Box and Fiddle
Year 18 No 02
October 1994
Price 70p
12 pages
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Ron Ramsay, 48 Hospitalfield Road, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 2LS
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Hope you like the slightly different format of the paper. You will see that I intend to run an Old Time dance diary so the enthusiasts can keep up to date with all that’s going on. I hope it receives favourable support and eventually when it is in full swing you will be able to see where the dances are, who’s playing etc, two months in advance.
The ‘Box and Fiddle’ is your newspaper so make good use of it to promote your views, comments and advertisements throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
I would welcome information from Clubs regarding attendance and/or tuition of youngsters, as I am aware that we seem to be lacking in encouraging the musicians of tomorrow.
Ron Ramsay
Portrait of a Drummer – Malcolm Ross
by Ron Ramsay
Malcolm was born in 1960, in Friockheim, Angus, his father was the late Lindsay Ross. His mother, Mary, resides in Arbroath. Malcolm has two sisters, Catriona and Mairi and a brother, Gary. Unfortunately they are not musical. Malcolm, who resides in Arbroath, has two sons, Michael (9) and Christopher (11), who have not shown any great interest in following in their father’s footsteps.
Malcolm’s recollection of his first encounter with drums was when he was 5 years old. Jim Bruce, who was drummer with Lindsay, arrived at his house with a brand new drum kit. He remembers it was ‘Mother of Pearl’ and he was ‘fair ta’en on’ with it and thought to himself – this is for me. On his 6th birthday Malcolm became the proud owner of a snare drum and, of course, drumsticks, by courtesy of Bill Jarvis. Various drummers who visited the Ross household would give Malcolm some tips and he soon became proficient enough to accompany his father at a wedding dance. Although only 6 years old, he remembers receiving about £3 from the wedding guests for his half hour stint and spent all Sunday counting the money and planning on how to spend his fortune.
Malcolm progressed with the drums and when 11 years of age he started playing with Jim Fairweather’s (Alyth) Band, usually from 8pm till 2am in village halls in the Glens. The band members were Willie Mann, Bill Cormack, Jim Sturrock and Doug Milne who was Malcolm’s chauffeur.
During the next two years Malcolm improved so much that his father, Lindsay, asked him to play with him and so the Lindsay Ross Trio was formed and they played up until Lindsay’s death in August, 1980.
Malcolm decided to play freelance and would play the drums to any kind of music, from Scottish, Jazz to Musicals. He has been the drummer with the Angus Black and White Minstrels for the past 23 years. He has also been drummer in the musical ‘Chess’ and has the recognition of being the youngest drummer in Scotland to play percussion in the musical ‘Windy City’ which he says he thoroughly enjoyed, although very hard work.
When he was with his father they lost all their instruments in a fire at the Meadowbank Inn and it was then that Malcolm took a job as a roofer to make money to buy a new drum kit.
He sat his audition with the B.B.C. when he was 11 years old and did his first broadcast with his father.
In 1976 he made his first L.P. – ‘Great Scottish Dancers’ on the Polydor label along with his father.
His tutor in drumming was mainly Alan Johnson, of Broughty Ferry, who sadly died earlier this year. Alan played with the George Chisholm Jazz Band. Another pupil at the same time was Brian McDermott who plays with ‘Del Amitri’. Malcolm had a great respect and admiration for Alan.
Malcolm has recorded with Bobby Crowe, Angus Fitchet, Billy Anderson and Albany, Davie Stewart, Peter Bruce, Deirdre Adamson, Wayne Robertson, James Lindsay, Lothianaires, Hebbie Gray, Cameron Kerr Band and, of course, his father, Lindsay Ross. He has played with nearly all the top Scottish Dance Bands during his fairly short career.
His present drum kit is a Pearl BLX, which is certainly top of the range. He also uses electronic drums when playing at theatres as percussion is an important part of musicals. Malcolm enjoys being in the pits surrounded by his kit and enjoys even more when the show finishes. He can be at the bar with the showgirls instead of packing up his gear at one nighters. Malcolm enjoys the challenge of playing at musicals and has played at theatres throughout Tayside, Edinburgh, Glasgow and high society functions in the presence of royalty and prominent politicians with the New Cavandish Band and Bobby Crowe in Claridges and the Grosvenor Hotel in London to name but two.
