Box and Fiddle
Year 08 No 03
November 1984
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3.20
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Well, another fine day at the Perth Festival has come and gone with lots of excitement and memories to remember and to all those who ended the day at the Perth Club Dance at the Salutation Hotel it was a fitting end.
Our best wishes to Edward Galley, Scottish Senior Champion, unfortunately due to technical difficulties, the complete list of winners is not yet available.
Would someone please settle the argument once and for all. Who was Agnes in the ‘Agnes Waltz’?
The Leicester Accordion and Guitar Festival takes place in the Grand Hotel on the 30th March, 1985. And the Glasgow Festival takes place in Govan Town Hall on the 16th February, 1985.
Mr John McIntee has an interesting idea if you read his column and we would like to follow up. So get your pens out and tell us about your accordion orchestras and strathspey and reel societies.
Have a nice month.
Talented Young Accordion Orchestra
by John McIntee
Since leaving the Police force on the Isle of Mull and, of course, the Mull Festival, some folk were under the impression that I had receded into a sedentary retirement, talking to daffodils etc., but I can assure you that nothing is further from the truth.
I can assure your ‘older’ readers that life does begin at 40 (and 13 years) as I have recently discovered.
I am referring to the fact that my daughter Heather was fortunate to become of John Huband’s and was accepted into his young Accordion Orchestra.
This article is unashamedly a ‘plug’ for this young orchestra whom I have not seen mentioned much in the ‘B&F’.
The orchestra hold a ‘band’ night once a month and a practice afternoon once a month – I thought I knew the meaning of the word DEDICATION until I saw John Huband’s young orchestra, but I was a mere novice at the game.
On my first visit to a hostelry at Meigle, Dundee, for the band night (111 miles from Oban – but accordion to John Huband “Pe-in Distance”, Violet, Heather and I were treated to a fabulous night with the maestro Huband, sitting in with every pupil who had to have a couple of numbers ready for the invited audience of mainly parents.
The music was fabulous and the icing on the cake was the appearance of Bobby Crowe who gave a great tune.
The incomparable Huband lorded it over all, aided and abetted by the parents of the young folk.
It is easy to see where the young folk get their talent from, through john himself and the great encouragement of the parents.
After a following Sunday band practice at the same hostelry the band was ready for its October annual engagement on the Isle of Mull and on 6th October they set sail from Oban.
At the Isle of Mull Hotel the band put on their first concert – the sound from these 20 young musicians is absolutely fabulous with a repertoire of Scottish Traditional, Continental, Classical, Latin American, Swing and Jazz.
There were two busloads of American and English tourists in and they were amazed at the repertoire.
One American confessed that the music made him want to, and I quote “Cock a Leg” (whatever that means) and an English lady wanted to know if the bandleader was ‘Jimmy Shand’ – you’ll have to go on a diet John…..
After a hectic ceilidh in a room we retired in the wee sma’ oors, but on getting up found that ‘Huband’s Angels’ – the orchestra – were fleeing about Craignure on hired mopeds to great squeals of delight.
Later that night the convoy set sail for the Argyll Arms, Bunessan, accompanied by singer Jim MacKenzie and another fabulous night was had, although the return journey to Craignure in horizontal type rain was pretty hairy.
Again another great ceilidh ensured.
Sunday dawned and with three hours sleep behind me I felt quite fresh. Another great concert was laid on in the Isle of Mull Hotel with some marvelous arrangements.
After a ceilidh until 5.45am we finally went into the arms of Morpheus, arising in time only to get the ferry back to Oban at 11am. A great weekend indeed.
To get back to myself : where I personally am gaining is that the band is so cheery and makes you feel young. The 72 hours were full of laughter and good cheers. This is due to the personal charisma of John Huband and his pawky sense of humour and the extreme friendliness of the young folk and their parents.
Dedication is a much abused word, but I feel that the parents of these young folk are to be applauded for the sacrifices they have made and the encouragement given to these young talented musicians, all pupils of John Huband.
