Box and Fiddle
Year 06 No 02
October 1982
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Firstly a few changes to the Club Directory………….
Here is the latest information regarding the competition for tune composing, finalising at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow. All entries for the bobby MacLeod Trophy and the Angus Fitchet Trophy should be in the hands of Stebelin Recording Music Co, Melrose by the last day in November. The Bobby MacLeod Trophy is for compositions of Continental/Musette tunes and the Angus Fitchet Trophy is for Scottish Traditional for the fiddle. All music will be adjudged by a panel of independent well-known musicians.
The final two pieces will be played at the King’s Theatre on 12th December and it is optional for the two winning composers to play their music themselves or nominate someone for them.
Bumper Fifth Mull Music Festival
by John McIntee
We had been preparing for the 1982 Festival……………..
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
Over the past four weeks or so I have listened to eight broadcasts, quite a number being from those new to leading their own bands. However, for my money the two top broadcasts in that period were by ‘old-stagers’ in the form of Ian Holmes (Radio Forth, 30th August) and Andrew Rankine (TTF, 11th September).
Four Accordions
After much deliberation my vote for top broadcast in this period goes to Ian Holmes for a most entertaining and varied programme, with Ian playing no fewer than four different accordions during the course of the evening. These were a 2-row, a 3-row British Chromatic, a 5-row and, of course, his normal piano accordion. The rest of Ian’s band comprised Rikki Franci (second accordion), Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Bill Hendry, Falkirk (piano), Stan Saunders (bass), Gus Millar (drums) plus Robin Brock making a guest appearance as third accordionist for one item. I was particularly impressed with Ian’s playing of ‘The Gillie Callum’ and ‘Glasgow Highlanders’ because I do not normally like strathspeys in a listening capacity.
Exile Returns
Andrew Rankine’s ‘TTF’ appearance on 11th September was another excellent broadcast with the only change to his last line-up being Ron Kerr on fiddle. I am sure we will hear more of Andrew’s new tune ‘The Maidens’ in the future. It was interesting to note that Stan Saunders and Gus Millar also appeared on this particular broadcast.
Folks Around Robin
Other broadcasts included The Cameron Kerr Band – a good broadcast spoiled only by the Gaelic Waltz set when Ron, on fiddle, appeared to play a second part which was harmonically correct, but had no melody line and did not suit the original tune. However, I did enjoy his chat with Robin Brock about his honeymoon night ; also recent repairs to his fiddle – these incidents were in no way connected!
John Ellis appeared with his ‘new’ band on 13th September, i.e. John Gibson on piano and Gordon Smith on drums, replacing Pam and Allie Wilkie. As usual a good sound broadcast from John ; nothing new musically on this occasion, but a programme packed with great sets and certainly John and Gordon fitted in well. One thing that came out during the programme was that ‘Captain Mainwaring’ Ellis is extremely reliant on ‘Sergeant Wilson’ Muir for the bulk of the music played by the band!
First Broadcasts
Graeme Mitchell appeared on 20th September as leader of his own band comprising nearly all seasoned players, the only exception being young Judith Davidson on fiddle. Her personal contribution to the programme, a slow air and hornpipe, were absolutely excellent and generally this was a very sound broadcast as one would expect from a player of Graeme’s calibre. I did not agree with his statement that he should not have made an LP which he did a few years ago, but that apart, I am sure he will very soon become an established leader, when I hope he will have his complete band from nearer to his own kail yard!
Colin Finlayson led his own band on ‘TTF’ (4th September) when he too was surrounded by a wealth of experienced players to play an excellent programme – his own composition, a Scandinavian waltz, being particularly noteworthy.
Canada on Tour
The Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle broadcast from Elgin was most entertaining, but the first half of the programme seemed to drag a little. However, the group really got cracking after their teabreak. This was the first time I’ve heard clog dancing feature on sound radio – something totally different! The songs from Kathy Fraser brought out forcibly that although they play a lot of our style of music, the members of the group consider themselves very much Canadians at heart.
Ten-Piece Band
Finally, on 25th September, the BBC put out the first contribution from The Foundry Bar Band who hail from Arbroath. I am sure their performance would have gone down very well in the East and North-East, but might not have been so well received in the west of the country. As one would expect there was not nearly so much Scottish country dance music on this programme but it was something different and had a lot of atmosphere – so much so that on at least a couple of occasions I heard someone trying to quieten the background music. ‘The Festival of Keith’ song featured by Jimmy Reid and Bobby Dewar’s waltz ‘Karen Ann’ were the outstanding features of this debut performance.
Accordion ‘82
Robin Brock tells me that there is to be a change of date for Radio Forth’s Accordion 82 event in The Playhouse, Edinburgh. This will now take place on Saturday, 11th December, and already a large number of we’’-known names have been booked to appear.
Forthcoming Events
Roger Dobson from Langholm will have his first broadcast on ‘TTF’ 23rd October 1982 and one week later the Tain Band will appear to celebrate their 17th anniversary of broadcasting – their first appearance being on 30th October, 1965 – well done Alistair McGregor and the boys.