Malcolm’s hobby is motor cycle racing and spectating. He is the proud owner of a Laverda Jota 1000cc road motorcycle with a top speed of 150m.p.h. He is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man TT.
He is a frequent visitor to Holland where he takes the opportunity to listen to the Jazz Bands. He states that they have the best drummers. He has met Jeff Porcaro who is a pop group session drummer and Buddy Rich who is an American ‘super star’ in drumming circles. The band ‘Tower of Power’ has been a great influence on his drumming and his ambition is to improve his drumming ability and he is inspired by drummers in Jazz and Funky bands.
His favourite bands are Capercaillie, Jimmy Blue and Angus Fitchet.
Malcolm recalls an incident a few years ago when George Solely acquired a life-size inflatable woman and during the night, hung it on Malcolm’s washing line. In the morning all the neighbours had seen it before Malcolm and he had a lot of explaining to do. However, having traced the prankster, he had the opportunity for revenge. George was requiring the loan of an amp from Malcolm as he was playing at the Bowling Club Dance. Malcolm acquired some girlie magazines and pasted the amp with pictures cut out from them, then put the cover on and delivered it to George. When George arrived at the Bowling Club, the presentation was taking place, so he carried on the amp, set it on stage, took off the cover and went to get the remainder of the gear. When he re-entered the hall, the place was in uproar, the centre of attraction being the amp – George then had some explaining to do, but it brightened up an otherwise staid crowd.
Malcolm feels strongly about the standard of some recordings. It is very easy to make a recording as there is no standard required nowadays, but as he says, good stuff will find its own level.
Introducing the Committee
Margaret Smith
This is the beginning of my sixth season as Treasurer for the ‘Box and Fiddle’ paper. It’s a lot of work wrapping and posting nearly 300 papers, and also sending out Invoices and Receipts to all Clubs and Advertisers. However, as long as everyone is patient it can be done and George, my husband, is very understanding and helps as much as possible.
I work part-time as a shop assistant and love gardening and flower arranging.
I’ve been Secretary and a founder member of the Newtongrange A&F Club, which commences its 18th season on 26th September 1994.
I also enjoy old time dancing and we run a monthly dance for our Club funds in the Dean Tavern.
Over the winter months I also teach old time dancing for which Jim Johnstone plays. It has been going now for seven winters and we have as many as 50 some nights. I also helped write ten dances for Robbie Shepherd’s book ‘Let’s Have a Ceilidh’.
All good fun and I love meeting people and I like traveling, particularly in ‘Bonnie Scotland’.
Once you’ve read this, you’ll appreciate how I never feel my days are long enough.
Introducing the Clubs
No 23 Banff and District
by
Two bandleaders – Mr John Morrison of The Woodlanders and Mr Lennie Taylor of the Country Folk Four, both of whom had played regularly at weddings and other functions held in the Royal Oak Hotel, Banff, where Colin’s parents, Allan and Doreen Dempster were the proprietors.
They approached Mr Dempster citing the North East Club, formed the year before, showing great enthusiasm for the formation of something similar. Mr and Mrs Dempster visited the North East Club and were so impressed that they persuaded Colin and his wife to attend the following month’s meeting. Mr Allan Dempster was really the motivator for the formation of the Club. He, along with his wife Doreen, both of whom played piano and fiddle, wanted to give the young people of the area a chance to improve their musical talent and to provide a stimulus for getting others to start playing musical instruments and keep the Scottish music alive.
Subsequent discussions between the Dempster family and John Morrison resulted in an advert being placed in the local newspapers ‘The Banffie’ and ‘The Turra Squeak’ (The Banffshire Journal and The Turriff Advertiser) requesting anyone interested in forming such a Club to come to an open meeting in The Royal Oak. The meeting, held in September 1973, chaired by John Morrison and with Colin Dempster taking notes, was attended by an encouraging number of people, and the Banff and District Accordion and Fiddle Club was formed. The first Committee elected at that meeting, as far as mamory will allow, was as follows :-
Chairman – John D. Morrison
Vice-Chairman Lennie Taylor
Secretary/Treasurer – Colin Dempster
Compere – Alastair McHardy
Committee members – Doreen Dempster, Sheila Birnie, Helen Murray and Charlie Alexander.
