Box and Fiddle
Year 21 No 06
March 1998
Price 70p
28 Page Magazine
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, Biggar, ML12 6NZ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Everyone was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Bill Smith of Banchory. An appreciation will appear in next month’s issue.
I’ve been contacted by Patrick Black, a mature student at Douglas Music Academy in Bearsden who is researching, amongst other things, the history of the piano accordion in Scotland. When, where and why was it introduced and who first imported them? If readers have any information on the early days of the piano box in Scotland or indeed the UK in general could they let me know and I’ll pass it on to Patrick.
Looking ahead to lead articles for the next season I would invite ideas or better still articles themselves. I’m presently in the initial stages of preparing one on Herr Morino and Dr Gola. Do any readers have any Bells of Surbiton, Forbes of Dundee or Hohner Catalogues I could borrow or any other material that might be useful? Is there, for example, an official history of Hohner?
Charlie Todd
A Gordon For Me
The Story of Pipe Major G. S. McLennan
by
“Here I am dealing with a genius” wrote Angus MacPherson of Inveran or as Pipe Major Donald MacLeod said “I believe George McLennan was the most complete piper of the century.” Few would question those comments on G.S. as he was always known and who was to make his mark on the piping world in so many remarkable ways.
He came from a musical family that traces its history back directly to Murdoch MacLennan who was the Town Piper of Inverness and who lived from 1504 – 1574. Perhaps it is wise at this stage to clear up the mystery of the McLennans and the MacLennans! Few dispute that the correct spelling is Mac such as Major John MacLennan, G.S’s cousin or Captain Donald Ross MacLennan his half brother, but a fact of life is that John McLennan, his father who was a Gaelic scholar, always spelt his name with Mc, and his prayer book has “John McLennan, Fairburn 1863” written in it. G.S.’s birth certificate spells his name McL so he decided to leave it that way and rather nicely his son has done likewise.
John McLennan, who came from farming folk, was born at Kilcoy on the Black Isle north of Inverness and in 1865, together with a friend, walked to Dundee where he joined the police. Here he met and married Elizabeth Stewart, sister of Pipe Major John Stewart of the Black Watch, so his son was to have piping blood from both sides of the family. In 1878 John McLennan transferred to the Edinburgh Police and was to remain with them for 41 years holding the rank of Lieutenant for 27 years. He was a well known piper with strong views on how piobaireachd should be played, publishing a book on the subject showing considerable knowledge about the theory of music, but perhaps his ability as a tutor was where he was most remarkable because he taught his sons G.S. and D.R. and both, of course, were great pipers.
EARLY YEARS
G.S. was to be born in Edinburgh on 9th February 1884 and initially he was not all that well for it was not until he was about four and a half years old that he was able to walk. His father began to teach him to pipe when he was about 4 and it is known that his first tune was “Kenmuir’s On and Awa”! He showed early promise and in addition to his father, he was also tutored by his maternal uncle John Stewart and indeed had a year’s tuition from the great John MacDougall Gillies.
In 1893, at the age of 9, G.S. won the Amateur National Championship for marches, strathspeys and reels and then in 1894 and 1895 the Scottish Amateur Championship for piping. A year later, aged 12, he won the London Highland Amateur Championship for piobaireachd, marches, strathspeys and reels. Queen Victoria heard of “this marvellous boy” and asked that he be brought to Balmoral to play before her which he did aged 10, though it is said he was more interested in the cakes he was given than the Queen. It is thought that this honour has been granted only once before when Patrick Mor MacCrimmon was summoned to London to play before King Charles I in 1626.
The child, having been taught Highland dancing by his cousin William McLennan a famous dancer and well known piper who incidentally had been taught to pipe by John McLennan, was also a noted Highland dancer winning the Scottish and English Amateur Championships in 1895 when he was 11. In many ways this was even more remarkable than his piping prowess bearing in mind his early difficulty in walking.
Sadly it was about this time that his mother died and some two years later his father married a widow with two children who were later joined by three others in the course of a few years, resulting in less living space at home. Added to this economic fact was another problem. G.S. adored the sea and had been training on H.M.S. Redwing, an old wooden ship moored on the forth. Indeed so much did he enjoy the training that his father became concerned lest he joined the Royal or Merchant Navy which would have been a hard life and certainly would have restricted the development of his playing as time to practice would have been limited. Thus because of family economics and the sea, on 3rd October 1899 G.S. was given a note by his father, the contents of which he was unaware, and he was told to take it to one Sergeant Mitchell, the Gordon’s Recruiting Sergeant. The message read “Please enlist my boy, the bearer George Stewart McLennan in the 1st Gordon Highlanders and send him up to the Castle as soon as possible.” The boy took it to Edinburgh Castle where he was duly enlisted – perhaps to his surprise! The Regiment was probably chosen because his brother Frank was serving in D Company of the Battalion while John MacLennan, his cousin, was also in it and indeed was to become the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion during the Boer War in South Africa where he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was later commissioned Quartermaster in May 1902 and rose to the rank of Major when he was killed by a fall from his horse in France in 1916. He is, of course, the subject of one of G.S’s famous marches.
A GORDON HIGHLANDER
The young piper was bitterly disappointed when just after he had enlisted, the 1st Battalion left Edinburgh for South Africa and he, because of his age, was left behind with the rear details. He was then only five foot two and a half inches and undoubtedly came up against some bullying but determined not to be outdone, he bought a book on how to teach yourself jujitsu! So successful was his self instruction that when a drummer went for him, the man was continually thrown by the small piper and the word got out that it was best to leave young McLennan well alone!
An excellent and intelligent soldier let alone piper, he was promoted Lance Corporal in 1902, Corporal in 1904 and Sergeant in March 1905 when he succeeded a well known character John Brown as Pipe Major of the 1st Battalion the Gordon Highlanders, the youngest ever in the British Army up to that time and probably since because he was just 21 years old.
Small in stature but neatly built with a fine military bearing, he was a most unusual man never losing his magic as a personality or player and yet remaining essentially a courteous, kind, quiet, modest person. He appealed to people from all walks of life as his wide range of friends indicates because he was a firm believer in ‘doing unto others as you would wish to be done by’ and of course he was always will to answer any genuine plea for help. Though he was a strict disciplinarian, he was immensely popular with all ranks of the Regiment and there is no doubt that he was the greatest Pipe Major the Gordon Highlanders have ever had.
His ability as a player has become one of the legends of piping and it is sad to think that his playing was never recorded. However William Gray has written “George McLennan’s little finger which seemed as if it had been part of a mechanical contrivance placed on the chanter to make it trill in marches, strathspeys and reels. George’s playing gave me the impression of the supernatural and kept one spellbound” while the famous John MacDonald of Inverness was to say “ His fingering in march, strathspey and reels was brilliant. He was a master of this type of music and we shall probably never hear his like again.” Yet for all that he remained a most modest man, his head was never turned by successes and there were many!
He won his first Gold Medal at Oban in 1904, the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1905 and Gold Clasps at Inverness in 1909, 1920 and 1921. In all he won some 2,000 piping awards! However in the early 1900’s he was unable to attend many of the Highland Games as he was not allowed leave away from the Battalion for this purpose unless he was prepared to forfeit his Christmas Holidays and so his successes might have well have been greater had the Gordon Highlanders been more generous!
It is interesting that possibly of all light music G.S. most enjoyed playing jigs. In one of his composing books is written “I am immensely fond of jig playing and consider it one of the finest methods possible for putting one into form. In fact one cannot play jigs unless one is in tiptop form…My “Jig of Slurs” I am extremely proud of it - not of course as a tune with a fine melody - but for its grand execution. I do not know a tune – piobaireachd or anything – which is nearly so difficult or requires such a nimble figure to play. The person who can play it through two or three times without missing a slur has certainly no cause to be ashamed of his fingers. G.S. McLennan 13.12.10”
Like his father he was a superb teacher and not surprisingly the standard of piping in the 1st Battalion during his 8 years as Pipe Major was described as second to none. He also taught young officers to play – 2nd Lieutenant, later Colonel C.M. Usher is an example – and in so doing laid foundations for the long term encouragement of and interest in piping which last to this day in his beloved Regiment.
PIOBAIREACHD
His playing of piobaireachd was excellent but because of his loyalty to his father and his belief that his system of playing ceol mor was correct he did not often play the Piobaireachd Society way and by so doing he knew beforehand that he was unlikely to gain first prize in such competitions. However he taught others the Piobaireachd Society approach so that they would not be condemned and when he did play that way himself he was usually sure of a good place in the competition.
COMPOSITIONS
His compositions will of course ensure his name is never forgotten. It is often said that some of his best tunes are the most simple and many of his are so easy to play, yet so beautifully musical and fresh. More complex, brilliant melodies also abound but there is little doubt that as has been said “George McLennan did not compose any music that was mediocre”. This is indicated even by the last tune that he composed “Major C.M. Usher O.B.E” because it is remarkable for the fine way in which, especially in the last part, it progresses from the top to the bottom notes. Usher had been a friend for many years and on the back of the original manuscript after saying he was pleased to send the tune to mark Usher’s promotion, is written “Hand and eye about gone now Sincerely Yours G.S. McLennan”.
Of course the gift of composition is a very special one and no-one disputes that G.S. had it to an unusual degree. He had the ability to hear music in all sorts of places and in all sorts of muses. Train journeys seem to have been particularly profitable as indicated by “The Lochaber Gathering”, “Inverlochy Castle” or “The Skook”. Tunes he had heard in the past from others and to which he added arrangements such as “Willie Murray’s Reel” or “Biddy from Sligo” too had their effect, as did quiet moments such as while waiting for a pupil at Wellington College when he composed the tune later called “Captain S.R. Lumsden”. He heard music in running water such as “The Little Cascade” or in drum beats as with “King George V’s Army”, indeed his system of recording the tunes shows how often music came to him. Her was rarely without a small, oblong pocket music book in which he wrote down the theme notes as he heard them and later he would transcribe the tune neatly into a large music book almost invariably with the date and place where it was composed. However if his small notebook was not readily available he would write down the outline of the composition on any scrap of paper than came to hand – cigarette packets, old envelopes, bits of manuscript and so on.
After he was appointed Pipe Major in 1905 he served with the 1st Battalion in Cork, Aldershot and Colchester where in 1910 he met his future wife Nona Lucking whose father was a cab proprietor in the town. They married on 3rd April, 1912 and were to have a family of two sons both born in Aberdeen, George in July 1914 and John in January 1916. Nona McLennan was a very musical person having an excellent voice and being a member of a local operatic society and of course she took a close and knowledgeable interest in her husband’s music.
