Box and Fiddle
Year 13 No 03
November 1989
Price 40p
12 pages
8 month subscription £4.60
Editor – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Perth ‘89
This year has been a very special celebration for Bill Wilkie after 40 years in the driving seat of one of the most prestigious festivals in the country. There have been special events this year, organized for the week of the festival and which have all helped build up to the Saturday event.
Association Weekend
I have been asked by Jack Cooper, to make sure everybody is made aware of the date and venue of the Annual Gathering for 1990. The venue is the same – The Station Hotel in Perth – The dates – Saturday, 23rd June / Sunday, 24th June. Other details will be published later.
Tom Clark
Dougie Maxwell
by Tom Clark
A fairly regular topic of discussion these days, concerns the similarity of sound produced by many of today’s bands. I have often been involved in the discussion myself, and I suppose it has to be admitted that there is a degree of truth in the suggestion.
It’s not too difficult to see why the claim is made, when we look at what has become almost the “standard” line-up. But, just go back a few years, when things were probably a lot different and there was a sound that was always instantly recognisable to the ear – the sound of the trumpet in the Olympian’s Dance Band. To my ear this was always a happy and relaxed sound which seemed to tell me something about the man behind the trumpet.
Although I had know about Dougie Maxwell for many years, I didn’t really meet him until a couple of years ago at one of Bobby Crowe’s mid-summer ceilidhs in the Balmullo Inn. Bobby and Dougie were on stage doing their stuff, and sure enough, there was that distinctive sound.
I arranged with Dougie that we would do something for the “Box and Fiddle” sometime, and earlier this year we got together for what proved to be a lively and interesting chat.
“It all started when I was about seven years old” Doug told me. “My father played piano and my Uncle James played cornet. Dad (Douglas Hay Maxwell) was very much involved with music. He was a competent pianist and a good music reader. I started on a small drum kit which I had been given as a Christmas present and enjoyed joining in with dad and Uncle James.
Dad had been involved in the formation of the Tayport Instrumental Band after the First World War, and it was through this connection that I became interested in the cornet. A few years later he met up with Jimmy Shand and eventually joined Jimmy’s band as bass player.
He travelled all over Scotland, England and Ireland with the band for a few years and enjoyed every minute of it. “So you can see that I was brought up in an atmosphere surrounded by music in our home at Seggieden House, where I lived for over 20 years. Every night was music night. No “telly” in those days!
The tradition goes back a long way. My grandfather, Charles Maxwell, was a very fine violinist. As well as having a small dance orchestra, he was depute leader of the pit orchestra in Her Majesty’s Theatre, Dundee (now the Canon Film Centre).
While I was very young, dad started teaching music which included tuition on the accordion. Amongst dad’s pupils was Bobby Crowe. Bobby and I became friends, a friendship that has lasted to this day. After a while Bobby and I started playing together – I was on second accordion!!
BRASS BAND WORLD
During this period, dad and I used to cycle every week to Tayport, to meet up with the Tayport Instrumental Band and it was there that I started to play the cornet.
Later on, as I progressed on the instrument, I gained much valuable and enjoyable playing experience with a few other bands in the area, including Cupar Town, St. Andrew’s City and occasionally with the Tullis Russell Mills Band, where my Uncle John played Flugal Horn. Being a player of various musical instruments seemed to run in the family. (Dad played piano, cornet, double bass and accordion).
This was a very pleasant stage in my playing life, as I have always retained my connection with Brass Bands, playing with them for over 30 years.
During my time I have played under some excellent conductors, one of whom was Drake Rimmer – a member of the famous Rimmer family. I can remember one occasion coming back from a concert in the early 60’s when I was with Cupar Town Band, when we won every cup and shield in the competition, having gained the highest number of points and beating all the big names in the business.
In 1964, I had the honour of playing cornet in London at the National Championships with the Cupar Town Band. Later, in 1974, I played again at the same venue with the Tayport Instrumental Band. On many occasions, I used to play trumpet in local pit orchestras and enjoyed it very much.
THE OLYMPIANS
The Olympians were formed in 1950, just after I had completed my National Service. The members at the stage were Eric Gray and Betty Crowe on accordion, David Findlay piano, Tom Anderson drums and myself on trumpet.
