Box and Fiddle
Year 46 No 04
January 2023
Price £3.00
48 Page Magazine
12 month UK subscription £49.45
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Scott Band
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
We can all agree that the last few years have been hard, and that rising costs currently don’t improve life. This is also true for the magazine .…….
Pia
The MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards
What an atmosphere! And so much glitz and clitter. 27 award categories…………
Centre Stage
Alan Roy
Jack Delaney 1935 – 2022 – An Appreciation
As Ian McCallum mentioned in the November 2022 magazine, we lost another well-known accordionist in 2022.
Several people have since then written to the magazine with their memories of Jack. Thanks to Charlie Todd for coordinating these.
From Alastair McGirr
If there was a prize for the most public musical engagements undertaken in a career – dances, weddings, broadcasts, concerts and the like – it might just go to Jack Delaney!
By the time I joined the band in 1981 as a callow 20-year-old with no real knowledge of bands or Scottish dance music, he already had 30 years under his belt performing with legends such as Andrew Rankine and Hamish Menzies as well as making a name for himself with his own band with residencies at the Trossachs and Lochearnhead hotels, which made him very much a ‘go to’ bandleader / musician.
As a pianist who had always been glued to ‘the dots’, I was in awe of his ability to rattle through a dizzying repertoire of pipe marches, waltzes, jigs and reels at the drop of a hat and without a scrap of music. And it was Jack who guided me through the challenge of reading chords instead of dots – although I recall that I was not immediately up to his exacting standard: “You need to make your right-hand chords sharper in the jigs!”
As well as the skill he displayed playing Scottish – both as lead and second accordion – it should also be remembered that Jack’s ‘modern’ was superb and beautifully poised; and he could a la Jack Emblow improvise with the best of them, Deed I Do, Tangerine, La Mer and I Love Paris being just a small selection from his oeuvre.
When it came to making dances go with a swing, Jack didn’t just play great tunes and play them well; he thought about which dances would work best; he knew the tempos that dancers wanted; and he could inject a wee adrenalin rush for the dancers when it was needed such as switching to 6/8 time in a Gay Gordons and then back to 4/4 with The Black Bear.
Playing with Jack for nearly 40 years, I have many fond memories of great evenings in many venues. I also recall an evening in a marquee near Penrith, when rain stopped play with a vengeance, the nearby river rose alarmingly and we almost had to swim for our lives!
I am also grateful to Jack for being – excuse the pun – instrumental in getting me gigs over the years with the likes of colin Dewar, Sandy Nixon and Iain MacPhail. On and off the bandstand, I like to think we had a great rapport and one memory that will always bring a smile to my face is when in the midst of a quickstep medley, Jack would fling his arms in the air and imitate the Morecombe and Wise Sailors Hornpipe to signify that we would soon be going into a chorus of Bring Me Sunshine.
In addition to his pawky sense of humour, one of Jack’s great traits was his wonderful knack of being able to forge friendships wherever he went. This was evidenced by the huge turnout at his recent funeral. A great friend and wonderful mentor, he will really be missed by me.
From Sandy Nixon
I first met Jack in 1987. Our regular 2nd box player (Bob McMath) was unavailable for a gig. Gordon Young suggested I contact Jack who readily agreed to have a tune with us. We had a great night. I was really impressed with Jack's playing. A friendship developed from there which lasted for the next 35 years. Over that time he sat in numerous times with us. We had many a memorable tune! Jack also asked me to play 2nd box with his band many times too, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were many occasions when I and the other band boys were made very welcome at the Delaney household. Through Jack, I met his son John who has played bas wit us now for the past 26 years.
Jack was a superb musician, a great friend and all-round good guy who will be sadly missed.
From Graeme Burns
I met Jack in 1962 when he was practicing in Alloa with Jimmy Shand Jnr for a recording of an EP. Jack encouraged me to join the Clachan Ceilidh where he coached young musicians. I was just one of the many from there who still play or have played in many well-known Scottish dance bands. In some ways I was luckier as we became very good friends, and I eventually joined his band on fiddle, and have been a member for over 30 years.
