my singing.
Casey: Moira and I have happy memories concerning his outstanding quality singing and also with his choir conducting. He will be sadly missed within the realms of music.
Fiddle or Violin
by Rhiannon Schmitt (Internet)
“That’s a fine lookin’ fiddle ya got there, kid.” …………..
Happy Birthday Mauchline Club!
30th Anniversary
by Andy Rae
The December 2013 meeting was held in the usual venue with a very large turnout of players and supporters to celebrate the 30th Birthday of the Club. The Club was formed in 1983 by Kenneth and Elizabeth Nairn and, as they now live in Newtonmore, it was much appreciated that they made the effort to come.
We celebrated the occasion with a lovely supper and toasted the future success of the Club.
Ian Muir was our first guest artiste 30 years ago and even though he has entertained us many time over the years we were delighted to welcome him at our special night.
Ian and his band gave us a very varied and interesting programme, which went down extremely well with the listeners. The band consisted of Ian on accordion, Marie Fielding on fiddle, Neil McMillan on piano and Derek Hamilton on drums. Club players on the night were – Jim Hutcheon, Marshall Harkness, Archie Marshall, Kenny Jackson, Susan Rodger, Bill Dunn, David Graham, Ronnie Easton, David Ross, Bill Young, David Helm, Kenneth Nairn, Susan MacFadyen, Dochie McCallum and Malcolm Rae.
On keyboard was Derek Hamilton and on drums Robin MacLean and Jimmy Simpson.
We were particularly honoured to be presented with copies of two tunes specially composed for us : namely ‘Salute to Mauchline Accordion and Fiddle Club’ by Ian Muir and ‘The Mauchline Pearl’ by Derek Hamilton.
A big thank you to Ian and Derek for their support to the Club over the years and to all the Club players and listeners. I am confident that the Club will continue for many years to come.
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Viva Marcosignori!! Reviewed by Rob Howard
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
1st Feb 2014 – Craig Paton SDB live from Celtic Connections
8th Feb 2014 – Lindsay Weir SDB
15th Feb 2014 – Calum MacLean SDB
22nd Feb 2014 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 25th Feb 2014 – Marian Anderson SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 12th Feb 2014 – Seamus & Brian O’Sullivan
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Feb 2014 – Frank Morrison SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 2014 – Robert Black Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Feb 2014 – Janet Graham SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Feb 2014 – Raymond Chuchuk SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 2014 – James Coutts Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 2014 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Feb 2014 – Adin Graham & Friends
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Feb 2014 – Janet Graham SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 6th Feb 2014 – Leonard Brown & Maggie Adamson
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Willie Duff Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 2014 – Gary sutherland Trio
Coldingham (Crosslaw Caravan Park) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Feb 2014 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 18th Feb 2014 – Stuart McKeown Trio
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Feb 2014 – Alexander Lindsay Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Feb 2014 – Kyle Innes Trio
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Feb 2014 – 40th Anniversary - Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 17th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 23rd Feb 2014 – Steven Carcary Duo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Feb 2014 – Jim Cleland SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Feb 2014 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 20th Feb 2014 – Neil Hardie SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Feb 2014 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 23rd Feb 2014 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Feb 2014 – Jimmy Cassidy
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Feb 2014 – Ian Muir Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Feb 2014 – Andy Kain Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Feb 2014 - KODA
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Feb 2014 – Bob Liddle Trio
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 20th Feb 2014 - tbc
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 12th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Feb 2014 – Ian (Tonkan) MacDonald
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 22nd Feb – Dance to Willie McFarlane
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 14th Feb 2014 – Dance to Gordon Brown 25th Feb – Lyne Valley Band
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Feb 2014 – Judith Linton Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Feb 2014 – AGM + Tommy Newcomen
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 27th Feb 2014 – Marian Anderson Trio
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club) 19th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 2014 – Jimmy & Sandy Lindsay
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Feb 2014 – Gillian Stevenson Trio
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 5th Feb 2014 – Bailliesmills Group
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 7th Feb 2014 – Dance to Robert Nairn Trio
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 27th Feb 2014 – Ian Muir Sound
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Duncan Black & Marie Fielding
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 2014 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 6th Feb 2014 – Local Night 20th Feb – Myra Fraser & Co
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 5th Feb 2014 – Richard Smith Trio
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Feb 2014 – Frank Morrison SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 2014 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Feb 2014 – Kevin Cheyne SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 1st &15th Feb 2014 – Saturday Ceilidh Night
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Feb 2014 – Gavin Piper
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Susie Simpson SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-Key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Gretna
19. Highland
20. Inveraray
21. Isle of Skye
22. Islesteps
23. Kelso
24. Lanark
25. Mauchline (30th Anniversary)
26. Montrose
27. Newtongrange
28. North East
29. Northern
30. Oban
31. Peebles
32. Perth
33. Renfrew
34. Seghill
35. Shetland
36. Stonehouse
37. Thornhill
38. Thurso
39. Turriff
40. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2013
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
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 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. 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
Charlie Todd is undertaking a review of the Association’s guest Artiste List which, with the ever changing scene created by modern communications technology, needs updating. We need whatever is available from the following – postal address, landline, mobile, e-mail, website, solo/duo/trio/band. Can all existing artistes please check their existing entries on the Association’s website and let him know of any changes. Can NEW guest artistes send him all their details please. All information to.........
