Box and Fiddle
Year 27 No 03
November 2003
Price £2.00
40 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
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
As I write, I’m looking forward to the second of two NAAFC concerts starring Colin Campbell. Lanark was a fantastic night, and Hawick on the 2nd of November is shaping up to be just as good. Also coming up are Bill Black’s Stanley Weekend and the Alnwick Gathering, not to mention a very special ‘Take the Floor’ on the 24th celebrating 25 year of BBC Radio Scotland.
This month we have included the Guest Artiste List. Readers seemed to like the pull-out format, so that it could be kept separately. Remember this is a list on contacts, not recommendations.
Last month our lead artcle was the unveiling of the Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture. After the magazine had been set, I received more photographs from Tipperary accordionist Mike Hoare. Looking at the marvelous pictures on the back cover, I’m sure you’ll agree that we had to use them. Thank you Mike!
I have had great difficulty cramming everything in this month. As always the Club Reports are the mainstay of the magazine, and its great to have so many Club photos. Since space is at a premium, may I tactfully suggest to scribes of the reports ro resist the temptation to list every tune played by every permutation of players? As long as each supporting player is included, and maybe a few tunes named then we could leave ourselves more space for photos or other Club news.
Thanks once again to everyone who helps to put the magazine together – to Heather for typing, Jude for reviews, Alison for proof-reading, Ian Norrie, Bruce Dow and Derek at Culross, Charlie and Nicol for trying to keep me on track, and all who contribute article and photographs for publication.
See you next month.
Karin Ingram
Scots Trad Music Awards 2003
by
Hands Up for Trad, in association with The Queen’s Hall and BBC Scotland Interactive, hosted the inaugural……..
John Douglas Music
by
John Douglas is one of Scotland’s most esteemed SCD bandleaders and accordionists, and this month……………
Taigh na Teud
by
Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) Music Publishers was established in 1985 by Christine Martin……
Colin Campbell
by Charlie Todd
There is always a degree of uncertainty when undertaking any new venture, hence it was with a sense of relief over the past few weeks that our posters and Lanark Gazette articles were seen to generate a steady stream of requests for tickets to our first ‘Colin Campbell Local Radio’ concert in Lanark’s fine old Memorial Hall. With a few late deciders accepting the invitation to ‘pay at the door’, we were delighted to see over 300 people (reputedly the biggest crowd seen since the blackout was lifted!) settling into their seats for a night of fine Scottish Dance Music, Highland dancing and couthy humour from the man himself.
Due to other events being staged in the hall in the afternoon (the finals of the indoor ploughing competition and the long-distance melodeon playing) entry was not possible until 6pm and, with the show getting under way at 7.30pm it was all systems go as Andy Kain led an assault on the P.A. set-up and sound check. Dorothy Lawson had kindly agreed to let us use her keyboard all night to avoid time consuming changeovers, while the wings were festooned with various drums and hi-hats.
Like clockwork Karin, Heather and Jock arrived from Hawick, MC Nicol McLaren turned up from Blairgowrie and Colin appeared from Fochabers. Drew, Neil and Kris went into action as the doors were opened bang on 7.00, Janette and Ellen started on the sale of raffle tickets, and Jim and Nikki got the can and crisps ‘really movin’. With six bands, two dancers and two spots from Colin to get through in the next three and a half hours there was plenty for everyone to do.
The first band on stage was The Clyde Valley Ceilidh Band, with Allan Smith on lead accordion, Andy Kain on fiddle, Dorothy on keyboard and Ian Graham on drums. Three superb sets in fifteen minutes then it was on to Ian’s two young daughters, Susan and Karen, for a couple of Highland dances. Next came a grand set from young fiddler Tom Gold from Douglas, with Andy, Liam Stewart on keyboard and Ian again on drums. Andy stayed on to play two particular favourites – A Man’s A Man and The Orange Blossom Special. This was followed by a young local band The Black Douglas with Jim Gold on accordion, Tom on fiddle, Dale Adair on keyboard and Fraser Goodwin on drums. All three groups had done us proud.
Now it was time for us to experience the unique brand of humour provided by Colin Campbell’s Local Radio. Colin had admitted behind stage that he rarely appears this far south and that he hoped the audience would understand what the stories were all about. He need not have worried. With the aid of nothing more than one microphone, his trusty old Gerraldo accordion and his DJ’s desk he instantly had the audience in gales of laughter. Had there been even the slightest shred of doubt about the evening’s success it would have instantly dispelled at the moment. ‘Johnny Polson’ led us into the incredible world of ‘Local Radio’ where ‘failed farmer’ Colin Campbell, fed up with all the paperwork required by the Ministry of Agriculture to accompany every calf to the mart, crossed a kangaroo with a cow to produce a calf with a pouch to hold its own documents. And so it went on…….and the audience loved every minute of it.
