Box and Fiddle
Year 34 No 10
June 2011
Price £2.60
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £28.60 + p&p £10.45 (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
We look forward to our AGM and Celebrity Luncheon at the end of the month with more than a hint of sadness. Back in November the Executive Committee of the NAAFC made the decision to Honour Bobby Brown and Ian Muir this year. At that time there was no suggestion of Bobby’s illness and we very much looked forward to welcoming him ‘home’ to receive his presentation. Bobby was delighted to be Honoured and was very excited about his visit. Unfortunately he was struck down by a particularly aggressive form of cancer and lost the battle at the beginning of May. His family have bravely decided to come and accept the Honour on his behalf.
As we go to print we have just heard the Bill Findlay of Rosyth also passed away recently. The world of Scottish music has lost two very talented gentlemen.
Karin Ingram
Ian Muir
by Susan MacFadyen
Ian Muir is one of the most accomplished and versatile accordionists in the Scottish music scene today. His musical career has taken him all over the world performing in
a variety of different genres.
Ian started playing the accordion at the age of eight, after his grandpa bought him his first wee accordion – a 32 bass Royal Standard. He took lessons with Jim Hutcheon for eight years, during which time he completed the British College of Accordionists Exams to the final grade.
Ian’s professional playing career started at the age of fourteen, when he was drafted in to replace Walter Perrie at The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr. This was the start of his successful career in the music industry. The list of those Ian has appeared with is like a ‘who’s who’ of the Scottish Variety Theatre. Ian has performed with Kenneth McKellar, Andy Stewart, Jimmy Tarbuck, Brenda Cochrane, Peter Morrison, Johnnie Beattie, Jack Milroy, Alastair McDonald and Dean Park to name but a few. Ian toured with Kenneth McKellar and Peter Morrison and did eight summer seasons at The Gaiety Theatre with Johnnie Beattie. He has also performed in the ‘Pride of the Clyde’ show at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow and, would you believe it, a couple of pantomimes at the Gaiety Theatre! A man of many talents!
At the tender age of sixteen, Ian took a step into the world of pop stardom when he appeared at The New London Theatre with Lulu. He toured the Middle East in the mid-eighties with The Barron Knights and also The Dooleys!
In 1979, Ian took to the sky on the inaugural flight of British Caledonian Airways to Atlanta in Houston, Texas. He recalls this was in the day when musical instruments were allowed freely into the aircraft cabin. Also on that flight was the then British Caledonian Airways Pipe Band, which was later to become the Grade One Scottish Power Pipe Band. Ian and some of the pipe band members had a ceilidh on board, marching up and down the aircraft aisle with the accordion and bagpipes, entertaining the passengers on board.
In 1996 Ian entered the world of musical theatre when he was invited to play the part of ‘Le Accordeoniste’ in the musical play, PIAF, the life story of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. The tour took in all major theatres in Scotland and finished its run in London.
Staying with the musical theatre theme, Ian was involved in the instigation of Dean Park’s Scottish Chart hit ‘Wee Andy Webber’s Scottish Melody’ – a hilarious spoof of Andrew Lloyd-Webbers songs sung in traditional style with Ian accompanying on accordion. This medley captivated many people across Britain, including Lorraine Kelly, who arranged for Ian and Dean to appear on her show GMTV to perform the medley. Ian’s other television credits include Thingummyjig, Shindig, Grampian’s Welcome to the Ceilidh (hosted by Johnnie Beattie), Northern Nights (hosted by John Carmichael) and more recently GMTV’s live Hogmanay Show from the shores of Loch Lomond.
Ian’s first introduction to playing in a Scottish Dance Band was when he joined Kenny Thomson and the Wardlaw Scottish Dance Band in 1979. It was this same year that he made his band broadcasting debut, appearing on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ programme and Radio Forth’s ‘Folk around Robin’ programme.
He firmed his own band in 1984 and has broadcast on numerous occasions for the BBC, including two live recordings for ‘Take the Floor’ and one recording for BBC Radio 2’s Music Live broadcast from Ayr in 1991. Ian and the band have made numerous album recordings, so many that Ian has lost count!
The band was awarded ‘The Scottish Dance Band of the Year’ title at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2010. Since its formation the band has become popular for ceilidh and Scottish Country dancing and has performed all over the world. Highlights include numerous cruises playing on ships such as the QE2 and QM2. Every year the band goes on a Scottish Country Dancing trip and over the years has played for dancers in Cyprus, Portugal, Majorca, Austria, Spain, Madeira, Malta and Italy plus many other destinations.