Our wives Evelyn and Leslie became great friends too, so much so that we spent every august with our families at Mellon Udrigle. There we fished, sailed and kayaked, as well as bringing in the hay and peat for our hosts Roddy and Alice McIver. There were, of course, many ceilidhs in our caravan and occasionally we played with the band at local dances, as well as helping their son Ian raise money for Laide Jetty. The last time we played there was for a ceilidh in the hayfield.
Playing in Jack’s band for me was like having all my Christmases come at once. We were always busy, even managing to play at two Royal occasions. Jack was brilliant at working the hall and we all tried our hardest to live up to his expectations. At one stage Jack had me playing his beloved Hohner Morino 5 for quicksteps, slow foxtrots and modern waltzes. This is when he would move to the electronic organ we accompanied our vocalists. It was fun, but I was dared by Jack never to change the coupler on the box from single melody. I’m sure that other tributes will name the many fine players who were also in the band.
Jack was a super band leader as well as a second box star. Occasionally I would guest with Jack in other band’s such as Alex MacArthur’s and Ian McCallum’s where I would enjoy his virtuoso second box style. It was a red-letter day when Jack and Leslie’s son John joined on bass and daughter Fiona joined us for concerts. My middle daughter, Lesley, played clarinet at these concerts too.
Everything comes to an end, and now all that is left are the many memories, of fun times and recordings of my favourite band.
From John Morgan
I was first introduced to Jack at the Campsie club and frequently met him when I was playing for the Dunblane Victoria hall tea dance. It would be fair to say I liked Jack right from the word go; He always kept me on my toes at the dances offering helpful advice about tempo and telling me off for joining the first part of a pipe march to the 2nd part of another. This was a long standing joke between us and occasionally I’d do it on purpose just to see his reaction as he had a great sense of humour.
During the Covid lock down I’d speak to Jack almost daily discussing everything from accordions to vintage tractors. During one such conversation I happened to mention that I was thinking of growing some plants against a garden wall but was unsure of what type were most suitable and before I had time to think about it Jack had drawn up a list of plants that would be best for the job. I had never done anything like this before & Jack was a great help in giving advice over the phone and on zoom video answering my countless questions about gardening.
Looking back on it now I suspect some of my questions must have seemed pretty daft to someone as experienced as Jack as he had previously owned a nursery business. My suspicions were later confirmed when one day I’d asked yet another daft gardening question to which he replied ‘’John, you’re a fine box player” I couldn’t stop laughing! It was simply Jacks way of telling me I was never going to make gardener of the year.
I still smile when I think about that day and that’s the way I’d like to remember Jack. It was a privilege to know him and to call him my friend.
IN MEMORY
Joss Taylor – 1932 - 2022
by Paul Lamont
Joss passed away peacefully on Friday 28th October at the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline and our thoughts are with his widow Margaret and her family at this time.
Joss, who was 90, was a past Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Glenrothes Club. Margaret and Joss took over from Charlie Isles in 2001. They formed a committee which included Bob & Margaret Limerick. They also created a Constitution, which still stands to this day and which is published in our newsletter every month.
They applied for, and received, a lottery grant, which allowed them to purchase a PA system. Margaret still recalls their first Club night where, as they had no funds for the guest band, the Bill Stewart SDB agreed to play for free. The Club went from strength to strength, with audiences of over 150 most club nights.
Margaret and Joss decided to step down in 2021 owing to Joss’s ill health. On behalf of the new Committee, I would like to thank them and all of the previous Committee members for all their hard work. They made our job so easy, as we pretty much followed the same format that they set up 20 years ago.
Joss was a much sought-after drummer and played for the famous Sir Jimmy Shand, as well as Jimmy Shand Jnr, Bruce Lindsay, Jim Quigley and Bill Stewart to name a few.
He was also a lorry driver for 40 years, working for Anderson Brothers, who were based in the Coaltown of Balgownie, for 20 years. He then moved to Central Farmers, based in Methil, and stayed there for another 20 years. Joss worked part-time until he was 82, delivering chemicals to local farms. What an amazing working career he had, spanning more than 60 years!
