Box and Fiddle
Year 16 No 02
October 1992
Price 60p
12 pages
7 month subscription £7.00
Editor – Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Due to press date being brought forward, this issue contains fewer up-to-date Club reports. However, all should return to normal next month.
The question of recording at some of the clubs has long been a matter for discussion. Inded in this issue is an article by Duncan McCrone of MCPS explaining the legal implications and it would be advisable for all performers, club officials and would-be recorders to digest this. I am sure most of you will discover points you were not aware of.
Last year I published an article on Jimmy Edwards, a regular attender at Clubs throughout the Borders. This month I am featuring another stalwart from the Border area, Willie Atkinson. I hope you enjoy his story.
Doug Adamson
Willie Atkinson
by J.C.
Willie Atkinson was born at Crookham Eastfield on January 21st 1908, and was 8 years old when his father was killed in the ‘14-18 War.
The musical influence during his early years arose from his mother’s side of the family, as there were four fiddle players out of the nine family members and at that time his musical ability was expressed by playing the mouth organ. His father’s side of the family were not musically inclined.
It was when he was fourteen years old that he left school and his prowess as a musician developed rapidly when he became employed, and lodged with his grandparents, as a shepherd. He is very much indebted to them for their encouragement which was shown by them organising musical evenings in their home with the family members and friends who performed, and when records and a gramophone were obtained, they then learned new tunes.
This arrangement led to Willie becoming proficient with a two rowed button keyed melodeon, progressing to a three row chromatic, and locally, travelling by pushbike to play at kirns.
He purchased his musical instruments from J. M. Cameron’s Music Shop in Greenlaw, and this was his main source for finding out which artists were performing at the Border’s venues. This enabled him to hear all the top-notchers of that era, including Will Hannah, Eddie Quinn and eventually Will Starr and Jimmy Shand and all the other stars.
Bill met a local lass, Isabella Douglas at a dance, whom he married and they produced a daughter and four sons.
He vividly recalls the first time he heard Jimmy Shand’s Band which included the left-handed fiddler, Dave Ireland, playing at a Greenlaw dance. Sitting there listening open mouthed, being so impressed with the high standard of playing, that at the end of the night, obtaining permission to have a tune with Jimmy’s accordion, was so excited, he (in Willie’s words) “couldn’t get a tune out of the damned thing!” Mind you, that was only the first time. Bill often played Jimmy’s accordion at dances during the interval.
Such was their friendship, that while Willie and Isabella were at Cupar on holiday, they read a poster stating that Jimmy Shand was to be playing at Coupar Angus that evening. Bill phoned Jimmy, who said “Och man, just come to the house, we will see you get there all right” so after crossing on the Newport Ferry, they eventually arrived at the Shand home in Dundee and on entering the house they smelt fried kippers, and when asked if they would like kippers for tea, Willie then said “yes, on one condition”. “What’s that” said Jimmy “well I can use my fingers like you are” says Willie. “Of course” says Jimmy “that’s the best way!”
The first dance that Willie played at was in 1926, which consisted of travelling with a pushbike with the accordion case strapped on the back.
This procedure led to some unforgettable moments like the night cycling over the Moor, on a road thinking he knew it better than he did, when having passed over a rise, being suddenly confronted with a five barred gate, somersaulting, while sailing through the air and landing on the soft verge, miraculously unhurt with the accordion still on his back.
Not so the pushbike; the front wheel and forks and the frame were badly bent. Eventually struggling to make it manageable to continue, the frame was replaced and the other parts were straightened while he was playing at the dance. The surprising thing about that particular episode was that the front wheel tire was not damaged.
Another occasion was when Willie’s kind-hearted neighbour offered him his new pride and joy, a now handlebar job (as Willie now says “with your backside sticking up in the air”) racing type bike and of course with hindsight this journey of 22 miles turned into a nightmare. Once he had travelled too far, because of the time constraint, to turn back, he suddenly began to feel the strain of leaning over the low handlebars, while the accordion on his back was wanting to come forward over his head and all the while sitting on as uncomfortable a seat as you can imagine, there was terrific relief when he got to his venue. His thought, while playing at the dance that night, was about the homeward journey, which was mostly down hill, he admits, adversely affected his playing, but not so his choice of words for the neighbour when he returned the bike.
Such was Willie’s tenacity, that on learning that a visitor was to be entertained at his uncle’s home 20 miles away in West Bolton, he ventured forth and had a very enjoyable evening. He travelled home as usual by pushbike through a snowstorm, getting a lift part of the way, arriving home at 7 a.m. The surprising fact about that night was that it was 1938, he was 30 years old and it was the first time he had heard the Northumbrian Pipes.
