Box and Fiddle
Year 07 No 03
November 1983
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3
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
Next month is the Christmas Edition and here is an offer you can’t refuse. For £3 why not send a Season’s Greetings to you friends, clubs or whatever. It will be our pleasure to pass on your greetings.
Pre-notice for August, 1984 – by popular request The Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle are coming back. More details next month.
I think that congratulations are in order to Bill Wilkie for another fine competition at Perth and to the other venues for making the after-service a day to remember – the dance at the Salutation Hotel and the music at the City Mills Hotel. Also a ‘well done’ message to Duncan Black and company.
There are a number of new Clubs getting off the ground. No doubt we will be hearing from them and about them.
The 34th All-Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Ian Smith
The 34th All-Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival at Perth had an enormous number of entries, well up on last year. One could have forgiven the organizer had there been a few mishaps here and there. However, this appeared to be a perfect day, with contests running smoothly in seven different halls at the same time.
The adjudicators, all experts in their own particular field of music, were fully employed and it was heads down from nine in the morning. The adjudicators, secretaries and stage staff worked furiously and all contests were finished in good time for the evening concert.
The large City Hall was cleared and the bands and artistes had time for a quick balance with the sound system before the huge crowds surged into the hall, which again was sold out to the last seat.
After the recent excellent Ian Powrie Concert, one would have expected this show to be an anti-climax, but it was anything but that. It was a superb, fast, fun-loving show throughout, with no waste of time between items. The artistes were all first-rate and the impact of the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band was tremendous.
The climax, of course, was guest artiste Angelo Cardinelli from Italy. Angelo is now in the professional virtuoso class, but during the course of his career he has been both Junior and Senior C.M.A. Solo World champion. He plays the Bugari electronic accordion and made excellent use of the rhythm unit in the rhythmic numbers.
Everyone was delighted when it was announced that Duncan Black had won the Senior Scottish (Trad) Solo Section, making his the new Scottish Traditional Champion.
The Advanced Classical Section was won by James Crabb from Dundee. Winners of all sections were as follows :-
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Duncan Black (Stanley)
2) Edward Galley (Forfar)
3) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
2) Elizabeth Steven (Caithness)
3) Graham Edwardson (Livingston)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
2) Mark Anderson (Keith)
3) Craig McCallum (Penicuik)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Jennifer Brown (Keith)
2) Karen Higgins (Armadale)
3) Marian M. Anderson (Duns)
Junior Girls Pipe Music
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
3) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
Own Composition
1) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
2) Ian H. Cruickshank (Keith)
3) Norma Brodie (Whitburn)
Trios
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Neil Caul (Kirriemuir)
3) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
2) Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
3) Jacqueline Dick (Freuchie)
Junior Fiddle
1) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
2) Mark S. McDougall (Muir of Ord)
3) Margaret Quirie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle
1) Mark Winchester (Keith)
1) Jane Rayworth (Dundee)
3) Jean-Anne Callendar (Aberdeen)
7 Years and Under
1) Allan Small (Dunshalt)
2) Gillian Simpson (Paisley)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
9 Years and Under
1) Campbell R. Love (Lochwinnoch)
2) Scott Jarvis (Newburgh)
3) Graeme Whitelaw (Dollar)
11 Years and Under
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Allan J. Frater (Uphall)
3=) Ian Stewart (Lesmahagow) & Kenneth Hanlin (Blairgowrie)
13 Years and Under
1) David Preston (Shotts)
2) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
3) Fiona Gorman (Perth)
Area Junior Championship
1) Nicola Reid (Lochgelly)
2) Michael Paton (Dunfermline)
3) Mark Anderson (Beith)
Preparatory Solo
1) Andrew J. Warren (Larkhall)
2) Alan Locke (Barrhead)
3=)Steven Mitchell (Bankfoot) & Andrew Thomson (Wishaw)
Elementary Solo
1) Linda Frater (Carluke)
2) Stewart Law (Newmains, Wishaw)
3) Sandra Owen (Cleland, Wishaw)
Intermediate Solo
1) Grant Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Gordon Haddow (Cardenden)
3) Catherine Owen (Cleland)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Sandy Legget (Dunbar)
2) Shirley McLeod (Paisley)
3) Morag Cunningham (Dunbar)
