Box and Fiddle
Year 36 No 03
November 2012
Price £2.70
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £29.70 + p&p £13.20 (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
Well done to Catherine MacKay and her family for organising another sell-out Button-Box Gathering in Inverness. This charity event has become one of the highlights of the box and fiddle calendar for many people.
The season is in full swing now, and many of the Shetland survivors are gearing up for Stanley and Perth. We’ll carry a report and photos for Shetland next month, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the various comments appearing on FaceBook – so much so that we’ve reprinted some here!
Next month (December) will also include the Guest Artiste list for the year, so if anyone has any changes of additions to that list, please let us know by the 8th of November. Inclusion is free.
Karin Ingram
Button-Box Gathering
by Margo MacLennan
A full house settled down…………
Allan McIntosh (1942-2012) - Obituary
by David Wilson
Allan McIntosh was born in Glasgow on the 4th of September 1942 and he was the second son of Donald and Ina McIntosh. Donald was a Police Sergeant and Ina was well known in political circles, being an advisor to prominent political figures such as the late Russell Johnston who was elected to the House of Commons and represented Inverness for the Liberal Party from 1964 to 1983. A long term supporter of Scottish home rule and one who supported the abolition of the British nuclear arsenal, he also served as leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1992.
From his early childhood it was quite apparent that Allan was blessed with exceptional musical talents. His father was an accomplished fiddler and wanted Allan to follow him and learn the fiddle, while his brother Bill was to play the accordion. However Allan had other ideas! Bill came home one day and found Allan trying to play his accordion. He told him to take it off. Allan responded, “I will take it off, but someday I will show you how to play it.”
Allan, his brother and his dad used to play together; I will always remember that wonderful music. Friends, who knew Allan, would say that his timing was something elseand his left hand playing was hugely admired. Allan was well known in musical circles over many years. In his teens he won the Northern Counties championship in Inverness. More than once, he worked with the late Calum Kennedy, a Gaelic singer and entertainer. In Calum’s show Allan even had his own solo spot. Allan’s favourite music styles were the Gaelic waltzes and the pipe marches. I think I would be right to say that Allan’s musical hero was the late Bobby MacLeod, who advised him to play the waltzes very slowly, which he undoubtedly mastered. In my opinion Allan was both a solo artiste and a bandleader; he could adapt to any audience and he was sensitive in his playing. He was always punctual, never arriving late for a gig. Allan was strict regarding his appearance and his band was always well turned out.
In 1970 Allan married Jean and I was best man at the wedding. Their family eventually consisted of Susan, Kenneth, Maria and Donna (who was named after my beloved late wife). Allan and Jean lived in Aviemore, where Allan was well known in the community and played in The Red MacGregor Hotel.
Allan later moved to Oban where he was married to Heather for 17 years. During that time they traveled, as Allan performed at various venues with his Heather Dance Band.
Allan met Margaret Darroch while she was still a young lass. Through the years she was always there for Allan and he had the greatest respect for her. Together they performed in many places, Allan’s music and Margaret’s voice blending perfectly. In the later years pf Allan’s life Margaret was with him until the end.
Allan had many interests and he was a loyal supporter of the local bowling club. Allan was a man of faith; he served as an elder in the local Church of Scotland in Inveraray. He was often involved in fund-raising events for various organizations and charities.
Allan was an artist and as such his life was often turbulent; he went through some very difficult times. Yet we remember Allan as one of the most gifted musicians of his time. Even more than that, we will remember him as a loyal friend.
On Monday the 10th of September Allan passed away peacefully in the Lorne and Islands District General Hospital in Oban. There is much sadness in parting; my sympathy goes out to his family.
Scots Fiddle Festival 2012
by
The UK’s biggest and best Fiddle Festival…………
Spotlight on Campsie
by Sylvia Lockhart
We are now into our 17th year of Campsie A&F Club – unbelievable, we say – it doesn’t seem that long, but it is. After visiting a few Clubs around us previously, we began to believe that we could also run a Club, and thankfully, after a few changes within the group of friends, we are still in operation, but we now have our Campsie Players – born out of our audience some years ago.
Club nights take the same format every month. We have our local artistes playing for an hour, before our guest artiste comes on for a half hour stint. Our buffet splits up the night, and we have the same again. We have musicians who come every month without fail, and others who come along perhaps because we have a guest artiste that they favour. We also have a raffle to augment the funds.
