Box and Fiddle
Year 44 No 02
October 2020
Price £3.00
3 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Well, Phase 4 did not begin in September. The next indicative date will be 5th October when certain indoor live events and other indoor entertainments with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers will perhaps be allowed to start up. Let us hope that this time it will happen. Well, it WILL happen at some point, we just have to be patient and careful – and stay positive until then.
The Club season began in September. …………
I hope we can continue to publish, but decisions to continue publishing will now be taken on a month-to-month basis. If we have to halt temporarily, all subscriptions will, of course, be moved forward the required number of months.
Pia Walker
A Family Affair
by Pia Walker
This story started around 20 years ago, when a young lass from Dumfries went with a friend to the All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival dance held at the Salutation Hotel, Perth. During the dance an accordionist asked, “Do you fancy a dance?” It seemed to do the trick as 4 months later they were engaged, later still they got married and now they have 3 kids.
The musician was a certain Gordon Shand and the lass referred to is now his wife, Ailsa. Their children are Clelland (15), Blythe (14) and Inver (12). The Shands are a family full of music and the children have all won various titles since they started out, as the amount of trophies in their house shows. Indeed mum Ailsa told me that there’s always music in their house – which is hardly surprising, with Gordon also being a well-known danceband leader and an accomplished composer.
Gordon hails originally from Tillicoultry, but now resides in Dunfermline. When I asked him how he started out, he told the story of how he could have ended up being a fiddler. Apparently whilst he was in Primary 5 there was one fiddle place available. However three pupils, including Gordon, all wanted to play the fiddle. The school’s Head Teacher decided that the only way they could settle who would get the place was for each of them to do a singing test, and Gordon pointed out that this is why he now plays the accordion! When he found out that he wasn’t picked for the fiddle he went home that night crying. His mum told him not to worry and took him to Hay’s Music Shop in Stirling where they saw a wee red 48-bass Galotta piano accordion. Gordon grew up listening to Scottish dance band records and to his dad Bert playing a wee 2-row button-box at home on festive occasions, and therefore always fancied trying the accordion. The instrument was brought home on the bus ina cardboard box as they had to order a case for it and Gordon revealed that the new case probably cost as much as the accordion itself.
Gordon was nearly 11 years-of-age when his parents arranged lessons with Mrs Steel who resided just a few miles away in Alva. However, after around 6 months he changed tutors to a Mr Bob Dalrymple from Kincardine, who was a teacher of various styles of music including Continental and Scottish. As the 14-year-old Gordon joined the Fife Accordion Orchestra who rehearsed in Kelty and studied under the guidance of Musical director Jimmy Martin and Conductor Jimmy Greer. Gordon tells the story that Jimmy Greer was from a military / brass band background and he could hear a bum note from a mile away! He would stop the whole orchestra and ask various sections to play individually until he found the culprit.
Gordon visibly shuddered when he told this tale. Gordon also reckoned that playing the harmony parts in the orchestra can often be more challenging than playing the lead line. Clelland, Blythe and Inver mentioned that they have fun when their dad plays along with them. They find it hilarious when he does harmony runs for fun and Gordon himself said, “I never play the same thing twice.” Gordon worked originally as a civil engineer, hence the title of the dance The Civil Engineer devised by long time friend and godfather of Blythe, Hunter Campbell. Gordon has diversified from his civil engineering days and he now works for the CTM Group as their Contracts Director. I was also interested to hear that the company is owned by another accordionist, David Oswald. Gordon advised that they specialise in traffic management and road markings. I think a tune titled The Cone Men perhaps would be appropriate. I will never now look at a traffic management system again without thinking of Gordon and David!
I went to Dunfermline to meet up with this very musical family as I, and probably you to, had heard many good things about the young Shands and wanted to meet them and hear their story.
The oldest is Clelland who is going into 4th year at Dunfermline High School this year, studying physics, design & manufacture, music, drama and history amongst other subjects. He and his sister were pupils of Woodmill High which unfortunately burned down about a year ago, so in order to progress their education the decision to change schools was made. When you combine this with the recent Covid19 Lockdown you can understand it hasn’t been an easy time for them; however, they both like their new school and have settled in really well.
