Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 10
June 2020
Price £3.00
34 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Click here to eEditor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
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 is with great sadness that I have to notify you all of the cancellation of this year’s AGM and Celebrity Luncheon which was to be held at the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee on Sunday 28th June.
As was probably expected, the ongoing situation around Coronavirus COVID 19 has dictated that we cannot hold any public gathering yet, and social distancing regulations make our event impossible.
We have waited until the last possible moment to cancel in the hope that some solution would be found, but alas not. The Management at the Invercarse Hotel have been as helpful as they possibly can be and it has been agreed that our next Celebrity Luncheon will therefore instead take place on 27th June, 2021 with Guests of Honour Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell and Malcolm Ross.
The Executive Committee are considering potential approaches to the AGM and will keep you informed. Meanwhile I hope that everyone stays safe and healthy and that we see a return to normality as soon as possible. The NAAFC thank you for your support during this unprecedented and trying time and look forward to A&F Clubs re-opening as soon as it is safe to do so.
Nicol McLaren
Willie Simpson’s 80th Birthday
by Gordon Pattullo
I am delighted to congratulate Willie Simpson on reaching his 80th birthday. Willie and I go back a long way. He is a lifelong friend and I can only describe him as the salt of the earth.
We first met at Perth A&F Club when I was 12 years of age and it wasn’t long after that when he had me playing at dances with his band. I am greatly indebted to him for sharing his knowledge and experience with me at that time. Never did I think then that I would be writing a piece for his 80th birthday!
However, it’s always more than the music with Willie: the laughs, the friendship and the catching up with the latest farming news. Nowadays we have a tune a couple of times a year, but we also meet up socially which is always a pleasure.
Although celebrating at home this time, I’m sure we will have a dram together before too long. Happy 80th birthday and many more of them.
by Simon Howie
You’ve been such a great friend to the Howie family at Dunning. It’s been a lifetime of fun and laughter between you and my father Angus, whether it was via your mutual farming connection or of course the love of Scottish dance music. With so many drams in the loose box at The Highland Show, and so many nights at the Perth A&F Club, you were a formidable pair when you were together.
I remember vividly your Commer van coming over to the farm on a summer’s night back in the mid 1970s, when you gave me a copy of your first band album. It was a thoughtful and kind thing to do, one that a young aspiring player never forgets, especially as you came back with your next one a few years later. I’m still waiting on the third! We have played many a night at each other’s gigs and enjoyed great chat: and, as always when you’re around, there is hilarity and mischief. You were never slow to remind the organisers that tea and a sandwich would be handy at half time, but you were just as good at giving value for money and a great night’s music for your loyal followers. I know how many repeat engagements you’ve had over the years and this again is down to the way you go about things. Young bandleaders need look no further than you for a role model. You’re always quick off the mark with so many quips, such as the night an organiser suggested that we play a bit longer at the end as they had been running late and you said, “No, no, lass, we never like to be late twice in the same night.” You’re a very easy person to spend time with and this is demonstrated by the large number of friends that you and Jean have made over the years.
Karen and I wish you all the very best on your special birthday and we know that the recent addition of a grandson, baby Louie, will be the best gift you could have wished for.
Hark Back – the very first issue of B&F
by Pia Walker
Recently I have found time to go through……………………….
Musical Memories – Part 14
by Denis Shepherd
In 1998 Alex Green and Madeline Miller…..
A Look Back in Time
by Max Houliston
I started playing the accordion when I was ten years old after I received my first accordion, a Hohner Mark 5, from a friend who had lost interest. I enrolled in accordion classes with local accordion teacher, Alec Carter, and attended his classes for more than five years. I would strap my accordion across the front of my bicycle and ride across town to his place of residence every week I practiced every day and listened with admiration to tunes by Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand. During my time in National Service from 1956 to 1958 I played the accordion every month in front of audiences including military officers, corporals, lieutenants and their wives. After completing my stint and returning to Dumfries I decided to take lessons from renowned Carlisle accordion teacher Ron Hodgson whom I attended for a number of years. He took me right back to basics and took me up to a much higher standard than I had been previously. I then decided to form my own band, Max Houliston and his Scottish Dance Band. In 1964 I applied to the BBC for an audition, which I passed, and I went on to make ten appearances performing on the BBC radio programme Scottish Dance Music. We produced four LPs and three CDs featuring popular Scottish and Continental tunes.
At this point I became license holder of the historic Hole in the Wa’ pub, established in 1620, which had hosted well-known customers such as Robert Burns, and more recently John Laurie of Dad’s Army fame. Apparently Bonnie Prince Charlie and his men when passing through Dumfries were regulars at The Hole in the Wa’. Within six months of running the pub I began performing accordion music for the customers five nights a week, accompanying singers. I placed an advert in the local paper to invite accordion players to join me and improve their skills in front of a live audience. This was the beginning of the first Accordion Club in Scotland with over a dozen enthusiasts at that time. Local artistes from the Club, on average eight artistes making two appearances each, performed at The Hole in the Wa’ every Tuesday night with Alec Little as MC. Guest artistes followed – such as Will Starr, Jim Johnstone, Ian Holmes and Jack Emblow. Within two months I booked the Noblehill Community Centre where over 100 people attended a show featuring Will Starr and nine other accordionists.
I was fortunate to carry on the tradition of entertaining customers at The Hole in the Wa’ for over 50 years. I have recently retired and handed the business over to my son Alan and my grandson Jack who are doing a tremendous job in running the premises. I continue to perform at The Hole in the Wa’ on special occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. Today I attend Dumfries tea dances where I listen to traditional music by local artistes. I also thoroughly enjoy tuning into BBC Radio Scotland every Saturday night to listen to Take the Floor which presents the very best of Scottish dance music.
