Box and Fiddle
Year 25 No 03
November 2001
Price £1.75
44 Page Magazine
6 month subscription £13.70
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
It’s been another busy month, with lots of Club reports and articles. Many of you will have been up in Shetland, and you might even find yourself on our back cover! There will be a write up on the Festival (with even more photos) next month.
One of the great things about the Accordion and Fiddle Club scene is the way that young players are encouraged to perform. Some even go on to make a career in traditional music. The R.S.A.M.D. offers a degree course, and we have details about it this month.
Do you have an old accordion? If so you may be able to help Caroline Hunt, who is attempting to catalogue all of the makes and styles of instrument. There is no comprehensive reference book currently in print, and she is aiming to rectify that situation. We have reprinted the Guest Artiste List this month in ‘pull-out’ format. There are a few additional to last month’s listings, and there’s space at the end to jot down other names and numbers.
Karin Ingram
Stuart Cameron
by Karin Ingram
The National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs set up the Jimmy Shand Scholarship in conjunction with the R.S.A.M.D. to be awarded annually to a first year student of the accordion or fiddle at the Academy. This year’s recipient is Stuart Cameron, who writes….
I started playing the accordion at the age of twelve. I traveled to Perth to receive lesions from Champion Accordionist, Peter Bruce. I attend the various Festivals such as Musselburgh, Perth, Oban and Inverness, which I enjoy playing at.
I first heard about the R.S.A.M.D. B.A. Scottish Music course from a friend who was already studying it. I am currently starting my first year, which I’m really enjoying. It was extra special to receive the Jimmy Shand Scholarship which is only in its third year.
I’m having a great time studying here in Glasgow. The course is very interesting and has some of the best tutors around – in my case Ian Muir for accordion.
I would particularly like to thank my teacher, Peter Bruce, the Pentland Ceilidh Band, John and George Burns and my Mum and Dad, for all the great support and encouragement over the years.
R.S.A.M.D.
The Department of Scottish Music……….
Waulking the Tweed
In June this year the Traditional………….
16.
Addie Harper
by Andy Ross
This article first appeared in the Box and fiddle in February 1992. This year Addie was honoured by the N.A.A.F.C. and Nicol McLaren traveled to Wick in order to make the presentation on behalf of the Association.
For more years than he cares to remember………………….
Do You Have an Old Accordion?
by Caroline Hunt
A.
Jimmy Ritchie (Obituary)
by ?
Musician Jimmy Ritchie, who was well-known in the world of Scottish Dance Music as ‘The Fiddler of Glenshee’ died on 26th August, 2001, aged 75.
Jimmy’s playing career spanned nearly 60 years and included lengthy spells with Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand during the period when Scottish Dance Music reached its peak.
Apart from being one of the country’s finest fiddle players, Jimmy earned a considerable reputation as a composer, a leader of fiddle playing and a teacher, and, add to this his ability as a piper, and it is easy to appreciate that he was a dedicated musician.
Jimmy started playing the fiddle at the age of eight with lessons under James Ogilvie of Blairgowrie – walking ten miles every Saturday with his fiddle. Later Jimmy traveled to Dundee by bus for lessons from Harry Ogilvie (James’s son). Involvement in competition did not take long, and at 11½ he was Junior Fiddle Champion at Perth (with Honours) out of 16 competitors. About this time he started practising with a button-key played called Donald Ferrier. They practiced a lot, and used to listen to Shand records. They started playing together at local concerts. From there Jimmy progressed to his first dance band experience with Wull Cameron of Blackwater, in the Glenshee Hall. Army service came after this, and Jimmy was responsible for organizing dancing for the Officers. He was the fiddler, with a pianist from Oban called Ian Stewart. On leaving the Army in 1947, Jimmy then became involved with the Hawthorne Scottish Dance Band. He stayed there for three years before joining Bobby MacLeod in 1951. In 1956 he left the MacLeod Band. He was then invited to join Jimmy Shand, and stayed with Shand until 1962, when he decided to have a rest at home for a year. Jimmy was always on the lookout for new musical experience, so decided to try his luck in Clubs in Manchester. He took a job doing security in The Grand Hotel, and played in Clubs in the evening as a solo fiddle player.
Itchy feet again for Jimmy in 1967 led him to visit his old friend, George Clark at Bonar Bridge, where he stayed until 1973, entertaining people in George Clark’s hotel with his fiddle, lively wit and humourous stories. It was during this time that Jimmy developed his love for the pipes and came under the influence of Angus McPherson ‘the great old man of piping’. It was while at Bonar Bridge that Jimmy started composing tunes e.g. Helen Black of Inveran and many others.