As well as the performance aspect of music, Ian has forged out a successful career in teaching the accordion. Ian started teaching privately in 1983 and has produced numerous young, talented accordion players including a few Scottish Champions such as Scott Gordon, Liam Stewart and Susan MacFadyen – an achievement he is very proud of. In 1996 he was appointed as the accordion tutor on the BA Scottish Music Course at the R.S.A.M.D., a post that he still holds. Since starting at the Academy he has been appointed as senior Accordion Tutor, Senior Lecturer and has been Acting Head of Department twice. Recently he has been involved with the progress team for curriculum reform and re-validation of the BA Scottish Music Course. Ian also taught at the Stirling Summer School for several years, which is in fact where he met his wife.
Due to Ian’s expertise on the accordion he has been in demand as an adjudicator at such Festivals as the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, the N.A.A.F.C. Festival and later this year at the All Scotland Accordion Championships held in Perth.
Ian started composing tunes when he was playing with the Wardlaw SDB in the late 70’s and some of these tunes have become standards in the band scene today. Two such tunes are ‘Dunaskin Glen’ and ‘Mr and Mrs McShane of Houston’, both tunes being recorded and broadcast on numerous occasions by other leading Scottish Dance Bands. Last year, in 2010, Ian was persuaded to release a book of his own compositions, a must in the library of any accordionist or fiddler.
One of Ian’s earliest non-Scottish musical influences was Jack Emblow; he was mesmerised by his musicality and accompaniment technique. Ian recalls listening to ‘Sing Something Simple’ on BBC Radio 2 featuring Jack Emblow.
In Scottish music circles Ian’s influences in the early years were Iain MacPhail and Jim Johnstone. In fact, Ian’s first tape was of the Iain MacPhail SDB. In latter years influences have come from Robert and Duncan Black as well as Gordon Pattullo. During the eighties and nineties piano players such as Peggy O’Keefe and Colin Bell had a great influence on him, especially in their accompaniment technique.
Ian has managed to forge out a very successful and varied musical career spanning more than three decades. His philosophy has always been that the more you can do the more you get to do and this is the way he encourages all his students to think, especially if they are planning a full time career in the music business. With so many musical credentials to his name it is only fitting that he is being honoured by the N.A.A.F.C. in 2011.
Busking on the Ben
by Ian Stoddart
Perhaps inspired by Phil Cunningham’s recent…………..
Islay Inn Morino Day
by Neil MacGregor
On Sunday the 25th of April, the second Morino Day session…..
Davy Pollock of Roslin
by
David Pollock, the well-known accordionist and jovial character from Roslin, Midlothian, was presented with a cake to mark the occasion of his 80th Birthday. The presentation took place during the weekly session of The Buttons and Bows music group in Windygates Institute on Wednesday 20th April. The cake was provided by friend and fellow a accordionist David Ritchie and was presented by Mary McQueen, who regularly entertains with a wealth of stories and poems about her life as a Border shepherd.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
The Royal Mile – Ian Lees – Independent
Heart of the Garioch – The Garioch Fiddlers – Donside Records DRCD3006
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
4th June 11 – Niall Kirkpatrick SDB
11th June 11 – Craigowl SDB (Tribute to Bobby Brown)
18th June 11 – Tom Orr SDB
25th June 11 – OB TBC
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th June 11 – Hartfell SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 12th June 11 – Michael Philip SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th June 11 - Tribute
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd June 11 – Roya McLean Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th June 11 – Ian Thomson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th June 11 – Jack Delaney SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 6th June 11 – Gold Brothers
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st June 11 – Robert Nairn Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 3rd June 11 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st June 11 – John Bone
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th June 11 – Gary Sutherland C.B.
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st June 11 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th June 11 - AGM
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 8th June 11 - AGM
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th June 11 – Dance to Steven Carcary SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) - 4th June 11 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd June 11 – Davie Stewart Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st June 11 – Billy Anderson Trio
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th June 11 - AGM
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 2nd June 11 – AGM + West Telferton SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd June 11 – Burns Brothers SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th June 11 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 14th June 11 - AGM
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Haddington
17. Highland
18. Isle of Skye
19. Kelso
20. Lauder
21. Lewis & Harris
22. Livingston
23. Lockerbie
24. Mauchline
25. Montrose
26. Newburgh
27. North East
28. Perth
29. Rothbury
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
32. Turriff
33. Tynedale
34. West Barnes
35. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 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?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. 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
We look forward to our AGM and Celebrity Luncheon at the end of the month with more than a hint of sadness. Back in November the Executive Committee of the NAAFC made the decision to Honour Bobby Brown and Ian Muir this year. At that time there was no suggestion of Bobby’s illness and we very much looked forward to welcoming him ‘home’ to receive his presentation. Bobby was delighted to be Honoured and was very excited about his visit. Unfortunately he was struck down by a particularly aggressive form of cancer and lost the battle at the beginning of May. His family have bravely decided to come and accept the Honour on his behalf.