Karin Ingram
19th Shand Morino Gathering
by Charlie Todd
Sunday, 19th January, 2014 and once again a dreich month is enlivened by the prospect of an afternoon of good music and renewed friendships at the 19th Annual Shand Morino Gathering in the Windygates Institute. We do our best to observe all the speed limits on the way there, thereby avoiding the unwelcome attentions of the boys in blue, only to be greeted on arrival by one of their number. But this is a warm and friendly greeting from one long retired, compere for the afternoon, John McDonald. As always, all arrivals are ushered through to the kitchen area for a welcoming plate of soup (I opted for the curried parsnip this year – a cracking choice), a chunk of crusty bread and a wee blether – the calm before the storm.
Proceedings kick-off promptly at 1p.m. with a brief welcome from John McDonald and a brief explanation on the history of the Shand Morino by Bruce Lindsay Snr to the full hall. This year there are about 30 Shand Morino’s lined up, of various shapes and sizes, predominantly of various shades of red, but with a few of the less common black ones and Dave Pullar’s very unusual gold one. This year there are even three red ones available for sale (if anyone out there is looking for one). Bruce then introduced the first in a series of cracking players to get things under way – George Wilson from Cupar, who plays lead accordion in Jack Stalker’s Dance Band. Keyboard backing this year was in the capable hands of Graeme Burns, who periodically moved seats and picked up the fiddle to accompany various players in that role. Next on lead was Davy Ross from Kilmarnock, who gave his usual polished performance, then Roy Magna from Markinch, whose dedication to the Shand Morino is such that he moved up to Fife from the South of England 50 years ago so that he could live near ‘the great man himself’. Both Roy and the next on stage, Robin Waitt from Canonbie, sport fairly recently acquired black Shand Morinos. Very few of them were produced but the ‘specs’ were excellent and they are highly sought after. Robin is just the lad to put his through its paces. His box came from another past master, the late Toby Stewart, from Ecclefechan.
Ian Cruickshanks from Kirriemuir was next playing his beautiful box acquired in Orkney. Ian’s playing is always precise and captivating and he is one of the only players to follow in the footsteps of players like Sir Jimmy and Rob Gordon, playing a wide variety of Old Time and Sequence in addition to Scottish and Ballroom. Alex Houston from Windygates itself, a relative newcomer to the instrument, then played and explained that he had unsuccessfully tried to trace and recover his late father’s Shand Morino but that it had come as something of a consolation to discover that the one he had bought had been owned by his hero, Jimmy Blue, at one time. Arthur Wood from Montrose was followed by Sandy McAllan from Aberdeen who explained the moving story behind Scott Skinner’s lovely slow air ‘The Weeping Birches of Kilmorack’ before playing it. Archie Paterson from Thornhill, Stirlingshire was another player able to name an illustrious previous owner of his box – this time Billy McGuire from Dysart. “The poor box must be wondering what’s happened” he joked. A new member of the club, the ‘Shand Morino Owners Club’ that is, was on next. Davie Millar from Newbigging, near Carnwath, had acquired his box a couple of months ago from Colin Chalmers who lives on the outskirts of Dundee - on the recommendation of Ian Cruickshanks. Davie stuck to his tried and tested (and entirely appropriate) ‘John McDonald’s March’ and ‘McDonald of Sleat’ for this, his first visit. Bringing the first half to a close was a visitor from the ‘Deep South’ – Cody Roberts from Shropshire who had journeyed up by train (made precarious by all the railways in Fife being closed at the weekend) to attend. He was joined on stage by fellow gardener, Ian Cruickshanks, for a couple of selections. I wonder what he made of his first visit? Everyone certainly appreciated all the effort he had put in to get here.