Open Solo
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) John Lockhart (Larkhall)
3) Alan Preston (Shotts)
Advanced Championship
1) James R. Crabb (Dundee)
2) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
The Entertainer
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) John Simpson (Shotts)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Preparatory Duet
1) Aileen & Liam Smith (Milnathort)
2) Fiona Linton & Andrew Thomson (Carluke)
3) Morag & Heather Mackenzie (Bishopton)
Elementary Duet
1) John Simpson & Alan Morrison (Shotts)
2) Stewart Law & Angeline McCloy (Wishaw)
3) Ann & Carol Struthers (Wishaw)
Intermediate Duet
1) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Lynette Wood & Tracey Aitken (Whitburn)
3) Andrew Cannon & Linda Welsh (Earlston)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) James Grant & Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Martin MacDougall & David Fraser (Dingwall)
Advanced Duet
1) Neil & Allan Copland (Dundee)
2) Alan & David Preston (Shotts)
3) Audrey Anderson & Nicola Reid (Kelty)
Preparatory Band
1) J. R. Brown Prep Band (Wishaw)
Elementary Band
1) J. R. Brown Elementary Band (Wishaw)
2) Lola Blair Boys’ Band (Glasgow)
3) Sylvia Wilson Elementary Band (Perth)
Intermediate Band
1) J. R. Brown Intermediate Band (Wishaw)
2) Kirkcaldy & District Accordion Band
3) Dundee Accordion Band
Group Section
1) Lola Blair Sextet (Glasgow)
2) Kirkcaldy & District Quartet
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Gordon Stewart (Kirkcaldy)
2) Mark D. Kenneth (Dundee)
3) Caroline Couser (Kirkcaldy)
Musselburgh ‘84
by Norrie Williams
Sunday, 23rd October, and scores of accordion and fiddle players will be feeling somewhat deflated and a bit scunnered with ‘a morning after the night before’ feeling. Cannot even bear to go near their instruments.
It’s the day after the Perth Festival and for many, the anticipation and high hopes of maybe getting a placing have been dashed yet again. I know the feeling only too well! ‘Never again’ you think. But there’s a bright spot on the horizon. Saturday, 3rd March, 1984, Musselburgh. Hope springs eternal so get these cases open again, get the books out and wire in.
There’s nothing like a touch of the ‘Taps o’ Fechle’ or ‘The Brigadier Cheapes’ to chase away the blues. And for the classically-minded your new set of test pieces (once again selected by the BCA) appears elsewhere in this issue. Jim Johnstone and his staff will, as always, have the Brunton Halls warm and welcoming for our visit (they keep it going solely for the N.A.A.F.C.Festival of course) and Freeland Barbour’s ‘Take the Floor’ team hope to be in attendance once again – they certainly did us proud last March.
And good news too for our young fiddle players. In answer to popular demand a Junior Slow Air Section has been introduced this year to give you a second bite at the cherry. The Association are greatly indebted to the Newton St Boswells club for the donation of a new trophy for this event. And it is particularly fitting for a junior section that the new cup is in memory of the late Dougie Welsh who had such a great way with the young players just before they entered the fray.
This year also we have invited three new adjudicators to join the team. We proudly welcome our very first lady adjudicator, none other than the Principal of the BCA, Miss Rosemary Wright (see ‘B&F’ January 1983. Miss Wright has been promoted since then).
Miss Wright, is, of course, not only a very experienced teacher, examiner and adjudicator, but also a very talented player, and even more to her credit, her mother hails from Glasgow.
Incidentally, over the past year or so the College have shown a great interest in our Festival and have given us considerable help in an advisors capacity. It is hoped to forge stronger links between the two bodies in the future. We all wish Miss Wright a very happy, albeit, hard day at Musselburgh and if she is not completely worn out we might just manage to twist her arm for a wee tune at the concert.
The second new face at 22 is our youngest-ever adjudicator, from Tullybaccart, Gordon Pattullo. No doubt some will react with ‘surely he’s too young,’ ‘lack’s experience’ etc, but before you do, its worth looking at his credentials. Junior Scottish Champion at Perth 1974, eight Canadian tours, six LPs, and Musical Director for the Andy Stewart show on its recent Australian tour, not to mention all the Club and stage appearances. These are impressive qualifications by any standards, but one particular memory I have of Gordon puts him in my book as right for the job. At George Bell’s 1974 Blairgowrie Festival I was passing the dressing rooms behind the stage in the Town Hall when I heard Jim Johnstone (adjudicator for the day) playing as only Jim can. I popped my head round the door to watch and there was Jim, but he wasn’t playing, he was standing watching a young, curly, red-headed laddie of 13 making his box talk. I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears. It was, of course, Gordon Pattullo.
