Box and Fiddle
Year 07 No 02
October 1983
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3
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
Well, we are off and running and by the reports coming in it’s going to be another winner this season.
A new Club have announced their formation, the Kinlochsheil Club. They meet in the Tingle Creek Hotel, Erbusaig (Kyle of Lochalsh) on the second Tuesday and their first guest artiste was Willie Lawrie, who composed a tune for the occasion, called simply Kinlochsheil. The Secretary is Edmund McKenzie, Craft Shop, Plockton, Tele 0599 84365.
Eat your heart out Livingston Club, North Cumbria have started their 18th season.
The first of the season’s big Festivals takes place on 22nd October in Perth. A full day’s work and a long night to celebrate or rue.
Mull Music Festival, 1983
by John McIntee
Once again, on 22nd April, 1983, all were poised on the island waiting for the ‘Tartan Horde’ to descend upon us. Bar counters were being polished, mountains of food being prepared, every bed on the island was taken and in Tobermory, palliasses, sleeping bags, inflatables, the lot, were being hurriedly prepared for those who had forgotten to book up for the weekend.
Tents were springing up on the Eas Brae and there were also caravans and dormobiles in the car park. The last boat set sale from Oban at 3.30pm and the invasion was on proper.
After all had been dined, wined and ‘wetted,’ our friends repaired to various venues at the top of the island. At Tobermory a great concert was in progress with the inimitable Alastair MacDonald of TV fame doing his compering. Among the galaxy of stars he was introducing and playing with were the Tartan Lads, the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra, the New Mull Fiddlers with Hamish Johnston, Rigadoon, members of the Isle of Mull Pipe Band , and the great wee favourite with the flashing fingers Dainne Armstrong.
Craignure
Meanwhile at Craignure we had an entirely different event this year. Sadly we could not have the Army Military Band Pipes and Drums as the lads had all been dispersed to their various regiments and the current bands had only been together for two months so we can’t get them till 1984. However……. In view of the great patronage from John Patrick, manager of the Isle of Mull Hotel, in previous years, and who had just got married, we had an island wedding dance – and what a dance this was …..We had previously arranged for John Huband and his Band to come over and John took us literally – bringing over the whole young John Huband Accordion Orchestra – 20-odd strong. From the moment the first chord was struck by these talented youngsters we knew a great night was starting. As soon as I got in the door that most welcoming of all cries to a Scot’s heart went up ‘YEFURAHAUFJOHN’ spoken by none other than John Huband himself. I replied in the affirmative. This was closely followed by a roar from Robbie Shepherd ‘ANNURWANJOHN’ – pausing to draw breath, I had a big glass shoved into my hand shyly by Freeland Barbour and by this time I was firmly convinced it was going to be one of those great nights.
Into the Hall which had over 200 guests, the music started from the great band with selections from John Huband, the Band, Neil Copland, a wee smashed called Kerry and her partner David duetting, a smashing musette from one of the lads, and then a veritable explosion of dances, mainly hornpipes, from a fantastic wee lass called Susan Campbell who seemed to be able to jump the height of the ceiling (apart from being a great accordionist). Jim Mackenzie then gave us a solo and after a broadcast bit, Freeland Barbour let his hair down and joined the band. Boy, can he play the kist of whistles. What a night! We didn’t get to our Hotel beds until 3.45am in the sma’ ‘oors – even at that there were two youngsters having an accordion ceilidh outside the doors.
John Patrick at the Hotel summed it all up when he said there had never been music like it at the hotel before.
John Huband is to be congratulated for his expertise with these great youngsters who have a great future in front of them.
As a nice gesture to John Patrick and Penny, wee Dianne Armstrong and young Lynette Wood (a name to remember) came down after their stint at the Aros Hall and gave us a great tune. It was a truly fabulous night.
Aros Hall
Meanwhile at the Aros Hall in Tobermory the Late Night Dancing had started with Robert MacLeod and his Band, being spelled by the very talented young Dundee A&F Club Junior Band – ‘Reel’ smashing, these youngsters.
We got up to a late hilarious breakfast on early Saturday morning with John Huband in sparkling form and with Jim Mackenzie of the voracious appetite, eating everything edible in sight. He appeared at so many different tables that I am sure the waited must have thought he was triplets…..A great character though and a real smashing singer. I understand that Jim’ apart from being a great bass player, was also a member of the Black and White Minstrels.
Sadly we left Craignure and made our journey to Tobermory. There the Competitions had just started with Dianne McEwan and Barbara Cooke in charge. The Juniors proved a fantastic galaxy of talent and the judges had a quite onerous task to separate them into prize-winners.
Young Lynette Wood. Daughter of Wilson Wood (who teaches Dianne Armstrong) walked away with the Junior Championship and the Calum MacLean Trophy, and this was her first Mull Competition.
