Box and Fiddle
Year 28 No 11
July 2005
Price £2.20
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It was good to meet up with so many of you at the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon in The Huntingtower Hotel. Thanks must go once again to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all their organisation. A great day was had by all, and we’ll carry a full report in the August B&F as usual. We’ve sneaked in a few photos of the BAFFI winners this month just to whet your appetite.
We offer no apologies for our lead article being a repeat of one printed 11 years ago. Andy Ross made such a good job of it first time round, and has updated it, following Bobby’s untimely death. We were so pleased that Marrie and Bryan were at the Luncheon to accept the NAAFC crystal bowl on his behalf. Thanks too to Marrie for the wonderful photos that accompany the article.
Another recent sad loss to the traditional scene was Alistair Henderson of Portree. Fergie MacDonald has written an obituary, and included a tune he wrote for Alistair.
Clubs, please remember to send us your syllabuses for next season. We hope to have the Website up and running again very shortly and we will also soon be compiling the 2006 Box and fiddle Calendar, so your dates are important.
Karin Ingram
Bobby Coghill
by Andy Ross
Bobby Coghill became involved with music at the age of ten when he started playing the pipes and joined the Wick Boys Brigade Pipe Band. Two years later he moved on to the Town Band – an obvious progression as his father, three uncles, a brother and a sister were all pipers – four of them Pipe Majors. Bobby has been Pipe Major of the Wick Royal British Legion (Scotland) Pipe Band for the past eight years and last June was honoured by the Legion when he was invited to be leading Pipe Major at Edinburgh Castle for their Massed Pipe Bands “Beating The Retreat”.
In 1949 Bobby was introduced to the dance band scene, playing a Ludwig piano keyed melodeon with British Chromatic action. He teamed up with accordionist Billy Munro, and on most Saturday evenings played in The Crown Bar. At this time he was under the legal age for drinking and an “arrangement” was made with the proprietor, so that when visitors to the bar bought a round for the musicians they would be charged for a whisky and orange, but Bobby would be served only the orange! At the end of the evening the proceeds from this “arrangement” would be shared between the two players. On quite a number of occasions a half bottle “carry out” would then be purchased and the two would proceed the three miles to a dance in Ackergill!
Eventually, both were invited to join another band, which had two accordion players but no drummer. The name, “The Wick Hawthorn Accordion Band” appealed to them, so the invitation was accepted and Bobby volunteered to play drums. At this time he lived over a mile from Wick and could often be seen walking into town to catch the bus to dances in the country laden down with bass and side drums, cymbals, skulls etc. This process was repeated in the wee sma’ hours of the next morning on the return journey. Addie Harper lived only four doors away and on many nights the two met up after returning from dances to exchange stories as to how their respective evenings had gone. Both had always had “first class nights” – whether they had or not!
Upon leaving school, Bobby began his apprenticeship as a stonemason and during one of these aforementioned nocturnal meetings Addie enquired if he would undertake a “homer” and build a fireplace for him. Needless to say, no money was going to change hands, but a deal was struck whereby Addie would play the fiddle to accompany Bobby as the building work progressed. The job took place one morning after both had returned from playing and was completed in around four hours. Upon completion, none was happier than Addie, not only to see his new fireplace in position, but to get rid of, “that damn fiddle”! This night’s work, however, marked another milestone in Bobby’s musical career as he decided to teach himself the fiddle.
National Service intervened in 1953, so Bobby parted company with The Wick Hawthorn (the name was more splendid than the music) to enlist in the Royal Air Force as a Radar Operator. He signed on for a three-year engagement and was delighted when given the opportunity to play in an RAF Pipe Band. Moving around the country enabled him to hear such diverse favourites as Johnny Dankworth, John Johnstone and his Band (resident every Saturday in The Pool Ballroom, Dunbar) and two interesting groups from the Borders – Wattie Frater and his Hawaiian Serenaders and The Margaret Mercer Scottish Dance Band. For a considerable period of his service Bobby was stationed at RAF Drone Hall between Cockburnspath and Eyemouth.
After demob he joined the highly acclaimed Wick Scottish Dance Band to play fiddle in place of Addie, who was experiencing a spell of bad health. Bobby is the first to admit that he gained a tremendous amount of experience in the eighteen months he spent with this great band, which comprised Eann Nicolson (accordion), Charlie Ewan (piano), Alistair Budge (bass) and John Gunn (drums).
