Box and Fiddle
Year 06 No 07
March 1983
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Jackie Cooper, organiser of the Musical Weekend at Dunblane, tells me that the Hotel has now been fully booked for the weekend.
He can arrange accommodation away from the Hotel. Anyone interested please contact him. There are still places keft for the Presentation Dinner on the Sunday.
Musselburgh has come and gone and wasn’t it the best yet? A few hiccups here and there, but the general verdict was satisfactory. Well done, the organising Committee.
Bill Black tells me that the tickets for the Young Band Dance are now on sale. Tickets £2 for the 20th May, Tayside Hotel, and the young band is the Graeme Mitchell SDB.
Musselburgh '83
by Ian Smith
Congratulations to Elizabeth Stevens who won the Premier Section, the Senior Scottish for Accordion. In a nail-biting finale there had to be a play-off between Elizabeth and Edward Galley and there was a roar of approval when the adjudicator, Jimmy Blue, finally separated the two, agonizing. Elizabeth came all the way from Dunnet in Caithness and her journey was worthwhile. Also sharing in her hour of triumph was her teacher, Douglas Millar of Stirling.
The Brunton Halls were kept busy all day as anxious competitors, nerves on edge, fingers drumming, waited their turn, and smiling, relaxed faces told their own story of those having got it by with.
One could really feel the tension at the early part of the day and as the day wore on the laughing and talking groups got louder and cheerier, till everyone was on first names.
One of the most welcomed competitions was for the Band Section. No less than 10 bands took part and as each was a sextet, there were 60 players and the majority were in the 16 to 20 age group. A most welcome trend.
There was only one bit of discord concerning the selection of test pieces, but Norrie Williams, organizer, will explain it all himself on Page 4.
This seems to have been a ladies’ day. Una Bryson, Fiona Kenneth, Shona Maitland, Jean-Ann Callendar, Alison Smith, Tracy Aitken, Lynette Wood and, of course, Elizabeth Steven all won and sent the boys on their bikes. Well done, girls, this will teach the boys not to watch so much football.
For the record here are the band line-ups for future reference :
The Oakbank Sound
Lead accordion – Graham Edwardson
Second accordion – David Wilson
Fiddle – Gregor Borland
Piano – Kathryn Wilson
Bass – Bobby Millar
Drums – Gordon Smith
Maureen Rutherford Band
Lead accordion – Neil Copland
Second accordion – J Brown
Fiddle – Maureen Rutherford
Piano – Anne Rutherford
Bass – John Strachan
Drums – Billy Brown
Colin Dewar Band
Lead accordion – Colin Dewar
Second accordion – Colin Johnstone
Fiddle – Willie Simpson
Piano – Alastair McGirr
Bass – Neil McMillan
Drums –G Mullin
Jacqueline Dick Band
Lead accordion – Jacqueline Dick
Second accordion – Ian McCallum
Fiddle – Grace Burns
Piano – Graham Berry
Bass –
Drums –Billy O’Donnell
Ramsay Tech Ceilidh Band
Lead accordion – Alastair Edmundson
Second accordion – Dorothy Lawson
Fiddle – Andrew Knight
Piano – Gail Buchanan
Bass – C. Stitt
Drums –David Ashbridge
Stella Clark Band
Lead accordion – Tom Clark
Second accordion –
Fiddle – Stella Clark
Piano – John Gibson
Bass – Alasdair MacLeod
Drums – Richard Hughes
Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Lead accordion – Kevin Clark
Second accordion – Bruce Quirrie
Fiddle – Margaret Quirrie
Piano – Gill Simpson
Bass – Doug Cargill
Drums – David Scott
Edward Galley Band
Lead accordion – Edward Galley
Second accordion – Duncan Black
Fiddle – Alan Johnston
Piano – Robert Black
Bass – Duncan Burns
Drums – Graham Jamieson
Jimmy Yeaman Band
Lead accordion – Richard Ross
Second accordion – Ricki Franci
Fiddle – Jimmy Yeaman
Piano – Morag McAskill
Bass – Brian Cruickshank
Drums –
Here are the results of the individual Sections
Under 12 Traditional Solo
1) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
2) Allan Frater (Uphall)
3) Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
Junior Accordion Solo - Pipe Music
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
3) Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
Senior Accordion Traditional
1) John Bone (Inverallochie)
2) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
3) Edward Galley (Forfar)
Senior Accordion - Pipe Music
1) Elizabeth Steven (Dunnet)
2) Graham Edwardson (East Calder)
3) Douglas Davidson (Stanley)
Junior Duet (Traditional)
1) May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
3) Donald Shaw (Taynault) & Joan MacLaughlin (Oban)
Trio
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup – overall performance)
1) The Oakbank Sound (Graham Edwardson – East Calder)
2=) Maureen Rutherford (Keith) and Jimmy Yeaman (Balloch)
Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy (Rhythm Section)
1) Colin Dewar
2) Graham Edwardson
Junior Fiddle Solo
1) Alison Smith (Bearsden)
2) Joan MacLaughlin (Oban)
3) Margaret Quirrie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1) Jean-Ann Callendar (Aberdeen)
2) Jane Rayworth (Connel)
3) Stella Clark (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle – Slow Air
1) Bob Edward (Dundee)
2) Jane Rayworth (Connel)
3) Gregor Borland (Edinburgh)
Own Composition (Traditional)
1) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
2) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
3) David Wilson (Blackburn)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Fiona Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
2) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3) Karen McGurk (Dundee)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
3) Donna Beveridge (St Cyrus)
Open Classical Solo
1) Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
2) Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
3) Michael Cassaly (West Calder)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Fiona & Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
3) May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
Open Classical Duet
1) Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
2) Neil & Allan Copland (Dundee)
The concert was, as usual, a sell-out, but owing to the late finish of the competition it was a wee bit late in getting started, but the wait was worth the effort and patience of the audience and much later the dance got under way. If it was too warm at the concert it was sweat time at the dancing. Mind you, nobody forced anyone to go to the dance but who in their right minds could resist the Fraser McGlynn SDB.
The adjudicators deserve a mention for their diligence in listening to our 300 competitors, Jimmy Blue, David Cunningham, Brian Griffin, Angus Fitchet, Mickey Ainsworth and Paddy Neary.
So ended the last big Festival of 1982-83. There are still Festivals on the go to keep the interest going. Not so big, maybe, but big enough to gain valuable experience for next season.
The Festival Committee wish to thank everyone who helped in the running of the Festival and fully appreciate the efforts of the competitors and they hope to see them all again next year plus the new ones they know will appear and be made welcome.
Large Number of Orchestras at Govan
by Ian Smith
Another fine day of competitions in Govan Town Hall produced some interesting results.
Roy Hendrie won the Scottish Senior for the second year running, plus the Bell Trophy. Young Scott Sneddon won the Under 10 and 12 Scottish and Diane Armstrong won the Under 14 and 16 Scottish.
It was very gratifying that no fewer than 15 bands competed. This, the highest total ever, shows a healthy trend and means more teachers are making the effort and more musicians learning to play together and having lots of fun with it. There is an enthusiasm about this Festival that makes it worthwhile to be part of it.
Here then are the full results
Under 10 Scottish Solo
1) Scott Sneddon
2) Campbell R. Love
3) Russell Torrie
Under 12 Scottish Solo
1) Scott Sneddon
2) Tracey Aitken
3) Gordon Haddow
Under 14 Scottish Solo
1) Diane Armstrong
2) Margo Taylor
3) Graham Jeffrey
Under 16 Scottish Solo
1) Diane Armstrong
2) Jennifer Forrest
3) Lynnette Wood
Senior Scottish Solo
1) Roy Hendrie
2) Stewart Abercrombie
3) Karen Leitch
Preparatory Solo
1) Stuart Law
2) Desmond Daly
3) Tracy Ferguson
Elementary Solo
1) Jacqueline Wigg
2) David Key
3) Jacqueline Morrison
Junior Solo
1) Alan Preston
2) Ewan Donald
3) Tonya Halliday
Under 8 Solo
1) Liam Smith
2) Suzanne Colraine
3) Stuart Campbell
Under 10 Solo
1) Russell Torrie
2) Scott Sneddon
3) Aileen Smith
Under 12 Solo
1) David Preston
2) John D. Ramsay
3) John M. Simpson
Under 14 Solo
1) Una Bryson
2) Lara Halliday
3) Graham Jeffrey
Intermediate Solo
1) Norma Frater
2) Sandy Watson
3) Niall Kirkpatrick
Intermediate Solo – again??