After a short break it was on with more music with Tom Orr, from Hyndfordbridge, on accordion, Andrew Barrie on drums, Blair Gardiner on second accordion and ‘Uncle’ Alan Gardiner on keyboard. Tom produced just what we would expect from a twice Musselburgh Band Section winner.
Then we moved to a nautical theme with The Sailor’s Hornpipe from Susan Graham. Then came Iain Buchanan and the Cairnhill Ceilidh Band, far traveled from distant Airdrie, with Ian Graham on second accordion this time and Fraser Goodwin on drums. Iain gave us fifteen minutes of excellent music which should have included a new tune called The Jam Factory but he accidentally hit the wrong starting note and played something else altogether! Better luck next time Iain.
The last spot fell to another young local maestro, Richard Smith from Coalburn who, together with Andrew Barrie on drums, Andy on fiddle and Liam Stewart on keyboard gave us some blistering selections. A squad of willing young helpers then joined us to distribute the many raffle prizes (most of which seemed to go to the back of the balcony or at least it seemed that way) before Colin Campbell returned to give us a second helping of ‘Local Radio’ – Highland style. The evening was rounded off in the traditional Accordion and Fiddle Club way with all hands on deck for a rousing stramash.
My sincere thanks to everyone names here for making the night run like clockwork – okay we ran out of raffle tickets and had to send out Jocky Budge, our resident sound engineer on the Outside Broadcasting Unit to Renstray for more and Tom Orr was somewhere on the darkened balcony when he should have been on stage for the stramash, but other than that it ran like a Swiss watch.
The final word lay with MC Nicol McLaren who asked – “Do you want more of Colin Campbell?”
Yes? – see you all in Hawick on the 2nd of November!
(Lanark's concert netted Association Funds £1,490 and Hawick's £337 with raffle proceeds of £402 ans £166 on top of this being left for use in the local community. These splendid amounts are entirely due to the voluntary input of many local musicians and helpers. Once again our thanks to them all. - From the January 2004 issue of the B&F)
Greeting From Inverness
by Margo Maclennan
I sem to have spent the last few weeks……..
The Piping Shrike
by John W. Smith
I was born in Wellington, N.Z. in 1939 – both parents…………
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Hebridean Ceilidh – Volume 1 – Ian ‘Tonkan’ MacDonald
Book Review
The Alistair McCulloch Collection – 40 Original Compositions for Fiddle – Fellsongs Publishing
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
1st Nov 03 – Lindsay Weir SDB - feature accordionist Allen Barnett from White Rock, British Columbia
8th Nov 03 – Ian Hutson SDB – Glenfiddich Championship Part 1
15th Nov 03 – Colin Dewar SDB - Glenfiddich Part 2
22nd Nov 03 – Maurice Duncan SDB – The new Take the Floor CD
29th Nov 03 – 25th Anniversary Special – Jim Johnstone Band, John Ellis Highland Country Band, Gordon Shand SDB, & guests Blazin’ Fiddles from Perth City Hall.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 25th Nov 03 – Gary Blair
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) Nov 03
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Nov 03 – Jimmy Lindsay
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Nov 03 – Sandy Legget Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Nov 03 – Albany (Billy Anderson)
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Nov 03 – John Renton SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 03 – Paul Anderson & the Whisky Olympics
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Nov 03 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 17th Nov 03 – Gary Blair Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 27th Nov 03 - tba
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Nov 03 – Willie McFarlane Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 03 – Willie McFarlane Band
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Nov 03 – Richie Ahearne & the Dalcassian Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Nov 03 – Hebbie Gray
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Nov 03 – Marie Fielding & Alison Smith
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 6th Nov 03 – Elle Classique featuring Julie Best & Friends
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – Colin Dewar Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - Nov 03
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) Nov 03
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 12th Nov 03 – Gary Forrest
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Nov 03 – Fergie MacDonald Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Tom Alexander
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Nov 03 – Ryan McGlynn
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Nov 03
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – Nov 03
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Nov 03 – Jim MacLeod SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - Nov 03
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – Nov 03
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Nov 03 – Marian Anderson SDB
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Nov 03 – McDonald Brothers
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 20th Nov 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Nov 03 – Colliston Sound
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Nov 03 – Trossachs Ceilidh Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Nov 03 – Rob Watt & Emma Culbert
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Nov 03 – Skye A&F Club
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Nov 03 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Nov 03 – David Bowen, Billy Thom & Dennis Morrison
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Nov 03 – Craigowl Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Nov 03 – Bon Accords
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 12th Nov 03 – Sandy Legget