Freeland Barbour did not have his schedules made up for November but in the weeks ahead we can look forward to the first broadcast from a band led by Neil Barron. On Radio Forth seasoned campaigner Angus Fitchet appeared on 11th October, whilst Robert Black and his band return for another broadcast on the 18th. The 25th October spot will be filled by Kenny Thomson and the Wardlaw ; on 1st November a band led by Colin Finlayson, while on 8th November the great Jim Johnstone Band will appear.
In recent weeks I have had the first opportunity to listen in depth to Radio Forth’s contribution to our kind of music and I like Robin’s presentation and relaxed style of chat with the bandleaders. Another feature I enjoyed was Robbie Shepherd’s crack with Dugald Jenkins who used to lead the Heather Band until he emigrated to South Africa in 1972. Dugald’s remarks on the present band set up with more and more leaders using ‘session musicians’ struck a familiar chord, but more about that in the months ahead!
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Ross Records of Turriff seem to be one of the real ‘go-ahead’ companies in Scottish music. They have no less than 48 titles in their current catalogue. Many of their releases have been reviewed in this column in the past.
As well as sporting new releases from well-known and not-so-well-known artistes, Gibson Ross, who heads up the company, is also entering into quite a number of deals with Bryce Laing of Craighall Studios. Bryce holds title to quite a surprising amount of material which EMI issued in times gone by.
Virtues
For example, a long, long time ago I expounded the virtues of a now deleted album featuring solos and duets by well-known Scottish accordionists. The album was titled ‘Accordions Unlimited’ and it was a cracker. Ross Records have now issued some of the tracks on a new album titled ‘The Accordion Album Vol 1.’
Also released, or rather re-released, through Ross Records are older titles from the Ian Holmes Band, Max Houliston’s Band, Jim Johnstone, Eric Goodfellow, John huband and many more – including the legendary Jimmy Shand.
Three albums from the button-key king of the north Bobby Coghill and albums from Eann Nicholson and the Wick Band, as well as Alex MacArthur all have the Ross label in the middle.
Addie Harper and the Wick Band too appear on Ross Records and, of course, all of those great Canadian releases from the Cape Breton Symphony and Bobby Brown’s Scottish Accent.
Yes indeed, from the humble beginnings of just two or three releases just over two years ago this has grown into a fine business. Long may it continue to bring the best in Scottish Dance Music.
The Heart of Scotland – Linton McMillan – Ayrespin AYRL 110
Capacity Crowd thrill to Accordion Bonanza
By Aberdeen Press & Journal, Monday 4th October 1982
Jimmy Clinkscale’s ‘Accordion Bonanza’ came to the Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen, on Saturday night and the capacity crowd really lapped it up. The title conjures up a mass of enthusiastic players dirlin’ out the reels and strathspeys but here he had a highly professional and thoroughly enjoyable show – if just a trifle on the long side. Those with late busses could well have had their problems.
From the strong local opening spot of the Willis Gerrard Accordion Band to the last ounce of applause at the finale, the show ran with scarcely a hitch and this was a mixture of full-time professionals and talented amateurs – some meeting for the first time.
The Accordion Band and also Graham Geddes and Ian Rennie as solo accordionists made sure that the talent of the North-East stood up to the best of them. But for the extra special performances the experience of Jim Johnstone and Paddy Neary shone through.
Jim Johnstone, with a relaxed style and snappy ad-libs, proved that the accordion has the ‘voice’ when properly controlled to hold the entire audience, and Paddy Neary, overcoming a wee technical problem, gave us a wide range of music, demonstrating so ably the attributes of the electronic box.
Don’t get the idea though that it was accordions all the way. Special guests were Alastair Macdonald and Anne Lorne Gillies who know how to woo a North-East audience. These two, along with the ‘Dunecht Loon’, Robbie Shepherd as compere, were in top form and provided the ideal balance to the galaxy of accordions.
Support also came from two young pipers of the 47th Company of Culter Boys’ Brigade, the Bonanza Dancers, and inspired backing from some of Scotland’s top session men led by John Carmichael.
Ron Gonella
Steeped in Craft and Lore
Ron Gonella, one of Scotland’s leading fiddle players, was born in Dundee into a gifted and artistic Italian family which hailed from Barga in Tuscany.
Ron’s early interest in Scottish music developed jointly through the local Lochee S&R Society and through the tremendous interest in Scottish Dance Music in and around Dundee in the early fifties.
The qualities of musicianship and mellow, persuasive fiddle tone which are the hallmarks of his playing, were much in evidence even then and over the years his distinctive fiddle playing has come to be associated with the best in Scottish Dance Music, as his many recording with Alastair Hunter, Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod, Iain MacPhail, Andrew Rankine and Lindsay Ross will amply testify.
Inevitably, however, as a musician steeped in the craft and lore of the fiddle, Ron is irresistibly drawn to the music of Scotland’s great fiddle masters such as Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner to name only three.