I am so proud to see how much the Club scene has grown since then, with currently over 60 Accordion clubs across Scotland. I never imagined the idea would catch on across Scotland in the manner it did. Credit must be given to the popularity and enthusiasm the Scottish people have for their traditional music. I am delighted there are so many Clubs and members in Scotland. It is a fabulous thing because young players can learn from good guest artistes and improve their accordion skills.
Malcolm Ross – Guest of Honour
by Pia Walker
Malcolm Ross was born into a musical family in 1960 in the village of Friockheim, Angus. He is the son of the late Lindsay Ross, a well-known bandleader. There were four children in the family, but Malcolm is the only one who has shown interest in music. Lindsay Ross had a couple of music shops in Brechin and Forfar and 3-year-old Malcolm was given unwanted singles to play on a record player. In fact 45rpm singles with Brian Bennett and The Shadows and Earl Palmer on Fats Domino records was the first drumming Malcolm heard. As he says, “They were an eclectic mix.”
In 1965 local Arbroath drummer Jimmy Bruce visited the Ross family and brought with him a new Premier mother-of-pearl drum kit. He set it up in the living room and that evening, before he went to bed, 5-year-old Malcolm’s fate was sealed. This was the start of a lifelong obsession, still as strong in 2020 as it was then. Malcolm’s mother, Mary, apparently took this in her stride as just another day in the life of a bandleader’s wife.
Malcolm’s next birthday added a snare drum to the kit and soon Malcolm, at the age of 6, was playing at friends’ weddings. A couple of years later, when Malcolm was playing at the wedding of fiddle player Jim and Elizabeth Sturrock, the bandleader Jimmy Fairweather from Alyth thought the drumming was decent enough, and soon Malcolm was playing in glenshee, Kinloch Rannoch, Glenisla, etc, for The Lancers, Quadrilles etc., all pretty heavy stuff for a 10 year old.
Malcolm played with his dad’s 6-piece band from early on and remembers playing for the opening of the British Legion in Kirkwall, Orkney in 1975. Eventually his father thought he was okay enough to do a BBC audition. He passed and at the age of 11 started broadcasting. This resulted in his being hired to do radio shows and theatre gigs. For this first broadcast Malcolm had to get permission to get off P7 as it was arranged for ’12 noon on a Friday.’ A trip to a recording studio was always a highlight. Malcolm remembers one he did as a youngster with Albany in 1981. Bandleader Billy Anderson had session experts Peggy O’Keefe, George McIlwham and others to back Margaret MacLeod singing Gaelic and country songs. Malcolm has always felt grateful for the help and kindness given by those experienced players on that two-day session.
Lindsay Ross, himself a pro bandleader, was definitely a big influence in Malcolm’s life. As well as playing in this father’s busy band, Malcolm was encouraged to play other styles of music and his father often drove him to rock gigs.
When Malcolm was 12 he was asked to replace drummer Charlie Fleming in the most successful amateur theatre show in the UK, The angus Minstrels, which ran from 1960 till 2019 in the Webster Theatre in Arbroath. Malcolm tells me, “It was a big responsibility playing to 7,000 patrons, although playing with musical directors such as Perth’s John Scrimgeour was a great experience.”
Malcolm did, of course, have drumming lessons. His father was playing in a show with the Scots trombone legend George Chisholm. The show’s drummer alan Johnston lived in Broughty Ferry, having moved there from Glasgow to teach in the local schools, and Malcolm started private lessons with him. Alan Johnston had quite a professional reputation as he had taught the world-class Average White Band drummer, Robbie McIntosh, whilst at Harris Academy and also played for the Moscow State Circus.
After Lindsay Ross passed away in 1980, Malcolm decided to work as a freelance musician. He remembers playing with the New Cavendish Band from Edinburgh in the 80s as being interesting, as most of the work was in castles and stately homes. By that time he was married with two young boys and his then wife was not too impressed with music as Malcolm’s chosen profession. Susan, whom he met at a Keith Festival gig in the Railway Club in 2001 and later married, at that time played Chilean music on accordion. She no longer plays the accordion, but is now proficient in the ukulele, although they still share an interest in Latin music. She incidentally despairs of his 5 drum kits, the 2 electronic kits, a variety of African djembes, timbales, a Dominican Republic tumbora, 15 snare drums and of course his collection of 70 cymbals, which are all dotted around the house! As Malcolm says, “Doing a wide variety of music has its downside for drummers, as Jesus Christ Superstar needs a huge rock kit while a small Accordion Club requires a ‘Sooty’s kit!’
At that time he also worked for Briggs Roofing and Cladding as a fireman. “If you have ever visited Dynamic Earth or Deep Sea World you can feel safe as the roofing was overseen by this foreman,” he tells me, and continues, “As gigs became more frequent, my 25 years with Briggs came to an end when I realized I had started turning away gigs to be on a roof.” So in 2002 Malcolm became a full-time musician and so was able to travel without the constraints of a daytime job. A mixed bag of gigs soon came Malcolm’s way, and backing cabaret acts in clubs kept the music reading alive until the first offer to do a musical came along with the Tayside theatre group Midas, with Paul Clancy as the MD. They thankfully got the scores 3 months early which allowed Malcolm to really study the drum part for…..Chess!