The artiste who impressed Willie most locally was called Tommy Marshall, who was Willie Taylor’s wife’s grandfather, a small built man with an easy style of playing that had he been living now, with modern equipment, would really have made a name for himself.
It’s about 20 years ago that Willie reverted to playing the mouth-organ and entered Festival Competitions all over the country, winning cups and medals for playing and composing tunes, some of which have been published in the Alnwick Pipers’ Society Music Book. His composing of tunes called the “Anthony Robb Hornpipe”, “Reedswire Hornpipe” and “Glen Allan Hornpipe” could result in the conclusion that the hornpipe was his favourite tempo.
Among his long, long list of accomplishments has been to provide backing for the champion clog dancer, Johnson Ellwood from Hexham, guesting at all types of Clubs, workshop instruction and has only last month at Festivals like Sidmouth sit on stage playing intermittently for 7 hours over 2 days with the other musicians, spain, Orkney and Spain in recent times.
For a beginner intending to learn the mouth organ, Willie’s advice is to look for an instrument that will provide a regular volume of sound when all the notes are played from top to bottom of the scale. The frame should have a flat face with a 16th of an inch raised comb, and must be easy to blow, and much to Willie’s regret that he did not learn to read music.
We are very much looking forward to having Willie and his friends – billed as “The Shepherd’s” – as guests at Kelso Club on Wednesday, December 16th, 1992.
Zielona Gora Festival - Poland
by Charlie Todd
Nottingham based Scottish Country Dance group ‘The Galloway Dancers’ celebrated their 21st Anniversary with an appearance at the International Folklore Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland. Although the group’s founder, Stuart McWilliam (now a sprightly 77 years of age) no longer takes any active part in the group, he was able to accompany the party and kept an experienced eye on proceedings.
Music for the dancers was provided by the Seaforth Highlanders Association Pipe Band from Leicester with Pipe Major Bernard Elliot and the Hawthorn SDB under the ;eadership of Ruddington based accordionists Heather Hawthorn. Band members were fiddler Peter MacFarlane from Thame in Oxfordshire, second accordionist Gail Cumming from Monifeith and drummer Charlie Todd from Biggar (recently returned from an accordion playing trip[ to Toulon with the Dunedin Dancers from Edinburgh).
The Scottish Country Dancing was augmented by some very fine performances of Highland Dancing by 22 year old Bruce McLellan from Stevenston in Ayrshire, accompanied by two up-and-coming young pipers from Dunblane, brothers Neil and Fraser Walker.
Fourteen countries were represented at the Festival (including spain, France, Belguim, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Ukrainia, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Sweden and the local Polish groups) with perhaps the most memorable performance being provided by the Maori dancers from New Zealand, mid-way through a three month world tour to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the discovery of Tasmania.
The Festival was run under the auspices of the C.I.O.F.F. (The International Council for Folk Festival Organisations) and followed the normal format for these events whereby each group provided a 35 minute performance on one evening at the central ampitheatre and 90 minute performances at venuies in local towns.
Late evenings were taken up with social dancing led by nominated groups on a pre-determined rota. Opening and closing Gala Performances were, of course, a riot of colour with all groups assembled in National costume.
The local Polish group’s accordionist swapped his piano keyed accordion for part of their stage performance in favour of a ‘harmonium’ similar, in my opinion, to a melodeon but with air provided via a pipe from foot pedals similar to an old church organ. Obviously the player has to be seated. According to the Polish accordionist, this was a ‘museum piece’ age wise, which the Folk Group were privileged to own, since he reckons that only about 10 still existed in Poland, mainly in the Warsaw area where they were manufactured.
With the Festival over, the return journey was interrupted for a two night stay in East Berlin’s Unter Den Linden. Local landmark’s within walking distance are too numerous to mention, but include the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.
Congratulations are due to the Galloway’s Secretary, Marian Eades, for her flawless organisation of such an interesting trip.
Introducing the Clubs
No 10 Newtongrange
by Margaret Smith
In the summer of 1977 a few of us were discussing the events of the coming winter, and it was evident there could be room for an Accordion Club in the town of Dalkeith or its surrounding area. When Bobby Colgan was in ‘The Chase’ in Bonnyrigg he ran accordion nights but since he was no longer there and the new owner didn’t have much interest in the Scottish scene, I decided this was our chance to get a Club going.