The Gows came from the Vale of Atholl, to which area Ron is doubly connected through his Duncan and Dewar ancestry. His concert performance both here and in the United States and Canada, where he is a frequent and welcome soloist, are therefore a happy blend of music and heritage.
Apart from his countless broadcasts and his long series of recordings of Scottish Fiddle Music, a series crowned by a unique disc of the very fiddles belonging to Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner, Ron’s voice is nowadays as familiar to Scottish audience as is the sound of his fiddle.
His chatty and informative comments on fiddle music regularly enliven the radio and television airwaves and his latest programmes have included his own television series on BBC Scotland called ‘On the Fiddle.’
To give as broad a spread as possible to the Fiddle Music of Scotland, Ron has also published three books of Scottish Fiddle Music containing more than 80 of the tunes (with harmony) recorded by him over his ten solo record albums. Volume 3 contains many of Ron’s own compositions and also a discography.
The Story Behind Forth’s ‘Folks’
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Somewhere beneath the Reception area and offices of Radio Forth, in Edinburgh’s New Town, you will find, after being shown through a labyrinth of corridors not unlike a scene from television’s ‘Man from UNCLE,’ the unimposing surroundings of Studio ‘A’, a compact little room dotted with microphones, music stands, tables and recording equipment.
It is here, surrounded by switches, dials, faders and high technology that Robin Brock hosts his highly-popular, hour-long, weekly programme called ‘Folks Around Robin.’
‘Folks’ has been on the air for over three-and-a-half years now. An irresistible mixture of Scottish dance band music, chat and information. In that time Robin has featured a wide variety of bands and artistes, giving an estimated 20,000 listeners a week an insight into the lives and interests of the famous and the not-so-famous.
Robin, of course, is no mere interviewer. His extensive knowledge of Scottish dance band music is derived from a lifelong love of the genre, and experience o0f playing with some of the top names in the business, such as Jimmy Shand, Jim MacLeod and Jim Johnstone.
It is this background which is partly responsible for the programme’s appeal.
As Producer, Sandy Wilkie, points out “I don’t know of any other Scottish music programme that has a presenter who has been involved in the scene as much as Robin has.
“He has sympathy with the musicians. He doesn’t talk down to them and he doesn’t talk up to them. He is on the same level and they relax.”
I spent almost two hours chatting to Robin and Sandy about the programme on the recent visit to Radio Forth. One think that came through was their total dedication to ‘Folks’ and their near obsession with maintaining and improving on its already high standards.
Stirling-born Sandy is, to say the least, a perfectionist.
He has been with Radio Forth since it first took to the air on 22nd January, 1975, and was responsible for pushing up the faders which brought DJ Steve Hamilton’s voice into the homes of the listening public.
Before ‘Folks’ went on the air in February, 1979, the only programme catering for Scottish dance bands on Forth was ‘Pure Scotch,’ the brainchild of Bill Torrance and later hosted by Steve Jack.
However, a chance meeting with Sandy Wilkie in 1978 led to Robin joining ‘Pure Scotch’ for a few minutes a week to do a ‘What’s On’ piece. But I’ll let Sandy take up the story.
“Robin used to sit through the show because he liked it. He would do a few minutes before his spot and a few after and it just grew from there until he was eventually co-presenting the show.
“He was able to inject so much knowledge into it whereas before, Steve, who didn’t know that (clicks fingers) about Scottish music was given the show. And yet he put his whole heart into it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“Robin’s enthusiasm got Steve and I going. Honestly, I couldn’t have given tuppence for Scottish music four years ago. It was just another job, but now I can get goosepimples up and down my back when I hear a Scottish band.” And he laughs “I can now get as much of a kick out of Jim Johnstone as I can from listening to The Who.”
The keynote of each programme is undoubtedly the relaxed, informal atmosphere which comes across. But it does not just happen as easily as that. A lot of hard work goes into preparing each programme.
“Very few bands or artistes who come in here have ever been on radio before,” says Sandy. “Now, they don’t know what is going to happen to them when they come in. They are tense, but I can guarantee that anyone who comes in here is relaxed after 30 minutes.”
“No, it’s nothing to do with the valium we put in the coffee,” he jokes. “We have an attitude of mind downstairs that no matter what goes on behind the glass, no matter what technical hassles we have, they are never expressed to the band on the other side of it.
“Everything is A OK and we are having lots of fun.”
Robin, he points out, is largely responsible for that. Helping and advising with little problems that crop up. But he has one unusual method of gently bringing a ‘take’ that is not quite right to a close.
“He just puts on a cartridge of a dog howling,” says Sandy. “The band suddenly hears this dog yelping. They start looking round wondering what on earth is happening and realise that something is not quite right. It brings everything to a halt, but at least they can laugh about it.”
Robin is not beyond joking at the expense of his colleagues either. Sandy recalls one occasion when Robin was on the air with Steve Jack. Steve had just opened his mike when Robin turned his head away to turn back seconds later with his glasses on upside down and his teeth out.