He has never looked back, having done between 230 and 270 gigs per year since the early 70s whilst working in many different genres. He has worked on more than 90 musicals in different theatres both in Scotland and in Ireland. The most recent ones include Crazy for You, whistle Down the Wind and Avenue Q. And with 30 pantomimes on the East Coast, 27 in Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre over the years, he is definitely busy in the winter. He has toured with Johnny Bettie, and recently in the Pride of Scotland show with Alan Stewart. He was in the pit at the Waterford Festival of Light Opera and has played 450 performances in the Webster Theatre in Arbroath, one of the theatres he particularly enjoys working in. Other favourites he has worked in recently include Eden Court in Inverness, Whitley Bay Playhouse, The Maltings in Berwick, The Alley Theatre Strabane in Northern Ireland, the Palace in Kilmarnock and Scotland’s oldest, the Theatre Royal, Dumfries.
He likes jazz and has played with the likes of Harry Hussey, Angus Kerr, Alison Burns, the Jauncey Brothers, the Dundee University Big Band, Ron Stewart Big Band, John Huband, Davie Stewart and Robert Black. He has been involved in cabaret and talent contests, and in STV and BBC shows as well as commercial radio programmes. John Carmichael’s band did 22 shows aired on prime time STV (just before Emmerdale) and in these Malcolm shared the drumming duties with the late Jim Milroy (Jack’s son), backing such luminaries as Alasdair Fraser, Gordon Pattullo and Tom and Jack Alexander.
He can turn his sticks to anything. He has played country music with Tony Hardacre and the pedal steel supremo Gerry Hogan. Rock and blues is not a problem either and highlights have been playing with Steve Gibbons at The Milnes, Isle of Man, and with the Nikki Richardson Band at BB King’s Blues Club, 42nd St, New York.
He is still picking up new techniques and is still learning. Despite more than 250 radio programmes and 150 albums recorded, he would like to get into more of the Cuban and New Orleans styles of drumming and has been to both places to take in the culture and to study the rhythms up close. This has allowed Malcolm to record Samba, Merengue, Songo, Mozambique and Cha Cha Batucada styles, On a visit to New Orlens in 2015, he realized the similarities between drumming in Scottish dance music and in early jazz when he discovered that Baby Dodds, one of the first early jazz drummers, was playing Schottisches, quadrilles etc. to a mainly European clientele. You can sense his excitement when he tells you, “Imagine him and Louis Armstrong playing Scottish dance music in 1910 on the riverboats out of New Orleans!”
Throughout his autobiography, Dodds talks about listening to the different band members and using his role as drummer to help the band come together, “It was my job to study each musician and give a different background for each instrument. When a man is playing it is up to the drummer to give him something to make him feel the music and make him work. That’s the drummer job.” It seems that Malcolm’s success stems from the same philosophy.
Traditional Scottish dance music has always been a huge part of Malcolm’s life and he remembers that one year with Bobby Crowe he did 9 RSCDS-type recordings. He appears at clubs with many of the guest bands and appears frequently in concert with Leonard Brown, looking suave wearing a dinner jacket but with the sleeves rolled up. Sleeves can be an issue if the drummer plays different ‘grips’ as he does.
Some of his favourite bands from the past are those of Jimmy Blue with the brilliant Arthur Easson on drums (Arthur used to tune Malcolm’s snare drum), Stan Hamilton, Alistair Downie and Andrew Rankine.
Away from the music – if he ever is – Malcolm enjoys going to see his team Arbroath FC whom he has been following for 52 years. If you are there, you may just see a brick placed in the wall with Malcolm’s name on it. Another passion is motorcycles and motorcycle road racing which has always been his main hobby. He has visited the Isle of Man 45 times! He currently owns four bikes: a Kawasaki, a Laverda Jota (named after a Spanish dance in ¾ time and the most powerful motorcycle made in its day), a Yamaha XT and a German MZ.
He still plays as much as ever, but at the time of writing, owing to the covid19 Lockdown, he plays only every second day and spends his time looking through old drum books for inspiration.
You know you are in for a good night when you see Malcolm behind the drums. His talent and expertise is truly worthy of a Guest of Honour award.
Centre Stage
Lindsay Weir
In Memory –
Dave Pullar (12th June 1939 – 27th April 2020)
by David Pullar (grandson)
David Warrender Pullar was born in Cupar, Fife the first child of George and Margaret (Daisy) and brother to Margaret (Maggie). A pupil at Harris Academy, David, known to most as Dave, went on to do a joinery apprenticeship and worked on the construction of the M1 motorway and other major engineering projects throughout the UK. He later joined his father in the family electrical business in Carnoustie before shifting his focus to the fishing industry.
He began his fishing career by fishing for lobster out of Westhaven on a wooden clinker boat built by himself before taking the lease of a salmon fishing station at Carnoustie. The family then relocated to Thurso where he raised his four children, David, Pauline, George and Robert.
In 1983 Dave and his sons moved to Fishtown of Usan by Montrose, acquiring the salmon fishing station from the Tay Salmon Fishing Company despite being told he would struggle. However, Dave and his sons went on to build what would become Scotland’s largest wild salmon fishing company of its time.
Dave was a vintage vehicle enthusiast and collector of paraphernalia. He was a long time member of the Scottish Austin Seven Club and would attend rallies annually with his Austin Seven Opal, which had once belonged to Sir David Steel.