Clelland plays the accordion and told his story about how he got started; and it seems to echo his dad’s. In town one day Gordon passed the shop Cash Generators and saw a small Hohner accordion in the window. He phoned home to ask Ailsa if she thought it was a good idea to purchase this for 8-year-old Clelland. She replied, “You’d better speak to him yourself” and handed the phone to Clelland, who in his very laid-back manner just said, “Yeah, okay!” Gordon mentioned that once Clelland had decided he wanted to take up the accordion, there was only one person he had in mind to teach him: his long-time musical friend Keith Dickson. Luckily for Gordon, Keith found a space for Clelland in his busy teaching schedule and so began regular Sunday morning treks to Keith’s home near Dolphinton.
Shortly after Clelland started his lessons, Blythe asked if she could have piano lessons. Once again Gordon approached Keith and he agreed to teach 7-year-old Blythe the piano. After seeing Clelland and Blythe return home so enthusiastic about their lessons, 6-year-old Inver soon wanted to join them and thus began Inver’s accordion adventure with lessons on a small 24-bass accordion. Throughout my meeting with all three children it was very obvious how much they enjoyed their music lessons and how much they admired their teacher Keith Dickson.
Clelland told me he liked all kinds of music. He enjoyed Scottish music with a certain leaning to Celtic-rock, although he did mention he also liked French musette and classical. It would seem he really enjoys competitions as he loves to be able to pick a tune, practice it and gain a sense of satisfaction when all the hard work pays off. He also enjoys meeting other competitors and making friends at competitions. One of his best musical experiences was at the Trophee Mondial held in Onet-le-Chateau in France, where he was asked up on stage to play with the world renowned accordionist Eric Bouvelle. They remain friends to this day.
The Trophee Mondial in 2017 was a great life experience for the whole family. In order to get there without splitting the accordions, as they would have had to if flying, they decided to hire a minibus and travel in style. However, it took three days to get there, and according to Clelland’s facial expressions it was three days too much. In fact all of them looked a bit pained on remembering this. Having three kids asking, “When are we there?” can do that to you, as all parents know. But they all agreed that it was a fantastic occasion. They made so many new friends, and language barriers posed no problems thanks to Google translate – at least not for the children, who chatted away happily to others via their mobiles. Clelland was delighted to win the 12 and Under Musette Section.
Quiet 14-year-old Blythe’s first love is the piano and she likes classical music the best. She is also attending Dunfermline High School, studying accounting, music, physics, graphic communication and design and manufacture. Although she started on the piano she told me that she decided to take up the accordion 4 years ago. She was finding it frustrating sitting on the sidelines when travelling to accordion competitions with her brothers and so decided that she would have to take up the accordion too. Blythe won the Mod Under-13 Piano Section held in Oban at the age of 9 and has also won Solo Accordion Championships. In 2017 she became the UK Champion in the Under-10 Polka Category. She too likes competing and the preparation involved.
These kids are amazingly well adjusted. Two are teenagers and one is on the cusp of being so, yet there’s still no need for the United Nations Diplomatic corps! I asked if they were competitive at home, but was told that they generally get on well at home and support each other. In fact, Ailsa told me that they had always explained to the kids that the family was a team, and it seemed to have worked.
While we were talking piano music, Clelland mentioned that only a month earlier he had taken up the piano as his second instrument to help his work towards his Nat5 music exam. He did mention that Blythe was always on hand to offer her help to him and he really appreciated it. Everyone agreed that Blythe was really, really helpful to both of her brothers.
And so the story turns to Inver, the youngest and most extrovert of team Shand. Inver came third in the Variety Section at the 2017 Trophee Mondial. He likes all kinds of music, but has a passion for Scottish traditional, especially pipe tunes. However, he also enjoys playing musettes. (Obviously a genetic thing, as his dad also liked them when he was younger.) He likes performing more than competing, as he feels it is a far more relaxed atmosphere when you don’t have to focus so much on not making mistakes. He went on to mention that he enjoyed the interaction with the crowd, so perhaps we will see him on the dance music scene soon.