“He just sat staring at Steve,” says Sandy “and the place fell apart.”
It is that kind of banter which brings the best out in Robin’s guests. John Ellis – who, incidentally, holds the record for recording a session in only 48 minutes – talked about racing pigeons, while Jim Johnstone revealed a love of sailing.
“It is like Desert Island Discs without the desert island,” quips Robin.
But the most important ingredient, of course, is the music itself. Robin feels it is vital that what is broadcast is given the nod by the bandleader himself.
“They complained for many years that the sound was not right on their broadcasts, but we always make a point of balancing it to their satisfaction. We treat it as a compliment now that many bands just say “We’ll leave it to you, Sandy.”
Sandy takes up the point “if they come up to me and say ‘no, too much fiddle, more piano’ that is exactly what they will get – whether we agree with it or not. It is their particular sound that we are trying to recreate. Jim Johnstone, for example, likes second box to be something that is felt and not heard.”
But no matter how impressive the recording equipment looks, just like a computer, if you put garbage in, garbage will come out.
“We cannot work miracles,” insists Robin. “We cannot make a Scottish dance band sound like Mantovani. But that’s one of the things that has really impressed me about this series. I can honestly say that 99.9% of the bands who come in here do a good job.”
After over three-and-a-half years ‘Folks Around Robin’ looks like going on forever. Its format has proved popular beyond either Sandy or Robin’s wildest dreams. Radio Tay now takes the programme and many more, even in England, have shown an interest.
Both men look forward to the future but they are refreshingly responsive to the needs of the listening public.
“They are our bosses at the end of the day,” says Robin. “If we are making a product they like, then they will keep listening. And in commercial radio that is the name of the game.
“We work to a formula of integrity and credibility. I once said to Sandy that if we had to compromise our standards I would leave right away. I put Scottish music above everything. I am technically irrelevant in a sense. It could have been Jim Johnstone, it could have been John Carmichael. I was just in the right place at the right time, and was able to take my place on the team.”
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I read with interest your coverage of the Weekend Rally at Dunblane and presentation to Bobby MacLeod and would like to associate myself with the general comments made. It was indeed a privilege to be present at such an event, with Shand, Fitchet and MacLeod all in step together, possibly never to be seen or heard again.
Ref your item on the Dundeed A&F Club Junior Band. The band is a five-piece and members are Kevin Clark (leader 1st accordion), Margaret Quirrie (fiddle), Bruce Quirrie (second accordion), Gill Simpson (keyboard) and David Scott (drums). A bass is not included in the line-up and was only used at Dunblane to avoid setting up an electric keyboard. Duncan Burns (bass) played with the band on Saturday evening for a lengthy spell and John Strachan (bass) played one set on Sunday afternoon.
Tom Clark
Dundee
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 27 Oct 82 John Ellis SDB
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 17 Oct 82 John Loch & the Blackthorn SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 25 Nov 82 John Ellis SDB
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 28 Oct 82 Supper Dance Lothian SDB
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 28 Oct 82 Tommy Kettles and Frank Henery
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 15 Nov 82 Kerry and David
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) – 19 Oct 82 The Tartan Lassies
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 26 Oct 82 Bobby Harvey Trio
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 9 Nov 82 Bill Black and Family 7 Nov Special Dermot O’Brien
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4 Nov 82 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 2 Nov 82 Bill Douglas SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 28 Oct 82 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25 Oct 82 Angus Cameron
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10 Nov 82 Paddy Neary
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Nov 82 Alex MacArthur SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 8 Nov 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio 20 Nov 82 Concert in the Eden Court
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 24 Nov 82 Bill Black & Family
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) –
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 21 Oct 82 EK & St Boswells Clubs
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Nov 82 Jim Johnstone SDB
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 20 Oct 82 Davy Scott 17 Nov 82 Ian Holmes and Kenny Wilson
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Oct 82 John McGregor SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19 Oct 82 Graham Geddes SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1 Nov 82 Billy Anderson Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 1 Nov 82 Grace McCleaver & the Lochearn SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) – 31 Oct 82 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 9 Nov 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio 23 Nov 82 Bobby Harvey
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Beith & District
6. Castle Douglas
7. Cleland
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Derwentside
11. Dunblane & District
12. Dundee & District
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Fintry
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Livingstone
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Monklands
23. Newtongrange
24. North Cumbria
25. Peebles
26. Stranraer
27. Thurso
28. Walmer (Bridge of Allan)
29. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
14. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
15. Cumnock A&F Club
16. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monkland A&F Club
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (early)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire) (c March 1982)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
Firstly a few changes to the Club Directory………….
Here is the latest information regarding the competition for tune composing, finalising at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow. All entries for the bobby MacLeod Trophy and the Angus Fitchet Trophy should be in the hands of Stebelin Recording Music Co, Melrose by the last day in November. The Bobby MacLeod Trophy is for compositions of Continental/Musette tunes and the Angus Fitchet Trophy is for Scottish Traditional for the fiddle. All music will be adjudged by a panel of independent well-known musicians.