After the death of his wife Eleanor, Dave developed a love of the accordion and was inspired by the life and music of Sir Jimmy Shand. I fondly remember going to vintage car rallies with granddad bringing a small Hohner accordion along to play in the very small caravan we toured in. Being the collector he was, Dave started to gather the musical instruments which soon took over his life and his home. He amassed Scotland’s largest collection of over 1,000 instruments, many rare and unusual, as well as memorabilia relating to Sir Jimmy. Dave was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Windygates A&F Club for his years of support and contributions.
Music transcends cultures and languages and Dave went on to forge strong relations with accordionists from all over the world and in particular Italy, Ireland and Germany, many of whom became dear friends.
Dave suffered a number of health-related issues over the years but he remained positive and loved his life and home in Usan. He sadly passed away peacefully at his home in April. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and Ollie, his golden retriever. Dave was a proud, generous and caring man and will be remembered for his hospitality and as a Samaritan and philanthropist.
In Memory –
Tom Clark (15th May 1931 – 25th Jan 2020)
by Stella Wilkie & Kevin Clark
Many readers will remember accordionist Thomas (Tom) Clark from Dundee who passed away on 25th January 2020.
Tom started playing the accordion at the age of 12, and by his late teens was playing in a local concert party. He continued with this until he met up with the Kerr brothers, Ron and (Angus) Cameron, and the Cameron Kerr Band was formed. They went on to have great success playing across the country and broadcasting regularly for the BBC Home Service for many years.
In the mid-sixties Tom left the band owing to work commitments and Bobby Crowe took over the lead box. They, and their families, became lifelong friends, with Tom and Bobby sharing their mutual interests in a wide range of music. Many a good night was had at the Balmullo Burns Club and the music nights in the pub in Balmullo opposite the Crowe household.
After a few years away from band work, Tom met John Strachan through work and, as a result of john’s persistence, Tom once again picked up the box, something he continued to do right up until his death. Together they formed The Invertay Dance Band and played most weekends throughout the local area and beyond for some 15 years until John’s work took him away to Glasgow. These were happy times for dad.
At around the same time the Dundee A&F Club was formed. Through the club Tom met fiddler Peem Edwards. They were like chalk and cheese but became the best of friends. Their wives developed a close friendship which for many years led to weekly music and chat sessions as well as many trips abroad.
During this time we (Tom’s son and daughter, Kevin and Stella) were becoming more involved with traditional music. Both Tom and Peem were a source of great encouragement and guidance, not only for us, but for all the young members of the Club. Kevin went on to form The Craigowl Band with Bruce Quirie, Margaret Quirie, Gill Simpson and David Scott. He also supported all the young musicians at the Club. People such as, for example, a young Andrew Knight used to come to the house for a tune.
Tom and John Strachan were regular musicians at the Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory, introducing young people including Tom’s children to the beauty of Tobermory, its people, its music and the Festival. Visits to the Festival were one of the highlights of Tom’s musical year. Many lifelong friendships were made during these musical Festival trips. We all cherish those times when we came home sleep deprived after three days of playing through till sunrise.
Tom also taught accordion from the house for many years. He really enjoyed passing on his love of music and Scottish music in particular. Tom was the Editor of the box and fiddle for 5 years. It was this role that brought him into very close contact with Jimmy and Joan Blue and deepened his friendship with Jack Cooper and Angus Fitchet who used to come to the house regularly. They all became lifelong friends.
Tom had a mean sense of humour which only became obvious once you knew him well. For example, when Stella’s now husband, Allan, asked Tom if he could marry her, he felt he should appeal to Tom’s musical passion by simply asking, “Do you mind if I marry your fiddler?” Dad paused for a second and with a chuckle answered, “Why on earth do you want to marry Peem Edwards?”
Music remained his passion to the very end. Last Christmas the family had a magical time together at Stella’s home in Falkland where Dad and Stella entertained with some beautiful tunes on fiddle and box. These are treasured memories indeed.
Tom, always a man of strong faith, was ordained in 1994 and for the next 23 years served as a Deacon in the Friary and latterly St Mary’s churches in Dundee. His wife May took to organising Lunch clubs for the elderly, fundraising and helping single mums and those less fortunate than herself as well as anyone she believed to be a victim of any form of social injustice. For many years May also organised monthly ceilidhs in the Friary church hall. Many of the Dundee A&F Club musicians were roped into playing at the dances. Dad and Stella did most of the ceilidhs as by this time Kevin was living in Bothwell. Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland, the Craigowl Band, Peem Edwards, Joan Blue and Jack Cooper are just a few of the people who gave of their time to the fundraising events.
The untimely death of his eldest daughter Pauline in 2016 devastated Tom and he struggled to come to terms with this. Tom did not fear death. He passed away while attending daily mass at the church where he married May in 1955.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Re-routed - Fjanna - Independent - FJCD971
Fergie's 50th Album - Fergie MacDonald - Independent - CD117
Book Review
A Collection of Original Compositions - Book 3 - Marie Fielding
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
6th June 2020 – Sandy Nixon SDB
13th June 2020 – Michael Philip SDB
20th June 2020 – Fergie Macdonald and his Highland Dance Band
27th June 2020 – Nicol McLaren & the Glencraig SDB
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Duns
2. North East
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club ( )
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
43. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
44. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
45. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
46. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
47. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
48. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
49. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
50. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
51 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
52 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
53 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
54 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
55 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?)
56. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
57. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
58. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
59. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
62. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
63. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
64. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
65. Buchan A&F Club
66. Callander A&F Club (
67. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
68. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
69. Club Accord
70. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
71 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
72. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
73. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
74. Cults A & F Club (
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
80. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
81. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
82. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
83. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
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. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer –
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 is with great sadness that I have to notify you all of the cancellation of this year’s AGM and Celebrity Luncheon which was to be held at the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee on Sunday 28th June.
