Box and Fiddle
Year 04 No 03
November 1980
Price 15p
8 pages
8 month subscription £2.25
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Would you please welcome another four clubs to the Association Premier (Northern Ireland), Orkney, Dunipace and the Chrissie Leatham Club in Edinburgh.
Don’t forget the concert in the Tait Hall, Kelso on 7th December. This is the second ‘Accordion Bonanza’. The cast reads like a Who’s-Who of the accordion world. The concert is presented by Clinkscales of Melrose. The first half will be recorded live and the compere is Bill Torrance of Radio Forth. If you haven’t got a ticket yet try ringing Kelso 2782, you might still be lucky.
The next big festival is the Jimmy Blair Festival at Govan Town Hall, Glasgow on 31st January 81. Another date to remember.
Four years ago when the B&F first saw the light of day there were 33 Clubs in the Association. Now there are 53. We are pleased about this as it proves that our traditional musical heritage is not dead, indeed it is growing all the time.
Ours is a voluntary and informal Association and this is its strength. Long may it continue.
New Stars Explode on to the Arena
by Ian Smith (Editor)
The week preceding the Perth Festival was full of woe and more woe, as storms lashed the country from end to end. Would the sun ever shine again? No danger. Bill Wilkie, the organizer behind the Festival had it all taped. The wee man had arranged for the sun to appear that Saturday, and it did. The sun came forth (and Sandy MacArthur, adjudicator, gave it a first). Good lad, Sandy.
As usual at Perth the competition was fierce for every section and standards were very high. Yet it was all through a friendly day. Once again it was a meeting place for ‘aul freens’ from the North, South, East and West, plus a goodly crowd of enthusiasts from Northern Ireland.
Last seen the Irish lads were being interviewed by Robbie Shepherd. No doubt we’ll be hearing what the crack was.
On to the business of the day. After great deliberation by the various adjudicators here are the results :-
Fiddle
1. Jane Smith (Banchory)
2. Gillian Yellop (Bardon Mill)
3. Kathleen Smith (Banchory)
Senior Ladies Accordion
1. Marian Wilson
2. Jacqueline Dick
3. Fiona Carmichael
Senior Scottish
1. Richard Ross
2. Robert Black
3. Graham Geddes
Trios
1. Robert Black
2. Graham Geddes
3. Maureen Rutherford
Own Composition
1. Willie Lawrie
2. Stuart McKeown
3. Linda Williams
Junior Scottish
1. Duncan Black
2. Colin Dewar
3. Edward Galley
Entertainer
1. Ian Skinner
2. Iain Peterson
Elementary Solo
1. Siobhan McTavish (Scone)
2. Aileen Leslie (Bridge of Earn)
3. Evelyn Fairbairn (Cocksburnpath)
Intermediate Duet
1. Scott Leslie & James Grant (Eyemouth)
2. Norma Brodie & Karen Higgins (Whitburn)
3. Carol Faulds & Eileen Blackie (Lauder)
Intermediate Solo
1. Norma Brodie (Whitburn)
2. Michael Cassaly (West Calder)
3. Ewan Donald (Doonfoor)
Under 8 years
1. Walter S. Sneddon (Whitburn)
2. Leslie Gibb (Balbeggie)
3= Aileen Smith (Milnathort) & Graham Dickie (Invergoldrie)
Junior Girls Scottish Trad
1. Jennifer Brown (Keith)
Junior Area
1. James Crabb
2. Martha Wilson
3. Edward Galley
Advanced Area Champion
Martin Dobbin (Oakley)
After the excitement of the main events it was time to relax and enjoy the concert put on by Bill Wilkie and as per usual it was a grand affair. The hall was full and the cup of entertainment was tilted by Bill and the first act to fall out was Bill’s Accordion Orchestra with singer Diane Coburn, 17 accordions, piano, bass, drums with two saxophones and clarinet, provided some very melodious sounds. The girls in white blouses and long red skirts, the men in black and white provided a colourful spectacle with the instruments shining in the footlights.
The various champions then took a turn each and proved once again how good they were. The Senior Ladies Silver Salver was presented to Marion Wilson. This is a new competition and it is in memory of Mrs M. Henry for 30 years service to the Festival.