While chatting one day to Addie in 1957, they agreed to form a trio and recruited Chris Duncan to play drums while Addie played guitar and Bobby the second-hand La Vera 3-row, which he had just purchased from J.T. Forbes, Dundee for £49 on a sale or return basis. This box must have been acceptable as he still has it in his possession – albeit for sentimental reasons, as his Shand Morino gets most of the work to do now.
As all three of the band members lived in Weir Crescent, Milton – Bobby at number 2, Chris at number 4 and Addie at number 6, the obvious choice of name was The Milton Trio. Personnel came and went for various reasons; the trio increased to a band, and in total ran for nineteen years. During this period Bobby had great assistance from three members of The Donaldson Family, Noel on accordion, Barbara on piano and Lois on double bass.
Many stories can be recalled of incidents in which the band got involved in this period, including one 3a.m. encounter in Berriedale with a group of Scottish Country Dancers from Bonar Bridge who insisted that the band play for them to dance “Wild Geese”. As the band members had just enjoyed a refreshment from the dancers’ Thermos flasks and sandwich boxes, how could they refuse?
Wintry conditions often caused the band problems on the notorious A9, and once Bobby had to reverse the front-wheel Jenson minibus up The Berriedale Braes as the vehicle could not make the ascent the conventional way!
On another occasion en route to an engagement in Golspie, the vehicle got stuck in a snowdrift on The Ord. In true “the show must go on” spirit, all set off on foot carrying their instruments – unfortunately for pianist Donnie Morrison, he lost his shoes in the deep snow and arrived at the dance in his stocking soles!
In 1961 Bobby entered and won the North of Scotland Accordion Championship at the Empire theatre, Inverness. In the wake of this win, Bobby was in great demand as a guest musician and travelled all over the country including several visits to London, where he appeared at Society Balls and Dinners.
Bobby teamed up again with Addie Harper in 1976 to play lead accordion in The Wick Band. This band was extremely busy at this time making records on the EMI label and broadcasting on BBC Radio. After about eighteen months, Bobby handed over the lead accordion spot to Addie Jnr and formed his own band, which is still going strong to this day, although there have been many enforced changes in the intervening period. One particularly sad loss was the untimely death in 1986 of personal friend and piano player David Smith, very shortly after the band had played at the re-opening of the new-look Music Hall in Aberdeen.
The current lineup of The Bobby Coghill Scottish Dance Band has Bobby on lead accordion, Noel Donaldson (second box), Jacqui MacDonald (piano), Willie Lyall (drums) and vocalist Lesley McKay. Others who played in the band since its inception include pianists Ruby Malcolm, Barbara Donaldson, Heather Mill and Dennis Manson; drummers Johnny Swanson (now deceased), Donnie MacKay and Chris Duncan; bass players Lois Donaldson and Fergus Mill; fiddler Ian Deerness and second box player Charley Dey. Charley also encouraged Bobby to return to playing when he thought he had given up for good, and sang with the band – as did Jim Kemp, Margie and Ian Sinclair (now part of Mirk), George Lamont, Ina Miller (Bobby’s sister) and Elfrida Scott. Other players, too numerous to mention, have also guested with the band.
Over the years they have travelled extensively, including two trips each to Canada and The Faroe Islands. Incidentally, they were the first Scottish Dance Band to perform in The Faroes where, at that time, there were eighteen Scottish Country Dance teams. At present, the band is busy most weekends, with the occasional mid-week Accordion & Fiddle Club guest spot to keep them on their toes.
Mentioning Accordion & Fiddle Clubs, Bobby has been actively involved in the Wick Club since it started in 1976. He served as the first Chairman for eleven years and currently occupies the post of Vice-Chairman. The present Chairman is Addie Harper and Bobby’s sister, Ina, is the Club Secretary. Somehow Bobby also finds time to be an active player with The Wick Fiddlers.
In the mis-80s he made another change of instrument. He purchased a 5-row Hohner Vox and teamed up with soprano Elfrida Scott from Kintore to form a popular duo called “The Norlanders”. They recorded a couple of cassettes on the Ross label and for four years enjoyed great popularity appearing in a variety of venues all over Scotland. In addition to appearances at ceilidhs, pubs and clubs, they guested at many big festivals, also at the Gordon Highlanders Freedom Ceremony at Inverurie in June 1988.
Although he still plays fiddle, 3- and 5-row accordions, Bobby’s first love remains the bagpipes and through his playing of this instrument he was fortunate to visit other countries with the renowned band, “Colorado”. His son, Bryan, is a member of Colorado, playing accordion, banjo and steel guitar, having started his musical career with his dad. The tours with Colorado have included three visits each to Germany and Switzerland and also a television appearance from the Wembley Festival.