The final two pieces will be played at the King’s Theatre on 12th December and it is optional for the two winning composers to play their music themselves or nominate someone for them.
Bumper Fifth Mull Music Festival
by John McIntee
We had been preparing for the 1982 Festival……………..
The Reel Radio
by Andy Ross
Over the past four weeks or so I have listened to eight broadcasts, quite a number being from those new to leading their own bands. However, for my money the two top broadcasts in that period were by ‘old-stagers’ in the form of Ian Holmes (Radio Forth, 30th August) and Andrew Rankine (TTF, 11th September).
Four Accordions
After much deliberation my vote for top broadcast in this period goes to Ian Holmes for a most entertaining and varied programme, with Ian playing no fewer than four different accordions during the course of the evening. These were a 2-row, a 3-row British Chromatic, a 5-row and, of course, his normal piano accordion. The rest of Ian’s band comprised Rikki Franci (second accordion), Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Bill Hendry, Falkirk (piano), Stan Saunders (bass), Gus Millar (drums) plus Robin Brock making a guest appearance as third accordionist for one item. I was particularly impressed with Ian’s playing of ‘The Gillie Callum’ and ‘Glasgow Highlanders’ because I do not normally like strathspeys in a listening capacity.
Exile Returns
Andrew Rankine’s ‘TTF’ appearance on 11th September was another excellent broadcast with the only change to his last line-up being Ron Kerr on fiddle. I am sure we will hear more of Andrew’s new tune ‘The Maidens’ in the future. It was interesting to note that Stan Saunders and Gus Millar also appeared on this particular broadcast.
Folks Around Robin
Other broadcasts included The Cameron Kerr Band – a good broadcast spoiled only by the Gaelic Waltz set when Ron, on fiddle, appeared to play a second part which was harmonically correct, but had no melody line and did not suit the original tune. However, I did enjoy his chat with Robin Brock about his honeymoon night ; also recent repairs to his fiddle – these incidents were in no way connected!
John Ellis appeared with his ‘new’ band on 13th September, i.e. John Gibson on piano and Gordon Smith on drums, replacing Pam and Allie Wilkie. As usual a good sound broadcast from John ; nothing new musically on this occasion, but a programme packed with great sets and certainly John and Gordon fitted in well. One thing that came out during the programme was that ‘Captain Mainwaring’ Ellis is extremely reliant on ‘Sergeant Wilson’ Muir for the bulk of the music played by the band!
First Broadcasts
Graeme Mitchell appeared on 20th September as leader of his own band comprising nearly all seasoned players, the only exception being young Judith Davidson on fiddle. Her personal contribution to the programme, a slow air and hornpipe, were absolutely excellent and generally this was a very sound broadcast as one would expect from a player of Graeme’s calibre. I did not agree with his statement that he should not have made an LP which he did a few years ago, but that apart, I am sure he will very soon become an established leader, when I hope he will have his complete band from nearer to his own kail yard!
Colin Finlayson led his own band on ‘TTF’ (4th September) when he too was surrounded by a wealth of experienced players to play an excellent programme – his own composition, a Scandinavian waltz, being particularly noteworthy.
Canada on Tour
The Cape Breton Symphony Fiddle broadcast from Elgin was most entertaining, but the first half of the programme seemed to drag a little. However, the group really got cracking after their teabreak. This was the first time I’ve heard clog dancing feature on sound radio – something totally different! The songs from Kathy Fraser brought out forcibly that although they play a lot of our style of music, the members of the group consider themselves very much Canadians at heart.
Ten-Piece Band
Finally, on 25th September, the BBC put out the first contribution from The Foundry Bar Band who hail from Arbroath. I am sure their performance would have gone down very well in the East and North-East, but might not have been so well received in the west of the country. As one would expect there was not nearly so much Scottish country dance music on this programme but it was something different and had a lot of atmosphere – so much so that on at least a couple of occasions I heard someone trying to quieten the background music. ‘The Festival of Keith’ song featured by Jimmy Reid and Bobby Dewar’s waltz ‘Karen Ann’ were the outstanding features of this debut performance.
Accordion ‘82
Robin Brock tells me that there is to be a change of date for Radio Forth’s Accordion 82 event in The Playhouse, Edinburgh. This will now take place on Saturday, 11th December, and already a large number of we’’-known names have been booked to appear.
Forthcoming Events
Roger Dobson from Langholm will have his first broadcast on ‘TTF’ 23rd October 1982 and one week later the Tain Band will appear to celebrate their 17th anniversary of broadcasting – their first appearance being on 30th October, 1965 – well done Alistair McGregor and the boys.