I had actually started on accordion, but switched to the trumpet after a short while. We were all very keen players and did a lot of practicing together before our first venture – a dance in Guardbridge Hall in October, 1950.
In those days National Service caused a lot of problems for bands when player had to leave for a couple of years. First we had Eric Gray, then Bobby Crowe. However, we continued with the hard work and regular practice and eventually managed to produce the sound we wanted.
We passed an audition for the B.B.C. in 1952, making our first broadcast in May of the year. For most players, playing regularly in one of the many bands in the Scottish Dance music scene at that time, was a great experience. All over Scotland and south of the Border as well, the bands from this area were travelling every weekend.
It was considered as a bonus to be playing “at home” in places like Froickheim, Montrose, Edzell, Laurencekirk, Brechin, Letham, Carmyllie, Largoward etc. Mind you, there was no bridge in those days and the ferry went off early, so those who needed to cross the river had an extra 40 miles to go.
I remember one night in the early 50’s, we were all aboard the big, smooth running Humber limousine in which we travelled to gigs, on the way home from a dance in Callander. “Bessie” as we affectionately called her, was brought to a halt just east of Auchterarder to let everyone have a breath of air, when a rope dangling from the roof rack caught our attention. No bass drum!! We jumped back into “Bessie” and retraced our steps, but there was no sign of the drum.
An advert in Monday’s “Courier” brought no response, but aroused the interest of all the “Nationals” and by the end of that week, the Olympians were famed nation-wide – as the band who lost their big drum! That famous drum was never seen again.
There was another occasion, early one Saturday morning on the way back from Laurencekirk. “Bessie” gave up the ghost – sounded like bid end trouble. Martin Hayes, our lead accordion player at the time had left his car at Forfar, as he stayed in Blairgowrie. The rest of us had planned that we would all stay with the Dundee lads for the night. Martin took the gear in his car to bring it to Kidd’s Rooms in Dundee, for the next job, while the rest of us stayed with “Bessie” for the night to wait for the first bus in the morning.
At 6 a.m. on a beautifully autumn morning, all five of us were marching on the Dundee road, outside Forfar, when along came a bus. As we boarded the bus, little giggles burst into howls of laughter from passengers (and ourselves), as we realised that we were in a “tattie bus” with the passengers all suitably attired. There we were in our dinner suits, white shirts and bow ties – just the gear for “tattie howkin”.
I suppose all of us who broadcast in the days of live broadcasting can think of an incident we would rather forget. Mine happened in Coldside Studio in Dundee during a Saturday evening Scottish Dance Music programme.
During rehearsals, Mr Sloggie, the Producer, suggested a trumpet solo during the waltz “Ca’ the Ewes”. We discussed it, and in response to his request, I agreed “No problem”. I had done it often before elsewhere. We rehearsed again and everything went well. Then came the green light and we were off. During “Ca’ the Ewes” I started my solo. It seemed to go okay until that top “A”. It came out like a “gurgle”. Jim Sloggie was most understanding and said it was probably his fault for rehearsing me too hard. That made things a bit easier, but I never really got over it and I became known amongst my brass band pals as “the lad wha canna reach his top A”.
Over the years, there have been many fine players who spent period with us in the Olympians. Jimmy Yeaman (fiddle), Douglas Cargill (bass), Jack Stewart, John Huband and David Cunningham (accordion), Angus MacDonald, Bill Melville, Bill Dunbar, Bill Stronach, Bill Jarvis and Colin Lander (drums), Alice Watson, Moira Reekie, James Lindsay and Graham Berry (piano) and Bill Morgan has been our bass player for about 12 years.
My saddest memory with the band , must be the tragic loss of David Findlay, killed in a car crash, while working for the B.B.C. on the way back from a recording of “Take the Floor” in Wick. David’s influence on the band will remain for a long time. We still play the music which he arranged and loved so much.
Things seem to have gone full circle now, and we have Bobby Crowe back on lead accordion, even though he is very busy with his own band. When we play now for the R.S.C.D.S. on Monday nights at the Angus Hotel, Dundee, we find ourselves almost back where we started in 1950. Kidd’s Rooms were demolished to make way for the new complex, including the Angus Hotel.