Other Junior winners were The MacPhail Trophy – Paul Anderson. Then came the new Argyll and Bute Trophy and we found that the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band and the Anderson Trio had exactly the same marks. This had never happened on Mull before. …..A Solomon’s Judgement was proclaimed and we gave them both a money prize and six months equal possession of the Trophy which will be engraved with both their groups’ names for 1983. Fourth in the competition was young Ian MacDougall who won the John Tague Memorial Rose Bowl and Hassan Cup. First class stuff from all – we would, however, have liked to give all the Juniors a prize.
Meanwhile all the hostelries in Tobermory were going ca-ching.
I should mention at this time that on the Friday night at Glengorm Castle a great recital of music had taken place, being compered by our very own Mod Gold Medalist Duncan McGilp of the Golden Voice, with the Mayfield Players from Banchory led by Bill Smith, the new Torosay Singers from Lochdon on Isle of Mull conducted by Ted Scott followed by the inimitable Tommy Kettles Trio of Tommy, that great guitarist Frank Henery, and on the bass Alan Sadler. They were in great form. Tommy’s protégé, introduced by him to Mull this year, was the small, elfin-like Emile de Coty, Professor of Accordion Music from the French Conservatoire in Paris. And he wowed them all. What an artist. He has an incredible personality and this is all conveyed through the accordion.
To get back to the Competitions (Seniors) on the Saturday, another great display of talent from the older competitors. The Mull champion emerged as Dianne Armstrong who also won the Tommy Kettles and Ian Holmes Shield. Second was the Isle of Mull Pipe Band winning the Mull Music Festival Shield. Third with the Novel Shield was Janek Kowalski. Fourth with the Silver Quaich for piping was Calum Noon, and the Senior Award for Fiddling, the Newtongrange Trophy, went to Alex Bain.
Some of us managed to get home for a bite, then into the fray with the Concert at the Aros Hall. What a concert it was – starting at ten minutes past seven and not finishing till 12.30 am in the morning. The talent was magical with young Dianne Armstrong and Lynette Wood starting it off, followed by the very talented Mayfield Players from Banchory, John Burgess the Piper, Alastair MacDonald and the Tartan Lads who, as usual, were in great form. Bill and Ray told a story about the propensity of hot buttered toast as an alleged to manhood greatness (all in the best possible ‘taste’ of course) and had the audience in stitches, particularly as it all seemed directed towards me, who was manfully trying to compere the show. Later we had Tommy Kettles, Frank Henery and Alan Sadler in ebullient form. What fantastic artistes that are. By this time the concert had reached 11.30am (over an hour and a half late, but the audience would just not go home).
Tommy came to the end of his stint and then introduced our guest star from Paris. From the wings came a small, elfin-like person with a grin-splitting face from ear to ear. This was Emile de Coty – what an accordionist and what a personality – and he didn’t even have one word of English. He didn’t need it as the incredible artistry in his fingers said it all. At the end of his performance when he got up and played two Gaelic Slow Airs as a tribute to the audience he had the folk up on their feet cheering. I wish I knew the French for ‘Haste ye back Emile.’
The concert ended and those going out were met by an invasion of folk coming in for the late night dancing to that great band, led by Colin Finlayson. Again the young Dundee A&F Club Junior Band did a spell and showed what a great little band they are for ‘Ra Dancin’.
In the Street
Meanwhile, ceilidhs were ongoing at the Mishnish, Western Isles and MacDonald Arms and we were aware that the Bellachroy Hotel more or less had a mini Mull Festival of their own.
Feeling a bit drained, Violet, Heather and I decided to visit the O.K Corral (formerly known as the MacDonald Arms) where great Country and Western sounds were being belted out by the Country Connection, all ‘Beat’ Boys from Strathclyde Police who were in residence. This fantastic crowd have been with us every year since the Festival started and are great favourites on Mull. Glad to see the lovely Pauline made it complete with nappies, feeding bottle etc, etc. Pauline had a lovely bouncing bairnie last year. It didn’t make her miss the Festival though. The lead male singer Alec is a fantastic character – looks like a refugee from Sant Anna’s Army with the most amazing Glesga’ accent….
We left the MacDonald Arms about 3.45am and on going into the street found that an impromptu Grand Old Duke of Your was taking place the length of the street with the accordions blaring. Music was coming from Tobermory Bay and in the distance could be seen a small rowing boat with some characters in it with the accordion going great guns. They were coming in and out with the tide but it didn’t seem to bother them. I heard a wee rumour later that it was Kirsty Bisset who was in the boat. Is that true Kirsty? The music we heard was ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ but I doubt if the rowers could have made it to Calve Island.
Sunday.
Sunday dawned and the Special Boat arrived from Oban at Tobermory Pier with some patrons. It was played in by the Isle of Mull Pipe Band and later both the Isle of Mull and Ross of Mull Pipe Bands played in the Main Street. We couldn’t have the Army Military Band & Pipes and Drums this year and we fair missed the lads playing, pomp and ceremonial in the street, but hopefully they will be back with us in 1984.
Come 5pm and Tobermory gathered at Tobermory Pier to see the boat away. The Boat People, as usual, were in great form and cheered and sang from Tobermory all the way round Calve Island and down the Sound of Mull, sent off in great style by the Pipe Bands. For anyone interested in statistics there were 780 people on board - and a similar amount were still raring to go at Tobermory.