I am sure that in future years a lot of these youngsters will be tipped for the top.
What I would like to see is more and more encouragement being given from the Scottish music scene to the young talent coming up, from the Masters.
Perhaps the ‘B&F’ could do an in depth interview, featuring some of these young bands and find out how they tick.
There is no doubt that these young musicians (and I include those in and out of bands) are a force to be reckoned with for the future propagation of our beautiful music and the maximum encouragement should be given to them.
Maybe the ‘B&F’ could make a start in a small way by giving a column or two devoted to the young orchestras / bands and let’s hear how they are doing, what and where.
Musical Traffic Warden
Appointment to Committee
Newton Stewart’s musical traffic warden, Alan Paterson, heard last Monday that he had been appointed to the Teacher’s Advisory Committee of the British College of Accordionists.
The College sets national examinations for students of accordion and, since last year, organ, the appointment is an important one for Alan who has been teaching music in the area for 17 years.
Two Centres
Alan, who lives at Station Road, has been traffic warden in Newton Stewart for the past nine summers. Now that the season id over, he will concentrate on music full time. He teaches accordion, organ and piano, but finds the organ is most popular at present, although he regards it as the most difficult instrument of the three.
He has opened two examination centres, one in Stranraer and the other in Dumfries. With pupils spread from Stranraer and Dumfries right acriss to Teynholm, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas, Alan spends a good deal of his time traveling. He takes pupils from the age of six – “as soon as they know their alphabet” – but has adults, including some pensioners, among his students.
Alan started learning piano when he was six years old. His late mother taught music and trained the choir at Penninghame School, and his father, the late Mr Robert L. Paterson, a former Provost of Newton Stewart, organized concerts for the Art Council of Great Britain; so it was no surprise that their son has a talent for music.
Alan learned organ on the three-keyboard instrument at Penninghame Church, later joining the band service of the Royal Marines, where he played flute and piccolo. He was organist at the former St John’s church, now the museum, and is currently organist at Monigaff Church.
Music plays a big part in the life of the Paterson family. Before they married Alan’s wife, Isabel, a trained singer, was in the Glasgow choral union with the Scottish National Orchestra, then conducted by Sir Alexander Gibson. They often play and sing together, and have been invited to perform at a celebrity concert in Leicester next March with harmonica virtuoso Tommy Reilly as guest artiste.
They also have a concert party and dance band, the Alan Paterson Scottish Trio, featuring two accordions and drums.
Their two sons are carrying on the musical tradition. Stewart, aged 14, plays violin, viola and piano, while nine-year-old John is learning piano and violin.
On Television
Alan has played at concerts and dances in many places, including Leicester (he is a member of the Leicester School of Music), Dundee and Edinburgh University. He has performed twice on Border Television, in the shows ‘Cock o’ the North’ and ‘Top town’.
He enjoys playing many different styles of music, and features among his wide repertoire two tunes he wrote himself – ‘Creeside Polka’ and ‘Bonnie Lass of Dumbarton’ which he dedicated to Isabel. Classical or pop, sacred or traditional – it is all sweet music to Alan.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Recently a friend of mine travelling in Scotland was at a B&F evening and he brought me back two ‘B&F’ papers which I read and thoroughly enjoyed.
I myself am Scottish, from Leven in Fife, and play piano accordion. The name of the group I play in is ‘The Nisbet Trio’ and we work regularly in and around Adelaide here in South Australia. In the group we have drums, double bass and piano accordion and the majority of the work we do is for the Scottish community.
Jimmy Nisbet
24 Wright Road
Ingle Farm
South Australia 5098
Dear Kirsty
With reference to your article in the Feb/Mar issue of the B&F re old dances, I enclose a copy of a programme for a dance held at Hermitage which may be of interest to you.
Personally, I am no dancer, but what the tunes were or how some of the dances were performed I have no idea, someone may know. Hermitage is an area a few miles north of Newcastleton on the Hawick Road. This dance would be held in the old school building which is now a horncraft workshop, the present small hall not being built until 1910.