1) Sandra F. Strachan
2) Diane Mearns
3) Morag McFarlane
Advanced Solo
1) Shona Maitland
2) Stuart Russell
3) Brenda McKessock
Open Solo
1) Laurence Monaghan
2) Roy Hendrie
3) Tonya Halliday
Bell Trophy
1) Roy Hendrie
2) Laurence Monaghan
3) Scott Graham
Entertainer Solo
1) Una Bryson
2) Linda Williams
3) Scott Sneddon
Preparatory Duet
1) Desmond Daly & Alan Mulrooney
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine
3) Suzanne Brown & Ian Newton
Elementary Duet
1) Craig Drysdale & Gordon Haddow
2) A. Morrison & J. Simpson
3) A. Frater & S. Sneddon
Intermediate Duet
1) A. Anderson & N. Reid
2) L. Howitt & I. Stewart
3) G & J Jeffrey
Advanced Duet
1) Jean Corrigan & Julie Best
2) Andrew Stark & Robert Grant
3) Caroline Couser & Glen McGill
Preparatory Band
1) J. R. Brown Prep Band
2) Sylvia Wilson Prep Band
3) Lola Blair Prep Band
Elementary Band
1) Lola Blair All Boys’ Orchestra
2) J. R. Brown Elementary Band
3) Ronmar Junior Accordion Orchestra
Intermediate Band
1) Kirkcaldy & District Accordion Band
2) J. R. Brown Intermediate Band
3) Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra
Open Band
1) Ronmar Accordion Orchestra
2) Jimmy Blair Advanced Orchestra
3) J. R. Brown Orchestra
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
I’m afraid February was not a particularly good month as far as BBC’s ‘TTF’ programme was concerned. I was particularly disappointed in Alex MacArthur’s broadcast of the 5th when ‘The General’ appeared to have a real off night and couldn’t get command of the situation.
Hebbie’s Gray’s programme one week later included a fair number of his own compositions and was an offering aimed at the dancing public with the traditional reel/strathspey/jig content and the sets four times through starting and finishing with the original tune.
George Meikle and the Lothian SDB was also a disappointment – I was sorry that on this occasion he did not have a fiddler in his line-up and there were a fair number of fluffs from the lead accordion.
About the only bright point in the month was the Bill Douglas broadcast where the very talented teenager Edward Galley occupied the lead accordion seat and although many of the sets were pretty standard ones the playing was good. I believe Bill will be bringing out an LP soon and I am looking forward to hearing that.
Blairgowrie Fiddler
If the dance sessions were not up to scratch certainly the features were, particularly the two with Jimmy Ritchie as he traced his musical career with great gusto and obvious enjoyment.
Reel Blend
In the ‘Reel Blend’ programme listen out for short sessions from Johnny Duncan, a five-row box player from Arbroath, also the Freuchie based John Crawford Trio.
Freeland Barbour has so many items on tape that he could not give me exact details of broadcast dates except that on 19th March the band will be that of Robert Whitehead, with the feature, the first of two from the Musselburgh Festival.
The 26th March spot will be occupied by Graham Geddes making his second broadcast with the feature the second part of the John Carmichael Interview.
Other ‘TTF’ spots will be occupied by Dennis Morrison and his band and one complete programme will come from Wick, featuring a fair sprinkling of the talented musicians from that area.
75th Birthday
The BBC eaves-dropped recently on a belated special 75th Birthday Party laid on for Jimmy Shand and this will be going out shortly in the shape of a Shand Family Night with items from the maestro himself; also a band led by Jimmy Jnr, while grand-daughter Diane will be singing a song or two – I am sure this will be an excellent programme.
Other items on tape include a feature on the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band and Fiddlers 3 + 2, so listen out or these within the next few weeks.
Bill Black
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Although, perhaps not one of the most famous names in Scottish dance music, Bill Black is one of the most respected button accordionists and fiddle players in the country.
Sturdy in stature and honest in nature, his outlook remains that of the modest shepherd he once was. The personification of the quiet, unassuming Scotsman. He would be the last person to admit he was a great player. Far more at home, being one of a company playing music for pleasure at a dance. Even after 32 years in the business he still bristles at the thought of playing the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs where he is the focus of undivided attention.
Former Champion
Bill is a former Champion, taking the Senior Scottish Accordion title at Perth in 1971, and in that same year winning the fiddle award at the Newcastleton Festival.
He is no one-man band, however. Unlike most people in the business he takes his family with him. He has to – they form the rest of the band. Wife Anne (keyboard), sons Robert (19) and Duncan (16) have been playing off and on for the past 10 years. Robert is now in the process of forming his own SDB and Bill recognises that some day soon the family will agree to a parting of the way.
Another member of the family is their only daughter Kathleen. A charming young girl despite natures cruelest fate, she is blind. Despite this affliction, she is an accomplished singer and pianist and accompanies the family at many of the concerts and charity functions throughout the length and breadth of the country. Black, Snr has no regrets. The past ten years have been good to the family and have left the public with a legacy of fine albums, among them ‘The Black Family Favourites’ and ‘Shepherd’s Choice.’
Music Daft
Born just outside Crieff 46 years ago, Bill was raised up on the land. His father Bob was a herd and farm manager and the young Black followed – literally in his footsteps working on the land till 1974, when he left to become an agricultural sales rep and five years later, setting-up partnership in a farming supply business. But he was always daft on music.
“I remember seeing bands like Ian Powrie, Angus Fitchet and The Olympians in my younger days” he recalls. “They had a great influence on me.”
It was the fiddle which first attracted him. In those days there was no electricity in the family home and Bill remembers sitting in the living-room driving his parents crazy with his scratchy attempts at perfecting the catgut.”
“Every penny I got was spent on music” he laughed. “Records were about 2s 6d in old money and that was bad news for the local rabbit population. He heard ‘The Jacqueline Waltz’ by Will Starr and was determined to buy it. So out he went with his snares, collected the goods the following morning. First to the butcher, than to the record shop.
Bill tried to learn through tutor books, but eventually began cycling into Callandar for lessons with Harold Thomson, but Bill was so advanced he ended up teaching the teacher.
His first job was playing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to a neighbour who came to the door to borrow sugar. She gave him a penny, the first he even earned. “The first penny is the hardest” he chuckled.
Harold and Bill eventually got together in the Teithside Band with Kenny Beaton on button box. After that he joined the Glengarry Band, started by Arthur Easson, later to win fame as drummer in Ian Powrie’s Band.
Moved Out
That outfit broke up when Kenny Beaton, who was a forester, moved out of the area.
Bill too decided to move and ended up in Alyth where he met George Bell, who is blind and now has a broadcasting band. He played piano box and Bill the fiddle, although he eventually took on the button box and mastered it too.
His interest in the accordion actually developed from tinkering around on the melodeon. His involvement with George broke up after he spent a lengthy period in hospital. Bill then formed his own band in 1971, a year which proved a watershed for him.
He entered the Scottish Championship after a great deal of persuasion from Glenalmond’s Jimmy Lindsay. “I never thought I was good enough” he said “but I got through to the finals and finished fifth.”
Bill reached the finals again, finding himself competing against the likes of John Huband, Peter Bruce, Brian Griffin and Donald Ridley.
Having reached the finals in 1971, Jimmy told him to get away from the hall, go for a long walk and not come back until it was time for the finals. “I was really a bag of nerves but somehow I managed to pull it off” smiled Bill.
Selection
His winning selection included a march ‘Mr Michie’ by Angus Fitchet, a strathspey by Scott Skinner, ‘Mrs Martin’ and a new reel then by Tom Anderson ‘Pottinger’s Reel.’
Bill said “I thought that was the ultimate and just didn’t want to play solo any more. I started to get invited to Accordion and Fiddle Clubs after that and it was a nightmare for me. Sometimes I couldn’t eat or sleep for worrying how I would do.”