WORLD WAR 1
In 1913 G.S. left the 1st Battalion and was posted to the Gordon’s Depot in Aberdeen where he was to remain until 1918 when he was sent back to the 1st Battalion then serving in France with the 3rd Division, or as it was nicknamed “The Iron Division”. He was to take over from Pipe Major Tom Henderson who had been killed and arrived in time to take part in the great defensive battles to stem the German attacks that had begun on 20th March that year and he used to say how the Iron Division did not break, it only bent a little! When in the line he was a Lewis Gunner, his loader being Piper A.T. Stephens who was later to become a Pipe Major in the Regiment.
On 14th May, 1918 while in the trenches he became quite seriously ill with a temperature of 102 but he refused to go sick as he did not want to leave the Battalion while it was still in the line. On 16th May he played “A” Company out of the trenches but collapsed and the next day he was taken to the 4th Canadian Clearing Station where he had fluid drained from his left lung and almost certainly this minor operation was to have long term implications that were to lead to his untimely end. However on 8th June he left to rejoin the Battalion then at Choques in the Bethune area, walking the whole way as there was no transport. He commenced playing again on 30th June.
During this period with the Battalion G.S. really began his bagpipe makers business for while in the trenches and billets he made reeds to keep himself occupied. These were sent to various units and the proceeds dispatched home to his wife in Aberdeen resulting in a nest egg when he returned from Germany. Many of his friends who were with him at the time used to speak of him standing in trenches engrossed with his reed making and quite oblivious to all other discomforts!
He remained with the Battalion throughout 1918 taking part in the great Allied counter offensive which took the Gordon’s to Maubuege when the war ended in November. G.S. stayed with the Battalion which became part of the Army of Occupation in Germany until 1919 and then went with it to Ireland where he handed over his appointment to his great friend Jimmy Robertson. It is also of note that on 17th December, 1919 at St Peter’s, Eaton Square, London Captain C.M. Usher got married and the pipers who played at his wedding were Pipe Major G.S. McLennan and Pipe Major Jimmy Robertson Gordon Highlanders, who composed a tune “Captain C.M. Usher’s Wedding” also known as “Glenord”, Pipe Major Jack Lawrie, formerly Pipe Corporal 1st Gordon’s and promoted Pipe Major of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Pipe Corporal Donald Ross MacLennan, Scots Guards, half brother of G.S.
BACK TO CIVILIAN LIFE
Thus is 1919 G.S. was posted back to the Depot being discharged on pension in 1922 after twenty-two and a half years service. He held the British War and Victory Medals and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, not awarded as easily then as it is now. On leaving the Regiment he set himself up in Aberdeen as a bagpipe maker and had a shop at 2 Bath Street, just off Bridge Street, while he and his family lived at 48b Powis Place, Aberdeen. He taught both his sons to play and play well, though it was John, his youngest son, who really inherited his gift. Both boys joined the 5th/7th Gordon’s in the early 1930’s and played in the Pipe Band and both were to go with the Regiment to France in 1939. Sadly John was killed near St Valery on 12th June, 1940 while George was wounded and then captured and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner but their father’s great example of service was followed.
After he retired G.S. was dogged by ill health though in 1926, for the third time, he won the Masters March, Strathspey and Reel competition at the Northern Meeting. It was at a previous Northern Meeting that an interesting incident involving G.S. and the great Pipe Major Willie Ross took place. In those days all competitors had to march to the Games field before competing but unfortunately Willie Ross failed to appear on parade and he was told that in accordance with the rules, he could not compete. On hearing this G.S. told the Committee that he would not take part in the competition and so they then decided to waive the rule for that day. Ross won first prize, while G.S. came second. Willie Ross later wrote to his friend thanking his for standing up for a fellow competitor and turning a nice compliment to G.S. by stating “even my own mother (Mrs Ross) knew who the better piper was that day.”
Bad manners he would not tolerate. One day a farm servant went into his shop and asked for a pipe reed to suit his chanter so G.S. took the chanter, fitted a reed and tried it but it did not blow well. The yokel snatched if from him saying “I’ll blaw it”! G.S. tore the chanter out of his grasp and with an expression plainly showing he had been insulted, said with tremendous authority “Do you know who you are speaking to? I am George S. McLennan.” His crisp, ringing voice and his bearing completely deflated the rude customer who humbly left the shop with a suitable reed. In 1927 G.S. piped at the funeral of one of Scotland’s foremost fiddle players, James Scott Skinner.
LAST DAYS
However as mid 1929 approached it was clear the great man, young though he was, was failing fast and on 1st June that year when he was only 45 years old he passed away with a practice chanter in his hand. The Press had a field day and most of their stories concerning his death were highly imaginative and sensational. His son writes “As you know he had been very ill since 1924, although he carried on with his piping and his business until the beginning of 1929. He suffered very much as he had carcinoma of the lung, which had started on a scar left after the operation to remove fluid from his left lung. Each evening my brother and I had tuition from father for an hour, even up until the night he died. That night I had my lesson, the tune was “Dancing Feet” and then my brother had to play the same tune. Except for forgetting one “G” grace note on the “draw” father had been quite pleased with us, but insisted that we must play the “G” as he did. He asked John to play this over to see that he had got it correctly and then, with each of us in turn blowing, he fingered the chanter. While John was blowing, father’s fingers slipped from the chanter and he lapsed into unconsciousness, from which he did not recover. So much for the Piper playing his own Lament! At no time did he complain even though he knew that he was dying, but bore the pain and died peacefully. My mother, John and I were all present when his death came, just before midnight.”
The funeral took place on 4th June with over 20,000 people lining the route from his home to the station in Aberdeen. The gun carriage bearing the coffin was preceded by pipe bands from the Depot. The Gordon Highlanders, the British Legion and one formed by competitors from the Highland Games. Following were a mass of mourners headed by his two sons and a brother, also Major Usher and many other Gordons such as Pipe Major George Findlater VC, Pipe Major Jimmy Robertson, Pipe Major Jimmy Cruickshank and Piper Bob Nicol. The coffin was met at its arrival in Edinburgh by other mourners, including his brothers Duncan, John, William and Donald and the many Gordon Highlanders there were led by Colonel William Robertson VC. The burial took place at Echobank Cemetery and his favourite piobaireachd “Lament for the Children” was played by his friend Pipe Major Robert Reid of Glasgow. The king of pipers, deeply mourned was laid to rest in the city where he was born.
There is little more to say. George McLennan was a very great man in his own right and a wonderful musician, fine soldier and honourable gentlemen, he left his mark on the world and his name will live for ever through his wonderful compositions.
David Vernon
by ?
‘Hilarious, hated and hugely talented’ was the quote use dafter his performances at the 1997 Shetland A&F Festival. Certainly he has humour in great abundance, both in his introductions and the stand-up way he delivers his program of music. The hat, that was a cover-up for the fact that he had shed his ponytail since his last visit to Shetland. “It kept everyone guessing who I was, and certainly drew attention” says David. The one thing that cannot be questioned however is his talent. His technique and fingerwork are dazzling, the range of world music he performs is extremely diverse, and when he starts bending notes and playing sets of reels on the bass end, you become aware that something very special is happening.
A native of Dumfries, David started playing accordion at the age of 6, under the guidance of local teacher Jimmy Mason, and later with family friend Joe Russell. The lessons lasted until the age of 11, during which time David was involved with local concert parties, along with fellow Doonhamers such as Alec Little, Ian Holmes and John Douglas. At 12, a lifelong friendship began with Gary Coupland, who later went on to achieve success with ‘The Singing Kettle’ children’s show. “The rivalry between us was intense in those days” recalls David, “speed was all important, finesse got thrown out the window!” David abd Gary performed in and around Dumfries as the Cairn Valley Duo, and the highlight in those early days was sharing a concert with the legendary Jimmy Shand. “I recall him asking us the name of our signature tune – The Frank Jamieson Two-Step – because he didn’t know it. I got the shock of my life, as I thought we had written it, along with everything else that we played!” Another early experience was as a teenager, playing every Wednesday in ‘The Hole in the Wa’’, under the watchful eye of proprietor Max Houliston. “That’s where I really cut my teeth, having to back singers, and work out super-fast what key they were singing in. Some singers liked to change key several times during one song, and I always got the blame. Still, never mind, the money was great, £10 for three hours!”
An early musical influence for David was Irish accordionist Dermot O’Brien. “I was always more interested in solo performers who did their own thing, rather than groups. Dermot O’Brien was the classic example. He would develop stunning arrangements of tunes which I really admired, and then stand up and play them. Freedom of expression is what it’s all about”.
Having been educated at Dumfries Academy, David left school at 16, and began work at the ICI factory in Dumfries, where he served his apprenticeship and worked as a fitter. After 7 years of “getting my fingers busted” and almost losing his right hand in an accident, he quit and decided to make a career in music. He therefore moved to Edinburgh where he still resides, playing music in a variety of forms, including tourist shows, weddings, ceilidhs, French/Italian nights, restaurant strolling, even Irish bars and Jewish weddings.
David has also toured extensively overseas, mostly with musicians from the world of folk music. Among his many ports of call are Canada, USA, Switzerland, Poland, Sicily and Bahrain to name but a few. He claims 3 visits to Bangladesh to be among his most bizarre. “It’s like the old colonial days, people with extreme wealth on one side, and people literally dying from starvation on the other. We were well looked after, however, after playing for the Caledonian society. And don’t ask me about the rickshaw races through Dhaka, with Peter Wood.
David is married to his long-term partner-in-life Katrina, also from Dumfries. They have two sons, Craig (6) and Andrew (5). Katrina works as a Pre-School Teacher and both boys are now at Liberton Primary School, Edinburgh. Craig and Andrew have recently started learning the accordion, under instruction from Keith Dickson.
It’s when you talk to David about accordion music from around the world, that his passion really comes alive. He is an avid collector and performer of a huge range of world music. During a performance he can produce music from places as diverse as Bulgaria, Brazil, Israel, Poland and Greece as well as inviting members of the audience on stage for a spot of Arabic belly-dancing or a Spanish Paso-Doble. “As much as I love playing Scottish music, there is some incredible stuff going on beyond these shores” he says. “My desire in life is to make everyone aware of this, and share in my enjoyment. The trick is in working out what makes a particular type of music tick and also how to present it on stage in an interesting way”.