Hermitage Dance
22nd December 1905
Programme
1) Circassian Circle
2) Polka (Common)
3) Queen’s Own
5) Schottische (Common)
5) Quadrilles (1st Set)
6) Waltz
7) Corn Rigs
8) Heel and Toe Polka
9) Bottom of the Punch Bowl
10) Square Eight
11) Highland Schottische
12) The Riflemen
13) Barn Dance
14) Reel
15) La Varsovienne
16) Polka (Dutch)
17) Lancers
18) Nine Pins
19) Roxburgh Castle
20) Reel o’ Tulloch
21) Balance Schottische
22) Truimph
23) Waltz
24) Petronella
25) Polka (Common)
26) Circassian Circle
27) Highland Schottische
28) Quadrilles (1st Set)
29) Barn Dance
30) American Dwarf
31) Drops o’ Brandy
32) Schottische (Common)
33) Long Eight
34) Polka (Dutch)
35) Duchess of Gordon’s Fancy
36) La Varsovienne
37) Lancers
38) Balance Schottische
39) Heel & Toe Polka
40) Haymakers
41) Self
William Henry
14 North Hermitage Street
Newcastleton
Roxburghshire
Sir – May I, through the courtesy of your columns, reply to Mr Grant Crawford’s letter in the last issue.
I could not agree more with his comments about the ‘Reel Radio’.
When I started to do this item I was prepared to do it till someone with more know-how came forward.
I got off to a fairly good start and made fair comments where required. However, this did not please everyone and my fingers were rapped in a nice way and I would be told what I could say.
This was partly due to people being annoyed in the past by comments made in this column. However, not to be put off I continued.
My next problem was collating the material for publication date. Phoning Aberdeen and being able to get the list of information was not always easy.
I realise that ‘Take The Floor’ staff are not just waiting for my phone call, so this added to my difficulties. However, I never thought that to criticize or to pass comment was part of the job, so I could only say who had been or who was to come on the programme. Plus, as I said, I was to be told what I could and could not say.
Anyway, now that Mr Crawford has been good enough to bring this up and he is an accomplished player, why does he not offer to do the column? It may be quite easy for him to do this, as he seems to have a good idea of what is required. He may find it difficult at times when the same names keep appearing in different bands week after week.
However, I enjoyed the experience and wish my successor the best of luck.
Tom Handy
17 Dollerie Terrace
Crieff
Sir – The Orkney Folk Festival held on 25th – 27th May, 1984, will hold many happy memories for all who attended whether as participants or spectators.
The members of Banchory S&R Society certainly enjoyed every minute of an exciting and entertaining weekend.
The Festival Committee headed by Mr Johnny Mowat did a first class job with perfect organisation of all events, concerts, competitions and fiddle rally.
One of the highlights of the festival for me was the tremendous amount of young fiddlers competing under the age of 12 and all of them showing great promise and obvious pride and enjoyment. Those concerned are doing a great teaching job.
Unfortunately, with so many events going on at the same time at different venues we could not see all the guest artistes perform. However, when we shared spots on programmes with Henry Henderson, first gentleman of the fiddle from Lerwick, Alex Green, king of the tin whistle, the two genial giants Willlie Fraser and Willie McKenzie from Aberdeen and Elgin, Janet Weatherston from Edinburgh, Angus Grant, the left-handed fiddler, the group Hom Bru from Lerwick, Fred Davidson on melodeon from Banchory and the hard-working Bobby Coghill Trio, our enjoyment was profound and the companionship great.
On behalf of the Banchory S&R Society a big thank you to Mr Mowat and his Committee and to all those who provided first-class accommodation and hospitality during this excellent festival and success for the future.
