Box and Fiddle
Year 35 No 07
March 2012
Price £2.60
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £28.60 + p&p £11 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
We were saddened to hear about the death of Lex Keith, just as we were going to print. We hope to carry a tribute to him in next months issue.
It’s been a busy time in the box and fiddle world. For the first time Celtic Connections held a Box and Fiddle Night, and it exceeded their wildest dreams!
Up Helly Aa was the usual vibrant exciting spectacle and this year our roving reporter is Una Simpson.
The annual event that is The Shand Morino Day at Windygates was as popular as ever, and Charlie Todd was there to report for us.
This month will be equally busy with the NAAFC Festival at Inshyra Grange and The Ruby Gala Concert at Perth Concert Hall.
Karin Ingram
Celtic Connections Box and Fiddle night 2012
by Charlie Todd
There are a few events in life which, looking back, if you weren’t there you’ll kick yourself and this is one such. Fortunately I was one of the lucky 500 who were in attendance at Celtic Connections first ever Box and Fiddle Night in the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite.
Alasdair MacCuish was the inspiration behind the concert and the idea was to re-create the sound and the sets of some of the ‘Legendary Bands’ of yesteryear as closely as possibly with, at the same time, a few modern sets thrown in by some of today’s top names. A ‘pool’ of musicians provided the players for the 12 or so bands who featured during the evening. These musicians, in no particular order, were :-
Accordionists - Alasdair MacCuish, Ian Cruickshanks, Robert Black, Duncan Black, Sandy Lindsay, Kenny Thomson, Iain MacPhail, Brian Griffin, John Carmichael and Fergie MacDonald.
Fiddlers - Marie Fielding, Archie McAllister, Judith Chisholm
Pianists - Dennis Morrison, Izzy Hodgson, Tom Orr, Robert Black, Duncan Black
Drummers - Gus Millar, George Darling, Gordon Smith, Fraser McInnes
Bass - Ally MacLeod, Neil McMillan
Vocalist – Darren McLean
The bands and artistes paid tribute to were :-
Sir Jimmy Shand – lead by Ian Cruickshanks with Duncan, Dennis, Neil and Gus playing the Bluebell Polka and the Six Twenty Two Step
Ian Powrie – led by Marie Fielding with Sandy, Kenny, Dennis, Neil and Gus playing the slow air Margaret Ann Robertson, a set of marches and a Gaelic waltz set.
Bobby MacLeod – led by Alasdair MacCuish with John C, Archie, Tom, Fraser and Ally with Before the Games and After the Games sets.
Andrew Rankine – led by Iain MacPhail with Brian, Judith, Izzy, George and Ally playing a set of Andrew’s own jigs and his classic set for the Highland Schottische.
Jim Johnstone – led by Robert Black with John C, Marie, Duncan Neil and Smithy playing a classic set of reels from ‘A Measure of Scotch’ and the Thingummyjig Polka.
Angus Fitchet (solo) – with Archie McAllister and Dennis Morrison playing a MSR Mr Michie, John Stephen, Locheil House and a set of hornpipes Train Journey north, Little Cascade and Dancing Feet.
Calum Kennedy – Darren MacLean with a backing group sang Filoro and My Mother
Iain MacPhail SDB with Brian, Judith, Izzy, George and Ally who played the classic ‘Deil’s Conundrum’ set and a set of Iain’s own reels.
Fergie MacDonald Ceilidh Band with John C, Archie, Tom, Ally and Fraser who played the reels the Shinty Referee, Mouth Music and Mrs MacLeod and Jig Runrig, the Kesh Jig and the Blackthorn Stick.
Interspersed with the above we had sets from the :
John Carmichael SDB with Robert, Archie, Neil and Smithy
Tom Orr SDB with Robert, Marie, Duncan, Ally and Fraser.
Robert Black SDB with John C, Marie, Duncan, Neil and Smithy playing ‘Edinburgh Castle’ (as recorded by Max Houliston many years ago) and a Riverdance set.