David has one album available, entitled ‘The White Castle’ (Kelvin Records, Kel 20) which contains 20 of his own compositions, played with dazzling dexterity. He is currently working on a CD of World Accordion Music, which will highlight his own particular interests.
If you are looking for an evening of hugely entertaining accordion music, way out of the ordinary, then look no further. Contact David on 0131-467-2048.
Christine Hunter
An Appreciation
by Alec J. Little
With the 24th Musselburgh Festival only a few weeks away, I would ask you to cast your minds back to the 2nd Festival in 1976 when, under a completely new Committee, the N.A.A.F.C.’s Annual Festival really took off.
At the request of the Association chairman, I appointed an excellent Committee to undertake the task of organizing what was to become a major celebration of all that is good about accordion and fiddle playing. As always, the most important post to fill on any Committee was that of Secretary. I will always be grateful for whatever unseen guidance I received that prompted me to invite Christine Hunter to fill this post.
Christine was a lady with a wealth of experience of Committee work – a founder member of Lockerbie A&F Club, a Principal Teacher pf Mathematics at Dumfries Academy, a dancing teacher, a Church elder and a member of the Community Council in her dearly beloved village of Boreland.
Many, many times Christine would put the brakes on my overzealous ideas. I will never forget her invaluable advice.
In 1982 when it was decided that I needed a ‘zip fastener’, Christine and I decided to ‘retire’ together. We handed the reins over to Norrie and Sheila Williams who very capably continued to expand the Festival over many years until they themselves handed over to the present day Chairman and Secretary, Neil Copland and Margaret Macari.
Even after her retiral from the Committee, Christine was an ever present at Musselburgh Festival such was her love of music and somehow, when I arrive there on 7th March, there will be a tremendous void that will be difficult to accept.
However, life must go on and we must all thank God for Christine – for her knowledge, for her wisdom, for the enthusiasm and for everything she did for our Scottish music.
I would ask you all to spare a special thought for Christine’s sister Cathie. They were constant companions and I am sure that Cathie’s loss will be the most difficult to come to terms with.
We will all miss Christine Hunter so much. The world in general and our music in particular will be much the poorer for her passing.
Introducing the Clubs
No 26 – Glendale A&F Club
by Sheila Smailes
The Glendale A&F Club have just celebrated their 25th birthday on 19th January, 1998. It all began in 1973 when local bandleader Robert Whitehead had the idea to start a Club in the area as he had to travel a good distance across the Border to the nearest Club. He got together with some fellow musicians and decided to try and form a Club. Preparation started in 1972 and a ceilidh was held to raise funds with adverts in the local press. The response was tremendous and a Committee was formed – Chairman and compere Mr Ron MacDonald, Robert Whitehead himself became the first Secretary, drummer Tom Wilson became Treasurer and the remaining members of that original Committee were Mr and Mrs Alan Brown (pianist), Mr John Wilson, Mrs K. Rogerson, Mrs Whitehead and Mr Geof Purvis (fiddle). The first President of the Club was Mr Jim Johnston. There was a closed membership of 172 with a waiting list of nearly 100. Fees were £1 membership and 40p entry. The first meeting was held in the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wooler in January, 1973. The guest artiste was Jim Johnstone and his band and the supporting artistes were Robert Whitehead and his band, John Dagg, Willie Weddell, Tom Wilson, Jock Wilson, Robin Wilson, Will Atkinson, Willie Taylor and Geof Purves.
After the first season the venue had to be changed to the Black Bull hotel, where it is still held, owing to the large membership. The following months guest artistes were Jimmy Lindsay, Iain MacPhail, Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet. A concert was held in the September at the Glendale School, Wooler. Guest artistes were Jim Johnstone and Bobby Crowe and the year continued with Ian Holmes, Bobby Harvey and finished with a Dinner Dance with Jimmy Lindsay’s Band.
The first AGM was held in June 1974, and all reports showed a very successful year. In the early 1980’s exchange visits were arranged with Clubs at Perth and Falkirk. It wasn’t until 1985 that the waiting list for membership was cleared and the Club was open to all. The Club continued to have a Ceilidh, Concert and Dinner Dance for many years. There have been various changes to the Committee but we still have Will Atkinson as our President who took over office from Jim Johnston 23 years ago and has been re-elected every two years since. By 1991 membership had fallen to about 90 members therefore income had fallen too. It was decided to raise membership fees to £6 with £2 entry fee and £3 for non-members which included a buffet-supper provided by the Black Bull Hotel. It was also decided to hold a large raffle to bring in extra money for the Club 1st Prize being a Weekend Holiday for two people. This proved to be very successful. The following year 1992, four Committee members resigned at the AGM, including three of the main officials, the reason being pressure of work and long service on the Committee. There were no nominations for the three officials, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, however three members were proposed for Committee and they agreed to try and form a full Committee during the summer break.
There was a guest artiste already booked for September, the start of the new season. With encouragement and support from members and the local artistes a full committee was formed and although there have been changes since, the Club is running very successfully. We always have a good raffle on Club nights with prizes being donated by the members and Committee. When we celebrated our 21st Birthday it was decided to have as many of the original 1st night artistes as possible to play. They included Jim Johnstone as the guest artiste, Robert Whitehead, Geof Purves, Adrian Ions, Bobby Rae, Sandy Ramage, Will Atkinson, Jimmy Mitchell, Willie Taylor and Joe and Hannah Hutton and the opening band to be the Tillside Trio (John Dagg, Willie Weddell and Robin Wilson). The Club had a very successful visit to the Windygates Club in June, 1995, with a return visit in September, 1996 which ended tragically but another visit was arranged for June, 1997 and this night was tremendous and now in January, 1998 the Club has celebrated 25 years of enjoying Traditional Accordion and Fiddle music. We celebrated with Robert Whitehead as guest artiste, Wiggy Brown as our compere and our very own Tillside Trio for our opening spot. At our 21st Birthday we had a beautiful iced cake made by Jock Wilson which was cut by our President of 23 years, Will Atkinson, who was also celebrating his 90th Birthday (like his dear friend Jimmy Shand) at the end of January. Will was presented with a birthday cake, card and a basket of goodies. With it being near to Burns Night the Black Bull Hotel provided us with a haggis and neeps supper. The haggis was piped in by Richard Johnston on Northumbrian pipes and was addressed by our compere, Wiggy Brown. We have regular support from 3 other local bands – Norman Forster’s ‘Glen Aln’, Alan Cockburn from Dunbar and Joan Kirk’s ‘Kirkcowan Sound’. We also have players who come from Kelso and Hawick. We now have a regular membership of 75 plus many regular supporters. I hope the Club will have the support of members, guests and artistes for many years to come.
Introducing the Committee
Ian Thomson
Ian (35), Engineering Manager at Cape Industrial Products in Glasgow by day, dance band leader by night, began playing at the tender age of 7, when his dad met up with Jack Delaney (he was living in Alloa at the time) and home came the first accordion. He started taking lessons soon after, not only on the accordion, but also the piano and the trombone!
The first major step in his musical career was when he was asked to join the Ochil Players (a local fiddle group), at the age of 13. Ian was accordionists in the group which comprised 4 fiddles, piano and double bass, producing a unique sound that helped them win the Fiddle Group competition at the National Mod in Aberdeen in 1976. The following years they were runners-up at the Golden Fiddle Awards in Dundee, continuing the next year with a record ‘Comin’ Through the Rye’.
During this time, Ian had also joined the Clachan Ceilidh – a youth group that promoted the song and dance of Scotland by performing both at home and abroad. Ian met up with Jack Delaney at this point, who was Musical Director with the group. Jack was to become a major influence on Ian, as indeed he has been on many others. The list of musicians who were associated with and influenced by the group is endless, but some of the better known ones are Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Robert Ross, Suzanne Gray, Gordon Shand, Billy O’Donnell and John Sinton.
Outwith these groups, Ian was continuing his lessons with Bob Dalrymple, who specialised in classical accordion and under his guidance, Ian managed 4th place at the Perth Festival in 1976. Unfortunately, he found his first taste of competition so daunting that he didn’t compete again until 1989, when his band won 1st prize at the Perth Festival. The following year the band won the Rhythm Section at Musselburgh. (He freely admits now that not competing enough was a big mistake!)
His dance band career began at the age of 15 when he started playing in Edwin Hodgkinson’s band (also a member of the Clachan Ceilidh, and now his brother-in-law), which gave him a great grounding for the future. This continued for a couple of years, until at the age of 19 he decided to leave to form his own band. The first line-up was Ian on lead, Scott Lawson on second box, Alan Manson on piano, Billy O’Donnell on drums and John Delaney on double bass. The band didn’t last too long though with various members leaving because of work commitments. Ian then had a short spell playing with Grace MacCleaver before going off to work abroad for a couple of years.
On returning home, Ian set up a trio, to get back into the swing of things, and soon afterwards decided to form a band with the intention of auditioning for the BBC. Some old faces returned to the band with the ‘new’ line-up being Robert Ross on 2nd accordion, Alan Manson on piano, Suzanne Gray on bass and Billy O’Donnell on drums. However, on Davis Ross’s advice (Robert’s dad) that ‘a band disnae soond right without a fiddler’, Ian recruited Tom Lapsley, who hasn’t been able to escape since. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Alan Manson had to retire from the band, and sadly died a couple of years later, a great friend sadly missed.
A few more changes and with Ann Rutherford on piano and Duncan Burns on bass, the debut broadcast was completed in 1990. The band recorded it’s first CD in 1992, and hopes to follow it up with another later this year. Few changes have taken place in the interim with the current set up being Tom Lapsley on fiddle, Mark Cummine on 2nd accordion, Ann Rutherford on piano and Duncan Burns on drums.
Ian’s first memories of hearing dance bands playing live was when he was in his early teens and he began attending Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. “I remember going along to Dunblane Club and hearing the likes of John Huband, Jim Johnstone, Iain MacPhail etc all with 5 or 6 piece bands producing a really exciting sound and decided then that I would like to do the same thing someday!” This also sowed the seed for starting an Accordion and Fiddle Club in Stirling, which as far as Ian was aware, had never had such a thing (why not?) Ian discussed the idea with Gordon Shand, whom he knew well from his Clachan Ceilidh days, and between them they gathered some musicians together to form the nucleus of the new Club. On 13th October, 1991, Stirling A&F Club had their first meeting and the Club is still going strong today.
Being asked to join the N.A.A.F.C. Committee is indeed an honour, says Ian, and he hopes that the newer Committee members can keep the old traditions alive, as well as bringing in some new ideas for the future.