At Musselburgh Gordon will be working along with our senior accordion adjudicator, Association Chairman, Jimmy Blue.
Our third newcomer will be sorting out the placings where interpretation and expression are everything, i.e. in the pipe music sections. Who better to do this than an experienced accordionist and piper. We are delighted to welcome all the way from Wick that excellent three-row player Bobby Coghill . Bobby is well-known on the traditional music scene and has made at least 3 LPs featuring mainly pipe music. His ability to pass on the pipe idiom message to other accordionists is reflected in the success of two of his pupils viz, his son Brian and Elizabeth Stevens of Dunnet.
Our quintet of adjudicators is completed by the one and only Angus Fitchet, who once again ‘is delighted’ (his own words, or rather ‘Ehm delighted’) to come along and judge the efforts of our fiddle competitors.
After the evening concert we will, of course, be finishing off as usual with the grand dance and a first-time again with the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band providing the music (Freeland Barbour will be almost on his knees by this time).
On behalf of the Festival Committee may I extend a very warm invitation to players and all accordion and fiddle enthusiasts to join us on 3rd March, 1984.
Hope to see you there.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Peterson Magic – Jack Delaney and his Band
Rigadoon
Tommy Ford – ‘Model T’ - Lismor LILP 5124
The Currie Brothers – By Special Request – Astral ASLP 001
Fergie McDonald – There’s Irish in the Islands – Lismor LILP 5126
Eight Scottish Country Dances from Vol 3 – Rob Gordon – RSCDS 12
Good for Gus
Crieff Club were delighted to have the services of Gus Millar with Jack Delaney’s Band at their meeting last month.
Gus had a very nasty accident at his work a few months ago.
Amongst other injuries, he damaged his spine and attended Crieff on crutches. Although in obvious pain, he got into the playing and was very warmly appreciated by the Crieff capacity crowd.
A vote of thanks to Jack for persuading Gus to come along and, after speaking to Gus personally, he assured me he is making progress, albeit slowly.
David Wilson
By Murdo McLeod
Marking the 10th Anniversary of Livingston A&F Club we continue the features on players who have been our mainstay over the years. This month the spotlight falls on David Wilson, a face that will be familiar to a lot of our readers by now and destined, we are sure, to be even more so in the months, and years, ahead.
David, 18 years of age, hails from Blackburn, the heartland of West Lothian accordion music, although he has very close family connections with Oakbank, near East Calder. Taught by Wilson Wood, Whitburn, he has continued lessons with that famous teacher for ten years to such good effect that he has won major competitions e.g. at Chrissie Leatham’s Accordion Festival where he won the Under-12 Advanced Classical Section no less than 5 times. He was the first winner of the Dean Tavern Trophy fro traditional music in 1979.
Also in 1979, young David won the Under-14 solo in the N.A.A.F.C. Musselburgh Festival and featured on ‘Accordion Jamboree’ – the record made on that day. Along with Yvonne Mathieson (another of Wilson’s pupils) he played duets and won several competitions, including the prized British Intermediate Duet Championship in Scarborough in 1979.
But his greatest moment must surely be when he and his bandmates in The Oakbank Sound won the top prize in the Band Section at Musselburgh this year.
David has a distinctive and forceful style of playing which is well illustrated in his execution of the ‘knuckle crackers’ as they say of those ‘fierce’ reels that separate the men from the boys.
But the other side of his playing is well shown by the sympathetic treatment he gives the Italian Muzurka – ‘Migliavacca’ – on the recent release ‘First Report’ featuring The Oakbank Sound. His classical training truly comes to the fore here.
Asked who he has looked to for inspiration the immediate response was John Huband and the technique of Marcosignori especially pleases him.
David Wilson possesses a very pleasant personality, and not at all bigheaded, and will, we are sure, continue to give much pleasure to his friends at the Livingston Club as well as to those up and down the country who are going to be listening to The Oakbank Sound this season.