He has already realized that the audiences are different. There is total silence at a competition, but applause at performances. Inver too is starting High School this year and has managed to get into Dunfermline High beside Clelland and Blythe. He also intends to study music when the time comes, with piano as his second choice of instrument, and has already nominated Blythe to help out. Like his siblings he has taken home a wealth of cups and trophies including sections at the UK and Scottish All Accordion Championships.
They all went to Portugal in November 2019 for the Trophee Mondial, and this time Clelland won the World Musette Section for ages 13 – 35 while Inver came second in the Variety Section for age 12 and Under. All three competed again as a trio in the World Music Section. This was an Open Section so they were competing against the top senior players from around the world, and they were the youngest competitors. Their performance included 4 pieces with the boys on accordion and Blythe playing the grand piano. This section was adjudicated by 15 judges from countries all around the world including China, Russia, America, Italy – the list goes on. All three of them agreed it was a fantastic experience and were pleased with the feedback they received from the adjudicators and the audience.
Having just heard about the road trip to France, I pictured something similar for the journey to Portugal. But no, this tome they flew and the accordions had seats to themselves. They also rented a villa with a pool and this was extremely popular with the family, who spent a considerable time in it. Inver also told me that the food was amazing there.
So are these kids just musical prodigies and immersed in music only? Or are they interested in other things? The answer is, of course, that they have other interests. Clelland likes basketball, and follows Alloa Athletic football team, as does his father. However, Clelland also has a soft spot for Everton. Furthermore, when not playing accordion he plays another box – the X-box!
Inver likes basketball and Queen of the South. Apparently his choice of football team is due to his uncle’s influence (his mum is from Dumfries). He also kind-of-likes Alloa, but “does not want to disappoint his uncle,” he laughs. (Pars do not get a shoe-in!)
Blythe likes hockey, and when they go back to school after Lockdown she will see if she can join the after-school class. Her mum told me she was a natural Highland dancer when she was younger, but “the music won!”
Unlike Clelland, both Blythe and Inver more or less know what they want to do later in life. Blythe is considering a career in teaching and according to the family she is a natural teacher with infinite patience. Inver wants to open a bakery. The family all agreed with one voice that he made the most amazing shortbread and brownies. He also bakes bread. When Inver leaves school he wants to change the garden shed into a bakery and so his Dad recently composed a pipe reel called The Shed Baker. Clelland once wanted to become an aerospace engineer, but right now he hasn’t got a clue! Typical teenager that he is!
Going back to school will be different this year. Their school burning down meant that they became internet pupils, then Lockdown meant that since March they have been doing all their schoolwork from home via digital and on-line means. This is not easy in a house with three kids, but they have aced these problems. Even their Sunday music lessons have been done via Skype thanks to Keith Dickson’s efforts. I did ask if they were practicing a lot and Inver told me that there was a competition coming up and therefore they were practicing a little more.
They also have spontaneous tunes with Dad, who right now has finished a bucket-list project. This is something he had always been meaning to do as a kind of legacy, but had never got round to. It is a book of his own compositions scored for the bagpipes. Ailsa can now have her dining room table back without it being overflowing with papers. Among the music titles within the book, which is titled Journey, are one called Horizontal, after Clelland’s usual relaxed demeanour, and of course The Shed Baker in honour of Inver.
We haven’t heard much from Gordon himself musically lately although he has been commissioned to record a Country Dance album with his band later this year. He does admit that life in general is busy with work. Both he and Ailsa are also fully committed to their children and their musical careers and this seems to bear fruit. This is a family we will hear so much more about and I, for one, look forward to seeing Clelland, Blythe and Inver grow both personally and musically.
Learning in Lockdown
by Keith Dickson
With all our movements restricted from March 2020 owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, music teachers and students faced an unprecedented challenge on how to continue with education without incorporating face-to-face lessons.