Alasdair MacCuish SDB with John C, Archie, Tom, Fraser and Ally playing a superb set of jigs The Bag of Plums, Catriona MacKay, Jimmy Ward’s and the Roaring Barmaid.
Duncan Black SDB with Robert, Marie, Dennis Neil and Smithy
Obviously there were a fair number of personnel changes on stage but this was barely noticeable to the audience as link man, John Carmichael, regaled us with stories while these took place. He started off by saying "There are two reasons that I had been asked to compere this wonderful array of talent.
One, I am the oldest up here and two, I have either played with, toured , recorded or been sacked by all the Legends being honoured." He used interesting real life stories and anecdotes about the great men themselves as the links. At the same time the ‘big screen’ backdrop of the stage showed initially old TV footage (of the little that remains) of the greats, then ‘stills’ so as not to be too distracting from what was happening on stage. All very professionally done and adding to the nostalgia.
Since the show I’ve taken the opportunity to ask its ‘artistic director and producer’, Alasdair MacCuish, some questions on the background to the event.
Alasdair, what prompted and motivated you to plan the Tribute and how did you progress it from there?
For a number of years I've been involved with the Celtic Connections festival either playing for general Ceilidhs or a big dance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. This year the Festival Director Donald Shaw asked if I'd like to put on more of a sit-down Box and Fiddle style show. I was, of course, delighted to do so. To have the chance to give Scottish dance music a platform at the country's premiere music festival was an opportunity not to be missed. So I had a chat with Tom Orr about what might make a good show, and the idea of paying tribute to the legends of the dance band scene was born. Next we had to decide which bands to feature, a difficult choice in some ways, but actually the big names jump out at you and I would hope that Shand, Powrie, Macleod, Johnstone, Fitchet, MacPhail, Rankine and Fergie would be in most people's top 10. I thought that the best way to pay tribute to them would be to try to re-create their classic tracks, as close to the way they played them as we could manage. We were under no illusion that it would be an easy task, but everyone involved took it very seriously and I hope that was plain to those who came on the night. Collectively all the musicians that took part have huge experience, but we all felt the pressure to get it right – and I think that shows the respect we have for the 'legends' and the impact and importance their music still has today.
Were Celtic Connection guarded or enthusiastic initially?
The festival were right behind it from day one. Donald, despite plying his trade in the folk scene, is a huge fan of dance bands, having played in them himself as a youngster and growing up listening to them. I was personally apprehensive about putting on the show and just hoped people would come! Trying to get together music and performers who would appeal to wide cross section of the dance band world is always tricky, but I think that nostalgia is still hugely attractive, and I think that was a major selling point.
How did you select the participating players? Once you had them in place was there a degree of joint input/ planning for the show?
This was probably the most difficult task, and I would have happily had many more people on the night. However, we had to work to a budget so numbers had to be kept to a sensible level. That said, I think in every tribute line-up we had a dream team of players who would be hard to beat on any stage. Proof is of course in the pudding, but from feedback we've had so far, I think we pulled it off. In terms of planning the show, it was a very collaborative process. I must say a big thanks to Duncan and Robert Black, Marie Fielding, Tom Orr and of course John Carmichael, who were very involved in the planning. We tossed around ideas, potential sets and line-ups until we felt we had a strong show. It all happened fairly quickly, as we only started planning in October. I was also so pleased that everyone else we asked to take part was so willing to do so, and shared in our belief that this was a format and a concept that not only could work, but also that it was an important thing to do. As I said earlier, these opportunities don’t come along very often, and I hope we were able to show that Scottish dance music, past present and future, should have a platform on the wider traditional music scene. The Scottish dance band world boasts some of the most talented traditional musicians in the country and they deserve to take their place alongside other sections of the traditional music fraternity.
I saw the cameras on stage. What is 'Bees Nees Media' and can we look forward to a DVD? When?