It was decided the monthly meetings would be held on the fourth Thursday of each month with the first official Club night held on October 26th, 1973. The guest artistes that night were George Anderson and Ian Duncan, the Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Keith Club (i.e. the North East A&F Club) on accordions. Various people played including John, Helen, Sheila and Charlie’s daughter, Sheila.
In the following months various well-known local accordion and fiddle players were booked as guest artistes, such as Alastair Hunter (Potterton), Lawrence Marr (Ellon), Stuart Anderson (Bucksburn), Alex Green (Mill of Mennie) and Mackie and Florence Burns (Aberdeen). Two bus trips were organised, first to the Boddam Club, and the second to Keith to hear Ian Powrie, who was doing a guest spot on a home visit from Australia.
Every month there was the usual raffle with prizes bought from a fancy goods shop. During these lean years, Alastair McHardy, the compere, kept things going with the players he had available, such as Peter Angus on the mouthorgan, Sheila Birnie on accordion, and Alastair himself with a song or two. The lack of players in the first place, was put down firstly to people being afraid to make a fool of themselves, and secondly with Banff being on the coast they were restricted for players, whereas an inland town can draw people from all around.
During the first few years, competitions were organized, but they faded out over the years.
To help boost the funds some of the ladies organized coffee mornings with home-baking and sales tables and also toffee making. A Dinner Dance was held every year in the early years, with a big raffle.
Colin, the Treasurer at the time, remembers keeping the Club Funds, usually about £30, in a red cashbox under his bed, along with the Club music stand.
The accounts were audited by ‘Choutie’ Thomson, who later received the Freedom of the Club for her invaluable help throughout the years. This was minuted in the Minute Book which has since, unfortunately, been lost. ‘Choutie’ was a regular and appreciative member of the audience, as were many other locals, such as Mrs Mary Craib, who had the flower shop, and Mrs Duff, who at one time was mien host at the popular Dounemount Hotel.
The Club Now
In March, 1978, when the Royal Oak was in different ownership, attendances were going down, and after consultation the Committee decided to make a move, and enquired at the Knowes Hotel, Macduff. After discussion it was decided they would move there. The Club met there until February, 1994, when due to unforeseen circumstances the Hotel closed, and the Club was left without a meeting place. Committee member, Charlie Alexander, went around the various hotels in Banff and Macduff getting particulars, and at a Committee meeting it was decided, after a vote, to accept the Banff Springs Hotel offer as the most suitable.
The Club now meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Banff Springs Hotel and celebrate their 21st anniversary with the North East A&F Club as guests on Wednesday, October 24th 1994.
Calling All Old Time Dance Organisers
by Ron Ramsay
It is pleasing to note that there has been a tremendous upsurge in old time dancing in the past few years. However it is not always easy to find out the venues and which band is playing, especially when on holiday. In an effort to fill this need it is proposed that an ‘Old Time Dance Diary’ be published in the ‘Box and Fiddle’ on similar lines to the Club Diary.
Dance Club organisers are invited to write to me with details of their dances, venues, bands, etc which would be advertised two months in advance. It is suggested that the fee of £1 per entry be made to cover admin costs.
The ‘B&F’ can be ordered and delivered to your Club or sent individually so that enthusiasts can be kept up-to-date with all old time dances in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.
News, views and matters connected with the dances would be welcomed as would instructions on new dances.
Your Letters
I must first apologise for bringing up the thorny subject of the B.B.C.’s coverage of SDM, but feel compelled to write in defense of Robbie Shepherd and Ken Mutch, who I think try to cover all aspects of the Scottish Dance Band scene.
I personally like to know the names of the tunes and a wee bit of their history – it makes the tunes more meaningful. Surely there is not much point in hearing a good tune and not knowing its name? How are you going to recall it, by diddling it?
The composers put a lot of effort into their compositions and they certainly deserve a mention.