But he was encouraged to enter the Scottish Trio Championships again and with Jack Lindsay on fiddle and Joan Blue on piano, took the Trio title for the following three years.
By this time, young Robert was playing alongside father and worked his passage by playing solos. “The boys have been forced into playing, but obviously they have shown an interest and skill. They are much better players than I am and know far more about music.” Both boys have competed for and won a variety of championships.
His wife Anne, realised she would never see much of her husband unless she took part. She got stuck into the piano, getting lessons from George Bell. Writing the notes on the keyboard and keeping the household awake during the wee sma’ hours paid off and she has been a member of the band for the past ten years.
In Full Swing
“Being a family and playing together has made a big difference; it has made us very close” said Bill.
The Bill Black SDB were in full swing at this time, but Anne’s job as a nurse and irregular hours, meant they had to find a regular pianist. Bill Lockhart from Perth fitted in nicely and in 1973 the band made their first record – ‘Sounds of the Perthshire Glens.’ The band was Bill (lead box), Jack Ness (second box), Jim Rennie (fiddle), Bruce Wilson (bass) and Billy Anderson (drums).
After Jack Ness emigrated to Canada, Graeme Mitchell from Huntly played second box for the next five years. Bill has nothing but praise for Graeme, who did most of the arranging of the music.
“Graeme lived in Aberdeen then used to travel down every weekend to our dates which could have been as far south as the Borders. He would stay with us on the Saturday night and travel home on the Sunday. He eventually moved further north to Huntly. At this stage we both decided that the distance was just too much of an obstacle.”
Young Duncan, who was by this time an able second box player, joined the band and blended in splendidly.
This signaled a period when the other members of the band went their separate ways and the Black’s began to work together as a unit.
“An old friend of mine, Jim Howie, had been on at me for years to make an album with a picture of myself on the front with my dog and crook” said Bill, “with Peter Shepherd, the Producer, and Robbie Shepherd writing the sleeve notes. With my background it didn’t take much inspiration for a title –‘Shepherd’s Choice’ – and recoded on the Stebelin label C1002.”
Bill acknowledges a wide range of heroes and influences. Among them are Scott Skinner, Ian Powrie, Willie Hunter, Shetland, a tremendous player, and 16-year-old Judith Davidson, a champion fiddler and brilliant with it. She has just won the Senior Golden Fiddle Award after taking the Junior.
As for his own band, Bill, very much involved in business, can see the writing on the wall. Robert has now formed his own broadcasting band and sees himself eventually phasing out altogether. As for retirement, he reckons he’ll take things as they come.
Over the years, the Black Family have provided marvelous entertainment with some thoroughly enjoyable albums behind them and three fine youngsters ready, able and willing to take over and keep the Scottish flag flying.
It is little wonder they are writers’ own Family Favourites.
Jimmy Shand - the Legend
by Tom Handy
Many players and friends gathered on Monday, 7th March, to celebrate the birthday of the one and only Jimmy Shand.
Jimmy, now a legend, had a broken ankle on his actual birthday so was unable to have any party. However, Robbie Shepherd and Jimmy Shand Jnr got together to arrange a belated celebration.
At 6.30pm everyone invited gathered in the hall at Giffordtown in Fife. At 7.30pm Jimmy and wife Anne entered to the strains of ‘Happy Birthday to You’ and were welcomed by Robbie, the compere of BBC’s ‘TTF.’ There followed a programme of dancing and individual turns by many of Jimmy’s friends.
The band comprised Jimmy Shand Jnr (lead box), Jack Delaney (second box), Stan Saunders (double bass) and Ally Paterson (drums). This was augmented on different occasions by Jimmy Snr and Jimmy Ritchie on fiddle. Robbie introduced ‘TTF’ Producer Freeland Barbour, who also played piano box during the stramash.
A very pleasant meal of haggis, tatties and neeps and then tea and bits of birthday cake, which Jimmy and his wife cut, was enjoyed by all.
It is hoped the programme in full will be broadcast at a later date and those taking part in it were Jim Ritchie, Dr Sandy Tulloch, David Shand, Dave Ireland, Jim Crawford, Bruce Lindsay, and songs and dances by young Dianne Shand, Jimmy’s grand-daughter. There were also many other players too numerous to mention of bygone days of the Shand era. The whole evening was compered by Robbie who introduced Jill Kinnaird, new announcer of ‘Club News’ on ‘TTF’ (a delightful addition to the team).
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Freeland Barbour which was suitably replied to by Jimmy himself. A special thanks to Mrs J. Shand Jnr for all the work she and her helpers put into the food, which was greatly appreciated by all the 100-plus who attended Scotland’s Ambassador for Scottish Dance Music’s 75th Birthday.
White Heather Club
by Ian Smith
Everyone who watched the Dougie Donnelly Show on BBC1 on Friday night, 4th March, saw a number of weel-kent faces that brought back a lot of happy memories of happier days. The faces may have got a bit older and the figures a bit fuller, but the spirit, style and repartee was there.
Yet even as I watched I sensed that this was the end of an era, an era that produced so much that was good and fine in Scotland’s song, music and the dancing. There’s an old saying – ‘He that stands still goes nowhere’ – since the end of the White Heather days the music and songs of Scotland have rolled on in a new direction. Gone are the days of ‘Granny’s Heilan’ Hame.’ They will always be remembered with affection, but are no longer relevant today. There’s a new ball game outside the BBC and if they want to get with it and give what the people want they must go to the folk clubs, the S&R Societies and the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs to get an idea of how things have moved on.
I personally was dying to hear Bobby MacLeod’s music but all we got was a couple of bars here and there. Pity.
Away from the cameras there was much to talk about as old friends met. Old stories retold and fond memories of the trials and excitements of getting the show on the road. It may be of interest that Jacky Cooper of the Dundee Club was at one time choreographer to the White Heather dancers and used to make up dances according to the resident band at the time.
A wee note to all you ‘joggers.’ Scottish Country Dancing would do you as much good than running about in the wind and rain. One uses many more muscles and it’s all done inside where it’s nice and warm, and, ladies, you would acquire a certain grace in your movements.
I wish to thank the Producer of the show for his friendliness and for putting everyone at ease.
May the day soon dawn when we can see the new Scottish dance bands on the wee screen, the new style of songs and dances. Here’s to a new White Heather Club. Haste ye back.
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club
Graham Ross
by Murdo MacLeod
This month Livingston A&F Club feature a musician who will be instantly recognised as one of the best British Chromatic players on the circuit – he is, of course, Graham Ross, leader of the Strathalmond SDB.
Hailing originally from Tain in Easter-Ross, Graham has been living in the Livingston area for the past 17 years, although his roots are still deeply in the Highlands!
Whilst well known on the Scottish music circuit, it could equally have been a niche in the world of the racing cyclist that might have been Graham’s claim to fame. Modest by nature, his talents as a first-class professional cyclist are rarely, if ever, mentioned.
Following in his father’s tracks, to coin a phrase, he showed early promise, when at 12 years of age he came 4th in the Open – yes Open – at Invergordon Highland Games. This was for a three-mile sprint. It was not only in music that his time is good!
Following this, he became Junior North of Scotland one mile Champion which he held for four years until he moved with his work to the South of Scotland.
Just before leaving the cycle world at the ripe old age of 18, he was runner-up for the Scottish Championship to John Ward of Dunfermline, a well-known name in the profession.
It is of interest in the passing that Graham’s late father, Alex Ross, himself a highly respected musician, was a noted professional cyclist, having established a five-mile Scottish track record (grass) which stood until the change in the status of the competition from professional to amateur.
Receiving some tuition on the piano and showing an early aptitude for the small double-row melodeon, it was obvious that Graham has inherited the family talent for music – on both sides – the Olivers as well as the Rosses.
The piano, sad to say, was forgotten in the new found interest for the box. However, and this is the really amazing part of the story, he gave up playing whilst still only a boy and did not really seriously take it up until the setting-up of the Livingston A&F Club . And his first ‘gig’ took place only in the spring of 1975. Since then he has built round himself a very respectable band comprising Derek MacLeod (fiddle), Neil Barron (keyboard) and Graham Jamieson (drums).