The next act was the welcome return of the Irene Gunn Dancers. First, three delightful girls of around 16 danced the Can-Can, being joined for the rest of the dance by the tots. Five ‘wee yins’ about three to four years of age. These were the stars of the show. It was so funny and they received a special cheers when they finished. The three older girls were Karen Brown, Irene Forbes and Shona McClusky. The tots were Zoe Brown, Carole McAlpine, Nicola McAlpine, Marlow Cassells and Lesley Mill.
After this came the play-off for the Senior Accordion Champion. This was won by Richard Ross. The adjudicators were Sandy MacArthur and Jack Delaney. In his remarks Sandy said that when he appeared at the Third Festival it was a case of who could stamp the floor and get the best lift to the music. Nowadays there is a tremendous amount of technique involved and he felt that somewhere along the line the feel for Scottish music was being lost. He got great applause when he said he “would like to see the youngsters keep their brilliance, but it would be nice if they got back to the old individual way”.
A duet of John Scrimgeour and Helen Goodison entertained with some fine harmonious singing. Eddie Rose, comedian, had two spots, his second was a gentle rip-off of a reverend gentleman of the cloth ; very funny with it.
Next was the return of the Irene Gunn Dancers who were followed by the graceful dancing of the Claymore Scottish Country Dance Team. The pianist was Blanche McInnes with accordionist Willie Gordon. They meet about once a week for practice. They hadn’t much room on the stage, yet not one step was missed.
Sandy MacArthur’s SDB set the seal on this show with some lively tunes, all leading up to the star ‘Antonio’ the British international Virtuoso Accordionist. This was accordion music at its best.
Some of the names to remember for the future will be Jane Smith, Richard Ross, Marion Wilson, Duncan Black, Robert Black, Ian Skinner and Jennifer Brown.
Full House for the Will Starr Trophy
by Ian Smith
The second contest for the Will Starr Trophy was witnessed by a full house at the Motherwell Civic Centre in 1st September 1980.
The eventual winner was young Ian Skinner from Blackridge. A very close second was Diane Armstrong and an even closer third was Gary Blair from Glasgow. These performances were years before their time ; it was hardly credible.
The judges were Ian Smith (Editor) and guest star for the evening Andy Paterson from Canada. Andy couldn’t believe his ears as the competition progressed. The whole scene in Scotland had moved on out of all recognition since he was last home. He confessed that it would be very hard to follow on stage after that and was honest enough to say that they were far and away better than he could ever be.
The magnificent trophies were donated by the Croy Miners Male Voice Choir and presented by the late Will Starr’s sister Margaret.
After it was all over there was one young man at the bar beside himself with pride and joy and as it turned out, justly so. He was Wilson Wood, Whitburn, teacher not only of Ian Skinner, but also Diane Armstrong and, wait for it, he was also the teacher of last years winner Ian Horsburgh. That’s some track record.
Entertaining
The fourth runner-up, who was not competing but just entertaining, was another youngster Edward Galley from Forfar and also last year’s runner-up John Morgan. First class accordions galore.
There were another 22 accordions in the concert, playing as one and in perfect harmony. This was the Jimmy Blair Orchestra. Good to look at and great to listen to with selections such as Vienna City of my Dreams, Gordon Patrol, Russian ‘Teuchter’ and Scottish Waltz with Jimmy Blair bringing out the best in them.
There were pipers, Croy Miners Choir, Irish dancers and the St Roch’s Ceilidh Band and Andy Paterson with his button box, all ably compered by Peter Paterson.
Another great night to go into the diary again for next year. See you then.
The Langtoun Trio
By Ian Smith (Editor)
This first-class Trio have been together for ten years or so, and it shows in their excellent timing, balance and variety of their music. The Trio consists of James Lindsay on Hohner Atlantic piano accordion, Ian Ogilvie on electric keyboard and Andrew Duncan on drums.
In addition to playing at clubs, dances and concerts, they have produced two LP’s and cassettes.
James is married to Davina. So far they have no children and James is employed in the computer field as a computer programmer. He has appeared at concerts and shows on the Continent on several occasions.
Ian is also married : his wife’s name is Jessie, a good Scots name and they have a wee lass, aged four, called Julie. He is an educational administrator, although his mates sometime call him something a bit different!
Andrew – now there’s a lad. He had just got married and his visit to Stranraer Club was part of his honeymoon – good lad Andy! It was a grand smile he wore a’ nicht. He and his new wife Betty have, understandably, no family yet. Andrew is employed with computers too and in his spare time enjoys working with his own personal computer and his considerable amount of hi-fi equipment.