‘Box Wallahs’ Visit Dhaka and Delhi
In November, 1997, a band from the North East of Scotland headed off to foreign parts to entertain ex-pats as part of St Andrew’s Night celebrations. The band, known as ‘Scotch Mist’ for the occasion, consisted of Ian H. Cruickshank, Lhanbryde, on accordion, Jane Farquharson and Jim Barnetson, both Keith, on piano and drums and Andy McCormick on fiddle. For a second year they departed for the Sub Continent to sample the delights of Bangladesh and India.
First stop was Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, to play for the Dhaka Caledonian Society St Andrew’s Night Ball. As in the previous year, the Ball took place at the British High Commission Club to a company of some 100 ex-pats and their guests. The Ball itself was held outside under a native construction called a ‘shanyana’, a massive construction of bamboo and canvas, more than enough to keep the assembled company dry in the unlikely event of rain. No protection however against the ever present, and persistent, population of mosquitoes!
Dhaka is a sprawling city of contrast. To the Western eye the poverty is unbelievable with beggars at every turn pleading with outstretched arms. Cycle rickshaws abound. Cars that in this country would have failed an MOT years ago continue to contribute to the incredible congestion on the city streets. No Highway Code here, if it is quicker and more convenient fro you to negotiate a roundabout in an anti-clockwise direction so be it!
Following 5 days in Dhaka, which included a further performance at the Australian Club, the band then set off to perform in Delhi. Unfortunately there was little time for sight-seeing but there was enough time to take a trip to the sprawling maze of Old Delhi. Such a contrast to New Delhi designed and built by the British Authorities in the 1920’s. The architecture of the Raj Path sweeping down to India Gate is a spectacular sight with the well manicured tree-lined route and constantly swept streets. Throw in the ever present roadside snake charmer and Delhi comes alive and can only be admired as a beautiful city, albeit the poverty continues to exist.
The Delhi Caledonian Society Ball was indeed a memorable occasion. Held in the opulent surroundings of the Hyat Regency Hotel Ballroom some 220 ex-pats and guests attended. Smoked salmon, haggis and roast lamb appeared on the menu. Add to that 22 bottles of whisky per table and you have a good start to any evening. With eager participation from the ex-pats in the programme of Scottish Country Dancing the Band enjoyed the event very much.
Travelling so far to entertain the ex-pat community was great fun and an experience enjoyed by all the band members. Will Scotch Mist repeat the trip next year? Perhaps, after all you soon get a craving for buffalo milk on your cornflakes!
Composers Corner
Robert MacKintosh
Robert MacKintosh, born in Tullymet about 1745, is the least documented of the great Scottish fiddler composers. He was an excellent performer and he was considered by contemporaries to be Niel Gow’s most serious rival. In 1773 he settled in Edinburgh, advertising himself as a musician. His charge for lessons was one guinea per quarter ‘for the public class’ and one guinea per month ‘for a private hour’. For three years ‘Red Rob’, as he was known because of his fiery hair, resided in Aberdeen and led a band there at the Gentleman’s Concerts. He then returned to Edinburgh and in 1803 moved to London, where he died in 1807.
He published four volumes of his music and the best of his tunes, Miss Campbell of Saddell and the strathspey and reel Lady Charlotte Campbell, show to the full his elegant style – and his fondness for the flat keys.
4th Shand Morino Gathering
18th January 1998
by J.C.
This was a special event held in the Windygates Institute on Sunday, 18th January and was the fourth Shand Morino Gathering organised to commemorate the creation of the Morino Button-Key accordion as designed and played by Jimmy Shand. It started at 1.00 p.m. but by 12.30 p.m. the hall was already nearly full. The audience had come from as far away as Northern Ireland, Inverness, Dingwall and Fort William and South to the Border, to as near as Windygates and the local surrounding area. By 1.30 p.m. it was standing room only with folks still arriving.
Shand Morino accordions were brought and played by the following – Sandy Tulloch and Charlie Mitchell from Dundee, Jim MacKay and grandson Graeme from Inverness, Davey Simpson from Invergowrie, George Rea from Doagh, Co Antrim, Davy Ross from Kilmarnock, Tom Blaney from Lochgelly, Neil Smith, Archie Patterson from Callander, Quinton Morris from Crossgates, Sandy Ramage from Kelso, Ian Holmes from Dumfries, Dougie Milne from Kirriemuir, Charlie Kirkpatrick from Giffnock, Andy Greig from Pittenweem, Bruce Lindsay Jnr from Largoward, Allan Kindness form Perth and Sandy Lindsay from Amulree.
Sandy Tulloch started the afternoon off with a tribute to Jimmy Shand and his music. He had also spoken with Jimmy the day before and delivered a message form him to say how sorry he was that he could not attend the Gathering due to ill health but sent his best wishes for an enjoyable and successful day to all who had come. Sandy and his group then played a selection of Jimmy’s tunes to start off the musical entertainment for the day.
This was followed by the MacKay family group ‘Meoran Ciuil’ with Graeme on Shand Morino, Stephen on fiddle and Allan on piano who played a really nice selection of tunes. It was superb to have the younger generation performing with such enthusiasm and interest in this type of music. A great effort boys.
Each of the Morino players throughout the afternoon played a selection of tunes accompanied by the group of their choice and there is no doubt about it that we listened to some great music which of course included many of the ‘great man’s’ compositions and favourites.
The accompanying musicians included the following :-
On piano accordion, as second box – Bob Jarvie from Kirkcaldy and Lex Keith from Lenzie.
On fiddle – Bob Christie from Stirling, Brian Ness from St Andrews, Jean Anne Callendar from Aberdeen and Bob McIntosh from Cupar.
On piano / keyboard – Bill Ewan from MArkinch, Rae Elrick from Kilconquar and Alf McConnachie.
On drums – Jim Rodger from Windygates, Charlie Todd from Thankerton, John Stewart from Coupar Angus, John Ireland from Bowhill and Robert Stark.
On string bass – Dougie Cargill from Dundee.
On a final note we must apologies to all those who were unable to find a seat and to thank them for standing throughout the afternoon which, in itself, is an indication of how good the music and entertainment was. We appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing everyone back next year. We promise more seats will be available. A great time was had by all.
Book Review
Accordion Song Books by Pete Lee
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
7th Mar 98 – Neil Barron SDB
14th Mar 98 – Ian Muir SDB
21st Mar 98 – David Cunningham SDB
28th Mar 98 – Robert Black All Stars
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Mar 98 – Bobby Coghill
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 11th Mar 98 – Dave Stewart & Ian Cruickshank
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Mar 98 – Sandy Legget SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Mar 98 – AGM & Club Night
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Mar 98 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Mar 98 – Willie McFarlane Band
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Mar 98 – Morag Robertson
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Mar 98 – Jock Fraser SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 25th Mar 98 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Mar 98 – Andrew Knight
Belford (Community Club) – 26th Mar 98 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Mar 98 - Alistair Hunter Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Mar 98 – Alistair McCulloch
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 10th Mar 98 - tbc
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Mar 98 – Club night
Campbeltown (Royal or Argyll Hotel) - 14th Mar 98 – Burns Brothers
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 3rd Mar 98 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 5th Mar 98 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Gordon Simpson
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Mar 98 – Gary Blair
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 5th Mar 98 – Marian Anderson SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 17th Mar 98 - tbc
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Bill black SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Bobby Abbot
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 10th Mar 98 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th Mar 98 – Archie McAllister, Alastair McPhail, Alexander Korbakov + Reunion Colin Campbell’s Highland DB
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Mar 98 – Sandy Legget SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 24th Mar 98 - Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Mar 98 – Pentland Ceilidh Band
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Mar 98 - tbc
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Mar 98 – Ian Thomson SDB & Trio Competition
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 5th Mar 98 – Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Mar 98 – Brian Griffin Duo
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Mar 98 – Alistair McCulloch
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 4th Mar 98 – Ray Carse
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 31st Mar 98 - tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Mar 98 – Alexander Korbakov
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Mar 98 – Colin Dewar Trio
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Mar 98 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 5th Mar 98 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 3rd Mar 98 – Marie Fielding
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Mar 98 – Judith Linton Trio
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Alan Roy
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 26th Mar 98 – John Douglas SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Mar 98 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 5th Mar 98 – Club Night featuring Alisdair White
Livingston (The Hilton National Hotel) - 19th Mar 98 – Newtongrange Club
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 31st Mar 98 – Iain Anderson Quartet (Gartocharn)
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 17th Mar 98 – Keith Dickson Orchestra
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 18th Mar 98 – Local Artistes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Mar 98 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 3rd Mar 98 – Peem Edwards Duo
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 5th Mar 98 – Gary Donaldson
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 26th Mar 98 – Graham Barbour
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 3rd Mar 98 - tbc
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Mar 98 – Donnie McGregor & Friends
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Mar 98 – Alistair Edmondson
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 12th Mar 98 – James Coutts SDB
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 26th Mar 98 – Alexander Korbakov
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Mar 98 – Paddy Neary
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 11th Mar 98 - Callum Wilson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Mar 98 - Deirdre Adamson
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Mar 98 – Eddie Edmonds Band - 19th Mar 98 – AGM + Stan Flett Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 3rd Mar 98 - tbc
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Allan MacIntosh & the Heather SDB
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 18th Mar 98 – Pentland Ceilidh Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banchory
8. Banff & District
9. Beith & District
10. Belford
11. Biggar
12. Button Key
13. Campsie
14. Carlisle
15. Castle Douglas
16. Coalburn
17. Crieff & District
18. Dingwall & District
19. Dunblane
20. Dunfermline & District
21. Dunoon & Cowal
22. East Kilbride
23. Forfar
24. Forres
25. Galashiels
26. Galston
27. Glendale
28. Glenrothes & District
29. Gretna
30. Highland
31. Inveraray & District
32. Isle of Skye
33. Islesteps
34. Kelso
35. Kintore
36. Lesmahagow
37. Lewis & Harris
39. Livingston
40. Lockerbie
41. Montrose
42. Newtongrange
43. North East
44. Oban
45. Orkney
46. Peebles
47. Perth
48. Renfrew
49. Shetland
50. Stirling
51. Thurso
52. Turriff
53. Wick
54. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates increased
Full Page - £113 from Sept 96
Half Page - £57
Quarter Page - £29
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Everyone was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Bill Smith of Banchory. An appreciation will appear in next month’s issue.
