Box and Fiddle
Year 15 No 07
March 1992
Price 50p
12 pages
8 month subscription £6.00
Editor – Interim Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
I would like to thank the B.B.C. for allowing air time for the discussion and phone in on the state of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ on 3rd February and for the Association view from Andrew Nairn on 17th February.
The aim of these discussions was to find out why Clubs are generally not being supported as well as they used to be and hopefully, to quote Fraser McGlynn, “Get the bums back on the empty seats”.
Just one personal opinion which I think most of you will agree with. I am sure a good television programme featuring Scottish bands, solo accordionists and fiddlers as well as dancers and vocalists on a fairly regular basis would stimulate interest and perhaps have the desired effect. Your personal views on the matter would be appreciated.
One thing is certain – the future of the A&F Club scene is not about individuals and personalities, it is about preserving music and musicians and this can only be dome by co-operation and understanding.
Regrettably I will be absent from Musselburgh as I have a prior engagement. To all attending, competitors and spectators, have a good day.
Doug Adamson
Great Oaks From Little Acorns Grow
Max Houliston and the Hole in the Wa’
by Charlie Todd
A recent visit to Dumfries and a visit to the “Hole in the Wa’” reminded me that this was where the whole Accordion and Fiddle scene began. The man who started it all is still very much involved with the accordion and the mere mention of the name conjures up memories of music coming over the airwaves on a Saturday night that set his band apart from his contemporaries and gave it a distinctiveness which is sometimes said to be lacking in present-day bands. Pieces such as “Cavatina”, “Miss Melanie”, “Washington Post” and “Doctor Finlay’s Casebook theme” in the capable hands of Max Houliston and his Band, gave listeners an insight into the broader musical spectrum of the accordion.
I arranged to meet Max at what is for me a quiet time, Sunday afternoon, but soon realised that for a busy publican there is no such luxury. Max guided me into the comparative peace of his office and gave me an insight into how he had blended business with pleasure to produce a new social activity which has since spread the length and breadth of the country.
First things first however, and Max gave me a brief outline of his own musical career. His parents were keen listeners, although not players and encouraged Max when he started accordion lessons at the age of 10 with local music teacher Alex Carter. Alex was a good all-round teacher giving piano lessons and organ also. This lasted for about 5 years leading up to regular spots with local concert parties.
At eighteen Max was called up to do his National Service in the Royal Signals and was soon co-opted into their dance band at Catterick. This proved invaluable experience playing for modern ballroom dancing in the Officers Mess and gave him the opportunity to meet and learn from many professional musicians doing their stint.
Back in civvy street in 1956, Max decided that too many bad habits had crept into his playing technique and to remedy this he resumed tuition, but this time with Ronnie Hodgson in Carlisle. Under Ronnie’s guidance Max found his playing steadily improving and he was able to develop his repertoire of Continental, modern and Scottish music.
By the early ‘60’s Max had teamed up with a number to talented local musicians. On piano was Ian Austin, newly returned from the R.A.F. and also a former pupil of Alex Carter (and now an L.R.A.M. himself teaching piano in Dumfries) and a musician for who Max has the highest regard.
Bass was in the capable hands of Gordon Young, also from Dumfries. It was Gordon who arranged many of the modern dance selections which the band played. He now lives in Galashiels, but unfortunately has retired from the playing world altogether. For a drummer Max still has to look no further than Dumfries and Steve Redpath and it was only the band’s fiddler, gamekeeper Kenny Wilson from Elvanfoot, who had to travel any distance. The five piece band successfully passed their audition and did their first (live) broadcast in1963.
Although all first rate musicians, every note had to be scored since Ian and Gordon had no “ear” for busking. During all their years playing together, they were only caught out once. Max recalled that embarrassing event with a smile. “It was at Bill Wilkie’s Evening Concert for the Perth Festival. We had just finished our band spot at the end of the Concert when Bill came on stage to give the vote of thanks. Having done that he turned to me and said “Haste Ye Back in F”. That probably wouldn’t have presented a problem to any other band but since it was totally unexpected and wasn’t scored it was with a feeling of impending doom that Max relayed the instruction to the rest of the band as the Bill Wilkie Singers filed in from the wings. “I may as well have told Ian and Gordon the football results” joked Max. The band sound I understand left something to be desired. (Ironically John Douglas tells me that Max himself is renowned for this ability to back singers in the pub, following them unerringly through any number of key changes).