As was probably expected, the ongoing situation around Coronavirus COVID 19 has dictated that we cannot hold any public gathering yet, and social distancing regulations make our event impossible.
We have waited until the last possible moment to cancel in the hope that some solution would be found, but alas not. The Management at the Invercarse Hotel have been as helpful as they possibly can be and it has been agreed that our next Celebrity Luncheon will therefore instead take place on 27th June, 2021 with Guests of Honour Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell and Malcolm Ross.
The Executive Committee are considering potential approaches to the AGM and will keep you informed. Meanwhile I hope that everyone stays safe and healthy and that we see a return to normality as soon as possible. The NAAFC thank you for your support during this unprecedented and trying time and look forward to A&F Clubs re-opening as soon as it is safe to do so.
Nicol McLaren
Willie Simpson’s 80th Birthday
by Gordon Pattullo
I am delighted to congratulate Willie Simpson on reaching his 80th birthday. Willie and I go back a long way. He is a lifelong friend and I can only describe him as the salt of the earth.
We first met at Perth A&F Club when I was 12 years of age and it wasn’t long after that when he had me playing at dances with his band. I am greatly indebted to him for sharing his knowledge and experience with me at that time. Never did I think then that I would be writing a piece for his 80th birthday!
However, it’s always more than the music with Willie: the laughs, the friendship and the catching up with the latest farming news. Nowadays we have a tune a couple of times a year, but we also meet up socially which is always a pleasure.
Although celebrating at home this time, I’m sure we will have a dram together before too long. Happy 80th birthday and many more of them.
by Simon Howie
You’ve been such a great friend to the Howie family at Dunning. It’s been a lifetime of fun and laughter between you and my father Angus, whether it was via your mutual farming connection or of course the love of Scottish dance music. With so many drams in the loose box at The Highland Show, and so many nights at the Perth A&F Club, you were a formidable pair when you were together.
I remember vividly your Commer van coming over to the farm on a summer’s night back in the mid 1970s, when you gave me a copy of your first band album. It was a thoughtful and kind thing to do, one that a young aspiring player never forgets, especially as you came back with your next one a few years later. I’m still waiting on the third! We have played many a night at each other’s gigs and enjoyed great chat: and, as always when you’re around, there is hilarity and mischief. You were never slow to remind the organisers that tea and a sandwich would be handy at half time, but you were just as good at giving value for money and a great night’s music for your loyal followers. I know how many repeat engagements you’ve had over the years and this again is down to the way you go about things. Young bandleaders need look no further than you for a role model. You’re always quick off the mark with so many quips, such as the night an organiser suggested that we play a bit longer at the end as they had been running late and you said, “No, no, lass, we never like to be late twice in the same night.” You’re a very easy person to spend time with and this is demonstrated by the large number of friends that you and Jean have made over the years.
Karen and I wish you all the very best on your special birthday and we know that the recent addition of a grandson, baby Louie, will be the best gift you could have wished for.
Hark Back – the very first issue of B&F
by Pia Walker
Recently I have found time to go through……………………….
Musical Memories – Part 14
by Denis Shepherd
In 1998 Alex Green and Madeline Miller…..
A Look Back in Time
by Max Houliston
I started playing the accordion when I was ten years old after I received my first accordion, a Hohner Mark 5, from a friend who had lost interest. I enrolled in accordion classes with local accordion teacher, Alec Carter, and attended his classes for more than five years. I would strap my accordion across the front of my bicycle and ride across town to his place of residence every week I practiced every day and listened with admiration to tunes by Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand. During my time in National Service from 1956 to 1958 I played the accordion every month in front of audiences including military officers, corporals, lieutenants and their wives. After completing my stint and returning to Dumfries I decided to take lessons from renowned Carlisle accordion teacher Ron Hodgson whom I attended for a number of years. He took me right back to basics and took me up to a much higher standard than I had been previously. I then decided to form my own band, Max Houliston and his Scottish Dance Band. In 1964 I applied to the BBC for an audition, which I passed, and I went on to make ten appearances performing on the BBC radio programme Scottish Dance Music. We produced four LPs and three CDs featuring popular Scottish and Continental tunes.
At this point I became license holder of the historic Hole in the Wa’ pub, established in 1620, which had hosted well-known customers such as Robert Burns, and more recently John Laurie of Dad’s Army fame. Apparently Bonnie Prince Charlie and his men when passing through Dumfries were regulars at The Hole in the Wa’. Within six months of running the pub I began performing accordion music for the customers five nights a week, accompanying singers. I placed an advert in the local paper to invite accordion players to join me and improve their skills in front of a live audience. This was the beginning of the first Accordion Club in Scotland with over a dozen enthusiasts at that time. Local artistes from the Club, on average eight artistes making two appearances each, performed at The Hole in the Wa’ every Tuesday night with Alec Little as MC. Guest artistes followed – such as Will Starr, Jim Johnstone, Ian Holmes and Jack Emblow. Within two months I booked the Noblehill Community Centre where over 100 people attended a show featuring Will Starr and nine other accordionists.
I was fortunate to carry on the tradition of entertaining customers at The Hole in the Wa’ for over 50 years. I have recently retired and handed the business over to my son Alan and my grandson Jack who are doing a tremendous job in running the premises. I continue to perform at The Hole in the Wa’ on special occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. Today I attend Dumfries tea dances where I listen to traditional music by local artistes. I also thoroughly enjoy tuning into BBC Radio Scotland every Saturday night to listen to Take the Floor which presents the very best of Scottish dance music.