I’ve been contacted by Patrick Black, a mature student at Douglas Music Academy in Bearsden who is researching, amongst other things, the history of the piano accordion in Scotland. When, where and why was it introduced and who first imported them? If readers have any information on the early days of the piano box in Scotland or indeed the UK in general could they let me know and I’ll pass it on to Patrick.
Looking ahead to lead articles for the next season I would invite ideas or better still articles themselves. I’m presently in the initial stages of preparing one on Herr Morino and Dr Gola. Do any readers have any Bells of Surbiton, Forbes of Dundee or Hohner Catalogues I could borrow or any other material that might be useful? Is there, for example, an official history of Hohner?
Charlie Todd
A Gordon For Me
The Story of Pipe Major G. S. McLennan
by
“Here I am dealing with a genius” wrote Angus MacPherson of Inveran or as Pipe Major Donald MacLeod said “I believe George McLennan was the most complete piper of the century.” Few would question those comments on G.S. as he was always known and who was to make his mark on the piping world in so many remarkable ways.
He came from a musical family that traces its history back directly to Murdoch MacLennan who was the Town Piper of Inverness and who lived from 1504 – 1574. Perhaps it is wise at this stage to clear up the mystery of the McLennans and the MacLennans! Few dispute that the correct spelling is Mac such as Major John MacLennan, G.S’s cousin or Captain Donald Ross MacLennan his half brother, but a fact of life is that John McLennan, his father who was a Gaelic scholar, always spelt his name with Mc, and his prayer book has “John McLennan, Fairburn 1863” written in it. G.S.’s birth certificate spells his name McL so he decided to leave it that way and rather nicely his son has done likewise.
John McLennan, who came from farming folk, was born at Kilcoy on the Black Isle north of Inverness and in 1865, together with a friend, walked to Dundee where he joined the police. Here he met and married Elizabeth Stewart, sister of Pipe Major John Stewart of the Black Watch, so his son was to have piping blood from both sides of the family. In 1878 John McLennan transferred to the Edinburgh Police and was to remain with them for 41 years holding the rank of Lieutenant for 27 years. He was a well known piper with strong views on how piobaireachd should be played, publishing a book on the subject showing considerable knowledge about the theory of music, but perhaps his ability as a tutor was where he was most remarkable because he taught his sons G.S. and D.R. and both, of course, were great pipers.
EARLY YEARS
G.S. was to be born in Edinburgh on 9th February 1884 and initially he was not all that well for it was not until he was about four and a half years old that he was able to walk. His father began to teach him to pipe when he was about 4 and it is known that his first tune was “Kenmuir’s On and Awa”! He showed early promise and in addition to his father, he was also tutored by his maternal uncle John Stewart and indeed had a year’s tuition from the great John MacDougall Gillies.
In 1893, at the age of 9, G.S. won the Amateur National Championship for marches, strathspeys and reels and then in 1894 and 1895 the Scottish Amateur Championship for piping. A year later, aged 12, he won the London Highland Amateur Championship for piobaireachd, marches, strathspeys and reels. Queen Victoria heard of “this marvellous boy” and asked that he be brought to Balmoral to play before her which he did aged 10, though it is said he was more interested in the cakes he was given than the Queen. It is thought that this honour has been granted only once before when Patrick Mor MacCrimmon was summoned to London to play before King Charles I in 1626.
The child, having been taught Highland dancing by his cousin William McLennan a famous dancer and well known piper who incidentally had been taught to pipe by John McLennan, was also a noted Highland dancer winning the Scottish and English Amateur Championships in 1895 when he was 11. In many ways this was even more remarkable than his piping prowess bearing in mind his early difficulty in walking.
Sadly it was about this time that his mother died and some two years later his father married a widow with two children who were later joined by three others in the course of a few years, resulting in less living space at home. Added to this economic fact was another problem. G.S. adored the sea and had been training on H.M.S. Redwing, an old wooden ship moored on the forth. Indeed so much did he enjoy the training that his father became concerned lest he joined the Royal or Merchant Navy which would have been a hard life and certainly would have restricted the development of his playing as time to practice would have been limited. Thus because of family economics and the sea, on 3rd October 1899 G.S. was given a note by his father, the contents of which he was unaware, and he was told to take it to one Sergeant Mitchell, the Gordon’s Recruiting Sergeant. The message read “Please enlist my boy, the bearer George Stewart McLennan in the 1st Gordon Highlanders and send him up to the Castle as soon as possible.” The boy took it to Edinburgh Castle where he was duly enlisted – perhaps to his surprise! The Regiment was probably chosen because his brother Frank was serving in D Company of the Battalion while John MacLennan, his cousin, was also in it and indeed was to become the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion during the Boer War in South Africa where he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was later commissioned Quartermaster in May 1902 and rose to the rank of Major when he was killed by a fall from his horse in France in 1916. He is, of course, the subject of one of G.S’s famous marches.
A GORDON HIGHLANDER
The young piper was bitterly disappointed when just after he had enlisted, the 1st Battalion left Edinburgh for South Africa and he, because of his age, was left behind with the rear details. He was then only five foot two and a half inches and undoubtedly came up against some bullying but determined not to be outdone, he bought a book on how to teach yourself jujitsu! So successful was his self instruction that when a drummer went for him, the man was continually thrown by the small piper and the word got out that it was best to leave young McLennan well alone!
An excellent and intelligent soldier let alone piper, he was promoted Lance Corporal in 1902, Corporal in 1904 and Sergeant in March 1905 when he succeeded a well known character John Brown as Pipe Major of the 1st Battalion the Gordon Highlanders, the youngest ever in the British Army up to that time and probably since because he was just 21 years old.
Small in stature but neatly built with a fine military bearing, he was a most unusual man never losing his magic as a personality or player and yet remaining essentially a courteous, kind, quiet, modest person. He appealed to people from all walks of life as his wide range of friends indicates because he was a firm believer in ‘doing unto others as you would wish to be done by’ and of course he was always will to answer any genuine plea for help. Though he was a strict disciplinarian, he was immensely popular with all ranks of the Regiment and there is no doubt that he was the greatest Pipe Major the Gordon Highlanders have ever had.
His ability as a player has become one of the legends of piping and it is sad to think that his playing was never recorded. However William Gray has written “George McLennan’s little finger which seemed as if it had been part of a mechanical contrivance placed on the chanter to make it trill in marches, strathspeys and reels. George’s playing gave me the impression of the supernatural and kept one spellbound” while the famous John MacDonald of Inverness was to say “ His fingering in march, strathspey and reels was brilliant. He was a master of this type of music and we shall probably never hear his like again.” Yet for all that he remained a most modest man, his head was never turned by successes and there were many!
He won his first Gold Medal at Oban in 1904, the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1905 and Gold Clasps at Inverness in 1909, 1920 and 1921. In all he won some 2,000 piping awards! However in the early 1900’s he was unable to attend many of the Highland Games as he was not allowed leave away from the Battalion for this purpose unless he was prepared to forfeit his Christmas Holidays and so his successes might have well have been greater had the Gordon Highlanders been more generous!
It is interesting that possibly of all light music G.S. most enjoyed playing jigs. In one of his composing books is written “I am immensely fond of jig playing and consider it one of the finest methods possible for putting one into form. In fact one cannot play jigs unless one is in tiptop form…My “Jig of Slurs” I am extremely proud of it - not of course as a tune with a fine melody - but for its grand execution. I do not know a tune – piobaireachd or anything – which is nearly so difficult or requires such a nimble figure to play. The person who can play it through two or three times without missing a slur has certainly no cause to be ashamed of his fingers. G.S. McLennan 13.12.10”
Like his father he was a superb teacher and not surprisingly the standard of piping in the 1st Battalion during his 8 years as Pipe Major was described as second to none. He also taught young officers to play – 2nd Lieutenant, later Colonel C.M. Usher is an example – and in so doing laid foundations for the long term encouragement of and interest in piping which last to this day in his beloved Regiment.
PIOBAIREACHD
His playing of piobaireachd was excellent but because of his loyalty to his father and his belief that his system of playing ceol mor was correct he did not often play the Piobaireachd Society way and by so doing he knew beforehand that he was unlikely to gain first prize in such competitions. However he taught others the Piobaireachd Society approach so that they would not be condemned and when he did play that way himself he was usually sure of a good place in the competition.
COMPOSITIONS
His compositions will of course ensure his name is never forgotten. It is often said that some of his best tunes are the most simple and many of his are so easy to play, yet so beautifully musical and fresh. More complex, brilliant melodies also abound but there is little doubt that as has been said “George McLennan did not compose any music that was mediocre”. This is indicated even by the last tune that he composed “Major C.M. Usher O.B.E” because it is remarkable for the fine way in which, especially in the last part, it progresses from the top to the bottom notes. Usher had been a friend for many years and on the back of the original manuscript after saying he was pleased to send the tune to mark Usher’s promotion, is written “Hand and eye about gone now Sincerely Yours G.S. McLennan”.
Of course the gift of composition is a very special one and no-one disputes that G.S. had it to an unusual degree. He had the ability to hear music in all sorts of places and in all sorts of muses. Train journeys seem to have been particularly profitable as indicated by “The Lochaber Gathering”, “Inverlochy Castle” or “The Skook”. Tunes he had heard in the past from others and to which he added arrangements such as “Willie Murray’s Reel” or “Biddy from Sligo” too had their effect, as did quiet moments such as while waiting for a pupil at Wellington College when he composed the tune later called “Captain S.R. Lumsden”. He heard music in running water such as “The Little Cascade” or in drum beats as with “King George V’s Army”, indeed his system of recording the tunes shows how often music came to him. Her was rarely without a small, oblong pocket music book in which he wrote down the theme notes as he heard them and later he would transcribe the tune neatly into a large music book almost invariably with the date and place where it was composed. However if his small notebook was not readily available he would write down the outline of the composition on any scrap of paper than came to hand – cigarette packets, old envelopes, bits of manuscript and so on.
After he was appointed Pipe Major in 1905 he served with the 1st Battalion in Cork, Aldershot and Colchester where in 1910 he met his future wife Nona Lucking whose father was a cab proprietor in the town. They married on 3rd April, 1912 and were to have a family of two sons both born in Aberdeen, George in July 1914 and John in January 1916. Nona McLennan was a very musical person having an excellent voice and being a member of a local operatic society and of course she took a close and knowledgeable interest in her husband’s music.