Max had taken over “The Hole in the Wa’” in 1963 and it was here the following year that he saw the chance to remedy the lack of opportunities which young players had to perform in front of a live audience. The Concert Parties which had provided that experience in his own learning days had all but gone.
In response to a newspaper advert, the first night in April 1965 saw only four players and an audience of about a dozen, but with each succeeding month the attendance improved.
With players and punters showing an interest, something was still lacking – “a good front man” was required to organise things on the night and keep them flowing, so Max asked well known local M.C. Alex Little to bring his experience and influence to bear and as Max put it “things never looked back.”
The final ingredient was added after about six meetings – a guest artiste. This gave audience and players alike an opportunity to meet, hear and ‘put a face to’ the many fine musicians who up to that point had been only names on the radio on a Saturday night. Bobby Harvey, from Milngavie, fulfilled that role and thereafter the idea really took off.
Max’s club lasted some 17 years between the Hole in the Wa’ and a subsequent venue at Oughton’s Restaurant. Incidentally, the second club to come into existence was established at nearby Gretna by Jimmy Norman and although it has been around a few venues before returning to the Halcrow Stadium in Gretna, it is still going strong.
Clubs at Langholm, Milngavie and Galston followed shortly afterward and soon the whole of Scotland and the North of England were involved.
Now 25 years on there appears to be no let-up in the enthusiasm, even if the audiences are becoming a wee bit older, so our thanks must go to Max Houliston from Dumfries, the man whose innovation and foresight started it all.
Stewart Forbes – A Tribute
by Bill Wilkie
Stewart Forbes (of Dundee) has passed from our midst with the quiet dignity which was characteristic of this gentle man. The funeral was private so we did not have the opportunity to show our respects in the usual way.
We are appreciative of the enormous service he has given to musicians and the music industry as an importer, wholesaler and retailer of musical instruments.
Head of the firm for over 40 years, he operated within 22 miles of my own business and because of a strict adherence to an honourable code of ethics, we never once crossed swords. He was a worthy competitor.
The firm of J.T. Forbes is one of the oldest established in Scotland, being founded about 1870 by John T. Forbes and developed very successfully by Stewart’s father, Charles Forbes who was responsible for the development of the famous Hohner Black Dot Double-Ray accordion. He performed one other great service, not only to accordionists but to the world in general by helping Jimmy Shand on his way to fame and stardom. Stewart Forbes eventually took over from his father in 1951.
At meetings of the Scottish Music Retailers Association, he gave us the benefit not only of his own vast experience but also the knowledge gleaned from generations of his family of music traders. It is little wonder that his passing will create a vacuum in the music industry which will be hard to fill. Our sympathies go out to his widow and family.
Introducing the Clubs
No 7 Premier (Northern Ireland)
by T Beckett
In early 1980, a certain Gerry Kealey (himself a very proficient accordionist, who in his time played for the Queen), visited Scotland and attended some Accordion & Fiddle Club meetings. Such was his enthusiasm for these meetings that he contacted his friend John Rooney to look into the possibility of forming an Accordion and fiddle club in Northern Ireland – the seed was sown.
In April 1980, John and Gerry, along with some fellow musicians from Counties Antrim and down, met in the Countryman Hotel in Glenavy, just outside Belfast. Some 28 people attended what was to be the first meeting of the new Club and by the end of the evening a Committee had been elected and a provisional set of rules drafted.
John Rooney became the Club’s first Chairman, with Jim Jackson becoming Secretary and Patsy Beckett, Treasurer; Jim McAllister, Leslie Craig, Alex Crawford and Paddy Kelly made up the rest of the Committee. Gerry Kealey was nominated as the Club’s first Master of Ceremonies.
The only two things that didn’t happen on the first night were, no music was played and no decision was taken then on the name of the Club. The name was chosen at a Committee meeting three weeks later, though who thought of it is unrecorded in the Minutes. Anyway, in April 1980, the Premier Accordion and Fiddle Club of Northern Ireland was formed.
The whole essence of the Club then, as is now, was based very much on involvement – the members were all expected to get stuck in and keep the entertainment going.