Premises were the first thing we needed, and being Secretary of the local Gardening Club, we held dances and fundraising events in a Roadhouse nearby. So I duly arrived on the doorstep one night, explained what happened at a Club and asked if we would get in. The owner was delighted but when it came to supper, she floored me by offering to do salads, steak pie, quiche etc. She wouldn’t budge so that was no good, as it would be all supper and no music, so home I went very put out. However, I decided the next night to phone Willie Yuille at the Dean. He fancied the idea, and especially on a Monday when it’s usually a quiet night in the pub. “Come and see me and we’ll talk about it” he said. We were there in fifteen minutes. The premises were ours, but we had to cater ourselves, and as the kitchen is behind the stage and nobody was available to prepare the stovies I had in mind, we had to rethink the supper. However, Willie offered to order the pies for us and we decided to do a meat sandwich. We were off.
We fixed at date and I booked Jim Johnstone’s Band for the first meeting. Jim said he would do it and charge according to the response we got, provided I did my homework. By that me meant that I phone every player for miles around to tell them we were starting, and to put posters out around the shops and clubs in the area, and put it on the local radio and B.B.C. This was done and we waited for the outcome.
I’ll never forget the amplification before Jim’s band arrived – one mike belonging to the Dean and two speakers high on the wall. However, it worked, the people came to listen and that is what it is all about.
The next thing was finance, so the three founder member donated £100 each. This was my husband, myself and Gilbert Lang. It was a gamble, but it worked. We got our money back in bits and pieces. Gilbert offered to be Treasurer and he’s still doing that job yet, and he saw to it that each month we got a little at a time, until we were fully refunded our monies. My husband, George, was in charge of the pies in the oven, the guest artistes needs, and I was told to do the admissions, sell raffle tickets and take names of players. A lot of work for all of us but we were 15 years younger and it seemed easy then.
The first meeting was excellent, so I went home and booked artistes up for November, missed December being the last Monday of the month, and from January through to May the following year.
We followed Jim’s night with Ian Holmes, Iain MacPhail’s Band, Robert Whitehead, Gordon Pattullo, who, at my guess was about 14 and the Black Family, Ann, Bill and the ‘boys’, and the Kelvin Band with Jimmy Yeaman and the late Bob Lillie. What a programme and each meeting very well supported. It was very encouraging so we decided to go on. Over the summer I booked up the season’s artistes with such people as George Bell, wee Walter Perrie, Bobby MacLeod and Billy Thom, Billy Anderson, John MacGregor, Dave Stewart and Bobby Crowe.
It was during this second year, and by now attending competitions at Perth, Musselburgh etc, I thought, why can’t we have competitions at Newtongrange? 1979, on the second Monday in March our competitions got under way. Jim Johnstone came to adjudicate and we had Junior Accordion 11 Years and Under for which we got a magnificent trophy from Jim, and Intermediate Classes 12-16 Years with a Trophy from the Dean Tavern. We had in the Juniors, people like Colin Brown and Scott Leslie, and the Intermediates Jacqueline Dick, David Wilson and Graham Edwardson who went on to form ‘The Oakbank Sound.’
When I look through the Guest Artiste Book and the Competitions Book, I feel proud to be part of the Club and honoured to have had the pleasure of meeting all these people within the Dean and I am particularly pleased to have had the late Bobby MacLeod come down to be guest artiste on several occasions, also to play a Club dance for us and adjudicate our competitions.
Another musician who has been guest artiste and adjudicator is Bobby Coghill, all the way from Wick.
After a year or two and plenty folks willing to help with various jobs on Club nights and Competition days, we had to form a proper Committee. Over the years that Committee and Office Bearers have remained unchanged and all work together very well, each on knowing what to do and when to do it, and nothing seems too big a task for anybody. Many of our Committee travel a lot of miles to be with us and contribute to such successful Club nights. Chairman, George Smith, Treasurer, Gilbert Land and Committee as follows :- Kath and Rob Forrest, Jim,Helen and Jane Hope, Ray Ketchin, David Sturgeon, Bert Gilchrist and Margaret and Dave Gray.
To keep the Club funds topped up we have a sales table with all sorts of goodies each month, and we have had sweatshirts, gents ties and ladies scarves made with the Club badge on. The Manager of the Dean had clocks made for us with the Club badge below the clock, all helping to keep the bank balance up.
For our 10th Birthday, we had a very good Cheese and Wine Evening which raised £500. Most of this went on the Birthday Party Night. We had all the Executive Committee and their partners and did salad suppers and wine for about 250 people that night. We thought we were great being 10 – and here we are now 15 and still going strong.
Two years ago we had a second Cheese and Wine Evening to raise money for our own amplification. We now own Carlsbro speakers and stands, combo and four microphones and Jim Johnstone gave us an electric piano, so we feel really kitted out and guest artistes can use our lot quite happily, if necessary.