The young lads all hail from Kirkcaldy, which used to be known as the Langtoun –hence the name of this great Trio. James has recently moved to Inchture, near Perth.
The Trio can be booked through James at 4 Colonsay Gardens, Inchture, Perthshire Tel Inchture 433.
Visit the Hohner Road Show
The Hohner Road Show will be visiting Scotland in the first week of December with Bobby MacLeod. Tickets can be obtained at the following venues. The shows are in the evenings.
Monday, 1st Dec – Gordon Simpson’s, Edinburgh
Tuesday 2nd Dec – Wilkie’s Music Shop, Perth
Wednesday 3rd Dec – Ian Holmes Music Shop, Dumfries
Thursday 4th Dec – McEwan’s, Mauchline
Friday 5th Dec – Clinkscales, Melrose
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
My apologies to regular readers (including Yehudi Craw!) for the non-appearance of this column last month. I just didn’t get the copy posted in time for publication. However, all is not lost as the next few paragraphs are what would have appeared.
A couple of months ago I made brief mention of a new programme hosted by Robin Brock on Radio Forth. The programme titled ‘Folks Around Robin’ goes out on a Monday night between 7 and 8pm. The first series has featured top Scottish artistes like The Tartan Lads. Robin chats with the featured stars and plays tracks from their records and live sessions recorded by Forth themselves.
New Series
A new series is planned for the near future and this time the live sessions will be of Scottish Dance Bands. Bobby Crowe, Sandy MacArthur and Kenny Thomson have been lined up to start the 13 week run. As well as over half-an-hour’s music, the show will encourage chat with the bands taking part.
It’s a pity that Forth doesn’t go nationwide, as I’m sure this format of show will have wide appeal, especially in the capable hands of Robin Brock.
Robin also features more in Forth’s Friday show ‘Pure Scotch’ which is hosted by Steve Jack. In its early days ‘Pure Scotch’ was essentially a music programme linked by a highly talented young DJ Steve Jack.
Robin Brock then introduced a ten-minute news and features spot. This was extended earlier this year to a half-hour spot with news and interviews. Now Robin co-hosts the programme with Steve.
‘Pure Scotch’ goes out every Friday night from 8 till 10pm and is always in the top five ratings for Forth programmes. Its popularity means that advertisers are clamouring for space during these two hours. Radio Forth have certainly come up with the right formula. At least the patter is sensible and understandable, and both Steve and Robin have a firm conviction that what matters is music and information – not the exuberant personality of the presenter – The Tartan Terror take note!
Long Battle
From one radio station who would appear to be increasing their air time devoted to our kind of music and chat to another who is reducing theirs – yes Auntie BBC has done it again.
We only won the long battle for more air time at the beginning of this year, now we’re back to the old three-quarters of an hour.
‘Take the Floor’ was running from 6.15 to 7.30 until 13 weeks ago when Robbie Shepherd took on the ‘Reel Blend’ to replace his old ‘spot’ on ‘Take the Floor’. At leats we still ahd our one and a quarter hours.
As from 27th September we’ve lost that extra half hour. ‘Take the Floor’ has been taken over by Robbie, but finishes at 7pm in favour of ‘Cannon’s Country Music’ – Yugh!!!
Don’t get me wrong. I know that Robbie is an ardent campaigner on behalf of the Accordion Clubs, but he’s just not going to have time to cover them well this session.
The new season got off to a good start though with a studio session by John Ellis and the Highland Country Band. The recording was excellent, but in places the band was a little sloppy. There were more mistakes than usual from this normally very accurate band.
Other sessions lines up include Alastair Hunter, John Huband, Ian Anderson and Kenny Thomson. The latter two have both got new LP’s out. The Tain Band and George Bell also have sessions in the can.
I do hope the BBC will have second thoughts about cutting the programme and restore the half hour we have lost.
By the way, Radio Forth have a live show planned for 8th November in the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh. The prizes for the new tune competition will be awarded that night. Artistes appearing include Robin Brock, of course, and Jimmy Shand, Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod and Bobby MacLeod. Should be a great night.
There endeth last month’s reading. Now for this month’s.