Our dedicated Chairperson, Billy Hutton, his son, and John Gray take it upon themselves in the afternoon of the Club to set up the function suite at the Glazert Country House Hotel. A few years later, Billy made a stage that is in sections so that it is easier to transport and set up. The sound equipment is set up and tested as well as our keyboard, tables and chairs set out, then for them it is off home for a bite to eat and a change of clothes before returning for the entertainment. There are other helpers at the end of the evening who help to dismantle and pack away everything, and Billy returns next morning to pick it all up.
Having an excellent MC on our Club nights who appears to know most of the audience, and can tell a ‘specially selected’ joke or two does help the Club nights go with a swing, and having excellent bands to entertain us each month just makes it a great place to be on the first Tuesday of the month from September through to May. We also run two dances – a Christmas dance and a Haggis and Neeps Dance that help to augment out funds, and are very well attended.
We have been lucky enough to win The Club of the Year award three times running at the start of the BAFFI’s. We hope this is partly because of the warm welcome that is extended to everyone who attends the Club.
Within the first few years of the Club starting, we surveyed our audience to find out whether anyone would consider coming along to a ‘workshop’ and were surprised by the uptake. We discovered that in fact we did have some ‘closet’ players, and they were willing to come along and practice under the instruction of Morag Robertson and Iain Lockhart. So began our group, which recently became known as The Campsie Players. Over the years, we have had musicians who have come and gone because of other commitments. Within the last few years, younger members have gone on to further education, and other have family commitments or jobs that make it difficult to be available, and again some newer members have joined us. It is helpful for those who join to be able to sight-read. Over the years more of our members have become confident enough to play in front of an audience, which makes it all worthwhile.
We practice on the last Wednesday of the month throughout the year, except for perhaps December when we are all so busy anyway. On our practice nights we choose the selections for our Club night, and each summer hand out some new music to practice for the next season. Groups in the area found out about our ‘workshop’ and invited us along to entertain them. Over the years we have probably played to most of the Women’s Rurals and Church Guilds in the area around Lennoxtown, and also some farther afield. We only ask for a donation to Club funds, and of course a “wee bite of supper”, which everyone is glad to offer.
At our concerts, soloists are given the chance to play for the audience between our group selections, and Morag, our spokesperson, tells the audience what we are playing, and also gives us all a few laughs at some ‘appropriate’ jokes. Our programme usually contains some sing-along melodies, some well-know tunes, and a smattering of Scottish selections. It makes for an enjoyable night for the p[layers, and it must make for an enjoyable night for the audience as we have been asked back to quite a few venues. Since the beginning, personally, I have made a lot of new friends with whom I share a love of Scottish music. This was instilled in me as a youngster sitting under the upright piano listening to my own father’s small band practicing in our house, and listening to the ‘Home Service’ playing the dance music.
What’s next we ask ourselves – well, more of the same. It is hard to believe that the Club has been going for such a long time. Over the years, funds have made it possible for us to buy newer equipment so that we can give our audiences at the Club and our own concerts a good sound, and on Club nights, we provide a supper that seems to go down well with our faithful supporters who come along every month whatever the weather, and we really appreciate that. If you haven’t been to our Club – what have you been doing? You are always sure of a warm welcome. Come along and join us.