Bill Smith
‘Mayfield’
Bredero Drive
Banchory
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 28th Nov 84 Alec McPhee SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 2nd Dec 84 Wallochmor
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 16th Dec 84 Stuart McKeown SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 84 Bill Black
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 29th Nov 84 General MAcArthur
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callendar (Glengarry Hotel) – 28th Dec 84 Festive Dance with Iain MacPhail SDB
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 22nd Nov 84 Craigowl SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 6th Dec 84 Willie Simpson & Gordon Pattullo
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 30th Nov 84 Paddy Neary
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 11th Dec 84 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 4th Dec 84 Robin Brock SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 29th Nov 84 Iain MacPhail SDB
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 5th Dec 84 Black Family
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 20th Nov 84
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 26th Nov 84 Jim Cleland
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Dec 84 Norman Urquhart Trio
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 10th Dec 84 Bobby MacLeod
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 29th Dec 84 Inverness Fiddlers
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28th Nov 84 Ewan & John Donald
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 84 Iain Peterson Trio
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 20th Dec 84 John MacGregor SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 84 Iain MacPhail SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) – 20th Nov 84 Wattie Beattie
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 21st Nov 84 Iain MacPhail Trio
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 29th Nov 84 Paddy Neary
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – November Jan Kowalski Trio
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 11th Dec 84 Jimmy Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 3rd Dec 84 Tommy Ford
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – 11th Dec 84 Archie Duncan
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callander & District
8. Castle Douglas
9. Crieff & District
10. Dalriada
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane & District
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. East Kilbride
16. Edinburgh
17. Fintry
18. Forres
19. Galston
20. Highland
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kintore
24. Lesmahagow
25. Lockerbie
26. M.A.F.I.A.
27. Newtongrange
28. Newton St Boswells
29. North East
30. Perth & District
31. Premier
32. Shetland
33. Stranraer
34. Thurso
35. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (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 1978? or 80) 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 – March 1985) 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. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – 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)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. 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?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
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. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Well, another fine day at the Perth Festival has come and gone with lots of excitement and memories to remember and to all those who ended the day at the Perth Club Dance at the Salutation Hotel it was a fitting end.
Our best wishes to Edward Galley, Scottish Senior Champion, unfortunately due to technical difficulties, the complete list of winners is not yet available.
Would someone please settle the argument once and for all. Who was Agnes in the ‘Agnes Waltz’?
The Leicester Accordion and Guitar Festival takes place in the Grand Hotel on the 30th March, 1985. And the Glasgow Festival takes place in Govan Town Hall on the 16th February, 1985.
Mr John McIntee has an interesting idea if you read his column and we would like to follow up. So get your pens out and tell us about your accordion orchestras and strathspey and reel societies.
Have a nice month.
Talented Young Accordion Orchestra
by John McIntee
Since leaving the Police force on the Isle of Mull and, of course, the Mull Festival, some folk were under the impression that I had receded into a sedentary retirement, talking to daffodils etc., but I can assure you that nothing is further from the truth.
I can assure your ‘older’ readers that life does begin at 40 (and 13 years) as I have recently discovered.
I am referring to the fact that my daughter Heather was fortunate to become of John Huband’s and was accepted into his young Accordion Orchestra.
This article is unashamedly a ‘plug’ for this young orchestra whom I have not seen mentioned much in the ‘B&F’.
The orchestra hold a ‘band’ night once a month and a practice afternoon once a month – I thought I knew the meaning of the word DEDICATION until I saw John Huband’s young orchestra, but I was a mere novice at the game.
On my first visit to a hostelry at Meigle, Dundee, for the band night (111 miles from Oban – but accordion to John Huband “Pe-in Distance”, Violet, Heather and I were treated to a fabulous night with the maestro Huband, sitting in with every pupil who had to have a couple of numbers ready for the invited audience of mainly parents.
The music was fabulous and the icing on the cake was the appearance of Bobby Crowe who gave a great tune.
The incomparable Huband lorded it over all, aided and abetted by the parents of the young folk.
It is easy to see where the young folk get their talent from, through john himself and the great encouragement of the parents.