Last year we had a special Club night when Jim Johnstone’s Band were guest artistes. We made over £400 on the night to donate to the Tobermory Lifeboat Fund for the Bobby MacLeod Building. I speak for all Club members when I say Jim’s Band has been really good to the Club, with music, friendship, help and advice.
We have been running a monthly dance, first Saturday every month for the past five years, again to help Club funds, and keeping the friendship and dancing going. I try to bring in bands for the dances that come and guest on Club nights and so far it has worked very well.
When I hear of other Clubs having to move venues so much, I feel we are very fortunate. Mr and Mrs William Yuille, family and staff, couldn’t be more helpful. Again nothing is any bother for them. Mrs Yuille pays my pie order when delivered, Willie gets bits and pieces for us from various sources, all towards the easier running of the Club. On our Competition day, we have the run of the whole building and co-operation from all the staff. Much appreciated by us all.
Away back on the 10th Birthday, we decided to make Honorary Life Members, a few friends who contributed in some way towards the Club’s success or who gave advice and help in the early days. They are as follows : Jim Johnstone, the late bobby MacLeod, David Sturgeon, Max Ketchin, Jimmy Blue, Norman Williams, Jack Cooper, Jimmy Ritchie and the late Bert Jessiman.
Willie Yuille, mien host at the Dean has this year been installed as Chairman of the Scottish Licensing Board and takes a great interest in the running of the Club. He always praises us for the smooth running of our functions. Never once has there been any trouble in the premises at any of our meetings.
Now here we are – 15 in October and who better to guest at our birthday celebrations than Jim Johnstone’s Band. We have a great syllabus for the season ahead, the Competition date is fixed for 1993 and we’ll have a birthday cake and a glass of wine this time and look forward to our 21st Birthday. Many of us may be in higher places by then or going to the Club on our zimmers, but hopefully some younger blood will hold the reins and keep thje name of Newtongrange Club going.
Accordions Galore
Accordions Galore ’92 will be held in the Civic Centre Concert Hall, Motherwell on Saturday, 24th October, starring Paddy Neary and full supporting cast. It’s the 14th and final concert in memory of Will Starr and the proceeds will go to Arthritis Care. Tickets £2 from the CCCH Booking Office. Anyone interested in entering the Will Starr Shield Contest can contact Peter Paterson on Bellshill 747469.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Oct 92 – Gordon Shand SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Oct 92 – Ian Skinner Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 18th Oct 92 – Ian Powrie & Paul Clancy
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 28th Oct 92 – Donaldson Brothers Quartet
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 19th Oct 92 – Simon Howie SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Oct 92 – Joe Gordon Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Oct 92 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Oct 92 – Gary Blair
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 29th Oct 92 – Ron Hodgeson & Julie Best
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – Alastair Hunter Trio 3rd Oct 92 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) – 1st Oct 92 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 29th Oct 92 – Gordon Shand SDB
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 21st Oct 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Oct 92 – Neil Copland SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th Oct 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Forres (Brig Motel) – 14th Oct 92 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 15th Oct 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 6th Oct 92 – Craigowl SDB
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – Mike McKay Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Oct 92 – Ian Muir Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 20th Oct 92 – Freeland Barbour & the Occasionals
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 27th Oct 92 – Ian Thomson SDB
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 20th Oct 92 – Donnie McGregor & Morag Robertson
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – David Vernon
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Oct 92 – Jim Johnstone SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Oct 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 29th Oct 92 – Willie McGuire
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Ian Thomson SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Oct 92 – Archie Duncan
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st Oct 92 – Joe Hornsby and Friends
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 11th Oct 92 – Glencraig SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Blairgowrie
5. Dingwall
6. Dunblane
7. Dundee
8. Etterick & Yarrow
9. Forfar
10. Inveraray
11 Kinlochshiel
12. Kintore
13. Lesmahagow
14. Livingston
15. Montrose
16. North East
17. Perth
18. Stirling
19. Sutherland
20. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club (
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club (
29. Forfar A&F Club (
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
41. Kintore A&F Club (
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
55. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
56. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
57. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
58. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
59. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
60. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
61. Sutherland A&F Club (
62. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
63. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
64. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
65. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
66. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
67. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
68. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
69. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
70. Buchan A&F Club
71. Callander A&F Club (
72. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
73. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Club Accord
75. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
76. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
83. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
84. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
85. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
86. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
87. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
88. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
89. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
90. Newcastleton Accordion Club
91. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
92. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
Due to press date being brought forward, this issue contains fewer up-to-date Club reports. However, all should return to normal next month.
The question of recording at some of the clubs has long been a matter for discussion. Inded in this issue is an article by Duncan McCrone of MCPS explaining the legal implications and it would be advisable for all performers, club officials and would-be recorders to digest this. I am sure most of you will discover points you were not aware of.