Scots Music Group - ……….
Livingston A&F Club – The End of An Era
by
In 1999, to celebrate the Club’s 25th Anniversary, one of our founder members, Murdo McLeod, wrote an excellent history-to-date of Livingston A&F Club. That report contains details of so many visits to the Club by famous musicians, both of the time and of the present day, that it reads almost as a Who’s Who of the Scottish traditional music scene. I offer no apology for indulging in a little plagiarism in composing this article.
Before becoming the Livingston A&F Club in 1973, the Club had its roots in Edinburgh in 1971, when musicians and folk singers would firstly gather as an informal practice group and then have alternating folk singer and musician guest artiste evenings. Only when the Club moved to Livingston, and there was a desire for a more formal organisation, did it become the Club we know today. In the 1970s accordion teacher Chrissie Leatham encouraged her proteges to attend the Club and so the likes of Iain MacPhail and Jim Johnstone were amongst those first players.
The very first guest spot was filled by Bert Shorthouse whose fee for the evening was £12. This being the first visit to such a Club by many of the audience, they were suitably thrilled and remained members for many years. That year, pianist Derek Lawrence wrote the jig Livingston Accordion Club. It was recorded by sandy Coghill and can now be viewed on YouTube. Then, on the 10th Anniversary of the Club, John Rae, a member from the beginning, wrote a fine polka dedicated to the Club.
After making use of ten different venues in the Livingston area over a couple of decades, varying in diversity from Rab’s Bar in Deans to Cameron Iron Works, the Club in 1998 moved to The Hillcroft Hotel in Whitburn and this remained as our permanent venue right into 2020.
In the early years, many established musicians and bandleaders were either Committee members or Club members. With few Accordion and Fiddle Clubs around, this was a great opportunity for musicians to perform to an eager audience. Club membership peaked at 116 although Club night attendance was much higher, as not every Club meeting attendee became a member. By 2020 membership had reduced to 50 with very few non-members in attendance.
An interesting proposal at the 1977 meeting was that membership and door prices should rise as follows: membership to be £1 (10p for juniors) for the season, with an entrance fee to each meeting of 50p (30p for pensioners) and 60p for non-members. In today’s money, that would make membership £5.61, so we managed to stay below inflation at £4 in this late 19/20 season. At the same meeting it was agreed that the B&F magazine would be sold to Club members for 5p.
In January 1978, the Club welcomed Jim Cleland as guest artist, and at our final meeting in February 2020 he again appeared on the agenda. This time he was playing 2nd box with Willie McFarlane, although it has to be said that he also took the lead on occasion.
In 1980 the Club had 17 Committee members. Many of these held the position of President, Chair or Treasurer over the years. Arthur Brown remained as Honorary Secretary for approaching 30 years, although others rotated their positions. In 2020 the number of Committee members had reduced to 10 and it was proving impossible to recruit new Committee or Club members. And so, the present Committee made the very sad but inevitable decision to close the Club. With age catching up with everyone and a lack of interested parties to run the Club, it was felt closure was inevitable.
Over the years invited guest artistes have been generous in their fees, appreciating that funds are tight for A&F Clubs everywhere. This generosity, and that of the Hilcroft Hotel in not raising their fees, has helped to enable the Club to exist successfully for as many years as it has. For many years, the Club has relied upon Jim Dow, Jack McLeish and Iain Wilson to support club players and upon bob Wight and Bill Arnott to be the Club MCs. So many local musicians have played for us over the years, Bill Black, bob Berry, George Forsyth, Willy McFarlane and Jessie Whyte being only a few of the more recent many.
But the other stars of the show have been our Club members who have turned out for 47 years, come rain or shine, to listen, to enjoy and applaud so very many talented musicians.
Thank you and good night.
Newcastleton Medicine
by Keith Dickson
Newcastleton, or Copshaw Holm as it is known, last year celebrated 50 years of its Traditional Music Festival, a festival renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, this year’s festival, which was due to be held from 3rd to 5th July, was cancelled due to the cononavirus outbreak.