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Nov 03 – Iain Buchanan SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Nov 03 – Angus Alick MacDonald
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) Nov 03
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 15th Nov 03 – Annual Ceilidh
25th Nov 03 – Ian Holmes Trio (Club’s 30th Anniversary)
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Nov 03 – John Morgan
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band 16th Nov 03 – Ceilidh with Willie McHardy & Friends
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - Nov 03
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Nov 03 – Ian Holmes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 03 – The Hebridean Duo
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Nov 03 – Steven Carcary
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Nov 03 – Alasdair MacCuish & the Black Rose
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – Nov 03
Peebles (Rugby Club) – Nov 03
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 6th Nov 03 – Additional meeting with Alan Nicolson Band
18th Nov 03 – David Bowen Trio
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 4th Nov 03 – Matt McGranaghan (fiddle) & Gordon Speers (accordion & keyboard)
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Nov 03 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Nov 03 – Dick Black Band
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 9th Nov 03 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Nov 03 – Robert Whitehead
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 15th Nov 03 – Special 25th Anniversary night
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Nov 03 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Nov 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 6th Nov 03 – Fraser MacLean
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Nov 03 – South of the Border
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Nov 03 – Tom Orr
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9. Button Key
10. Campsie
11. Carlisle
12. Castle Douglas
13. Cults
14. Dingwall
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. Ellon
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galston
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Gretna
25. Inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Kelso
29. Kintore
30. Lanark
31. Langholm
32. Lesmahagow
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Montrose
36. Newmill
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Peebles
41. Premier
42. Rothbury
43. Shetland
44. Thornhill
45. Thurso
46. Turriff
47. Tynedale
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(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. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. Vancouver
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
78. 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?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85. Callander A&F Club (
86. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Club Accord
89. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
119. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £300
Full Page (colour) - £220
Full Page (b&w) - £140
Half Page (colour) - £110
Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
Quarter Page (b&w) - £35
Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12
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
As I write, I’m looking forward to the second of two NAAFC concerts starring Colin Campbell. Lanark was a fantastic night, and Hawick on the 2nd of November is shaping up to be just as good. Also coming up are Bill Black’s Stanley Weekend and the Alnwick Gathering, not to mention a very special ‘Take the Floor’ on the 24th celebrating 25 year of BBC Radio Scotland.
This month we have included the Guest Artiste List. Readers seemed to like the pull-out format, so that it could be kept separately. Remember this is a list on contacts, not recommendations.
Last month our lead artcle was the unveiling of the Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture. After the magazine had been set, I received more photographs from Tipperary accordionist Mike Hoare. Looking at the marvelous pictures on the back cover, I’m sure you’ll agree that we had to use them. Thank you Mike!
I have had great difficulty cramming everything in this month. As always the Club Reports are the mainstay of the magazine, and its great to have so many Club photos. Since space is at a premium, may I tactfully suggest to scribes of the reports ro resist the temptation to list every tune played by every permutation of players? As long as each supporting player is included, and maybe a few tunes named then we could leave ourselves more space for photos or other Club news.
Thanks once again to everyone who helps to put the magazine together – to Heather for typing, Jude for reviews, Alison for proof-reading, Ian Norrie, Bruce Dow and Derek at Culross, Charlie and Nicol for trying to keep me on track, and all who contribute article and photographs for publication.
See you next month.
Karin Ingram
Scots Trad Music Awards 2003
by
Hands Up for Trad, in association with The Queen’s Hall and BBC Scotland Interactive, hosted the inaugural……..
John Douglas Music
by
John Douglas is one of Scotland’s most esteemed SCD bandleaders and accordionists, and this month……………
Taigh na Teud
by
Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) Music Publishers was established in 1985 by Christine Martin……
Colin Campbell
by Charlie Todd
There is always a degree of uncertainty when undertaking any new venture, hence it was with a sense of relief over the past few weeks that our posters and Lanark Gazette articles were seen to generate a steady stream of requests for tickets to our first ‘Colin Campbell Local Radio’ concert in Lanark’s fine old Memorial Hall. With a few late deciders accepting the invitation to ‘pay at the door’, we were delighted to see over 300 people (reputedly the biggest crowd seen since the blackout was lifted!) settling into their seats for a night of fine Scottish Dance Music, Highland dancing and couthy humour from the man himself.