When the Club opened its doors in September, 1980, for its first full season, its venue had changed to Wilson’s Cabaret Lounge in Crumlin. It is recorded in the Minutes that the venue would do “at least for the time being”. Twelve years on, the name of the venue has changed to the Camlin function Rooms, but the Club still meets there “at least for the time being”.
The Club and the venue have actually grown together over the years, as much reconstructing of the bar has taken place as the Club has matured, in fact, many members can remember Club nights held amongst the bricks and mortar of refurbishment.
The success of the Club’s first fifteen months was backed up in the A.G.M. in May, 1981, when the entire Committee were re-elected en masse, in fact, in the 12 years of existence only John Rooney, Eddie Burgess and Sammy Beggs have been Chairman, only Jim Jackson, Cecil Colville, Margaret Tate and Thomas Beckett have been Secretary and Patsy Beckett has been the Club’s one and only Treasurer.
By the same token, the Club has only ever called on the services of 8 individuals to be in the Committee, namely Jim McAllister, Leslie Craig, Alex Crawford, Paddy Kelly, Nessie Jackson, Bertie Gregg, Jim Gordon and Ken Hopkins and for a great many of the years, Jim McAllister has been responsible for organizing all our guest artistes.
The first ‘high’ that the Club experienced came in January, 1982, when arguably the Club’s proudest moment came, with Paddy Neary becoming the Club’s first Guest Artiste. This, more than anything, rewarded the whole club for its efforts in making the Club a success.
The Club experienced many ‘highs’ over these past 12 years – our first guest, our 10th Anniversary etc., but sadness has also been a part of the Club’s history and some of our founders and members are sadly no longer with us. All are greatly missed by the Club. As a monument to them, the Club looks forward to the next 12 years and hopes that our standard of achievement, and our hospitality, continue to grow.
Your Letters
Book Review
The Sandy Nixon Collection of Original Compositions for Accordion & Fiddle – Deeay Music
The Cherrybank Polka, Plus Three Other Original Compositions for Accordion & Fiddle by Bill Powrie – Deeay Music
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Mar 92 – AGM & Club Night
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Mar 92 – Ian Hutson SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Mar 92 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Mar 92 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) – 26th Mar 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Mar 92 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Mar 92 – Simon Howie SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Bill Black SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Mar 92 – Bill Black SDB
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Mar 1992 – Donaldson Brothers
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Craig McCallum SDB
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 10th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th/14th Mar 92 – Jock Fraser Band, Alan & Jan Roy, Gary Blair
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Mar 92 – Fraser McGlynn Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 18th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Mar 92 – Tommy Newcomen
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Mar 92 – David Morrice Duo
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Mar 92 – James Coutts SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Mar 92 – Bobby Crowe SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Mar 92 – Farquhar MacRae & George Smith
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Mar 92 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 3rd Mar 92 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Mar 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Mar 92 – Sandy Nixon SDB 28th Dance to Ian Muir SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 17th Mar 92 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 31st Mar 92 – Keith Dickson Accordion Band
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Mar 92 - Keith Dickson Accordion Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Mar 92 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 19th Mar 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 26th Mar 92 – Karen Higgins SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Mar 92 – Colin Dewar Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Mar 92 – Paddy Neary 14th Concert in Jubilee Hall with Sean Wilson & Sandy Scott Band
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Mar 92 – Craig McCallum SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Mar 92 – Ian H. Cruickshank
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 10th Mar 92 – Paddy Neary
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Armadale
4. Ayr
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Brigmill
8. Button Key
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. Etterick & Yarrow
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Gretna
19. Highland
20. Kelso
21. Kinlochsheil
22. Kintore
23. Livingston
24. Montrose
25. Newtongrange
26. North East
27. Ormiston
28. Peebles
29. Premier
30. Renfrew
31. Rothbury
32. Shetland
33. Stirling
34. Thurso
35. Tynedale
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991?)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Coalburn A&F Club
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club
29. Forfar A&F Club
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. 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 a venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
41. Kintore A&F Club
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
55. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
56. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
57. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
58. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
59. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
60. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
61. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
62. Sutherland A&F Club (
63. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
64. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
65. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
66. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
67. 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?)
68. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
69. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
70. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
77. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
85. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
I would like to thank the B.B.C. for allowing air time for the discussion and phone in on the state of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ on 3rd February and for the Association view from Andrew Nairn on 17th February.