Another two well-known players who started with Bobby are accordion champion Elizabeth McKenzie (née Steven) and accordionist Kevin Gunn, who is now a piping instructor in Caithness Schools.
Composing tunes comes quite easily to Bobby – one bears the unusual title of I Got the Devil for Burning the Tatties – there must be a story there somewhere! Amongst others from his pen include The Queen Mother’s Welcome to Caithness General Hospital and two for musician friends David Smith of Cawdor and The Chris Duncan Two-Step. Although living in the far north of Scotland, distance is never a worry to Bobby and, if a “good tune” is guaranteed his motto is: “Have instruments – will travel!”
Box and Fiddle
March 1994
Since writing this article eleven years ago I have been casting my mind back to my involvements with Bobby in the intervening period. Although these have been many and varied, the ones I remember most vividly were the ceilidhs and Hogmanay Shows run to raise money for the Moray Firth Radio Charity Trust.
In the late 90s Bobby suggested we should have a weekend of entertainment in Mackay’s Hotel, Wick when he would arrange a ceilidh/dance on the Saturday evening followed on the Sunday afternoon with a live two-hour Scottish variety show on Moray Firth Radio. This popular event ran for four years in the month of February between 1999 and 2002, raising lots of money for local charities. On these shows Bobby gave many local entertainers the opportunity to perform live on the radio. Also his beloved Wick Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe Band was heard by a wide variety of listeners.
Bobby also arranged the programmes for a couple of pre-recorded Hogmanay Shows on MFR – one in The Drumossie Hotel and the other in a large marquee at Eden Court, both in Inverness. These shows were very much appreciated by large audiences, so pleased to hear good Scottish music and song and to say goodbye to one year and welcome another.
Just a few days before Bobby entered hospital I phoned him with my good wishes. He said, “While you are on the line keep the weekend 10th-12th June free as I have a job for you.” This job was to act as commentator at the Massed Pipe Band Festival in Wick on the Saturday afternoon and evening. I was honoured to carry out Bobby’s wishes and despite cold and, on the Saturday evening, extremely wet weather the Festival was a great success with nine bands performing, including one from Lucerne in Switzerland and another from Waldsee in Germany. Both of these bands had benefited greatly from Bobby’s tuition at piping workshops in their own countries.
Incidentally, they had first met Bobby several years ago when he was appearing with the country band Colorado on their European tours. At Bobby’s funeral in January both of these Pipe Bands sent pipers to pay their respects and play at the Church and graveside. The funeral was one of the biggest seen in Wick for many years as hundreds of people, myself included, gathered to say farewell to a perfect gentleman who will be sadly missed not only in Caithness but much farther afield
Both Sides of the Tweed
by Hector Christie
Both Sides of the Tweed is a weekend music festival ……………
Music in the Community
by Mark Morpurgo
Most Fiddle and Reel Societies ………….
Alistair Henderson of Portree (Obituary)
by Fergie MacDonald
The passing of Alistair Henderson, peacefully at his home in Portree, has left a massive vacuum in the world of Scottish traditional music.
Firstly, on behalf of the music fraternity, deepest sympathy is humbly conveyed to his loving wife, Ina, and sons David and Hector.
In times like these, superlatives are so often loosely used, although in many cases thoroughly deserved. In this case however, superlatives are in short supply. Everybody privileged to have known Alistair loved him dearly as a person.
It is well documented that his late father Duncan, a noted piper himself, taught me so many of the pipe marches that I play to this day. I vividly remember being taught the third and fourth parts of Leaving Lunga, eventually getting them right around four o’clock in the morning. Mind you, there were various refreshment intervals throughout the night. That was a typical musical night in Newton.
In such a musical environment, it was little wonder that the whole family matured into top-line musicians, Hector (Hecky) on accordion, Ewan (Oonie) on bagpipes, Heather on keyboard and Violet (Vava) on accordion and piano. Luckily Sheila, a devoted mum to them all, loved music herself. This was fortunate. Can you imagine it otherwise?
Alistair, on leaving school, joined my band in 1967 when he was 17. There were 4 of us – Alistair played accordion and bass guitar, Noel Eadie was the singer and played lead guitar and Jay Dewar from Strathyre was on drums. This particular band was extremely popular in the late sixties, capable of handling anything from a Highland Schottische to any number from the Top 20 Charts. To be involved in the dance hall scene during that era is something to be treasured. Eventually, that great band split up in 1969. Noel joined ‘Na H-Oganaich’, Jay got married and Alistair joined the police – Inverness-shire Constabulary.