Jimmy returned to Blairgowrie in 1973, and once again started playing with Shand and MacLeod.
For a while Jimmy moved into teaching and met with a great deal of success. In a period of five years, his pupils won fifty major prizes, including awards at Perth Music Festival.
Jimmy started the popular Sunday ceilidhs at The Dulrulzion Hotel in Glenshee, and these continued for nine years. He was also involved in many of the Shand and MacLeod recordings over the years, and also took part in the immensely popular Jimmy Shand video, where he had a solo part. In 1992 he brought out his cassette entitled The Fiddler of Glenshee with his band - Ian Anderson (accordion), Ian Wilson (piano) John Delaney (double bass) and Patrick Gilmartin (drums). This tape contained many of his own compositions. He was an avid member of the SNP, and will be missed for the twinkle in his eye, his friendly manner, and his real sense of Scottishness ; but above all he will be remembered for his wonderful fiddle playing and compositions, which will be played for a long time to come.
The London Accordion Festival 2001
On the 8th and 9th of December this year, Wembley Conference Centre, London will be the host of what promises to be the most exciting………..
The Garioch Fiddlers
by Gillian Sorrie
The Garioch Fiddlers Strathspey & Reel Society was formed in December, 1982, in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire by the late Bruce Turnbull with around 15 founder members. There are now over 40 players in the senior orchestra, and 30 – 35 members in the junior orchestra. The juniors are so committed that it is a very encouraging sign for the future of traditional Scottish music.
Following the death of Bruce Turnbull in the mid-eighties, Dorothy Ferguson took over as conductor, and it is under her leadership and with her musical arrangements that the Society has developed its own particular ‘sound’. Working with Depute Conductor, Colin Dempster, and Leader, Alison Anderson, as balanced programme suited to the occasion is always produced. Throughout the 19 years of the Society’s existence they have performed all over the north-east of Scotland to raise funds for Church groups, charities and local organizations. They have been guests at A&F Clubs, where they have been enthusiastically received. The Society also made memorable visits to Kirkwall in the Orkney Isles, and more recently to Hexham and Harrogate. They are currently in the early stages of planning a trip to Durham in 2002.
The main event of their year is the Annual Fiddlers’ Rally held in April of each year in Inverurie Town Hall. Supplemented by musicians from other S&R Societies, they always play to a packed house.
This year was no exception. Compered by Freda Morrison of Radio Scotland, and with guest artistes Freeland Barbour and Kevin MacLeod (both members of The Occasionals) in brilliant form, the audience left the hall agreeing – the best yet!
/individual members have also played at Fiddlers’ Rallies as far apart as Edinburgh and Stromness, a most enjoyable experience that help’s to develop one’s playing. Members who have had their music published include Ian Thow, Jim Emslie and Colin Dempster. As a Society they have, over the years, entertained official delegations from, among others, Germany, Russia and the USA, as well as playing for formal dinners for International Round Table and at Clan reunions.
Highlights for the Society have been their appearances on Grampian Television’s Ceol na Fidhle over the three year period of its transmission. This has undoubtedly increased their popularity and helped them and other Societies to enhance their stage presentation. The Society was honoured to be asked to play the signature tune for the last two series.
Their last CD and cassette, Musical Bridges, was produced in 1999 partly to welcome the new Millennium and joins their other cassettes, By Bonnie Benachie, Castles in the Air and The Garioch Fiddlers at Hame. They are currently in the process of producing a new CD, which will be released at their next Annual Rally in April 2002.