As we go to print we have just heard the Bill Findlay of Rosyth also passed away recently. The world of Scottish music has lost two very talented gentlemen.
Karin Ingram
Ian Muir
by Susan MacFadyen
Ian Muir is one of the most accomplished and versatile accordionists in the Scottish music scene today. His musical career has taken him all over the world performing in
a variety of different genres.
Ian started playing the accordion at the age of eight, after his grandpa bought him his first wee accordion – a 32 bass Royal Standard. He took lessons with Jim Hutcheon for eight years, during which time he completed the British College of Accordionists Exams to the final grade.
Ian’s professional playing career started at the age of fourteen, when he was drafted in to replace Walter Perrie at The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr. This was the start of his successful career in the music industry. The list of those Ian has appeared with is like a ‘who’s who’ of the Scottish Variety Theatre. Ian has performed with Kenneth McKellar, Andy Stewart, Jimmy Tarbuck, Brenda Cochrane, Peter Morrison, Johnnie Beattie, Jack Milroy, Alastair McDonald and Dean Park to name but a few. Ian toured with Kenneth McKellar and Peter Morrison and did eight summer seasons at The Gaiety Theatre with Johnnie Beattie. He has also performed in the ‘Pride of the Clyde’ show at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow and, would you believe it, a couple of pantomimes at the Gaiety Theatre! A man of many talents!
At the tender age of sixteen, Ian took a step into the world of pop stardom when he appeared at The New London Theatre with Lulu. He toured the Middle East in the mid-eighties with The Barron Knights and also The Dooleys!
In 1979, Ian took to the sky on the inaugural flight of British Caledonian Airways to Atlanta in Houston, Texas. He recalls this was in the day when musical instruments were allowed freely into the aircraft cabin. Also on that flight was the then British Caledonian Airways Pipe Band, which was later to become the Grade One Scottish Power Pipe Band. Ian and some of the pipe band members had a ceilidh on board, marching up and down the aircraft aisle with the accordion and bagpipes, entertaining the passengers on board.
In 1996 Ian entered the world of musical theatre when he was invited to play the part of ‘Le Accordeoniste’ in the musical play, PIAF, the life story of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. The tour took in all major theatres in Scotland and finished its run in London.
Staying with the musical theatre theme, Ian was involved in the instigation of Dean Park’s Scottish Chart hit ‘Wee Andy Webber’s Scottish Melody’ – a hilarious spoof of Andrew Lloyd-Webbers songs sung in traditional style with Ian accompanying on accordion. This medley captivated many people across Britain, including Lorraine Kelly, who arranged for Ian and Dean to appear on her show GMTV to perform the medley. Ian’s other television credits include Thingummyjig, Shindig, Grampian’s Welcome to the Ceilidh (hosted by Johnnie Beattie), Northern Nights (hosted by John Carmichael) and more recently GMTV’s live Hogmanay Show from the shores of Loch Lomond.
Ian’s first introduction to playing in a Scottish Dance Band was when he joined Kenny Thomson and the Wardlaw Scottish Dance Band in 1979. It was this same year that he made his band broadcasting debut, appearing on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ programme and Radio Forth’s ‘Folk around Robin’ programme.
He firmed his own band in 1984 and has broadcast on numerous occasions for the BBC, including two live recordings for ‘Take the Floor’ and one recording for BBC Radio 2’s Music Live broadcast from Ayr in 1991. Ian and the band have made numerous album recordings, so many that Ian has lost count!
The band was awarded ‘The Scottish Dance Band of the Year’ title at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2010. Since its formation the band has become popular for ceilidh and Scottish Country dancing and has performed all over the world. Highlights include numerous cruises playing on ships such as the QE2 and QM2. Every year the band goes on a Scottish Country Dancing trip and over the years has played for dancers in Cyprus, Portugal, Majorca, Austria, Spain, Madeira, Malta and Italy plus many other destinations.