The funeral was held on Monday, 14th November at Kirkcaldy Crematorium.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
07/01/2023 – Repeat – Iain MacPhail SDB 50th Anniversary Programme + Barbara Dickson
14/01/2023 – Colin Donaldson SDB
21/01/2023 – Marian Anderson SDB
28/01/2023 - tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – January 2023 -
Alnwick (The Jubilee Hall, Newton-on-the Moor) January 2023 -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 8th January 2023 – Steven Carcary
Banchory (Royal British Legion) – January 2023 -
Banff & District (The Fife Lodge Hotel) – January 2023 -
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 8th January 2023 – Frank Morrison SDB
Blairgowrie (Rattray Bowling Club) - 10th January 2023 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 11th January 2023 – Ian Cruickshanks
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 3rd January 2023 – Ray Carse
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 12th January 2023 – Club Night
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - January 2023 – no meeting
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 10th January 2023 – Karyn McCulloch
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 15th January 2023 – Glencraig SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 22nd January 2023 – West Telferton Band
Crieff & District (British Legion) January 2023 -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 11th January 2023 – Susie Simpson Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 18th January 2023 – James Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Masonic Hall, Rosyth) – 10th January 2023 – James Coutts
Dumfries (Crichton Royal Golf Club) - January 2023 -
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 29th January 2023 – AGM + tbc
Forres (Forres Golf Club) – 9th January 2023 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Fort William (The Railway Club, Inverlochy) – 19th January 2023 – Robert Nairn Trio
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) - January 2023 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall, Wooler) - 26th January 2023 – 50th Anniv Special with Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - January 2023 -
Glenrothes (Queen Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 31st January 2023 – The Shands
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 8th January 2023 – Fin Hope Band
Hidden Toun (Haddington Bowling Club) - 29th January 2023 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 16th January 2023 – Ali K. MacPherson Band
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 11th January 2023 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 12th January 2023 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 25th January 2023 – Stuart Anderson Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – January 2023 -
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - January 2023 -
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 22nd January 2023 – Leonard Brown
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District Kilmarnock FC Supporters Club) - 17th January 2023 – Judith Linton Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 10th January 2023 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th January 2023 – Frank Morrison SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – January 2023 -
Oban (The Royal Hotel ) – January 2023 – Iain MacMaster Band
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – January 2023 -
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 26th January 2023 – David Vernon
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – January 2023 – Scott Band Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - January 2023 -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 10th 17th 24th January 2023 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 12th Jan 2022 Club Night 30th January 2023 – Pre up-Helly-Aa night
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) – 14th January 2023 – Club Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – January 2023 -
TMSA (Aberdeen) – Sportmans Club - 17th January 2023 - Session
Turriff (Royal British Legion, Fyvie) – January 2023 -
Tynedale (Tynedale Farmers Function Suite) – January 2023 -
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - January 2023 -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 17th January 2023 – Local Bands Night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Biggar
3. Blairgowrie
4. Canderside
5. Castle Douglas
6. Coalburn
7. Crieff
8. Dunblane
9. Dunfermline
10. Forfar
11. Forres
12. Glenrothes
13. Highland
14. Inveraray
15. Kelso
16. Lewis & Harris
17. Macmerry
18. Mauchline
19. Shetland
20. Skye
21. TMSA Aberdeen
22. Turriff & District
23. Wick
24. Windygates
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT DEC 2022
(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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
6. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
7. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
8. Button Key A&F Club (1987 – present)
9. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
10. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
11. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
13. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
14. Coalburn A&F Club (1982 – present)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
17. Dumfries A&F Club (April 1965 at The Hole In the Wa’, then at Oughton’s Restaurant then renamed Islesteps Jan 1981 – 2021 then back to Dumfries)
18. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition - present)
20. Forfar A&F Club (1984 – present)
21. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F - later The Railway Club, Inverlochy )
22. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978 - present)
23. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
24. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
25. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 – present)
26. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
27. 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) - present
28. Hidden Toun A&F (Haddington) (Jan 2022 – present)
29. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
30. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
31. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
32. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
33. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
34. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
35. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
36. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
37. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
38. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
39. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
40. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
41. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
42. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
43. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
44. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
45. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
46 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 - ?
47 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
48 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
49 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
50 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
51 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership, closed due to Covid or omitted in error?)
52. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
53. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
54. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
55. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
56. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – restarted ? till Covid 19 in March 2020)
57. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981 - ?)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
89. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
93. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
94. Kintore A&F Club (
95. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
96. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
97. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
98. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
99. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
100. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
101. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984 – closed at Covid 19 in March 2020)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Scott Band
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
We can all agree that the last few years have been hard, and that rising costs currently don’t improve life. This is also true for the magazine .…….
