Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 03
November 2019
Price £3.00
52 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
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
Storms, deluges and nights drawing in – where did the summer go?………
Pia Walker
Young Generation – Rachel Campbell
by Rachel
As you probably know, the NAAFC has for a number of years sponsored The Jimmy shand Scholarship for students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The most recent recipient was Rachel Campbell. As you can read she is a busy lady but she found time to respond to my request to tell us about herself and her interest in music.
I was brought up in the town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland……………….
Musical Memories – Part 9
by Denis Shepherd
Last time I told you about some of the various events that the Aberdeen Branch of the TMSA has organised in past years. Some of these were supported by Aberdeen City Council – but the biggest thing the Council did for us was to organize in 1991 a week-long bus trip to France with all expenses paid! Our destination was the Issoire Folk Festival in a village a few miles south-west of Aberdeen’s twin city Clermont Ferrand. Our stay consisted of sight-seeing bus tours and Scottish music performances at various venues including Clermont Ferrand. And we got to witness a variety of singing, dancing and other performances from many other countries.
Our bus party comprised musicians (including pipers), singers and dancers. One day I thought I would add to the variety by organising a street demonstration of Houlihan’s Jig, which I did along with three others including the dancers – but was promptly told by tour organiser Alex Green that I was not a very good exponent of Scottish dance – although I knew the formations, I was, “maist helluva clumsy an’ hytery-lookin’!”
Although we were amply fed throughout our stay, bothy ballad king Tam Reid was not impressed by the French salad-based food. When we traveled back to Scotland, we took the overnight ferry and did not stop until the bus drew into a service station in Warwickshire; and as we disembarked somewhat groggily there was no sign of Tam. Either we had left him in France or he had done a sprint off the bus! Sure enough, we eventually found him tucking into bacon and eggs in the restaurant. “I couldna wait tae get a decent brakfist!” he explained, referring to French cuisine in a rather uncomplimentary manner.
However, this Tam had nothing to do with the Tumlin’ Tams – this was the name of the TMSA team entered in the Aberdeenshire Council-organised Bothy Nichts competition a few years later. The first time it took place, in 1997, Alex’s script featured a bottle of whisky which was due to be opened several times – but in the opening scene the cork popped from the bottle (the content of which was fizzy American ginger) and flew into the audience. This necessitated a hasty script adjustment!
We had recruited Harry Williamson, my pianist Menace partner, as Mains but the first time we competed, in Keith, I was told by one connoisseur; “That wasn’t very realistic – you would never get a Mains who could play the piano as well as that!” However, in Inverurie Town Hall two years later, one of the judges, Jock Duncan, said in his summing-up that the Tummlin’ Tams were the team keeping most to the spirit of the bothy days. By that time Alex Green had retired, leaving me as the script-writer. We only finished third but the whole experience was great fun – although I was a somewhat aggrieved grieve when I heard that someone in one of the teams ahead of us had spoken about combine harvesters – something definitely not in the spirit of the bothy days!
Two other major projects undertaken by the TMSA Aberdeen Branch concerned the production of a cassette, Fae Aiberdeen ‘N Roon Aboot, in 1999, and the TMSA 40th birthday CD in 2006. I told you previously about the problems with Harry’s keyboard when we were recording tracks for the cassette; but that wasn’t the only drawback. Dick Trickey, a fellow TMSA singer who had volunteered to act as recording engineer and producer, had recently acquired the recording equipment and he was learning about it as we went along. We went straight into the Willie Kemp song, It’s Affa Like Its Father, and got it canned perfectly on the first take – or so we thought, until Dick said, “Sorrym guys, we’ll have to do it again – I pressed the wrong button!”
The 40th birthday CD was engineered in the studio at Aden Park, Mintlaw, where I recorded an unaccompanied song (originally a poem by G.K. Menzies) and after a careful sound check, I got the go-ahead. However, half way through the first line I got the command, “Stop! Stop!” The only thing that upset the system was the sound of the letter P – and the song just happened to begin, “I’ve poached a puckle pairtricks….”