Maybe Robbie does go on a bit, but then that’s his style. Just think if the programme was non-stop music, without names of players etc., it would be a turn-off – literally.
Yes Robbie, keep up the good work in promoting the bands, composers of Scottish dance music – the majority of us do enjoy it.
The quiz does get the mind working and I would only suggest that it be connected to the Scottish music scene i.e. shall I dare mention composers of tunes. Your efforts in educating us would not be wasted. The service provided in the Dance and Club news is excellent and keeps enthusiasts well informed.
Name and address supplied
Record Review
The Kirrie Ceilidh – Ian Cruickshanks and Guests – SMR038
Versatility – The Currie Borthers – Astral Label – ASCD 70201
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
1st Oct 94 – Lynne Gould SDB
8th Oct 94 – Duncan Black SDB
15th Oct 94 – Alastair Wood SDB
22nd Oct 94 – Outside Broadcast from Ross Bandstand (Princes Street Gardens) Iain MacPhail SDB P/M Robert Mathieson and D/M Jim Kirkpatrick and Ronnie Brown
29th Oct 94 – Debut of Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band
5th Nov 94 – Debut of Maurice Duncan SDB
12th Nov 94 – Simon Howie SDB
19th Nov 94 – Debut of the Strathmore Sound (Steven Carcary)
26th Nov 94 – Outside Broadcast, Locharbriggs Community Centre – Ian Holmes SDB, Max Houliston Trio and singer Margaret Church
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Oct 94 – Kintore Club
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Oct 94 – John Rae & the Strathbrock SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Oct 94 – Douglas Caird Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 31st Oct 94 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Oct 94 – 21st anniversary – North East Club
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Oct 94 – Andrew Gordon Trio
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Oct 94 – George Stirrat SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Oct 94 – Brian Griffin Duo
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Oct 94 – Angie Smith Trio
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Neil Dawson
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Oct 94 – Sandy Tulloch & Friends
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Mhairi Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 21st Oct 94 – Gary Donaldson Trio
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Oct 94 – Ryan McGlynn Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) -
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) –
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Oct 94 – Bill Black SDB 25th Oct Danielle Pauly
Islay (White Hart Hotel) - 1st Oct 94 – Simon Moran & Graham Rozga 29th Oct – Neil Sinclair Band & Peter Sinclair (Singer)
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 4th Oct 94 – Alistair McCulloch
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Angie Smith & Neil MacEachern
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Oct 94 – John Renton SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 18th Oct 94 – Holly Duo
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 25th Oct 94 – Ian Lowthian & Catriona MacDonald
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 18th Oct 94 – Judith Linton Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31st Oct 94 – Neil Copeland SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Caledonian Hotel) – 6th Oct 94 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Oct 94 – Lynn Gould SDB 29th Oct After Festival Dance Alan Doig SDB & Iain Cathcart SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Oct 94 – Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Oct 94 – Club Night
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Oct 94 – Deirdre Adamson
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 11th Oct 94 – George Sim & Charlie Abel
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Oct 94 – Alister MacLeod SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Biggar
4. Blairgowrie
5. Dingwall
6. Dundee
7. Islay
8. Islesteps
9. Kintore
10. Lesmahagow
11. Montrose
12. North East
13. Renfrew
14. Thurso
15. Turriff
16. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1994 (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. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
47. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
48. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
49. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
50. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
51. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
52. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
53. Mull A&F Club
54. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
55. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
56. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
57. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
58. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
59. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
60. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
61. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
62. Renfrew A&F Club (
63. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
64. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
65. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
66. Sutherland A&F Club (
67. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
68. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
69. Tranent A&F Club
70. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
71. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
72. 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?)
73. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
74. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
75. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
76. Buchan A&F Club
77. Callander A&F Club (
78. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
79. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
80. Club Accord
81. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
82. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
83. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
84. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
85. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
86. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
87. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
88. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
89. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
93. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
94. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
95. Newcastleton Accordion Club
96. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
97. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
98. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
99. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
100. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
101. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
102. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
103. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £94
Half Page - £47
Quarter Page - £24
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
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
Hope you like the slightly different format of the paper. You will see that I intend to run an Old Time dance diary so the enthusiasts can keep up to date with all that’s going on. I hope it receives favourable support and eventually when it is in full swing you will be able to see where the dances are, who’s playing etc, two months in advance.