Following John Ellis’ broadcast, Alastair hunter and the Lorne SDB, George Bell and Ian Anderson have had broadcasts. All of them very well recorded, but all lacking just that extra sparkle that I keep talking about. Special praise, however, to the Tain Band who tackled a fairly heavy programme of music and played it impeccably. This outfit must rate as the year’s most improved band. The sound doesn’t particularly appeal to me but I admire their ability. The BBC did them proud too with an excellent recording as have all of them been this series.
National Version
Good news, I think, has emerged since last month. I gather the Beeb are planning to return the extra half-hour show from 7 to 7.30 in December. I look forward to that as I’m sure many of you do.
I was able to hear Robbie Shepherd’s Thursday show for Radio Aberdeen recently and I must say that we could do with a national version. Come on Beeb – how about it?
Radio Tay got under way recently, but as yet I haven’t heard any of their output. This is a new commercial station based in Dundee which at present has limited broadcasting hours. I do hope they are going to feature Scottish music in abundance. I’d be interested to hear from anyone in their area on their programme format.
I notice once again that the biggest festival of accordion music held in Perth was badly covered by the broadcasting people.
Only tape recorders (other than private cassettes) I saw was Robbie Shepherd’s which was used to do some interviews with the Irish contingent who braved the Stranraer boat journey to be at Perth. Robbie will use the tapes in his Radio Aberdeen show, but not, I gather, nationally. Pity that they should let this national affair go past without some output.
One reader
I cannot let this column pass without comment on the letter to the Editor in last month’s issue. I’m not quite sure whether Yehudi Craw was complimentary or otherwise in his remarks, but I sure am glad I’ve got at least one reader! Thanks for writing. The B&F survives on this sort of input – the more of it – the better. By the way – have you sent a copy of your letter to the Beeb? Only joking, of course!
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Langtoun Trio – Loudon LDN 475
Yours Accordingly – John Carmichael and his Band – Country House BGS251
Music Frae Moray – Ian Anderson and his Band – Bluebell BBR132
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) – 25th Nov 80 Billy Peace
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Menzies Jubilee Club - Bathgate) -
Balloch (Loch Lomond Hotel) – 21st Dec 80 Donald Montgomery (Golden Fiddle Winner)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 80 Dave Smith (accordion) & Alistair Fraser (fiddle)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) – 8th Dec 80 Wallochmore Ceilidh Band
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 27th Nov 80 Gillian Yellop (fiddle)
Chrissie Leatham Club (Hearts’ Supporters Club, Tynecastle) – 3rd Dec 80 Bobby Crowe
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) -
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 27th Nov 80 Gordon Pattullo
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Crusaders Hall) – 2nd Dec 80 Gordon Pattullo
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 27th Nov 80 Currie Brothers
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Dec 80 James Alexander (fiddle)
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) – 8th Dec 80 Stuart Anderson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3rd Dec 80 Alistair Hunter Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 10th Dec 80 Donaldson Brothers
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4th Dec 80 Tommy Ford
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Monklands (Georgian Hotel, Coatbridge) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 80 Ian Kennedy (fiddle) Fort William
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 2nd Dec 80 Ian Kennedy (fiddle) Fort William
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1st Dec 80 Archie Duncan
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Balloch
4. Banff
5. Beith & District
6. Biggar
7. Buchan
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coquetdale
10. Derwentside
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline & District
13. Falkirk
14. Forres
15. Galston
16. Highland
17. Kelso
18. Kintore
19. Langholm
20. Livingston
21. Lockerbie
22. M.A.F.I.A.
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Stranraer
26. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1980 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
11. Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
12. Coupar Angus A&F Club
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Derwentside A&F Club
15. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
16. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
17. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
18. Dundee & District A&F Club
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
20. Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
21. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
22. Falkirk A&F Club
23. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
24. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Galston A&F Club
26. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
27. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
28. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
29. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
30 Kintore A&F Club
31 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
32 Lesmahagow A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
33Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
34 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
35. M.A.F.I.A.
36 Monklands A&F Club
37 Newcastleton Accordion Club
38 Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
39 Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
40 New Cumnock A&F Club
41 North Cumbria A&F Club
42 North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
43 Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
44 Orkney A&F Club
45 Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
46 Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
47. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
48 Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
49 Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
50 Stranraer & District Accordion Club
51 Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
52 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
53. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
54. Coquetdale
55. Club Accord
56. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
57. Fintry A&F Club
58. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
59. Renfrew A&F Club
60. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
61. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Would you please welcome another four clubs to the Association Premier (Northern Ireland), Orkney, Dunipace and the Chrissie Leatham Club in Edinburgh.