Last year I published an article on Jimmy Edwards, a regular attender at Clubs throughout the Borders. This month I am featuring another stalwart from the Border area, Willie Atkinson. I hope you enjoy his story.
Doug Adamson
Willie Atkinson
by J.C.
Willie Atkinson was born at Crookham Eastfield on January 21st 1908, and was 8 years old when his father was killed in the ‘14-18 War.
The musical influence during his early years arose from his mother’s side of the family, as there were four fiddle players out of the nine family members and at that time his musical ability was expressed by playing the mouth organ. His father’s side of the family were not musically inclined.
It was when he was fourteen years old that he left school and his prowess as a musician developed rapidly when he became employed, and lodged with his grandparents, as a shepherd. He is very much indebted to them for their encouragement which was shown by them organising musical evenings in their home with the family members and friends who performed, and when records and a gramophone were obtained, they then learned new tunes.
This arrangement led to Willie becoming proficient with a two rowed button keyed melodeon, progressing to a three row chromatic, and locally, travelling by pushbike to play at kirns.
He purchased his musical instruments from J. M. Cameron’s Music Shop in Greenlaw, and this was his main source for finding out which artists were performing at the Border’s venues. This enabled him to hear all the top-notchers of that era, including Will Hannah, Eddie Quinn and eventually Will Starr and Jimmy Shand and all the other stars.
Bill met a local lass, Isabella Douglas at a dance, whom he married and they produced a daughter and four sons.
He vividly recalls the first time he heard Jimmy Shand’s Band which included the left-handed fiddler, Dave Ireland, playing at a Greenlaw dance. Sitting there listening open mouthed, being so impressed with the high standard of playing, that at the end of the night, obtaining permission to have a tune with Jimmy’s accordion, was so excited, he (in Willie’s words) “couldn’t get a tune out of the damned thing!” Mind you, that was only the first time. Bill often played Jimmy’s accordion at dances during the interval.
Such was their friendship, that while Willie and Isabella were at Cupar on holiday, they read a poster stating that Jimmy Shand was to be playing at Coupar Angus that evening. Bill phoned Jimmy, who said “Och man, just come to the house, we will see you get there all right” so after crossing on the Newport Ferry, they eventually arrived at the Shand home in Dundee and on entering the house they smelt fried kippers, and when asked if they would like kippers for tea, Willie then said “yes, on one condition”. “What’s that” said Jimmy “well I can use my fingers like you are” says Willie. “Of course” says Jimmy “that’s the best way!”
The first dance that Willie played at was in 1926, which consisted of travelling with a pushbike with the accordion case strapped on the back.
This procedure led to some unforgettable moments like the night cycling over the Moor, on a road thinking he knew it better than he did, when having passed over a rise, being suddenly confronted with a five barred gate, somersaulting, while sailing through the air and landing on the soft verge, miraculously unhurt with the accordion still on his back.
Not so the pushbike; the front wheel and forks and the frame were badly bent. Eventually struggling to make it manageable to continue, the frame was replaced and the other parts were straightened while he was playing at the dance. The surprising thing about that particular episode was that the front wheel tire was not damaged.
Another occasion was when Willie’s kind-hearted neighbour offered him his new pride and joy, a now handlebar job (as Willie now says “with your backside sticking up in the air”) racing type bike and of course with hindsight this journey of 22 miles turned into a nightmare. Once he had travelled too far, because of the time constraint, to turn back, he suddenly began to feel the strain of leaning over the low handlebars, while the accordion on his back was wanting to come forward over his head and all the while sitting on as uncomfortable a seat as you can imagine, there was terrific relief when he got to his venue. His thought, while playing at the dance that night, was about the homeward journey, which was mostly down hill, he admits, adversely affected his playing, but not so his choice of words for the neighbour when he returned the bike.
Such was Willie’s tenacity, that on learning that a visitor was to be entertained at his uncle’s home 20 miles away in West Bolton, he ventured forth and had a very enjoyable evening. He travelled home as usual by pushbike through a snowstorm, getting a lift part of the way, arriving home at 7 a.m. The surprising fact about that night was that it was 1938, he was 30 years old and it was the first time he had heard the Northumbrian Pipes.
The artiste who impressed Willie most locally was called Tommy Marshall, who was Willie Taylor’s wife’s grandfather, a small built man with an easy style of playing that had he been living now, with modern equipment, would really have made a name for himself.
