Box and Fiddle
Year 31 No 03
November 2007
Price £2.30
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £25.30 + p&p £8.80 (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
Hopefully all the weary travelers have returned safe and sound from Shetland and are now gearing up for Perth and Stanley!
We had a marvelous day at the RSAMD on October 21st. Well done to the winners of the Box and Fiddle Duo competition – Susan and Shona MacFadyen.
If any of you are musicians with recent CD or DVD releases, make sure you send them off to Judith for review. If they’re in next months magazine they’ll be just in time for Christmas present buying! Judith has given us plenty of warning – she would like to stand down from doing the reviews by the end of the season (august) at the latest; so come on folks – who would like to give it a go? Thinks of all those great CDs you’ll have to add to your collection.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this month’s magazine. Keep those articles and photographs coming.
Karin Ingram
Box and Fiddle Day at the RSAMD
by Jacqueline French
Sunday 21st October 2007 saw the third Traditional Music Open Day……
Scotland’s Music with Phil Cunningham
Programme 1 of 6 : Pride and Passion – Saturday 3rd November 2007 BBC2 Scotland 8.05 – 9.05pm
by
Phil Cunningham embarks on a journey, …….
Isle of Skye A&F Festival 2007
by
The 2007 Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival was held in Portree ………..
Vital Spark Music
by
The Marshall Collections
Fiddle Event at Fochabers
by
The Morayshire village of Fochabers is famous, amongst other things, as the birthplace of William Marshall (1748-1833) – one of our greatest fiddler-composers – and, in the present day, as the home of the energetic young fiddle group, The Fochaber Fiddlers, led by James Alexander. It was an appropriate setting for a series of events on 14th October, masterminded by James, providing a rare treat for lovers of traditional fiddle music.
William Marshall spent his working life in the service of the Duke of Gordon, as steward, factor and surveyor, and it was particularly apt that the events of the afternoon were in Gordon Castle, by kind permission of Sir Bernard Gordon Lennox, who was a most welcoming host.
The opening spot featured Charlie Gore, who will be known to readers as a regular contributor to The Box and Fiddle and Editor of the very valuable Scottish Fiddle Music Index, which gives sources for thousands of tunes from the great 18th and 19th Century collections. His lecture, on ‘Fiddle Dance Music’, was sponsored by The Northern Meeting and the Highland Society of London, and Malcolm Fraser was on hand with recorded illustrations, from Tim Wright and Andrew Rankine right up to the present day.
Next was a Master Class conducted by Douglas Lawrence, recognised as one of our finest exponents of the traditional style, now happily restored to heath and in cracking form. His pupils were four local young students, Kiera Mehigan, Claudia Smith, Mhairi Marwick and Jack Smedley, who performed a range of pieces including pipe and fiddle marches and the Marshall strathspeys The Duke of Gordon’s Birthday and Craigellachie Bridge. Douglas helpfully pointed out some of the finer features of traditional playing, and was most encouraging to the young players, who responded well to his advice. Even non-players in the audience were fascinated by the obvious display of expertise on the part of teacher and pupils.
After a welcome glass of wine and nibbles, the last event of the afternoon was the launch by Highland Music Trust of their latest book, ‘The Marshall Collections’. The Trustees of this charitable trust are Inverness couple Eric and Helen Allan, and Eric explained to the audience how it operated from their home, with the books being stored in the wardrobes and under the beds, and World Headquarters being under the stairs. The trustees’ work was voluntary, and Helen reprinted all of the music on computer. The Trust had a mission to make important music available to all, and, having already reprinted the Glen and Mackintosh Collections and others, it had recognised Marshall as the next worthy candidate.
The task was complicated by the repetition of some of the tunes, often with changes and with different titles, and the Trust was indebted to two authors who had identified a number of these repetitions – Mary Ann Alburger (Scottish Fiddlers and their Music) and Moyra Cowie (The Life and Times of William Marshall) both of whom were present on the day. Marshall was a man of many achievements – dancer, athlete, astronomer, clockmaker, architect and scholar – and the fact of his being so busy with his other pursuits besides being, in the words of Robert Burns, “the first composer of strathspeys of the age”, may have contributed to the muddle. Indeed, he wrote to his publisher, “I have named some of the tunes, which must be attended to, and as to those not named, you can use your own discretion”.