Bees Nees Media is actually my company, we produce TV and Radio shows, mainly for the BBC. I recorded the show as much for personal reasons as anything else. Its not often you get the chance to assemble your musical heroes, past and present, so I couldn’t not record it. A DVD may be on the cards, it was very much a collaborative effort, so I'll be discussing it with the musicians involved and if there is a will to release it, then the Box and Fiddle will be the first to know.
Were you happy with the evening and the way things went?
I couldn’t have imagined it would go so well. I knew from the cast we had assembled that the music would be first class, but I think the mixture of styles, variety of line ups, a song or two and a great compere made for a memorable evening. I've been over the moon with the feedback from the audience on the night
Do you think there's potential to upgrade from the Strathclyde Suite (500) to the big auditorium (2,000) next year? Feedback on this year’s concert will be important to Celtic Connections - who should B&F readers who were there e-mail to support the idea?
I would love to move to the big auditorium. That would certainly be exciting and if we could fill that place, then we'd really have achieved something. We're also thinking about other places we could take the show. A lot of work went into the night and it would be a shame to only have one public performance. If readers want to pass on their comments to the festival then best email would be the PR department, [email protected]
I asked accordionist and compere for the evening John Carmichael how he felt it went :-
Alasdair's idea of the legends was to give the impression that they were actually there playing some of the sets they were famed for, hence announcing them as Jimmy Shand, Jim Johnstone etc and not just saying here is Ian Cruikshanks playing Jimmy Shand's hit tune Bluebell Polka etc.
I think it worked well and where appropriate the Band would do a couple of their own sets after the 'legend'.
One thing that stood out on the day for me was the very friendly 'chit chat' and cooperation amongst the players,
"Use my Mic., borrow my Box, etc ...the stories and experiences were the stuff of 'legends'.
Although the Annual Trad day in Perth in June features a good number of top Bands and soloists this event has gone further by increasing the number and variety of top musicians ( and singer!) plus adding the Legends tribute.
It certainly was an honour to be involved in the most exciting evening of our music that has been put together in a long, long time.
Here's to the next one ..Oh! and my thanks to Mickie Ainsworth and the late Jimmy Blue for some of the stories.
And what do the audience members who attended think? Well I asked a few and the first comments are from our own Iain Cathcart, who is presently in the throes of organizing our 40th Anniversary Ruby concert. Iain said "I was really looking forward to this concert after seeing the bill and it exceeded all my expectations. It was fantastic to see the cream of our type of music given a greater spotlight away from their usual environment. Alasdair and his team developed a very interesting idea and carried it off with a high level of professionalism.
It is hard to pick out favourites from the night, however Marie Fielding's rendition of Margaret Anne Robertson and the overall Powrie band sound was as near to the original sound as could be possible today. After the Games from MacCuish and Co was also sublime in its execution.
So many highlights to choose from. Just a superb evening's entertainment."
And from one of our younger generation of accordionists, Scott Nicoll from Pathhead :
I thoroughly enjoyed the Box and Fiddle event at Celtic Connections. All the musicians involved were first class and successfully created a sound which was specific to each band they were paying tribute to. Some of which bands I hadn't had the pleasure of listening to before the event such as the sound of Ian Powrie and Andrew Rankine. I felt that it was important for me as well as other up and coming musicians to be given the chance to listen to prolific sounds of the past from which Scottish Dance Band music has evolved in recent years. It was obvious that a lot of thought went into the sets chosen to represent each band, all of which I believe to be iconic - such as the 'Mrs McLeod of Raasay' set which was first aired by Jim Johnstone and the band.
Particular highlights for me included the 'Edinburgh Castle' set first recorded by Max Houliston, other sets include Bobby MacLeod's 'After the Games' set and the slow air played by Ian Powrie 'Margaret Anne Robertson'.