A note about their name – Garioch is pronounced ‘Gearie’ (rhyming with ‘dearie’). The Garioch is an area of the countryside in Aberdeenshire that takes in their home base of Inverurie. More information on this talented group can be obtained from their Secretary, Gillian Sorrie on 01467 622776
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Nov 01 – Neil Barron SDB + feature on the winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship
10th Nov 01 – Colin Dewar SDB + Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship Part 2
17th Nov 01 – David Cunningham SDB + feature on Laua McGhee, fiddle, and Jim & John Crawford, accordion
24th Nov 01 – Michael Garvin + Tribute to Jimmy Ritchie
1st Dec 01 – Nicol, McLaren SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 27th Nov 01 – Burns Brothers
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 01 – Jimmy McQuire
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 01 – Marian Anderson SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Nov 01 – Gary Donaldson Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 01 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 01 – Gordon Pattullo
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 01 – Bill Black SDB
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 01 – Jim Paterson Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Nov 01 – The Railways Lads
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Nov 01 – Ritchie Ahearne SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 01 – Roy Magna & Friends
Campbeltown (The Royal Hotel) - Allan McIntosh
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 01 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 1st Nov 01 – Roger Dobson SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Tom Alexander
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 11th Nov 01 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 01 – Marian Anderson
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Nov 01 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 20th Nov 01 – john Morgan
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 01 – Tom Alexander
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 01 - tbc
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) – 29th Nov 01 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Ian Thomson SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Nov 01 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 01 – Alister Hunter Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 12th Nov 01 – James Coutts
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th Nov 01 – Paul Anderson Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Nov 01 – Marian Anderson Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Nov 01 – Give Way
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 4th Nov 01 – John Morgan
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 01 – Hector MacFadyen SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 01 – Oleg Sharov
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 01 – Colin Garvin Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28th Nov 01 – Dick Black Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Wayne Robertson & Davie Stewart
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 01 – Gary Donaldson Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 14th Nov 01 – John Renton SDB
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Nov 01 – Michael Philip Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 8th Nov 01 – Bob MacLeod SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 01 – Marie fielding, Alison Smith & Alan
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 3rd Nov 01 – Ceilidh
27th Nov 01 – Lothian SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 01 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
24th Nov 01 - Dance to Wayne Robertson
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 7th Nov 01 – David Cunningham SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 01 – Seamus O’Sullivan
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 01 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – 29th Nov 01 – Donald MacLeod Trio
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 4th Nov 01 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 6th Nov 01 – George Johnston
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 01 – Iain Lockhard SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st Nov 01 – Scott Leslie Trio
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 1st Nov 01 – Local players
15th Nov 01 – Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 14th Nov 01 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Nov 01 – Jean McConnachie Trio
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st Nov 01 – Johnny Duncan
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 01 – Robert Whitehead
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Addie Harper Jnr Band
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick & District
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banff & District
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9. Campsie
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff & District
12. Cults
13. Dalriada
14. Dingwall & District
15. Dunfermline & District
16. Dunoon & Cowal
17. Ellon
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galston
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Highland
25. Inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Langholm
29. Lesmahagow
30. Lewis & Harris
31. Livingston
32. Lockerbie
33. Montrose
34. Newmill (on-Teviot)
35. Newtongrange
36. North East
37. Premier
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
40. Shetland
41. Thornhill
42. Thurso
43. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
It’s been another busy month, with lots of Club reports and articles. Many of you will have been up in Shetland, and you might even find yourself on our back cover! There will be a write up on the Festival (with even more photos) next month.
One of the great things about the Accordion and Fiddle Club scene is the way that young players are encouraged to perform. Some even go on to make a career in traditional music. The R.S.A.M.D. offers a degree course, and we have details about it this month.
Do you have an old accordion? If so you may be able to help Caroline Hunt, who is attempting to catalogue all of the makes and styles of instrument. There is no comprehensive reference book currently in print, and she is aiming to rectify that situation. We have reprinted the Guest Artiste List this month in ‘pull-out’ format. There are a few additional to last month’s listings, and there’s space at the end to jot down other names and numbers.
Karin Ingram
Stuart Cameron
by Karin Ingram
The National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs set up the Jimmy Shand Scholarship in conjunction with the R.S.A.M.D. to be awarded annually to a first year student of the accordion or fiddle at the Academy. This year’s recipient is Stuart Cameron, who writes….
I started playing the accordion at the age of twelve. I traveled to Perth to receive lesions from Champion Accordionist, Peter Bruce. I attend the various Festivals such as Musselburgh, Perth, Oban and Inverness, which I enjoy playing at.
I first heard about the R.S.A.M.D. B.A. Scottish Music course from a friend who was already studying it. I am currently starting my first year, which I’m really enjoying. It was extra special to receive the Jimmy Shand Scholarship which is only in its third year.
I’m having a great time studying here in Glasgow. The course is very interesting and has some of the best tutors around – in my case Ian Muir for accordion.
I would particularly like to thank my teacher, Peter Bruce, the Pentland Ceilidh Band, John and George Burns and my Mum and Dad, for all the great support and encouragement over the years.
R.S.A.M.D.
The Department of Scottish Music……….
Waulking the Tweed
In June this year the Traditional………….
16.
Addie Harper
by Andy Ross
This article first appeared in the Box and fiddle in February 1992. This year Addie was honoured by the N.A.A.F.C. and Nicol McLaren traveled to Wick in order to make the presentation on behalf of the Association.
For more years than he cares to remember………………….
Do You Have an Old Accordion?
by Caroline Hunt
A.
Jimmy Ritchie (Obituary)
by ?