The ‘Box and Fiddle’ is your newspaper so make good use of it to promote your views, comments and advertisements throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
I would welcome information from Clubs regarding attendance and/or tuition of youngsters, as I am aware that we seem to be lacking in encouraging the musicians of tomorrow.
Ron Ramsay
Portrait of a Drummer – Malcolm Ross
by Ron Ramsay
Malcolm was born in 1960, in Friockheim, Angus, his father was the late Lindsay Ross. His mother, Mary, resides in Arbroath. Malcolm has two sisters, Catriona and Mairi and a brother, Gary. Unfortunately they are not musical. Malcolm, who resides in Arbroath, has two sons, Michael (9) and Christopher (11), who have not shown any great interest in following in their father’s footsteps.
Malcolm’s recollection of his first encounter with drums was when he was 5 years old. Jim Bruce, who was drummer with Lindsay, arrived at his house with a brand new drum kit. He remembers it was ‘Mother of Pearl’ and he was ‘fair ta’en on’ with it and thought to himself – this is for me. On his 6th birthday Malcolm became the proud owner of a snare drum and, of course, drumsticks, by courtesy of Bill Jarvis. Various drummers who visited the Ross household would give Malcolm some tips and he soon became proficient enough to accompany his father at a wedding dance. Although only 6 years old, he remembers receiving about £3 from the wedding guests for his half hour stint and spent all Sunday counting the money and planning on how to spend his fortune.
Malcolm progressed with the drums and when 11 years of age he started playing with Jim Fairweather’s (Alyth) Band, usually from 8pm till 2am in village halls in the Glens. The band members were Willie Mann, Bill Cormack, Jim Sturrock and Doug Milne who was Malcolm’s chauffeur.
During the next two years Malcolm improved so much that his father, Lindsay, asked him to play with him and so the Lindsay Ross Trio was formed and they played up until Lindsay’s death in August, 1980.
Malcolm decided to play freelance and would play the drums to any kind of music, from Scottish, Jazz to Musicals. He has been the drummer with the Angus Black and White Minstrels for the past 23 years. He has also been drummer in the musical ‘Chess’ and has the recognition of being the youngest drummer in Scotland to play percussion in the musical ‘Windy City’ which he says he thoroughly enjoyed, although very hard work.
When he was with his father they lost all their instruments in a fire at the Meadowbank Inn and it was then that Malcolm took a job as a roofer to make money to buy a new drum kit.
He sat his audition with the B.B.C. when he was 11 years old and did his first broadcast with his father.
In 1976 he made his first L.P. – ‘Great Scottish Dancers’ on the Polydor label along with his father.
His tutor in drumming was mainly Alan Johnson, of Broughty Ferry, who sadly died earlier this year. Alan played with the George Chisholm Jazz Band. Another pupil at the same time was Brian McDermott who plays with ‘Del Amitri’. Malcolm had a great respect and admiration for Alan.
Malcolm has recorded with Bobby Crowe, Angus Fitchet, Billy Anderson and Albany, Davie Stewart, Peter Bruce, Deirdre Adamson, Wayne Robertson, James Lindsay, Lothianaires, Hebbie Gray, Cameron Kerr Band and, of course, his father, Lindsay Ross. He has played with nearly all the top Scottish Dance Bands during his fairly short career.
His present drum kit is a Pearl BLX, which is certainly top of the range. He also uses electronic drums when playing at theatres as percussion is an important part of musicals. Malcolm enjoys being in the pits surrounded by his kit and enjoys even more when the show finishes. He can be at the bar with the showgirls instead of packing up his gear at one nighters. Malcolm enjoys the challenge of playing at musicals and has played at theatres throughout Tayside, Edinburgh, Glasgow and high society functions in the presence of royalty and prominent politicians with the New Cavandish Band and Bobby Crowe in Claridges and the Grosvenor Hotel in London to name but two.
Malcolm’s hobby is motor cycle racing and spectating. He is the proud owner of a Laverda Jota 1000cc road motorcycle with a top speed of 150m.p.h. He is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man TT.
