Box and Fiddle Year 01 No 02
November 1977
Price 10p
8 pages
Editor - Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer
Editorial Comment
Once again you have given great support to you paper ; so much has come in that some items have been kept for another issue.
We have two problems. One that assumed alarming proportions is the cost of the postage. I feel obliged to ask those Clubs who can afford to, to refund the postage of their quota to our Treasurer, D. Ross. This would be a tremendous help.
The other problem I must mention, other clubs (and quite rightly) meet throughout the whole of each month, but this means that the publication date for some Clubs will be most awkward, especially those that meet at the end and start of the month. There is no way round this problem at the moment. The only suggestion I can make is if there is a friendly newsagent nearly who would sell over the counter. This would mean that the Club’s ‘Box and Fiddles’ would be on sale all the time and a few days before your meeting the remainder could be uplifted and sold on the night.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend two of our Clubs for their ‘extra mural’ activities. Livingston, for their efforts for the handicapped and Dundee for their work with and for Carrbridge Community Council.
The Guest Artiste List will not be published in the ‘B&F’, instead, each Club will get their copy direct from HQ. The reason is to stop other people from using the list without paying the Association’s £10 fee.
Will Club Secretaries please note the ‘Story’ articles on pages 7 and 8. It would be an impossible task for me to interview all the interesting people that abound. If you have someone of interest in your area surely you can find someone to do the job. After the interview, the copy is sent back to the subject for correction and approval and when that is done it is ready to be sent to the Editor.
The deadline for the next edition will be 10th December , 1977.
Ian Smith
From the Treasurer
It is a long time since I had the pleasure of being involved in such an enthusiastic venture as the ‘Box and Fiddle’ has turned out to be. I have had so many people from musical and other circles telephoning and writing to express their appreciation of our monthly newspaper that I would like to take the opportunity which the paper provides to sincerely thank them.
There are one or two points which Ian and I will have to look into which I hope will improve the running of the system we are operating, and I must say that the co-operation from all the Clubs so far who have participated has been ideal.
In my opinion the newspaper was introduced at the right time, a time when I felt that the Association needed a shot in the arm (although some may say they needed shot) and this will surely erase the usual question at our A.G.M. of what is the Association doing? I look forward to a busy winter season but a very interesting one.
Congratulations to all the Accordion Clubs in their initial support and trust they keep it up.
Yours sincerely,
David Ross (Treasurer)
Edinburgh Accordion Festival
The Edinburgh Accordion Festival was held in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh on Saturday, 8th October, 1977. This was the third year of the Festival, but the first year it has been held in the Brunton Halls, and it is sincerely hoped to keep the Festival in the Halls permanently.
The entries were up this year from last, there were 80 entries and they came from quite a wide area – Selkirk, Dumfries, Haddington, Penicuik, Ormskirk and Perth.
Mrs Chrissie Leatham, who organizes the Festival, also appreciated the large amount of entries from West Lothian, Bathgate, Broxburn, Blackburn, Whitburn and Falkirk. It was hoped that next year’s entries will, especially the Scottish sections, increase, as there are two very fine trophies for the junior and senior Scottish sections.
The adjudicators were Jim Johnstone and David Stewart and they had a very difficult task as the standard in all sections was very high
The concert in the evening was a big success, with Angus Cameron’s Band doing a first class job in providing good Scottish music. The Wilson Brothers provided a contrast in music by playing guitars and singing some modern numbers and also a comedy routine which was appreciated very much by the audience.
The Bill Hamilton Scottish Country Dancers provided the audience with a fine display of country dancing. Christine Leatham and Joyce Crombie delighted the audience with their duet on their accordions and Bobby Colgan did a great job compering and providing the audience with a good laugh, especially when he appeared in his ‘nicky tams’ and his rendering of ‘the Bonnie Lass o’ Fyvie’ was hilarious, so the concert is now a must for anyone who is interested in Scottish music.
Prize winners were :
Elementary solo –
1. David Wilson (Blackridge)
2. David Collie (Edinburgh)
3. Janek Kowalski (Edinburgh)
12 Years and Under Solo –
1. Yvonne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. Stuart Hood (Ormiston)
3. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Intermediate Solo –
1. Ian Horsburgh (Blackridge)
2. Robert Black (Stanley near Perth)
3. Ian Brown (whitburn)
Advanced Solo –
1. Geraldo Crolla (Edinburgh)
2. Keith Wilson (Edinburgh)
3. Robert McDonald (Whitburn)
Elementary Duet –
1. Lynda Byrne & Helen McGuire (Edinburgh)
2. Audrey & Gordon Wardlaw (Edinburgh)
3. Graeme Crozier & John Howden (Edinburgh)
Intermediate Duet –
1. Keith & Lynda Lynas (Penicuik)
2. George & Joan Hennys (Edinburgh)
12 Years and Under (Scottish)
1. Duncan Black (Stanley)
2. Neil McIvor (Bathgate)
3. Derek Rae (Uphall)
Junior Scottish (The Alec Ross Memorial Cup)
1. Robert Black (Stanley)
2. Keith Wilson (Edinburgh)
3. Michael Wynn (Bathgate)
Senior Scottish –
1. Tommy Pringle (Selkirk)
2. Marian Wilson (Berwick-on-Tweed)
3. William Currie (Dumfries)
The Ian Holmes Story
By Ian Smith (Editor)
If it had not been for one of those quirks of nature, there would have been no Ian Holmes Scottish Dance Band or Ian Holmes accordionist period. Born 42 years ago in Dumfries, he was second in a family of three, having a younger sister Etta, and an older brother, Archie.
At the age of 13 one of those quirks happened. Archie’s pal, Tommy Donohue, left his 12 bass piano accordion in their house for a few days. When no-one was looking Ian tried it out and found to his delight that it came naturally to him and he played his first tune ‘The Auld Hoose’ purely on the black notes. Up to this time he had shown absolutely no musical aptitude, and dad had given up the long struggle to teach him the ‘moothie’. The accordion was his instrument and it didn’t take him long to find out the pattern of the bass to the treble. Soon he was in demand for concerts, weddings and small dances at 10/- per night. After about a year he met Will Starr who advised him to learn to read music and he was put to a teacher. Ian will be forever grateful for the tuition and encouragement given by Alex Carter, himself a very capable musician, composer and arranger.