The very crisp, precise playing which characterises this band, has led them to a very successful broadcast last year with the BBC. A crowning achievement, surely, for any bandleader? The final tune played on this memorable evening was ’Mr and Mrs Alex Ross’ the tune composed by John McGregor for Graham’s mother and late father.
Passionately keen on the pipe music, it has to be Fraser McGlynn he looks on as his idol. The respect they hold for each other was seen when the band were asked to guest at the Dalriada Club recently.
The band have made one cassette – ‘Ceilidh Night’ – but not for commercial release. We look forward to a more commercially-minded one now! With umpteen guest spots at Clubs to their credit – indeed as we write this the band are getting in order for Lesmahagow Club – Country Dance Rallies in the offing and local dances, the band have got things going their way.
Over the years Graham Ross has played unpaid for many a charity and has supported the Club consistently from the beginning. It was a matter of satisfaction for all his friends therefore when he won with his band the prestigious cup for the top band at the National Association’s Musselburgh Festival in 1981.
It is pleasing too to note in passing that Graham has, as it were, continued with the same instrument where his late musician father left off prematurely a number of years ago and done it so well.
We look forward to many more years of Graham’s company at our new venue and join in thanking him for the times he has responded to the call ‘You are on next, Graham’.
Musselburgh Mix-Up
by Norrie Williams
There is a variety of beetroot called ‘Crimson Globe.’ For a spell at Musselburgh on 5th inst the faces of the Festival organisers somewhat resembled those vegetables. To put it bluntly, we had ‘clanged.’ Unfortunately, our filter system had failed to prevent a competitor in the Under-12 Traditional Class from going on stage and playing a selection which was not valid for this section.
The young player concerned, Graham Bell from Duns, who had been awarded the highest marks and had received the appropriate trophy, then had to be disqualified on this technicality. The cup was presented to the runner-up.
The Festival Committee accept full responsibility for this unfortunate incident and in the light of it our communications will be reviewed to avoid a recurrence.
A second hiccup in the same section occurred when it turned out that competitor Colin Garvin from Glasgow had interpreted the rules in a slightly way from that intended. This time the discrepancy was spotted in advance. Despite the fact that no adjudication was to be made in this case, Colin played over his selection for the audience’s pleasure. The wording of the rules will be changed to avoid confusion.
Our sincere apologies to both these players, their families and to the adjudicator.
But to finish on a bright note – both lads are coming back next year to have a go. The way they took their disappointments was an example to us all.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I was very pleased to see in the ‘B&F’ a letter from Alistair MacLeod in Mull on the subject of rent-a-band.
I heartily agree with him when it comes to augmenting bands for broadcasts and as he says some bands only get together for the sake of doing a broadcast.
These are the bands that should be banned form broadcasting.
Which brings me to my next point. The last two ‘TTF’ broadcasts with the bands of Bill Douglas and Grace MacCleaver were just another example of rent-a-band. Both these bands showed around 80% change of personnel.
In years gone by if a band changed one player it had to be auditioned again. Surely this should have been the case with these bands?
I have mentioned, as I know for a fact, that the players doing the broadcasts with these bands are not the ones that go to the dances and gig etc.
Since starting to write this letter I was interrupted by a phone call and it appears that the bands I referred to were, in fact, on trial broadcast/audition.
I am glad to see Freeland Barbour putting his foot down at last.
Although I don’t want to do Andy Ross’s job in this paper, neither of these broadcasts set the heather on fire. For my money the best was that of Bill Douglas (just).
Name and address supplied
Obituary
When the death of Dougie Welsh was announced at Musselburgh there was a deep sense of loss.
Dougie was for 11 years the compere of the Newton St Boswells Club and was a hero behind the scenes at the Festivals through the years. Nothing was too much trouble to him and his cheery smile will long be remembered.
We in the Association extend our deepest sympathy to all concerned.
Owen Murray
by ?
Owen Murray studied accordion, piano and theory at the Royal Danish Academy of Musicin Copenhagen from 1974 to 1981. After graduating with Honours as a music teacher, with the accordion as his main subject, he was awarded a further one year’s education in the Diploma class, which is a soloist education culminating in an examination / recital in the main Concert Hall of the Academy. His accordion teacher was Mogens Ellegaard.
In 1978 the Danish Accordion Teachers Union invited him to play in their prestigious Master Concert series. In 1980 he performed Torbjorn Lundquist’s masterly composition for accordion and percussion, ‘Duell’, in a programme for Danish Radio from the famous Carlsberg Glyptiotek in Copenhagen with Scandinavia’s brilliant young percussionist Gert Mortensen. Apart from concert appearances in Denmark and Sweden, Murray has given concerts in Scotland and has appeared on Scottish radio and television.
Murray in one of the young generation of highly qualified accordion teachers being educated today at many of the world’s leading academies of music. The accordion teachers degree demands the same quality of performance, teaching ability and theoretical knowledge as that demanded of all other instrumentalists. It is interesting to note that the final accordion teachers examination lasts for four hours and consists of, among other teats, a 40-minute solo recital programme and teaching of students from beginner to advance level – all this in front of an audience and a jury of professors.
Murray received the highest mark the academy has awarded an accordion student in the final accordion teachers’ examination since the instrument was accepted in 1970.
Murray was the first Scottish accordionist to be educated at a recognised academy of music, for the Degree of Accordion Teacher.
The Royal Danish Academy of Music is one of the world’s leading music academies. The entrance audition to the academy is extremely demanding and only after a most thorough series of examinations, are students accepted.
The Accordion Teachers’ Degree course is six years duration and during that time, students are given a thorough education in all aspects of theory, harmony, counterpoint, history, aural training, singing, analysis, psychology, piano and one’s chosen subject.
Murray is today one of the highest qualified accordion teachers in the world.
And all made possible by his mum, the well known Lothian’s accordion teacher Chrissie Leatham (who taught, Jim Johnstone, Iain MacPhail, Phil, Cunningham, Craig McCallum and many, many more) and grandfather Peter Leatham, a recording artiste on the melodeon in the earliest days of recording.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23 Mar 83 Walter Perrie 27 Apr 83 Fraser McGlynn
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 17 Apr 83 Johnny Cunningham (fiddle)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Mar 83 Gordon Pattullo Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 31 Mar Currie Brothers
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 2 Apr 83 George Stirrat & Jimmy Yeaman
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 29 Apr 83 Dance Bobby Crowe SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 7 Apr 83 Bill Black & Family
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 28 Apr 83 Donaldson Brothers
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 5 Apr 83 Gordon Pattullo 8 Apr 83 Annual Dance
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 31 Mar 83 Graeme Mitchell
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13 Apr 83 Addie Harper Trio
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 19 Apr 83 Currie Brothers 29 Apr Buffet Dance Bill Black’s SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 25 Mar 83 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB 18 Apr 83 Bill Black & Family
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 1 Apr Billy Anderson Trio
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 6 Apr 83 Banchory Juniors and RS
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14 Apr 83 Jennifer Forrest
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) – 21 Apr 83 Currie Brothers
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 29 Mar 83 John Crawford
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 7 Apr 83 The Tartan Lassies
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 4 Apr 83 Adrian Hannah + Soo’West Sound
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31 Mar 83 Angus Fitchet SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19 Apr 83 tba May Wallochmore CB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4 Apr 83 Currie Brothers
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 4 Apr 84 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Bridge of Allan (Walmer)
5. Castle Douglas
6. Campbeltown
7. Crieff & District
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane & District
10. Dunfermline & District
11. East Kilbride
12. Forres
13. Galashiels
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingston
18. Lochaber (Fort William)
19. Lockerbie
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. Shetland
24. Stranraer
25. Thurso
26. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lochaber A&F Club (prev Fort William A&F Club Oct 1980)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Monkland A&F Club
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
49. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Jackie Cooper, organiser of the Musical Weekend at Dunblane, tells me that the Hotel has now been fully booked for the weekend.
He can arrange accommodation away from the Hotel. Anyone interested please contact him. There are still places keft for the Presentation Dinner on the Sunday.