Pia
The MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards
What an atmosphere! And so much glitz and clitter. 27 award categories…………
Centre Stage
Alan Roy
Jack Delaney 1935 – 2022 – An Appreciation
As Ian McCallum mentioned in the November 2022 magazine, we lost another well-known accordionist in 2022.
Several people have since then written to the magazine with their memories of Jack. Thanks to Charlie Todd for coordinating these.
From Alastair McGirr
If there was a prize for the most public musical engagements undertaken in a career – dances, weddings, broadcasts, concerts and the like – it might just go to Jack Delaney!
By the time I joined the band in 1981 as a callow 20-year-old with no real knowledge of bands or Scottish dance music, he already had 30 years under his belt performing with legends such as Andrew Rankine and Hamish Menzies as well as making a name for himself with his own band with residencies at the Trossachs and Lochearnhead hotels, which made him very much a ‘go to’ bandleader / musician.
As a pianist who had always been glued to ‘the dots’, I was in awe of his ability to rattle through a dizzying repertoire of pipe marches, waltzes, jigs and reels at the drop of a hat and without a scrap of music. And it was Jack who guided me through the challenge of reading chords instead of dots – although I recall that I was not immediately up to his exacting standard: “You need to make your right-hand chords sharper in the jigs!”
As well as the skill he displayed playing Scottish – both as lead and second accordion – it should also be remembered that Jack’s ‘modern’ was superb and beautifully poised; and he could a la Jack Emblow improvise with the best of them, Deed I Do, Tangerine, La Mer and I Love Paris being just a small selection from his oeuvre.
When it came to making dances go with a swing, Jack didn’t just play great tunes and play them well; he thought about which dances would work best; he knew the tempos that dancers wanted; and he could inject a wee adrenalin rush for the dancers when it was needed such as switching to 6/8 time in a Gay Gordons and then back to 4/4 with The Black Bear.
Playing with Jack for nearly 40 years, I have many fond memories of great evenings in many venues. I also recall an evening in a marquee near Penrith, when rain stopped play with a vengeance, the nearby river rose alarmingly and we almost had to swim for our lives!
I am also grateful to Jack for being – excuse the pun – instrumental in getting me gigs over the years with the likes of colin Dewar, Sandy Nixon and Iain MacPhail. On and off the bandstand, I like to think we had a great rapport and one memory that will always bring a smile to my face is when in the midst of a quickstep medley, Jack would fling his arms in the air and imitate the Morecombe and Wise Sailors Hornpipe to signify that we would soon be going into a chorus of Bring Me Sunshine.
In addition to his pawky sense of humour, one of Jack’s great traits was his wonderful knack of being able to forge friendships wherever he went. This was evidenced by the huge turnout at his recent funeral. A great friend and wonderful mentor, he will really be missed by me.
From Sandy Nixon
I first met Jack in 1987. Our regular 2nd box player (Bob McMath) was unavailable for a gig. Gordon Young suggested I contact Jack who readily agreed to have a tune with us. We had a great night. I was really impressed with Jack's playing. A friendship developed from there which lasted for the next 35 years. Over that time he sat in numerous times with us. We had many a memorable tune! Jack also asked me to play 2nd box with his band many times too, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were many occasions when I and the other band boys were made very welcome at the Delaney household. Through Jack, I met his son John who has played bas wit us now for the past 26 years.
Jack was a superb musician, a great friend and all-round good guy who will be sadly missed.
From Graeme Burns
I met Jack in 1962 when he was practicing in Alloa with Jimmy Shand Jnr for a recording of an EP. Jack encouraged me to join the Clachan Ceilidh where he coached young musicians. I was just one of the many from there who still play or have played in many well-known Scottish dance bands. In some ways I was luckier as we became very good friends, and I eventually joined his band on fiddle, and have been a member for over 30 years.
Our wives Evelyn and Leslie became great friends too, so much so that we spent every august with our families at Mellon Udrigle. There we fished, sailed and kayaked, as well as bringing in the hay and peat for our hosts Roddy and Alice McIver. There were, of course, many ceilidhs in our caravan and occasionally we played with the band at local dances, as well as helping their son Ian raise money for Laide Jetty. The last time we played there was for a ceilidh in the hayfield.