Freeland Barbour did not have his schedules made up for November but in the weeks ahead we can look forward to the first broadcast from a band led by Neil Barron. On Radio Forth seasoned campaigner Angus Fitchet appeared on 11th October, whilst Robert Black and his band return for another broadcast on the 18th. The 25th October spot will be filled by Kenny Thomson and the Wardlaw ; on 1st November a band led by Colin Finlayson, while on 8th November the great Jim Johnstone Band will appear.
In recent weeks I have had the first opportunity to listen in depth to Radio Forth’s contribution to our kind of music and I like Robin’s presentation and relaxed style of chat with the bandleaders. Another feature I enjoyed was Robbie Shepherd’s crack with Dugald Jenkins who used to lead the Heather Band until he emigrated to South Africa in 1972. Dugald’s remarks on the present band set up with more and more leaders using ‘session musicians’ struck a familiar chord, but more about that in the months ahead!
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Ross Records of Turriff seem to be one of the real ‘go-ahead’ companies in Scottish music. They have no less than 48 titles in their current catalogue. Many of their releases have been reviewed in this column in the past.
As well as sporting new releases from well-known and not-so-well-known artistes, Gibson Ross, who heads up the company, is also entering into quite a number of deals with Bryce Laing of Craighall Studios. Bryce holds title to quite a surprising amount of material which EMI issued in times gone by.
Virtues
For example, a long, long time ago I expounded the virtues of a now deleted album featuring solos and duets by well-known Scottish accordionists. The album was titled ‘Accordions Unlimited’ and it was a cracker. Ross Records have now issued some of the tracks on a new album titled ‘The Accordion Album Vol 1.’
Also released, or rather re-released, through Ross Records are older titles from the Ian Holmes Band, Max Houliston’s Band, Jim Johnstone, Eric Goodfellow, John huband and many more – including the legendary Jimmy Shand.
Three albums from the button-key king of the north Bobby Coghill and albums from Eann Nicholson and the Wick Band, as well as Alex MacArthur all have the Ross label in the middle.
Addie Harper and the Wick Band too appear on Ross Records and, of course, all of those great Canadian releases from the Cape Breton Symphony and Bobby Brown’s Scottish Accent.
Yes indeed, from the humble beginnings of just two or three releases just over two years ago this has grown into a fine business. Long may it continue to bring the best in Scottish Dance Music.
The Heart of Scotland – Linton McMillan – Ayrespin AYRL 110
Capacity Crowd thrill to Accordion Bonanza
By Aberdeen Press & Journal, Monday 4th October 1982
Jimmy Clinkscale’s ‘Accordion Bonanza’ came to the Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen, on Saturday night and the capacity crowd really lapped it up. The title conjures up a mass of enthusiastic players dirlin’ out the reels and strathspeys but here he had a highly professional and thoroughly enjoyable show – if just a trifle on the long side. Those with late busses could well have had their problems.
From the strong local opening spot of the Willis Gerrard Accordion Band to the last ounce of applause at the finale, the show ran with scarcely a hitch and this was a mixture of full-time professionals and talented amateurs – some meeting for the first time.
The Accordion Band and also Graham Geddes and Ian Rennie as solo accordionists made sure that the talent of the North-East stood up to the best of them. But for the extra special performances the experience of Jim Johnstone and Paddy Neary shone through.
Jim Johnstone, with a relaxed style and snappy ad-libs, proved that the accordion has the ‘voice’ when properly controlled to hold the entire audience, and Paddy Neary, overcoming a wee technical problem, gave us a wide range of music, demonstrating so ably the attributes of the electronic box.
Don’t get the idea though that it was accordions all the way. Special guests were Alastair Macdonald and Anne Lorne Gillies who know how to woo a North-East audience. These two, along with the ‘Dunecht Loon’, Robbie Shepherd as compere, were in top form and provided the ideal balance to the galaxy of accordions.
Support also came from two young pipers of the 47th Company of Culter Boys’ Brigade, the Bonanza Dancers, and inspired backing from some of Scotland’s top session men led by John Carmichael.
Ron Gonella
Steeped in Craft and Lore
Ron Gonella, one of Scotland’s leading fiddle players, was born in Dundee into a gifted and artistic Italian family which hailed from Barga in Tuscany.
Ron’s early interest in Scottish music developed jointly through the local Lochee S&R Society and through the tremendous interest in Scottish Dance Music in and around Dundee in the early fifties.
The qualities of musicianship and mellow, persuasive fiddle tone which are the hallmarks of his playing, were much in evidence even then and over the years his distinctive fiddle playing has come to be associated with the best in Scottish Dance Music, as his many recording with Alastair Hunter, Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod, Iain MacPhail, Andrew Rankine and Lindsay Ross will amply testify.
Inevitably, however, as a musician steeped in the craft and lore of the fiddle, Ron is irresistibly drawn to the music of Scotland’s great fiddle masters such as Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner to name only three.
The Gows came from the Vale of Atholl, to which area Ron is doubly connected through his Duncan and Dewar ancestry. His concert performance both here and in the United States and Canada, where he is a frequent and welcome soloist, are therefore a happy blend of music and heritage.