Musician Jimmy Ritchie, who was well-known in the world of Scottish Dance Music as ‘The Fiddler of Glenshee’ died on 26th August, 2001, aged 75.
Jimmy’s playing career spanned nearly 60 years and included lengthy spells with Bobby MacLeod and Jimmy Shand during the period when Scottish Dance Music reached its peak.
Apart from being one of the country’s finest fiddle players, Jimmy earned a considerable reputation as a composer, a leader of fiddle playing and a teacher, and, add to this his ability as a piper, and it is easy to appreciate that he was a dedicated musician.
Jimmy started playing the fiddle at the age of eight with lessons under James Ogilvie of Blairgowrie – walking ten miles every Saturday with his fiddle. Later Jimmy traveled to Dundee by bus for lessons from Harry Ogilvie (James’s son). Involvement in competition did not take long, and at 11½ he was Junior Fiddle Champion at Perth (with Honours) out of 16 competitors. About this time he started practising with a button-key played called Donald Ferrier. They practiced a lot, and used to listen to Shand records. They started playing together at local concerts. From there Jimmy progressed to his first dance band experience with Wull Cameron of Blackwater, in the Glenshee Hall. Army service came after this, and Jimmy was responsible for organizing dancing for the Officers. He was the fiddler, with a pianist from Oban called Ian Stewart. On leaving the Army in 1947, Jimmy then became involved with the Hawthorne Scottish Dance Band. He stayed there for three years before joining Bobby MacLeod in 1951. In 1956 he left the MacLeod Band. He was then invited to join Jimmy Shand, and stayed with Shand until 1962, when he decided to have a rest at home for a year. Jimmy was always on the lookout for new musical experience, so decided to try his luck in Clubs in Manchester. He took a job doing security in The Grand Hotel, and played in Clubs in the evening as a solo fiddle player.
Itchy feet again for Jimmy in 1967 led him to visit his old friend, George Clark at Bonar Bridge, where he stayed until 1973, entertaining people in George Clark’s hotel with his fiddle, lively wit and humourous stories. It was during this time that Jimmy developed his love for the pipes and came under the influence of Angus McPherson ‘the great old man of piping’. It was while at Bonar Bridge that Jimmy started composing tunes e.g. Helen Black of Inveran and many others.
Jimmy returned to Blairgowrie in 1973, and once again started playing with Shand and MacLeod.
For a while Jimmy moved into teaching and met with a great deal of success. In a period of five years, his pupils won fifty major prizes, including awards at Perth Music Festival.
Jimmy started the popular Sunday ceilidhs at The Dulrulzion Hotel in Glenshee, and these continued for nine years. He was also involved in many of the Shand and MacLeod recordings over the years, and also took part in the immensely popular Jimmy Shand video, where he had a solo part. In 1992 he brought out his cassette entitled The Fiddler of Glenshee with his band - Ian Anderson (accordion), Ian Wilson (piano) John Delaney (double bass) and Patrick Gilmartin (drums). This tape contained many of his own compositions. He was an avid member of the SNP, and will be missed for the twinkle in his eye, his friendly manner, and his real sense of Scottishness ; but above all he will be remembered for his wonderful fiddle playing and compositions, which will be played for a long time to come.
The London Accordion Festival 2001
On the 8th and 9th of December this year, Wembley Conference Centre, London will be the host of what promises to be the most exciting………..
The Garioch Fiddlers
by Gillian Sorrie
The Garioch Fiddlers Strathspey & Reel Society was formed in December, 1982, in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire by the late Bruce Turnbull with around 15 founder members. There are now over 40 players in the senior orchestra, and 30 – 35 members in the junior orchestra. The juniors are so committed that it is a very encouraging sign for the future of traditional Scottish music.
Following the death of Bruce Turnbull in the mid-eighties, Dorothy Ferguson took over as conductor, and it is under her leadership and with her musical arrangements that the Society has developed its own particular ‘sound’. Working with Depute Conductor, Colin Dempster, and Leader, Alison Anderson, as balanced programme suited to the occasion is always produced. Throughout the 19 years of the Society’s existence they have performed all over the north-east of Scotland to raise funds for Church groups, charities and local organizations. They have been guests at A&F Clubs, where they have been enthusiastically received. The Society also made memorable visits to Kirkwall in the Orkney Isles, and more recently to Hexham and Harrogate. They are currently in the early stages of planning a trip to Durham in 2002.
The main event of their year is the Annual Fiddlers’ Rally held in April of each year in Inverurie Town Hall. Supplemented by musicians from other S&R Societies, they always play to a packed house.