This then is a small tribute to one of our faithful supporters who has helped to mould the special reputation our Club has earned for itself up and down the country.
We wish him luck and a place among the other names such as William Hannah who have put West Lothian on the accordion map.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23 Nov 83 Stuart McKeown SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 4 Dec 83 Charlie Cowie, John Carmichael & Duncan Findlay
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 18 Dec 83 Bill Black & Family
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 24 Nov 83 Donaldson Brothers
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) – 3 Dec 83 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 19 Dec 83 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 22 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 6 Dec 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 7 Dec 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28 Nov 83 Mike Clark
Forres (Brig Motel) – 14 Dec 83 Alan Roy
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Nov 83 Forres Club
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 29 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio 21 Dec 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 7 Dec 83 Bill Murray & the Huntly Harmonica Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12 Jan 84 Richard Ross SDB
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28 Nov 83 Mike Clark
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) – 24 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio 6 Dec 83 Ian Kennedy
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 24 Nov 83 Perth Club
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20 Dec 83 Bill Black SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 5 Dec 83 Colin Dewar Trio
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 1 Dec 83 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Belford
7. Campbeltown
8. Castle Douglas
9. Cleland
10. Crieff & District
11. Dalriada
12. Derwentside
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane & District
15. Dunfermline & District
16. East Kilbride
17. Edinburgh
18. Forres
19. Fort William
20. Galston
21. Highland
22. Kelso
23. Kinlochsheil
24. Lesmahagow
25. Livingston
26. Lockerbie
27. M.A.F.I.A.
28. Newtongrange
29. North East
30. Peebles
31. Premier
32. Shetland
33. Stranraer
34. Thornhill
35. Thurso
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (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 (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969 – per first edition)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (aka Coquetdale Club - Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. 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?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Newcastleton Accordion Club
75. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
76. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
77. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
78. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
79. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
80. 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
Next month is the Christmas Edition and here is an offer you can’t refuse. For £3 why not send a Season’s Greetings to you friends, clubs or whatever. It will be our pleasure to pass on your greetings.
Pre-notice for August, 1984 – by popular request The Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle are coming back. More details next month.
I think that congratulations are in order to Bill Wilkie for another fine competition at Perth and to the other venues for making the after-service a day to remember – the dance at the Salutation Hotel and the music at the City Mills Hotel. Also a ‘well done’ message to Duncan Black and company.
There are a number of new Clubs getting off the ground. No doubt we will be hearing from them and about them.
The 34th All-Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Ian Smith
The 34th All-Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival at Perth had an enormous number of entries, well up on last year. One could have forgiven the organizer had there been a few mishaps here and there. However, this appeared to be a perfect day, with contests running smoothly in seven different halls at the same time.
The adjudicators, all experts in their own particular field of music, were fully employed and it was heads down from nine in the morning. The adjudicators, secretaries and stage staff worked furiously and all contests were finished in good time for the evening concert.
The large City Hall was cleared and the bands and artistes had time for a quick balance with the sound system before the huge crowds surged into the hall, which again was sold out to the last seat.
After the recent excellent Ian Powrie Concert, one would have expected this show to be an anti-climax, but it was anything but that. It was a superb, fast, fun-loving show throughout, with no waste of time between items. The artistes were all first-rate and the impact of the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band was tremendous.
The climax, of course, was guest artiste Angelo Cardinelli from Italy. Angelo is now in the professional virtuoso class, but during the course of his career he has been both Junior and Senior C.M.A. Solo World champion. He plays the Bugari electronic accordion and made excellent use of the rhythm unit in the rhythmic numbers.
Everyone was delighted when it was announced that Duncan Black had won the Senior Scottish (Trad) Solo Section, making his the new Scottish Traditional Champion.