Tea time – steak bridies, once again generously donated by Dave Pullar, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us (best wishes Dave from the Committee and everyone attending), scones, assorted fancies, biscuits and tea all washed down by conversations with friends old and new and the exchange of information that is such an important ingredient in these annual get-togethers. A big thank you to all the ladies in the kitchen from all us hungry visitors.
Act 2 Scene 1 – enter our friends from across the water, namely Donal Ring for the first time accompanied by brother Michael, who plays the 5-row, together with Michael Horgan and Jerry Coakley all from the Cork area in the Irish Republic. (I actually have a family connection with Cork because Lance Corporal Charlie Todd of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was on garrison duty in Cork in 1918 when the Great War ended. But on second thoughts it’s probably better not to mention that!) Now it was the turn of one of the younger players present, dual instrumentalist Scott Band who gave a solid performance as always. Then it was back to those old stagers Roger Dobson from Newcastleton, Andy Greig from Anstruther and Box and Fiddle Webwatch correspondent Bill Young from Troon. All played well in their own distinctive styles.
With time wearing on it was the turn of two of the leading lights of the Buttons and Bows learners class who meet in the Windygates institute on a Wednesday evening. Firstly Ian Stewart, who I’m sure wouldn’t be offended used a quote from David Philips book on Jimmy Shand by saying that he is ‘nae spring chicken’. Ian has acquired one of the earlier, smaller and if anything more powerful red Shand Morino’s and confidently played its sharp, clear tone came through particularly well. Then it was Gladys Wright’s turn, this time on one of the rare black instruments. Gladys led a couple of grand waltz selections to bring the Shand Morino players to a close. Well done to these two ‘learners’ who are now poised to join the ranks of the seasoned players.
That brought the Shand Morino players to an end so it was ‘open stage’ with Robert Dykes the first to give us a tune, then Allan Scott from Midlem (Kelso), followed by the usual stramash when all the players, including Dave Ritchie (Falkland), Chris Ratter (Dalkeith), Stuart Venters (Buckhaven), Bobby Dowds (Leuchars), Ian McCallum and Dave Matthew (Gauldry), who unfortunately due to lack of time did not have solo spots, (apologies also to Allan Petrie) All took to the stage, and the front of the hall, to create the grand finale.
Many thanks to all of the above for their fine efforts and also to the backing musicians. Resident pianist was Graeme Burns who backed almost everyone with frequent appearances from second accordionists Jack Delaney, Ian McCallum, Stuart Venters and Bruce Lindsay Snr. The only fiddler this year was once again Graeme Burns and drummers were Dave Taylor, Tom Hope, Jock Ireland and Charlie Todd.
The great thing about the Gathering is that no two years are identical and while there were some faces missing from last year’s event there are always some new to keep take their place and keep things fresh. Congratulations once again to the Windygates Committee, and in particular to Bruce Lindsay Snr and John McDonald, for staging such a successful afternoon and for helping to preserve this wonderful instrument which is so central to our traditional music. Thanks also to ‘scullery maids’ in the kitchen, the donors of raffle prizes and to everyone else for ‘just being there’.
What are the chances of that?
And just to round off, since it principally concerns John McDonald, on 12th January Keith Dickson, our B&F Webmaster, passed on a query he had received to the website, It read :
Hi I was wondering if u had any articles etc about my gran, Margaret McNab, who played the piano with Jimmy Shand in the late 1930's. My gran lived in Auchtermuchty with my grandad William McNab who was a Police Sergeant in village too but not sure of dates.