It’s about 20 years ago that Willie reverted to playing the mouth-organ and entered Festival Competitions all over the country, winning cups and medals for playing and composing tunes, some of which have been published in the Alnwick Pipers’ Society Music Book. His composing of tunes called the “Anthony Robb Hornpipe”, “Reedswire Hornpipe” and “Glen Allan Hornpipe” could result in the conclusion that the hornpipe was his favourite tempo.
Among his long, long list of accomplishments has been to provide backing for the champion clog dancer, Johnson Ellwood from Hexham, guesting at all types of Clubs, workshop instruction and has only last month at Festivals like Sidmouth sit on stage playing intermittently for 7 hours over 2 days with the other musicians, spain, Orkney and Spain in recent times.
For a beginner intending to learn the mouth organ, Willie’s advice is to look for an instrument that will provide a regular volume of sound when all the notes are played from top to bottom of the scale. The frame should have a flat face with a 16th of an inch raised comb, and must be easy to blow, and much to Willie’s regret that he did not learn to read music.
We are very much looking forward to having Willie and his friends – billed as “The Shepherd’s” – as guests at Kelso Club on Wednesday, December 16th, 1992.
Zielona Gora Festival - Poland
by Charlie Todd
Nottingham based Scottish Country Dance group ‘The Galloway Dancers’ celebrated their 21st Anniversary with an appearance at the International Folklore Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland. Although the group’s founder, Stuart McWilliam (now a sprightly 77 years of age) no longer takes any active part in the group, he was able to accompany the party and kept an experienced eye on proceedings.
Music for the dancers was provided by the Seaforth Highlanders Association Pipe Band from Leicester with Pipe Major Bernard Elliot and the Hawthorn SDB under the ;eadership of Ruddington based accordionists Heather Hawthorn. Band members were fiddler Peter MacFarlane from Thame in Oxfordshire, second accordionist Gail Cumming from Monifeith and drummer Charlie Todd from Biggar (recently returned from an accordion playing trip[ to Toulon with the Dunedin Dancers from Edinburgh).
The Scottish Country Dancing was augmented by some very fine performances of Highland Dancing by 22 year old Bruce McLellan from Stevenston in Ayrshire, accompanied by two up-and-coming young pipers from Dunblane, brothers Neil and Fraser Walker.
Fourteen countries were represented at the Festival (including spain, France, Belguim, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Ukrainia, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Sweden and the local Polish groups) with perhaps the most memorable performance being provided by the Maori dancers from New Zealand, mid-way through a three month world tour to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the discovery of Tasmania.
The Festival was run under the auspices of the C.I.O.F.F. (The International Council for Folk Festival Organisations) and followed the normal format for these events whereby each group provided a 35 minute performance on one evening at the central ampitheatre and 90 minute performances at venuies in local towns.
Late evenings were taken up with social dancing led by nominated groups on a pre-determined rota. Opening and closing Gala Performances were, of course, a riot of colour with all groups assembled in National costume.
The local Polish group’s accordionist swapped his piano keyed accordion for part of their stage performance in favour of a ‘harmonium’ similar, in my opinion, to a melodeon but with air provided via a pipe from foot pedals similar to an old church organ. Obviously the player has to be seated. According to the Polish accordionist, this was a ‘museum piece’ age wise, which the Folk Group were privileged to own, since he reckons that only about 10 still existed in Poland, mainly in the Warsaw area where they were manufactured.
With the Festival over, the return journey was interrupted for a two night stay in East Berlin’s Unter Den Linden. Local landmark’s within walking distance are too numerous to mention, but include the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.
Congratulations are due to the Galloway’s Secretary, Marian Eades, for her flawless organisation of such an interesting trip.
Introducing the Clubs
No 10 Newtongrange
by Margaret Smith
In the summer of 1977 a few of us were discussing the events of the coming winter, and it was evident there could be room for an Accordion Club in the town of Dalkeith or its surrounding area. When Bobby Colgan was in ‘The Chase’ in Bonnyrigg he ran accordion nights but since he was no longer there and the new owner didn’t have much interest in the Scottish scene, I decided this was our chance to get a Club going.
Premises were the first thing we needed, and being Secretary of the local Gardening Club, we held dances and fundraising events in a Roadhouse nearby. So I duly arrived on the doorstep one night, explained what happened at a Club and asked if we would get in. The owner was delighted but when it came to supper, she floored me by offering to do salads, steak pie, quiche etc. She wouldn’t budge so that was no good, as it would be all supper and no music, so home I went very put out. However, I decided the next night to phone Willie Yuille at the Dean. He fancied the idea, and especially on a Monday when it’s usually a quiet night in the pub. “Come and see me and we’ll talk about it” he said. We were there in fifteen minutes. The premises were ours, but we had to cater ourselves, and as the kitchen is behind the stage and nobody was available to prepare the stovies I had in mind, we had to rethink the supper. However, Willie offered to order the pies for us and we decided to do a meat sandwich. We were off.