I would definitely like to see a repeat of the event as I believe that the intentions of creating the 'ultimate dance band mix tape' was well received by the entire audience which also adds to the diverse programme of events hosted during the Celtic Connections festival.
From David Coia “Hi Marie - was at the above last night - would just like to say it was absolutely outstanding - best Scottish gig I think I've ever been to! So thanks to you and all the others for a truly marvelous night out”.
And it wasn’t just the younger listeners who enjoyed it. I spoke to Mrs Margaret Stirling from Strathaven a few days later who said she had attended with an equally elderly neighbour. Both were uncertain about how it might go, but both were absolutely delighted with both the concert and equally important, the volume – it wasn’t too loud. As a Scottish Country Dancer of long standing Mrs Stirling knows her dance music and says they’ll have no hesitation about going next year.
So there it is – satisfied listeners and participants all round. Let’s hope, as Alasdair suggests, the show is taken out to other theatres in the months to come, and hopefully that it might appear on ‘Alba’ and as a DVD. Time will tell – but one thing’s for sure – WHEREVER YOU ARE, DON’T MISS IT.
Up Helly Aa 2012
by
This was the 9th such gathering…………….
Shand Morino Day
by
Photographs only – article in next issue.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Music for Old Time Dancing Vol 2 – Freeland Barbour – BONSCD702
Hameaboot – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicholson – CDMB014
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th March 12 – (Sunday only) Double Bill – Repeats – Graeme Mitchell SDB & Jim Lindsay SDB
10th March 12 – Neil Barron SDB (Instyra Concert)
17th March 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB (Inshyra Bands Competition)
24th March 12 – David Oswald SDB (Tribute to Lex Keith)
31st March 12 – OB from Helensburgh with Alasdair MacCuish & the Black Rose C.B.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th March 12 – Duncan Black & Marie Fielding
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th March 12 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th March 12 – AGM + Craigowl SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th March 12 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th March 12 – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicolson
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th March 12 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th March 12 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th March 12 – Iain Anderson Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th March 12 – David Corner & Friends
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th March 12 – Jim Lindsay SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Andy Kain Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th March 12 – Lyne Valley Quartet
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 5th March 12 – Burns Brothers Trio
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st March 12 – David Oswald SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 20th March 12 – Burns Brothers
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th March 12 – Paul Anderson
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st March 12 – Neil Caul SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th March 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Wayne Robertson duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th March 12 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th March 12 – Andrew Gibb Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th March 12 – Robert Nairn
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st March 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd March 12 – Neil Hardie SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th March 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th March 12 – Ian Muir Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 18th March 12 – Liam Stewart SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th March 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th March 12 – Balloch A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st March 12 – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicolson
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th March 12 – George Meilke
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th March 12 – Gavin Piper
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th March 12 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th March 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 15th March 12 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th March 12 – Marian Anderson Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th March 12 – Ian Cameron & Friends
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th March 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th March 12 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 21st March 12 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th March 12 – Bob Liddle
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th March 12 – Johnny Duncan
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 7th March 12 – Declan aungier
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st March 12 – Marian Anderson SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th March 12 – Roger Dobson SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th March 12 – Liam Stewart Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st March 12 – Bon Accords
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th March 12 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th March 12 – Dick Black Band
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 10th March 12 – John Stuart SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th March 12 – Shona MacFadyen
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th March 12 – Halkirk SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st March 12 – Ian Thomson SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th March 12 – Tom Alexander
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd 17th & 31st March 12 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th March 12 – Marian Anderson Trio
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Gordon Pattullo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dunfermline
15. Duns
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Glendale
19. Gretna
20. Haddington
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Ladybank
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Maine Valley
31. Montrose
32. Newtongrange
33. Northern
34. Oban
35. Peebles
36. Perth
37. Renfrew
38. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Sutherland
42. Thornhill
43. Thurso
44. West Barnes
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
59 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
60. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
61. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
Quarter Page (b&w) - £35
Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
We were saddened to hear about the death of Lex Keith, just as we were going to print. We hope to carry a tribute to him in next months issue.