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Ah’m Dancin’! – Old Time Dances – Glengraig SDB – CDTRAX369
Caught and Released – Pete Clark & Gregor Lowrey – INVER227
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
3rd Nov 12 – Glencraig SDB + Highlights from Glenfiddich 1
10th Nov 12 – Marian Anderson SDB + Highlights from Glenfiddich 2
17th Nov 12 – Graeme Munro SDB
24th Nov 12 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Nov 12 – Neil Caul SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 12 – Liam Stewart Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 12 – Burns Brothers SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 12 – Burns Brothers Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 12 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 12 – Gordon shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Nov 12 – Steven Carcary Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 12 – Stella Wilkie & Joan Blue
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 12 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – The Border Reivers
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Nov 12 – James Coutts SDB
Coldingham (Crosslaw Caravan Park) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 12 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 20th Nov 12 – Craig McFadyen Trio
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 12 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 12 – Ian McCallum Trio
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Nov 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – Roy Hendrie
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th Nov 12 – Bobby Elder Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 12 – Paul Anderson
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd Nov 12 – Jimmy & Sandy Lindsay Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Nov 12 – Jim Lindsay Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th Nov 12 – Gary Sutherland Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 18th Nov 12 – Gary Donaldson SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th Nov 12 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 12 – Robert Nairn Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 12 – Frank Morrison Quartet 17th Nov 12 – Dance to Liam Stewart
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Nov 12 – Dick Black Band
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th Nov 12 – Kyle Innes
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 12 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Nov 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st Nov 12 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 12 – Club night
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th Nov 12 – Gordon Pattullo & Gemma Donald
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 12 – Andy Philip
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 11th Nov 12 – Alan Roy 23rd Nov 12 – Stovie Dance to Johnny Duncan Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - Nov 12 -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club) 21st Nov 12 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 12 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 12 – Steven Carcary Trio
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 7th Nov 12 – Paud Griffin
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st Nov 12 – Archie MacPhee & the Bogroy SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th Nov 12 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – James Coutts SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Nov 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Nov 12 – Craig Paton SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Nov 12 – Seamus O’Sullivan Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Nov 12 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 12 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd & 17th Nov 12 – Saturday Night Ceilidh
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Nov 12 – Alastair MacLeod
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – Ross McPherson Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Balloch
4. Banff
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Crieff
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glendale
20. Haddington
21. Highland
22. Isle of Skye
23. Islesteps
24. Kelso
25. Ladybank
26. Lanark
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Montrose
31. Newburgh
32. Newtongrange
33. North East
34. Northern
35. Oban
36. Perth
37. Rothbury
38. Stonehouse
39. Thurso
40. Turriff
41. Tynedale
42. Uist & Benbecula
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
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Quarter Page (colour) - £55
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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
Well done to Catherine MacKay and her family for organising another sell-out Button-Box Gathering in Inverness. This charity event has become one of the highlights of the box and fiddle calendar for many people.
The season is in full swing now, and many of the Shetland survivors are gearing up for Stanley and Perth. We’ll carry a report and photos for Shetland next month, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the various comments appearing on FaceBook – so much so that we’ve reprinted some here!
Next month (December) will also include the Guest Artiste list for the year, so if anyone has any changes of additions to that list, please let us know by the 8th of November. Inclusion is free.
Karin Ingram
Button-Box Gathering
by Margo MacLennan
A full house settled down…………
Allan McIntosh (1942-2012) - Obituary
by David Wilson
Allan McIntosh was born in Glasgow on the 4th of September 1942 and he was the second son of Donald and Ina McIntosh. Donald was a Police Sergeant and Ina was well known in political circles, being an advisor to prominent political figures such as the late Russell Johnston who was elected to the House of Commons and represented Inverness for the Liberal Party from 1964 to 1983. A long term supporter of Scottish home rule and one who supported the abolition of the British nuclear arsenal, he also served as leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1992.
From his early childhood it was quite apparent that Allan was blessed with exceptional musical talents. His father was an accomplished fiddler and wanted Allan to follow him and learn the fiddle, while his brother Bill was to play the accordion. However Allan had other ideas! Bill came home one day and found Allan trying to play his accordion. He told him to take it off. Allan responded, “I will take it off, but someday I will show you how to play it.”
Allan, his brother and his dad used to play together; I will always remember that wonderful music. Friends, who knew Allan, would say that his timing was something elseand his left hand playing was hugely admired. Allan was well known in musical circles over many years. In his teens he won the Northern Counties championship in Inverness. More than once, he worked with the late Calum Kennedy, a Gaelic singer and entertainer. In Calum’s show Allan even had his own solo spot. Allan’s favourite music styles were the Gaelic waltzes and the pipe marches. I think I would be right to say that Allan’s musical hero was the late Bobby MacLeod, who advised him to play the waltzes very slowly, which he undoubtedly mastered. In my opinion Allan was both a solo artiste and a bandleader; he could adapt to any audience and he was sensitive in his playing. He was always punctual, never arriving late for a gig. Allan was strict regarding his appearance and his band was always well turned out.
In 1970 Allan married Jean and I was best man at the wedding. Their family eventually consisted of Susan, Kenneth, Maria and Donna (who was named after my beloved late wife). Allan and Jean lived in Aviemore, where Allan was well known in the community and played in The Red MacGregor Hotel.
Allan later moved to Oban where he was married to Heather for 17 years. During that time they traveled, as Allan performed at various venues with his Heather Dance Band.
Allan met Margaret Darroch while she was still a young lass. Through the years she was always there for Allan and he had the greatest respect for her. Together they performed in many places, Allan’s music and Margaret’s voice blending perfectly. In the later years pf Allan’s life Margaret was with him until the end.