He is a frequent visitor to Holland where he takes the opportunity to listen to the Jazz Bands. He states that they have the best drummers. He has met Jeff Porcaro who is a pop group session drummer and Buddy Rich who is an American ‘super star’ in drumming circles. The band ‘Tower of Power’ has been a great influence on his drumming and his ambition is to improve his drumming ability and he is inspired by drummers in Jazz and Funky bands.
His favourite bands are Capercaillie, Jimmy Blue and Angus Fitchet.
Malcolm recalls an incident a few years ago when George Solely acquired a life-size inflatable woman and during the night, hung it on Malcolm’s washing line. In the morning all the neighbours had seen it before Malcolm and he had a lot of explaining to do. However, having traced the prankster, he had the opportunity for revenge. George was requiring the loan of an amp from Malcolm as he was playing at the Bowling Club Dance. Malcolm acquired some girlie magazines and pasted the amp with pictures cut out from them, then put the cover on and delivered it to George. When George arrived at the Bowling Club, the presentation was taking place, so he carried on the amp, set it on stage, took off the cover and went to get the remainder of the gear. When he re-entered the hall, the place was in uproar, the centre of attraction being the amp – George then had some explaining to do, but it brightened up an otherwise staid crowd.
Malcolm feels strongly about the standard of some recordings. It is very easy to make a recording as there is no standard required nowadays, but as he says, good stuff will find its own level.
Introducing the Committee
Margaret Smith
This is the beginning of my sixth season as Treasurer for the ‘Box and Fiddle’ paper. It’s a lot of work wrapping and posting nearly 300 papers, and also sending out Invoices and Receipts to all Clubs and Advertisers. However, as long as everyone is patient it can be done and George, my husband, is very understanding and helps as much as possible.
I work part-time as a shop assistant and love gardening and flower arranging.
I’ve been Secretary and a founder member of the Newtongrange A&F Club, which commences its 18th season on 26th September 1994.
I also enjoy old time dancing and we run a monthly dance for our Club funds in the Dean Tavern.
Over the winter months I also teach old time dancing for which Jim Johnstone plays. It has been going now for seven winters and we have as many as 50 some nights. I also helped write ten dances for Robbie Shepherd’s book ‘Let’s Have a Ceilidh’.
All good fun and I love meeting people and I like traveling, particularly in ‘Bonnie Scotland’.
Once you’ve read this, you’ll appreciate how I never feel my days are long enough.
Introducing the Clubs
No 23 Banff and District
by
Two bandleaders – Mr John Morrison of The Woodlanders and Mr Lennie Taylor of the Country Folk Four, both of whom had played regularly at weddings and other functions held in the Royal Oak Hotel, Banff, where Colin’s parents, Allan and Doreen Dempster were the proprietors.
They approached Mr Dempster citing the North East Club, formed the year before, showing great enthusiasm for the formation of something similar. Mr and Mrs Dempster visited the North East Club and were so impressed that they persuaded Colin and his wife to attend the following month’s meeting. Mr Allan Dempster was really the motivator for the formation of the Club. He, along with his wife Doreen, both of whom played piano and fiddle, wanted to give the young people of the area a chance to improve their musical talent and to provide a stimulus for getting others to start playing musical instruments and keep the Scottish music alive.
Subsequent discussions between the Dempster family and John Morrison resulted in an advert being placed in the local newspapers ‘The Banffie’ and ‘The Turra Squeak’ (The Banffshire Journal and The Turriff Advertiser) requesting anyone interested in forming such a Club to come to an open meeting in The Royal Oak. The meeting, held in September 1973, chaired by John Morrison and with Colin Dempster taking notes, was attended by an encouraging number of people, and the Banff and District Accordion and Fiddle Club was formed. The first Committee elected at that meeting, as far as mamory will allow, was as follows :-
Chairman – John D. Morrison
Vice-Chairman Lennie Taylor
Secretary/Treasurer – Colin Dempster
Compere – Alastair McHardy
Committee members – Doreen Dempster, Sheila Birnie, Helen Murray and Charlie Alexander.