Don’t forget the concert in the Tait Hall, Kelso on 7th December. This is the second ‘Accordion Bonanza’. The cast reads like a Who’s-Who of the accordion world. The concert is presented by Clinkscales of Melrose. The first half will be recorded live and the compere is Bill Torrance of Radio Forth. If you haven’t got a ticket yet try ringing Kelso 2782, you might still be lucky.
The next big festival is the Jimmy Blair Festival at Govan Town Hall, Glasgow on 31st January 81. Another date to remember.
Four years ago when the B&F first saw the light of day there were 33 Clubs in the Association. Now there are 53. We are pleased about this as it proves that our traditional musical heritage is not dead, indeed it is growing all the time.
Ours is a voluntary and informal Association and this is its strength. Long may it continue.
New Stars Explode on to the Arena
by Ian Smith (Editor)
The week preceding the Perth Festival was full of woe and more woe, as storms lashed the country from end to end. Would the sun ever shine again? No danger. Bill Wilkie, the organizer behind the Festival had it all taped. The wee man had arranged for the sun to appear that Saturday, and it did. The sun came forth (and Sandy MacArthur, adjudicator, gave it a first). Good lad, Sandy.
As usual at Perth the competition was fierce for every section and standards were very high. Yet it was all through a friendly day. Once again it was a meeting place for ‘aul freens’ from the North, South, East and West, plus a goodly crowd of enthusiasts from Northern Ireland.
Last seen the Irish lads were being interviewed by Robbie Shepherd. No doubt we’ll be hearing what the crack was.
On to the business of the day. After great deliberation by the various adjudicators here are the results :-
Fiddle
1. Jane Smith (Banchory)
2. Gillian Yellop (Bardon Mill)
3. Kathleen Smith (Banchory)
Senior Ladies Accordion
1. Marian Wilson
2. Jacqueline Dick
3. Fiona Carmichael
Senior Scottish
1. Richard Ross
2. Robert Black
3. Graham Geddes
Trios
1. Robert Black
2. Graham Geddes
3. Maureen Rutherford
Own Composition
1. Willie Lawrie
2. Stuart McKeown
3. Linda Williams
Junior Scottish
1. Duncan Black
2. Colin Dewar
3. Edward Galley
Entertainer
1. Ian Skinner
2. Iain Peterson
Elementary Solo
1. Siobhan McTavish (Scone)
2. Aileen Leslie (Bridge of Earn)
3. Evelyn Fairbairn (Cocksburnpath)
Intermediate Duet
1. Scott Leslie & James Grant (Eyemouth)
2. Norma Brodie & Karen Higgins (Whitburn)
3. Carol Faulds & Eileen Blackie (Lauder)
Intermediate Solo
1. Norma Brodie (Whitburn)
2. Michael Cassaly (West Calder)
3. Ewan Donald (Doonfoor)
Under 8 years
1. Walter S. Sneddon (Whitburn)
2. Leslie Gibb (Balbeggie)
3= Aileen Smith (Milnathort) & Graham Dickie (Invergoldrie)
Junior Girls Scottish Trad
1. Jennifer Brown (Keith)
Junior Area
1. James Crabb
2. Martha Wilson
3. Edward Galley
Advanced Area Champion
Martin Dobbin (Oakley)
After the excitement of the main events it was time to relax and enjoy the concert put on by Bill Wilkie and as per usual it was a grand affair. The hall was full and the cup of entertainment was tilted by Bill and the first act to fall out was Bill’s Accordion Orchestra with singer Diane Coburn, 17 accordions, piano, bass, drums with two saxophones and clarinet, provided some very melodious sounds. The girls in white blouses and long red skirts, the men in black and white provided a colourful spectacle with the instruments shining in the footlights.
The various champions then took a turn each and proved once again how good they were. The Senior Ladies Silver Salver was presented to Marion Wilson. This is a new competition and it is in memory of Mrs M. Henry for 30 years service to the Festival.