With the Olympians I have enjoyed making the following recordings” :-
E.P. “The Olympians” (Thane) 1963
L.P. “Meet the Olympians” (Thistle) 1969
L.P. “Dances of Scotland” Vol III (Scottish) 1973
L.P. “Music for Book 27” (R.S.C.D.S.) 1975
L.P. “Dances Old, Dances New” (Goldreay) 1983
So, Dougie has been a very busy musician over many years, and although illness now affects his eyesight and makes reading music impossible, he still manages to keep up with the playing. He studies new pieces and plays from memory. “I was always a good busker” he told me.
Dougie is still very active and keen and tells me he makes frequent visits to Clubs, including Windygates Club, where he finds the atmosphere very friendly and relaxed. Apart from his playing activities, Dougie has found some time for composing. “I am not a prolific composer” he explained “ideas only come to me occasionally, usually without warning”. Dougie’s compositions include :-
Jigs – Christine MacAskill and Mrs Patricia Maxwell’s Jig.
Strathspeys – Alan Maxwell’s Farewell to Balmerino and Mrs Aileen Douglas od Dunira
March – Tom McNaught’s March
Reels – Neil MacKinnon of the Cuilt and Kinnear Baxter’s Farewell to Dundee
Waltz – Laura Jane’s Waltz
I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Dougie and sincerely hope that we will be enjoying the sound of that trumpet for many years to come.
Dougie lives at Balmullo with his wife Christine (MacAskill) while his son Alan and wife Teresa live in Glenrothes.
Will Hannah
Musical memories came flooding back recently for Orkney woman, Mrs Peggy Ferguson.
The last time she was involved in this picture she was in front of the camera – that’s her seated third from right – all of sixty years ago.
The occasion was a souvenir picture for the fan’s of Scots melodeon star, Will Hannah, during his one and only visit to Orkney. He was taken north by Bob Milne who ran the music shop in Junction Road, Kirkwall.
Will played to a packed Temperance Hall, for box buffs the instrument is believed to have been an Excelsior, and gave them a night to remember.
Mrs Ferguson, of Clay Loan, has a special reason for cherishing the memory. She was Will’s accompanist. As she glanced at the photograph of the group for the very first time, a delighted Mrs Ferguson recalled “We didn’t even have a rehearsal. Will told me the tempos and away we went. Fortunately, I knew most of the tunes and you can only get three keys on that particular melodeon so I didn’t have too much to worry about.”
Was she apprehensive about playing the piano for such a famous musician? “I didn’t have the sense to be nervous in those days”, replied a modest Mrs Ferguson, who was well known in local concert circles at the time.
She continued “It was a grand night, the seats were forms and the best stance, the two windows at the back, which were on a higher level and provided the best view, were taken early. Will was a gentleman- I think he lived in West Lothian and was a miner.”
The photograph, which was loaned to us by local musician, Jim Anderson, was taken in photographer Tom Kent’s garden behind the Longship shop in Broad Street, Kirkwall.
Sandy MacArthur
Obituary
It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of Sandy MacArthurin the early hours of Tuesday, 17th October.
Sandy had taken ill whilst playing in the Playhouse, Edinburgh, on the occasion of ‘Accordion ‘89’, Saturday, 14th of October to a packed house.
An outside B.B.C. Broadcast on B.B.C. Radio Scotland Radio 4 by Sandy and his Band, Saturday 28th October, will go ahead as planned. Sandy’s widow, Evelyn, feels that this would be a fine tribute.
Record Review
By Norrie Williams
Stramash – Jim Johnstone SDB – Temple Records CTP030 (Cassette) or TP030 (record)
East, West, Hame’s Best – Bill Douglas SDB – Bluebell Records BBR/c170
Heart in the Highlands – Jimmy Lindsay SDB – Bluebell Records BBR/171
Dance Time – John Carmichael SDB – Club Records Ltd
Capital Ceilidh – David Sturgeon and the Waverley SDB – Ayrespin Records
Calum McLean plays Calum McLean – Deeay Music DACS894
Books
Tummelside – Freeland Barbour
The Piper’s Well – Dr Bruce Thomson
Letters to the Editor
Sir – It seems to be a developing trend, albeit an unfortunate one, for Club reporters to unleash a hail of criticism through the columns of the ‘B&F’.