I am so proud to see how much the Club scene has grown since then, with currently over 60 Accordion clubs across Scotland. I never imagined the idea would catch on across Scotland in the manner it did. Credit must be given to the popularity and enthusiasm the Scottish people have for their traditional music. I am delighted there are so many Clubs and members in Scotland. It is a fabulous thing because young players can learn from good guest artistes and improve their accordion skills.
Malcolm Ross – Guest of Honour
by Pia Walker
Malcolm Ross was born into a musical family in 1960 in the village of Friockheim, Angus. He is the son of the late Lindsay Ross, a well-known bandleader. There were four children in the family, but Malcolm is the only one who has shown interest in music. Lindsay Ross had a couple of music shops in Brechin and Forfar and 3-year-old Malcolm was given unwanted singles to play on a record player. In fact 45rpm singles with Brian Bennett and The Shadows and Earl Palmer on Fats Domino records was the first drumming Malcolm heard. As he says, “They were an eclectic mix.”
In 1965 local Arbroath drummer Jimmy Bruce visited the Ross family and brought with him a new Premier mother-of-pearl drum kit. He set it up in the living room and that evening, before he went to bed, 5-year-old Malcolm’s fate was sealed. This was the start of a lifelong obsession, still as strong in 2020 as it was then. Malcolm’s mother, Mary, apparently took this in her stride as just another day in the life of a bandleader’s wife.
Malcolm’s next birthday added a snare drum to the kit and soon Malcolm, at the age of 6, was playing at friends’ weddings. A couple of years later, when Malcolm was playing at the wedding of fiddle player Jim and Elizabeth Sturrock, the bandleader Jimmy Fairweather from Alyth thought the drumming was decent enough, and soon Malcolm was playing in glenshee, Kinloch Rannoch, Glenisla, etc, for The Lancers, Quadrilles etc., all pretty heavy stuff for a 10 year old.
Malcolm played with his dad’s 6-piece band from early on and remembers playing for the opening of the British Legion in Kirkwall, Orkney in 1975. Eventually his father thought he was okay enough to do a BBC audition. He passed and at the age of 11 started broadcasting. This resulted in his being hired to do radio shows and theatre gigs. For this first broadcast Malcolm had to get permission to get off P7 as it was arranged for ’12 noon on a Friday.’ A trip to a recording studio was always a highlight. Malcolm remembers one he did as a youngster with Albany in 1981. Bandleader Billy Anderson had session experts Peggy O’Keefe, George McIlwham and others to back Margaret MacLeod singing Gaelic and country songs. Malcolm has always felt grateful for the help and kindness given by those experienced players on that two-day session.
Lindsay Ross, himself a pro bandleader, was definitely a big influence in Malcolm’s life. As well as playing in this father’s busy band, Malcolm was encouraged to play other styles of music and his father often drove him to rock gigs.
When Malcolm was 12 he was asked to replace drummer Charlie Fleming in the most successful amateur theatre show in the UK, The angus Minstrels, which ran from 1960 till 2019 in the Webster Theatre in Arbroath. Malcolm tells me, “It was a big responsibility playing to 7,000 patrons, although playing with musical directors such as Perth’s John Scrimgeour was a great experience.”
Malcolm did, of course, have drumming lessons. His father was playing in a show with the Scots trombone legend George Chisholm. The show’s drummer alan Johnston lived in Broughty Ferry, having moved there from Glasgow to teach in the local schools, and Malcolm started private lessons with him. Alan Johnston had quite a professional reputation as he had taught the world-class Average White Band drummer, Robbie McIntosh, whilst at Harris Academy and also played for the Moscow State Circus.
After Lindsay Ross passed away in 1980, Malcolm decided to work as a freelance musician. He remembers playing with the New Cavendish Band from Edinburgh in the 80s as being interesting, as most of the work was in castles and stately homes. By that time he was married with two young boys and his then wife was not too impressed with music as Malcolm’s chosen profession. Susan, whom he met at a Keith Festival gig in the Railway Club in 2001 and later married, at that time played Chilean music on accordion. She no longer plays the accordion, but is now proficient in the ukulele, although they still share an interest in Latin music. She incidentally despairs of his 5 drum kits, the 2 electronic kits, a variety of African djembes, timbales, a Dominican Republic tumbora, 15 snare drums and of course his collection of 70 cymbals, which are all dotted around the house! As Malcolm says, “Doing a wide variety of music has its downside for drummers, as Jesus Christ Superstar needs a huge rock kit while a small Accordion Club requires a ‘Sooty’s kit!’
At that time he also worked for Briggs Roofing and Cladding as a fireman. “If you have ever visited Dynamic Earth or Deep Sea World you can feel safe as the roofing was overseen by this foreman,” he tells me, and continues, “As gigs became more frequent, my 25 years with Briggs came to an end when I realized I had started turning away gigs to be on a roof.” So in 2002 Malcolm became a full-time musician and so was able to travel without the constraints of a daytime job. A mixed bag of gigs soon came Malcolm’s way, and backing cabaret acts in clubs kept the music reading alive until the first offer to do a musical came along with the Tayside theatre group Midas, with Paul Clancy as the MD. They thankfully got the scores 3 months early which allowed Malcolm to really study the drum part for…..Chess!