It was decided the monthly meetings would be held on the fourth Thursday of each month with the first official Club night held on October 26th, 1973. The guest artistes that night were George Anderson and Ian Duncan, the Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Keith Club (i.e. the North East A&F Club) on accordions. Various people played including John, Helen, Sheila and Charlie’s daughter, Sheila.
In the following months various well-known local accordion and fiddle players were booked as guest artistes, such as Alastair Hunter (Potterton), Lawrence Marr (Ellon), Stuart Anderson (Bucksburn), Alex Green (Mill of Mennie) and Mackie and Florence Burns (Aberdeen). Two bus trips were organised, first to the Boddam Club, and the second to Keith to hear Ian Powrie, who was doing a guest spot on a home visit from Australia.
Every month there was the usual raffle with prizes bought from a fancy goods shop. During these lean years, Alastair McHardy, the compere, kept things going with the players he had available, such as Peter Angus on the mouthorgan, Sheila Birnie on accordion, and Alastair himself with a song or two. The lack of players in the first place, was put down firstly to people being afraid to make a fool of themselves, and secondly with Banff being on the coast they were restricted for players, whereas an inland town can draw people from all around.
During the first few years, competitions were organized, but they faded out over the years.
To help boost the funds some of the ladies organized coffee mornings with home-baking and sales tables and also toffee making. A Dinner Dance was held every year in the early years, with a big raffle.
Colin, the Treasurer at the time, remembers keeping the Club Funds, usually about £30, in a red cashbox under his bed, along with the Club music stand.
The accounts were audited by ‘Choutie’ Thomson, who later received the Freedom of the Club for her invaluable help throughout the years. This was minuted in the Minute Book which has since, unfortunately, been lost. ‘Choutie’ was a regular and appreciative member of the audience, as were many other locals, such as Mrs Mary Craib, who had the flower shop, and Mrs Duff, who at one time was mien host at the popular Dounemount Hotel.
The Club Now
In March, 1978, when the Royal Oak was in different ownership, attendances were going down, and after consultation the Committee decided to make a move, and enquired at the Knowes Hotel, Macduff. After discussion it was decided they would move there. The Club met there until February, 1994, when due to unforeseen circumstances the Hotel closed, and the Club was left without a meeting place. Committee member, Charlie Alexander, went around the various hotels in Banff and Macduff getting particulars, and at a Committee meeting it was decided, after a vote, to accept the Banff Springs Hotel offer as the most suitable.
The Club now meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Banff Springs Hotel and celebrate their 21st anniversary with the North East A&F Club as guests on Wednesday, October 24th 1994.
Calling All Old Time Dance Organisers
by Ron Ramsay
It is pleasing to note that there has been a tremendous upsurge in old time dancing in the past few years. However it is not always easy to find out the venues and which band is playing, especially when on holiday. In an effort to fill this need it is proposed that an ‘Old Time Dance Diary’ be published in the ‘Box and Fiddle’ on similar lines to the Club Diary.
Dance Club organisers are invited to write to me with details of their dances, venues, bands, etc which would be advertised two months in advance. It is suggested that the fee of £1 per entry be made to cover admin costs.
The ‘B&F’ can be ordered and delivered to your Club or sent individually so that enthusiasts can be kept up-to-date with all old time dances in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.
News, views and matters connected with the dances would be welcomed as would instructions on new dances.
Your Letters
I must first apologise for bringing up the thorny subject of the B.B.C.’s coverage of SDM, but feel compelled to write in defense of Robbie Shepherd and Ken Mutch, who I think try to cover all aspects of the Scottish Dance Band scene.
I personally like to know the names of the tunes and a wee bit of their history – it makes the tunes more meaningful. Surely there is not much point in hearing a good tune and not knowing its name? How are you going to recall it, by diddling it?
The composers put a lot of effort into their compositions and they certainly deserve a mention.
Maybe Robbie does go on a bit, but then that’s his style. Just think if the programme was non-stop music, without names of players etc., it would be a turn-off – literally.
Yes Robbie, keep up the good work in promoting the bands, composers of Scottish dance music – the majority of us do enjoy it.