Debbie krzyzanowska
The late 30s, over 70 years ago, very little chance I thought to myself but with the Shand Morino Gathering due the following Sunday I passed the query to John McDonald who immediately came back with the following :
Margaret McNab (nee Margaret Low) was the pianist in Jimmy Shand’s band in the 1930’s. Margaret was brought up in Leven (Fife) and had a sister named Ella who was a dancing teacher. As a pianist, Margaret did in fact make a few recordings with Jimmy Shand and drummer Len Kydd (Dundee) on Beltona (78) records. Two of the recordings being the “Rocky Mountain Medley” ( She’ll be coming round the Mountain – Can I sleep in your barn? – Hand me down your walking cane - Chicken Reel and Turkey in the Straw). Another being the “Blue Ridge Medley” – Grand Old Duke of York – West Colorado Sunset, etc. The recording studio was in Abbey Road (London). Margaret married William McNab from the Killin area, who was a member of the Fife Police and who was my Sergeant when I was stationed at Auchtermuchty in 1961/63, which was very convenient for us because Jimmy Shand lived ‘just up the road’. Margaret Low’s name is mentioned on page 175 of the book ‘The Jimmy Shand Story’ by Ian Cameron. (bearing in mind this would be before Margaret was married! ) Margaret and her husband moved to Glenrothes when he retired from the police around 1963. There were two daughters one Margaret, but the name of the other one escapes me.
And would you believe it Margaret is Debbie’s mum. Can any of our readers add anything else to this? If so let me know particularly if you know of a photograph of Margaret Low with the Jimmy Shand Band.
W. Roger Crook (Obituary)
by
Roger was born in Forfar and spent his childhood on his parents’ poultry farm in Aberlemno. He was educated at the local primary school and Brechin High School. He started his musical life by having lessons on the violin at the age of 6, going to the well known musician and poet Jack D. Michie who had a music shop in Brechin.
He had singing lessons as a teenager from Ann Nicoll in Forfar. His voice matured early and he sang the part of the Captain of the Fleet in Brechin High’s production of Dido and Aeneas while in his first year. Roger led the school orchestra and sang in the Gardner Memorial Church choir. He earned pocket money working for the next farm pulling neeps. A friend who lived on a farm 6 miles away remembers meeting him for the first time on a Sunday in August 1958. Aged 16, he arrived driving a tractor with a trailer, and, all on its own, lying in the trailer was…. a fiddle. He has said these were his happiest years. Roger was also captain of the school football team and continued to play football at music college. It was a proud day indeed when Roger’s team beat the Jordanhill College P.E. students. After a leg injury, Roger became a referee and continued that for many years in the schools he taught in.
Roger went to study Violin/Viola at the R.S.A.M.D. in 1960, but changed over to first study voice with Ena Mitchell. Roger became leading tenor at the Wellington church in Glasgow. His college piano teacher said she had never met anyone more musical but unfortunately it stopped at his wrists. In 1961 while a student aged 19, Roger spent his summer holidays working on the buses in Arbroath where his retired parents lived and he often joked that it was his first conducting job. An example of his quick wit was an occasion when a lady and her son were paying their fare and she said to Roger her son was under 14 and qualified for a half fare. Roger retorted “madam I am here to collect fares not confessions”.
Roger sang principal roles in college operas, and this was how he met Nancy in February 1965. Roger was rehearsing the part of Don Jose in the opera Carmen in a practice room. Needing an accompanist, he looked out in the corridor, just as Nancy, a first year piano student, was walking past. She sight read the well known Flower Song for him and the rest as they say is history. However this relationship may have been on shaky ground when Nancy accepted a challenge to a game of table tennis in the student common room, not knowing that Roger, president of the student representative council, was also table tennis champion and he proceeded to thrash her to the amusement of the watching students.
However, Nancy and Roger eventually got married in Glasgow in 1968. The 3 day honeymoon had to be fitted in between Roger and Nancy’s various summer professional engagements i.e. Roger singing opera in Myfod, Wales; Nancy accompanying a choir at the Llangollen and then Middlesbrough festivals; Roger singing in Pitlochry. (Roger sang in Pitlochry Highland Nights for 13 summers).
Roger became much in demand as a Tenor soloist in oratorio throughout Scotland and Northern England. He would often perform alongside 3 English soloists who remarked he would make a fortune living down south doing the busier oratorio circuit. But Roger’s temperament was such that he preferred the security of a regular salary. So he taught music in schools in Clydebank. He continued to referee football, became a member of the Glasgow based John Currie Singers, a professional group who gave many first performances of new works. Roger and Nancy also joined the Gordon Mabbott Singers.
Roger auditioned successfully for the BBC and gave many broadcasts with the Scottish Radio Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Sinfonia and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
He travelled to Helensburgh to conduct the Dorian Choir from 1967-72 and the Dumbartonshire Operatic Society 1972-73. Nancy remembers taking their new son Ross in the back of the car to be looked after by the wife of the producer while Nancy went to accompany the society, and it was a great way to get Ross to sleep. That year the leading tenor went awol, and Roger had to step in at a week’s notice to play the part of Nanki Poo, getting a friend in to conduct.