Apart from his countless broadcasts and his long series of recordings of Scottish Fiddle Music, a series crowned by a unique disc of the very fiddles belonging to Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner, Ron’s voice is nowadays as familiar to Scottish audience as is the sound of his fiddle.
His chatty and informative comments on fiddle music regularly enliven the radio and television airwaves and his latest programmes have included his own television series on BBC Scotland called ‘On the Fiddle.’
To give as broad a spread as possible to the Fiddle Music of Scotland, Ron has also published three books of Scottish Fiddle Music containing more than 80 of the tunes (with harmony) recorded by him over his ten solo record albums. Volume 3 contains many of Ron’s own compositions and also a discography.
The Story Behind Forth’s ‘Folks’
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Somewhere beneath the Reception area and offices of Radio Forth, in Edinburgh’s New Town, you will find, after being shown through a labyrinth of corridors not unlike a scene from television’s ‘Man from UNCLE,’ the unimposing surroundings of Studio ‘A’, a compact little room dotted with microphones, music stands, tables and recording equipment.
It is here, surrounded by switches, dials, faders and high technology that Robin Brock hosts his highly-popular, hour-long, weekly programme called ‘Folks Around Robin.’
‘Folks’ has been on the air for over three-and-a-half years now. An irresistible mixture of Scottish dance band music, chat and information. In that time Robin has featured a wide variety of bands and artistes, giving an estimated 20,000 listeners a week an insight into the lives and interests of the famous and the not-so-famous.
Robin, of course, is no mere interviewer. His extensive knowledge of Scottish dance band music is derived from a lifelong love of the genre, and experience o0f playing with some of the top names in the business, such as Jimmy Shand, Jim MacLeod and Jim Johnstone.
It is this background which is partly responsible for the programme’s appeal.
As Producer, Sandy Wilkie, points out “I don’t know of any other Scottish music programme that has a presenter who has been involved in the scene as much as Robin has.
“He has sympathy with the musicians. He doesn’t talk down to them and he doesn’t talk up to them. He is on the same level and they relax.”
I spent almost two hours chatting to Robin and Sandy about the programme on the recent visit to Radio Forth. One think that came through was their total dedication to ‘Folks’ and their near obsession with maintaining and improving on its already high standards.
Stirling-born Sandy is, to say the least, a perfectionist.
He has been with Radio Forth since it first took to the air on 22nd January, 1975, and was responsible for pushing up the faders which brought DJ Steve Hamilton’s voice into the homes of the listening public.
Before ‘Folks’ went on the air in February, 1979, the only programme catering for Scottish dance bands on Forth was ‘Pure Scotch,’ the brainchild of Bill Torrance and later hosted by Steve Jack.
However, a chance meeting with Sandy Wilkie in 1978 led to Robin joining ‘Pure Scotch’ for a few minutes a week to do a ‘What’s On’ piece. But I’ll let Sandy take up the story.
“Robin used to sit through the show because he liked it. He would do a few minutes before his spot and a few after and it just grew from there until he was eventually co-presenting the show.
“He was able to inject so much knowledge into it whereas before, Steve, who didn’t know that (clicks fingers) about Scottish music was given the show. And yet he put his whole heart into it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“Robin’s enthusiasm got Steve and I going. Honestly, I couldn’t have given tuppence for Scottish music four years ago. It was just another job, but now I can get goosepimples up and down my back when I hear a Scottish band.” And he laughs “I can now get as much of a kick out of Jim Johnstone as I can from listening to The Who.”
The keynote of each programme is undoubtedly the relaxed, informal atmosphere which comes across. But it does not just happen as easily as that. A lot of hard work goes into preparing each programme.
“Very few bands or artistes who come in here have ever been on radio before,” says Sandy. “Now, they don’t know what is going to happen to them when they come in. They are tense, but I can guarantee that anyone who comes in here is relaxed after 30 minutes.”
“No, it’s nothing to do with the valium we put in the coffee,” he jokes. “We have an attitude of mind downstairs that no matter what goes on behind the glass, no matter what technical hassles we have, they are never expressed to the band on the other side of it.
“Everything is A OK and we are having lots of fun.”
Robin, he points out, is largely responsible for that. Helping and advising with little problems that crop up. But he has one unusual method of gently bringing a ‘take’ that is not quite right to a close.
“He just puts on a cartridge of a dog howling,” says Sandy. “The band suddenly hears this dog yelping. They start looking round wondering what on earth is happening and realise that something is not quite right. It brings everything to a halt, but at least they can laugh about it.”
Robin is not beyond joking at the expense of his colleagues either. Sandy recalls one occasion when Robin was on the air with Steve Jack. Steve had just opened his mike when Robin turned his head away to turn back seconds later with his glasses on upside down and his teeth out.
“He just sat staring at Steve,” says Sandy “and the place fell apart.”
It is that kind of banter which brings the best out in Robin’s guests. John Ellis – who, incidentally, holds the record for recording a session in only 48 minutes – talked about racing pigeons, while Jim Johnstone revealed a love of sailing.