Due to other events being staged in the hall in the afternoon (the finals of the indoor ploughing competition and the long-distance melodeon playing) entry was not possible until 6pm and, with the show getting under way at 7.30pm it was all systems go as Andy Kain led an assault on the P.A. set-up and sound check. Dorothy Lawson had kindly agreed to let us use her keyboard all night to avoid time consuming changeovers, while the wings were festooned with various drums and hi-hats.
Like clockwork Karin, Heather and Jock arrived from Hawick, MC Nicol McLaren turned up from Blairgowrie and Colin appeared from Fochabers. Drew, Neil and Kris went into action as the doors were opened bang on 7.00, Janette and Ellen started on the sale of raffle tickets, and Jim and Nikki got the can and crisps ‘really movin’. With six bands, two dancers and two spots from Colin to get through in the next three and a half hours there was plenty for everyone to do.
The first band on stage was The Clyde Valley Ceilidh Band, with Allan Smith on lead accordion, Andy Kain on fiddle, Dorothy on keyboard and Ian Graham on drums. Three superb sets in fifteen minutes then it was on to Ian’s two young daughters, Susan and Karen, for a couple of Highland dances. Next came a grand set from young fiddler Tom Gold from Douglas, with Andy, Liam Stewart on keyboard and Ian again on drums. Andy stayed on to play two particular favourites – A Man’s A Man and The Orange Blossom Special. This was followed by a young local band The Black Douglas with Jim Gold on accordion, Tom on fiddle, Dale Adair on keyboard and Fraser Goodwin on drums. All three groups had done us proud.
Now it was time for us to experience the unique brand of humour provided by Colin Campbell’s Local Radio. Colin had admitted behind stage that he rarely appears this far south and that he hoped the audience would understand what the stories were all about. He need not have worried. With the aid of nothing more than one microphone, his trusty old Gerraldo accordion and his DJ’s desk he instantly had the audience in gales of laughter. Had there been even the slightest shred of doubt about the evening’s success it would have instantly dispelled at the moment. ‘Johnny Polson’ led us into the incredible world of ‘Local Radio’ where ‘failed farmer’ Colin Campbell, fed up with all the paperwork required by the Ministry of Agriculture to accompany every calf to the mart, crossed a kangaroo with a cow to produce a calf with a pouch to hold its own documents. And so it went on…….and the audience loved every minute of it.
After a short break it was on with more music with Tom Orr, from Hyndfordbridge, on accordion, Andrew Barrie on drums, Blair Gardiner on second accordion and ‘Uncle’ Alan Gardiner on keyboard. Tom produced just what we would expect from a twice Musselburgh Band Section winner.
Then we moved to a nautical theme with The Sailor’s Hornpipe from Susan Graham. Then came Iain Buchanan and the Cairnhill Ceilidh Band, far traveled from distant Airdrie, with Ian Graham on second accordion this time and Fraser Goodwin on drums. Iain gave us fifteen minutes of excellent music which should have included a new tune called The Jam Factory but he accidentally hit the wrong starting note and played something else altogether! Better luck next time Iain.
The last spot fell to another young local maestro, Richard Smith from Coalburn who, together with Andrew Barrie on drums, Andy on fiddle and Liam Stewart on keyboard gave us some blistering selections. A squad of willing young helpers then joined us to distribute the many raffle prizes (most of which seemed to go to the back of the balcony or at least it seemed that way) before Colin Campbell returned to give us a second helping of ‘Local Radio’ – Highland style. The evening was rounded off in the traditional Accordion and Fiddle Club way with all hands on deck for a rousing stramash.
My sincere thanks to everyone names here for making the night run like clockwork – okay we ran out of raffle tickets and had to send out Jocky Budge, our resident sound engineer on the Outside Broadcasting Unit to Renstray for more and Tom Orr was somewhere on the darkened balcony when he should have been on stage for the stramash, but other than that it ran like a Swiss watch.
The final word lay with MC Nicol McLaren who asked – “Do you want more of Colin Campbell?”
Yes? – see you all in Hawick on the 2nd of November!
(Lanark's concert netted Association Funds £1,490 and Hawick's £337 with raffle proceeds of £402 ans £166 on top of this being left for use in the local community. These splendid amounts are entirely due to the voluntary input of many local musicians and helpers. Once again our thanks to them all. - From the January 2004 issue of the B&F)
Greeting From Inverness
by Margo Maclennan
I sem to have spent the last few weeks……..