It’s been a busy time in the box and fiddle world. For the first time Celtic Connections held a Box and Fiddle Night, and it exceeded their wildest dreams!
Up Helly Aa was the usual vibrant exciting spectacle and this year our roving reporter is Una Simpson.
The annual event that is The Shand Morino Day at Windygates was as popular as ever, and Charlie Todd was there to report for us.
This month will be equally busy with the NAAFC Festival at Inshyra Grange and The Ruby Gala Concert at Perth Concert Hall.
Karin Ingram
Celtic Connections Box and Fiddle night 2012
by Charlie Todd
There are a few events in life which, looking back, if you weren’t there you’ll kick yourself and this is one such. Fortunately I was one of the lucky 500 who were in attendance at Celtic Connections first ever Box and Fiddle Night in the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite.
Alasdair MacCuish was the inspiration behind the concert and the idea was to re-create the sound and the sets of some of the ‘Legendary Bands’ of yesteryear as closely as possibly with, at the same time, a few modern sets thrown in by some of today’s top names. A ‘pool’ of musicians provided the players for the 12 or so bands who featured during the evening. These musicians, in no particular order, were :-
Accordionists - Alasdair MacCuish, Ian Cruickshanks, Robert Black, Duncan Black, Sandy Lindsay, Kenny Thomson, Iain MacPhail, Brian Griffin, John Carmichael and Fergie MacDonald.
Fiddlers - Marie Fielding, Archie McAllister, Judith Chisholm
Pianists - Dennis Morrison, Izzy Hodgson, Tom Orr, Robert Black, Duncan Black
Drummers - Gus Millar, George Darling, Gordon Smith, Fraser McInnes
Bass - Ally MacLeod, Neil McMillan
Vocalist – Darren McLean
The bands and artistes paid tribute to were :-
Sir Jimmy Shand – lead by Ian Cruickshanks with Duncan, Dennis, Neil and Gus playing the Bluebell Polka and the Six Twenty Two Step
Ian Powrie – led by Marie Fielding with Sandy, Kenny, Dennis, Neil and Gus playing the slow air Margaret Ann Robertson, a set of marches and a Gaelic waltz set.
Bobby MacLeod – led by Alasdair MacCuish with John C, Archie, Tom, Fraser and Ally with Before the Games and After the Games sets.
Andrew Rankine – led by Iain MacPhail with Brian, Judith, Izzy, George and Ally playing a set of Andrew’s own jigs and his classic set for the Highland Schottische.
Jim Johnstone – led by Robert Black with John C, Marie, Duncan Neil and Smithy playing a classic set of reels from ‘A Measure of Scotch’ and the Thingummyjig Polka.
Angus Fitchet (solo) – with Archie McAllister and Dennis Morrison playing a MSR Mr Michie, John Stephen, Locheil House and a set of hornpipes Train Journey north, Little Cascade and Dancing Feet.
Calum Kennedy – Darren MacLean with a backing group sang Filoro and My Mother
Iain MacPhail SDB with Brian, Judith, Izzy, George and Ally who played the classic ‘Deil’s Conundrum’ set and a set of Iain’s own reels.
Fergie MacDonald Ceilidh Band with John C, Archie, Tom, Ally and Fraser who played the reels the Shinty Referee, Mouth Music and Mrs MacLeod and Jig Runrig, the Kesh Jig and the Blackthorn Stick.
Interspersed with the above we had sets from the :
John Carmichael SDB with Robert, Archie, Neil and Smithy
Tom Orr SDB with Robert, Marie, Duncan, Ally and Fraser.
Robert Black SDB with John C, Marie, Duncan, Neil and Smithy playing ‘Edinburgh Castle’ (as recorded by Max Houliston many years ago) and a Riverdance set.
Alasdair MacCuish SDB with John C, Archie, Tom, Fraser and Ally playing a superb set of jigs The Bag of Plums, Catriona MacKay, Jimmy Ward’s and the Roaring Barmaid.