Musselburgh has come and gone and wasn’t it the best yet? A few hiccups here and there, but the general verdict was satisfactory. Well done, the organising Committee.
Bill Black tells me that the tickets for the Young Band Dance are now on sale. Tickets £2 for the 20th May, Tayside Hotel, and the young band is the Graeme Mitchell SDB.
Musselburgh '83
by Ian Smith
Congratulations to Elizabeth Stevens who won the Premier Section, the Senior Scottish for Accordion. In a nail-biting finale there had to be a play-off between Elizabeth and Edward Galley and there was a roar of approval when the adjudicator, Jimmy Blue, finally separated the two, agonizing. Elizabeth came all the way from Dunnet in Caithness and her journey was worthwhile. Also sharing in her hour of triumph was her teacher, Douglas Millar of Stirling.
The Brunton Halls were kept busy all day as anxious competitors, nerves on edge, fingers drumming, waited their turn, and smiling, relaxed faces told their own story of those having got it by with.
One could really feel the tension at the early part of the day and as the day wore on the laughing and talking groups got louder and cheerier, till everyone was on first names.
One of the most welcomed competitions was for the Band Section. No less than 10 bands took part and as each was a sextet, there were 60 players and the majority were in the 16 to 20 age group. A most welcome trend.
There was only one bit of discord concerning the selection of test pieces, but Norrie Williams, organizer, will explain it all himself on Page 4.
This seems to have been a ladies’ day. Una Bryson, Fiona Kenneth, Shona Maitland, Jean-Ann Callendar, Alison Smith, Tracy Aitken, Lynette Wood and, of course, Elizabeth Steven all won and sent the boys on their bikes. Well done, girls, this will teach the boys not to watch so much football.
For the record here are the band line-ups for future reference :
The Oakbank Sound
Lead accordion – Graham Edwardson
Second accordion – David Wilson
Fiddle – Gregor Borland
Piano – Kathryn Wilson
Bass – Bobby Millar
Drums – Gordon Smith
Maureen Rutherford Band
Lead accordion – Neil Copland
Second accordion – J Brown
Fiddle – Maureen Rutherford
Piano – Anne Rutherford
Bass – John Strachan
Drums – Billy Brown
Colin Dewar Band
Lead accordion – Colin Dewar
Second accordion – Colin Johnstone
Fiddle – Willie Simpson
Piano – Alastair McGirr
Bass – Neil McMillan
Drums –G Mullin
Jacqueline Dick Band
Lead accordion – Jacqueline Dick
Second accordion – Ian McCallum
Fiddle – Grace Burns
Piano – Graham Berry
Bass –
Drums –Billy O’Donnell
Ramsay Tech Ceilidh Band
Lead accordion – Alastair Edmundson
Second accordion – Dorothy Lawson
Fiddle – Andrew Knight
Piano – Gail Buchanan
Bass – C. Stitt
Drums –David Ashbridge
Stella Clark Band
Lead accordion – Tom Clark
Second accordion –
Fiddle – Stella Clark
Piano – John Gibson
Bass – Alasdair MacLeod
Drums – Richard Hughes
Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Lead accordion – Kevin Clark
Second accordion – Bruce Quirrie
Fiddle – Margaret Quirrie
Piano – Gill Simpson
Bass – Doug Cargill
Drums – David Scott
Edward Galley Band
Lead accordion – Edward Galley
Second accordion – Duncan Black
Fiddle – Alan Johnston
Piano – Robert Black
Bass – Duncan Burns
Drums – Graham Jamieson
Jimmy Yeaman Band
Lead accordion – Richard Ross
Second accordion – Ricki Franci
Fiddle – Jimmy Yeaman
Piano – Morag McAskill
Bass – Brian Cruickshank
Drums –
Here are the results of the individual Sections
Under 12 Traditional Solo
1) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
2) Allan Frater (Uphall)
3) Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
Junior Accordion Solo - Pipe Music
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
3) Diane Armstrong (Armadale)
Senior Accordion Traditional
1) John Bone (Inverallochie)
2) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
3) Edward Galley (Forfar)
Senior Accordion - Pipe Music
1) Elizabeth Steven (Dunnet)
2) Graham Edwardson (East Calder)
3) Douglas Davidson (Stanley)
Junior Duet (Traditional)
1) May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
3) Donald Shaw (Taynault) & Joan MacLaughlin (Oban)
Trio
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup – overall performance)
1) The Oakbank Sound (Graham Edwardson – East Calder)
2=) Maureen Rutherford (Keith) and Jimmy Yeaman (Balloch)
Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy (Rhythm Section)
1) Colin Dewar
2) Graham Edwardson
Junior Fiddle Solo
1) Alison Smith (Bearsden)
2) Joan MacLaughlin (Oban)
3) Margaret Quirrie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Solo
1) Jean-Ann Callendar (Aberdeen)
2) Jane Rayworth (Connel)
3) Stella Clark (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle – Slow Air
1) Bob Edward (Dundee)
2) Jane Rayworth (Connel)
3) Gregor Borland (Edinburgh)
Own Composition (Traditional)
1) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
2) Karen Leitch (Ayr)
3) David Wilson (Blackburn)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Fiona Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
2) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) Graham Jeffrey (Earlston)
3) Karen McGurk (Dundee)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
3) Donna Beveridge (St Cyrus)
Open Classical Solo
1) Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
2) Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
3) Michael Cassaly (West Calder)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Scott Leslie (Dunbar) & James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Fiona & Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
3) May & Margo Taylor (Linlithgow)
Open Classical Duet
1) Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
2) Neil & Allan Copland (Dundee)
The concert was, as usual, a sell-out, but owing to the late finish of the competition it was a wee bit late in getting started, but the wait was worth the effort and patience of the audience and much later the dance got under way. If it was too warm at the concert it was sweat time at the dancing. Mind you, nobody forced anyone to go to the dance but who in their right minds could resist the Fraser McGlynn SDB.
The adjudicators deserve a mention for their diligence in listening to our 300 competitors, Jimmy Blue, David Cunningham, Brian Griffin, Angus Fitchet, Mickey Ainsworth and Paddy Neary.
So ended the last big Festival of 1982-83. There are still Festivals on the go to keep the interest going. Not so big, maybe, but big enough to gain valuable experience for next season.
The Festival Committee wish to thank everyone who helped in the running of the Festival and fully appreciate the efforts of the competitors and they hope to see them all again next year plus the new ones they know will appear and be made welcome.
Large Number of Orchestras at Govan
by Ian Smith
Another fine day of competitions in Govan Town Hall produced some interesting results.
Roy Hendrie won the Scottish Senior for the second year running, plus the Bell Trophy. Young Scott Sneddon won the Under 10 and 12 Scottish and Diane Armstrong won the Under 14 and 16 Scottish.
It was very gratifying that no fewer than 15 bands competed. This, the highest total ever, shows a healthy trend and means more teachers are making the effort and more musicians learning to play together and having lots of fun with it. There is an enthusiasm about this Festival that makes it worthwhile to be part of it.
Here then are the full results
Under 10 Scottish Solo
1) Scott Sneddon
2) Campbell R. Love
3) Russell Torrie
Under 12 Scottish Solo
1) Scott Sneddon
2) Tracey Aitken
3) Gordon Haddow
Under 14 Scottish Solo
1) Diane Armstrong
2) Margo Taylor
3) Graham Jeffrey
Under 16 Scottish Solo
1) Diane Armstrong
2) Jennifer Forrest
3) Lynnette Wood
Senior Scottish Solo
1) Roy Hendrie
2) Stewart Abercrombie
3) Karen Leitch
Preparatory Solo
1) Stuart Law
2) Desmond Daly
3) Tracy Ferguson
Elementary Solo
1) Jacqueline Wigg
2) David Key
3) Jacqueline Morrison
Junior Solo
1) Alan Preston
2) Ewan Donald
3) Tonya Halliday
Under 8 Solo
1) Liam Smith
2) Suzanne Colraine
3) Stuart Campbell
Under 10 Solo
1) Russell Torrie
2) Scott Sneddon
3) Aileen Smith
Under 12 Solo
1) David Preston
2) John D. Ramsay
3) John M. Simpson
Under 14 Solo
1) Una Bryson
2) Lara Halliday
3) Graham Jeffrey
Intermediate Solo
1) Norma Frater
2) Sandy Watson
3) Niall Kirkpatrick
Intermediate Solo – again??