The Piping Shrike
by John W. Smith
I was born in Wellington, N.Z. in 1939 – both parents…………
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Hebridean Ceilidh – Volume 1 – Ian ‘Tonkan’ MacDonald
Book Review
The Alistair McCulloch Collection – 40 Original Compositions for Fiddle – Fellsongs Publishing
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
1st Nov 03 – Lindsay Weir SDB - feature accordionist Allen Barnett from White Rock, British Columbia
8th Nov 03 – Ian Hutson SDB – Glenfiddich Championship Part 1
15th Nov 03 – Colin Dewar SDB - Glenfiddich Part 2
22nd Nov 03 – Maurice Duncan SDB – The new Take the Floor CD
29th Nov 03 – 25th Anniversary Special – Jim Johnstone Band, John Ellis Highland Country Band, Gordon Shand SDB, & guests Blazin’ Fiddles from Perth City Hall.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 25th Nov 03 – Gary Blair
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) Nov 03
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Nov 03 – Jimmy Lindsay
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Nov 03 – Sandy Legget Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Nov 03 – Albany (Billy Anderson)
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 16th Nov 03 – John Renton SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Nov 03 – Paul Anderson & the Whisky Olympics
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Nov 03 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 17th Nov 03 – Gary Blair Duo
Belford (Community Centre) – 27th Nov 03 - tba
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Nov 03 – Willie McFarlane Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 03 – Willie McFarlane Band
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 11th Nov 03 – Richie Ahearne & the Dalcassian Band
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 13th Nov 03 – Hebbie Gray
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Nov 03 – Marie Fielding & Alison Smith
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 6th Nov 03 – Elle Classique featuring Julie Best & Friends
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – Colin Dewar Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - Nov 03
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) Nov 03
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 12th Nov 03 – Gary Forrest
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 18th Nov 03 – Fergie MacDonald Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Tom Alexander
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Nov 03 – Ryan McGlynn
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) Nov 03
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – Nov 03
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Nov 03 – Jim MacLeod SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - Nov 03
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – Nov 03
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 6th Nov 03 – Marian Anderson SDB
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 10th Nov 03 – McDonald Brothers
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 20th Nov 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 5th Nov 03 – Colliston Sound
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Nov 03 – Trossachs Ceilidh Band
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 2nd Nov 03 – Rob Watt & Emma Culbert
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 17th Nov 03 – Skye A&F Club
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 12th Nov 03 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th Nov 03 – David Bowen, Billy Thom & Dennis Morrison
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Nov 03 – Craigowl Quartet
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Nov 03 – Bon Accords
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Nov 03 – Gordon Pattullo
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 12th Nov 03 – Sandy Legget
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Nov 03 – Iain Buchanan SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 6th Nov 03 – Angus Alick MacDonald
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) Nov 03
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 15th Nov 03 – Annual Ceilidh
25th Nov 03 – Ian Holmes Trio (Club’s 30th Anniversary)
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 18th Nov 03 – John Morgan
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Nov 03 – Lomond Ceilidh Band 16th Nov 03 – Ceilidh with Willie McHardy & Friends
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - Nov 03
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Nov 03 – Ian Holmes
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Nov 03 – The Hebridean Duo
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Nov 03 – Steven Carcary
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 6th Nov 03 – Alasdair MacCuish & the Black Rose
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) – Nov 03
Peebles (Rugby Club) – Nov 03
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 6th Nov 03 – Additional meeting with Alan Nicolson Band
18th Nov 03 – David Bowen Trio
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 4th Nov 03 – Matt McGranaghan (fiddle) & Gordon Speers (accordion & keyboard)
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 11th Nov 03 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Nov 03 – Dick Black Band
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 9th Nov 03 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 13th Nov 03 – Robert Whitehead
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 15th Nov 03 – Special 25th Anniversary night
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Nov 03 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Nov 03 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 6th Nov 03 – Fraser MacLean
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Nov 03 – South of the Border
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 13th Nov 03 – Tom Orr
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Nov 03 – John Bone & Robert Lovie
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9. Button Key
10. Campsie
11. Carlisle
12. Castle Douglas
13. Cults
14. Dingwall
15. Dunblane
16. Dunfermline
17. Ellon
18. Fintry
19. Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galston
22. Glendale
23. Glenrothes
24. Gretna
25. Inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Kelso
29. Kintore
30. Lanark
31. Langholm
32. Lesmahagow
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Montrose
36. Newmill
37. Newtongrange
38. North East
39. Oban
40. Peebles
41. Premier
42. Rothbury
43. Shetland
44. Thornhill
45. Thurso
46. Turriff
47. Tynedale
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(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. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
69. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
70. Sutherland A&F Club (
71. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
72. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
73. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
74. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
75. Vancouver
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
78. 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?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85. Callander A&F Club (
86. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Club Accord
89. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
110. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
111. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
112. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
113. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
119. Wellbank A&F Club
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