In 1973, just before daughter Lynne was born, the family moved to Fife where Roger had promoted teaching posts in Kirkland 1973 – 76 during which he conducted the East Fife Ladies Choir; Auchterderran 1976-81, Viewforth 1981-86 during which he conducted Glenrothes Choral 1979-86 and lastly Inverkeithing High School from 1986 till his retirement in 2000. Roger also became an elder of the church when the family moved to Leslie in 1985.
Roger soon became heavily involved with Fife and Tayside amateur opera companies, taking leading tenor roles in 14 different operas.
It was a long standing joke that whenever the family were going anywhere, Roger would say humorously: “away and get the car out of the garage, son”. One day Ross, aged 9, took him at his word. He took the keys, planning to only turn on the ignition. Unfortunately the car had been left in first gear and leapt into the garage wall. Thankfully there was little damage as the roof rack was in between. Roger could not tell Ross off!
Roger joined the Fife based semi -professional vocal quartet Quatrain who had originally been formed in 1976 to work with the actor John Cairney in Linlithgow for the Lothian Heritage Festival. The group worked all over Scotland and Roger arranged most of their material. They gave many recitals at Arts clubs, travelling as far as places like Gatehouse of Fleet and back on the same night.
On one winter occasion while driving to Stonehaven, half of the group got stranded behind a jack-knifed lorry on the Lunan Bay hill. The other car load who made it in time entertained the audience taking it in turns to accompany each other’s solos. When the rest arrived an hour or two later they were all expected to sing the original concert complete!
Quatrain made 2 LPs and appeared on radio. The group retired after 20 years when Rhona Whyte their soprano died suddenly at the age of 50.
Roger always had a great love of Scottish Dance Music and over the years he played in the bands of John Ellis, Jim Johnston and Bert Shorthouse, playing piano, violin or accordion as required. He played piano and did the arrangements for the Fife Strathspey and Reel Society when they won the Golden Fiddle Award in 1981.
Roger made over 60 arrangements for the Fife Young Fiddlers. He had a band made up of school pupils when he taught at Kirkland High school and later he formed his own Thistle Ceilidh Band which included his son Ross on fiddle then drums. Ross spent 12 years in the band playing everywhere from Gleneagles to Guernsey and enjoyed Roger’s ability to teach dances to non-english speaking tourists as well as his repertoire of witty comments on the microphone such as “We have had a lot of requests – but we are going to keep playing anyway!”
Roger formed the Doric Trio with Nancy and Ron Gonnella, playing accordion and singing, and they made another LP just before Ron’s death. Roger and Nancy also formed the Rosslyn Duo (named after Ross and Lynne) and made a CD called Songs we Love.
Roger retired from his Inverkeithing teaching post in 2000 and proceeded to carry out much charity work playing in hospitals, hospices and old people’s homes in Fife, Lothians and the Borders. An old school teaching colleague formed “Harmony”, a charity who with lottery funding paid travel expenses of musicians to put on 40 concerts a month. In 2012 Harmony was given the Queen’s golden jubilee award for voluntary service by groups in the community bringing life through music. Dunfermline Scottish Country Dance Class have many happy memories of Roger playing at their Monday class and their monthly technique class which was attended by people from many areas.
Roger loved walking his dogs; it kept him very fit. Over the years Roger had 3 Alsatians in succession, all rescue dogs, then more recently a Labrador /collie.
Lynne was a daddy’s girl and always knew that he was there when she needed him. They spoke most days on the phone and shared a similar sense of humour. Roger was a wonderful grandad to Jasmine and Leyna, brave enough to babysit when he was asked to.
Ross valued his dad as an exceptionally solid, dependable father whose humour lasted throughout.
Nancy has fond memories of the last two occasions Roger played the accordion and sang:- on April 30th at Dunfermline Ladies Morning Music Group and on May 8th at the Induction of the new minister at Broughton St Mary’s church Edinburgh where Nancy is organist.
Roger was a talented musician, a faithful helpful loving husband, a kind father to Ross and Lynne and devoted Grandad to Jasmine and Leyna. He will be sorely missed.
Here are just some of the reminiscences taken from the many cards Nancy has received:-
“Roger will be greatly missed as a fine, versatile musician and teacher who everybody liked and respected. Roger encouraged so many children to a life- long love of music for which they will always be grateful.