WORLD WAR 1
In 1913 G.S. left the 1st Battalion and was posted to the Gordon’s Depot in Aberdeen where he was to remain until 1918 when he was sent back to the 1st Battalion then serving in France with the 3rd Division, or as it was nicknamed “The Iron Division”. He was to take over from Pipe Major Tom Henderson who had been killed and arrived in time to take part in the great defensive battles to stem the German attacks that had begun on 20th March that year and he used to say how the Iron Division did not break, it only bent a little! When in the line he was a Lewis Gunner, his loader being Piper A.T. Stephens who was later to become a Pipe Major in the Regiment.
On 14th May, 1918 while in the trenches he became quite seriously ill with a temperature of 102 but he refused to go sick as he did not want to leave the Battalion while it was still in the line. On 16th May he played “A” Company out of the trenches but collapsed and the next day he was taken to the 4th Canadian Clearing Station where he had fluid drained from his left lung and almost certainly this minor operation was to have long term implications that were to lead to his untimely end. However on 8th June he left to rejoin the Battalion then at Choques in the Bethune area, walking the whole way as there was no transport. He commenced playing again on 30th June.
During this period with the Battalion G.S. really began his bagpipe makers business for while in the trenches and billets he made reeds to keep himself occupied. These were sent to various units and the proceeds dispatched home to his wife in Aberdeen resulting in a nest egg when he returned from Germany. Many of his friends who were with him at the time used to speak of him standing in trenches engrossed with his reed making and quite oblivious to all other discomforts!
He remained with the Battalion throughout 1918 taking part in the great Allied counter offensive which took the Gordon’s to Maubuege when the war ended in November. G.S. stayed with the Battalion which became part of the Army of Occupation in Germany until 1919 and then went with it to Ireland where he handed over his appointment to his great friend Jimmy Robertson. It is also of note that on 17th December, 1919 at St Peter’s, Eaton Square, London Captain C.M. Usher got married and the pipers who played at his wedding were Pipe Major G.S. McLennan and Pipe Major Jimmy Robertson Gordon Highlanders, who composed a tune “Captain C.M. Usher’s Wedding” also known as “Glenord”, Pipe Major Jack Lawrie, formerly Pipe Corporal 1st Gordon’s and promoted Pipe Major of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Pipe Corporal Donald Ross MacLennan, Scots Guards, half brother of G.S.
BACK TO CIVILIAN LIFE
Thus is 1919 G.S. was posted back to the Depot being discharged on pension in 1922 after twenty-two and a half years service. He held the British War and Victory Medals and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, not awarded as easily then as it is now. On leaving the Regiment he set himself up in Aberdeen as a bagpipe maker and had a shop at 2 Bath Street, just off Bridge Street, while he and his family lived at 48b Powis Place, Aberdeen. He taught both his sons to play and play well, though it was John, his youngest son, who really inherited his gift. Both boys joined the 5th/7th Gordon’s in the early 1930’s and played in the Pipe Band and both were to go with the Regiment to France in 1939. Sadly John was killed near St Valery on 12th June, 1940 while George was wounded and then captured and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner but their father’s great example of service was followed.
After he retired G.S. was dogged by ill health though in 1926, for the third time, he won the Masters March, Strathspey and Reel competition at the Northern Meeting. It was at a previous Northern Meeting that an interesting incident involving G.S. and the great Pipe Major Willie Ross took place. In those days all competitors had to march to the Games field before competing but unfortunately Willie Ross failed to appear on parade and he was told that in accordance with the rules, he could not compete. On hearing this G.S. told the Committee that he would not take part in the competition and so they then decided to waive the rule for that day. Ross won first prize, while G.S. came second. Willie Ross later wrote to his friend thanking his for standing up for a fellow competitor and turning a nice compliment to G.S. by stating “even my own mother (Mrs Ross) knew who the better piper was that day.”
Bad manners he would not tolerate. One day a farm servant went into his shop and asked for a pipe reed to suit his chanter so G.S. took the chanter, fitted a reed and tried it but it did not blow well. The yokel snatched if from him saying “I’ll blaw it”! G.S. tore the chanter out of his grasp and with an expression plainly showing he had been insulted, said with tremendous authority “Do you know who you are speaking to? I am George S. McLennan.” His crisp, ringing voice and his bearing completely deflated the rude customer who humbly left the shop with a suitable reed. In 1927 G.S. piped at the funeral of one of Scotland’s foremost fiddle players, James Scott Skinner.
LAST DAYS
However as mid 1929 approached it was clear the great man, young though he was, was failing fast and on 1st June that year when he was only 45 years old he passed away with a practice chanter in his hand. The Press had a field day and most of their stories concerning his death were highly imaginative and sensational. His son writes “As you know he had been very ill since 1924, although he carried on with his piping and his business until the beginning of 1929. He suffered very much as he had carcinoma of the lung, which had started on a scar left after the operation to remove fluid from his left lung. Each evening my brother and I had tuition from father for an hour, even up until the night he died. That night I had my lesson, the tune was “Dancing Feet” and then my brother had to play the same tune. Except for forgetting one “G” grace note on the “draw” father had been quite pleased with us, but insisted that we must play the “G” as he did. He asked John to play this over to see that he had got it correctly and then, with each of us in turn blowing, he fingered the chanter. While John was blowing, father’s fingers slipped from the chanter and he lapsed into unconsciousness, from which he did not recover. So much for the Piper playing his own Lament! At no time did he complain even though he knew that he was dying, but bore the pain and died peacefully. My mother, John and I were all present when his death came, just before midnight.”
The funeral took place on 4th June with over 20,000 people lining the route from his home to the station in Aberdeen. The gun carriage bearing the coffin was preceded by pipe bands from the Depot. The Gordon Highlanders, the British Legion and one formed by competitors from the Highland Games. Following were a mass of mourners headed by his two sons and a brother, also Major Usher and many other Gordons such as Pipe Major George Findlater VC, Pipe Major Jimmy Robertson, Pipe Major Jimmy Cruickshank and Piper Bob Nicol. The coffin was met at its arrival in Edinburgh by other mourners, including his brothers Duncan, John, William and Donald and the many Gordon Highlanders there were led by Colonel William Robertson VC. The burial took place at Echobank Cemetery and his favourite piobaireachd “Lament for the Children” was played by his friend Pipe Major Robert Reid of Glasgow. The king of pipers, deeply mourned was laid to rest in the city where he was born.
There is little more to say. George McLennan was a very great man in his own right and a wonderful musician, fine soldier and honourable gentlemen, he left his mark on the world and his name will live for ever through his wonderful compositions.
David Vernon
by ?
‘Hilarious, hated and hugely talented’ was the quote use dafter his performances at the 1997 Shetland A&F Festival. Certainly he has humour in great abundance, both in his introductions and the stand-up way he delivers his program of music. The hat, that was a cover-up for the fact that he had shed his ponytail since his last visit to Shetland. “It kept everyone guessing who I was, and certainly drew attention” says David. The one thing that cannot be questioned however is his talent. His technique and fingerwork are dazzling, the range of world music he performs is extremely diverse, and when he starts bending notes and playing sets of reels on the bass end, you become aware that something very special is happening.
A native of Dumfries, David started playing accordion at the age of 6, under the guidance of local teacher Jimmy Mason, and later with family friend Joe Russell. The lessons lasted until the age of 11, during which time David was involved with local concert parties, along with fellow Doonhamers such as Alec Little, Ian Holmes and John Douglas. At 12, a lifelong friendship began with Gary Coupland, who later went on to achieve success with ‘The Singing Kettle’ children’s show. “The rivalry between us was intense in those days” recalls David, “speed was all important, finesse got thrown out the window!” David abd Gary performed in and around Dumfries as the Cairn Valley Duo, and the highlight in those early days was sharing a concert with the legendary Jimmy Shand. “I recall him asking us the name of our signature tune – The Frank Jamieson Two-Step – because he didn’t know it. I got the shock of my life, as I thought we had written it, along with everything else that we played!” Another early experience was as a teenager, playing every Wednesday in ‘The Hole in the Wa’’, under the watchful eye of proprietor Max Houliston. “That’s where I really cut my teeth, having to back singers, and work out super-fast what key they were singing in. Some singers liked to change key several times during one song, and I always got the blame. Still, never mind, the money was great, £10 for three hours!”
An early musical influence for David was Irish accordionist Dermot O’Brien. “I was always more interested in solo performers who did their own thing, rather than groups. Dermot O’Brien was the classic example. He would develop stunning arrangements of tunes which I really admired, and then stand up and play them. Freedom of expression is what it’s all about”.
Having been educated at Dumfries Academy, David left school at 16, and began work at the ICI factory in Dumfries, where he served his apprenticeship and worked as a fitter. After 7 years of “getting my fingers busted” and almost losing his right hand in an accident, he quit and decided to make a career in music. He therefore moved to Edinburgh where he still resides, playing music in a variety of forms, including tourist shows, weddings, ceilidhs, French/Italian nights, restaurant strolling, even Irish bars and Jewish weddings.
David has also toured extensively overseas, mostly with musicians from the world of folk music. Among his many ports of call are Canada, USA, Switzerland, Poland, Sicily and Bahrain to name but a few. He claims 3 visits to Bangladesh to be among his most bizarre. “It’s like the old colonial days, people with extreme wealth on one side, and people literally dying from starvation on the other. We were well looked after, however, after playing for the Caledonian society. And don’t ask me about the rickshaw races through Dhaka, with Peter Wood.
David is married to his long-term partner-in-life Katrina, also from Dumfries. They have two sons, Craig (6) and Andrew (5). Katrina works as a Pre-School Teacher and both boys are now at Liberton Primary School, Edinburgh. Craig and Andrew have recently started learning the accordion, under instruction from Keith Dickson.
It’s when you talk to David about accordion music from around the world, that his passion really comes alive. He is an avid collector and performer of a huge range of world music. During a performance he can produce music from places as diverse as Bulgaria, Brazil, Israel, Poland and Greece as well as inviting members of the audience on stage for a spot of Arabic belly-dancing or a Spanish Paso-Doble. “As much as I love playing Scottish music, there is some incredible stuff going on beyond these shores” he says. “My desire in life is to make everyone aware of this, and share in my enjoyment. The trick is in working out what makes a particular type of music tick and also how to present it on stage in an interesting way”.
David has one album available, entitled ‘The White Castle’ (Kelvin Records, Kel 20) which contains 20 of his own compositions, played with dazzling dexterity. He is currently working on a CD of World Accordion Music, which will highlight his own particular interests.