Magic Sound
After a thorough grounding for about a year and a half, Ian carried on himself. When other boys were playing, he was practising. Eventually, he met fiddler Jimmy Ross and played with him in several local bands. During this time the broadcasting Scottish Dance Bands often played at dances in Dumfriesshire. As the family hadn’t a car, it was sometimes difficult to attend these dances, but there was always a way. He remembers the first time he heard Bobby MacLeod at Moniaive. It was at the last minute his pal, Max Houliston, manager to arrange a lift there, but the ‘magic’ sound of Bobby’s accordion and Pibroch MacKenzie’s fiddle was worth all the nail-biting and to make it even greater, Ian played Bobby’s accordion at half time.
Incidentally, he eventually bought the ‘box’ and still has it. About this time he met button-accordionist Charlie Murray from Kinross. Purely self taught, but a very clever player he gave Ian many tips on how the bass should be used.
In January, 1956, he went as a guest player with Bobby MacLeod’s band and in April that year he left to do his National Service with the R.A.F. Most of the time was spent at West Freugh, Stranraer.
The accordion was more of less put aside but he was kept up-to-date with the musical news in regular letters from Bert Shorthouse and Ian Powrie. He did find time to compose his first tune ‘the Queen of the South Polka’. This was written at 4 o’clock in the morning on the way back to camp. It has recently been recorded by Shetland’s Hamefarers Band.
In 1957, an R.A.F. pal, Ted Hayes, took him home to Dublin on leave and he got ‘hooked’ on Irish music, coming home with a load of records, including Sean Maguire playing the Mason’s Apron.
Also in 1957he won the Scottish Championships at Perth, playing ‘MacLeod of Mull’, ‘Cutty’s Wedding’ and ‘Duncan Lamont’. Just time to collect his cup and shield from Jimmy Shand and then rush back to Stranraer.
He finished his National Service in 1958 and did his first broadcast solo from Glasgow in the show called ‘Almost Brand New’ and bought his first Hohner Morino.
In December of that year he married Margaret Bell, to whom he had been introduced by Angus Fitchet. Margaret is also a very keen accordionist and country dancer. She did her first broadcast last year and she recently got a ‘first’ at the Langholm Accordion Competition.
At this time Ian was often sitting in with bands such as Bobby MacLeod, Jimmy Shand, Ian Powrie, the Hawthorne, Angus Fitchet and Alasdair Downie. Ian considers that these were great bands and that their individuality and high standard has never been surpassed.
In 1960 he moved to Stenhousemuir where he joined Andrew Rankine’s Band. They frequently broadcast and traveled extensively, and Ian shared the driving with Andrew. With a lot of the playing done in England, they were long journeys but always cheery ones, laughing at the patter of drummer Billy Thom and bass player Tom McTague. Ian arranged for the Rankine Band. He gave the waltzes a unique sound as the bass player used to bow instead of the usual plucking of the strings.
Continental Style
In 1961, daughter Rhona was born. One Monday the band were to record for the BBC. On the Sunday night Ian sat up late and composed and arranged a continental style tune which was called, for the new baby ‘Petite Ronabelle’. The tune was recorded by the band and is now included in Ian’s book ‘The Gay Accordion’.
In 1963, Ian started broadcasting with his own band. With him in the 5 piece outfit were Kenny Wilson (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Bert Leishman (drums). Kenny and Stan still play with Ian.
About six months ago they made their first LP called ‘Let’s Have a Party’. To date they have made 14 records, but Ian has lost count of the broadcasts.
Also in 1963, daughter Mhorag came along and she had a tune composed for her – ‘Mhorag’s Reel’ and this has been broadcast by several bands.
With his band he played mostly in the north and west coast of Scotland, and he did all the driving.
A typical Friday was coachbuilding from 7.30 till 12, home for a quick lunch, and then away with the band, driving from 1 o’clock till 8.30pm, an evening meal and then playing from 10pm – 3am.
Up early the next day to drive to Aberdeen for a broadcast and then down to Friockheim to play at a dance and then straight home afterwards. He once left Dumfries at 6.30am and arrived in Portree, Isle of Skye, just in time to play at a ceilidh and dance starting at 7.30pm.
Once, while on their way to do a broadcast from Aberdeen, in torrential rain, the wiper motor broke down at Inverness and drummer Bill Duncan saved the day by pulling on two strings which went out the side windows and attached to the wiper blades. His timing on the strings was as good as on the drums.
Eventually Ian felt he had to make a break and take things easy so he and Margaret moved back to Dumfries. For two years he worked as a coach-builder, then he was put out of work and on the dole. Then came a job as a demonstrator in a music shop with playing as a part time hobby.Even after moving to Dumfries the band stayed together . Kenny Wilson is from Leadhills, Bobby McNeillie, accordionist, from Glasgow, Bill Hendry, pianist, from Falkirk, Stan Saunders, bass, from Dollar and drummer Gordon Young from Penicuik. Because they have played together so long they have the perfect blend.
In 1973, Ian and Margaret opened their own music shop in Glasgow Street, Dumfries, and 1976 saw the opening of their second branch in Galloway Street. Rhona is now secretary to the family business. Here the story ends for the time being.
Ian is a popular guest artist at Accordion Clubs, always ready to show the youngsters what can be achieved by practice and dedication.
To finish, a wee anecdote.
It was in 1958, while on honeymoon at Bobby MacLeod’s Mishnish Hotel in Tobermory, that he was listening to Bobby play, and by good luck the tape recorder was running. Bobby played a very fine reel which Ian learned but which he played only occasionally over the years.
In 1975 while looking for tunes to make an LP he stumbled across the tape. He contacted Bobby with a view to using the reel and was taken aback to find that he had forgotten it. He’s composed it but it had no title. That was quickly remedied and it became ‘Jean’s Reel’ for Bobby’s wife.