However, it was decided to run the 51st Festival online – Virtually Holm!
The accordion and fiddle classes at Newcastleton have been well supported over the years. However,
this year the accordion and fiddle players were grouped together with all other instrumental competitors and were invited to submit a video of themselves performing a tune which they had learned to play during Lockdown. The category was named ‘traditional tune medicine’ and was divided into two age groups: 16 and Under and Adults.
The 16 and Under Class attracted 15 entries with judge Carol Anderson selecting accordionist Daisy Arnold from Moniaive as the overall winner. Daisy performed the strathspey Walter Rutherford composed by Michael Philip. The adult class featured 4 entries and was won by Penicuik accordionist Brian Smith performing the march Alasdair Cunningham Weir composed by Robin Brock.
A special award was shared by young musicians Alastair Adamson and Bruce Roberts for their ‘capturing of the Copshaw spirit’. Alastair performed a new march composed by Nicky McMichan, Stuart Adamson of the Holm, and Bruce performed the classic Copshawholme Fair.
Centre Stage
Ian Adamson (drummer)
Book Review
The Clyde Valley Collection – by Allan W. Smith (Kirkfieldbank by Lanark) – 76 Original Tunes – reviewed by Peter Wood
New Scottish Fiddle Tunes – from Karen Steven – reviewed by Marie Fielding
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
My whole world came crashing down as the Lockdown was put into place back in March. I was due to be guesting in Foster and Allen’s ‘Putting on the Style’ Tour of England, having spent several months promoting the single we had recorded together. It would probably have been my busiest year to date until then. We had a particularly high number of venues book in new areas as well as many planned promotional tours.
My whole life has been based around music since the age of 10 so I probably took it harder than I like to admit. What I miss most is performing live on stage, trying to do the best I can and meeting everyone after the performance. I really miss the personal connection.
But we decided to keep active here in Wick and have been very lucky to have the studio in-house so to speak, continuing to record what must be well over 150 tunes and songs for future albums. We have also been keeping up our TV show on Spotlight TV where was broadcast every Thursday at 4pm on Sky 376 and Freesat 517, with repeats on Wednesdays at 3pm. The messages, calls, letters and social media posts have given us hope that when everything returns to normal there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
This whole situation has made me realise more than ever how lucky I am with all the opportunities that have come my way, all the places my music has taken me and all the people I’ve met. I cannot wait for the day I can return to the stage and meet up with you all again. It’s the only thing that drives me forward!
I’d like to wish Pia, the B&F magazine and all its readers all the very best and to thank you all for reading my story. I’d like also to give my personal condolences to the families that have suffered bereavement and to people who have been affected by this virus in these incredibly troubling times. My thoughts are with you.
Best wishes
Brandon McPhee
Largoward Old Time Dancing
Largoward Village Hall in fife has been a venue for dancing for around 70 years and the dances held there must be some of the longest running of our type of dances. The dance was first run by Lindsay Ross, the well-known bandleader, then for a short time by Harry Whittlet who was a relation of Lindsay’s. Bob and Margaret Grier then continued organizing the dancing for many years. For 10 years now the dancing has been organized by the capable hands of the two Normans (McMenigall and Myles), both accordion players, and their wives Cath and Moira. Saturday nights often saw visitors from all over the world take part in the dancing.
Over the years a great variety of bands have graced the stage there. Take the Floor has also been recorded in the hall with various bands although this was usually done mid-week.
Like all venues, the dancing numbers in attendance are quite variable as bereavements, illnesses and aging take their toll (this also applies to the bands!)
We can only hope that the dancing resumes before too long. When we start again readers, dancers and visitors will get a warm welcome to a good night’s dancing at Largoward Village Hall.