1) Sandra F. Strachan
2) Diane Mearns
3) Morag McFarlane
Advanced Solo
1) Shona Maitland
2) Stuart Russell
3) Brenda McKessock
Open Solo
1) Laurence Monaghan
2) Roy Hendrie
3) Tonya Halliday
Bell Trophy
1) Roy Hendrie
2) Laurence Monaghan
3) Scott Graham
Entertainer Solo
1) Una Bryson
2) Linda Williams
3) Scott Sneddon
Preparatory Duet
1) Desmond Daly & Alan Mulrooney
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine
3) Suzanne Brown & Ian Newton
Elementary Duet
1) Craig Drysdale & Gordon Haddow
2) A. Morrison & J. Simpson
3) A. Frater & S. Sneddon
Intermediate Duet
1) A. Anderson & N. Reid
2) L. Howitt & I. Stewart
3) G & J Jeffrey
Advanced Duet
1) Jean Corrigan & Julie Best
2) Andrew Stark & Robert Grant
3) Caroline Couser & Glen McGill
Preparatory Band
1) J. R. Brown Prep Band
2) Sylvia Wilson Prep Band
3) Lola Blair Prep Band
Elementary Band
1) Lola Blair All Boys’ Orchestra
2) J. R. Brown Elementary Band
3) Ronmar Junior Accordion Orchestra
Intermediate Band
1) Kirkcaldy & District Accordion Band
2) J. R. Brown Intermediate Band
3) Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra
Open Band
1) Ronmar Accordion Orchestra
2) Jimmy Blair Advanced Orchestra
3) J. R. Brown Orchestra
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
I’m afraid February was not a particularly good month as far as BBC’s ‘TTF’ programme was concerned. I was particularly disappointed in Alex MacArthur’s broadcast of the 5th when ‘The General’ appeared to have a real off night and couldn’t get command of the situation.
Hebbie’s Gray’s programme one week later included a fair number of his own compositions and was an offering aimed at the dancing public with the traditional reel/strathspey/jig content and the sets four times through starting and finishing with the original tune.
George Meikle and the Lothian SDB was also a disappointment – I was sorry that on this occasion he did not have a fiddler in his line-up and there were a fair number of fluffs from the lead accordion.
About the only bright point in the month was the Bill Douglas broadcast where the very talented teenager Edward Galley occupied the lead accordion seat and although many of the sets were pretty standard ones the playing was good. I believe Bill will be bringing out an LP soon and I am looking forward to hearing that.
Blairgowrie Fiddler
If the dance sessions were not up to scratch certainly the features were, particularly the two with Jimmy Ritchie as he traced his musical career with great gusto and obvious enjoyment.
Reel Blend
In the ‘Reel Blend’ programme listen out for short sessions from Johnny Duncan, a five-row box player from Arbroath, also the Freuchie based John Crawford Trio.
Freeland Barbour has so many items on tape that he could not give me exact details of broadcast dates except that on 19th March the band will be that of Robert Whitehead, with the feature, the first of two from the Musselburgh Festival.
The 26th March spot will be occupied by Graham Geddes making his second broadcast with the feature the second part of the John Carmichael Interview.
Other ‘TTF’ spots will be occupied by Dennis Morrison and his band and one complete programme will come from Wick, featuring a fair sprinkling of the talented musicians from that area.
75th Birthday
The BBC eaves-dropped recently on a belated special 75th Birthday Party laid on for Jimmy Shand and this will be going out shortly in the shape of a Shand Family Night with items from the maestro himself; also a band led by Jimmy Jnr, while grand-daughter Diane will be singing a song or two – I am sure this will be an excellent programme.
Other items on tape include a feature on the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band and Fiddlers 3 + 2, so listen out or these within the next few weeks.
Bill Black
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Although, perhaps not one of the most famous names in Scottish dance music, Bill Black is one of the most respected button accordionists and fiddle players in the country.
Sturdy in stature and honest in nature, his outlook remains that of the modest shepherd he once was. The personification of the quiet, unassuming Scotsman. He would be the last person to admit he was a great player. Far more at home, being one of a company playing music for pleasure at a dance. Even after 32 years in the business he still bristles at the thought of playing the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs where he is the focus of undivided attention.
Former Champion
Bill is a former Champion, taking the Senior Scottish Accordion title at Perth in 1971, and in that same year winning the fiddle award at the Newcastleton Festival.
He is no one-man band, however. Unlike most people in the business he takes his family with him. He has to – they form the rest of the band. Wife Anne (keyboard), sons Robert (19) and Duncan (16) have been playing off and on for the past 10 years. Robert is now in the process of forming his own SDB and Bill recognises that some day soon the family will agree to a parting of the way.
Another member of the family is their only daughter Kathleen. A charming young girl despite natures cruelest fate, she is blind. Despite this affliction, she is an accomplished singer and pianist and accompanies the family at many of the concerts and charity functions throughout the length and breadth of the country. Black, Snr has no regrets. The past ten years have been good to the family and have left the public with a legacy of fine albums, among them ‘The Black Family Favourites’ and ‘Shepherd’s Choice.’
Music Daft
Born just outside Crieff 46 years ago, Bill was raised up on the land. His father Bob was a herd and farm manager and the young Black followed – literally in his footsteps working on the land till 1974, when he left to become an agricultural sales rep and five years later, setting-up partnership in a farming supply business. But he was always daft on music.
“I remember seeing bands like Ian Powrie, Angus Fitchet and The Olympians in my younger days” he recalls. “They had a great influence on me.”
It was the fiddle which first attracted him. In those days there was no electricity in the family home and Bill remembers sitting in the living-room driving his parents crazy with his scratchy attempts at perfecting the catgut.”
“Every penny I got was spent on music” he laughed. “Records were about 2s 6d in old money and that was bad news for the local rabbit population. He heard ‘The Jacqueline Waltz’ by Will Starr and was determined to buy it. So out he went with his snares, collected the goods the following morning. First to the butcher, than to the record shop.
Bill tried to learn through tutor books, but eventually began cycling into Callandar for lessons with Harold Thomson, but Bill was so advanced he ended up teaching the teacher.
His first job was playing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to a neighbour who came to the door to borrow sugar. She gave him a penny, the first he even earned. “The first penny is the hardest” he chuckled.
Harold and Bill eventually got together in the Teithside Band with Kenny Beaton on button box. After that he joined the Glengarry Band, started by Arthur Easson, later to win fame as drummer in Ian Powrie’s Band.
Moved Out
That outfit broke up when Kenny Beaton, who was a forester, moved out of the area.
Bill too decided to move and ended up in Alyth where he met George Bell, who is blind and now has a broadcasting band. He played piano box and Bill the fiddle, although he eventually took on the button box and mastered it too.
His interest in the accordion actually developed from tinkering around on the melodeon. His involvement with George broke up after he spent a lengthy period in hospital. Bill then formed his own band in 1971, a year which proved a watershed for him.
He entered the Scottish Championship after a great deal of persuasion from Glenalmond’s Jimmy Lindsay. “I never thought I was good enough” he said “but I got through to the finals and finished fifth.”
Bill reached the finals again, finding himself competing against the likes of John Huband, Peter Bruce, Brian Griffin and Donald Ridley.
Having reached the finals in 1971, Jimmy told him to get away from the hall, go for a long walk and not come back until it was time for the finals. “I was really a bag of nerves but somehow I managed to pull it off” smiled Bill.
Selection
His winning selection included a march ‘Mr Michie’ by Angus Fitchet, a strathspey by Scott Skinner, ‘Mrs Martin’ and a new reel then by Tom Anderson ‘Pottinger’s Reel.’
Bill said “I thought that was the ultimate and just didn’t want to play solo any more. I started to get invited to Accordion and Fiddle Clubs after that and it was a nightmare for me. Sometimes I couldn’t eat or sleep for worrying how I would do.”
But he was encouraged to enter the Scottish Trio Championships again and with Jack Lindsay on fiddle and Joan Blue on piano, took the Trio title for the following three years.