The launch was illustrated by Duncan Dyker, leader of the Inverness Fiddlers, and ex-National Mod Champion, playing airs, jigs, reels and strathspeys from the Collections, accompanied by Eric and Helen, and Charlie Gore spoke again, giving an insight into the composer’s life.
In the evening there was a concert in the Gordon Chapel, in the centre of the village, featuring all the afternoon’s performers (including the four young performers and James himself) in a beautiful setting with great acoustics. The concert ended with a real Fochabers experience – James, Dougie and the youngsters, accompanied by Raemond Jappy, playing a set of local tunes on fiddles by local makers Charlie Armour and Jim Milton – a fitting close to an enjoyable celebration of Scottish fiddle music.
Details of The Marshall Collections and other publications may be had from Eric or Helen – or from The Highland Music Trust website www.heallan.com
Graham & Robbie Mackenzie
by Liz Quinn
Graham Mackenzie, aged 15, and ………….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
In The Moment – Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Hass – CUL122 – Culburnie Records
Gavin Pennycook – GCPCD001 – Independent
About Tyme Two – Ian Cruickshanks SDB – CDN004 - Independent
Book Review
The Marshall Collections – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Nov 07 – David Halcrow SDB (Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships)
10th Nov 07 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships)
17th Nov 07 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (The Marshall Collections)
24th Nov 07 – Simon Howie SDB (OB from Strathallan School with Guests Perdy Syers-Gibson with Joan Blue and George Donald)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 07 – Stuart Anderson Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 07 – Gavin Piper
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Nov 07 – George Meikle
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 07 – Colin Garvin Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 07 – Frank Thomson SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 07 – Wayne Robertson
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 07 – Steven Carcary SDB
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 07 – AGM 13th No – Steven Carcary Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) - 28th Nov 07 – Karyn McCulloch (West Sound Ceilidh)
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Nov 07 – Romano Viazzani
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 07 – Willie McFarlane Band
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 07 – Wayne Robertson & Malcolm Ross
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 1st Nov 07 – Ray Carse
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Nov 07 – Ian Muir SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 07 – Ryan McGlynn SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Nov 07 – Scott Band Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Colin Dewar SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 07 – Willie McFarlane Band
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Nov 07 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – James Lindsay Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Nov 07 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 25th Nov 07 – Marian Anderson SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 07 – Craigowl SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Nov 07 – Burns Brothers
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Nov 07 – Fife Fiddlers
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 25th Nov 07 – Ian Anderson
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th Nov 07 – Allan McIntosh SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 07 – Campsie Players
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 07 – Jimmy Lindsay Duo 16th Nov 07 – Dance to Colin Dewar
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Nov 07 – Heartfell Band
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 07 – Roya MacLean
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Nov 07 – Ian Hutson SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st Nov 07 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 07 – Alan Roy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th Nov 07 – Blair Gardiner SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 07 – Tom Alexander
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 29th Nov 07 – John & Catriona Reid
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 21st Nov 07 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 07 – Tom Alexander
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st Nov 07 – Tom Orr SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 07 – Mary Young SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Nov 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th Nov 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th Nov 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Nov 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 24th Nov 07 – Dance to West Telferton SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Nov 07 – John Morgan
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Nov 07 – Alex McIntyre Duo
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Nov 07 – Ernie Cowie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 07 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd & 17th Nov 07 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Nov 07 – Craigowl SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith
9. Blairgowrie
10. Britannia
11. Campsie
12. Carlisle
13. Castle Douglas
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Duns
19 Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Highland
25. Isle of Skye
26. Islesteps
27. Kintore
28. Lanark
29. Lewis & Harris
30. Livingston
31. Montrose
32. Newburgh
33. Newtongrange
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Orkney
37. Peebles
38. Perth
39. Premier
40. Renfrew
41. Rothbury
42. Stonehouse
43. Teviotdale (nee Newmill)
44. Thornhill
45. Turriff
46. Tynedale
47. Uist & Benbecula
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2007
(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 early 08-09
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. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
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. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
77. West Barnes ( - present)
78. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
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. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
104. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
105. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
106. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
107. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
108. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
109. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
110. Mull A&F Club
111. Newcastleton Accordion Club
112. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
118. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
119. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
120. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
121. Tranent A&F Club
122. Vancouver
123. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
124. Wellbank A&F Club
125. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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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
Hopefully all the weary travelers have returned safe and sound from Shetland and are now gearing up for Perth and Stanley!