The Advanced Classical Section was won by James Crabb from Dundee. Winners of all sections were as follows :-
Senior Scottish Traditional
1) Duncan Black (Stanley)
2) Edward Galley (Forfar)
3) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
Senior Scottish Pipe Music
1) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
2) Elizabeth Steven (Caithness)
3) Graham Edwardson (Livingston)
Junior Scottish Traditional
1) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
2) Mark Anderson (Keith)
3) Craig McCallum (Penicuik)
Senior Ladies Scottish Trad
1) Jennifer Brown (Keith)
2) Karen Higgins (Armadale)
3) Marian M. Anderson (Duns)
Junior Girls Pipe Music
1) Dianne Armstrong (Armadale)
2) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
3) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
Own Composition
1) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
2) Ian H. Cruickshank (Keith)
3) Norma Brodie (Whitburn)
Trios
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
2) Neil Caul (Kirriemuir)
3) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
Scottish Country Dance Band
1) Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
2) Mark Kenneth (Broughty Ferry)
3) Jacqueline Dick (Freuchie)
Junior Fiddle
1) Maureen Turnbull (Dundee)
2) Mark S. McDougall (Muir of Ord)
3) Margaret Quirie (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle
1) Mark Winchester (Keith)
1) Jane Rayworth (Dundee)
3) Jean-Anne Callendar (Aberdeen)
7 Years and Under
1) Allan Small (Dunshalt)
2) Gillian Simpson (Paisley)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
9 Years and Under
1) Campbell R. Love (Lochwinnoch)
2) Scott Jarvis (Newburgh)
3) Graeme Whitelaw (Dollar)
11 Years and Under
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Allan J. Frater (Uphall)
3=) Ian Stewart (Lesmahagow) & Kenneth Hanlin (Blairgowrie)
13 Years and Under
1) David Preston (Shotts)
2) Tracey Aitken (Bathgate)
3) Fiona Gorman (Perth)
Area Junior Championship
1) Nicola Reid (Lochgelly)
2) Michael Paton (Dunfermline)
3) Mark Anderson (Beith)
Preparatory Solo
1) Andrew J. Warren (Larkhall)
2) Alan Locke (Barrhead)
3=)Steven Mitchell (Bankfoot) & Andrew Thomson (Wishaw)
Elementary Solo
1) Linda Frater (Carluke)
2) Stewart Law (Newmains, Wishaw)
3) Sandra Owen (Cleland, Wishaw)
Intermediate Solo
1) Grant Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Gordon Haddow (Cardenden)
3) Catherine Owen (Cleland)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Sandy Legget (Dunbar)
2) Shirley McLeod (Paisley)
3) Morag Cunningham (Dunbar)
Open Solo
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) John Lockhart (Larkhall)
3) Alan Preston (Shotts)
Advanced Championship
1) James R. Crabb (Dundee)
2) Donald Shaw (Taynault)
The Entertainer
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
2) John Simpson (Shotts)
3) Scott Sneddon (Whitburn)
Preparatory Duet
1) Aileen & Liam Smith (Milnathort)
2) Fiona Linton & Andrew Thomson (Carluke)
3) Morag & Heather Mackenzie (Bishopton)
Elementary Duet
1) John Simpson & Alan Morrison (Shotts)
2) Stewart Law & Angeline McCloy (Wishaw)
3) Ann & Carol Struthers (Wishaw)
Intermediate Duet
1) Graham & Lorna Jeffrey (Earlston)
2) Lynette Wood & Tracey Aitken (Whitburn)
3) Andrew Cannon & Linda Welsh (Earlston)
Higher Intermediate Duet
1) James Grant & Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
2) Martin MacDougall & David Fraser (Dingwall)
Advanced Duet
1) Neil & Allan Copland (Dundee)
2) Alan & David Preston (Shotts)
3) Audrey Anderson & Nicola Reid (Kelty)
Preparatory Band
1) J. R. Brown Prep Band (Wishaw)
Elementary Band
1) J. R. Brown Elementary Band (Wishaw)
2) Lola Blair Boys’ Band (Glasgow)
3) Sylvia Wilson Elementary Band (Perth)
Intermediate Band
1) J. R. Brown Intermediate Band (Wishaw)
2) Kirkcaldy & District Accordion Band
3) Dundee Accordion Band
Group Section
1) Lola Blair Sextet (Glasgow)
2) Kirkcaldy & District Quartet
Bell Trophy Championship
1) Gordon Stewart (Kirkcaldy)
2) Mark D. Kenneth (Dundee)
3) Caroline Couser (Kirkcaldy)
Musselburgh ‘84
by Norrie Williams
Sunday, 23rd October, and scores of accordion and fiddle players will be feeling somewhat deflated and a bit scunnered with ‘a morning after the night before’ feeling. Cannot even bear to go near their instruments.