Ian arranged for Jackie Johnstone to devise a dance to suit the tune. Mach the same story can be told about Ian’s signature tune ‘The Moving Cloud’. The first two parts he’d had on tape for years played by an Irish fiddler and he composed the third and fourth parts.
Both these tunes have become Scottish favourites.
The Arthur Spink Story
By Ian Smith
Arthur Spink was born of St Patrick’s Day – 17th March 1943, He started playing accordion at the age of five, and by the time he was twelve he had won the East of Scotland, Scottish and Classical Music Festival at Perth.
He made many amateur and semi-professional appearances including regularly playing woth Angus Fitchet’s Band. He tuned professional in 1959, much against the wishes of his parents who wanted him to finish his studies as a French/German teachers. However, he had no cause to regret his decision, having played almost every big theatre and cabaret spot in Scotland, toured Canada and America 17 times and played the Carnegie Hell, New Your, five times.
To date he has 16 LP’s to his name. he has only just recently joined Emerald Records and his first LP on this label brings out the unique sound which is Arthur Spink.
Although he travels widely he is always glad to return to his native Dundee where his wife Ray and two sons – Arthur Jnr and Steven - are permanently based.
His ambition has always been to write and arrange his own brand of music and he hopes that his recent achievement to this end on the Emerald label will please his many fans throughout the world.
The Charlie Cowie Story
By Ian Smith
Charlie Cowie has turned out to be one of Scotland’s finest fiddlers. Born in 1933, he was the youngest of five brothers. His father, in his day, played and taught the pipes and his spare time hobby was the fiddle. It was this fiddle that at the age of ten, Charlie started out with. Three of Charlie’s brothers were pipers in the 5th Battalion H.L.I., one becoming Pipe Major.
His first teacher was Mr Bryson of Rutherglen. He had to walk 2½ miles for his lesson. At first he couldn’t tune the fiddle but after a five-mile walk he soon learned. A chance then came to join the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society (in those days competition was intense just to get in). The teacher was Tam Sinclair Ray, one of the old school where practice makes perfection.
The Society met once a week yet sometimes they had to learn as many as 20 tunes and woe betide if they hadn’t practiced. He was there for five years during which he won three Glasgow Junior Mods, one Glasgow Senior Mod and the Glasgow Strathspey and Reel Cup. This was when he developed his fantastic memory for tunes, yet when he left, the first band that he joined was a swing and jazz group who modeled themselves on Stephane Grapelli. This took him up to and including two years National Service, and after that he formed his owm group and for a couple of years he played in a Glasgow restaurant. All this time Charlie had not the faintest notion of what he calls ‘teuchter’ music, that is until one night returning from his restaurant gig he heard the once familiar strains coming from St. Andrew’s Hall. Looking in he saw an old friend belting it out on the accordion, Lex Keith. Charlie wanted to go in and join him but had to pay at the door. (He reckons he’s the only artist who’s ever had to pay to play). Once in, out came the fiddle and for two hours it was all go as they came back to him. Later they were joined by Ian McDonald who lead the Scottish claymore Dance Band. From then on he was hooked and played with the ‘Claymore’ Dance Band. Ian McDonald now lived in Dunvegan. The next stop was with the Ron Silver Trio, and whilst here they got the chance to audition for Ben Lyons of the BBC, practising every night for a fortnight on five tunes. They were successful, but had another rush as the broadcast was for an hour. Over the next couple of years he took part in a radio show called ‘Heather Mixture’ with Jimmy shand and also some ‘White Heather’ shows with Andy Stewart.
In 1961 he got married to Joyce, a Stranraer girl, and they met in of all places, Ireland. Charlie was doing a one-off with Arthur Murray and the Ritchie Fitzgerald Ceili Band. The compere was Bob McClintock. Joyce was on holiday at Bundoran and being a cousin of Bob, it was not long before Charlie and Joyce got together. They now have a son and a daughter. His son Jim is carrying on the musical tradition, his instrument at the moment is the baritone but daughter Nicola doesn’t appear to have chosen an instrument yet.
Charlie was now touring the Highlands with Calum Kennedy and Bill Geddes (vocals and guitar), then a summer season with Calum at Perth, later teaming up with Kenny Thomson of Belfast (accordion), to do an extended season at the New Metropole. They stayed together four years doing mainly theatre work.
There was a lot of part-time here and Charlie took other work, such as labouring, lorry driving, door-to-door salesman, window cleaning and a lot more besides. His own trade, by the way, being Optical Engineer, a rather dull job, so Charlie reckons.
The next stage was with a trio called the ‘Albanach’ which was formed basically to accompany on the Gaelic TV programme ‘Se-Ur-Beatha’ (You Are Welcome). This was to herald the most hectic time of their lives. In between ‘Se-Ur-Beatha’ they did gigs up and down the west coast as well as recording with Bobby MacLeod and Andrew Rankine. At various times with John Carmichael, George Darling, and Noel Eadie. (Noel won this years Silver Pendant at the Mod in Golspie). Dances, concerts, folk clubs, radio they were in great demand all over the north and west.
In 1963 the White Heather Club did a special Hallowe’en Show composed by R.Y. Bell, composer of the ‘Song of the Clyde’. Among many of the engagements was a tour of the Home Counties with Andrew Rankine and Alasdair Gillies culminating with a concert in the Albert Hall. The band comprised Ray Milbourne and Jim Johnstone. In 1967 at the Edinburgh Festival a fortnight with Norman McLean in the Saltire Rooms. (Names dropped from Charlie’s lips like a Scottish Who’s Who – who doesn’t he know?)
Some of the happiest moments were spent in what Charlie calls his attempts up the west coast. He ruined two cars with the road and the weather. In these tours the base was generally at Plockton, at the home of Edmund McKenzie, a fantastic follower of Scottish Country dance music, a fan and a great friend who would not think twice about travelling a hundred miles to hear the music and be back in time for his work next day. Unfortunately, Edmund, through a series of accidents has lost the sight of both eyes, but nothing daunted he still runs his own craft shop in Plockton. This was the first time that Charlie played with a piper, Ian McFadyen, who is now the Wester Ross Schools Piping Instructor.