The quiz does get the mind working and I would only suggest that it be connected to the Scottish music scene i.e. shall I dare mention composers of tunes. Your efforts in educating us would not be wasted. The service provided in the Dance and Club news is excellent and keeps enthusiasts well informed.
Name and address supplied
Record Review
The Kirrie Ceilidh – Ian Cruickshanks and Guests – SMR038
Versatility – The Currie Borthers – Astral Label – ASCD 70201
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
1st Oct 94 – Lynne Gould SDB
8th Oct 94 – Duncan Black SDB
15th Oct 94 – Alastair Wood SDB
22nd Oct 94 – Outside Broadcast from Ross Bandstand (Princes Street Gardens) Iain MacPhail SDB P/M Robert Mathieson and D/M Jim Kirkpatrick and Ronnie Brown
29th Oct 94 – Debut of Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band
5th Nov 94 – Debut of Maurice Duncan SDB
12th Nov 94 – Simon Howie SDB
19th Nov 94 – Debut of the Strathmore Sound (Steven Carcary)
26th Nov 94 – Outside Broadcast, Locharbriggs Community Centre – Ian Holmes SDB, Max Houliston Trio and singer Margaret Church
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Oct 94 – Kintore Club
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Oct 94 – John Rae & the Strathbrock SDB
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 16th Oct 94 – Douglas Caird Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 31st Oct 94 – Fiddlers 3 + 2
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Oct 94 – 21st anniversary – North East Club
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 17th Oct 94 – Andrew Gordon Trio
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 9th Oct 94 – George Stirrat SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Oct 94 – Brian Griffin Duo
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Oct 94 – Angie Smith Trio
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Neil Dawson
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 18th Oct 94 – Sandy Tulloch & Friends
Dundee (Park Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Mhairi Coutts SDB
Dunfermline (Roadhouse) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 21st Oct 94 – Gary Donaldson Trio
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 27th Oct 94 – Ryan McGlynn Trio
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) -
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) –
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 4th Oct 94 – Bill Black SDB 25th Oct Danielle Pauly
Islay (White Hart Hotel) - 1st Oct 94 – Simon Moran & Graham Rozga 29th Oct – Neil Sinclair Band & Peter Sinclair (Singer)
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) – 4th Oct 94 – Alistair McCulloch
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 5th Oct 94 – Angie Smith & Neil MacEachern
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Oct 94 – John Renton SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 18th Oct 94 – Holly Duo
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) - 25th Oct 94 – Ian Lowthian & Catriona MacDonald
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 18th Oct 94 – Judith Linton Trio
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31st Oct 94 – Neil Copeland SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Caledonian Hotel) – 6th Oct 94 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Oct 94 – Lynn Gould SDB 29th Oct After Festival Dance Alan Doig SDB & Iain Cathcart SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 6th Oct 94 – Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 9th Oct 94 – Club Night
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 6th Oct 94 – Deirdre Adamson
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 11th Oct 94 – George Sim & Charlie Abel
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 19th Oct 94 – Alister MacLeod SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Banchory
3. Biggar
4. Blairgowrie
5. Dingwall
6. Dundee
7. Islay
8. Islesteps
9. Kintore
10. Lesmahagow
11. Montrose
12. North East
13. Renfrew
14. Thurso
15. Turriff
16. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1994 (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. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
20. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
21. Derwentside A&F Club
22. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
23. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
24. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Grena 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
47. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
48. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
49. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
50. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
51. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
52. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
53. Mull A&F Club
54. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
55. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
56. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
57. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
58. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
59. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
60. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
61. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
62. Renfrew A&F Club (
63. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
64. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
65. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
66. Sutherland A&F Club (
67. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
68. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
69. Tranent A&F Club
70. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
71. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
72. 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?)
73. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
74. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
75. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
76. Buchan A&F Club
77. Callander A&F Club (
78. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
79. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
80. Club Accord
81. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
82. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
83. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
84. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
85. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
86. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
87. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
88. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
89. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
90. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
91. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
92. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
93. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
94. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
95. Newcastleton Accordion Club
96. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
97. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
98. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
99. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
100. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
101. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
102. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
103. Wellbank A&F Club
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