Allan had many interests and he was a loyal supporter of the local bowling club. Allan was a man of faith; he served as an elder in the local Church of Scotland in Inveraray. He was often involved in fund-raising events for various organizations and charities.
Allan was an artist and as such his life was often turbulent; he went through some very difficult times. Yet we remember Allan as one of the most gifted musicians of his time. Even more than that, we will remember him as a loyal friend.
On Monday the 10th of September Allan passed away peacefully in the Lorne and Islands District General Hospital in Oban. There is much sadness in parting; my sympathy goes out to his family.
Scots Fiddle Festival 2012
by
The UK’s biggest and best Fiddle Festival…………
Spotlight on Campsie
by Sylvia Lockhart
We are now into our 17th year of Campsie A&F Club – unbelievable, we say – it doesn’t seem that long, but it is. After visiting a few Clubs around us previously, we began to believe that we could also run a Club, and thankfully, after a few changes within the group of friends, we are still in operation, but we now have our Campsie Players – born out of our audience some years ago.
Club nights take the same format every month. We have our local artistes playing for an hour, before our guest artiste comes on for a half hour stint. Our buffet splits up the night, and we have the same again. We have musicians who come every month without fail, and others who come along perhaps because we have a guest artiste that they favour. We also have a raffle to augment the funds.
Our dedicated Chairperson, Billy Hutton, his son, and John Gray take it upon themselves in the afternoon of the Club to set up the function suite at the Glazert Country House Hotel. A few years later, Billy made a stage that is in sections so that it is easier to transport and set up. The sound equipment is set up and tested as well as our keyboard, tables and chairs set out, then for them it is off home for a bite to eat and a change of clothes before returning for the entertainment. There are other helpers at the end of the evening who help to dismantle and pack away everything, and Billy returns next morning to pick it all up.
Having an excellent MC on our Club nights who appears to know most of the audience, and can tell a ‘specially selected’ joke or two does help the Club nights go with a swing, and having excellent bands to entertain us each month just makes it a great place to be on the first Tuesday of the month from September through to May. We also run two dances – a Christmas dance and a Haggis and Neeps Dance that help to augment out funds, and are very well attended.
We have been lucky enough to win The Club of the Year award three times running at the start of the BAFFI’s. We hope this is partly because of the warm welcome that is extended to everyone who attends the Club.
Within the first few years of the Club starting, we surveyed our audience to find out whether anyone would consider coming along to a ‘workshop’ and were surprised by the uptake. We discovered that in fact we did have some ‘closet’ players, and they were willing to come along and practice under the instruction of Morag Robertson and Iain Lockhart. So began our group, which recently became known as The Campsie Players. Over the years, we have had musicians who have come and gone because of other commitments. Within the last few years, younger members have gone on to further education, and other have family commitments or jobs that make it difficult to be available, and again some newer members have joined us. It is helpful for those who join to be able to sight-read. Over the years more of our members have become confident enough to play in front of an audience, which makes it all worthwhile.
We practice on the last Wednesday of the month throughout the year, except for perhaps December when we are all so busy anyway. On our practice nights we choose the selections for our Club night, and each summer hand out some new music to practice for the next season. Groups in the area found out about our ‘workshop’ and invited us along to entertain them. Over the years we have probably played to most of the Women’s Rurals and Church Guilds in the area around Lennoxtown, and also some farther afield. We only ask for a donation to Club funds, and of course a “wee bite of supper”, which everyone is glad to offer.
At our concerts, soloists are given the chance to play for the audience between our group selections, and Morag, our spokesperson, tells the audience what we are playing, and also gives us all a few laughs at some ‘appropriate’ jokes. Our programme usually contains some sing-along melodies, some well-know tunes, and a smattering of Scottish selections. It makes for an enjoyable night for the p[layers, and it must make for an enjoyable night for the audience as we have been asked back to quite a few venues. Since the beginning, personally, I have made a lot of new friends with whom I share a love of Scottish music. This was instilled in me as a youngster sitting under the upright piano listening to my own father’s small band practicing in our house, and listening to the ‘Home Service’ playing the dance music.