Duncan Black SDB with Robert, Marie, Dennis Neil and Smithy
Obviously there were a fair number of personnel changes on stage but this was barely noticeable to the audience as link man, John Carmichael, regaled us with stories while these took place. He started off by saying "There are two reasons that I had been asked to compere this wonderful array of talent.
One, I am the oldest up here and two, I have either played with, toured , recorded or been sacked by all the Legends being honoured." He used interesting real life stories and anecdotes about the great men themselves as the links. At the same time the ‘big screen’ backdrop of the stage showed initially old TV footage (of the little that remains) of the greats, then ‘stills’ so as not to be too distracting from what was happening on stage. All very professionally done and adding to the nostalgia.
Since the show I’ve taken the opportunity to ask its ‘artistic director and producer’, Alasdair MacCuish, some questions on the background to the event.
Alasdair, what prompted and motivated you to plan the Tribute and how did you progress it from there?
For a number of years I've been involved with the Celtic Connections festival either playing for general Ceilidhs or a big dance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. This year the Festival Director Donald Shaw asked if I'd like to put on more of a sit-down Box and Fiddle style show. I was, of course, delighted to do so. To have the chance to give Scottish dance music a platform at the country's premiere music festival was an opportunity not to be missed. So I had a chat with Tom Orr about what might make a good show, and the idea of paying tribute to the legends of the dance band scene was born. Next we had to decide which bands to feature, a difficult choice in some ways, but actually the big names jump out at you and I would hope that Shand, Powrie, Macleod, Johnstone, Fitchet, MacPhail, Rankine and Fergie would be in most people's top 10. I thought that the best way to pay tribute to them would be to try to re-create their classic tracks, as close to the way they played them as we could manage. We were under no illusion that it would be an easy task, but everyone involved took it very seriously and I hope that was plain to those who came on the night. Collectively all the musicians that took part have huge experience, but we all felt the pressure to get it right – and I think that shows the respect we have for the 'legends' and the impact and importance their music still has today.
Were Celtic Connection guarded or enthusiastic initially?
The festival were right behind it from day one. Donald, despite plying his trade in the folk scene, is a huge fan of dance bands, having played in them himself as a youngster and growing up listening to them. I was personally apprehensive about putting on the show and just hoped people would come! Trying to get together music and performers who would appeal to wide cross section of the dance band world is always tricky, but I think that nostalgia is still hugely attractive, and I think that was a major selling point.
How did you select the participating players? Once you had them in place was there a degree of joint input/ planning for the show?
This was probably the most difficult task, and I would have happily had many more people on the night. However, we had to work to a budget so numbers had to be kept to a sensible level. That said, I think in every tribute line-up we had a dream team of players who would be hard to beat on any stage. Proof is of course in the pudding, but from feedback we've had so far, I think we pulled it off. In terms of planning the show, it was a very collaborative process. I must say a big thanks to Duncan and Robert Black, Marie Fielding, Tom Orr and of course John Carmichael, who were very involved in the planning. We tossed around ideas, potential sets and line-ups until we felt we had a strong show. It all happened fairly quickly, as we only started planning in October. I was also so pleased that everyone else we asked to take part was so willing to do so, and shared in our belief that this was a format and a concept that not only could work, but also that it was an important thing to do. As I said earlier, these opportunities don’t come along very often, and I hope we were able to show that Scottish dance music, past present and future, should have a platform on the wider traditional music scene. The Scottish dance band world boasts some of the most talented traditional musicians in the country and they deserve to take their place alongside other sections of the traditional music fraternity.
I saw the cameras on stage. What is 'Bees Nees Media' and can we look forward to a DVD? When?