It’s the day after the Perth Festival and for many, the anticipation and high hopes of maybe getting a placing have been dashed yet again. I know the feeling only too well! ‘Never again’ you think. But there’s a bright spot on the horizon. Saturday, 3rd March, 1984, Musselburgh. Hope springs eternal so get these cases open again, get the books out and wire in.
There’s nothing like a touch of the ‘Taps o’ Fechle’ or ‘The Brigadier Cheapes’ to chase away the blues. And for the classically-minded your new set of test pieces (once again selected by the BCA) appears elsewhere in this issue. Jim Johnstone and his staff will, as always, have the Brunton Halls warm and welcoming for our visit (they keep it going solely for the N.A.A.F.C.Festival of course) and Freeland Barbour’s ‘Take the Floor’ team hope to be in attendance once again – they certainly did us proud last March.
And good news too for our young fiddle players. In answer to popular demand a Junior Slow Air Section has been introduced this year to give you a second bite at the cherry. The Association are greatly indebted to the Newton St Boswells club for the donation of a new trophy for this event. And it is particularly fitting for a junior section that the new cup is in memory of the late Dougie Welsh who had such a great way with the young players just before they entered the fray.
This year also we have invited three new adjudicators to join the team. We proudly welcome our very first lady adjudicator, none other than the Principal of the BCA, Miss Rosemary Wright (see ‘B&F’ January 1983. Miss Wright has been promoted since then).
Miss Wright, is, of course, not only a very experienced teacher, examiner and adjudicator, but also a very talented player, and even more to her credit, her mother hails from Glasgow.
Incidentally, over the past year or so the College have shown a great interest in our Festival and have given us considerable help in an advisors capacity. It is hoped to forge stronger links between the two bodies in the future. We all wish Miss Wright a very happy, albeit, hard day at Musselburgh and if she is not completely worn out we might just manage to twist her arm for a wee tune at the concert.
The second new face at 22 is our youngest-ever adjudicator, from Tullybaccart, Gordon Pattullo. No doubt some will react with ‘surely he’s too young,’ ‘lack’s experience’ etc, but before you do, its worth looking at his credentials. Junior Scottish Champion at Perth 1974, eight Canadian tours, six LPs, and Musical Director for the Andy Stewart show on its recent Australian tour, not to mention all the Club and stage appearances. These are impressive qualifications by any standards, but one particular memory I have of Gordon puts him in my book as right for the job. At George Bell’s 1974 Blairgowrie Festival I was passing the dressing rooms behind the stage in the Town Hall when I heard Jim Johnstone (adjudicator for the day) playing as only Jim can. I popped my head round the door to watch and there was Jim, but he wasn’t playing, he was standing watching a young, curly, red-headed laddie of 13 making his box talk. I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears. It was, of course, Gordon Pattullo.
At Musselburgh Gordon will be working along with our senior accordion adjudicator, Association Chairman, Jimmy Blue.
Our third newcomer will be sorting out the placings where interpretation and expression are everything, i.e. in the pipe music sections. Who better to do this than an experienced accordionist and piper. We are delighted to welcome all the way from Wick that excellent three-row player Bobby Coghill . Bobby is well-known on the traditional music scene and has made at least 3 LPs featuring mainly pipe music. His ability to pass on the pipe idiom message to other accordionists is reflected in the success of two of his pupils viz, his son Brian and Elizabeth Stevens of Dunnet.
Our quintet of adjudicators is completed by the one and only Angus Fitchet, who once again ‘is delighted’ (his own words, or rather ‘Ehm delighted’) to come along and judge the efforts of our fiddle competitors.
After the evening concert we will, of course, be finishing off as usual with the grand dance and a first-time again with the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band providing the music (Freeland Barbour will be almost on his knees by this time).
On behalf of the Festival Committee may I extend a very warm invitation to players and all accordion and fiddle enthusiasts to join us on 3rd March, 1984.
Hope to see you there.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Peterson Magic – Jack Delaney and his Band
Rigadoon
Tommy Ford – ‘Model T’ - Lismor LILP 5124
The Currie Brothers – By Special Request – Astral ASLP 001
Fergie McDonald – There’s Irish in the Islands – Lismor LILP 5126
Eight Scottish Country Dances from Vol 3 – Rob Gordon – RSCDS 12
Good for Gus
Crieff Club were delighted to have the services of Gus Millar with Jack Delaney’s Band at their meeting last month.