The Branch also held some events with special guests in Aberdeen. When I was MC I didn’t always get my wording right. When our guests were the all-girl band The Lemon Tarts, for instance, I began the raffle by saying, “I’ll get the Tarts to draw the first ticket.” However, I made no mistake with the raffle the night we had Sheena Wellington as guest. After announcing her spot, I filled the time as she made her way to the stage by reciting the short Burns poem, Here’s a Bottle, addressing the bottle of whisky in front of me – and lo and behold, I later won the bottle!
The Final Button Box Gathering
by Margo Maclennan
On 5th September 2019 in the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, after 18 years of promoting traditional music played on the button-box, Catherine and Jim Mackay organised their final show.
John ‘the Prof’ Matheson welcomed an almost full theatre and informed them that the proceeds would go to The Highland Hospice. Over the 18 years the show has realised over £30,000 to be shared among many local charities.
Jim Mackay and his band, Malcolm Ross (drums), Bill Ewan (keyboard), Jim and Graeme Mackay (button-boxes) and Matthew Maclennan (piano accordion), opened the show with a great set of toe tapping tunes, many of which he composed himself, including Catherine Mackay’s Button Box Gathering and John (The Prof) Matheson MBE.
We welcomed Duncan Mackinnon from Barra for his first visit to the show. He, accompanied by Matthew and Malcolm, played marches and Gaelic waltzes with a great swing and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to his style of playing.
Our youngest player, Robert Smith, was making his third appearance on the show. He is a student of Jim and was accompanied by Matthew on keyboard for a set of marches. Each year we hear a great improvement in Robert’s playing and we look forward to seeing him at the local Accordion & Fiddle Clubs.
Sandy Lindsay, accompanied by Malcolm and Bill, played Shetland Two-Steps and 4/4, 2/4 and pipe marches. Jimmy Lindsay sadly was unable to join the band on stage.
Between the acts, John ‘The Prof’ entertained us with many stories. He kept us all laughing and entertained.
Graeme Mackay played solo for the first part of his set. He then welcomes an amazing pianist, Maggie Pheliger from Poland, to accompany him in playing some Chopin, followed by Return of the Swallows. Their duet was excellent and we look forward to hearing them in October in Shetland.
In the second half of the show Sandy Ross on button-box and George Macintyre on keyboard played Gaelic waltzes followed by 6/8 and 2/4 marches. It was lovely to hear Jim Mackay on button-box and Matthew on keyboard playing some of Jim’s own compositions. One in particular was written to welcome his new great granddaughter Macy Margaret Mackay. Sandy Lindsay and his trio then returned.
The final button-box player was Scott Band with his band of Malcolm, Bill and Matthew. They played a cracking set of tunes and finished with the late Ian Powrie’s arrangement of The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain.
John then welcomed all the musicians back for a stramash, after which he escorted Catherine Mackay on to the stage to receive flowers from Robert Smith. John invited the audience to sing Auld Lang Syne and thanked everyone for coming. The show finished with the audience giving the musicians and the Mackays a standing ovation.