Bees Nees Media is actually my company, we produce TV and Radio shows, mainly for the BBC. I recorded the show as much for personal reasons as anything else. Its not often you get the chance to assemble your musical heroes, past and present, so I couldn’t not record it. A DVD may be on the cards, it was very much a collaborative effort, so I'll be discussing it with the musicians involved and if there is a will to release it, then the Box and Fiddle will be the first to know.
Were you happy with the evening and the way things went?
I couldn’t have imagined it would go so well. I knew from the cast we had assembled that the music would be first class, but I think the mixture of styles, variety of line ups, a song or two and a great compere made for a memorable evening. I've been over the moon with the feedback from the audience on the night
Do you think there's potential to upgrade from the Strathclyde Suite (500) to the big auditorium (2,000) next year? Feedback on this year’s concert will be important to Celtic Connections - who should B&F readers who were there e-mail to support the idea?
I would love to move to the big auditorium. That would certainly be exciting and if we could fill that place, then we'd really have achieved something. We're also thinking about other places we could take the show. A lot of work went into the night and it would be a shame to only have one public performance. If readers want to pass on their comments to the festival then best email would be the PR department, [email protected]
I asked accordionist and compere for the evening John Carmichael how he felt it went :-
Alasdair's idea of the legends was to give the impression that they were actually there playing some of the sets they were famed for, hence announcing them as Jimmy Shand, Jim Johnstone etc and not just saying here is Ian Cruikshanks playing Jimmy Shand's hit tune Bluebell Polka etc.
I think it worked well and where appropriate the Band would do a couple of their own sets after the 'legend'.
One thing that stood out on the day for me was the very friendly 'chit chat' and cooperation amongst the players,
"Use my Mic., borrow my Box, etc ...the stories and experiences were the stuff of 'legends'.
Although the Annual Trad day in Perth in June features a good number of top Bands and soloists this event has gone further by increasing the number and variety of top musicians ( and singer!) plus adding the Legends tribute.
It certainly was an honour to be involved in the most exciting evening of our music that has been put together in a long, long time.
Here's to the next one ..Oh! and my thanks to Mickie Ainsworth and the late Jimmy Blue for some of the stories.
And what do the audience members who attended think? Well I asked a few and the first comments are from our own Iain Cathcart, who is presently in the throes of organizing our 40th Anniversary Ruby concert. Iain said "I was really looking forward to this concert after seeing the bill and it exceeded all my expectations. It was fantastic to see the cream of our type of music given a greater spotlight away from their usual environment. Alasdair and his team developed a very interesting idea and carried it off with a high level of professionalism.
It is hard to pick out favourites from the night, however Marie Fielding's rendition of Margaret Anne Robertson and the overall Powrie band sound was as near to the original sound as could be possible today. After the Games from MacCuish and Co was also sublime in its execution.
So many highlights to choose from. Just a superb evening's entertainment."
And from one of our younger generation of accordionists, Scott Nicoll from Pathhead :
I thoroughly enjoyed the Box and Fiddle event at Celtic Connections. All the musicians involved were first class and successfully created a sound which was specific to each band they were paying tribute to. Some of which bands I hadn't had the pleasure of listening to before the event such as the sound of Ian Powrie and Andrew Rankine. I felt that it was important for me as well as other up and coming musicians to be given the chance to listen to prolific sounds of the past from which Scottish Dance Band music has evolved in recent years. It was obvious that a lot of thought went into the sets chosen to represent each band, all of which I believe to be iconic - such as the 'Mrs McLeod of Raasay' set which was first aired by Jim Johnstone and the band.
Particular highlights for me included the 'Edinburgh Castle' set first recorded by Max Houliston, other sets include Bobby MacLeod's 'After the Games' set and the slow air played by Ian Powrie 'Margaret Anne Robertson'.
I would definitely like to see a repeat of the event as I believe that the intentions of creating the 'ultimate dance band mix tape' was well received by the entire audience which also adds to the diverse programme of events hosted during the Celtic Connections festival.