After a hurried bite we returned to the Aros Hall for the End of Festival Concert. I was met at the door by the maestro Bobby MacLeod who asked if I would compere again. I must admit I wilted a wee bit after the Saturday Night Marathon but however agreed. Again the Hall was packed and we had great performances from those three wee smashers, Rigadoon. Rhone Jackson from Morvern gave us two beautiful songs and then the Tartan Lads exploded once more into action. They are great favourites at Tobermory and delighted us with their songs and patter. The ‘Toast Joke’ was again resurrected, but the intriguing thing was that only those who had been at the previous night’s concert knew what it was all about. The Tartan Lads promise to tell those who don’t know, the full story in 1984. Incidentally Bill and Ray……You might like to know that when I am greeted in Tobermory Main Street now, the folk when saying Cheerio hold up their hand and crook their little finger. I wonder why? The Country Connection then did a stint and were in great form although the voices were getting more and more husky. No wonder. They had been singing from 9am on Friday evening right through with only a break for lunch and a few hours sleep in the wee sma’ ‘oors. Great troupers.
The second half of the show opened to the magical nostalgia of the Bobby MacLeod All Stars, comprising the Maestro on lead box, Colin Finlayson on second box, Jimmy Ritchie on fiddle, Davie Flockhart on piano, Alastair MacLeod on bass and Ian MacDougall on drums.
The MacLeod Magic was stamped on them all and the great sound permeated through the Hall. Cameras were flashing galore and one wee wifie standing beside me had tears of enjoyment running down her cheeks. This was the greatest and how the audience loved it. Bobby, who was in championship form, then delighted the audience by the surprise introduction of young Judith Davidson, the Golden Fiddler with the Golden Fingers. She was great. After her performance she sat down and the band played some more selections. Just to put some more icing on the cake Bobby then introduced that delightful young champion, Jacqueline Dick, who delighted the audience with her selection. Jacquie than sat down also with the band and the whole ensemble swung into the MacLeod Magic. The audience absolutely loved every minute of it.
Following this came Tommy Kettles and his Trio and again they were in sparkling form. Tommy then introduced Emile de Coty to the audience and we were treated to a fabulous performance of Continental, Musette and own compositions of Emile’s. He had the audience singing their heads off at the wind up. It was quite unusual to hear the Muilleachs singing excerpts from The Pavements of Paris and in such good voice.
The show finally came to an end just after midnight with the audience on their feet clapping Emile de Coty and Emile clapping back. Bobby MacLeod then gave the closing vote of thanks and sadly the Festival was over. But not for those in all the hotels as the jollifications went on into the small hours of Monday morning.
All in all, this, our sixth Annual Festival was in the same great vein as the previous five and I know that most of our patrons have booked up for Number 7 already.
We in the Festival Committee (the Gang of Five) would like to place on record our grateful thanks to all those who made the Festival such a success – the backroom boys and girls, the incredible talent of the youngsters at the competitions, the great talent of the artistes, and last but not least, a great big thank you to our great patrons from home and abroad and their fantastic support year after year.
Sadly, for me, this is my last Festival in my capacity as Secretary/Organiser, and I would respectfully ask my good friend Ian Smith of the Box and Fiddle to allow me a last personal ‘thank you’ to all the good friends I have made throughout the years (and whom I intend to keep), to the Great Festival Committee of Mull – smashing people, to Bobby MacLeod our Festival Chairman for his great patience, to our indefatigable co-ordinator Flora Noble, and to all you good folk, it has been a great privilege.
Jimmy Shand
by Andy Stewart
Oh, Jimmy Shand, sae braw an’ grand
You’ve brocht sic music tae this land
In solo tune or wi’ your band
Past a’ compeer:
Abune them a’ you’ll always standby us held dear!
Ay Jim ye are a man o’ pairts
Wha’s music’s kent in a’ the airts
An’ wi’ applause gets just desairts
North, south, east, west
Tae hear them say a’ frae their hairts –
“Man, he’s the best!”
But gin ye be Scotch music’s king
Strathspey or reel – jig, heilan’ fling
Your sound had power to fairly bring
A reign fu’ far –
‘Neath Northern Lights your praise they sing
And Southern Star!
For nigh on fifty year your sound
Has traveled all our country round
And gane whaur foreign borders bound
Sae sweet sae braw –
It’s garr’s Scots mak’ ye king uncrowned
Heich abune a’!
Oh little wist ye on that day
When your first notes ye strove to play
An’ like maist ‘prentice lads the way
Was better socht –
That music wad take you to gaze
On lands unthocht!
To Canada’s great towns an’ plains
An’ fair Australia’s wroch-like ‘mains’
Tae walk the streets o’ foreign stanes
An’ tread the brod
In countries wi’ byornar names
Faur flung abroad
There’s mony a chiel in cabin scant
Surrounded but by dare and want
You’ve gar’d his verra hairt tae vaunt
An’ life and feel
Maist glad to hear your merry rant
Wi’ jig and reel!