In common with other readers, I read with disbelief Basil’s Thurso report in your April issue and I was delighted to see Simon Howie’s letter of defense appearing in your September issue.
The Dunoon and Cowal report in that same issue however, I feel to be written in the same vein. It seems a pity that once again valuable space in the ‘B&F’ has to be used for explanations, but while I am perfectly willing to accept constructive criticism, Ifeel that to leave a report of this sort unchallenged will be taken by your readership as an acceptance of the criticisms made.
I would therefore make the following points. ‘The band turned out to be a trio’ implies that we were not booked as such, which is not the case. Sandy McMillan arranged the booking so perhaps it would be as well if MrMcCowan clarified arrangements for future guests with him.
Secondly, so far as I knew the start time was 9 p.m. – as it transpired, a misunderstanding arising as a result of verbal arrangements not confirmed in writing. As for the second box player sitting with his back to the audience, well, Keith does sit ‘side on’ as the accordionists in, for example, Jack Delaney’s Band do, but surely this is a matter of personal choice and in my opinion facilitates the cohesion of the group.
‘Result a very poor sound’. Well, I can’t claim to compare, for example, with your band at the following meeting i.e. Jim Johnstone with 25 years professional experience behind him (and a six piece band), but as trios go these days, I would like to think I am on equal terms.
I would echo Simon’s comments on money and travel – two hours each way in this case, which meant getting home at 3.30 a.m.. We also made the effort by wearing Highland dress to look the part for the Ceilidh – alas, all in vain it would appear.
Incidentally, it’s the first time I’ve played in a venue with midges inside the hall. Anyway, all I can say in conclusion for the future is ‘Don’t phone us, George, and we won’t phone you.”
Peter Wood
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 28th Nov 89 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only 8th Nov 89 Dave Stewart
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 2nd Nov 89 Willie McFarlane Band
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 19th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) -
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 The Clansmen
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) - 16th Nov 89 Donaldson Brothers
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 25th Nov 89 Dance to jock Fraser’s SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (The Marquee) – 7th Nov 89 James Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 30th Nov 89 George Smith & Farquhar MacRae
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Nov 89 Ian Muir Trio
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Nov 89 The Garrioch Blend
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Nov 89 Willie Simpson Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Isle of Skye - 2nd Nov 89 Club A.G.M.
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 7th Nov 89 James Lindsay Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Nov 89 Alan Gardiner SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 21st Nov 89 Billy McGuire
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 28th Nov 89 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Nov 89 Bill Black SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Nov 89 Donaldson Brothers
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 7th Nov 89 Alistair Hunter Trio
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 16th Nov 89 West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Peebles (Countryside Inn) – 30th Nov 89 Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 ‘Accordion Contrasts’ with Gordon Shand, Daniel McPhee & Edward Galley
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 14th Nov 89 Charlie Cowie
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Beith
6. Belford
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9. Coalburn
10. Derwentside
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunoon & Cowal
15. East Kilbride
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glaston
20. Highland
21. Kelso
22. Kinlochshiel
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Lesmahagow
26. Livingston
27. Lockerbie
28. M.A.F.I.A.
29. Mauchline
30. Montrose
31 Newtongrange
32. North East
33. Orkney
34. Ormiston
35. Peebles
36. Renfrew
37. Thurso
38. Wick
39. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1989 (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. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
3. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Fintry A&F Club
26. Forfar 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 (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Mull A&F Club
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
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)
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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
80. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
81. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
82. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
83. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
84. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
85. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
86. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
87. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
88. Newcastleton Accordion Club
89. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
90. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
91. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
92. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
93. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
94. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
95. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Perth ‘89
This year has been a very special celebration for Bill Wilkie after 40 years in the driving seat of one of the most prestigious festivals in the country. There have been special events this year, organized for the week of the festival and which have all helped build up to the Saturday event.