If you are looking for an evening of hugely entertaining accordion music, way out of the ordinary, then look no further. Contact David on 0131-467-2048.
Christine Hunter
An Appreciation
by Alec J. Little
With the 24th Musselburgh Festival only a few weeks away, I would ask you to cast your minds back to the 2nd Festival in 1976 when, under a completely new Committee, the N.A.A.F.C.’s Annual Festival really took off.
At the request of the Association chairman, I appointed an excellent Committee to undertake the task of organizing what was to become a major celebration of all that is good about accordion and fiddle playing. As always, the most important post to fill on any Committee was that of Secretary. I will always be grateful for whatever unseen guidance I received that prompted me to invite Christine Hunter to fill this post.
Christine was a lady with a wealth of experience of Committee work – a founder member of Lockerbie A&F Club, a Principal Teacher pf Mathematics at Dumfries Academy, a dancing teacher, a Church elder and a member of the Community Council in her dearly beloved village of Boreland.
Many, many times Christine would put the brakes on my overzealous ideas. I will never forget her invaluable advice.
In 1982 when it was decided that I needed a ‘zip fastener’, Christine and I decided to ‘retire’ together. We handed the reins over to Norrie and Sheila Williams who very capably continued to expand the Festival over many years until they themselves handed over to the present day Chairman and Secretary, Neil Copland and Margaret Macari.
Even after her retiral from the Committee, Christine was an ever present at Musselburgh Festival such was her love of music and somehow, when I arrive there on 7th March, there will be a tremendous void that will be difficult to accept.
However, life must go on and we must all thank God for Christine – for her knowledge, for her wisdom, for the enthusiasm and for everything she did for our Scottish music.
I would ask you all to spare a special thought for Christine’s sister Cathie. They were constant companions and I am sure that Cathie’s loss will be the most difficult to come to terms with.
We will all miss Christine Hunter so much. The world in general and our music in particular will be much the poorer for her passing.
Introducing the Clubs
No 26 – Glendale A&F Club
by Sheila Smailes
The Glendale A&F Club have just celebrated their 25th birthday on 19th January, 1998. It all began in 1973 when local bandleader Robert Whitehead had the idea to start a Club in the area as he had to travel a good distance across the Border to the nearest Club. He got together with some fellow musicians and decided to try and form a Club. Preparation started in 1972 and a ceilidh was held to raise funds with adverts in the local press. The response was tremendous and a Committee was formed – Chairman and compere Mr Ron MacDonald, Robert Whitehead himself became the first Secretary, drummer Tom Wilson became Treasurer and the remaining members of that original Committee were Mr and Mrs Alan Brown (pianist), Mr John Wilson, Mrs K. Rogerson, Mrs Whitehead and Mr Geof Purvis (fiddle). The first President of the Club was Mr Jim Johnston. There was a closed membership of 172 with a waiting list of nearly 100. Fees were £1 membership and 40p entry. The first meeting was held in the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wooler in January, 1973. The guest artiste was Jim Johnstone and his band and the supporting artistes were Robert Whitehead and his band, John Dagg, Willie Weddell, Tom Wilson, Jock Wilson, Robin Wilson, Will Atkinson, Willie Taylor and Geof Purves.
After the first season the venue had to be changed to the Black Bull hotel, where it is still held, owing to the large membership. The following months guest artistes were Jimmy Lindsay, Iain MacPhail, Bobby Crowe and Angus Fitchet. A concert was held in the September at the Glendale School, Wooler. Guest artistes were Jim Johnstone and Bobby Crowe and the year continued with Ian Holmes, Bobby Harvey and finished with a Dinner Dance with Jimmy Lindsay’s Band.
The first AGM was held in June 1974, and all reports showed a very successful year. In the early 1980’s exchange visits were arranged with Clubs at Perth and Falkirk. It wasn’t until 1985 that the waiting list for membership was cleared and the Club was open to all. The Club continued to have a Ceilidh, Concert and Dinner Dance for many years. There have been various changes to the Committee but we still have Will Atkinson as our President who took over office from Jim Johnston 23 years ago and has been re-elected every two years since. By 1991 membership had fallen to about 90 members therefore income had fallen too. It was decided to raise membership fees to £6 with £2 entry fee and £3 for non-members which included a buffet-supper provided by the Black Bull Hotel. It was also decided to hold a large raffle to bring in extra money for the Club 1st Prize being a Weekend Holiday for two people. This proved to be very successful. The following year 1992, four Committee members resigned at the AGM, including three of the main officials, the reason being pressure of work and long service on the Committee. There were no nominations for the three officials, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, however three members were proposed for Committee and they agreed to try and form a full Committee during the summer break.
There was a guest artiste already booked for September, the start of the new season. With encouragement and support from members and the local artistes a full committee was formed and although there have been changes since, the Club is running very successfully. We always have a good raffle on Club nights with prizes being donated by the members and Committee. When we celebrated our 21st Birthday it was decided to have as many of the original 1st night artistes as possible to play. They included Jim Johnstone as the guest artiste, Robert Whitehead, Geof Purves, Adrian Ions, Bobby Rae, Sandy Ramage, Will Atkinson, Jimmy Mitchell, Willie Taylor and Joe and Hannah Hutton and the opening band to be the Tillside Trio (John Dagg, Willie Weddell and Robin Wilson). The Club had a very successful visit to the Windygates Club in June, 1995, with a return visit in September, 1996 which ended tragically but another visit was arranged for June, 1997 and this night was tremendous and now in January, 1998 the Club has celebrated 25 years of enjoying Traditional Accordion and Fiddle music. We celebrated with Robert Whitehead as guest artiste, Wiggy Brown as our compere and our very own Tillside Trio for our opening spot. At our 21st Birthday we had a beautiful iced cake made by Jock Wilson which was cut by our President of 23 years, Will Atkinson, who was also celebrating his 90th Birthday (like his dear friend Jimmy Shand) at the end of January. Will was presented with a birthday cake, card and a basket of goodies. With it being near to Burns Night the Black Bull Hotel provided us with a haggis and neeps supper. The haggis was piped in by Richard Johnston on Northumbrian pipes and was addressed by our compere, Wiggy Brown. We have regular support from 3 other local bands – Norman Forster’s ‘Glen Aln’, Alan Cockburn from Dunbar and Joan Kirk’s ‘Kirkcowan Sound’. We also have players who come from Kelso and Hawick. We now have a regular membership of 75 plus many regular supporters. I hope the Club will have the support of members, guests and artistes for many years to come.
Introducing the Committee
Ian Thomson
Ian (35), Engineering Manager at Cape Industrial Products in Glasgow by day, dance band leader by night, began playing at the tender age of 7, when his dad met up with Jack Delaney (he was living in Alloa at the time) and home came the first accordion. He started taking lessons soon after, not only on the accordion, but also the piano and the trombone!
The first major step in his musical career was when he was asked to join the Ochil Players (a local fiddle group), at the age of 13. Ian was accordionists in the group which comprised 4 fiddles, piano and double bass, producing a unique sound that helped them win the Fiddle Group competition at the National Mod in Aberdeen in 1976. The following years they were runners-up at the Golden Fiddle Awards in Dundee, continuing the next year with a record ‘Comin’ Through the Rye’.
During this time, Ian had also joined the Clachan Ceilidh – a youth group that promoted the song and dance of Scotland by performing both at home and abroad. Ian met up with Jack Delaney at this point, who was Musical Director with the group. Jack was to become a major influence on Ian, as indeed he has been on many others. The list of musicians who were associated with and influenced by the group is endless, but some of the better known ones are Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Robert Ross, Suzanne Gray, Gordon Shand, Billy O’Donnell and John Sinton.
Outwith these groups, Ian was continuing his lessons with Bob Dalrymple, who specialised in classical accordion and under his guidance, Ian managed 4th place at the Perth Festival in 1976. Unfortunately, he found his first taste of competition so daunting that he didn’t compete again until 1989, when his band won 1st prize at the Perth Festival. The following year the band won the Rhythm Section at Musselburgh. (He freely admits now that not competing enough was a big mistake!)
His dance band career began at the age of 15 when he started playing in Edwin Hodgkinson’s band (also a member of the Clachan Ceilidh, and now his brother-in-law), which gave him a great grounding for the future. This continued for a couple of years, until at the age of 19 he decided to leave to form his own band. The first line-up was Ian on lead, Scott Lawson on second box, Alan Manson on piano, Billy O’Donnell on drums and John Delaney on double bass. The band didn’t last too long though with various members leaving because of work commitments. Ian then had a short spell playing with Grace MacCleaver before going off to work abroad for a couple of years.
On returning home, Ian set up a trio, to get back into the swing of things, and soon afterwards decided to form a band with the intention of auditioning for the BBC. Some old faces returned to the band with the ‘new’ line-up being Robert Ross on 2nd accordion, Alan Manson on piano, Suzanne Gray on bass and Billy O’Donnell on drums. However, on Davis Ross’s advice (Robert’s dad) that ‘a band disnae soond right without a fiddler’, Ian recruited Tom Lapsley, who hasn’t been able to escape since. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Alan Manson had to retire from the band, and sadly died a couple of years later, a great friend sadly missed.
A few more changes and with Ann Rutherford on piano and Duncan Burns on bass, the debut broadcast was completed in 1990. The band recorded it’s first CD in 1992, and hopes to follow it up with another later this year. Few changes have taken place in the interim with the current set up being Tom Lapsley on fiddle, Mark Cummine on 2nd accordion, Ann Rutherford on piano and Duncan Burns on drums.
Ian’s first memories of hearing dance bands playing live was when he was in his early teens and he began attending Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. “I remember going along to Dunblane Club and hearing the likes of John Huband, Jim Johnstone, Iain MacPhail etc all with 5 or 6 piece bands producing a really exciting sound and decided then that I would like to do the same thing someday!” This also sowed the seed for starting an Accordion and Fiddle Club in Stirling, which as far as Ian was aware, had never had such a thing (why not?) Ian discussed the idea with Gordon Shand, whom he knew well from his Clachan Ceilidh days, and between them they gathered some musicians together to form the nucleus of the new Club. On 13th October, 1991, Stirling A&F Club had their first meeting and the Club is still going strong today.
Being asked to join the N.A.A.F.C. Committee is indeed an honour, says Ian, and he hopes that the newer Committee members can keep the old traditions alive, as well as bringing in some new ideas for the future.