After a following Sunday band practice at the same hostelry the band was ready for its October annual engagement on the Isle of Mull and on 6th October they set sail from Oban.
At the Isle of Mull Hotel the band put on their first concert – the sound from these 20 young musicians is absolutely fabulous with a repertoire of Scottish Traditional, Continental, Classical, Latin American, Swing and Jazz.
There were two busloads of American and English tourists in and they were amazed at the repertoire.
One American confessed that the music made him want to, and I quote “Cock a Leg” (whatever that means) and an English lady wanted to know if the bandleader was ‘Jimmy Shand’ – you’ll have to go on a diet John…..
After a hectic ceilidh in a room we retired in the wee sma’ oors, but on getting up found that ‘Huband’s Angels’ – the orchestra – were fleeing about Craignure on hired mopeds to great squeals of delight.
Later that night the convoy set sail for the Argyll Arms, Bunessan, accompanied by singer Jim MacKenzie and another fabulous night was had, although the return journey to Craignure in horizontal type rain was pretty hairy.
Again another great ceilidh ensured.
Sunday dawned and with three hours sleep behind me I felt quite fresh. Another great concert was laid on in the Isle of Mull Hotel with some marvelous arrangements.
After a ceilidh until 5.45am we finally went into the arms of Morpheus, arising in time only to get the ferry back to Oban at 11am. A great weekend indeed.
To get back to myself : where I personally am gaining is that the band is so cheery and makes you feel young. The 72 hours were full of laughter and good cheers. This is due to the personal charisma of John Huband and his pawky sense of humour and the extreme friendliness of the young folk and their parents.
Dedication is a much abused word, but I feel that the parents of these young folk are to be applauded for the sacrifices they have made and the encouragement given to these young talented musicians, all pupils of John Huband.
I am sure that in future years a lot of these youngsters will be tipped for the top.
What I would like to see is more and more encouragement being given from the Scottish music scene to the young talent coming up, from the Masters.
Perhaps the ‘B&F’ could do an in depth interview, featuring some of these young bands and find out how they tick.
There is no doubt that these young musicians (and I include those in and out of bands) are a force to be reckoned with for the future propagation of our beautiful music and the maximum encouragement should be given to them.
Maybe the ‘B&F’ could make a start in a small way by giving a column or two devoted to the young orchestras / bands and let’s hear how they are doing, what and where.
Musical Traffic Warden
Appointment to Committee
Newton Stewart’s musical traffic warden, Alan Paterson, heard last Monday that he had been appointed to the Teacher’s Advisory Committee of the British College of Accordionists.
The College sets national examinations for students of accordion and, since last year, organ, the appointment is an important one for Alan who has been teaching music in the area for 17 years.
Two Centres
Alan, who lives at Station Road, has been traffic warden in Newton Stewart for the past nine summers. Now that the season id over, he will concentrate on music full time. He teaches accordion, organ and piano, but finds the organ is most popular at present, although he regards it as the most difficult instrument of the three.
He has opened two examination centres, one in Stranraer and the other in Dumfries. With pupils spread from Stranraer and Dumfries right acriss to Teynholm, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas, Alan spends a good deal of his time traveling. He takes pupils from the age of six – “as soon as they know their alphabet” – but has adults, including some pensioners, among his students.
Alan started learning piano when he was six years old. His late mother taught music and trained the choir at Penninghame School, and his father, the late Mr Robert L. Paterson, a former Provost of Newton Stewart, organized concerts for the Art Council of Great Britain; so it was no surprise that their son has a talent for music.
Alan learned organ on the three-keyboard instrument at Penninghame Church, later joining the band service of the Royal Marines, where he played flute and piccolo. He was organist at the former St John’s church, now the museum, and is currently organist at Monigaff Church.
Music plays a big part in the life of the Paterson family. Before they married Alan’s wife, Isabel, a trained singer, was in the Glasgow choral union with the Scottish National Orchestra, then conducted by Sir Alexander Gibson. They often play and sing together, and have been invited to perform at a celebrity concert in Leicester next March with harmonica virtuoso Tommy Reilly as guest artiste.