Centre Stage
Ray Carse
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Ewan Galloway SDB – Toast to the Dancers – EGCD004
DVD Reviews
Eddie Rose – 50 Golden Years – DVDPAN120
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd Nov 2019 – Craig Paton SDB + fiddler Angus Grant repeat
9th Nov 2019 – Steven Carcary SDB + All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Championships
16th Nov 2019 – Guest Presenter + Seamus O’Sullivan Experience
23rd Nov 2019 – Alan Crookston SDB + guest piper Rona Lightfoot
30th Nov 2019 – St Andrew’s Day Celebrations, OB from St Andrews Student Union with Gary Sutherland SDB + Cask Strength CD
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th Nov 2019 – Adin Graham Trio
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Nov 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Susie Simpson Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – Nov 2019 -
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th Nov 2019 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th Nov 2019 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th Nov 2019 – Glencraig SDB
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th Nov 2019 – 60s Bairns
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th Nov 2019 – Clappy Doo CB + AGM
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th Nov 2019 – Jack Delaney SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Nov 2019 – Simon howie SDB
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 14th Nov 2019 – Andy Kinnear Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th Nov 2019 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 19th Nov 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Scott Band SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Nov 2019 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th Nov 2019 – David Vernon
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th Nov 2019 – David Husband Trio
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 12th Nov 2019 – Nicola Braid & Gordon Haddow
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th Nov 2019 – Derek Edmond SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Alistair MacPherson SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 24th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Nov 2019 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th Nov 2019 – Ally MacKenzie Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 7th Nov 2019 – Scottish Blend Ceilidh Band
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 28th Nov 2019 – Wayne Robertson & Malcolm Ross
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th Nov 2019 – Club Night
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB 28th Nov 2019 – Brandon McPhee Trio + supporting artistes
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th Nov 2019 – Martainn Skene Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 13th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th Nov 2019 – Janet Graham SDB
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th Nov 2019 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 27th Nov 2019 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 24th Nov 2019 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th Nov 2019 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th Nov 2019 – Jiggin’ Higgins
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 26th Nov 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 17th Nov 2019 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Nov 2019 – The Homelanders
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Nov 2019 – Tay Ceilidh Band
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25th Nov 2019 – Gary Sutherland SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Nov 2019 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th Nov 2019 – McAllister Brothers
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th Nov 2019 – CD Launch 13th 20th Nov 2019 Club Nights 27th Nov 2019 – Full Tilt
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 28th Nov 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Steven Carcary & Pupils
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th Nov 2019 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw Band supported by Graeme Whitehead & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 19th 26th Nov 2019 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 14th Nov 2019 – Club Night + AGM 28th Nov 2018 – George & Stuart Davidson
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 16th Nov 2019 – Ian Thomson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Nov 2019 – Iain Joseph MacDonald
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Nov 2019 – Maggie Adamson
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st Nov 2019 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Martainn Skene Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button Key
7. Campsie
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Glenfarg
19. Highland
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Langholm
24. Lewis & Harris
25. Macmerry
26. Rothbury
27. Seghill
28. Turriff & District
29. Tynedale
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer –
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
Storms, deluges and nights drawing in – where did the summer go?………
Pia Walker
Young Generation – Rachel Campbell
by Rachel
As you probably know, the NAAFC has for a number of years sponsored The Jimmy shand Scholarship for students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The most recent recipient was Rachel Campbell. As you can read she is a busy lady but she found time to respond to my request to tell us about herself and her interest in music.
I was brought up in the town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland……………….
Musical Memories – Part 9
by Denis Shepherd
Last time I told you about some of the various events that the Aberdeen Branch of the TMSA has organised in past years. Some of these were supported by Aberdeen City Council – but the biggest thing the Council did for us was to organize in 1991 a week-long bus trip to France with all expenses paid! Our destination was the Issoire Folk Festival in a village a few miles south-west of Aberdeen’s twin city Clermont Ferrand. Our stay consisted of sight-seeing bus tours and Scottish music performances at various venues including Clermont Ferrand. And we got to witness a variety of singing, dancing and other performances from many other countries.
Our bus party comprised musicians (including pipers), singers and dancers. One day I thought I would add to the variety by organising a street demonstration of Houlihan’s Jig, which I did along with three others including the dancers – but was promptly told by tour organiser Alex Green that I was not a very good exponent of Scottish dance – although I knew the formations, I was, “maist helluva clumsy an’ hytery-lookin’!”
Although we were amply fed throughout our stay, bothy ballad king Tam Reid was not impressed by the French salad-based food. When we traveled back to Scotland, we took the overnight ferry and did not stop until the bus drew into a service station in Warwickshire; and as we disembarked somewhat groggily there was no sign of Tam. Either we had left him in France or he had done a sprint off the bus! Sure enough, we eventually found him tucking into bacon and eggs in the restaurant. “I couldna wait tae get a decent brakfist!” he explained, referring to French cuisine in a rather uncomplimentary manner.
However, this Tam had nothing to do with the Tumlin’ Tams – this was the name of the TMSA team entered in the Aberdeenshire Council-organised Bothy Nichts competition a few years later. The first time it took place, in 1997, Alex’s script featured a bottle of whisky which was due to be opened several times – but in the opening scene the cork popped from the bottle (the content of which was fizzy American ginger) and flew into the audience. This necessitated a hasty script adjustment!