Association Weekend
I have been asked by Jack Cooper, to make sure everybody is made aware of the date and venue of the Annual Gathering for 1990. The venue is the same – The Station Hotel in Perth – The dates – Saturday, 23rd June / Sunday, 24th June. Other details will be published later.
Tom Clark
Dougie Maxwell
by Tom Clark
A fairly regular topic of discussion these days, concerns the similarity of sound produced by many of today’s bands. I have often been involved in the discussion myself, and I suppose it has to be admitted that there is a degree of truth in the suggestion.
It’s not too difficult to see why the claim is made, when we look at what has become almost the “standard” line-up. But, just go back a few years, when things were probably a lot different and there was a sound that was always instantly recognisable to the ear – the sound of the trumpet in the Olympian’s Dance Band. To my ear this was always a happy and relaxed sound which seemed to tell me something about the man behind the trumpet.
Although I had know about Dougie Maxwell for many years, I didn’t really meet him until a couple of years ago at one of Bobby Crowe’s mid-summer ceilidhs in the Balmullo Inn. Bobby and Dougie were on stage doing their stuff, and sure enough, there was that distinctive sound.
I arranged with Dougie that we would do something for the “Box and Fiddle” sometime, and earlier this year we got together for what proved to be a lively and interesting chat.
“It all started when I was about seven years old” Doug told me. “My father played piano and my Uncle James played cornet. Dad (Douglas Hay Maxwell) was very much involved with music. He was a competent pianist and a good music reader. I started on a small drum kit which I had been given as a Christmas present and enjoyed joining in with dad and Uncle James.
Dad had been involved in the formation of the Tayport Instrumental Band after the First World War, and it was through this connection that I became interested in the cornet. A few years later he met up with Jimmy Shand and eventually joined Jimmy’s band as bass player.
He travelled all over Scotland, England and Ireland with the band for a few years and enjoyed every minute of it. “So you can see that I was brought up in an atmosphere surrounded by music in our home at Seggieden House, where I lived for over 20 years. Every night was music night. No “telly” in those days!
The tradition goes back a long way. My grandfather, Charles Maxwell, was a very fine violinist. As well as having a small dance orchestra, he was depute leader of the pit orchestra in Her Majesty’s Theatre, Dundee (now the Canon Film Centre).
While I was very young, dad started teaching music which included tuition on the accordion. Amongst dad’s pupils was Bobby Crowe. Bobby and I became friends, a friendship that has lasted to this day. After a while Bobby and I started playing together – I was on second accordion!!
BRASS BAND WORLD
During this period, dad and I used to cycle every week to Tayport, to meet up with the Tayport Instrumental Band and it was there that I started to play the cornet.
Later on, as I progressed on the instrument, I gained much valuable and enjoyable playing experience with a few other bands in the area, including Cupar Town, St. Andrew’s City and occasionally with the Tullis Russell Mills Band, where my Uncle John played Flugal Horn. Being a player of various musical instruments seemed to run in the family. (Dad played piano, cornet, double bass and accordion).
This was a very pleasant stage in my playing life, as I have always retained my connection with Brass Bands, playing with them for over 30 years.
During my time I have played under some excellent conductors, one of whom was Drake Rimmer – a member of the famous Rimmer family. I can remember one occasion coming back from a concert in the early 60’s when I was with Cupar Town Band, when we won every cup and shield in the competition, having gained the highest number of points and beating all the big names in the business.
In 1964, I had the honour of playing cornet in London at the National Championships with the Cupar Town Band. Later, in 1974, I played again at the same venue with the Tayport Instrumental Band. On many occasions, I used to play trumpet in local pit orchestras and enjoyed it very much.
THE OLYMPIANS
The Olympians were formed in 1950, just after I had completed my National Service. The members at the stage were Eric Gray and Betty Crowe on accordion, David Findlay piano, Tom Anderson drums and myself on trumpet.
I had actually started on accordion, but switched to the trumpet after a short while. We were all very keen players and did a lot of practicing together before our first venture – a dance in Guardbridge Hall in October, 1950.