He has never looked back, having done between 230 and 270 gigs per year since the early 70s whilst working in many different genres. He has worked on more than 90 musicals in different theatres both in Scotland and in Ireland. The most recent ones include Crazy for You, whistle Down the Wind and Avenue Q. And with 30 pantomimes on the East Coast, 27 in Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre over the years, he is definitely busy in the winter. He has toured with Johnny Bettie, and recently in the Pride of Scotland show with Alan Stewart. He was in the pit at the Waterford Festival of Light Opera and has played 450 performances in the Webster Theatre in Arbroath, one of the theatres he particularly enjoys working in. Other favourites he has worked in recently include Eden Court in Inverness, Whitley Bay Playhouse, The Maltings in Berwick, The Alley Theatre Strabane in Northern Ireland, the Palace in Kilmarnock and Scotland’s oldest, the Theatre Royal, Dumfries.
He likes jazz and has played with the likes of Harry Hussey, Angus Kerr, Alison Burns, the Jauncey Brothers, the Dundee University Big Band, Ron Stewart Big Band, John Huband, Davie Stewart and Robert Black. He has been involved in cabaret and talent contests, and in STV and BBC shows as well as commercial radio programmes. John Carmichael’s band did 22 shows aired on prime time STV (just before Emmerdale) and in these Malcolm shared the drumming duties with the late Jim Milroy (Jack’s son), backing such luminaries as Alasdair Fraser, Gordon Pattullo and Tom and Jack Alexander.
He can turn his sticks to anything. He has played country music with Tony Hardacre and the pedal steel supremo Gerry Hogan. Rock and blues is not a problem either and highlights have been playing with Steve Gibbons at The Milnes, Isle of Man, and with the Nikki Richardson Band at BB King’s Blues Club, 42nd St, New York.
He is still picking up new techniques and is still learning. Despite more than 250 radio programmes and 150 albums recorded, he would like to get into more of the Cuban and New Orleans styles of drumming and has been to both places to take in the culture and to study the rhythms up close. This has allowed Malcolm to record Samba, Merengue, Songo, Mozambique and Cha Cha Batucada styles, On a visit to New Orlens in 2015, he realized the similarities between drumming in Scottish dance music and in early jazz when he discovered that Baby Dodds, one of the first early jazz drummers, was playing Schottisches, quadrilles etc. to a mainly European clientele. You can sense his excitement when he tells you, “Imagine him and Louis Armstrong playing Scottish dance music in 1910 on the riverboats out of New Orleans!”
Throughout his autobiography, Dodds talks about listening to the different band members and using his role as drummer to help the band come together, “It was my job to study each musician and give a different background for each instrument. When a man is playing it is up to the drummer to give him something to make him feel the music and make him work. That’s the drummer job.” It seems that Malcolm’s success stems from the same philosophy.
Traditional Scottish dance music has always been a huge part of Malcolm’s life and he remembers that one year with Bobby Crowe he did 9 RSCDS-type recordings. He appears at clubs with many of the guest bands and appears frequently in concert with Leonard Brown, looking suave wearing a dinner jacket but with the sleeves rolled up. Sleeves can be an issue if the drummer plays different ‘grips’ as he does.
Some of his favourite bands from the past are those of Jimmy Blue with the brilliant Arthur Easson on drums (Arthur used to tune Malcolm’s snare drum), Stan Hamilton, Alistair Downie and Andrew Rankine.
Away from the music – if he ever is – Malcolm enjoys going to see his team Arbroath FC whom he has been following for 52 years. If you are there, you may just see a brick placed in the wall with Malcolm’s name on it. Another passion is motorcycles and motorcycle road racing which has always been his main hobby. He has visited the Isle of Man 45 times! He currently owns four bikes: a Kawasaki, a Laverda Jota (named after a Spanish dance in ¾ time and the most powerful motorcycle made in its day), a Yamaha XT and a German MZ.
He still plays as much as ever, but at the time of writing, owing to the covid19 Lockdown, he plays only every second day and spends his time looking through old drum books for inspiration.
You know you are in for a good night when you see Malcolm behind the drums. His talent and expertise is truly worthy of a Guest of Honour award.
Centre Stage
Lindsay Weir
In Memory –
Dave Pullar (12th June 1939 – 27th April 2020)
by David Pullar (grandson)
David Warrender Pullar was born in Cupar, Fife the first child of George and Margaret (Daisy) and brother to Margaret (Maggie). A pupil at Harris Academy, David, known to most as Dave, went on to do a joinery apprenticeship and worked on the construction of the M1 motorway and other major engineering projects throughout the UK. He later joined his father in the family electrical business in Carnoustie before shifting his focus to the fishing industry.
He began his fishing career by fishing for lobster out of Westhaven on a wooden clinker boat built by himself before taking the lease of a salmon fishing station at Carnoustie. The family then relocated to Thurso where he raised his four children, David, Pauline, George and Robert.
In 1983 Dave and his sons moved to Fishtown of Usan by Montrose, acquiring the salmon fishing station from the Tay Salmon Fishing Company despite being told he would struggle. However, Dave and his sons went on to build what would become Scotland’s largest wild salmon fishing company of its time.
Dave was a vintage vehicle enthusiast and collector of paraphernalia. He was a long time member of the Scottish Austin Seven Club and would attend rallies annually with his Austin Seven Opal, which had once belonged to Sir David Steel.
After the death of his wife Eleanor, Dave developed a love of the accordion and was inspired by the life and music of Sir Jimmy Shand. I fondly remember going to vintage car rallies with granddad bringing a small Hohner accordion along to play in the very small caravan we toured in. Being the collector he was, Dave started to gather the musical instruments which soon took over his life and his home. He amassed Scotland’s largest collection of over 1,000 instruments, many rare and unusual, as well as memorabilia relating to Sir Jimmy. Dave was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Windygates A&F Club for his years of support and contributions.