While serving as a police officer Alistair met, and of course married, Ina. Alistair resigned from the police force with honour, dignity and the overwhelming respect of his superiors and fellow officers. Although he worked for many years with the well-known firm, Skye Marble, Alistair will be more affectionately remembered from his involvement with the mobile library.
During his early days on Skye he befriended and teamed up with another great musician – Iain MacDonald from Dunvegan. The musical mix here was powerful to say the least. With Alistair and Iain both on Cordovox electronic accordions and supported by Donald John Campbell (Pop) on drums, this very popular band performed all over the Western Highlands and Islands for many years. Sadly, due to Iain’s untimely death, that great combination was reduced to Alistair and Donald John. Apart from performing at ceilidhs and dances. Alistair became resident musician at The Royal Hotel, Portree. Every musician and traditional music lover, whether working or holidaying, would eventually round off their evening at The Royal. Alistair packed the place out every weekend for 23 years. He became an institution in relation to The Royal Hotel.
At this point we must mention Donald Archie MacKinnon from Broadford who, along with Alistair, performed at concerts and ceilidhs throughout Scotland. Although Donald Archie is one of our top traditional Gaelic singers, I know that he considered himself tremendously fortunate to have such brilliant accordion accompaniment at hand from Alistair. This was a ‘top drawer’ act.
Personally, I myself rejoice in the fact that I was privileged simply to have known Alistair. This view will be shared by many.
In conclusion, I must finish with a story that Alistair loved to recall. During his two years full-time with the ‘Fergie’ band, Alistair was nominated duty driver. With Alistair designated to this duty, Fergie was able to indulge more regularly and freely in the typical Highland cultural pastime of ‘a drop of the creutair’. One day, driving through Glencoe, it seemed that Fergie shouted out, “Stop Alistair!” quickly followed by the command, “Reverse back a bit – stop!” At this point the passenger window flew open and Fergie let fly with both barrels of the shotgun – bang! bang! On investigation two grouse were found at the scene of the shooting. This shootout was followed by a feather plucking ritual at the roadside. Next night in the Glasgow flat, roast grouse, potatoes and veg made up the menu for a most exquisite evening meal. Alistair’s own assessment of this amazing escapade was that he viewed it as the ultimate hallmark of a real Highland dance band. Listen, think of some of the biggest names you know in the Scottish dance band industry and can you imagine any of them pulling off a stunt like that? As I already said, Alistair loved relating that story.
Fiddle Frenzy
by
This year’s ‘Shetland Fiddle Frenzy’ -
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Friends Forever – Roddy Matthews – CDBM004 – Bingfield Music
Bryce and Moothie Combine – Bryce Johnstone – SMR 094CD – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Naked and Bare – Fiddlers Bid – CDTRAX277 – Greentrax Recordings
Reel ‘Em In - Rob Thorn – RTCD1 - Independent
Book Review
Accordion Crimes – E. Annie Prouix
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
2nd July 05 – Iain Anderson SDB (OB from Albert Halls, Stirling. From November 2004)
9th July 05 – Graeme Mitchell SDB (OB from Seafield Hotel, Keith. From June 2001)
16th July 05 – Da Fustra (OB from Scalloway, Shetland. From June 2004)
23rd July 05 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB (OB from Kirriemuir Town Hall. From February 2004)
30th July 05 – John Carmichael CB (OB from Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, Glasgow. From February 2005)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th July 05 – Alan Ross
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th July 05 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th July 05 – Stuart Anderson
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th July 05 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th & 9th July 05 – Neil Hardie Trio 10th July 05 – Richard Smith Trio
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th July 05 - Ian Thomson SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 31st July 05 – Steven Carcary’s Young Players
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th July 05 – John Crawford & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 26th July 05 – Ian Cruickshank’s SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th July 05 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th July 05 – Banchory S&R Society
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 10th July 05 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 7th July 05 – Bon Accords
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st July 05 – Gary Forrest Trio
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9 Coalburn
10. Cults
11. Dunblane
12. Forfar
13. Forres
15. Glenrothes
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lewis & Harris
19. Livingston
20. Montrose
21. Newburgh
22. Reading Scottish Fiddlers
23. Rothbury
24. Turriff
25. Tynedale
26. West Barnes
27. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It was good to meet up with so many of you at the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon in The Huntingtower Hotel. Thanks must go once again to Jim and Helen Balneaves for all their organisation. A great day was had by all, and we’ll carry a full report in the August B&F as usual. We’ve sneaked in a few photos of the BAFFI winners this month just to whet your appetite.