All this hectic running about wouldn’t have been possible without the help from his wife Joyce, always in the background, yet always at hand when wanted. This was two years of non-stop activity and the time came to take stock. They decided to ‘drop-out’ to a quieter life to recoup and recharge their batteries and have more home life with the children, so they headed for Stranraer where he found himself behind the counter of his father-in-laws grocer’s shop. Eventually when his father-in-law retired, he and Joyce took over the shop. Jimmy still looks in now and again just to keep them in order.
In 1975 Charlie was invited to form a group to represent Scotland in the ‘Harp Lager Worls Fiddle Championships Dundalk International Maytime Festival’. Greatly to Scotland and Charlie’s credit, they won the overall championship cup. The group was John Carmichael (accordion), Charlie (fiddle) Billy Craib (bass) and Dr Angus McDonald (pipes).
Although Charlie has slowed down he definitely has not retired. He has found time to do an LP with John Carmichael called ‘Westwards’ on the Lismore label. Indeed he has his first solo LP coming out at the beginning of December on the same label. He takes a keen interest in the Stranraer Accordion Club and started up and runs the Stranraer Strathspey and Reel Club, where he will welcome newcomers, especially the younger ones. He sees a future for the young ones.
Charlie has packed so much into life that he could fill the whole Box and Fiddle with his anecdotes and a whole host of people not mentioned so far. I say so far, knowing Charlie there will be lots more to come.
Hayfield Two-Step
By Ian Duncan
I was most interested to read in the report from the Straiton Club that the Hayfield Two-step was among the selection played by their guest artist for it was only a coincidence that this tune ever came to light at all.
I was on holiday in Shetland about seven years ago when Ronnie Cooper arrived at my hotel with a new tune which he wanted written down. The only piece of manuscript readily to hand was a sheet on which I had scribbled the idea for a tune which had come to me a week or so before.
Also staying on holiday in the hotel was Jimmy Lindsay, the bandleader from Glenalmond, complete with accordion, so who better to play over Ronnie’s new tune to see if it was written correctly. After a few runs through the tune, Jimmy idly turned the sheet over, played the scribbles on the other side and took a liking to it. A few notes altered and we had a brand new, nameless two-step. As the place in which it had been discovered was called the Hayfield Hotel what was more appropriate than for it to be called the Hayfield Two-step, but if it had not been for the simple turning of a page the tune would probably still be lying at the bottom of some drawer completely forgotten about.
Record reviews
by Derek Hamilton
The Magic Box of Arthur Spink – Emerald Gem GES1170
Maestro MacLeod, featuring Bobby MacLeod with Billy Thom – Emerald Gem GES1171
Ian Holmes and his Band Lismor LILP5086
On Top of the World – Stuart Anderson – Lismor LILP5080
Rob Gordon’s Tune Tonic – Nevis NEV LP 123
Westward – John Carmichael’s Ceilidh Band – Lismor LILP 5083
Vive L’Accordeon – Gilbert Roussel – Musicdisc CV 1007
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) 29th Nov 77 Arthur Spink
Beith (Anderson Hotel) 21st Nov The Lothian Scottish Dance Band
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) 3rd Nov 77 Dermot O’Brien
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom) 1st Nov 77 Ron Gonella 6th Dec 77 Jimmy Blue
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford) 14th Nov 77 Jim Johnstone SDB 12th Dec 77 Stuart Anderson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) 17th Nov 77 – Bobby Crowe and his Band
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) 2nd Nov 77 Dermot O’Brien
Keith (Seafield Arms Hotel) 1st Nov 77 Bill Black 6th Dec 77 Ron Gonella
Kelso (Queen’s Hotel) 30th Nov 77 Billy Anderson SDB
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) 17th Nov 77 Currie Brothers 15th Dec 77 Charlie Cowie
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) 29th Nov 77 Angus Cameron
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull) 2nd Nov 77 Mickey Ainsworth
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Bill Black
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn) 16th Nov 77 John McGregor SDB
Oban (Park Hotel) 2nd Nov 77 Willie Simpson Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Wick Scottish Dance Band
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Walter Perrie 12th Dec 77 Kelvin Ceilidh Band
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) 7th Nov 77 Bobby MacLeod 6th Dec 77 Bobby Crowe
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel) 1st Nov 77 Alan Coulston Trio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) 15th Nov 77 John Crawford 20th Dec 77 The Wick Fiddlers
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Beith & District
3. Dundee & District
4. Dunfermline & District
5. Galston
6. Glendale
7. Highland / Inverness
8. Keith
9. Kelso
10. Livingston
11. Lockerbie
12. M.A.F.I.A.
13. Newton St Boswells
14. North Cumbria
15. Oban
16. Perth & District
17. Renfrew
18. Stranraer
19. Torthorwald
20. Wick
BASED ON THE ABOVE THE FULL CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT NOVEMBER 1977 BECOMES :-
1. Aberdeen A&F Club
2. Alnwick A&F Club
3. Balloch A&F Club
4. Banff & District A&F Club
5. Beith & District A&F Club
6. Bonchester Accordion Club
7. Buchan A&F Club
8. Cumbria Accordion Club
9. Dumfries Accordion Club (Hole in the Wa’)
10. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club
11. Dunblane & District A&F Club
12. Dundee & District A&F Club
13. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
14. Fintry A&F Club
15. Galston A&F Club
16. Glendale Accordion Club
17. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
18. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
19. Kelso A&F Club
20. Langholm A&F Club
21. Livingston A&F Club
22. Lockerbie A&F Club
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. Newcastleton Accordion Club
25. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
26. North East A&F Club (aka Keith Club)
27. Oban A&F Club
28. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
29. Perth & District A&F Club
30. Renfrew A&F Club
31. Rothbury Accordion club
32. Straiton Accordion Club
33. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
34. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
35. Wick A&F Club
Once again you have given great support to you paper ; so much has come in that some items have been kept for another issue.