By this time, young Robert was playing alongside father and worked his passage by playing solos. “The boys have been forced into playing, but obviously they have shown an interest and skill. They are much better players than I am and know far more about music.” Both boys have competed for and won a variety of championships.
His wife Anne, realised she would never see much of her husband unless she took part. She got stuck into the piano, getting lessons from George Bell. Writing the notes on the keyboard and keeping the household awake during the wee sma’ hours paid off and she has been a member of the band for the past ten years.
In Full Swing
“Being a family and playing together has made a big difference; it has made us very close” said Bill.
The Bill Black SDB were in full swing at this time, but Anne’s job as a nurse and irregular hours, meant they had to find a regular pianist. Bill Lockhart from Perth fitted in nicely and in 1973 the band made their first record – ‘Sounds of the Perthshire Glens.’ The band was Bill (lead box), Jack Ness (second box), Jim Rennie (fiddle), Bruce Wilson (bass) and Billy Anderson (drums).
After Jack Ness emigrated to Canada, Graeme Mitchell from Huntly played second box for the next five years. Bill has nothing but praise for Graeme, who did most of the arranging of the music.
“Graeme lived in Aberdeen then used to travel down every weekend to our dates which could have been as far south as the Borders. He would stay with us on the Saturday night and travel home on the Sunday. He eventually moved further north to Huntly. At this stage we both decided that the distance was just too much of an obstacle.”
Young Duncan, who was by this time an able second box player, joined the band and blended in splendidly.
This signaled a period when the other members of the band went their separate ways and the Black’s began to work together as a unit.
“An old friend of mine, Jim Howie, had been on at me for years to make an album with a picture of myself on the front with my dog and crook” said Bill, “with Peter Shepherd, the Producer, and Robbie Shepherd writing the sleeve notes. With my background it didn’t take much inspiration for a title –‘Shepherd’s Choice’ – and recoded on the Stebelin label C1002.”
Bill acknowledges a wide range of heroes and influences. Among them are Scott Skinner, Ian Powrie, Willie Hunter, Shetland, a tremendous player, and 16-year-old Judith Davidson, a champion fiddler and brilliant with it. She has just won the Senior Golden Fiddle Award after taking the Junior.
As for his own band, Bill, very much involved in business, can see the writing on the wall. Robert has now formed his own broadcasting band and sees himself eventually phasing out altogether. As for retirement, he reckons he’ll take things as they come.
Over the years, the Black Family have provided marvelous entertainment with some thoroughly enjoyable albums behind them and three fine youngsters ready, able and willing to take over and keep the Scottish flag flying.
It is little wonder they are writers’ own Family Favourites.
Jimmy Shand - the Legend
by Tom Handy
Many players and friends gathered on Monday, 7th March, to celebrate the birthday of the one and only Jimmy Shand.
Jimmy, now a legend, had a broken ankle on his actual birthday so was unable to have any party. However, Robbie Shepherd and Jimmy Shand Jnr got together to arrange a belated celebration.
At 6.30pm everyone invited gathered in the hall at Giffordtown in Fife. At 7.30pm Jimmy and wife Anne entered to the strains of ‘Happy Birthday to You’ and were welcomed by Robbie, the compere of BBC’s ‘TTF.’ There followed a programme of dancing and individual turns by many of Jimmy’s friends.
The band comprised Jimmy Shand Jnr (lead box), Jack Delaney (second box), Stan Saunders (double bass) and Ally Paterson (drums). This was augmented on different occasions by Jimmy Snr and Jimmy Ritchie on fiddle. Robbie introduced ‘TTF’ Producer Freeland Barbour, who also played piano box during the stramash.
A very pleasant meal of haggis, tatties and neeps and then tea and bits of birthday cake, which Jimmy and his wife cut, was enjoyed by all.
It is hoped the programme in full will be broadcast at a later date and those taking part in it were Jim Ritchie, Dr Sandy Tulloch, David Shand, Dave Ireland, Jim Crawford, Bruce Lindsay, and songs and dances by young Dianne Shand, Jimmy’s grand-daughter. There were also many other players too numerous to mention of bygone days of the Shand era. The whole evening was compered by Robbie who introduced Jill Kinnaird, new announcer of ‘Club News’ on ‘TTF’ (a delightful addition to the team).
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Freeland Barbour which was suitably replied to by Jimmy himself. A special thanks to Mrs J. Shand Jnr for all the work she and her helpers put into the food, which was greatly appreciated by all the 100-plus who attended Scotland’s Ambassador for Scottish Dance Music’s 75th Birthday.
White Heather Club
by Ian Smith
Everyone who watched the Dougie Donnelly Show on BBC1 on Friday night, 4th March, saw a number of weel-kent faces that brought back a lot of happy memories of happier days. The faces may have got a bit older and the figures a bit fuller, but the spirit, style and repartee was there.
Yet even as I watched I sensed that this was the end of an era, an era that produced so much that was good and fine in Scotland’s song, music and the dancing. There’s an old saying – ‘He that stands still goes nowhere’ – since the end of the White Heather days the music and songs of Scotland have rolled on in a new direction. Gone are the days of ‘Granny’s Heilan’ Hame.’ They will always be remembered with affection, but are no longer relevant today. There’s a new ball game outside the BBC and if they want to get with it and give what the people want they must go to the folk clubs, the S&R Societies and the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs to get an idea of how things have moved on.
I personally was dying to hear Bobby MacLeod’s music but all we got was a couple of bars here and there. Pity.
Away from the cameras there was much to talk about as old friends met. Old stories retold and fond memories of the trials and excitements of getting the show on the road. It may be of interest that Jacky Cooper of the Dundee Club was at one time choreographer to the White Heather dancers and used to make up dances according to the resident band at the time.
A wee note to all you ‘joggers.’ Scottish Country Dancing would do you as much good than running about in the wind and rain. One uses many more muscles and it’s all done inside where it’s nice and warm, and, ladies, you would acquire a certain grace in your movements.
I wish to thank the Producer of the show for his friendliness and for putting everyone at ease.
May the day soon dawn when we can see the new Scottish dance bands on the wee screen, the new style of songs and dances. Here’s to a new White Heather Club. Haste ye back.
Livingston Accordion and Fiddle Club
Graham Ross
by Murdo MacLeod
This month Livingston A&F Club feature a musician who will be instantly recognised as one of the best British Chromatic players on the circuit – he is, of course, Graham Ross, leader of the Strathalmond SDB.
Hailing originally from Tain in Easter-Ross, Graham has been living in the Livingston area for the past 17 years, although his roots are still deeply in the Highlands!
Whilst well known on the Scottish music circuit, it could equally have been a niche in the world of the racing cyclist that might have been Graham’s claim to fame. Modest by nature, his talents as a first-class professional cyclist are rarely, if ever, mentioned.
Following in his father’s tracks, to coin a phrase, he showed early promise, when at 12 years of age he came 4th in the Open – yes Open – at Invergordon Highland Games. This was for a three-mile sprint. It was not only in music that his time is good!
Following this, he became Junior North of Scotland one mile Champion which he held for four years until he moved with his work to the South of Scotland.
Just before leaving the cycle world at the ripe old age of 18, he was runner-up for the Scottish Championship to John Ward of Dunfermline, a well-known name in the profession.
It is of interest in the passing that Graham’s late father, Alex Ross, himself a highly respected musician, was a noted professional cyclist, having established a five-mile Scottish track record (grass) which stood until the change in the status of the competition from professional to amateur.
Receiving some tuition on the piano and showing an early aptitude for the small double-row melodeon, it was obvious that Graham has inherited the family talent for music – on both sides – the Olivers as well as the Rosses.
The piano, sad to say, was forgotten in the new found interest for the box. However, and this is the really amazing part of the story, he gave up playing whilst still only a boy and did not really seriously take it up until the setting-up of the Livingston A&F Club . And his first ‘gig’ took place only in the spring of 1975. Since then he has built round himself a very respectable band comprising Derek MacLeod (fiddle), Neil Barron (keyboard) and Graham Jamieson (drums).