We offer no apologies for our lead article being a repeat of one printed 11 years ago. Andy Ross made such a good job of it first time round, and has updated it, following Bobby’s untimely death. We were so pleased that Marrie and Bryan were at the Luncheon to accept the NAAFC crystal bowl on his behalf. Thanks too to Marrie for the wonderful photos that accompany the article.
Another recent sad loss to the traditional scene was Alistair Henderson of Portree. Fergie MacDonald has written an obituary, and included a tune he wrote for Alistair.
Clubs, please remember to send us your syllabuses for next season. We hope to have the Website up and running again very shortly and we will also soon be compiling the 2006 Box and fiddle Calendar, so your dates are important.
Karin Ingram
Bobby Coghill
by Andy Ross
Bobby Coghill became involved with music at the age of ten when he started playing the pipes and joined the Wick Boys Brigade Pipe Band. Two years later he moved on to the Town Band – an obvious progression as his father, three uncles, a brother and a sister were all pipers – four of them Pipe Majors. Bobby has been Pipe Major of the Wick Royal British Legion (Scotland) Pipe Band for the past eight years and last June was honoured by the Legion when he was invited to be leading Pipe Major at Edinburgh Castle for their Massed Pipe Bands “Beating The Retreat”.
In 1949 Bobby was introduced to the dance band scene, playing a Ludwig piano keyed melodeon with British Chromatic action. He teamed up with accordionist Billy Munro, and on most Saturday evenings played in The Crown Bar. At this time he was under the legal age for drinking and an “arrangement” was made with the proprietor, so that when visitors to the bar bought a round for the musicians they would be charged for a whisky and orange, but Bobby would be served only the orange! At the end of the evening the proceeds from this “arrangement” would be shared between the two players. On quite a number of occasions a half bottle “carry out” would then be purchased and the two would proceed the three miles to a dance in Ackergill!
Eventually, both were invited to join another band, which had two accordion players but no drummer. The name, “The Wick Hawthorn Accordion Band” appealed to them, so the invitation was accepted and Bobby volunteered to play drums. At this time he lived over a mile from Wick and could often be seen walking into town to catch the bus to dances in the country laden down with bass and side drums, cymbals, skulls etc. This process was repeated in the wee sma’ hours of the next morning on the return journey. Addie Harper lived only four doors away and on many nights the two met up after returning from dances to exchange stories as to how their respective evenings had gone. Both had always had “first class nights” – whether they had or not!
Upon leaving school, Bobby began his apprenticeship as a stonemason and during one of these aforementioned nocturnal meetings Addie enquired if he would undertake a “homer” and build a fireplace for him. Needless to say, no money was going to change hands, but a deal was struck whereby Addie would play the fiddle to accompany Bobby as the building work progressed. The job took place one morning after both had returned from playing and was completed in around four hours. Upon completion, none was happier than Addie, not only to see his new fireplace in position, but to get rid of, “that damn fiddle”! This night’s work, however, marked another milestone in Bobby’s musical career as he decided to teach himself the fiddle.
National Service intervened in 1953, so Bobby parted company with The Wick Hawthorn (the name was more splendid than the music) to enlist in the Royal Air Force as a Radar Operator. He signed on for a three-year engagement and was delighted when given the opportunity to play in an RAF Pipe Band. Moving around the country enabled him to hear such diverse favourites as Johnny Dankworth, John Johnstone and his Band (resident every Saturday in The Pool Ballroom, Dunbar) and two interesting groups from the Borders – Wattie Frater and his Hawaiian Serenaders and The Margaret Mercer Scottish Dance Band. For a considerable period of his service Bobby was stationed at RAF Drone Hall between Cockburnspath and Eyemouth.
After demob he joined the highly acclaimed Wick Scottish Dance Band to play fiddle in place of Addie, who was experiencing a spell of bad health. Bobby is the first to admit that he gained a tremendous amount of experience in the eighteen months he spent with this great band, which comprised Eann Nicolson (accordion), Charlie Ewan (piano), Alistair Budge (bass) and John Gunn (drums).