We have two problems. One that assumed alarming proportions is the cost of the postage. I feel obliged to ask those Clubs who can afford to, to refund the postage of their quota to our Treasurer, D. Ross. This would be a tremendous help.
The other problem I must mention, other clubs (and quite rightly) meet throughout the whole of each month, but this means that the publication date for some Clubs will be most awkward, especially those that meet at the end and start of the month. There is no way round this problem at the moment. The only suggestion I can make is if there is a friendly newsagent nearly who would sell over the counter. This would mean that the Club’s ‘Box and Fiddles’ would be on sale all the time and a few days before your meeting the remainder could be uplifted and sold on the night.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend two of our Clubs for their ‘extra mural’ activities. Livingston, for their efforts for the handicapped and Dundee for their work with and for Carrbridge Community Council.
The Guest Artiste List will not be published in the ‘B&F’, instead, each Club will get their copy direct from HQ. The reason is to stop other people from using the list without paying the Association’s £10 fee.
Will Club Secretaries please note the ‘Story’ articles on pages 7 and 8. It would be an impossible task for me to interview all the interesting people that abound. If you have someone of interest in your area surely you can find someone to do the job. After the interview, the copy is sent back to the subject for correction and approval and when that is done it is ready to be sent to the Editor.
The deadline for the next edition will be 10th December , 1977.
Ian Smith
From the Treasurer
It is a long time since I had the pleasure of being involved in such an enthusiastic venture as the ‘Box and Fiddle’ has turned out to be. I have had so many people from musical and other circles telephoning and writing to express their appreciation of our monthly newspaper that I would like to take the opportunity which the paper provides to sincerely thank them.
There are one or two points which Ian and I will have to look into which I hope will improve the running of the system we are operating, and I must say that the co-operation from all the Clubs so far who have participated has been ideal.
In my opinion the newspaper was introduced at the right time, a time when I felt that the Association needed a shot in the arm (although some may say they needed shot) and this will surely erase the usual question at our A.G.M. of what is the Association doing? I look forward to a busy winter season but a very interesting one.
Congratulations to all the Accordion Clubs in their initial support and trust they keep it up.
Yours sincerely,
David Ross (Treasurer)
Edinburgh Accordion Festival
The Edinburgh Accordion Festival was held in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh on Saturday, 8th October, 1977. This was the third year of the Festival, but the first year it has been held in the Brunton Halls, and it is sincerely hoped to keep the Festival in the Halls permanently.
The entries were up this year from last, there were 80 entries and they came from quite a wide area – Selkirk, Dumfries, Haddington, Penicuik, Ormskirk and Perth.
Mrs Chrissie Leatham, who organizes the Festival, also appreciated the large amount of entries from West Lothian, Bathgate, Broxburn, Blackburn, Whitburn and Falkirk. It was hoped that next year’s entries will, especially the Scottish sections, increase, as there are two very fine trophies for the junior and senior Scottish sections.
The adjudicators were Jim Johnstone and David Stewart and they had a very difficult task as the standard in all sections was very high
The concert in the evening was a big success, with Angus Cameron’s Band doing a first class job in providing good Scottish music. The Wilson Brothers provided a contrast in music by playing guitars and singing some modern numbers and also a comedy routine which was appreciated very much by the audience.
The Bill Hamilton Scottish Country Dancers provided the audience with a fine display of country dancing. Christine Leatham and Joyce Crombie delighted the audience with their duet on their accordions and Bobby Colgan did a great job compering and providing the audience with a good laugh, especially when he appeared in his ‘nicky tams’ and his rendering of ‘the Bonnie Lass o’ Fyvie’ was hilarious, so the concert is now a must for anyone who is interested in Scottish music.
Prize winners were :
Elementary solo –
1. David Wilson (Blackridge)
2. David Collie (Edinburgh)
3. Janek Kowalski (Edinburgh)
12 Years and Under Solo –
1. Yvonne Mathieson (Blackburn)
2. Stuart Hood (Ormiston)
3. Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Intermediate Solo –
1. Ian Horsburgh (Blackridge)
2. Robert Black (Stanley near Perth)
3. Ian Brown (whitburn)
Advanced Solo –
1. Geraldo Crolla (Edinburgh)
2. Keith Wilson (Edinburgh)
3. Robert McDonald (Whitburn)
Elementary Duet –
1. Lynda Byrne & Helen McGuire (Edinburgh)
2. Audrey & Gordon Wardlaw (Edinburgh)
3. Graeme Crozier & John Howden (Edinburgh)
Intermediate Duet –
1. Keith & Lynda Lynas (Penicuik)
2. George & Joan Hennys (Edinburgh)
12 Years and Under (Scottish)
1. Duncan Black (Stanley)
2. Neil McIvor (Bathgate)
3. Derek Rae (Uphall)
Junior Scottish (The Alec Ross Memorial Cup)
1. Robert Black (Stanley)
2. Keith Wilson (Edinburgh)
3. Michael Wynn (Bathgate)
Senior Scottish –
1. Tommy Pringle (Selkirk)
2. Marian Wilson (Berwick-on-Tweed)
3. William Currie (Dumfries)
The Ian Holmes Story
By Ian Smith (Editor)
If it had not been for one of those quirks of nature, there would have been no Ian Holmes Scottish Dance Band or Ian Holmes accordionist period. Born 42 years ago in Dumfries, he was second in a family of three, having a younger sister Etta, and an older brother, Archie.
At the age of 13 one of those quirks happened. Archie’s pal, Tommy Donohue, left his 12 bass piano accordion in their house for a few days. When no-one was looking Ian tried it out and found to his delight that it came naturally to him and he played his first tune ‘The Auld Hoose’ purely on the black notes. Up to this time he had shown absolutely no musical aptitude, and dad had given up the long struggle to teach him the ‘moothie’. The accordion was his instrument and it didn’t take him long to find out the pattern of the bass to the treble. Soon he was in demand for concerts, weddings and small dances at 10/- per night. After about a year he met Will Starr who advised him to learn to read music and he was put to a teacher. Ian will be forever grateful for the tuition and encouragement given by Alex Carter, himself a very capable musician, composer and arranger.