In those days National Service caused a lot of problems for bands when player had to leave for a couple of years. First we had Eric Gray, then Bobby Crowe. However, we continued with the hard work and regular practice and eventually managed to produce the sound we wanted.
We passed an audition for the B.B.C. in 1952, making our first broadcast in May of the year. For most players, playing regularly in one of the many bands in the Scottish Dance music scene at that time, was a great experience. All over Scotland and south of the Border as well, the bands from this area were travelling every weekend.
It was considered as a bonus to be playing “at home” in places like Froickheim, Montrose, Edzell, Laurencekirk, Brechin, Letham, Carmyllie, Largoward etc. Mind you, there was no bridge in those days and the ferry went off early, so those who needed to cross the river had an extra 40 miles to go.
I remember one night in the early 50’s, we were all aboard the big, smooth running Humber limousine in which we travelled to gigs, on the way home from a dance in Callander. “Bessie” as we affectionately called her, was brought to a halt just east of Auchterarder to let everyone have a breath of air, when a rope dangling from the roof rack caught our attention. No bass drum!! We jumped back into “Bessie” and retraced our steps, but there was no sign of the drum.
An advert in Monday’s “Courier” brought no response, but aroused the interest of all the “Nationals” and by the end of that week, the Olympians were famed nation-wide – as the band who lost their big drum! That famous drum was never seen again.
There was another occasion, early one Saturday morning on the way back from Laurencekirk. “Bessie” gave up the ghost – sounded like bid end trouble. Martin Hayes, our lead accordion player at the time had left his car at Forfar, as he stayed in Blairgowrie. The rest of us had planned that we would all stay with the Dundee lads for the night. Martin took the gear in his car to bring it to Kidd’s Rooms in Dundee, for the next job, while the rest of us stayed with “Bessie” for the night to wait for the first bus in the morning.
At 6 a.m. on a beautifully autumn morning, all five of us were marching on the Dundee road, outside Forfar, when along came a bus. As we boarded the bus, little giggles burst into howls of laughter from passengers (and ourselves), as we realised that we were in a “tattie bus” with the passengers all suitably attired. There we were in our dinner suits, white shirts and bow ties – just the gear for “tattie howkin”.
I suppose all of us who broadcast in the days of live broadcasting can think of an incident we would rather forget. Mine happened in Coldside Studio in Dundee during a Saturday evening Scottish Dance Music programme.
During rehearsals, Mr Sloggie, the Producer, suggested a trumpet solo during the waltz “Ca’ the Ewes”. We discussed it, and in response to his request, I agreed “No problem”. I had done it often before elsewhere. We rehearsed again and everything went well. Then came the green light and we were off. During “Ca’ the Ewes” I started my solo. It seemed to go okay until that top “A”. It came out like a “gurgle”. Jim Sloggie was most understanding and said it was probably his fault for rehearsing me too hard. That made things a bit easier, but I never really got over it and I became known amongst my brass band pals as “the lad wha canna reach his top A”.
Over the years, there have been many fine players who spent period with us in the Olympians. Jimmy Yeaman (fiddle), Douglas Cargill (bass), Jack Stewart, John Huband and David Cunningham (accordion), Angus MacDonald, Bill Melville, Bill Dunbar, Bill Stronach, Bill Jarvis and Colin Lander (drums), Alice Watson, Moira Reekie, James Lindsay and Graham Berry (piano) and Bill Morgan has been our bass player for about 12 years.
My saddest memory with the band , must be the tragic loss of David Findlay, killed in a car crash, while working for the B.B.C. on the way back from a recording of “Take the Floor” in Wick. David’s influence on the band will remain for a long time. We still play the music which he arranged and loved so much.
Things seem to have gone full circle now, and we have Bobby Crowe back on lead accordion, even though he is very busy with his own band. When we play now for the R.S.C.D.S. on Monday nights at the Angus Hotel, Dundee, we find ourselves almost back where we started in 1950. Kidd’s Rooms were demolished to make way for the new complex, including the Angus Hotel.