Anne Aitken:- “Roger was always kind and considerate as she witnessed from her early days in Brechin travelling on the Aberlemno bus from school, to most recently when he so thoughtfully visited her following the school reunion two years ago which Anne was unable to attend.
Agnes Thomson who taught with Roger at Inverkeithing said Roger would often keep staff entertained with his stories from his time as a clippie, his trips to football, and his many stories from the classroom. Roger gave generously of his time to others and that is how she will remember him.
Isobel and George Walker remember Roger’s singing in Quatrain and playing in his band. They always loved dancing to it.
Michael Welch remembers fine performances with various choral societies to Roger’s enthusiasm for Scottish songs and dance music and his experience and expertise in this field also. Michael took part with Roger in the Surge of the Sea project in aid of Anstruther Lifeboats which Roger undertook with integrity and professional attention to detail.
Nicola, his niece, will treasure memories of Roger’s jokes, love of fruit gums, slipping his young nieces some pocket money when they visited.
Mary Welsh has fond memories of a gentle man and a real gentleman. She enjoyed their chats when Roger was in the Abbey shop and was always grateful for his introduction to the “Lady” crosswords when they would pick each others’ brains on a particularly difficult clue.
Cousin Frances remembers Roger’s wonderful speech at daughter Lynne’s wedding. She will miss his newsletter at Christmas which always made her laugh.
Kate McCallum, president of Glenrothes Choral, smiles at remembering some of his pithy remarks; what a very special person he was and he will remain in their minds always. Liz Laing, treasurer, says Roger made us into singers, often with lots of fun. His arrangements were so singable. As a friend he never passed you by, always a smile and a word of welcome. Liz Gronkowski, Roger’s old neighbour in Leslie, says Roger was a lovely man and she is sure he will be adding his voice to the heavenly choir.
John Anderton speaks for all those at Trinity who have enjoyed Roger’s music over the years; he will be greatly missed in the Scottish Country dancing field. Roger’s friends at the Wednesday afternoon country dancing:- Roger was one of life’s gentlemen, who brought pleasure to many with his music. We feel privileged that he came to our party in April where he enjoyed his tea and meringues.
Adults with Special Needs, Parkgate Ceilidh, Rosyth – helpers Alison and Susan remember many happy hours dancing to Roger’s accordion music.
David and Sandra Welch enjoyed dancing to Roger’s music when he played for their Scottish Country Dance Class. His helpfulness and musical skills were a great support when teaching the class.
Sheila and John McLean say Roger’s accordion playing gave them so much pleasure over the years and throughout he was such a pleasant, gentlemanly person to be with. They really appreciated Roger playing for John’s 60th birthday 5 years ago and also remember his long association with Quatrain.
Iris Jarrett: I thought that Roger was one of the finest men I have ever met. Just so full of integrity and love for all he met. It shone from his kind eyes. He had a big heart, brim full of character, life and dynamism; fun to be around, interested in all, with time to spare for all. He must have been an ideal life companion, moreover he was such a good man, using his wonderful musical talents to benefit others as long as he could. You must have had so much fun together with so much in common and such understanding between you. So many people would want that but few achieve it as successfully as you two. Just …… a wonderful pair.
Sally Franks (former Pupil) : Roger was a truly inspirational man and certainly had a big impact on my own life, though I doubt he ever realized it. I never realized he had done so much; such a talented and kind man.
Rebecca Petford: Roger was a lovely man, the sort of person who people just felt they knew despite not having spent much time with him. He will be missed by a much wider circle of people than either of you would believe.
Carla Chiappa: Roger was a lovely kind, generous man who helped me on many occasions with my singing.
Casey: Moira and I have happy memories concerning his outstanding quality singing and also with his choir conducting. He will be sadly missed within the realms of music.
Fiddle or Violin
by Rhiannon Schmitt (Internet)
“That’s a fine lookin’ fiddle ya got there, kid.” …………..
Happy Birthday Mauchline Club!
30th Anniversary
by Andy Rae
The December 2013 meeting was held in the usual venue with a very large turnout of players and supporters to celebrate the 30th Birthday of the Club. The Club was formed in 1983 by Kenneth and Elizabeth Nairn and, as they now live in Newtonmore, it was much appreciated that they made the effort to come.
We celebrated the occasion with a lovely supper and toasted the future success of the Club.