There’s many lads in outback land
Faur frae Auld Scotia’s kindly strand
Hae blessed you an’ your tunefu’ band
When sunk in gloom
They’ve taen their lassies hand-in-hand
An’ cleared the room!
In jungle deep in old Malay
When tigers in their path did stray
There’s Scots, I’ve heard, have saved the day
An’ banished harms
For the beast turned douch when they did play –
Ay – “Music hath charms!”
And I heard of a loon mid Ireland’s strife –
Man Jim – You saved his very life
For as some o’ the ‘Bahoys’ wi’ gun and knife
Were bent to slay –
“Pit on a Shand record” he roared tae his wife –
An’ they danced away!
Enough! I think they’ll get the gist
An’ catch on braw for weel they wist
That I the Blarney Stone ne’er kissed
But speak sincere
When I say your notes I ne’er hae missed
Through a’ the years!
Hail Caledonia’s music-man!
Let ilka family ay an’ clan
Raise up their glasses in their han’
An’ drink your health!
For the music of our Jimmy Shand
Is mair nor wealth!
It’s never gowd or such can buy
The kind o’ joy to make them high
Frae Gretna tae the Isle o’ Skye
As ony kite!
Your music money widna try
Tae measure quite!
Lang may you reign an’ aiblins bring
Anither June tae sweetly sing
Some new made jig or reel or fling
And add mair wealth
Of pleasure brocht us by ‘The King’
Jimmy Shand! Your health!!
The Reel Radio
by Tom Handy
My sincere apologies to Freeland Barbour for forgetting that he is in charge at ‘TTF’ and ‘The Reel Blend.’ However after one telephone call we sorted out all the details.
(Dear-oh-dear and the rest’s not much more inspiring so I'll leave it out)
Accordions Galore Announcement
by Peter Paterson
Top of the bill at the 5th Accordions Galore Show in Motherwell is a young lad from Galashiels, Raymond Chuchuk. With two other lads he will feature the sound of the Raymond Chuchuk Trio.
The Jackie Gall Accordion Orchestra is the big accordion sound of the night. We have the Heather Lads from Ayr featuring Scottish singer Jim Hood ; the John Morgan Accordion Band from Slamanan, featuring Grace Douglas, singer ; Nadia Strock, Champion Highland Dancer ; the Burns Brothers, the 1982 winners of the Will Starr Shield Contest and the annual highlight of the show, the 1983 final of the Will Starr Memorial Shield Contest.
I would like to once again ask for contestants of any age, males or females, to take a chance and enter the eliminating audition for the 1983 Contest.
Over the past five years since the contest’s inception, we have been fortunate to showcase Ian Horsburgh (1979), Ian Skinner (1980), Dianne Armstrong (1981) and the Burns Brothers (1982). All deserving winners with a great injection of new blood and talent into the world of accordion music. I hope this year another new name and sound will be added to the list.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25 Oct 83 Bill Black SDB
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Nov 83 Walter Perrie
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 27 Oct 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 21 Oct 83 Supper Dance Rob Gordon SDB 24 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) – 5 Nov 83 John Strachan Invertay SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 21 Nov 83 Club Night
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 22 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 1 Nov 83 Bobby Crowe & Angus Fitchet
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – Fraser McGlynn
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 24 Oct 83 Mile Clark
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9 Nov 83 Judith Davidson
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 14 Nov 83 Hebbie Gray
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 19 Nov 83 Concert – Eden Court
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Nov 83 Ian Anderson SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 4 Nov 83 Dance John Laidlaw SDB 10 Nov 83 Tommy Ford
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 25 Oct 83 Ron Gonella
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31 Oct 83 Alan Kindness & the Glendaruel SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) – 16 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) – 24 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 27 Oct 83 Addie Harper & the Wick Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15 Nov 83 Colin Finlayson SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 3 Nov 83 Marian Anderson 18 Nov 83 Dinner Dance Tain SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Banff & District
5. Belford
6. Campbeltown
7. Castle Douglas
8. Cleland
9. Derwentside
10. Dingwall
11. Dunblane & District
12. Dundee & District
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Fort William
16. Highland
17. Islesteps
18. Kintore
19. Livingston
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. North East
25. Orkney
26. Ormiston
27. Peebles
28. Perth & District
29. Thurso
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
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 (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969 – per first edition)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
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 (aka Coquetdale Club - Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
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. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Newcastleton Accordion Club
75. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
76. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
77. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
78. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
79. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
80. Wellbank A&F Club
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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
Well, we are off and running and by the reports coming in it’s going to be another winner this season.
A new Club have announced their formation, the Kinlochsheil Club. They meet in the Tingle Creek Hotel, Erbusaig (Kyle of Lochalsh) on the second Tuesday and their first guest artiste was Willie Lawrie, who composed a tune for the occasion, called simply Kinlochsheil. The Secretary is Edmund McKenzie, Craft Shop, Plockton, Tele 0599 84365.