We had a marvelous day at the RSAMD on October 21st. Well done to the winners of the Box and Fiddle Duo competition – Susan and Shona MacFadyen.
If any of you are musicians with recent CD or DVD releases, make sure you send them off to Judith for review. If they’re in next months magazine they’ll be just in time for Christmas present buying! Judith has given us plenty of warning – she would like to stand down from doing the reviews by the end of the season (august) at the latest; so come on folks – who would like to give it a go? Thinks of all those great CDs you’ll have to add to your collection.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this month’s magazine. Keep those articles and photographs coming.
Karin Ingram
Box and Fiddle Day at the RSAMD
by Jacqueline French
Sunday 21st October 2007 saw the third Traditional Music Open Day……
Scotland’s Music with Phil Cunningham
Programme 1 of 6 : Pride and Passion – Saturday 3rd November 2007 BBC2 Scotland 8.05 – 9.05pm
by
Phil Cunningham embarks on a journey, …….
Isle of Skye A&F Festival 2007
by
The 2007 Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival was held in Portree ………..
Vital Spark Music
by
The Marshall Collections
Fiddle Event at Fochabers
by
The Morayshire village of Fochabers is famous, amongst other things, as the birthplace of William Marshall (1748-1833) – one of our greatest fiddler-composers – and, in the present day, as the home of the energetic young fiddle group, The Fochaber Fiddlers, led by James Alexander. It was an appropriate setting for a series of events on 14th October, masterminded by James, providing a rare treat for lovers of traditional fiddle music.
William Marshall spent his working life in the service of the Duke of Gordon, as steward, factor and surveyor, and it was particularly apt that the events of the afternoon were in Gordon Castle, by kind permission of Sir Bernard Gordon Lennox, who was a most welcoming host.
The opening spot featured Charlie Gore, who will be known to readers as a regular contributor to The Box and Fiddle and Editor of the very valuable Scottish Fiddle Music Index, which gives sources for thousands of tunes from the great 18th and 19th Century collections. His lecture, on ‘Fiddle Dance Music’, was sponsored by The Northern Meeting and the Highland Society of London, and Malcolm Fraser was on hand with recorded illustrations, from Tim Wright and Andrew Rankine right up to the present day.
Next was a Master Class conducted by Douglas Lawrence, recognised as one of our finest exponents of the traditional style, now happily restored to heath and in cracking form. His pupils were four local young students, Kiera Mehigan, Claudia Smith, Mhairi Marwick and Jack Smedley, who performed a range of pieces including pipe and fiddle marches and the Marshall strathspeys The Duke of Gordon’s Birthday and Craigellachie Bridge. Douglas helpfully pointed out some of the finer features of traditional playing, and was most encouraging to the young players, who responded well to his advice. Even non-players in the audience were fascinated by the obvious display of expertise on the part of teacher and pupils.
After a welcome glass of wine and nibbles, the last event of the afternoon was the launch by Highland Music Trust of their latest book, ‘The Marshall Collections’. The Trustees of this charitable trust are Inverness couple Eric and Helen Allan, and Eric explained to the audience how it operated from their home, with the books being stored in the wardrobes and under the beds, and World Headquarters being under the stairs. The trustees’ work was voluntary, and Helen reprinted all of the music on computer. The Trust had a mission to make important music available to all, and, having already reprinted the Glen and Mackintosh Collections and others, it had recognised Marshall as the next worthy candidate.
The task was complicated by the repetition of some of the tunes, often with changes and with different titles, and the Trust was indebted to two authors who had identified a number of these repetitions – Mary Ann Alburger (Scottish Fiddlers and their Music) and Moyra Cowie (The Life and Times of William Marshall) both of whom were present on the day. Marshall was a man of many achievements – dancer, athlete, astronomer, clockmaker, architect and scholar – and the fact of his being so busy with his other pursuits besides being, in the words of Robert Burns, “the first composer of strathspeys of the age”, may have contributed to the muddle. Indeed, he wrote to his publisher, “I have named some of the tunes, which must be attended to, and as to those not named, you can use your own discretion”.
The launch was illustrated by Duncan Dyker, leader of the Inverness Fiddlers, and ex-National Mod Champion, playing airs, jigs, reels and strathspeys from the Collections, accompanied by Eric and Helen, and Charlie Gore spoke again, giving an insight into the composer’s life.