The aim of these discussions was to find out why Clubs are generally not being supported as well as they used to be and hopefully, to quote Fraser McGlynn, “Get the bums back on the empty seats”.
Just one personal opinion which I think most of you will agree with. I am sure a good television programme featuring Scottish bands, solo accordionists and fiddlers as well as dancers and vocalists on a fairly regular basis would stimulate interest and perhaps have the desired effect. Your personal views on the matter would be appreciated.
One thing is certain – the future of the A&F Club scene is not about individuals and personalities, it is about preserving music and musicians and this can only be dome by co-operation and understanding.
Regrettably I will be absent from Musselburgh as I have a prior engagement. To all attending, competitors and spectators, have a good day.
Doug Adamson
Great Oaks From Little Acorns Grow
Max Houliston and the Hole in the Wa’
by Charlie Todd
A recent visit to Dumfries and a visit to the “Hole in the Wa’” reminded me that this was where the whole Accordion and Fiddle scene began. The man who started it all is still very much involved with the accordion and the mere mention of the name conjures up memories of music coming over the airwaves on a Saturday night that set his band apart from his contemporaries and gave it a distinctiveness which is sometimes said to be lacking in present-day bands. Pieces such as “Cavatina”, “Miss Melanie”, “Washington Post” and “Doctor Finlay’s Casebook theme” in the capable hands of Max Houliston and his Band, gave listeners an insight into the broader musical spectrum of the accordion.
I arranged to meet Max at what is for me a quiet time, Sunday afternoon, but soon realised that for a busy publican there is no such luxury. Max guided me into the comparative peace of his office and gave me an insight into how he had blended business with pleasure to produce a new social activity which has since spread the length and breadth of the country.
First things first however, and Max gave me a brief outline of his own musical career. His parents were keen listeners, although not players and encouraged Max when he started accordion lessons at the age of 10 with local music teacher Alex Carter. Alex was a good all-round teacher giving piano lessons and organ also. This lasted for about 5 years leading up to regular spots with local concert parties.
At eighteen Max was called up to do his National Service in the Royal Signals and was soon co-opted into their dance band at Catterick. This proved invaluable experience playing for modern ballroom dancing in the Officers Mess and gave him the opportunity to meet and learn from many professional musicians doing their stint.
Back in civvy street in 1956, Max decided that too many bad habits had crept into his playing technique and to remedy this he resumed tuition, but this time with Ronnie Hodgson in Carlisle. Under Ronnie’s guidance Max found his playing steadily improving and he was able to develop his repertoire of Continental, modern and Scottish music.
By the early ‘60’s Max had teamed up with a number to talented local musicians. On piano was Ian Austin, newly returned from the R.A.F. and also a former pupil of Alex Carter (and now an L.R.A.M. himself teaching piano in Dumfries) and a musician for who Max has the highest regard.
Bass was in the capable hands of Gordon Young, also from Dumfries. It was Gordon who arranged many of the modern dance selections which the band played. He now lives in Galashiels, but unfortunately has retired from the playing world altogether. For a drummer Max still has to look no further than Dumfries and Steve Redpath and it was only the band’s fiddler, gamekeeper Kenny Wilson from Elvanfoot, who had to travel any distance. The five piece band successfully passed their audition and did their first (live) broadcast in1963.
Although all first rate musicians, every note had to be scored since Ian and Gordon had no “ear” for busking. During all their years playing together, they were only caught out once. Max recalled that embarrassing event with a smile. “It was at Bill Wilkie’s Evening Concert for the Perth Festival. We had just finished our band spot at the end of the Concert when Bill came on stage to give the vote of thanks. Having done that he turned to me and said “Haste Ye Back in F”. That probably wouldn’t have presented a problem to any other band but since it was totally unexpected and wasn’t scored it was with a feeling of impending doom that Max relayed the instruction to the rest of the band as the Bill Wilkie Singers filed in from the wings. “I may as well have told Ian and Gordon the football results” joked Max. The band sound I understand left something to be desired. (Ironically John Douglas tells me that Max himself is renowned for this ability to back singers in the pub, following them unerringly through any number of key changes).