From David Coia “Hi Marie - was at the above last night - would just like to say it was absolutely outstanding - best Scottish gig I think I've ever been to! So thanks to you and all the others for a truly marvelous night out”.
And it wasn’t just the younger listeners who enjoyed it. I spoke to Mrs Margaret Stirling from Strathaven a few days later who said she had attended with an equally elderly neighbour. Both were uncertain about how it might go, but both were absolutely delighted with both the concert and equally important, the volume – it wasn’t too loud. As a Scottish Country Dancer of long standing Mrs Stirling knows her dance music and says they’ll have no hesitation about going next year.
So there it is – satisfied listeners and participants all round. Let’s hope, as Alasdair suggests, the show is taken out to other theatres in the months to come, and hopefully that it might appear on ‘Alba’ and as a DVD. Time will tell – but one thing’s for sure – WHEREVER YOU ARE, DON’T MISS IT.
Up Helly Aa 2012
by
This was the 9th such gathering…………….
Shand Morino Day
by
Photographs only – article in next issue.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Music for Old Time Dancing Vol 2 – Freeland Barbour – BONSCD702
Hameaboot – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicholson – CDMB014
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th March 12 – (Sunday only) Double Bill – Repeats – Graeme Mitchell SDB & Jim Lindsay SDB
10th March 12 – Neil Barron SDB (Instyra Concert)
17th March 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB (Inshyra Bands Competition)
24th March 12 – David Oswald SDB (Tribute to Lex Keith)
31st March 12 – OB from Helensburgh with Alasdair MacCuish & the Black Rose C.B.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th March 12 – Duncan Black & Marie Fielding
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th March 12 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th March 12 – AGM + Craigowl SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th March 12 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th March 12 – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicolson
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th March 12 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th March 12 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th March 12 – Iain Anderson Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th March 12 – David Corner & Friends
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th March 12 – Jim Lindsay SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Andy Kain Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th March 12 – Lyne Valley Quartet
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 5th March 12 – Burns Brothers Trio
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st March 12 – David Oswald SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 20th March 12 – Burns Brothers
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th March 12 – Paul Anderson
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st March 12 – Neil Caul SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th March 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Wayne Robertson duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th March 12 – Neil MacEachern SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th March 12 – Andrew Gibb Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th March 12 – Robert Nairn
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st March 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd March 12 – Neil Hardie SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th March 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th March 12 – Ian Muir Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 18th March 12 – Liam Stewart SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th March 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th March 12 – Balloch A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st March 12 – Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicolson
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th March 12 – George Meilke
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th March 12 – Gavin Piper
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th March 12 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th March 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 15th March 12 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th March 12 – Marian Anderson Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th March 12 – Ian Cameron & Friends
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th March 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th March 12 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 21st March 12 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th March 12 – Bob Liddle
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th March 12 – Johnny Duncan
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 7th March 12 – Declan aungier
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st March 12 – Marian Anderson SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th March 12 – Roger Dobson SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th March 12 – Liam Stewart Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st March 12 – Bon Accords
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th March 12 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th March 12 – Dick Black Band
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 10th March 12 – John Stuart SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th March 12 – Shona MacFadyen
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th March 12 – Halkirk SDB
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st March 12 – Ian Thomson SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th March 12 – Tom Alexander
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd 17th & 31st March 12 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th March 12 – Marian Anderson Trio
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th March 12 – Gordon Pattullo
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dunfermline
15. Duns
16. Forfar
17. Forres
18. Glendale
19. Gretna
20. Haddington
21. Highland
22. Inveraray
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Kelso
26. Ladybank
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Maine Valley
31. Montrose
32. Newtongrange
33. Northern
34. Oban
35. Peebles
36. Perth
37. Renfrew
38. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Sutherland
42. Thornhill
43. Thurso
44. West Barnes
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
59 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
60. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
61. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Back Page (colour) - £300
Full Page (colour) - £220
Full Page (b&w) - £140
Half Page (colour) - £110
Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
Quarter Page (b&w) - £35
Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12