As well as the performance aspect of music, Ian has forged out a successful career in teaching the accordion. Ian started teaching privately in 1983 and has produced numerous young, talented accordion players including a few Scottish Champions such as Scott Gordon, Liam Stewart and Susan MacFadyen – an achievement he is very proud of. In 1996 he was appointed as the accordion tutor on the BA Scottish Music Course at the R.S.A.M.D., a post that he still holds. Since starting at the Academy he has been appointed as senior Accordion Tutor, Senior Lecturer and has been Acting Head of Department twice. Recently he has been involved with the progress team for curriculum reform and re-validation of the BA Scottish Music Course. Ian also taught at the Stirling Summer School for several years, which is in fact where he met his wife.
Due to Ian’s expertise on the accordion he has been in demand as an adjudicator at such Festivals as the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, the N.A.A.F.C. Festival and later this year at the All Scotland Accordion Championships held in Perth.
Ian started composing tunes when he was playing with the Wardlaw SDB in the late 70’s and some of these tunes have become standards in the band scene today. Two such tunes are ‘Dunaskin Glen’ and ‘Mr and Mrs McShane of Houston’, both tunes being recorded and broadcast on numerous occasions by other leading Scottish Dance Bands. Last year, in 2010, Ian was persuaded to release a book of his own compositions, a must in the library of any accordionist or fiddler.
One of Ian’s earliest non-Scottish musical influences was Jack Emblow; he was mesmerised by his musicality and accompaniment technique. Ian recalls listening to ‘Sing Something Simple’ on BBC Radio 2 featuring Jack Emblow.
In Scottish music circles Ian’s influences in the early years were Iain MacPhail and Jim Johnstone. In fact, Ian’s first tape was of the Iain MacPhail SDB. In latter years influences have come from Robert and Duncan Black as well as Gordon Pattullo. During the eighties and nineties piano players such as Peggy O’Keefe and Colin Bell had a great influence on him, especially in their accompaniment technique.
Ian has managed to forge out a very successful and varied musical career spanning more than three decades. His philosophy has always been that the more you can do the more you get to do and this is the way he encourages all his students to think, especially if they are planning a full time career in the music business. With so many musical credentials to his name it is only fitting that he is being honoured by the N.A.A.F.C. in 2011.
Busking on the Ben
by Ian Stoddart
Perhaps inspired by Phil Cunningham’s recent…………..
Islay Inn Morino Day
by Neil MacGregor
On Sunday the 25th of April, the second Morino Day session…..
Davy Pollock of Roslin
by
David Pollock, the well-known accordionist and jovial character from Roslin, Midlothian, was presented with a cake to mark the occasion of his 80th Birthday. The presentation took place during the weekly session of The Buttons and Bows music group in Windygates Institute on Wednesday 20th April. The cake was provided by friend and fellow a accordionist David Ritchie and was presented by Mary McQueen, who regularly entertains with a wealth of stories and poems about her life as a Border shepherd.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
The Royal Mile – Ian Lees – Independent
Heart of the Garioch – The Garioch Fiddlers – Donside Records DRCD3006
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
4th June 11 – Niall Kirkpatrick SDB
11th June 11 – Craigowl SDB (Tribute to Bobby Brown)
18th June 11 – Tom Orr SDB
25th June 11 – OB TBC
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th June 11 – Hartfell SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 12th June 11 – Michael Philip SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th June 11 - Tribute
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd June 11 – Roya McLean Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th June 11 – Ian Thomson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th June 11 – Jack Delaney SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 6th June 11 – Gold Brothers
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st June 11 – Robert Nairn Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 3rd June 11 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st June 11 – John Bone
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th June 11 – Gary Sutherland C.B.
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st June 11 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th June 11 - AGM
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 8th June 11 - AGM
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th June 11 – Dance to Steven Carcary SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) - 4th June 11 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd June 11 – Davie Stewart Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st June 11 – Billy Anderson Trio
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th June 11 - AGM
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 2nd June 11 – AGM + West Telferton SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd June 11 – Burns Brothers SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th June 11 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 14th June 11 - AGM
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff
12. Dingwall
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Haddington
17. Highland
18. Isle of Skye
19. Kelso
20. Lauder
21. Lewis & Harris
22. Livingston
23. Lockerbie
24. Mauchline
25. Montrose
26. Newburgh
27. North East
28. Perth
29. Rothbury
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
32. Turriff
33. Tynedale
34. West Barnes
35. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 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?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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