Eat your heart out Livingston Club, North Cumbria have started their 18th season.
The first of the season’s big Festivals takes place on 22nd October in Perth. A full day’s work and a long night to celebrate or rue.
Mull Music Festival, 1983
by John McIntee
Once again, on 22nd April, 1983, all were poised on the island waiting for the ‘Tartan Horde’ to descend upon us. Bar counters were being polished, mountains of food being prepared, every bed on the island was taken and in Tobermory, palliasses, sleeping bags, inflatables, the lot, were being hurriedly prepared for those who had forgotten to book up for the weekend.
Tents were springing up on the Eas Brae and there were also caravans and dormobiles in the car park. The last boat set sale from Oban at 3.30pm and the invasion was on proper.
After all had been dined, wined and ‘wetted,’ our friends repaired to various venues at the top of the island. At Tobermory a great concert was in progress with the inimitable Alastair MacDonald of TV fame doing his compering. Among the galaxy of stars he was introducing and playing with were the Tartan Lads, the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra, the New Mull Fiddlers with Hamish Johnston, Rigadoon, members of the Isle of Mull Pipe Band , and the great wee favourite with the flashing fingers Dainne Armstrong.
Craignure
Meanwhile at Craignure we had an entirely different event this year. Sadly we could not have the Army Military Band Pipes and Drums as the lads had all been dispersed to their various regiments and the current bands had only been together for two months so we can’t get them till 1984. However……. In view of the great patronage from John Patrick, manager of the Isle of Mull Hotel, in previous years, and who had just got married, we had an island wedding dance – and what a dance this was …..We had previously arranged for John Huband and his Band to come over and John took us literally – bringing over the whole young John Huband Accordion Orchestra – 20-odd strong. From the moment the first chord was struck by these talented youngsters we knew a great night was starting. As soon as I got in the door that most welcoming of all cries to a Scot’s heart went up ‘YEFURAHAUFJOHN’ spoken by none other than John Huband himself. I replied in the affirmative. This was closely followed by a roar from Robbie Shepherd ‘ANNURWANJOHN’ – pausing to draw breath, I had a big glass shoved into my hand shyly by Freeland Barbour and by this time I was firmly convinced it was going to be one of those great nights.
Into the Hall which had over 200 guests, the music started from the great band with selections from John Huband, the Band, Neil Copland, a wee smashed called Kerry and her partner David duetting, a smashing musette from one of the lads, and then a veritable explosion of dances, mainly hornpipes, from a fantastic wee lass called Susan Campbell who seemed to be able to jump the height of the ceiling (apart from being a great accordionist). Jim Mackenzie then gave us a solo and after a broadcast bit, Freeland Barbour let his hair down and joined the band. Boy, can he play the kist of whistles. What a night! We didn’t get to our Hotel beds until 3.45am in the sma’ ‘oors – even at that there were two youngsters having an accordion ceilidh outside the doors.
John Patrick at the Hotel summed it all up when he said there had never been music like it at the hotel before.
John Huband is to be congratulated for his expertise with these great youngsters who have a great future in front of them.
As a nice gesture to John Patrick and Penny, wee Dianne Armstrong and young Lynette Wood (a name to remember) came down after their stint at the Aros Hall and gave us a great tune. It was a truly fabulous night.
Aros Hall
Meanwhile at the Aros Hall in Tobermory the Late Night Dancing had started with Robert MacLeod and his Band, being spelled by the very talented young Dundee A&F Club Junior Band – ‘Reel’ smashing, these youngsters.
We got up to a late hilarious breakfast on early Saturday morning with John Huband in sparkling form and with Jim Mackenzie of the voracious appetite, eating everything edible in sight. He appeared at so many different tables that I am sure the waited must have thought he was triplets…..A great character though and a real smashing singer. I understand that Jim’ apart from being a great bass player, was also a member of the Black and White Minstrels.
Sadly we left Craignure and made our journey to Tobermory. There the Competitions had just started with Dianne McEwan and Barbara Cooke in charge. The Juniors proved a fantastic galaxy of talent and the judges had a quite onerous task to separate them into prize-winners.
Young Lynette Wood. Daughter of Wilson Wood (who teaches Dianne Armstrong) walked away with the Junior Championship and the Calum MacLean Trophy, and this was her first Mull Competition.
Other Junior winners were The MacPhail Trophy – Paul Anderson. Then came the new Argyll and Bute Trophy and we found that the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band and the Anderson Trio had exactly the same marks. This had never happened on Mull before. …..A Solomon’s Judgement was proclaimed and we gave them both a money prize and six months equal possession of the Trophy which will be engraved with both their groups’ names for 1983. Fourth in the competition was young Ian MacDougall who won the John Tague Memorial Rose Bowl and Hassan Cup. First class stuff from all – we would, however, have liked to give all the Juniors a prize.
Meanwhile all the hostelries in Tobermory were going ca-ching.