While chatting one day to Addie in 1957, they agreed to form a trio and recruited Chris Duncan to play drums while Addie played guitar and Bobby the second-hand La Vera 3-row, which he had just purchased from J.T. Forbes, Dundee for £49 on a sale or return basis. This box must have been acceptable as he still has it in his possession – albeit for sentimental reasons, as his Shand Morino gets most of the work to do now.
As all three of the band members lived in Weir Crescent, Milton – Bobby at number 2, Chris at number 4 and Addie at number 6, the obvious choice of name was The Milton Trio. Personnel came and went for various reasons; the trio increased to a band, and in total ran for nineteen years. During this period Bobby had great assistance from three members of The Donaldson Family, Noel on accordion, Barbara on piano and Lois on double bass.
Many stories can be recalled of incidents in which the band got involved in this period, including one 3a.m. encounter in Berriedale with a group of Scottish Country Dancers from Bonar Bridge who insisted that the band play for them to dance “Wild Geese”. As the band members had just enjoyed a refreshment from the dancers’ Thermos flasks and sandwich boxes, how could they refuse?
Wintry conditions often caused the band problems on the notorious A9, and once Bobby had to reverse the front-wheel Jenson minibus up The Berriedale Braes as the vehicle could not make the ascent the conventional way!
On another occasion en route to an engagement in Golspie, the vehicle got stuck in a snowdrift on The Ord. In true “the show must go on” spirit, all set off on foot carrying their instruments – unfortunately for pianist Donnie Morrison, he lost his shoes in the deep snow and arrived at the dance in his stocking soles!
In 1961 Bobby entered and won the North of Scotland Accordion Championship at the Empire theatre, Inverness. In the wake of this win, Bobby was in great demand as a guest musician and travelled all over the country including several visits to London, where he appeared at Society Balls and Dinners.
Bobby teamed up again with Addie Harper in 1976 to play lead accordion in The Wick Band. This band was extremely busy at this time making records on the EMI label and broadcasting on BBC Radio. After about eighteen months, Bobby handed over the lead accordion spot to Addie Jnr and formed his own band, which is still going strong to this day, although there have been many enforced changes in the intervening period. One particularly sad loss was the untimely death in 1986 of personal friend and piano player David Smith, very shortly after the band had played at the re-opening of the new-look Music Hall in Aberdeen.
The current lineup of The Bobby Coghill Scottish Dance Band has Bobby on lead accordion, Noel Donaldson (second box), Jacqui MacDonald (piano), Willie Lyall (drums) and vocalist Lesley McKay. Others who played in the band since its inception include pianists Ruby Malcolm, Barbara Donaldson, Heather Mill and Dennis Manson; drummers Johnny Swanson (now deceased), Donnie MacKay and Chris Duncan; bass players Lois Donaldson and Fergus Mill; fiddler Ian Deerness and second box player Charley Dey. Charley also encouraged Bobby to return to playing when he thought he had given up for good, and sang with the band – as did Jim Kemp, Margie and Ian Sinclair (now part of Mirk), George Lamont, Ina Miller (Bobby’s sister) and Elfrida Scott. Other players, too numerous to mention, have also guested with the band.
Over the years they have travelled extensively, including two trips each to Canada and The Faroe Islands. Incidentally, they were the first Scottish Dance Band to perform in The Faroes where, at that time, there were eighteen Scottish Country Dance teams. At present, the band is busy most weekends, with the occasional mid-week Accordion & Fiddle Club guest spot to keep them on their toes.
Mentioning Accordion & Fiddle Clubs, Bobby has been actively involved in the Wick Club since it started in 1976. He served as the first Chairman for eleven years and currently occupies the post of Vice-Chairman. The present Chairman is Addie Harper and Bobby’s sister, Ina, is the Club Secretary. Somehow Bobby also finds time to be an active player with The Wick Fiddlers.
In the mis-80s he made another change of instrument. He purchased a 5-row Hohner Vox and teamed up with soprano Elfrida Scott from Kintore to form a popular duo called “The Norlanders”. They recorded a couple of cassettes on the Ross label and for four years enjoyed great popularity appearing in a variety of venues all over Scotland. In addition to appearances at ceilidhs, pubs and clubs, they guested at many big festivals, also at the Gordon Highlanders Freedom Ceremony at Inverurie in June 1988.
Although he still plays fiddle, 3- and 5-row accordions, Bobby’s first love remains the bagpipes and through his playing of this instrument he was fortunate to visit other countries with the renowned band, “Colorado”. His son, Bryan, is a member of Colorado, playing accordion, banjo and steel guitar, having started his musical career with his dad. The tours with Colorado have included three visits each to Germany and Switzerland and also a television appearance from the Wembley Festival.