The next act was the welcome return of the Irene Gunn Dancers. First, three delightful girls of around 16 danced the Can-Can, being joined for the rest of the dance by the tots. Five ‘wee yins’ about three to four years of age. These were the stars of the show. It was so funny and they received a special cheers when they finished. The three older girls were Karen Brown, Irene Forbes and Shona McClusky. The tots were Zoe Brown, Carole McAlpine, Nicola McAlpine, Marlow Cassells and Lesley Mill.
After this came the play-off for the Senior Accordion Champion. This was won by Richard Ross. The adjudicators were Sandy MacArthur and Jack Delaney. In his remarks Sandy said that when he appeared at the Third Festival it was a case of who could stamp the floor and get the best lift to the music. Nowadays there is a tremendous amount of technique involved and he felt that somewhere along the line the feel for Scottish music was being lost. He got great applause when he said he “would like to see the youngsters keep their brilliance, but it would be nice if they got back to the old individual way”.
A duet of John Scrimgeour and Helen Goodison entertained with some fine harmonious singing. Eddie Rose, comedian, had two spots, his second was a gentle rip-off of a reverend gentleman of the cloth ; very funny with it.
Next was the return of the Irene Gunn Dancers who were followed by the graceful dancing of the Claymore Scottish Country Dance Team. The pianist was Blanche McInnes with accordionist Willie Gordon. They meet about once a week for practice. They hadn’t much room on the stage, yet not one step was missed.
Sandy MacArthur’s SDB set the seal on this show with some lively tunes, all leading up to the star ‘Antonio’ the British international Virtuoso Accordionist. This was accordion music at its best.
Some of the names to remember for the future will be Jane Smith, Richard Ross, Marion Wilson, Duncan Black, Robert Black, Ian Skinner and Jennifer Brown.
Full House for the Will Starr Trophy
by Ian Smith
The second contest for the Will Starr Trophy was witnessed by a full house at the Motherwell Civic Centre in 1st September 1980.
The eventual winner was young Ian Skinner from Blackridge. A very close second was Diane Armstrong and an even closer third was Gary Blair from Glasgow. These performances were years before their time ; it was hardly credible.
The judges were Ian Smith (Editor) and guest star for the evening Andy Paterson from Canada. Andy couldn’t believe his ears as the competition progressed. The whole scene in Scotland had moved on out of all recognition since he was last home. He confessed that it would be very hard to follow on stage after that and was honest enough to say that they were far and away better than he could ever be.
The magnificent trophies were donated by the Croy Miners Male Voice Choir and presented by the late Will Starr’s sister Margaret.
After it was all over there was one young man at the bar beside himself with pride and joy and as it turned out, justly so. He was Wilson Wood, Whitburn, teacher not only of Ian Skinner, but also Diane Armstrong and, wait for it, he was also the teacher of last years winner Ian Horsburgh. That’s some track record.
Entertaining
The fourth runner-up, who was not competing but just entertaining, was another youngster Edward Galley from Forfar and also last year’s runner-up John Morgan. First class accordions galore.
There were another 22 accordions in the concert, playing as one and in perfect harmony. This was the Jimmy Blair Orchestra. Good to look at and great to listen to with selections such as Vienna City of my Dreams, Gordon Patrol, Russian ‘Teuchter’ and Scottish Waltz with Jimmy Blair bringing out the best in them.
There were pipers, Croy Miners Choir, Irish dancers and the St Roch’s Ceilidh Band and Andy Paterson with his button box, all ably compered by Peter Paterson.
Another great night to go into the diary again for next year. See you then.
The Langtoun Trio
By Ian Smith (Editor)
This first-class Trio have been together for ten years or so, and it shows in their excellent timing, balance and variety of their music. The Trio consists of James Lindsay on Hohner Atlantic piano accordion, Ian Ogilvie on electric keyboard and Andrew Duncan on drums.
In addition to playing at clubs, dances and concerts, they have produced two LP’s and cassettes.
James is married to Davina. So far they have no children and James is employed in the computer field as a computer programmer. He has appeared at concerts and shows on the Continent on several occasions.
Ian is also married : his wife’s name is Jessie, a good Scots name and they have a wee lass, aged four, called Julie. He is an educational administrator, although his mates sometime call him something a bit different!
Andrew – now there’s a lad. He had just got married and his visit to Stranraer Club was part of his honeymoon – good lad Andy! It was a grand smile he wore a’ nicht. He and his new wife Betty have, understandably, no family yet. Andrew is employed with computers too and in his spare time enjoys working with his own personal computer and his considerable amount of hi-fi equipment.