They also have a concert party and dance band, the Alan Paterson Scottish Trio, featuring two accordions and drums.
Their two sons are carrying on the musical tradition. Stewart, aged 14, plays violin, viola and piano, while nine-year-old John is learning piano and violin.
On Television
Alan has played at concerts and dances in many places, including Leicester (he is a member of the Leicester School of Music), Dundee and Edinburgh University. He has performed twice on Border Television, in the shows ‘Cock o’ the North’ and ‘Top town’.
He enjoys playing many different styles of music, and features among his wide repertoire two tunes he wrote himself – ‘Creeside Polka’ and ‘Bonnie Lass of Dumbarton’ which he dedicated to Isabel. Classical or pop, sacred or traditional – it is all sweet music to Alan.
Letters to the Editor
Sir – Recently a friend of mine travelling in Scotland was at a B&F evening and he brought me back two ‘B&F’ papers which I read and thoroughly enjoyed.
I myself am Scottish, from Leven in Fife, and play piano accordion. The name of the group I play in is ‘The Nisbet Trio’ and we work regularly in and around Adelaide here in South Australia. In the group we have drums, double bass and piano accordion and the majority of the work we do is for the Scottish community.
Jimmy Nisbet
24 Wright Road
Ingle Farm
South Australia 5098
Dear Kirsty
With reference to your article in the Feb/Mar issue of the B&F re old dances, I enclose a copy of a programme for a dance held at Hermitage which may be of interest to you.
Personally, I am no dancer, but what the tunes were or how some of the dances were performed I have no idea, someone may know. Hermitage is an area a few miles north of Newcastleton on the Hawick Road. This dance would be held in the old school building which is now a horncraft workshop, the present small hall not being built until 1910.
Hermitage Dance
22nd December 1905
Programme
1) Circassian Circle
2) Polka (Common)
3) Queen’s Own
5) Schottische (Common)
5) Quadrilles (1st Set)
6) Waltz
7) Corn Rigs
8) Heel and Toe Polka
9) Bottom of the Punch Bowl
10) Square Eight
11) Highland Schottische
12) The Riflemen
13) Barn Dance
14) Reel
15) La Varsovienne
16) Polka (Dutch)
17) Lancers
18) Nine Pins
19) Roxburgh Castle
20) Reel o’ Tulloch
21) Balance Schottische
22) Truimph
23) Waltz
24) Petronella
25) Polka (Common)
26) Circassian Circle
27) Highland Schottische
28) Quadrilles (1st Set)
29) Barn Dance
30) American Dwarf
31) Drops o’ Brandy
32) Schottische (Common)
33) Long Eight
34) Polka (Dutch)
35) Duchess of Gordon’s Fancy
36) La Varsovienne
37) Lancers
38) Balance Schottische
39) Heel & Toe Polka
40) Haymakers
41) Self
William Henry
14 North Hermitage Street
Newcastleton
Roxburghshire
Sir – May I, through the courtesy of your columns, reply to Mr Grant Crawford’s letter in the last issue.
I could not agree more with his comments about the ‘Reel Radio’.
When I started to do this item I was prepared to do it till someone with more know-how came forward.
I got off to a fairly good start and made fair comments where required. However, this did not please everyone and my fingers were rapped in a nice way and I would be told what I could say.
This was partly due to people being annoyed in the past by comments made in this column. However, not to be put off I continued.
My next problem was collating the material for publication date. Phoning Aberdeen and being able to get the list of information was not always easy.
I realise that ‘Take The Floor’ staff are not just waiting for my phone call, so this added to my difficulties. However, I never thought that to criticize or to pass comment was part of the job, so I could only say who had been or who was to come on the programme. Plus, as I said, I was to be told what I could and could not say.