We had recruited Harry Williamson, my pianist Menace partner, as Mains but the first time we competed, in Keith, I was told by one connoisseur; “That wasn’t very realistic – you would never get a Mains who could play the piano as well as that!” However, in Inverurie Town Hall two years later, one of the judges, Jock Duncan, said in his summing-up that the Tummlin’ Tams were the team keeping most to the spirit of the bothy days. By that time Alex Green had retired, leaving me as the script-writer. We only finished third but the whole experience was great fun – although I was a somewhat aggrieved grieve when I heard that someone in one of the teams ahead of us had spoken about combine harvesters – something definitely not in the spirit of the bothy days!
Two other major projects undertaken by the TMSA Aberdeen Branch concerned the production of a cassette, Fae Aiberdeen ‘N Roon Aboot, in 1999, and the TMSA 40th birthday CD in 2006. I told you previously about the problems with Harry’s keyboard when we were recording tracks for the cassette; but that wasn’t the only drawback. Dick Trickey, a fellow TMSA singer who had volunteered to act as recording engineer and producer, had recently acquired the recording equipment and he was learning about it as we went along. We went straight into the Willie Kemp song, It’s Affa Like Its Father, and got it canned perfectly on the first take – or so we thought, until Dick said, “Sorrym guys, we’ll have to do it again – I pressed the wrong button!”
The 40th birthday CD was engineered in the studio at Aden Park, Mintlaw, where I recorded an unaccompanied song (originally a poem by G.K. Menzies) and after a careful sound check, I got the go-ahead. However, half way through the first line I got the command, “Stop! Stop!” The only thing that upset the system was the sound of the letter P – and the song just happened to begin, “I’ve poached a puckle pairtricks….”
The Branch also held some events with special guests in Aberdeen. When I was MC I didn’t always get my wording right. When our guests were the all-girl band The Lemon Tarts, for instance, I began the raffle by saying, “I’ll get the Tarts to draw the first ticket.” However, I made no mistake with the raffle the night we had Sheena Wellington as guest. After announcing her spot, I filled the time as she made her way to the stage by reciting the short Burns poem, Here’s a Bottle, addressing the bottle of whisky in front of me – and lo and behold, I later won the bottle!
The Final Button Box Gathering
by Margo Maclennan
On 5th September 2019 in the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, after 18 years of promoting traditional music played on the button-box, Catherine and Jim Mackay organised their final show.
John ‘the Prof’ Matheson welcomed an almost full theatre and informed them that the proceeds would go to The Highland Hospice. Over the 18 years the show has realised over £30,000 to be shared among many local charities.
Jim Mackay and his band, Malcolm Ross (drums), Bill Ewan (keyboard), Jim and Graeme Mackay (button-boxes) and Matthew Maclennan (piano accordion), opened the show with a great set of toe tapping tunes, many of which he composed himself, including Catherine Mackay’s Button Box Gathering and John (The Prof) Matheson MBE.
We welcomed Duncan Mackinnon from Barra for his first visit to the show. He, accompanied by Matthew and Malcolm, played marches and Gaelic waltzes with a great swing and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to his style of playing.
Our youngest player, Robert Smith, was making his third appearance on the show. He is a student of Jim and was accompanied by Matthew on keyboard for a set of marches. Each year we hear a great improvement in Robert’s playing and we look forward to seeing him at the local Accordion & Fiddle Clubs.
Sandy Lindsay, accompanied by Malcolm and Bill, played Shetland Two-Steps and 4/4, 2/4 and pipe marches. Jimmy Lindsay sadly was unable to join the band on stage.
Between the acts, John ‘The Prof’ entertained us with many stories. He kept us all laughing and entertained.
Graeme Mackay played solo for the first part of his set. He then welcomes an amazing pianist, Maggie Pheliger from Poland, to accompany him in playing some Chopin, followed by Return of the Swallows. Their duet was excellent and we look forward to hearing them in October in Shetland.
In the second half of the show Sandy Ross on button-box and George Macintyre on keyboard played Gaelic waltzes followed by 6/8 and 2/4 marches. It was lovely to hear Jim Mackay on button-box and Matthew on keyboard playing some of Jim’s own compositions. One in particular was written to welcome his new great granddaughter Macy Margaret Mackay. Sandy Lindsay and his trio then returned.