Magic Sound
After a thorough grounding for about a year and a half, Ian carried on himself. When other boys were playing, he was practising. Eventually, he met fiddler Jimmy Ross and played with him in several local bands. During this time the broadcasting Scottish Dance Bands often played at dances in Dumfriesshire. As the family hadn’t a car, it was sometimes difficult to attend these dances, but there was always a way. He remembers the first time he heard Bobby MacLeod at Moniaive. It was at the last minute his pal, Max Houliston, manager to arrange a lift there, but the ‘magic’ sound of Bobby’s accordion and Pibroch MacKenzie’s fiddle was worth all the nail-biting and to make it even greater, Ian played Bobby’s accordion at half time.
Incidentally, he eventually bought the ‘box’ and still has it. About this time he met button-accordionist Charlie Murray from Kinross. Purely self taught, but a very clever player he gave Ian many tips on how the bass should be used.
In January, 1956, he went as a guest player with Bobby MacLeod’s band and in April that year he left to do his National Service with the R.A.F. Most of the time was spent at West Freugh, Stranraer.
The accordion was more of less put aside but he was kept up-to-date with the musical news in regular letters from Bert Shorthouse and Ian Powrie. He did find time to compose his first tune ‘the Queen of the South Polka’. This was written at 4 o’clock in the morning on the way back to camp. It has recently been recorded by Shetland’s Hamefarers Band.
In 1957, an R.A.F. pal, Ted Hayes, took him home to Dublin on leave and he got ‘hooked’ on Irish music, coming home with a load of records, including Sean Maguire playing the Mason’s Apron.
Also in 1957he won the Scottish Championships at Perth, playing ‘MacLeod of Mull’, ‘Cutty’s Wedding’ and ‘Duncan Lamont’. Just time to collect his cup and shield from Jimmy Shand and then rush back to Stranraer.
He finished his National Service in 1958 and did his first broadcast solo from Glasgow in the show called ‘Almost Brand New’ and bought his first Hohner Morino.
In December of that year he married Margaret Bell, to whom he had been introduced by Angus Fitchet. Margaret is also a very keen accordionist and country dancer. She did her first broadcast last year and she recently got a ‘first’ at the Langholm Accordion Competition.
At this time Ian was often sitting in with bands such as Bobby MacLeod, Jimmy Shand, Ian Powrie, the Hawthorne, Angus Fitchet and Alasdair Downie. Ian considers that these were great bands and that their individuality and high standard has never been surpassed.
In 1960 he moved to Stenhousemuir where he joined Andrew Rankine’s Band. They frequently broadcast and traveled extensively, and Ian shared the driving with Andrew. With a lot of the playing done in England, they were long journeys but always cheery ones, laughing at the patter of drummer Billy Thom and bass player Tom McTague. Ian arranged for the Rankine Band. He gave the waltzes a unique sound as the bass player used to bow instead of the usual plucking of the strings.
Continental Style
In 1961, daughter Rhona was born. One Monday the band were to record for the BBC. On the Sunday night Ian sat up late and composed and arranged a continental style tune which was called, for the new baby ‘Petite Ronabelle’. The tune was recorded by the band and is now included in Ian’s book ‘The Gay Accordion’.
In 1963, Ian started broadcasting with his own band. With him in the 5 piece outfit were Kenny Wilson (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Bert Leishman (drums). Kenny and Stan still play with Ian.
About six months ago they made their first LP called ‘Let’s Have a Party’. To date they have made 14 records, but Ian has lost count of the broadcasts.
Also in 1963, daughter Mhorag came along and she had a tune composed for her – ‘Mhorag’s Reel’ and this has been broadcast by several bands.
With his band he played mostly in the north and west coast of Scotland, and he did all the driving.
A typical Friday was coachbuilding from 7.30 till 12, home for a quick lunch, and then away with the band, driving from 1 o’clock till 8.30pm, an evening meal and then playing from 10pm – 3am.
Up early the next day to drive to Aberdeen for a broadcast and then down to Friockheim to play at a dance and then straight home afterwards. He once left Dumfries at 6.30am and arrived in Portree, Isle of Skye, just in time to play at a ceilidh and dance starting at 7.30pm.
Once, while on their way to do a broadcast from Aberdeen, in torrential rain, the wiper motor broke down at Inverness and drummer Bill Duncan saved the day by pulling on two strings which went out the side windows and attached to the wiper blades. His timing on the strings was as good as on the drums.
Eventually Ian felt he had to make a break and take things easy so he and Margaret moved back to Dumfries. For two years he worked as a coach-builder, then he was put out of work and on the dole. Then came a job as a demonstrator in a music shop with playing as a part time hobby.Even after moving to Dumfries the band stayed together . Kenny Wilson is from Leadhills, Bobby McNeillie, accordionist, from Glasgow, Bill Hendry, pianist, from Falkirk, Stan Saunders, bass, from Dollar and drummer Gordon Young from Penicuik. Because they have played together so long they have the perfect blend.
In 1973, Ian and Margaret opened their own music shop in Glasgow Street, Dumfries, and 1976 saw the opening of their second branch in Galloway Street. Rhona is now secretary to the family business. Here the story ends for the time being.
Ian is a popular guest artist at Accordion Clubs, always ready to show the youngsters what can be achieved by practice and dedication.
To finish, a wee anecdote.
It was in 1958, while on honeymoon at Bobby MacLeod’s Mishnish Hotel in Tobermory, that he was listening to Bobby play, and by good luck the tape recorder was running. Bobby played a very fine reel which Ian learned but which he played only occasionally over the years.
In 1975 while looking for tunes to make an LP he stumbled across the tape. He contacted Bobby with a view to using the reel and was taken aback to find that he had forgotten it. He’s composed it but it had no title. That was quickly remedied and it became ‘Jean’s Reel’ for Bobby’s wife.