Anyway, now that Mr Crawford has been good enough to bring this up and he is an accomplished player, why does he not offer to do the column? It may be quite easy for him to do this, as he seems to have a good idea of what is required. He may find it difficult at times when the same names keep appearing in different bands week after week.
However, I enjoyed the experience and wish my successor the best of luck.
Tom Handy
17 Dollerie Terrace
Crieff
Sir – The Orkney Folk Festival held on 25th – 27th May, 1984, will hold many happy memories for all who attended whether as participants or spectators.
The members of Banchory S&R Society certainly enjoyed every minute of an exciting and entertaining weekend.
The Festival Committee headed by Mr Johnny Mowat did a first class job with perfect organisation of all events, concerts, competitions and fiddle rally.
One of the highlights of the festival for me was the tremendous amount of young fiddlers competing under the age of 12 and all of them showing great promise and obvious pride and enjoyment. Those concerned are doing a great teaching job.
Unfortunately, with so many events going on at the same time at different venues we could not see all the guest artistes perform. However, when we shared spots on programmes with Henry Henderson, first gentleman of the fiddle from Lerwick, Alex Green, king of the tin whistle, the two genial giants Willlie Fraser and Willie McKenzie from Aberdeen and Elgin, Janet Weatherston from Edinburgh, Angus Grant, the left-handed fiddler, the group Hom Bru from Lerwick, Fred Davidson on melodeon from Banchory and the hard-working Bobby Coghill Trio, our enjoyment was profound and the companionship great.
On behalf of the Banchory S&R Society a big thank you to Mr Mowat and his Committee and to all those who provided first-class accommodation and hospitality during this excellent festival and success for the future.
Bill Smith
‘Mayfield’
Bredero Drive
Banchory
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 28th Nov 84 Alec McPhee SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 2nd Dec 84 Wallochmor
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 16th Dec 84 Stuart McKeown SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 84 Bill Black
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 29th Nov 84 General MAcArthur
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callendar (Glengarry Hotel) – 28th Dec 84 Festive Dance with Iain MacPhail SDB
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 22nd Nov 84 Craigowl SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) – 6th Dec 84 Willie Simpson & Gordon Pattullo
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 30th Nov 84 Paddy Neary
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 11th Dec 84 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 4th Dec 84 Robin Brock SDB
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 29th Nov 84 Iain MacPhail SDB
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) – 5th Dec 84 Black Family
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 20th Nov 84
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 26th Nov 84 Jim Cleland
Forres (Brig Motel) – 12th Dec 84 Norman Urquhart Trio
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 10th Dec 84 Bobby MacLeod
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 29th Dec 84 Inverness Fiddlers
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28th Nov 84 Ewan & John Donald
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 84 Iain Peterson Trio
Livingston (Golden Hind, Blackburn) – 20th Dec 84 John MacGregor SDB
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 84 Iain MacPhail SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) – 20th Nov 84 Wattie Beattie
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) – 21st Nov 84 Iain MacPhail Trio
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 29th Nov 84 Paddy Neary
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – November Jan Kowalski Trio
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 11th Dec 84 Jimmy Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 3rd Dec 84 Tommy Ford
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – 11th Dec 84 Archie Duncan
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callander & District
8. Castle Douglas
9. Crieff & District
10. Dalriada
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane & District
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. East Kilbride
16. Edinburgh
17. Fintry
18. Forres
19. Galston
20. Highland
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kintore
24. Lesmahagow
25. Lockerbie
26. M.A.F.I.A.
27. Newtongrange
28. Newton St Boswells
29. North East
30. Perth & District
31. Premier
32. Shetland
33. Stranraer
34. Thurso
35. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1984 (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 1978? or 80) 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 – March 1985) 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. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – 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)
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
57. Sutherland A&F Club (
58. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. 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?)
63. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
64. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
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. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
75. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
76. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
77. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
78. Newcastleton Accordion Club
79. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
80. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
81. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
82. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
83. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
84. Wellbank A&F Club
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