What’s next we ask ourselves – well, more of the same. It is hard to believe that the Club has been going for such a long time. Over the years, funds have made it possible for us to buy newer equipment so that we can give our audiences at the Club and our own concerts a good sound, and on Club nights, we provide a supper that seems to go down well with our faithful supporters who come along every month whatever the weather, and we really appreciate that. If you haven’t been to our Club – what have you been doing? You are always sure of a warm welcome. Come along and join us.
Webwatch
by Bill Young
www.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Ah’m Dancin’! – Old Time Dances – Glengraig SDB – CDTRAX369
Caught and Released – Pete Clark & Gregor Lowrey – INVER227
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
3rd Nov 12 – Glencraig SDB + Highlights from Glenfiddich 1
10th Nov 12 – Marian Anderson SDB + Highlights from Glenfiddich 2
17th Nov 12 – Graeme Munro SDB
24th Nov 12 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Nov 12 – Neil Caul SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Nov 12 – Liam Stewart Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Nov 12 – Burns Brothers SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Nov 12 – Burns Brothers Trio
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Nov 12 – Colin Donaldson Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Nov 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Nov 12 – Gordon shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Nov 12 – Steven Carcary Trio
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Nov 12 – Stella Wilkie & Joan Blue
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Nov 12 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – The Border Reivers
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Nov 12 – James Coutts SDB
Coldingham (Crosslaw Caravan Park) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Nov 12 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) - 20th Nov 12 – Craig McFadyen Trio
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Nov 12 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Nov 12 – Ian McCallum Trio
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Nov 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Nov 12 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – Roy Hendrie
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th Nov 12 – Bobby Elder Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Nov 12 – Paul Anderson
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 22nd Nov 12 – Jimmy & Sandy Lindsay Duo
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Nov 12 – Jim Lindsay Trio
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th Nov 12 – Gary Sutherland Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 18th Nov 12 – Gary Donaldson SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 19th Nov 12 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Nov 12 – Robert Nairn Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Nov 12 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Nov 12 – Frank Morrison Quartet 17th Nov 12 – Dance to Liam Stewart
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Nov 12 – Dick Black Band
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 15th Nov 12 – Kyle Innes
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Nov 12 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Nov 12 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 1st Nov 12 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Nov 12 – Club night
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 27th Nov 12 – Gordon Pattullo & Gemma Donald
Maine Valley (Ballymena) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Nov 12 – Andy Philip
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 11th Nov 12 – Alan Roy 23rd Nov 12 – Stovie Dance to Johnny Duncan Duo
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - Nov 12 -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club) 21st Nov 12 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Nov 12 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Nov 12 – Steven Carcary Trio
Northern (Lylehill Suite, Templepatrick, N.I.) - 7th Nov 12 – Paud Griffin
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 1st Nov 12 – Archie MacPhee & the Bogroy SDB
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 29th Nov 12 – Dochie McCallum & Friends
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – James Coutts SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 12 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Nov 12 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Nov 12 – Craig Paton SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Nov 12 – Seamus O’Sullivan Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Nov 12 – Wayne Robertson Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 15th Nov 12 – John Morgan
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 3rd & 17th Nov 12 – Saturday Night Ceilidh
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Nov 12 – Alastair MacLeod
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Nov 12 – Ross McPherson Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Balloch
4. Banff
5. Beith
6. Biggar
7. Blairgowrie
8. Button-key
9. Campsie
10. Castle Douglas
11. Coalburn
12. Crieff
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Forfar
18. Forres
19. Glendale
20. Haddington
21. Highland
22. Isle of Skye
23. Islesteps
24. Kelso
25. Ladybank
26. Lanark
27. Lewis & Harris
28. Livingston
29. Lockerbie
30. Montrose
31. Newburgh
32. Newtongrange
33. North East
34. Northern
35. Oban
36. Perth
37. Rothbury
38. Stonehouse
39. Thurso
40. Turriff
41. Tynedale
42. Uist & Benbecula
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2011
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
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. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
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. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54 Maine Valley A&F Club (
55 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
58 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
76 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78 West Barnes ( - present)
79 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?)
80. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
82. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
83. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
84. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
85. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
86. Buchan A&F Club
87 Callander A&F Club (
88 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
89 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
90 Club Accord
91 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
92. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
93. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
94. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
95. Derwentside A&F Club
96. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
97. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
98. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
99. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
100. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
101. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
102. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
103. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
104. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
105. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
106. Kintore A&F Club (
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
116. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
117. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
118. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
119. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
120. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
125. Tranent A&F Club
126. Vancouver
127. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
128. Wellbank A&F Club
129. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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