Music transcends cultures and languages and Dave went on to forge strong relations with accordionists from all over the world and in particular Italy, Ireland and Germany, many of whom became dear friends.
Dave suffered a number of health-related issues over the years but he remained positive and loved his life and home in Usan. He sadly passed away peacefully at his home in April. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and Ollie, his golden retriever. Dave was a proud, generous and caring man and will be remembered for his hospitality and as a Samaritan and philanthropist.
In Memory –
Tom Clark (15th May 1931 – 25th Jan 2020)
by Stella Wilkie & Kevin Clark
Many readers will remember accordionist Thomas (Tom) Clark from Dundee who passed away on 25th January 2020.
Tom started playing the accordion at the age of 12, and by his late teens was playing in a local concert party. He continued with this until he met up with the Kerr brothers, Ron and (Angus) Cameron, and the Cameron Kerr Band was formed. They went on to have great success playing across the country and broadcasting regularly for the BBC Home Service for many years.
In the mid-sixties Tom left the band owing to work commitments and Bobby Crowe took over the lead box. They, and their families, became lifelong friends, with Tom and Bobby sharing their mutual interests in a wide range of music. Many a good night was had at the Balmullo Burns Club and the music nights in the pub in Balmullo opposite the Crowe household.
After a few years away from band work, Tom met John Strachan through work and, as a result of john’s persistence, Tom once again picked up the box, something he continued to do right up until his death. Together they formed The Invertay Dance Band and played most weekends throughout the local area and beyond for some 15 years until John’s work took him away to Glasgow. These were happy times for dad.
At around the same time the Dundee A&F Club was formed. Through the club Tom met fiddler Peem Edwards. They were like chalk and cheese but became the best of friends. Their wives developed a close friendship which for many years led to weekly music and chat sessions as well as many trips abroad.
During this time we (Tom’s son and daughter, Kevin and Stella) were becoming more involved with traditional music. Both Tom and Peem were a source of great encouragement and guidance, not only for us, but for all the young members of the Club. Kevin went on to form The Craigowl Band with Bruce Quirie, Margaret Quirie, Gill Simpson and David Scott. He also supported all the young musicians at the Club. People such as, for example, a young Andrew Knight used to come to the house for a tune.
Tom and John Strachan were regular musicians at the Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory, introducing young people including Tom’s children to the beauty of Tobermory, its people, its music and the Festival. Visits to the Festival were one of the highlights of Tom’s musical year. Many lifelong friendships were made during these musical Festival trips. We all cherish those times when we came home sleep deprived after three days of playing through till sunrise.
Tom also taught accordion from the house for many years. He really enjoyed passing on his love of music and Scottish music in particular. Tom was the Editor of the box and fiddle for 5 years. It was this role that brought him into very close contact with Jimmy and Joan Blue and deepened his friendship with Jack Cooper and Angus Fitchet who used to come to the house regularly. They all became lifelong friends.
Tom had a mean sense of humour which only became obvious once you knew him well. For example, when Stella’s now husband, Allan, asked Tom if he could marry her, he felt he should appeal to Tom’s musical passion by simply asking, “Do you mind if I marry your fiddler?” Dad paused for a second and with a chuckle answered, “Why on earth do you want to marry Peem Edwards?”
Music remained his passion to the very end. Last Christmas the family had a magical time together at Stella’s home in Falkland where Dad and Stella entertained with some beautiful tunes on fiddle and box. These are treasured memories indeed.
Tom, always a man of strong faith, was ordained in 1994 and for the next 23 years served as a Deacon in the Friary and latterly St Mary’s churches in Dundee. His wife May took to organising Lunch clubs for the elderly, fundraising and helping single mums and those less fortunate than herself as well as anyone she believed to be a victim of any form of social injustice. For many years May also organised monthly ceilidhs in the Friary church hall. Many of the Dundee A&F Club musicians were roped into playing at the dances. Dad and Stella did most of the ceilidhs as by this time Kevin was living in Bothwell. Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland, the Craigowl Band, Peem Edwards, Joan Blue and Jack Cooper are just a few of the people who gave of their time to the fundraising events.
The untimely death of his eldest daughter Pauline in 2016 devastated Tom and he struggled to come to terms with this. Tom did not fear death. He passed away while attending daily mass at the church where he married May in 1955.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Re-routed - Fjanna - Independent - FJCD971
Fergie's 50th Album - Fergie MacDonald - Independent - CD117
Book Review
A Collection of Original Compositions - Book 3 - Marie Fielding
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
6th June 2020 – Sandy Nixon SDB
13th June 2020 – Michael Philip SDB
20th June 2020 – Fergie Macdonald and his Highland Dance Band
27th June 2020 – Nicol McLaren & the Glencraig SDB
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Duns
2. North East
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Fort William A&F Club ( )
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
39. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
40 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
41 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
42 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
43. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
44. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
45. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
46. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
47. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
48. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
49. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
50. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
51 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
52 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
53 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
54 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
55 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?)
56. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
57. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
58. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
59. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
62. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
63. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
64. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
65. Buchan A&F Club
66. Callander A&F Club (
67. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
68. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
69. Club Accord
70. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
71 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
72. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
73. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
74. Cults A & F Club (
75. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
76. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
77. Derwentside A&F Club
78. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
79. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
80. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
81. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
82. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
83. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
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. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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