I should mention at this time that on the Friday night at Glengorm Castle a great recital of music had taken place, being compered by our very own Mod Gold Medalist Duncan McGilp of the Golden Voice, with the Mayfield Players from Banchory led by Bill Smith, the new Torosay Singers from Lochdon on Isle of Mull conducted by Ted Scott followed by the inimitable Tommy Kettles Trio of Tommy, that great guitarist Frank Henery, and on the bass Alan Sadler. They were in great form. Tommy’s protégé, introduced by him to Mull this year, was the small, elfin-like Emile de Coty, Professor of Accordion Music from the French Conservatoire in Paris. And he wowed them all. What an artist. He has an incredible personality and this is all conveyed through the accordion.
To get back to the Competitions (Seniors) on the Saturday, another great display of talent from the older competitors. The Mull champion emerged as Dianne Armstrong who also won the Tommy Kettles and Ian Holmes Shield. Second was the Isle of Mull Pipe Band winning the Mull Music Festival Shield. Third with the Novel Shield was Janek Kowalski. Fourth with the Silver Quaich for piping was Calum Noon, and the Senior Award for Fiddling, the Newtongrange Trophy, went to Alex Bain.
Some of us managed to get home for a bite, then into the fray with the Concert at the Aros Hall. What a concert it was – starting at ten minutes past seven and not finishing till 12.30 am in the morning. The talent was magical with young Dianne Armstrong and Lynette Wood starting it off, followed by the very talented Mayfield Players from Banchory, John Burgess the Piper, Alastair MacDonald and the Tartan Lads who, as usual, were in great form. Bill and Ray told a story about the propensity of hot buttered toast as an alleged to manhood greatness (all in the best possible ‘taste’ of course) and had the audience in stitches, particularly as it all seemed directed towards me, who was manfully trying to compere the show. Later we had Tommy Kettles, Frank Henery and Alan Sadler in ebullient form. What fantastic artistes that are. By this time the concert had reached 11.30am (over an hour and a half late, but the audience would just not go home).
Tommy came to the end of his stint and then introduced our guest star from Paris. From the wings came a small, elfin-like person with a grin-splitting face from ear to ear. This was Emile de Coty – what an accordionist and what a personality – and he didn’t even have one word of English. He didn’t need it as the incredible artistry in his fingers said it all. At the end of his performance when he got up and played two Gaelic Slow Airs as a tribute to the audience he had the folk up on their feet cheering. I wish I knew the French for ‘Haste ye back Emile.’
The concert ended and those going out were met by an invasion of folk coming in for the late night dancing to that great band, led by Colin Finlayson. Again the young Dundee A&F Club Junior Band did a spell and showed what a great little band they are for ‘Ra Dancin’.
In the Street
Meanwhile, ceilidhs were ongoing at the Mishnish, Western Isles and MacDonald Arms and we were aware that the Bellachroy Hotel more or less had a mini Mull Festival of their own.
Feeling a bit drained, Violet, Heather and I decided to visit the O.K Corral (formerly known as the MacDonald Arms) where great Country and Western sounds were being belted out by the Country Connection, all ‘Beat’ Boys from Strathclyde Police who were in residence. This fantastic crowd have been with us every year since the Festival started and are great favourites on Mull. Glad to see the lovely Pauline made it complete with nappies, feeding bottle etc, etc. Pauline had a lovely bouncing bairnie last year. It didn’t make her miss the Festival though. The lead male singer Alec is a fantastic character – looks like a refugee from Sant Anna’s Army with the most amazing Glesga’ accent….
We left the MacDonald Arms about 3.45am and on going into the street found that an impromptu Grand Old Duke of Your was taking place the length of the street with the accordions blaring. Music was coming from Tobermory Bay and in the distance could be seen a small rowing boat with some characters in it with the accordion going great guns. They were coming in and out with the tide but it didn’t seem to bother them. I heard a wee rumour later that it was Kirsty Bisset who was in the boat. Is that true Kirsty? The music we heard was ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ but I doubt if the rowers could have made it to Calve Island.
Sunday.
Sunday dawned and the Special Boat arrived from Oban at Tobermory Pier with some patrons. It was played in by the Isle of Mull Pipe Band and later both the Isle of Mull and Ross of Mull Pipe Bands played in the Main Street. We couldn’t have the Army Military Band & Pipes and Drums this year and we fair missed the lads playing, pomp and ceremonial in the street, but hopefully they will be back with us in 1984.
Come 5pm and Tobermory gathered at Tobermory Pier to see the boat away. The Boat People, as usual, were in great form and cheered and sang from Tobermory all the way round Calve Island and down the Sound of Mull, sent off in great style by the Pipe Bands. For anyone interested in statistics there were 780 people on board - and a similar amount were still raring to go at Tobermory.