“It is like Desert Island Discs without the desert island,” quips Robin.
But the most important ingredient, of course, is the music itself. Robin feels it is vital that what is broadcast is given the nod by the bandleader himself.
“They complained for many years that the sound was not right on their broadcasts, but we always make a point of balancing it to their satisfaction. We treat it as a compliment now that many bands just say “We’ll leave it to you, Sandy.”
Sandy takes up the point “if they come up to me and say ‘no, too much fiddle, more piano’ that is exactly what they will get – whether we agree with it or not. It is their particular sound that we are trying to recreate. Jim Johnstone, for example, likes second box to be something that is felt and not heard.”
But no matter how impressive the recording equipment looks, just like a computer, if you put garbage in, garbage will come out.
“We cannot work miracles,” insists Robin. “We cannot make a Scottish dance band sound like Mantovani. But that’s one of the things that has really impressed me about this series. I can honestly say that 99.9% of the bands who come in here do a good job.”
After over three-and-a-half years ‘Folks Around Robin’ looks like going on forever. Its format has proved popular beyond either Sandy or Robin’s wildest dreams. Radio Tay now takes the programme and many more, even in England, have shown an interest.
Both men look forward to the future but they are refreshingly responsive to the needs of the listening public.
“They are our bosses at the end of the day,” says Robin. “If we are making a product they like, then they will keep listening. And in commercial radio that is the name of the game.
“We work to a formula of integrity and credibility. I once said to Sandy that if we had to compromise our standards I would leave right away. I put Scottish music above everything. I am technically irrelevant in a sense. It could have been Jim Johnstone, it could have been John Carmichael. I was just in the right place at the right time, and was able to take my place on the team.”
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I read with interest your coverage of the Weekend Rally at Dunblane and presentation to Bobby MacLeod and would like to associate myself with the general comments made. It was indeed a privilege to be present at such an event, with Shand, Fitchet and MacLeod all in step together, possibly never to be seen or heard again.
Ref your item on the Dundeed A&F Club Junior Band. The band is a five-piece and members are Kevin Clark (leader 1st accordion), Margaret Quirrie (fiddle), Bruce Quirrie (second accordion), Gill Simpson (keyboard) and David Scott (drums). A bass is not included in the line-up and was only used at Dunblane to avoid setting up an electric keyboard. Duncan Burns (bass) played with the band on Saturday evening for a lengthy spell and John Strachan (bass) played one set on Sunday afternoon.
Tom Clark
Dundee
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 27 Oct 82 John Ellis SDB
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 17 Oct 82 John Loch & the Blackthorn SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 25 Nov 82 John Ellis SDB
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 28 Oct 82 Supper Dance Lothian SDB
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 28 Oct 82 Tommy Kettles and Frank Henery
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 15 Nov 82 Kerry and David
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) – 19 Oct 82 The Tartan Lassies
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) – 26 Oct 82 Bobby Harvey Trio
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dumfries (Oughton’s Restaurant) -
Dunblane (Hydro) – 9 Nov 82 Bill Black and Family 7 Nov Special Dermot O’Brien
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4 Nov 82 Jim Johnstone SDB
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 2 Nov 82 Bill Douglas SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 28 Oct 82 Max Houliston & Kenny Wilson
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25 Oct 82 Angus Cameron
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10 Nov 82 Paddy Neary
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Nov 82 Alex MacArthur SDB
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 8 Nov 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio 20 Nov 82 Concert in the Eden Court
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 24 Nov 82 Bill Black & Family
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) –
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) – 21 Oct 82 EK & St Boswells Clubs
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Nov 82 Jim Johnstone SDB
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 20 Oct 82 Davy Scott 17 Nov 82 Ian Holmes and Kenny Wilson
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Oct 82 John McGregor SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 19 Oct 82 Graham Geddes SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 1 Nov 82 Billy Anderson Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 1 Nov 82 Grace McCleaver & the Lochearn SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Walmer (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) – 31 Oct 82 Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 9 Nov 82 Dermot O’Brien Trio 23 Nov 82 Bobby Harvey
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Beith & District
6. Castle Douglas
7. Cleland
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Derwentside
11. Dunblane & District
12. Dundee & District
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Fintry
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Livingstone
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Monklands
23. Newtongrange
24. North Cumbria
25. Peebles
26. Stranraer
27. Thurso
28. Walmer (Bridge of Allan)
29. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1982 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
14. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
15. Cumnock A&F Club
16. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
33. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
34. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
35. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monkland A&F Club
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (early)
49. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
50. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
51. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
52. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
53. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
54. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
55. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
56. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (early)
59. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
60. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
61. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
62. Walmer A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire) (c March 1982)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Club Accord
66. Coquetdale
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club
68. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
69. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
70. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
71. Newcastleton Accordion Club
72. New Cumnock A&F Club
73. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
74. Renfrew A&F Club
75. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
76. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
77. Wellbank A&F Club
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