Another two well-known players who started with Bobby are accordion champion Elizabeth McKenzie (née Steven) and accordionist Kevin Gunn, who is now a piping instructor in Caithness Schools.
Composing tunes comes quite easily to Bobby – one bears the unusual title of I Got the Devil for Burning the Tatties – there must be a story there somewhere! Amongst others from his pen include The Queen Mother’s Welcome to Caithness General Hospital and two for musician friends David Smith of Cawdor and The Chris Duncan Two-Step. Although living in the far north of Scotland, distance is never a worry to Bobby and, if a “good tune” is guaranteed his motto is: “Have instruments – will travel!”
Box and Fiddle
March 1994
Since writing this article eleven years ago I have been casting my mind back to my involvements with Bobby in the intervening period. Although these have been many and varied, the ones I remember most vividly were the ceilidhs and Hogmanay Shows run to raise money for the Moray Firth Radio Charity Trust.
In the late 90s Bobby suggested we should have a weekend of entertainment in Mackay’s Hotel, Wick when he would arrange a ceilidh/dance on the Saturday evening followed on the Sunday afternoon with a live two-hour Scottish variety show on Moray Firth Radio. This popular event ran for four years in the month of February between 1999 and 2002, raising lots of money for local charities. On these shows Bobby gave many local entertainers the opportunity to perform live on the radio. Also his beloved Wick Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe Band was heard by a wide variety of listeners.
Bobby also arranged the programmes for a couple of pre-recorded Hogmanay Shows on MFR – one in The Drumossie Hotel and the other in a large marquee at Eden Court, both in Inverness. These shows were very much appreciated by large audiences, so pleased to hear good Scottish music and song and to say goodbye to one year and welcome another.
Just a few days before Bobby entered hospital I phoned him with my good wishes. He said, “While you are on the line keep the weekend 10th-12th June free as I have a job for you.” This job was to act as commentator at the Massed Pipe Band Festival in Wick on the Saturday afternoon and evening. I was honoured to carry out Bobby’s wishes and despite cold and, on the Saturday evening, extremely wet weather the Festival was a great success with nine bands performing, including one from Lucerne in Switzerland and another from Waldsee in Germany. Both of these bands had benefited greatly from Bobby’s tuition at piping workshops in their own countries.
Incidentally, they had first met Bobby several years ago when he was appearing with the country band Colorado on their European tours. At Bobby’s funeral in January both of these Pipe Bands sent pipers to pay their respects and play at the Church and graveside. The funeral was one of the biggest seen in Wick for many years as hundreds of people, myself included, gathered to say farewell to a perfect gentleman who will be sadly missed not only in Caithness but much farther afield
Both Sides of the Tweed
by Hector Christie
Both Sides of the Tweed is a weekend music festival ……………
Music in the Community
by Mark Morpurgo
Most Fiddle and Reel Societies ………….
Alistair Henderson of Portree (Obituary)
by Fergie MacDonald
The passing of Alistair Henderson, peacefully at his home in Portree, has left a massive vacuum in the world of Scottish traditional music.
Firstly, on behalf of the music fraternity, deepest sympathy is humbly conveyed to his loving wife, Ina, and sons David and Hector.
In times like these, superlatives are so often loosely used, although in many cases thoroughly deserved. In this case however, superlatives are in short supply. Everybody privileged to have known Alistair loved him dearly as a person.
It is well documented that his late father Duncan, a noted piper himself, taught me so many of the pipe marches that I play to this day. I vividly remember being taught the third and fourth parts of Leaving Lunga, eventually getting them right around four o’clock in the morning. Mind you, there were various refreshment intervals throughout the night. That was a typical musical night in Newton.
In such a musical environment, it was little wonder that the whole family matured into top-line musicians, Hector (Hecky) on accordion, Ewan (Oonie) on bagpipes, Heather on keyboard and Violet (Vava) on accordion and piano. Luckily Sheila, a devoted mum to them all, loved music herself. This was fortunate. Can you imagine it otherwise?
Alistair, on leaving school, joined my band in 1967 when he was 17. There were 4 of us – Alistair played accordion and bass guitar, Noel Eadie was the singer and played lead guitar and Jay Dewar from Strathyre was on drums. This particular band was extremely popular in the late sixties, capable of handling anything from a Highland Schottische to any number from the Top 20 Charts. To be involved in the dance hall scene during that era is something to be treasured. Eventually, that great band split up in 1969. Noel joined ‘Na H-Oganaich’, Jay got married and Alistair joined the police – Inverness-shire Constabulary.