Playing in Jack’s band for me was like having all my Christmases come at once. We were always busy, even managing to play at two Royal occasions. Jack was brilliant at working the hall and we all tried our hardest to live up to his expectations. At one stage Jack had me playing his beloved Hohner Morino 5 for quicksteps, slow foxtrots and modern waltzes. This is when he would move to the electronic organ we accompanied our vocalists. It was fun, but I was dared by Jack never to change the coupler on the box from single melody. I’m sure that other tributes will name the many fine players who were also in the band.
Jack was a super band leader as well as a second box star. Occasionally I would guest with Jack in other band’s such as Alex MacArthur’s and Ian McCallum’s where I would enjoy his virtuoso second box style. It was a red-letter day when Jack and Leslie’s son John joined on bass and daughter Fiona joined us for concerts. My middle daughter, Lesley, played clarinet at these concerts too.
Everything comes to an end, and now all that is left are the many memories, of fun times and recordings of my favourite band.
From John Morgan
I was first introduced to Jack at the Campsie club and frequently met him when I was playing for the Dunblane Victoria hall tea dance. It would be fair to say I liked Jack right from the word go; He always kept me on my toes at the dances offering helpful advice about tempo and telling me off for joining the first part of a pipe march to the 2nd part of another. This was a long standing joke between us and occasionally I’d do it on purpose just to see his reaction as he had a great sense of humour.
During the Covid lock down I’d speak to Jack almost daily discussing everything from accordions to vintage tractors. During one such conversation I happened to mention that I was thinking of growing some plants against a garden wall but was unsure of what type were most suitable and before I had time to think about it Jack had drawn up a list of plants that would be best for the job. I had never done anything like this before & Jack was a great help in giving advice over the phone and on zoom video answering my countless questions about gardening.
Looking back on it now I suspect some of my questions must have seemed pretty daft to someone as experienced as Jack as he had previously owned a nursery business. My suspicions were later confirmed when one day I’d asked yet another daft gardening question to which he replied ‘’John, you’re a fine box player” I couldn’t stop laughing! It was simply Jacks way of telling me I was never going to make gardener of the year.
I still smile when I think about that day and that’s the way I’d like to remember Jack. It was a privilege to know him and to call him my friend.
IN MEMORY
Joss Taylor – 1932 - 2022
by Paul Lamont
Joss passed away peacefully on Friday 28th October at the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline and our thoughts are with his widow Margaret and her family at this time.
Joss, who was 90, was a past Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Glenrothes Club. Margaret and Joss took over from Charlie Isles in 2001. They formed a committee which included Bob & Margaret Limerick. They also created a Constitution, which still stands to this day and which is published in our newsletter every month.
They applied for, and received, a lottery grant, which allowed them to purchase a PA system. Margaret still recalls their first Club night where, as they had no funds for the guest band, the Bill Stewart SDB agreed to play for free. The Club went from strength to strength, with audiences of over 150 most club nights.
Margaret and Joss decided to step down in 2021 owing to Joss’s ill health. On behalf of the new Committee, I would like to thank them and all of the previous Committee members for all their hard work. They made our job so easy, as we pretty much followed the same format that they set up 20 years ago.
Joss was a much sought-after drummer and played for the famous Sir Jimmy Shand, as well as Jimmy Shand Jnr, Bruce Lindsay, Jim Quigley and Bill Stewart to name a few.
He was also a lorry driver for 40 years, working for Anderson Brothers, who were based in the Coaltown of Balgownie, for 20 years. He then moved to Central Farmers, based in Methil, and stayed there for another 20 years. Joss worked part-time until he was 82, delivering chemicals to local farms. What an amazing working career he had, spanning more than 60 years!