‘Box Wallahs’ Visit Dhaka and Delhi
In November, 1997, a band from the North East of Scotland headed off to foreign parts to entertain ex-pats as part of St Andrew’s Night celebrations. The band, known as ‘Scotch Mist’ for the occasion, consisted of Ian H. Cruickshank, Lhanbryde, on accordion, Jane Farquharson and Jim Barnetson, both Keith, on piano and drums and Andy McCormick on fiddle. For a second year they departed for the Sub Continent to sample the delights of Bangladesh and India.
First stop was Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, to play for the Dhaka Caledonian Society St Andrew’s Night Ball. As in the previous year, the Ball took place at the British High Commission Club to a company of some 100 ex-pats and their guests. The Ball itself was held outside under a native construction called a ‘shanyana’, a massive construction of bamboo and canvas, more than enough to keep the assembled company dry in the unlikely event of rain. No protection however against the ever present, and persistent, population of mosquitoes!
Dhaka is a sprawling city of contrast. To the Western eye the poverty is unbelievable with beggars at every turn pleading with outstretched arms. Cycle rickshaws abound. Cars that in this country would have failed an MOT years ago continue to contribute to the incredible congestion on the city streets. No Highway Code here, if it is quicker and more convenient fro you to negotiate a roundabout in an anti-clockwise direction so be it!
Following 5 days in Dhaka, which included a further performance at the Australian Club, the band then set off to perform in Delhi. Unfortunately there was little time for sight-seeing but there was enough time to take a trip to the sprawling maze of Old Delhi. Such a contrast to New Delhi designed and built by the British Authorities in the 1920’s. The architecture of the Raj Path sweeping down to India Gate is a spectacular sight with the well manicured tree-lined route and constantly swept streets. Throw in the ever present roadside snake charmer and Delhi comes alive and can only be admired as a beautiful city, albeit the poverty continues to exist.
The Delhi Caledonian Society Ball was indeed a memorable occasion. Held in the opulent surroundings of the Hyat Regency Hotel Ballroom some 220 ex-pats and guests attended. Smoked salmon, haggis and roast lamb appeared on the menu. Add to that 22 bottles of whisky per table and you have a good start to any evening. With eager participation from the ex-pats in the programme of Scottish Country Dancing the Band enjoyed the event very much.
Travelling so far to entertain the ex-pat community was great fun and an experience enjoyed by all the band members. Will Scotch Mist repeat the trip next year? Perhaps, after all you soon get a craving for buffalo milk on your cornflakes!
Composers Corner
Robert MacKintosh
Robert MacKintosh, born in Tullymet about 1745, is the least documented of the great Scottish fiddler composers. He was an excellent performer and he was considered by contemporaries to be Niel Gow’s most serious rival. In 1773 he settled in Edinburgh, advertising himself as a musician. His charge for lessons was one guinea per quarter ‘for the public class’ and one guinea per month ‘for a private hour’. For three years ‘Red Rob’, as he was known because of his fiery hair, resided in Aberdeen and led a band there at the Gentleman’s Concerts. He then returned to Edinburgh and in 1803 moved to London, where he died in 1807.
He published four volumes of his music and the best of his tunes, Miss Campbell of Saddell and the strathspey and reel Lady Charlotte Campbell, show to the full his elegant style – and his fondness for the flat keys.
4th Shand Morino Gathering
18th January 1998
by J.C.
This was a special event held in the Windygates Institute on Sunday, 18th January and was the fourth Shand Morino Gathering organised to commemorate the creation of the Morino Button-Key accordion as designed and played by Jimmy Shand. It started at 1.00 p.m. but by 12.30 p.m. the hall was already nearly full. The audience had come from as far away as Northern Ireland, Inverness, Dingwall and Fort William and South to the Border, to as near as Windygates and the local surrounding area. By 1.30 p.m. it was standing room only with folks still arriving.
Shand Morino accordions were brought and played by the following – Sandy Tulloch and Charlie Mitchell from Dundee, Jim MacKay and grandson Graeme from Inverness, Davey Simpson from Invergowrie, George Rea from Doagh, Co Antrim, Davy Ross from Kilmarnock, Tom Blaney from Lochgelly, Neil Smith, Archie Patterson from Callander, Quinton Morris from Crossgates, Sandy Ramage from Kelso, Ian Holmes from Dumfries, Dougie Milne from Kirriemuir, Charlie Kirkpatrick from Giffnock, Andy Greig from Pittenweem, Bruce Lindsay Jnr from Largoward, Allan Kindness form Perth and Sandy Lindsay from Amulree.
Sandy Tulloch started the afternoon off with a tribute to Jimmy Shand and his music. He had also spoken with Jimmy the day before and delivered a message form him to say how sorry he was that he could not attend the Gathering due to ill health but sent his best wishes for an enjoyable and successful day to all who had come. Sandy and his group then played a selection of Jimmy’s tunes to start off the musical entertainment for the day.
This was followed by the MacKay family group ‘Meoran Ciuil’ with Graeme on Shand Morino, Stephen on fiddle and Allan on piano who played a really nice selection of tunes. It was superb to have the younger generation performing with such enthusiasm and interest in this type of music. A great effort boys.
Each of the Morino players throughout the afternoon played a selection of tunes accompanied by the group of their choice and there is no doubt about it that we listened to some great music which of course included many of the ‘great man’s’ compositions and favourites.
The accompanying musicians included the following :-
On piano accordion, as second box – Bob Jarvie from Kirkcaldy and Lex Keith from Lenzie.
On fiddle – Bob Christie from Stirling, Brian Ness from St Andrews, Jean Anne Callendar from Aberdeen and Bob McIntosh from Cupar.
On piano / keyboard – Bill Ewan from MArkinch, Rae Elrick from Kilconquar and Alf McConnachie.
On drums – Jim Rodger from Windygates, Charlie Todd from Thankerton, John Stewart from Coupar Angus, John Ireland from Bowhill and Robert Stark.
On string bass – Dougie Cargill from Dundee.
On a final note we must apologies to all those who were unable to find a seat and to thank them for standing throughout the afternoon which, in itself, is an indication of how good the music and entertainment was. We appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing everyone back next year. We promise more seats will be available. A great time was had by all.
Book Review
Accordion Song Books by Pete Lee
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
7th Mar 98 – Neil Barron SDB
14th Mar 98 – Ian Muir SDB
21st Mar 98 – David Cunningham SDB
28th Mar 98 – Robert Black All Stars
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 31st Mar 98 – Bobby Coghill
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 11th Mar 98 – Dave Stewart & Ian Cruickshank
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 15th Mar 98 – Sandy Legget SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 1st Mar 98 – AGM & Club Night
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 5th Mar 98 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) – 1st Mar 98 – Willie McFarlane Band
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 15th Mar 98 – Morag Robertson
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 30th Mar 98 – Jock Fraser SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 25th Mar 98 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 16th Mar 98 – Andrew Knight
Belford (Community Club) – 26th Mar 98 - tbc
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 8th Mar 98 - Alistair Hunter Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 10th Mar 98 – Alistair McCulloch
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 10th Mar 98 - tbc
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 12th Mar 98 – Club night
Campbeltown (Royal or Argyll Hotel) - 14th Mar 98 – Burns Brothers
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 3rd Mar 98 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 5th Mar 98 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Gordon Simpson
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 19th Mar 98 – Gary Blair
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 5th Mar 98 – Marian Anderson SDB
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 17th Mar 98 - tbc
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Bill black SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Bobby Abbot
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 10th Mar 98 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 13th Mar 98 – Archie McAllister, Alastair McPhail, Alexander Korbakov + Reunion Colin Campbell’s Highland DB
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 26th Mar 98 – Sandy Legget SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 24th Mar 98 - Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Mar 98 – Pentland Ceilidh Band
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 29th Mar 98 - tbc
Forres (Brig Motel) – 11th Mar 98 – Ian Thomson SDB & Trio Competition
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 5th Mar 98 – Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 9th Mar 98 – Brian Griffin Duo
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 19th Mar 98 – Alistair McCulloch
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 4th Mar 98 – Ray Carse
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 31st Mar 98 - tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 18th Mar 98 – Alexander Korbakov
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 16th Mar 98 – Colin Dewar Trio
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 3rd Mar 98 – Dave Stewart & Rab Smillie
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 5th Mar 98 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 3rd Mar 98 – Marie Fielding
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 25th Mar 98 – Judith Linton Trio
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Alan Roy
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 26th Mar 98 – John Douglas SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12th Mar 98 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 5th Mar 98 – Club Night featuring Alisdair White
Livingston (The Hilton National Hotel) - 19th Mar 98 – Newtongrange Club
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 31st Mar 98 – Iain Anderson Quartet (Gartocharn)
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 17th Mar 98 – Keith Dickson Orchestra
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 4th Mar 98 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 18th Mar 98 – Local Artistes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 30th Mar 98 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 3rd Mar 98 – Peem Edwards Duo
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 5th Mar 98 – Gary Donaldson
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 26th Mar 98 – Graham Barbour
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 3rd Mar 98 - tbc
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 10th Mar 98 – Donnie McGregor & Friends
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 5th Mar 98 – Alistair Edmondson
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 12th Mar 98 – James Coutts SDB
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 26th Mar 98 – Alexander Korbakov
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 8th Mar 98 – Paddy Neary
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 11th Mar 98 - Callum Wilson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 2nd Mar 98 - Deirdre Adamson
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 5th Mar 98 – Eddie Edmonds Band - 19th Mar 98 – AGM + Stan Flett Trio
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 3rd Mar 98 - tbc
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 17th Mar 98 – Allan MacIntosh & the Heather SDB
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 18th Mar 98 – Pentland Ceilidh Band
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banchory
8. Banff & District
9. Beith & District
10. Belford
11. Biggar
12. Button Key
13. Campsie
14. Carlisle
15. Castle Douglas
16. Coalburn
17. Crieff & District
18. Dingwall & District
19. Dunblane
20. Dunfermline & District
21. Dunoon & Cowal
22. East Kilbride
23. Forfar
24. Forres
25. Galashiels
26. Galston
27. Glendale
28. Glenrothes & District
29. Gretna
30. Highland
31. Inveraray & District
32. Isle of Skye
33. Islesteps
34. Kelso
35. Kintore
36. Lesmahagow
37. Lewis & Harris
39. Livingston
40. Lockerbie
41. Montrose
42. Newtongrange
43. North East
44. Oban
45. Orkney
46. Peebles
47. Perth
48. Renfrew
49. Shetland
50. Stirling
51. Thurso
52. Turriff
53. Wick
54. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
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