Max had taken over “The Hole in the Wa’” in 1963 and it was here the following year that he saw the chance to remedy the lack of opportunities which young players had to perform in front of a live audience. The Concert Parties which had provided that experience in his own learning days had all but gone.
In response to a newspaper advert, the first night in April 1965 saw only four players and an audience of about a dozen, but with each succeeding month the attendance improved.
With players and punters showing an interest, something was still lacking – “a good front man” was required to organise things on the night and keep them flowing, so Max asked well known local M.C. Alex Little to bring his experience and influence to bear and as Max put it “things never looked back.”
The final ingredient was added after about six meetings – a guest artiste. This gave audience and players alike an opportunity to meet, hear and ‘put a face to’ the many fine musicians who up to that point had been only names on the radio on a Saturday night. Bobby Harvey, from Milngavie, fulfilled that role and thereafter the idea really took off.
Max’s club lasted some 17 years between the Hole in the Wa’ and a subsequent venue at Oughton’s Restaurant. Incidentally, the second club to come into existence was established at nearby Gretna by Jimmy Norman and although it has been around a few venues before returning to the Halcrow Stadium in Gretna, it is still going strong.
Clubs at Langholm, Milngavie and Galston followed shortly afterward and soon the whole of Scotland and the North of England were involved.
Now 25 years on there appears to be no let-up in the enthusiasm, even if the audiences are becoming a wee bit older, so our thanks must go to Max Houliston from Dumfries, the man whose innovation and foresight started it all.
Stewart Forbes – A Tribute
by Bill Wilkie
Stewart Forbes (of Dundee) has passed from our midst with the quiet dignity which was characteristic of this gentle man. The funeral was private so we did not have the opportunity to show our respects in the usual way.
We are appreciative of the enormous service he has given to musicians and the music industry as an importer, wholesaler and retailer of musical instruments.
Head of the firm for over 40 years, he operated within 22 miles of my own business and because of a strict adherence to an honourable code of ethics, we never once crossed swords. He was a worthy competitor.
The firm of J.T. Forbes is one of the oldest established in Scotland, being founded about 1870 by John T. Forbes and developed very successfully by Stewart’s father, Charles Forbes who was responsible for the development of the famous Hohner Black Dot Double-Ray accordion. He performed one other great service, not only to accordionists but to the world in general by helping Jimmy Shand on his way to fame and stardom. Stewart Forbes eventually took over from his father in 1951.
At meetings of the Scottish Music Retailers Association, he gave us the benefit not only of his own vast experience but also the knowledge gleaned from generations of his family of music traders. It is little wonder that his passing will create a vacuum in the music industry which will be hard to fill. Our sympathies go out to his widow and family.
Introducing the Clubs
No 7 Premier (Northern Ireland)
by T Beckett
In early 1980, a certain Gerry Kealey (himself a very proficient accordionist, who in his time played for the Queen), visited Scotland and attended some Accordion & Fiddle Club meetings. Such was his enthusiasm for these meetings that he contacted his friend John Rooney to look into the possibility of forming an Accordion and fiddle club in Northern Ireland – the seed was sown.
In April 1980, John and Gerry, along with some fellow musicians from Counties Antrim and down, met in the Countryman Hotel in Glenavy, just outside Belfast. Some 28 people attended what was to be the first meeting of the new Club and by the end of the evening a Committee had been elected and a provisional set of rules drafted.
John Rooney became the Club’s first Chairman, with Jim Jackson becoming Secretary and Patsy Beckett, Treasurer; Jim McAllister, Leslie Craig, Alex Crawford and Paddy Kelly made up the rest of the Committee. Gerry Kealey was nominated as the Club’s first Master of Ceremonies.
The only two things that didn’t happen on the first night were, no music was played and no decision was taken then on the name of the Club. The name was chosen at a Committee meeting three weeks later, though who thought of it is unrecorded in the Minutes. Anyway, in April 1980, the Premier Accordion and Fiddle Club of Northern Ireland was formed.
The whole essence of the Club then, as is now, was based very much on involvement – the members were all expected to get stuck in and keep the entertainment going.
When the Club opened its doors in September, 1980, for its first full season, its venue had changed to Wilson’s Cabaret Lounge in Crumlin. It is recorded in the Minutes that the venue would do “at least for the time being”. Twelve years on, the name of the venue has changed to the Camlin function Rooms, but the Club still meets there “at least for the time being”.