Ian Muir was our first guest artiste 30 years ago and even though he has entertained us many time over the years we were delighted to welcome him at our special night.
Ian and his band gave us a very varied and interesting programme, which went down extremely well with the listeners. The band consisted of Ian on accordion, Marie Fielding on fiddle, Neil McMillan on piano and Derek Hamilton on drums. Club players on the night were – Jim Hutcheon, Marshall Harkness, Archie Marshall, Kenny Jackson, Susan Rodger, Bill Dunn, David Graham, Ronnie Easton, David Ross, Bill Young, David Helm, Kenneth Nairn, Susan MacFadyen, Dochie McCallum and Malcolm Rae.
On keyboard was Derek Hamilton and on drums Robin MacLean and Jimmy Simpson.
We were particularly honoured to be presented with copies of two tunes specially composed for us : namely ‘Salute to Mauchline Accordion and Fiddle Club’ by Ian Muir and ‘The Mauchline Pearl’ by Derek Hamilton.
A big thank you to Ian and Derek for their support to the Club over the years and to all the Club players and listeners. I am confident that the Club will continue for many years to come.
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Viva Marcosignori!! Reviewed by Rob Howard
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
1st Feb 2014 – Craig Paton SDB live from Celtic Connections
8th Feb 2014 – Lindsay Weir SDB
15th Feb 2014 – Calum MacLean SDB
22nd Feb 2014 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 25th Feb 2014 – Marian Anderson SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 12th Feb 2014 – Seamus & Brian O’Sullivan
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Feb 2014 – Frank Morrison SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Feb 2014 – Robert Black Duo
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Feb 2014 – Janet Graham SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Feb 2014 – Raymond Chuchuk SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Feb 2014 – James Coutts Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Feb 2014 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Feb 2014 – Adin Graham & Friends
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Feb 2014 – Janet Graham SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 6th Feb 2014 – Leonard Brown & Maggie Adamson
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Willie Duff Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Feb 2014 – Gary sutherland Trio
Coldingham (Crosslaw Caravan Park) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Feb 2014 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 18th Feb 2014 – Stuart McKeown Trio
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Feb 2014 – Alexander Lindsay Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Feb 2014 – Kyle Innes Trio
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Feb 2014 – 40th Anniversary - Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 17th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 23rd Feb 2014 – Steven Carcary Duo
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Feb 2014 – Jim Cleland SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Feb 2014 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 20th Feb 2014 – Neil Hardie SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Feb 2014 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 23rd Feb 2014 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Feb 2014 – Jimmy Cassidy
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Feb 2014 – Ian Muir Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Feb 2014 – Andy Kain Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Feb 2014 - KODA
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Feb 2014 – Bob Liddle Trio
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 20th Feb 2014 - tbc
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 12th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Feb 2014 – Ian (Tonkan) MacDonald
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Feb 2014 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 22nd Feb – Dance to Willie McFarlane
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 14th Feb 2014 – Dance to Gordon Brown 25th Feb – Lyne Valley Band
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Feb 2014 – Judith Linton Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Feb 2014 – AGM + Tommy Newcomen
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 27th Feb 2014 – Marian Anderson Trio
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club) 19th Feb 2014 – Bon Accords
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Feb 2014 – Jimmy & Sandy Lindsay
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Feb 2014 – Gillian Stevenson Trio
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 5th Feb 2014 – Bailliesmills Group
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 7th Feb 2014 – Dance to Robert Nairn Trio
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 27th Feb 2014 – Ian Muir Sound
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Duncan Black & Marie Fielding
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Feb 2014 – Lindsay Weir Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 6th Feb 2014 – Local Night 20th Feb – Myra Fraser & Co
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 5th Feb 2014 – Richard Smith Trio
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Feb 2014 – Frank Morrison SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Feb 2014 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Feb 2014 – Kevin Cheyne SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 1st &15th Feb 2014 – Saturday Ceilidh Night
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Feb 2014 – Gavin Piper
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Feb 2014 – Susie Simpson SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-Key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Gretna
19. Highland
20. Inveraray
21. Isle of Skye
22. Islesteps
23. Kelso
24. Lanark
25. Mauchline (30th Anniversary)
26. Montrose
27. Newtongrange
28. North East
29. Northern
30. Oban
31. Peebles
32. Perth
33. Renfrew
34. Seghill
35. Shetland
36. Stonehouse
37. Thornhill
38. Thurso
39. Turriff
40. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2013
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
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 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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