Ian arranged for Jackie Johnstone to devise a dance to suit the tune. Mach the same story can be told about Ian’s signature tune ‘The Moving Cloud’. The first two parts he’d had on tape for years played by an Irish fiddler and he composed the third and fourth parts.
Both these tunes have become Scottish favourites.
The Arthur Spink Story
By Ian Smith
Arthur Spink was born of St Patrick’s Day – 17th March 1943, He started playing accordion at the age of five, and by the time he was twelve he had won the East of Scotland, Scottish and Classical Music Festival at Perth.
He made many amateur and semi-professional appearances including regularly playing woth Angus Fitchet’s Band. He tuned professional in 1959, much against the wishes of his parents who wanted him to finish his studies as a French/German teachers. However, he had no cause to regret his decision, having played almost every big theatre and cabaret spot in Scotland, toured Canada and America 17 times and played the Carnegie Hell, New Your, five times.
To date he has 16 LP’s to his name. he has only just recently joined Emerald Records and his first LP on this label brings out the unique sound which is Arthur Spink.
Although he travels widely he is always glad to return to his native Dundee where his wife Ray and two sons – Arthur Jnr and Steven - are permanently based.
His ambition has always been to write and arrange his own brand of music and he hopes that his recent achievement to this end on the Emerald label will please his many fans throughout the world.
The Charlie Cowie Story
By Ian Smith
Charlie Cowie has turned out to be one of Scotland’s finest fiddlers. Born in 1933, he was the youngest of five brothers. His father, in his day, played and taught the pipes and his spare time hobby was the fiddle. It was this fiddle that at the age of ten, Charlie started out with. Three of Charlie’s brothers were pipers in the 5th Battalion H.L.I., one becoming Pipe Major.
His first teacher was Mr Bryson of Rutherglen. He had to walk 2½ miles for his lesson. At first he couldn’t tune the fiddle but after a five-mile walk he soon learned. A chance then came to join the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society (in those days competition was intense just to get in). The teacher was Tam Sinclair Ray, one of the old school where practice makes perfection.
The Society met once a week yet sometimes they had to learn as many as 20 tunes and woe betide if they hadn’t practiced. He was there for five years during which he won three Glasgow Junior Mods, one Glasgow Senior Mod and the Glasgow Strathspey and Reel Cup. This was when he developed his fantastic memory for tunes, yet when he left, the first band that he joined was a swing and jazz group who modeled themselves on Stephane Grapelli. This took him up to and including two years National Service, and after that he formed his owm group and for a couple of years he played in a Glasgow restaurant. All this time Charlie had not the faintest notion of what he calls ‘teuchter’ music, that is until one night returning from his restaurant gig he heard the once familiar strains coming from St. Andrew’s Hall. Looking in he saw an old friend belting it out on the accordion, Lex Keith. Charlie wanted to go in and join him but had to pay at the door. (He reckons he’s the only artist who’s ever had to pay to play). Once in, out came the fiddle and for two hours it was all go as they came back to him. Later they were joined by Ian McDonald who lead the Scottish claymore Dance Band. From then on he was hooked and played with the ‘Claymore’ Dance Band. Ian McDonald now lived in Dunvegan. The next stop was with the Ron Silver Trio, and whilst here they got the chance to audition for Ben Lyons of the BBC, practising every night for a fortnight on five tunes. They were successful, but had another rush as the broadcast was for an hour. Over the next couple of years he took part in a radio show called ‘Heather Mixture’ with Jimmy shand and also some ‘White Heather’ shows with Andy Stewart.
In 1961 he got married to Joyce, a Stranraer girl, and they met in of all places, Ireland. Charlie was doing a one-off with Arthur Murray and the Ritchie Fitzgerald Ceili Band. The compere was Bob McClintock. Joyce was on holiday at Bundoran and being a cousin of Bob, it was not long before Charlie and Joyce got together. They now have a son and a daughter. His son Jim is carrying on the musical tradition, his instrument at the moment is the baritone but daughter Nicola doesn’t appear to have chosen an instrument yet.
Charlie was now touring the Highlands with Calum Kennedy and Bill Geddes (vocals and guitar), then a summer season with Calum at Perth, later teaming up with Kenny Thomson of Belfast (accordion), to do an extended season at the New Metropole. They stayed together four years doing mainly theatre work.
There was a lot of part-time here and Charlie took other work, such as labouring, lorry driving, door-to-door salesman, window cleaning and a lot more besides. His own trade, by the way, being Optical Engineer, a rather dull job, so Charlie reckons.
The next stage was with a trio called the ‘Albanach’ which was formed basically to accompany on the Gaelic TV programme ‘Se-Ur-Beatha’ (You Are Welcome). This was to herald the most hectic time of their lives. In between ‘Se-Ur-Beatha’ they did gigs up and down the west coast as well as recording with Bobby MacLeod and Andrew Rankine. At various times with John Carmichael, George Darling, and Noel Eadie. (Noel won this years Silver Pendant at the Mod in Golspie). Dances, concerts, folk clubs, radio they were in great demand all over the north and west.
In 1963 the White Heather Club did a special Hallowe’en Show composed by R.Y. Bell, composer of the ‘Song of the Clyde’. Among many of the engagements was a tour of the Home Counties with Andrew Rankine and Alasdair Gillies culminating with a concert in the Albert Hall. The band comprised Ray Milbourne and Jim Johnstone. In 1967 at the Edinburgh Festival a fortnight with Norman McLean in the Saltire Rooms. (Names dropped from Charlie’s lips like a Scottish Who’s Who – who doesn’t he know?)
Some of the happiest moments were spent in what Charlie calls his attempts up the west coast. He ruined two cars with the road and the weather. In these tours the base was generally at Plockton, at the home of Edmund McKenzie, a fantastic follower of Scottish Country dance music, a fan and a great friend who would not think twice about travelling a hundred miles to hear the music and be back in time for his work next day. Unfortunately, Edmund, through a series of accidents has lost the sight of both eyes, but nothing daunted he still runs his own craft shop in Plockton. This was the first time that Charlie played with a piper, Ian McFadyen, who is now the Wester Ross Schools Piping Instructor.