The young lads all hail from Kirkcaldy, which used to be known as the Langtoun –hence the name of this great Trio. James has recently moved to Inchture, near Perth.
The Trio can be booked through James at 4 Colonsay Gardens, Inchture, Perthshire Tel Inchture 433.
Visit the Hohner Road Show
The Hohner Road Show will be visiting Scotland in the first week of December with Bobby MacLeod. Tickets can be obtained at the following venues. The shows are in the evenings.
Monday, 1st Dec – Gordon Simpson’s, Edinburgh
Tuesday 2nd Dec – Wilkie’s Music Shop, Perth
Wednesday 3rd Dec – Ian Holmes Music Shop, Dumfries
Thursday 4th Dec – McEwan’s, Mauchline
Friday 5th Dec – Clinkscales, Melrose
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
My apologies to regular readers (including Yehudi Craw!) for the non-appearance of this column last month. I just didn’t get the copy posted in time for publication. However, all is not lost as the next few paragraphs are what would have appeared.
A couple of months ago I made brief mention of a new programme hosted by Robin Brock on Radio Forth. The programme titled ‘Folks Around Robin’ goes out on a Monday night between 7 and 8pm. The first series has featured top Scottish artistes like The Tartan Lads. Robin chats with the featured stars and plays tracks from their records and live sessions recorded by Forth themselves.
New Series
A new series is planned for the near future and this time the live sessions will be of Scottish Dance Bands. Bobby Crowe, Sandy MacArthur and Kenny Thomson have been lined up to start the 13 week run. As well as over half-an-hour’s music, the show will encourage chat with the bands taking part.
It’s a pity that Forth doesn’t go nationwide, as I’m sure this format of show will have wide appeal, especially in the capable hands of Robin Brock.
Robin also features more in Forth’s Friday show ‘Pure Scotch’ which is hosted by Steve Jack. In its early days ‘Pure Scotch’ was essentially a music programme linked by a highly talented young DJ Steve Jack.
Robin Brock then introduced a ten-minute news and features spot. This was extended earlier this year to a half-hour spot with news and interviews. Now Robin co-hosts the programme with Steve.
‘Pure Scotch’ goes out every Friday night from 8 till 10pm and is always in the top five ratings for Forth programmes. Its popularity means that advertisers are clamouring for space during these two hours. Radio Forth have certainly come up with the right formula. At least the patter is sensible and understandable, and both Steve and Robin have a firm conviction that what matters is music and information – not the exuberant personality of the presenter – The Tartan Terror take note!
Long Battle
From one radio station who would appear to be increasing their air time devoted to our kind of music and chat to another who is reducing theirs – yes Auntie BBC has done it again.
We only won the long battle for more air time at the beginning of this year, now we’re back to the old three-quarters of an hour.
‘Take the Floor’ was running from 6.15 to 7.30 until 13 weeks ago when Robbie Shepherd took on the ‘Reel Blend’ to replace his old ‘spot’ on ‘Take the Floor’. At leats we still ahd our one and a quarter hours.
As from 27th September we’ve lost that extra half hour. ‘Take the Floor’ has been taken over by Robbie, but finishes at 7pm in favour of ‘Cannon’s Country Music’ – Yugh!!!
Don’t get me wrong. I know that Robbie is an ardent campaigner on behalf of the Accordion Clubs, but he’s just not going to have time to cover them well this session.
The new season got off to a good start though with a studio session by John Ellis and the Highland Country Band. The recording was excellent, but in places the band was a little sloppy. There were more mistakes than usual from this normally very accurate band.
Other sessions lines up include Alastair Hunter, John Huband, Ian Anderson and Kenny Thomson. The latter two have both got new LP’s out. The Tain Band and George Bell also have sessions in the can.
I do hope the BBC will have second thoughts about cutting the programme and restore the half hour we have lost.
By the way, Radio Forth have a live show planned for 8th November in the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh. The prizes for the new tune competition will be awarded that night. Artistes appearing include Robin Brock, of course, and Jimmy Shand, Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod and Bobby MacLeod. Should be a great night.
There endeth last month’s reading. Now for this month’s.