The final button-box player was Scott Band with his band of Malcolm, Bill and Matthew. They played a cracking set of tunes and finished with the late Ian Powrie’s arrangement of The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain.
John then welcomed all the musicians back for a stramash, after which he escorted Catherine Mackay on to the stage to receive flowers from Robert Smith. John invited the audience to sing Auld Lang Syne and thanked everyone for coming. The show finished with the audience giving the musicians and the Mackays a standing ovation.
Centre Stage
Ray Carse
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Ewan Galloway SDB – Toast to the Dancers – EGCD004
DVD Reviews
Eddie Rose – 50 Golden Years – DVDPAN120
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd Nov 2019 – Craig Paton SDB + fiddler Angus Grant repeat
9th Nov 2019 – Steven Carcary SDB + All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Championships
16th Nov 2019 – Guest Presenter + Seamus O’Sullivan Experience
23rd Nov 2019 – Alan Crookston SDB + guest piper Rona Lightfoot
30th Nov 2019 – St Andrew’s Day Celebrations, OB from St Andrews Student Union with Gary Sutherland SDB + Cask Strength CD
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 13th Nov 2019 – Adin Graham Trio
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Nov 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Susie Simpson Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – Nov 2019 -
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 25th Nov 2019 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th Nov 2019 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 18th Nov 2019 – Glencraig SDB
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 10th Nov 2019 – 60s Bairns
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th Nov 2019 – Clappy Doo CB + AGM
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th Nov 2019 – Jack Delaney SDB
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Nov 2019 – Simon howie SDB
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 14th Nov 2019 – Andy Kinnear Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th Nov 2019 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 19th Nov 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Scott Band SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Nov 2019 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th Nov 2019 – David Vernon
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th Nov 2019 – David Husband Trio
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 12th Nov 2019 – Nicola Braid & Gordon Haddow
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 18th Nov 2019 – Derek Edmond SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Alistair MacPherson SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 24th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Nov 2019 – Alan Small & Gemma Donald
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 5th Nov 2019 – Ally MacKenzie Trio
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) - 7th Nov 2019 – Scottish Blend Ceilidh Band
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 28th Nov 2019 – Wayne Robertson & Malcolm Ross
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th Nov 2019 – Club Night
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 3rd Nov 2019 – Neil Hardie SDB 28th Nov 2019 – Brandon McPhee Trio + supporting artistes
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th Nov 2019 – Martainn Skene Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 13th Nov 2019 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 7th Nov 2019 – Janet Graham SDB
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 5th Nov 2019 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 27th Nov 2019 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 24th Nov 2019 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th Nov 2019 – Ian Crichton Memorial Charity Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 19th Nov 2019 – Jiggin’ Higgins
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 26th Nov 2019 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 17th Nov 2019 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Nov 2019 – The Homelanders
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Nov 2019 – Tay Ceilidh Band
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25th Nov 2019 – Gary Sutherland SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Nov 2019 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 7th Nov 2019 – McAllister Brothers
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th Nov 2019 – CD Launch 13th 20th Nov 2019 Club Nights 27th Nov 2019 – Full Tilt
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 28th Nov 2019 – Gordon Shand SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Steven Carcary & Pupils
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Nov 2019 – Matthew Maclennan Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th Nov 2019 – Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw Band supported by Graeme Whitehead & Friends
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 19th 26th Nov 2019 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 14th Nov 2019 – Club Night + AGM 28th Nov 2018 – George & Stuart Davidson
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 16th Nov 2019 – Ian Thomson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 4th Nov 2019 – Iain Joseph MacDonald
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th Nov 2019 – Maggie Adamson
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st Nov 2019 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th Nov 2019 – Martainn Skene Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button Key
7. Campsie
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dingwall
12. Dunblane
13. Dunfermline
14. Duns
15. Forfar
16. Forres
17. Glendale
18. Glenfarg
19. Highland
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Langholm
24. Lewis & Harris
25. Macmerry
26. Rothbury
27. Seghill
28. Turriff & District
29. Tynedale
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(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. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 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?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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