All this hectic running about wouldn’t have been possible without the help from his wife Joyce, always in the background, yet always at hand when wanted. This was two years of non-stop activity and the time came to take stock. They decided to ‘drop-out’ to a quieter life to recoup and recharge their batteries and have more home life with the children, so they headed for Stranraer where he found himself behind the counter of his father-in-laws grocer’s shop. Eventually when his father-in-law retired, he and Joyce took over the shop. Jimmy still looks in now and again just to keep them in order.
In 1975 Charlie was invited to form a group to represent Scotland in the ‘Harp Lager Worls Fiddle Championships Dundalk International Maytime Festival’. Greatly to Scotland and Charlie’s credit, they won the overall championship cup. The group was John Carmichael (accordion), Charlie (fiddle) Billy Craib (bass) and Dr Angus McDonald (pipes).
Although Charlie has slowed down he definitely has not retired. He has found time to do an LP with John Carmichael called ‘Westwards’ on the Lismore label. Indeed he has his first solo LP coming out at the beginning of December on the same label. He takes a keen interest in the Stranraer Accordion Club and started up and runs the Stranraer Strathspey and Reel Club, where he will welcome newcomers, especially the younger ones. He sees a future for the young ones.
Charlie has packed so much into life that he could fill the whole Box and Fiddle with his anecdotes and a whole host of people not mentioned so far. I say so far, knowing Charlie there will be lots more to come.
Hayfield Two-Step
By Ian Duncan
I was most interested to read in the report from the Straiton Club that the Hayfield Two-step was among the selection played by their guest artist for it was only a coincidence that this tune ever came to light at all.
I was on holiday in Shetland about seven years ago when Ronnie Cooper arrived at my hotel with a new tune which he wanted written down. The only piece of manuscript readily to hand was a sheet on which I had scribbled the idea for a tune which had come to me a week or so before.
Also staying on holiday in the hotel was Jimmy Lindsay, the bandleader from Glenalmond, complete with accordion, so who better to play over Ronnie’s new tune to see if it was written correctly. After a few runs through the tune, Jimmy idly turned the sheet over, played the scribbles on the other side and took a liking to it. A few notes altered and we had a brand new, nameless two-step. As the place in which it had been discovered was called the Hayfield Hotel what was more appropriate than for it to be called the Hayfield Two-step, but if it had not been for the simple turning of a page the tune would probably still be lying at the bottom of some drawer completely forgotten about.
Record reviews
by Derek Hamilton
The Magic Box of Arthur Spink – Emerald Gem GES1170
Maestro MacLeod, featuring Bobby MacLeod with Billy Thom – Emerald Gem GES1171
Ian Holmes and his Band Lismor LILP5086
On Top of the World – Stuart Anderson – Lismor LILP5080
Rob Gordon’s Tune Tonic – Nevis NEV LP 123
Westward – John Carmichael’s Ceilidh Band – Lismor LILP 5083
Vive L’Accordeon – Gilbert Roussel – Musicdisc CV 1007
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) 29th Nov 77 Arthur Spink
Beith (Anderson Hotel) 21st Nov The Lothian Scottish Dance Band
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) 3rd Nov 77 Dermot O’Brien
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom) 1st Nov 77 Ron Gonella 6th Dec 77 Jimmy Blue
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford) 14th Nov 77 Jim Johnstone SDB 12th Dec 77 Stuart Anderson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) 17th Nov 77 – Bobby Crowe and his Band
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) 2nd Nov 77 Dermot O’Brien
Keith (Seafield Arms Hotel) 1st Nov 77 Bill Black 6th Dec 77 Ron Gonella
Kelso (Queen’s Hotel) 30th Nov 77 Billy Anderson SDB
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) 17th Nov 77 Currie Brothers 15th Dec 77 Charlie Cowie
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) 29th Nov 77 Angus Cameron
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull) 2nd Nov 77 Mickey Ainsworth
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Bill Black
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn) 16th Nov 77 John McGregor SDB
Oban (Park Hotel) 2nd Nov 77 Willie Simpson Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Wick Scottish Dance Band
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) 15th Nov 77 Walter Perrie 12th Dec 77 Kelvin Ceilidh Band
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) 7th Nov 77 Bobby MacLeod 6th Dec 77 Bobby Crowe
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel) 1st Nov 77 Alan Coulston Trio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) 15th Nov 77 John Crawford 20th Dec 77 The Wick Fiddlers
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Beith & District
3. Dundee & District
4. Dunfermline & District
5. Galston
6. Glendale
7. Highland / Inverness
8. Keith
9. Kelso
10. Livingston
11. Lockerbie
12. M.A.F.I.A.
13. Newton St Boswells
14. North Cumbria
15. Oban
16. Perth & District
17. Renfrew
18. Stranraer
19. Torthorwald
20. Wick
BASED ON THE ABOVE THE FULL CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT NOVEMBER 1977 BECOMES :-
1. Aberdeen A&F Club
2. Alnwick A&F Club
3. Balloch A&F Club
4. Banff & District A&F Club
5. Beith & District A&F Club
6. Bonchester Accordion Club
7. Buchan A&F Club
8. Cumbria Accordion Club
9. Dumfries Accordion Club (Hole in the Wa’)
10. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club
11. Dunblane & District A&F Club
12. Dundee & District A&F Club
13. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
14. Fintry A&F Club
15. Galston A&F Club
16. Glendale Accordion Club
17. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
18. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
19. Kelso A&F Club
20. Langholm A&F Club
21. Livingston A&F Club
22. Lockerbie A&F Club
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. Newcastleton Accordion Club
25. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
26. North East A&F Club (aka Keith Club)
27. Oban A&F Club
28. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
29. Perth & District A&F Club
30. Renfrew A&F Club
31. Rothbury Accordion club
32. Straiton Accordion Club
33. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
34. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
35. Wick A&F Club