This year was no exception. Compered by Freda Morrison of Radio Scotland, and with guest artistes Freeland Barbour and Kevin MacLeod (both members of The Occasionals) in brilliant form, the audience left the hall agreeing – the best yet!
/individual members have also played at Fiddlers’ Rallies as far apart as Edinburgh and Stromness, a most enjoyable experience that help’s to develop one’s playing. Members who have had their music published include Ian Thow, Jim Emslie and Colin Dempster. As a Society they have, over the years, entertained official delegations from, among others, Germany, Russia and the USA, as well as playing for formal dinners for International Round Table and at Clan reunions.
Highlights for the Society have been their appearances on Grampian Television’s Ceol na Fidhle over the three year period of its transmission. This has undoubtedly increased their popularity and helped them and other Societies to enhance their stage presentation. The Society was honoured to be asked to play the signature tune for the last two series.
Their last CD and cassette, Musical Bridges, was produced in 1999 partly to welcome the new Millennium and joins their other cassettes, By Bonnie Benachie, Castles in the Air and The Garioch Fiddlers at Hame. They are currently in the process of producing a new CD, which will be released at their next Annual Rally in April 2002.
A note about their name – Garioch is pronounced ‘Gearie’ (rhyming with ‘dearie’). The Garioch is an area of the countryside in Aberdeenshire that takes in their home base of Inverurie. More information on this talented group can be obtained from their Secretary, Gillian Sorrie on 01467 622776
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Nov 01 – Neil Barron SDB + feature on the winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship
10th Nov 01 – Colin Dewar SDB + Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship Part 2
17th Nov 01 – David Cunningham SDB + feature on Laua McGhee, fiddle, and Jim & John Crawford, accordion
24th Nov 01 – Michael Garvin + Tribute to Jimmy Ritchie
1st Dec 01 – Nicol, McLaren SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 27th Nov 01 – Burns Brothers
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 01 – Jimmy McQuire
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 01 – Marian Anderson SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Nov 01 – Gary Donaldson Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 01 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 01 – Gordon Pattullo
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 01 – Bill Black SDB
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 01 – Jim Paterson Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Nov 01 – The Railways Lads
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Nov 01 – Ritchie Ahearne SDB
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 01 – Roy Magna & Friends
Campbeltown (The Royal Hotel) - Allan McIntosh
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 01 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 1st Nov 01 – Roger Dobson SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Tom Alexander
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 11th Nov 01 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 01 – Marian Anderson
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Nov 01 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 20th Nov 01 – john Morgan
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 01 – Tom Alexander
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 01 - tbc
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) – 29th Nov 01 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Ian Thomson SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Nov 01 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 01 – Alister Hunter Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 12th Nov 01 – James Coutts
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th Nov 01 – Paul Anderson Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Nov 01 – Marian Anderson Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Nov 01 – Give Way
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 4th Nov 01 – John Morgan
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 01 – Hector MacFadyen SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 01 – Oleg Sharov
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 01 – Colin Garvin Trio
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 28th Nov 01 – Dick Black Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Wayne Robertson & Davie Stewart
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 01 – Gary Donaldson Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 14th Nov 01 – John Renton SDB
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Nov 01 – Michael Philip Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 8th Nov 01 – Bob MacLeod SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 01 – Marie fielding, Alison Smith & Alan
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 3rd Nov 01 – Ceilidh
27th Nov 01 – Lothian SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 01 – Tommy Newcomen Duo
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
24th Nov 01 - Dance to Wayne Robertson
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 7th Nov 01 – David Cunningham SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 01 – Seamus O’Sullivan
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 01 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – 29th Nov 01 – Donald MacLeod Trio
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Simon Howie SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 4th Nov 01 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 6th Nov 01 – George Johnston
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 01 – Iain Lockhard SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st Nov 01 – Scott Leslie Trio
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 1st Nov 01 – Local players
15th Nov 01 – Iain Anderson (Gartocharn)
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 14th Nov 01 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Nov 01 – Jean McConnachie Trio
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st Nov 01 – Johnny Duncan
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 01 – Robert Whitehead
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 01 – Addie Harper Jnr Band
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick & District
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banff & District
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button Key
9. Campsie
10. Coalburn
11. Crieff & District
12. Cults
13. Dalriada
14. Dingwall & District
15. Dunfermline & District
16. Dunoon & Cowal
17. Ellon
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galston
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Highland
25. Inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Langholm
29. Lesmahagow
30. Lewis & Harris
31. Livingston
32. Lockerbie
33. Montrose
34. Newmill (on-Teviot)
35. Newtongrange
36. North East
37. Premier
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
40. Shetland
41. Thornhill
42. Thurso
43. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30