The funeral was held on Monday, 14th November at Kirkcaldy Crematorium.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
07/01/2023 – Repeat – Iain MacPhail SDB 50th Anniversary Programme + Barbara Dickson
14/01/2023 – Colin Donaldson SDB
21/01/2023 – Marian Anderson SDB
28/01/2023 - tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – January 2023 -
Alnwick (The Jubilee Hall, Newton-on-the Moor) January 2023 -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 8th January 2023 – Steven Carcary
Banchory (Royal British Legion) – January 2023 -
Banff & District (The Fife Lodge Hotel) – January 2023 -
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 8th January 2023 – Frank Morrison SDB
Blairgowrie (Rattray Bowling Club) - 10th January 2023 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 11th January 2023 – Ian Cruickshanks
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 3rd January 2023 – Ray Carse
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 12th January 2023 – Club Night
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - January 2023 – no meeting
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 10th January 2023 – Karyn McCulloch
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 15th January 2023 – Glencraig SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 22nd January 2023 – West Telferton Band
Crieff & District (British Legion) January 2023 -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 11th January 2023 – Susie Simpson Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 18th January 2023 – James Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Masonic Hall, Rosyth) – 10th January 2023 – James Coutts
Dumfries (Crichton Royal Golf Club) - January 2023 -
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 29th January 2023 – AGM + tbc
Forres (Forres Golf Club) – 9th January 2023 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Fort William (The Railway Club, Inverlochy) – 19th January 2023 – Robert Nairn Trio
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) - January 2023 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall, Wooler) - 26th January 2023 – 50th Anniv Special with Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - January 2023 -
Glenrothes (Queen Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 31st January 2023 – The Shands
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 8th January 2023 – Fin Hope Band
Hidden Toun (Haddington Bowling Club) - 29th January 2023 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 16th January 2023 – Ali K. MacPherson Band
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 11th January 2023 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 12th January 2023 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 25th January 2023 – Stuart Anderson Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – January 2023 -
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - January 2023 -
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 22nd January 2023 – Leonard Brown
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District Kilmarnock FC Supporters Club) - 17th January 2023 – Judith Linton Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 10th January 2023 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th January 2023 – Frank Morrison SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – January 2023 -
Oban (The Royal Hotel ) – January 2023 – Iain MacMaster Band
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – January 2023 -
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 26th January 2023 – David Vernon
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – January 2023 – Scott Band Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - January 2023 -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 10th 17th 24th January 2023 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 12th Jan 2022 Club Night 30th January 2023 – Pre up-Helly-Aa night
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) – 14th January 2023 – Club Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – January 2023 -
TMSA (Aberdeen) – Sportmans Club - 17th January 2023 - Session
Turriff (Royal British Legion, Fyvie) – January 2023 -
Tynedale (Tynedale Farmers Function Suite) – January 2023 -
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - January 2023 -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 17th January 2023 – Local Bands Night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Biggar
3. Blairgowrie
4. Canderside
5. Castle Douglas
6. Coalburn
7. Crieff
8. Dunblane
9. Dunfermline
10. Forfar
11. Forres
12. Glenrothes
13. Highland
14. Inveraray
15. Kelso
16. Lewis & Harris
17. Macmerry
18. Mauchline
19. Shetland
20. Skye
21. TMSA Aberdeen
22. Turriff & District
23. Wick
24. Windygates
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT DEC 2022
(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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
6. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
7. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
8. Button Key A&F Club (1987 – present)
9. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
10. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
11. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
13. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
14. Coalburn A&F Club (1982 – present)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
17. Dumfries A&F Club (April 1965 at The Hole In the Wa’, then at Oughton’s Restaurant then renamed Islesteps Jan 1981 – 2021 then back to Dumfries)
18. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition - present)
20. Forfar A&F Club (1984 – present)
21. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F - later The Railway Club, Inverlochy )
22. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978 - present)
23. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
24. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
25. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 – present)
26. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
27. 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) - present
28. Hidden Toun A&F (Haddington) (Jan 2022 – present)
29. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
30. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
31. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
32. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
33. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
34. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
35. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
36. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
37. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
38. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
39. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
40. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
41. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
42. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
43. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
44. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
45. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
46 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 - ?
47 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
48 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
49 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
50 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
51 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership, closed due to Covid or omitted in error?)
52. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
53. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
54. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
55. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
56. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – restarted ? till Covid 19 in March 2020)
57. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981 - ?)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
89. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
93. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
94. Kintore A&F Club (
95. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
96. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
97. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
98. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
99. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
100. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
101. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984 – closed at Covid 19 in March 2020)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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