With the Olympians I have enjoyed making the following recordings” :-
E.P. “The Olympians” (Thane) 1963
L.P. “Meet the Olympians” (Thistle) 1969
L.P. “Dances of Scotland” Vol III (Scottish) 1973
L.P. “Music for Book 27” (R.S.C.D.S.) 1975
L.P. “Dances Old, Dances New” (Goldreay) 1983
So, Dougie has been a very busy musician over many years, and although illness now affects his eyesight and makes reading music impossible, he still manages to keep up with the playing. He studies new pieces and plays from memory. “I was always a good busker” he told me.
Dougie is still very active and keen and tells me he makes frequent visits to Clubs, including Windygates Club, where he finds the atmosphere very friendly and relaxed. Apart from his playing activities, Dougie has found some time for composing. “I am not a prolific composer” he explained “ideas only come to me occasionally, usually without warning”. Dougie’s compositions include :-
Jigs – Christine MacAskill and Mrs Patricia Maxwell’s Jig.
Strathspeys – Alan Maxwell’s Farewell to Balmerino and Mrs Aileen Douglas od Dunira
March – Tom McNaught’s March
Reels – Neil MacKinnon of the Cuilt and Kinnear Baxter’s Farewell to Dundee
Waltz – Laura Jane’s Waltz
I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Dougie and sincerely hope that we will be enjoying the sound of that trumpet for many years to come.
Dougie lives at Balmullo with his wife Christine (MacAskill) while his son Alan and wife Teresa live in Glenrothes.
Will Hannah
Musical memories came flooding back recently for Orkney woman, Mrs Peggy Ferguson.
The last time she was involved in this picture she was in front of the camera – that’s her seated third from right – all of sixty years ago.
The occasion was a souvenir picture for the fan’s of Scots melodeon star, Will Hannah, during his one and only visit to Orkney. He was taken north by Bob Milne who ran the music shop in Junction Road, Kirkwall.
Will played to a packed Temperance Hall, for box buffs the instrument is believed to have been an Excelsior, and gave them a night to remember.
Mrs Ferguson, of Clay Loan, has a special reason for cherishing the memory. She was Will’s accompanist. As she glanced at the photograph of the group for the very first time, a delighted Mrs Ferguson recalled “We didn’t even have a rehearsal. Will told me the tempos and away we went. Fortunately, I knew most of the tunes and you can only get three keys on that particular melodeon so I didn’t have too much to worry about.”
Was she apprehensive about playing the piano for such a famous musician? “I didn’t have the sense to be nervous in those days”, replied a modest Mrs Ferguson, who was well known in local concert circles at the time.
She continued “It was a grand night, the seats were forms and the best stance, the two windows at the back, which were on a higher level and provided the best view, were taken early. Will was a gentleman- I think he lived in West Lothian and was a miner.”
The photograph, which was loaned to us by local musician, Jim Anderson, was taken in photographer Tom Kent’s garden behind the Longship shop in Broad Street, Kirkwall.
Sandy MacArthur
Obituary
It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of Sandy MacArthurin the early hours of Tuesday, 17th October.
Sandy had taken ill whilst playing in the Playhouse, Edinburgh, on the occasion of ‘Accordion ‘89’, Saturday, 14th of October to a packed house.
An outside B.B.C. Broadcast on B.B.C. Radio Scotland Radio 4 by Sandy and his Band, Saturday 28th October, will go ahead as planned. Sandy’s widow, Evelyn, feels that this would be a fine tribute.
Record Review
By Norrie Williams
Stramash – Jim Johnstone SDB – Temple Records CTP030 (Cassette) or TP030 (record)
East, West, Hame’s Best – Bill Douglas SDB – Bluebell Records BBR/c170
Heart in the Highlands – Jimmy Lindsay SDB – Bluebell Records BBR/171
Dance Time – John Carmichael SDB – Club Records Ltd
Capital Ceilidh – David Sturgeon and the Waverley SDB – Ayrespin Records
Calum McLean plays Calum McLean – Deeay Music DACS894
Books
Tummelside – Freeland Barbour
The Piper’s Well – Dr Bruce Thomson
Letters to the Editor
Sir – It seems to be a developing trend, albeit an unfortunate one, for Club reporters to unleash a hail of criticism through the columns of the ‘B&F’.