We fixed at date and I booked Jim Johnstone’s Band for the first meeting. Jim said he would do it and charge according to the response we got, provided I did my homework. By that me meant that I phone every player for miles around to tell them we were starting, and to put posters out around the shops and clubs in the area, and put it on the local radio and B.B.C. This was done and we waited for the outcome.
I’ll never forget the amplification before Jim’s band arrived – one mike belonging to the Dean and two speakers high on the wall. However, it worked, the people came to listen and that is what it is all about.
The next thing was finance, so the three founder member donated £100 each. This was my husband, myself and Gilbert Lang. It was a gamble, but it worked. We got our money back in bits and pieces. Gilbert offered to be Treasurer and he’s still doing that job yet, and he saw to it that each month we got a little at a time, until we were fully refunded our monies. My husband, George, was in charge of the pies in the oven, the guest artistes needs, and I was told to do the admissions, sell raffle tickets and take names of players. A lot of work for all of us but we were 15 years younger and it seemed easy then.
The first meeting was excellent, so I went home and booked artistes up for November, missed December being the last Monday of the month, and from January through to May the following year.
We followed Jim’s night with Ian Holmes, Iain MacPhail’s Band, Robert Whitehead, Gordon Pattullo, who, at my guess was about 14 and the Black Family, Ann, Bill and the ‘boys’, and the Kelvin Band with Jimmy Yeaman and the late Bob Lillie. What a programme and each meeting very well supported. It was very encouraging so we decided to go on. Over the summer I booked up the season’s artistes with such people as George Bell, wee Walter Perrie, Bobby MacLeod and Billy Thom, Billy Anderson, John MacGregor, Dave Stewart and Bobby Crowe.
It was during this second year, and by now attending competitions at Perth, Musselburgh etc, I thought, why can’t we have competitions at Newtongrange? 1979, on the second Monday in March our competitions got under way. Jim Johnstone came to adjudicate and we had Junior Accordion 11 Years and Under for which we got a magnificent trophy from Jim, and Intermediate Classes 12-16 Years with a Trophy from the Dean Tavern. We had in the Juniors, people like Colin Brown and Scott Leslie, and the Intermediates Jacqueline Dick, David Wilson and Graham Edwardson who went on to form ‘The Oakbank Sound.’
When I look through the Guest Artiste Book and the Competitions Book, I feel proud to be part of the Club and honoured to have had the pleasure of meeting all these people within the Dean and I am particularly pleased to have had the late Bobby MacLeod come down to be guest artiste on several occasions, also to play a Club dance for us and adjudicate our competitions.
Another musician who has been guest artiste and adjudicator is Bobby Coghill, all the way from Wick.
After a year or two and plenty folks willing to help with various jobs on Club nights and Competition days, we had to form a proper Committee. Over the years that Committee and Office Bearers have remained unchanged and all work together very well, each on knowing what to do and when to do it, and nothing seems too big a task for anybody. Many of our Committee travel a lot of miles to be with us and contribute to such successful Club nights. Chairman, George Smith, Treasurer, Gilbert Land and Committee as follows :- Kath and Rob Forrest, Jim,Helen and Jane Hope, Ray Ketchin, David Sturgeon, Bert Gilchrist and Margaret and Dave Gray.
To keep the Club funds topped up we have a sales table with all sorts of goodies each month, and we have had sweatshirts, gents ties and ladies scarves made with the Club badge on. The Manager of the Dean had clocks made for us with the Club badge below the clock, all helping to keep the bank balance up.
For our 10th Birthday, we had a very good Cheese and Wine Evening which raised £500. Most of this went on the Birthday Party Night. We had all the Executive Committee and their partners and did salad suppers and wine for about 250 people that night. We thought we were great being 10 – and here we are now 15 and still going strong.
Two years ago we had a second Cheese and Wine Evening to raise money for our own amplification. We now own Carlsbro speakers and stands, combo and four microphones and Jim Johnstone gave us an electric piano, so we feel really kitted out and guest artistes can use our lot quite happily, if necessary.
Last year we had a special Club night when Jim Johnstone’s Band were guest artistes. We made over £400 on the night to donate to the Tobermory Lifeboat Fund for the Bobby MacLeod Building. I speak for all Club members when I say Jim’s Band has been really good to the Club, with music, friendship, help and advice.
We have been running a monthly dance, first Saturday every month for the past five years, again to help Club funds, and keeping the friendship and dancing going. I try to bring in bands for the dances that come and guest on Club nights and so far it has worked very well.