Following John Ellis’ broadcast, Alastair hunter and the Lorne SDB, George Bell and Ian Anderson have had broadcasts. All of them very well recorded, but all lacking just that extra sparkle that I keep talking about. Special praise, however, to the Tain Band who tackled a fairly heavy programme of music and played it impeccably. This outfit must rate as the year’s most improved band. The sound doesn’t particularly appeal to me but I admire their ability. The BBC did them proud too with an excellent recording as have all of them been this series.
National Version
Good news, I think, has emerged since last month. I gather the Beeb are planning to return the extra half-hour show from 7 to 7.30 in December. I look forward to that as I’m sure many of you do.
I was able to hear Robbie Shepherd’s Thursday show for Radio Aberdeen recently and I must say that we could do with a national version. Come on Beeb – how about it?
Radio Tay got under way recently, but as yet I haven’t heard any of their output. This is a new commercial station based in Dundee which at present has limited broadcasting hours. I do hope they are going to feature Scottish music in abundance. I’d be interested to hear from anyone in their area on their programme format.
I notice once again that the biggest festival of accordion music held in Perth was badly covered by the broadcasting people.
Only tape recorders (other than private cassettes) I saw was Robbie Shepherd’s which was used to do some interviews with the Irish contingent who braved the Stranraer boat journey to be at Perth. Robbie will use the tapes in his Radio Aberdeen show, but not, I gather, nationally. Pity that they should let this national affair go past without some output.
One reader
I cannot let this column pass without comment on the letter to the Editor in last month’s issue. I’m not quite sure whether Yehudi Craw was complimentary or otherwise in his remarks, but I sure am glad I’ve got at least one reader! Thanks for writing. The B&F survives on this sort of input – the more of it – the better. By the way – have you sent a copy of your letter to the Beeb? Only joking, of course!
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Langtoun Trio – Loudon LDN 475
Yours Accordingly – John Carmichael and his Band – Country House BGS251
Music Frae Moray – Ian Anderson and his Band – Bluebell BBR132
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) – 25th Nov 80 Billy Peace
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Menzies Jubilee Club - Bathgate) -
Balloch (Loch Lomond Hotel) – 21st Dec 80 Donald Montgomery (Golden Fiddle Winner)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 80 Dave Smith (accordion) & Alistair Fraser (fiddle)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) – 8th Dec 80 Wallochmore Ceilidh Band
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 27th Nov 80 Gillian Yellop (fiddle)
Chrissie Leatham Club (Hearts’ Supporters Club, Tynecastle) – 3rd Dec 80 Bobby Crowe
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) -
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 27th Nov 80 Gordon Pattullo
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Crusaders Hall) – 2nd Dec 80 Gordon Pattullo
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 27th Nov 80 Currie Brothers
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Dec 80 James Alexander (fiddle)
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) – 8th Dec 80 Stuart Anderson
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3rd Dec 80 Alistair Hunter Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 10th Dec 80 Donaldson Brothers
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4th Dec 80 Tommy Ford
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Monklands (Georgian Hotel, Coatbridge) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 80 Ian Kennedy (fiddle) Fort William
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) – 2nd Dec 80 Ian Kennedy (fiddle) Fort William
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1st Dec 80 Archie Duncan
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Balloch
4. Banff
5. Beith & District
6. Biggar
7. Buchan
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coquetdale
10. Derwentside
11. Dunblane
12. Dunfermline & District
13. Falkirk
14. Forres
15. Galston
16. Highland
17. Kelso
18. Kintore
19. Langholm
20. Livingston
21. Lockerbie
22. M.A.F.I.A.
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Stranraer
26. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1980 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
11. Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
12. Coupar Angus A&F Club
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Derwentside A&F Club
15. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
16. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
17. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
18. Dundee & District A&F Club
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
20. Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
21. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
22. Falkirk A&F Club
23. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
24. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Galston A&F Club
26. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
27. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
28. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
29. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
30 Kintore A&F Club
31 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
32 Lesmahagow A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
33Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
34 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
35. M.A.F.I.A.
36 Monklands A&F Club
37 Newcastleton Accordion Club
38 Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
39 Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
40 New Cumnock A&F Club
41 North Cumbria A&F Club
42 North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
43 Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
44 Orkney A&F Club
45 Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
46 Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
47. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
48 Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
49 Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
50 Stranraer & District Accordion Club
51 Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
52 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
53. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
54. Coquetdale
55. Club Accord
56. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
57. Fintry A&F Club
58. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
59. Renfrew A&F Club
60. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
61. Wellbank A&F Club
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