In common with other readers, I read with disbelief Basil’s Thurso report in your April issue and I was delighted to see Simon Howie’s letter of defense appearing in your September issue.
The Dunoon and Cowal report in that same issue however, I feel to be written in the same vein. It seems a pity that once again valuable space in the ‘B&F’ has to be used for explanations, but while I am perfectly willing to accept constructive criticism, Ifeel that to leave a report of this sort unchallenged will be taken by your readership as an acceptance of the criticisms made.
I would therefore make the following points. ‘The band turned out to be a trio’ implies that we were not booked as such, which is not the case. Sandy McMillan arranged the booking so perhaps it would be as well if MrMcCowan clarified arrangements for future guests with him.
Secondly, so far as I knew the start time was 9 p.m. – as it transpired, a misunderstanding arising as a result of verbal arrangements not confirmed in writing. As for the second box player sitting with his back to the audience, well, Keith does sit ‘side on’ as the accordionists in, for example, Jack Delaney’s Band do, but surely this is a matter of personal choice and in my opinion facilitates the cohesion of the group.
‘Result a very poor sound’. Well, I can’t claim to compare, for example, with your band at the following meeting i.e. Jim Johnstone with 25 years professional experience behind him (and a six piece band), but as trios go these days, I would like to think I am on equal terms.
I would echo Simon’s comments on money and travel – two hours each way in this case, which meant getting home at 3.30 a.m.. We also made the effort by wearing Highland dress to look the part for the Ceilidh – alas, all in vain it would appear.
Incidentally, it’s the first time I’ve played in a venue with midges inside the hall. Anyway, all I can say in conclusion for the future is ‘Don’t phone us, George, and we won’t phone you.”
Peter Wood
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 28th Nov 89 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only 8th Nov 89 Dave Stewart
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 2nd Nov 89 Willie McFarlane Band
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) – 19th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Nov 89 Paddy Neary
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) -
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 The Clansmen
Coalburn (Miners Welfare) - 16th Nov 89 Donaldson Brothers
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 25th Nov 89 Dance to jock Fraser’s SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dundee (The Marquee) – 7th Nov 89 James Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – 30th Nov 89 George Smith & Farquhar MacRae
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Nov 89 Ian Muir Trio
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Nov 89 The Garrioch Blend
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Nov 89 Willie Simpson Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Isle of Skye - 2nd Nov 89 Club A.G.M.
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) – 7th Nov 89 James Lindsay Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Nov 89 Alan Gardiner SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 21st Nov 89 Billy McGuire
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 28th Nov 89 Fraser McGlynn Trio
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Nov 89 Bill Black SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Nov 89 Donaldson Brothers
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 7th Nov 89 Alistair Hunter Trio
Oban (Highlander Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 16th Nov 89 West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Peebles (Countryside Inn) – 30th Nov 89 Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) – 21st Nov 89 ‘Accordion Contrasts’ with Gordon Shand, Daniel McPhee & Edward Galley
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloom) – 14th Nov 89 Charlie Cowie
Rothbury (Jubilee Hall
Shetland (venue?) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Biggar
5. Beith
6. Belford
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9. Coalburn
10. Derwentside
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunoon & Cowal
15. East Kilbride
16. Fintry
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glaston
20. Highland
21. Kelso
22. Kinlochshiel
23. Isle of Skye
24. Islesteps
25. Lesmahagow
26. Livingston
27. Lockerbie
28. M.A.F.I.A.
29. Mauchline
30. Montrose
31 Newtongrange
32. North East
33. Orkney
34. Ormiston
35. Peebles
36. Renfrew
37. Thurso
38. Wick
39. Wooler
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1989 (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. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
3. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
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. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Button Key A&F Club (
13. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
14. Coalburn A&F Club
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
20. Dundee & District A&F Club
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Fintry A&F Club
26. Forfar 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 (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kintore A&F Club
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
42. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
43. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
44. Mull A&F Club
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. 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)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
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)
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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
65. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
66. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
80. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
81. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
82. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
83. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
84. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
85. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
86. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
87. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
88. Newcastleton Accordion Club
89. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
90. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
91. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
92. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
93. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
94. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
95. Wellbank A&F Club
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