The Club and the venue have actually grown together over the years, as much reconstructing of the bar has taken place as the Club has matured, in fact, many members can remember Club nights held amongst the bricks and mortar of refurbishment.
The success of the Club’s first fifteen months was backed up in the A.G.M. in May, 1981, when the entire Committee were re-elected en masse, in fact, in the 12 years of existence only John Rooney, Eddie Burgess and Sammy Beggs have been Chairman, only Jim Jackson, Cecil Colville, Margaret Tate and Thomas Beckett have been Secretary and Patsy Beckett has been the Club’s one and only Treasurer.
By the same token, the Club has only ever called on the services of 8 individuals to be in the Committee, namely Jim McAllister, Leslie Craig, Alex Crawford, Paddy Kelly, Nessie Jackson, Bertie Gregg, Jim Gordon and Ken Hopkins and for a great many of the years, Jim McAllister has been responsible for organizing all our guest artistes.
The first ‘high’ that the Club experienced came in January, 1982, when arguably the Club’s proudest moment came, with Paddy Neary becoming the Club’s first Guest Artiste. This, more than anything, rewarded the whole club for its efforts in making the Club a success.
The Club experienced many ‘highs’ over these past 12 years – our first guest, our 10th Anniversary etc., but sadness has also been a part of the Club’s history and some of our founders and members are sadly no longer with us. All are greatly missed by the Club. As a monument to them, the Club looks forward to the next 12 years and hopes that our standard of achievement, and our hospitality, continue to grow.
Your Letters
Book Review
The Sandy Nixon Collection of Original Compositions for Accordion & Fiddle – Deeay Music
The Cherrybank Polka, Plus Three Other Original Compositions for Accordion & Fiddle by Bill Powrie – Deeay Music
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Mar 92 – AGM & Club Night
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Mar 92 – Ian Hutson SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Mar 92 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Mar 92 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) – 26th Mar 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Mar 92 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Mar 92 – Simon Howie SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Bill Black SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Mar 92 – Bill Black SDB
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Mar 1992 – Donaldson Brothers
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Craig McCallum SDB
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 10th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th/14th Mar 92 – Jock Fraser Band, Alan & Jan Roy, Gary Blair
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Mar 92 – Fraser McGlynn Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 18th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Mar 92 – Tommy Newcomen
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Mar 92 – David Morrice Duo
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Mar 92 – James Coutts SDB
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Mar 92 – Bobby Crowe SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Mar 92 – Farquhar MacRae & George Smith
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Mar 92 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) – 3rd Mar 92 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Mar 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 4th Mar 92 – Dick Black Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Mar 92 – Sandy Nixon SDB 28th Dance to Ian Muir SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 17th Mar 92 – Alan Gardiner SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 31st Mar 92 – Keith Dickson Accordion Band
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) 17th Mar 92 - Keith Dickson Accordion Band
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Mar 92 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 19th Mar 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 26th Mar 92 – Karen Higgins SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Mar 92 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Mar 92 – Colin Dewar Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Mar 92 – Paddy Neary 14th Concert in Jubilee Hall with Sean Wilson & Sandy Scott Band
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Mar 92 – Craig McCallum SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Mar 92 – Ian H. Cruickshank
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 10th Mar 92 – Paddy Neary
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Arbroath
3. Armadale
4. Ayr
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Brigmill
8. Button Key
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. Etterick & Yarrow
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Gretna
19. Highland
20. Kelso
21. Kinlochsheil
22. Kintore
23. Livingston
24. Montrose
25. Newtongrange
26. North East
27. Ormiston
28. Peebles
29. Premier
30. Renfrew
31. Rothbury
32. Shetland
33. Stirling
34. Thurso
35. Tynedale
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991?)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
16. Coalburn A&F Club
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club
29. Forfar A&F Club
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. 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 a venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
41. Kintore A&F Club
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
55. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
56. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
57. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
58. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
59. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
60. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
61. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
62. Sutherland A&F Club (
63. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
64. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
65. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
66. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
67. 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?)
68. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
69. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
70. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
77. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
78. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
79. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
85. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
87. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
88. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
89. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
90. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
91. Newcastleton Accordion Club
92. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
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