When I hear of other Clubs having to move venues so much, I feel we are very fortunate. Mr and Mrs William Yuille, family and staff, couldn’t be more helpful. Again nothing is any bother for them. Mrs Yuille pays my pie order when delivered, Willie gets bits and pieces for us from various sources, all towards the easier running of the Club. On our Competition day, we have the run of the whole building and co-operation from all the staff. Much appreciated by us all.
Away back on the 10th Birthday, we decided to make Honorary Life Members, a few friends who contributed in some way towards the Club’s success or who gave advice and help in the early days. They are as follows : Jim Johnstone, the late bobby MacLeod, David Sturgeon, Max Ketchin, Jimmy Blue, Norman Williams, Jack Cooper, Jimmy Ritchie and the late Bert Jessiman.
Willie Yuille, mien host at the Dean has this year been installed as Chairman of the Scottish Licensing Board and takes a great interest in the running of the Club. He always praises us for the smooth running of our functions. Never once has there been any trouble in the premises at any of our meetings.
Now here we are – 15 in October and who better to guest at our birthday celebrations than Jim Johnstone’s Band. We have a great syllabus for the season ahead, the Competition date is fixed for 1993 and we’ll have a birthday cake and a glass of wine this time and look forward to our 21st Birthday. Many of us may be in higher places by then or going to the Club on our zimmers, but hopefully some younger blood will hold the reins and keep thje name of Newtongrange Club going.
Accordions Galore
Accordions Galore ’92 will be held in the Civic Centre Concert Hall, Motherwell on Saturday, 24th October, starring Paddy Neary and full supporting cast. It’s the 14th and final concert in memory of Will Starr and the proceeds will go to Arthritis Care. Tickets £2 from the CCCH Booking Office. Anyone interested in entering the Will Starr Shield Contest can contact Peter Paterson on Bellshill 747469.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Oct 92 – Gordon Shand SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Oct 92 – Ian Skinner Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 18th Oct 92 – Ian Powrie & Paul Clancy
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 28th Oct 92 – Donaldson Brothers Quartet
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 19th Oct 92 – Simon Howie SDB
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Oct 92 – Joe Gordon Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Oct 92 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Oct 92 – Gary Blair
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) – 29th Oct 92 – Ron Hodgeson & Julie Best
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – Alastair Hunter Trio 3rd Oct 92 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
Dundee (Invercarse Hotel) – 1st Oct 92 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 29th Oct 92 – Gordon Shand SDB
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 21st Oct 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Oct 92 – Neil Copland SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 25th Oct 92 – Gordon Pattullo
Forres (Brig Motel) – 14th Oct 92 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 15th Oct 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 6th Oct 92 – Craigowl SDB
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (The Islander, Kyle) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – Mike McKay Band
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Oct 92 – Ian Muir Trio
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 20th Oct 92 – Freeland Barbour & the Occasionals
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 27th Oct 92 – Ian Thomson SDB
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite) 20th Oct 92 – Donnie McGregor & Morag Robertson
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Oct 92 – David Vernon
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Oct 92 – Jim Johnstone SDB
North Cumbria (Golden Fleece, Ruleholme) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Oct 92 – Deirdre Adamson
Oban (Highlands Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 29th Oct 92 – Willie McGuire
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Oct 92 – Ian Thomson SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Oct 92 – Archie Duncan
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 1st Oct 92 – Joe Hornsby and Friends
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 11th Oct 92 – Glencraig SDB
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Wooler ( ) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Banff
4. Blairgowrie
5. Dingwall
6. Dunblane
7. Dundee
8. Etterick & Yarrow
9. Forfar
10. Inveraray
11 Kinlochshiel
12. Kintore
13. Lesmahagow
14. Livingston
15. Montrose
16. North East
17. Perth
18. Stirling
19. Sutherland
20. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club (
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club (
29. Forfar A&F Club (
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
36. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
37. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
38. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
39. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
40. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
41. Kintore A&F Club (
42. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
43. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
44. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
45. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
46. M.A.F.I.A. (early)
47. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
48. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
49. Mull A&F Club
50. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
51. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
52. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
53. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
54. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
55. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
56. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
57. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
58. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
59. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
60. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
61. Sutherland A&F Club (
62. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
63. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
64. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
65. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
66. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
67. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
68. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
69. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
70. Buchan A&F Club
71. Callander A&F Club (
72. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
73. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
74. Club Accord
75. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
76. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
83. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
84. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
85. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
86. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
87. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
88. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
89. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
90. Newcastleton Accordion Club
91. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
92. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
93. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
94. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
95. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
96. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
97. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
98. Wellbank A&F Club
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