After a hurried bite we returned to the Aros Hall for the End of Festival Concert. I was met at the door by the maestro Bobby MacLeod who asked if I would compere again. I must admit I wilted a wee bit after the Saturday Night Marathon but however agreed. Again the Hall was packed and we had great performances from those three wee smashers, Rigadoon. Rhone Jackson from Morvern gave us two beautiful songs and then the Tartan Lads exploded once more into action. They are great favourites at Tobermory and delighted us with their songs and patter. The ‘Toast Joke’ was again resurrected, but the intriguing thing was that only those who had been at the previous night’s concert knew what it was all about. The Tartan Lads promise to tell those who don’t know, the full story in 1984. Incidentally Bill and Ray……You might like to know that when I am greeted in Tobermory Main Street now, the folk when saying Cheerio hold up their hand and crook their little finger. I wonder why? The Country Connection then did a stint and were in great form although the voices were getting more and more husky. No wonder. They had been singing from 9am on Friday evening right through with only a break for lunch and a few hours sleep in the wee sma’ ‘oors. Great troupers.
The second half of the show opened to the magical nostalgia of the Bobby MacLeod All Stars, comprising the Maestro on lead box, Colin Finlayson on second box, Jimmy Ritchie on fiddle, Davie Flockhart on piano, Alastair MacLeod on bass and Ian MacDougall on drums.
The MacLeod Magic was stamped on them all and the great sound permeated through the Hall. Cameras were flashing galore and one wee wifie standing beside me had tears of enjoyment running down her cheeks. This was the greatest and how the audience loved it. Bobby, who was in championship form, then delighted the audience by the surprise introduction of young Judith Davidson, the Golden Fiddler with the Golden Fingers. She was great. After her performance she sat down and the band played some more selections. Just to put some more icing on the cake Bobby then introduced that delightful young champion, Jacqueline Dick, who delighted the audience with her selection. Jacquie than sat down also with the band and the whole ensemble swung into the MacLeod Magic. The audience absolutely loved every minute of it.
Following this came Tommy Kettles and his Trio and again they were in sparkling form. Tommy then introduced Emile de Coty to the audience and we were treated to a fabulous performance of Continental, Musette and own compositions of Emile’s. He had the audience singing their heads off at the wind up. It was quite unusual to hear the Muilleachs singing excerpts from The Pavements of Paris and in such good voice.
The show finally came to an end just after midnight with the audience on their feet clapping Emile de Coty and Emile clapping back. Bobby MacLeod then gave the closing vote of thanks and sadly the Festival was over. But not for those in all the hotels as the jollifications went on into the small hours of Monday morning.
All in all, this, our sixth Annual Festival was in the same great vein as the previous five and I know that most of our patrons have booked up for Number 7 already.
We in the Festival Committee (the Gang of Five) would like to place on record our grateful thanks to all those who made the Festival such a success – the backroom boys and girls, the incredible talent of the youngsters at the competitions, the great talent of the artistes, and last but not least, a great big thank you to our great patrons from home and abroad and their fantastic support year after year.
Sadly, for me, this is my last Festival in my capacity as Secretary/Organiser, and I would respectfully ask my good friend Ian Smith of the Box and Fiddle to allow me a last personal ‘thank you’ to all the good friends I have made throughout the years (and whom I intend to keep), to the Great Festival Committee of Mull – smashing people, to Bobby MacLeod our Festival Chairman for his great patience, to our indefatigable co-ordinator Flora Noble, and to all you good folk, it has been a great privilege.
Jimmy Shand
by Andy Stewart
Oh, Jimmy Shand, sae braw an’ grand
You’ve brocht sic music tae this land
In solo tune or wi’ your band
Past a’ compeer:
Abune them a’ you’ll always standby us held dear!
Ay Jim ye are a man o’ pairts
Wha’s music’s kent in a’ the airts
An’ wi’ applause gets just desairts
North, south, east, west
Tae hear them say a’ frae their hairts –
“Man, he’s the best!”
But gin ye be Scotch music’s king
Strathspey or reel – jig, heilan’ fling
Your sound had power to fairly bring
A reign fu’ far –
‘Neath Northern Lights your praise they sing
And Southern Star!
For nigh on fifty year your sound
Has traveled all our country round
And gane whaur foreign borders bound
Sae sweet sae braw –
It’s garr’s Scots mak’ ye king uncrowned
Heich abune a’!
Oh little wist ye on that day
When your first notes ye strove to play
An’ like maist ‘prentice lads the way
Was better socht –
That music wad take you to gaze
On lands unthocht!
To Canada’s great towns an’ plains
An’ fair Australia’s wroch-like ‘mains’
Tae walk the streets o’ foreign stanes
An’ tread the brod
In countries wi’ byornar names
Faur flung abroad
There’s mony a chiel in cabin scant
Surrounded but by dare and want
You’ve gar’d his verra hairt tae vaunt
An’ life and feel
Maist glad to hear your merry rant
Wi’ jig and reel!
There’s many lads in outback land
Faur frae Auld Scotia’s kindly strand
Hae blessed you an’ your tunefu’ band
When sunk in gloom
They’ve taen their lassies hand-in-hand
An’ cleared the room!
In jungle deep in old Malay
When tigers in their path did stray
There’s Scots, I’ve heard, have saved the day
An’ banished harms
For the beast turned douch when they did play –
Ay – “Music hath charms!”