The very crisp, precise playing which characterises this band, has led them to a very successful broadcast last year with the BBC. A crowning achievement, surely, for any bandleader? The final tune played on this memorable evening was ’Mr and Mrs Alex Ross’ the tune composed by John McGregor for Graham’s mother and late father.
Passionately keen on the pipe music, it has to be Fraser McGlynn he looks on as his idol. The respect they hold for each other was seen when the band were asked to guest at the Dalriada Club recently.
The band have made one cassette – ‘Ceilidh Night’ – but not for commercial release. We look forward to a more commercially-minded one now! With umpteen guest spots at Clubs to their credit – indeed as we write this the band are getting in order for Lesmahagow Club – Country Dance Rallies in the offing and local dances, the band have got things going their way.
Over the years Graham Ross has played unpaid for many a charity and has supported the Club consistently from the beginning. It was a matter of satisfaction for all his friends therefore when he won with his band the prestigious cup for the top band at the National Association’s Musselburgh Festival in 1981.
It is pleasing too to note in passing that Graham has, as it were, continued with the same instrument where his late musician father left off prematurely a number of years ago and done it so well.
We look forward to many more years of Graham’s company at our new venue and join in thanking him for the times he has responded to the call ‘You are on next, Graham’.
Musselburgh Mix-Up
by Norrie Williams
There is a variety of beetroot called ‘Crimson Globe.’ For a spell at Musselburgh on 5th inst the faces of the Festival organisers somewhat resembled those vegetables. To put it bluntly, we had ‘clanged.’ Unfortunately, our filter system had failed to prevent a competitor in the Under-12 Traditional Class from going on stage and playing a selection which was not valid for this section.
The young player concerned, Graham Bell from Duns, who had been awarded the highest marks and had received the appropriate trophy, then had to be disqualified on this technicality. The cup was presented to the runner-up.
The Festival Committee accept full responsibility for this unfortunate incident and in the light of it our communications will be reviewed to avoid a recurrence.
A second hiccup in the same section occurred when it turned out that competitor Colin Garvin from Glasgow had interpreted the rules in a slightly way from that intended. This time the discrepancy was spotted in advance. Despite the fact that no adjudication was to be made in this case, Colin played over his selection for the audience’s pleasure. The wording of the rules will be changed to avoid confusion.
Our sincere apologies to both these players, their families and to the adjudicator.
But to finish on a bright note – both lads are coming back next year to have a go. The way they took their disappointments was an example to us all.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I was very pleased to see in the ‘B&F’ a letter from Alistair MacLeod in Mull on the subject of rent-a-band.
I heartily agree with him when it comes to augmenting bands for broadcasts and as he says some bands only get together for the sake of doing a broadcast.
These are the bands that should be banned form broadcasting.
Which brings me to my next point. The last two ‘TTF’ broadcasts with the bands of Bill Douglas and Grace MacCleaver were just another example of rent-a-band. Both these bands showed around 80% change of personnel.
In years gone by if a band changed one player it had to be auditioned again. Surely this should have been the case with these bands?
I have mentioned, as I know for a fact, that the players doing the broadcasts with these bands are not the ones that go to the dances and gig etc.
Since starting to write this letter I was interrupted by a phone call and it appears that the bands I referred to were, in fact, on trial broadcast/audition.
I am glad to see Freeland Barbour putting his foot down at last.
Although I don’t want to do Andy Ross’s job in this paper, neither of these broadcasts set the heather on fire. For my money the best was that of Bill Douglas (just).
Name and address supplied
Obituary
When the death of Dougie Welsh was announced at Musselburgh there was a deep sense of loss.
Dougie was for 11 years the compere of the Newton St Boswells Club and was a hero behind the scenes at the Festivals through the years. Nothing was too much trouble to him and his cheery smile will long be remembered.
We in the Association extend our deepest sympathy to all concerned.
Owen Murray
by ?
Owen Murray studied accordion, piano and theory at the Royal Danish Academy of Musicin Copenhagen from 1974 to 1981. After graduating with Honours as a music teacher, with the accordion as his main subject, he was awarded a further one year’s education in the Diploma class, which is a soloist education culminating in an examination / recital in the main Concert Hall of the Academy. His accordion teacher was Mogens Ellegaard.
In 1978 the Danish Accordion Teachers Union invited him to play in their prestigious Master Concert series. In 1980 he performed Torbjorn Lundquist’s masterly composition for accordion and percussion, ‘Duell’, in a programme for Danish Radio from the famous Carlsberg Glyptiotek in Copenhagen with Scandinavia’s brilliant young percussionist Gert Mortensen. Apart from concert appearances in Denmark and Sweden, Murray has given concerts in Scotland and has appeared on Scottish radio and television.
Murray in one of the young generation of highly qualified accordion teachers being educated today at many of the world’s leading academies of music. The accordion teachers degree demands the same quality of performance, teaching ability and theoretical knowledge as that demanded of all other instrumentalists. It is interesting to note that the final accordion teachers examination lasts for four hours and consists of, among other teats, a 40-minute solo recital programme and teaching of students from beginner to advance level – all this in front of an audience and a jury of professors.
Murray received the highest mark the academy has awarded an accordion student in the final accordion teachers’ examination since the instrument was accepted in 1970.
Murray was the first Scottish accordionist to be educated at a recognised academy of music, for the Degree of Accordion Teacher.
The Royal Danish Academy of Music is one of the world’s leading music academies. The entrance audition to the academy is extremely demanding and only after a most thorough series of examinations, are students accepted.
The Accordion Teachers’ Degree course is six years duration and during that time, students are given a thorough education in all aspects of theory, harmony, counterpoint, history, aural training, singing, analysis, psychology, piano and one’s chosen subject.
Murray is today one of the highest qualified accordion teachers in the world.
And all made possible by his mum, the well known Lothian’s accordion teacher Chrissie Leatham (who taught, Jim Johnstone, Iain MacPhail, Phil, Cunningham, Craig McCallum and many, many more) and grandfather Peter Leatham, a recording artiste on the melodeon in the earliest days of recording.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23 Mar 83 Walter Perrie 27 Apr 83 Fraser McGlynn
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 17 Apr 83 Johnny Cunningham (fiddle)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Mar 83 Gordon Pattullo Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 31 Mar Currie Brothers
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) – 2 Apr 83 George Stirrat & Jimmy Yeaman
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 29 Apr 83 Dance Bobby Crowe SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 7 Apr 83 Bill Black & Family
Cumnock (Cumnock Juniors social Club) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 28 Apr 83 Donaldson Brothers
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 5 Apr 83 Gordon Pattullo 8 Apr 83 Annual Dance
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 31 Mar 83 Graeme Mitchell
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13 Apr 83 Addie Harper Trio
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 19 Apr 83 Currie Brothers 29 Apr Buffet Dance Bill Black’s SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 25 Mar 83 Annual Dance Jim Johnstone SDB 18 Apr 83 Bill Black & Family
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 1 Apr Billy Anderson Trio
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 6 Apr 83 Banchory Juniors and RS
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 14 Apr 83 Jennifer Forrest
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) – 21 Apr 83 Currie Brothers
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 29 Mar 83 John Crawford
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 7 Apr 83 The Tartan Lassies
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 4 Apr 83 Adrian Hannah + Soo’West Sound
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 31 Mar 83 Angus Fitchet SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19 Apr 83 tba May Wallochmore CB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4 Apr 83 Currie Brothers
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 4 Apr 84 Wallochmor Ceilidh Band
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Beith & District
4. Bridge of Allan (Walmer)
5. Castle Douglas
6. Campbeltown
7. Crieff & District
8. Dingwall
9. Dunblane & District
10. Dunfermline & District
11. East Kilbride
12. Forres
13. Galashiels
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Lesmahagow
17. Livingston
18. Lochaber (Fort William)
19. Lockerbie
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Monklands
22. Newtongrange
23. Shetland
24. Stranraer
25. Thurso
26. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Cumnock A&F Club (forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lochaber A&F Club (prev Fort William A&F Club Oct 1980)
43. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
44. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
45. Monkland A&F Club
46. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
48. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
49. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
50. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
51. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
52. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
53. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
54. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
55. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
56. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
57. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
58. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
59. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
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