In the evening there was a concert in the Gordon Chapel, in the centre of the village, featuring all the afternoon’s performers (including the four young performers and James himself) in a beautiful setting with great acoustics. The concert ended with a real Fochabers experience – James, Dougie and the youngsters, accompanied by Raemond Jappy, playing a set of local tunes on fiddles by local makers Charlie Armour and Jim Milton – a fitting close to an enjoyable celebration of Scottish fiddle music.
Details of The Marshall Collections and other publications may be had from Eric or Helen – or from The Highland Music Trust website www.heallan.com
Graham & Robbie Mackenzie
by Liz Quinn
Graham Mackenzie, aged 15, and ………….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
In The Moment – Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Hass – CUL122 – Culburnie Records
Gavin Pennycook – GCPCD001 – Independent
About Tyme Two – Ian Cruickshanks SDB – CDN004 - Independent
Book Review
The Marshall Collections – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Nov 07 – David Halcrow SDB (Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships)
10th Nov 07 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships)
17th Nov 07 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (The Marshall Collections)
24th Nov 07 – Simon Howie SDB (OB from Strathallan School with Guests Perdy Syers-Gibson with Joan Blue and George Donald)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 07 – Stuart Anderson Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 07 – Gavin Piper
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Nov 07 – George Meikle
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 07 – Colin Garvin Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 07 – Frank Thomson SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 07 – Wayne Robertson
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 07 – Steven Carcary SDB
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Nov 07 – AGM 13th No – Steven Carcary Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) - 28th Nov 07 – Karyn McCulloch (West Sound Ceilidh)
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Nov 07 – Romano Viazzani
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 07 – Willie McFarlane Band
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 07 – Wayne Robertson & Malcolm Ross
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 1st Nov 07 – Ray Carse
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Nov 07 – Ian Muir SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 07 – Ryan McGlynn SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Nov 07 – Scott Band Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Colin Dewar SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 07 – Willie McFarlane Band
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Nov 07 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – James Lindsay Trio
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Nov 07 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 25th Nov 07 – Marian Anderson SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 07 – Craigowl SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Nov 07 – Burns Brothers
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Nov 07 – Fife Fiddlers
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 25th Nov 07 – Ian Anderson
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th Nov 07 – Allan McIntosh SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 07 – Campsie Players
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 07 – Jimmy Lindsay Duo 16th Nov 07 – Dance to Colin Dewar
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Nov 07 – Heartfell Band
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th Nov 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 07 – Roya MacLean
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Nov 07 – Ian Hutson SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st Nov 07 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 07 – Alan Roy
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th Nov 07 – Blair Gardiner SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 07 – Tom Alexander
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Nov 07 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 29th Nov 07 – John & Catriona Reid
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 21st Nov 07 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 07 – Tom Alexander
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st Nov 07 – Tom Orr SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th Nov 07 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 07 – Mary Young SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Nov 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th Nov 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th Nov 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Nov 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 24th Nov 07 – Dance to West Telferton SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Nov 07 – John Morgan
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Nov 07 – Alex McIntyre Duo
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Nov 07 – Ernie Cowie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 07 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd & 17th Nov 07 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Nov 07 – Craigowl SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Arbroath
4. Armadale
5. Balloch
6. Banchory
7. Banff
8. Beith
9. Blairgowrie
10. Britannia
11. Campsie
12. Carlisle
13. Castle Douglas
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Duns
19 Forfar
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Highland
25. Isle of Skye
26. Islesteps
27. Kintore
28. Lanark
29. Lewis & Harris
30. Livingston
31. Montrose
32. Newburgh
33. Newtongrange
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Orkney
37. Peebles
38. Perth
39. Premier
40. Renfrew
41. Rothbury
42. Stonehouse
43. Teviotdale (nee Newmill)
44. Thornhill
45. Turriff
46. Tynedale
47. Uist & Benbecula
48. West Barnes
49. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2007
(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 early 08-09
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. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
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. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
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. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
77. West Barnes ( - present)
78. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
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. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
104. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
105. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
106. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
107. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
108. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
109. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
110. Mull A&F Club
111. Newcastleton Accordion Club
112. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
118. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
119. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
120. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
121. Tranent A&F Club
122. Vancouver
123. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
124. Wellbank A&F Club
125. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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