Gus had a very nasty accident at his work a few months ago.
Amongst other injuries, he damaged his spine and attended Crieff on crutches. Although in obvious pain, he got into the playing and was very warmly appreciated by the Crieff capacity crowd.
A vote of thanks to Jack for persuading Gus to come along and, after speaking to Gus personally, he assured me he is making progress, albeit slowly.
David Wilson
By Murdo McLeod
Marking the 10th Anniversary of Livingston A&F Club we continue the features on players who have been our mainstay over the years. This month the spotlight falls on David Wilson, a face that will be familiar to a lot of our readers by now and destined, we are sure, to be even more so in the months, and years, ahead.
David, 18 years of age, hails from Blackburn, the heartland of West Lothian accordion music, although he has very close family connections with Oakbank, near East Calder. Taught by Wilson Wood, Whitburn, he has continued lessons with that famous teacher for ten years to such good effect that he has won major competitions e.g. at Chrissie Leatham’s Accordion Festival where he won the Under-12 Advanced Classical Section no less than 5 times. He was the first winner of the Dean Tavern Trophy fro traditional music in 1979.
Also in 1979, young David won the Under-14 solo in the N.A.A.F.C. Musselburgh Festival and featured on ‘Accordion Jamboree’ – the record made on that day. Along with Yvonne Mathieson (another of Wilson’s pupils) he played duets and won several competitions, including the prized British Intermediate Duet Championship in Scarborough in 1979.
But his greatest moment must surely be when he and his bandmates in The Oakbank Sound won the top prize in the Band Section at Musselburgh this year.
David has a distinctive and forceful style of playing which is well illustrated in his execution of the ‘knuckle crackers’ as they say of those ‘fierce’ reels that separate the men from the boys.
But the other side of his playing is well shown by the sympathetic treatment he gives the Italian Muzurka – ‘Migliavacca’ – on the recent release ‘First Report’ featuring The Oakbank Sound. His classical training truly comes to the fore here.
Asked who he has looked to for inspiration the immediate response was John Huband and the technique of Marcosignori especially pleases him.
David Wilson possesses a very pleasant personality, and not at all bigheaded, and will, we are sure, continue to give much pleasure to his friends at the Livingston Club as well as to those up and down the country who are going to be listening to The Oakbank Sound this season.
This then is a small tribute to one of our faithful supporters who has helped to mould the special reputation our Club has earned for itself up and down the country.
We wish him luck and a place among the other names such as William Hannah who have put West Lothian on the accordion map.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 23 Nov 83 Stuart McKeown SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 4 Dec 83 Charlie Cowie, John Carmichael & Duncan Findlay
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 18 Dec 83 Bill Black & Family
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 24 Nov 83 Donaldson Brothers
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 24 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) – 3 Dec 83 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 19 Dec 83 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 22 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 6 Dec 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) – 7 Dec 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 28 Nov 83 Mike Clark
Forres (Brig Motel) – 14 Dec 83 Alan Roy
Fort William (Caol Community Club) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Nov 83 Forres Club
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 29 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio 21 Dec 83 Dundee A&F Club Junior Band
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 7 Dec 83 Bill Murray & the Huntly Harmonica Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 12 Jan 84 Richard Ross SDB
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28 Nov 83 Mike Clark
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) – 24 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio 6 Dec 83 Ian Kennedy
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 24 Nov 83 Perth Club
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20 Dec 83 Bill Black SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 5 Dec 83 Colin Dewar Trio
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 1 Dec 83 Charlie Kirkpatrick
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banff & District
6. Belford
7. Campbeltown
8. Castle Douglas
9. Cleland
10. Crieff & District
11. Dalriada
12. Derwentside
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane & District
15. Dunfermline & District
16. East Kilbride
17. Edinburgh
18. Forres
19. Fort William
20. Galston
21. Highland
22. Kelso
23. Kinlochsheil
24. Lesmahagow
25. Livingston
26. Lockerbie
27. M.A.F.I.A.
28. Newtongrange
29. North East
30. Peebles
31. Premier
32. Shetland
33. Stranraer
34. Thornhill
35. Thurso
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (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 (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969 – per first edition)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (aka Coquetdale Club - Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. 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?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Newcastleton Accordion Club
75. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
76. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
77. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
78. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
79. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
80. Wellbank A&F Club
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