While serving as a police officer Alistair met, and of course married, Ina. Alistair resigned from the police force with honour, dignity and the overwhelming respect of his superiors and fellow officers. Although he worked for many years with the well-known firm, Skye Marble, Alistair will be more affectionately remembered from his involvement with the mobile library.
During his early days on Skye he befriended and teamed up with another great musician – Iain MacDonald from Dunvegan. The musical mix here was powerful to say the least. With Alistair and Iain both on Cordovox electronic accordions and supported by Donald John Campbell (Pop) on drums, this very popular band performed all over the Western Highlands and Islands for many years. Sadly, due to Iain’s untimely death, that great combination was reduced to Alistair and Donald John. Apart from performing at ceilidhs and dances. Alistair became resident musician at The Royal Hotel, Portree. Every musician and traditional music lover, whether working or holidaying, would eventually round off their evening at The Royal. Alistair packed the place out every weekend for 23 years. He became an institution in relation to The Royal Hotel.
At this point we must mention Donald Archie MacKinnon from Broadford who, along with Alistair, performed at concerts and ceilidhs throughout Scotland. Although Donald Archie is one of our top traditional Gaelic singers, I know that he considered himself tremendously fortunate to have such brilliant accordion accompaniment at hand from Alistair. This was a ‘top drawer’ act.
Personally, I myself rejoice in the fact that I was privileged simply to have known Alistair. This view will be shared by many.
In conclusion, I must finish with a story that Alistair loved to recall. During his two years full-time with the ‘Fergie’ band, Alistair was nominated duty driver. With Alistair designated to this duty, Fergie was able to indulge more regularly and freely in the typical Highland cultural pastime of ‘a drop of the creutair’. One day, driving through Glencoe, it seemed that Fergie shouted out, “Stop Alistair!” quickly followed by the command, “Reverse back a bit – stop!” At this point the passenger window flew open and Fergie let fly with both barrels of the shotgun – bang! bang! On investigation two grouse were found at the scene of the shooting. This shootout was followed by a feather plucking ritual at the roadside. Next night in the Glasgow flat, roast grouse, potatoes and veg made up the menu for a most exquisite evening meal. Alistair’s own assessment of this amazing escapade was that he viewed it as the ultimate hallmark of a real Highland dance band. Listen, think of some of the biggest names you know in the Scottish dance band industry and can you imagine any of them pulling off a stunt like that? As I already said, Alistair loved relating that story.
Fiddle Frenzy
by
This year’s ‘Shetland Fiddle Frenzy’ -
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Friends Forever – Roddy Matthews – CDBM004 – Bingfield Music
Bryce and Moothie Combine – Bryce Johnstone – SMR 094CD – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Naked and Bare – Fiddlers Bid – CDTRAX277 – Greentrax Recordings
Reel ‘Em In - Rob Thorn – RTCD1 - Independent
Book Review
Accordion Crimes – E. Annie Prouix
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
2nd July 05 – Iain Anderson SDB (OB from Albert Halls, Stirling. From November 2004)
9th July 05 – Graeme Mitchell SDB (OB from Seafield Hotel, Keith. From June 2001)
16th July 05 – Da Fustra (OB from Scalloway, Shetland. From June 2004)
23rd July 05 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB (OB from Kirriemuir Town Hall. From February 2004)
30th July 05 – John Carmichael CB (OB from Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, Glasgow. From February 2005)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th July 05 – Alan Ross
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th July 05 - tbc
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th July 05 – Stuart Anderson
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th July 05 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th & 9th July 05 – Neil Hardie Trio 10th July 05 – Richard Smith Trio
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St)
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th July 05 - Ian Thomson SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 31st July 05 – Steven Carcary’s Young Players
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th July 05 – John Crawford & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 26th July 05 – Ian Cruickshank’s SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th July 05 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th July 05 – Banchory S&R Society
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 10th July 05 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 7th July 05 – Bon Accords
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st July 05 – Gary Forrest Trio
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9 Coalburn
10. Cults
11. Dunblane
12. Forfar
13. Forres
15. Glenrothes
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lewis & Harris
19. Livingston
20. Montrose
21. Newburgh
22. Reading Scottish Fiddlers
23. Rothbury
24. Turriff
25. Tynedale
26. West Barnes
27. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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