And I heard of a loon mid Ireland’s strife –
Man Jim – You saved his very life
For as some o’ the ‘Bahoys’ wi’ gun and knife
Were bent to slay –
“Pit on a Shand record” he roared tae his wife –
An’ they danced away!
Enough! I think they’ll get the gist
An’ catch on braw for weel they wist
That I the Blarney Stone ne’er kissed
But speak sincere
When I say your notes I ne’er hae missed
Through a’ the years!
Hail Caledonia’s music-man!
Let ilka family ay an’ clan
Raise up their glasses in their han’
An’ drink your health!
For the music of our Jimmy Shand
Is mair nor wealth!
It’s never gowd or such can buy
The kind o’ joy to make them high
Frae Gretna tae the Isle o’ Skye
As ony kite!
Your music money widna try
Tae measure quite!
Lang may you reign an’ aiblins bring
Anither June tae sweetly sing
Some new made jig or reel or fling
And add mair wealth
Of pleasure brocht us by ‘The King’
Jimmy Shand! Your health!!
The Reel Radio
by Tom Handy
My sincere apologies to Freeland Barbour for forgetting that he is in charge at ‘TTF’ and ‘The Reel Blend.’ However after one telephone call we sorted out all the details.
(Dear-oh-dear and the rest’s not much more inspiring so I'll leave it out)
Accordions Galore Announcement
by Peter Paterson
Top of the bill at the 5th Accordions Galore Show in Motherwell is a young lad from Galashiels, Raymond Chuchuk. With two other lads he will feature the sound of the Raymond Chuchuk Trio.
The Jackie Gall Accordion Orchestra is the big accordion sound of the night. We have the Heather Lads from Ayr featuring Scottish singer Jim Hood ; the John Morgan Accordion Band from Slamanan, featuring Grace Douglas, singer ; Nadia Strock, Champion Highland Dancer ; the Burns Brothers, the 1982 winners of the Will Starr Shield Contest and the annual highlight of the show, the 1983 final of the Will Starr Memorial Shield Contest.
I would like to once again ask for contestants of any age, males or females, to take a chance and enter the eliminating audition for the 1983 Contest.
Over the past five years since the contest’s inception, we have been fortunate to showcase Ian Horsburgh (1979), Ian Skinner (1980), Dianne Armstrong (1981) and the Burns Brothers (1982). All deserving winners with a great injection of new blood and talent into the world of accordion music. I hope this year another new name and sound will be added to the list.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 25 Oct 83 Bill Black SDB
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Nov 83 Walter Perrie
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 27 Oct 83 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) – 21 Oct 83 Supper Dance Rob Gordon SDB 24 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) – 5 Nov 83 John Strachan Invertay SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Cleland (Dalrymple House) – 21 Nov 83 Club Night
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 22 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) – 1 Nov 83 Bobby Crowe & Angus Fitchet
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) – Fraser McGlynn
Edinburgh (The Berry Suite, Abbey Hill) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 24 Oct 83 Mile Clark
Forres (Brig Motel) – 9 Nov 83 Judith Davidson
Fort William (Caol Community Club) – 14 Nov 83 Hebbie Gray
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 19 Nov 83 Concert – Eden Court
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 2 Nov 83 Ian Anderson SDB
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 4 Nov 83 Dance John Laidlaw SDB 10 Nov 83 Tommy Ford
Livingston (Royal British Legion Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) – 25 Oct 83 Ron Gonella
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Morecambe (Yorkshire Hotel, Lancaster) -
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31 Oct 83 Alan Kindness & the Glendaruel SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) (formerly called Gretna Club) – 16 Nov 83 Paddy Neary
North East (Royal Hotel, Keith) – 24 Nov 83 Dermot O’Brien Trio
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 27 Oct 83 Addie Harper & the Wick Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 15 Nov 83 Colin Finlayson SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel) -
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) – 3 Nov 83 Marian Anderson 18 Nov 83 Dinner Dance Tain SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) -
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banchory
4. Banff & District
5. Belford
6. Campbeltown
7. Castle Douglas
8. Cleland
9. Derwentside
10. Dingwall
11. Dunblane & District
12. Dundee & District
13. Dunfermline & District
14. East Kilbride
15. Fort William
16. Highland
17. Islesteps
18. Kintore
19. Livingston
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. North East
25. Orkney
26. Ormiston
27. Peebles
28. Perth & District
29. Thurso
30. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1983 (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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Derwentside A&F Club
19. Dingwall & District (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
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 (Sept 1978 - )
26. Fintry A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
29. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
30. Galston A&F Club (1969 – per first edition)
31. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
32. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
36. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
37. Kintore A&F Club
38. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
39. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
40. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
41. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
42. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
43. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
44. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
45. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
46. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
47. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
48. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started July 1965 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
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 (aka Coquetdale Club - Feb 1974)
57. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
58. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
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. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Club Accord
67. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
68. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
69. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
70. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
71. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
72. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
73. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
74. Newcastleton Accordion Club
75. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
76. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
77. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
78. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
79. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
80. Wellbank A&F Club
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