Ian McCallum
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
3rd Oct 2020 – Archive Session
10th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
17th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
24th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS (although none of them met) FROM :-
1. Aberdeen TMSA
2. Arbroath
3. Biggar
4. Lewis & Harris
5. North East
6. Orkney
7. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Forfar A&F Club (
24. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
25. Fort William A&F Club ( )
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
38. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
39. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
40. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
42. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
43. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
44. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
45. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
46. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
47. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
48. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
49. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
50 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
51 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
52 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
53 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
54 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?)
55. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
56. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
57. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Derwentside A&F Club
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – Februry 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer –
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Well, Phase 4 did not begin in September. The next indicative date will be 5th October when certain indoor live events and other indoor entertainments with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers will perhaps be allowed to start up. Let us hope that this time it will happen. Well, it WILL happen at some point, we just have to be patient and careful – and stay positive until then.
The Club season began in September. …………
I hope we can continue to publish, but decisions to continue publishing will now be taken on a month-to-month basis. If we have to halt temporarily, all subscriptions will, of course, be moved forward the required number of months.
Pia Walker
A Family Affair
by Pia Walker
This story started around 20 years ago, when a young lass from Dumfries went with a friend to the All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival dance held at the Salutation Hotel, Perth. During the dance an accordionist asked, “Do you fancy a dance?” It seemed to do the trick as 4 months later they were engaged, later still they got married and now they have 3 kids.
The musician was a certain Gordon Shand and the lass referred to is now his wife, Ailsa. Their children are Clelland (15), Blythe (14) and Inver (12). The Shands are a family full of music and the children have all won various titles since they started out, as the amount of trophies in their house shows. Indeed mum Ailsa told me that there’s always music in their house – which is hardly surprising, with Gordon also being a well-known danceband leader and an accomplished composer.
Gordon hails originally from Tillicoultry, but now resides in Dunfermline. When I asked him how he started out, he told the story of how he could have ended up being a fiddler. Apparently whilst he was in Primary 5 there was one fiddle place available. However three pupils, including Gordon, all wanted to play the fiddle. The school’s Head Teacher decided that the only way they could settle who would get the place was for each of them to do a singing test, and Gordon pointed out that this is why he now plays the accordion! When he found out that he wasn’t picked for the fiddle he went home that night crying. His mum told him not to worry and took him to Hay’s Music Shop in Stirling where they saw a wee red 48-bass Galotta piano accordion. Gordon grew up listening to Scottish dance band records and to his dad Bert playing a wee 2-row button-box at home on festive occasions, and therefore always fancied trying the accordion. The instrument was brought home on the bus ina cardboard box as they had to order a case for it and Gordon revealed that the new case probably cost as much as the accordion itself.
Gordon was nearly 11 years-of-age when his parents arranged lessons with Mrs Steel who resided just a few miles away in Alva. However, after around 6 months he changed tutors to a Mr Bob Dalrymple from Kincardine, who was a teacher of various styles of music including Continental and Scottish. As the 14-year-old Gordon joined the Fife Accordion Orchestra who rehearsed in Kelty and studied under the guidance of Musical director Jimmy Martin and Conductor Jimmy Greer. Gordon tells the story that Jimmy Greer was from a military / brass band background and he could hear a bum note from a mile away! He would stop the whole orchestra and ask various sections to play individually until he found the culprit.
Gordon visibly shuddered when he told this tale. Gordon also reckoned that playing the harmony parts in the orchestra can often be more challenging than playing the lead line. Clelland, Blythe and Inver mentioned that they have fun when their dad plays along with them. They find it hilarious when he does harmony runs for fun and Gordon himself said, “I never play the same thing twice.” Gordon worked originally as a civil engineer, hence the title of the dance The Civil Engineer devised by long time friend and godfather of Blythe, Hunter Campbell. Gordon has diversified from his civil engineering days and he now works for the CTM Group as their Contracts Director. I was also interested to hear that the company is owned by another accordionist, David Oswald. Gordon advised that they specialise in traffic management and road markings. I think a tune titled The Cone Men perhaps would be appropriate. I will never now look at a traffic management system again without thinking of Gordon and David!
I went to Dunfermline to meet up with this very musical family as I, and probably you to, had heard many good things about the young Shands and wanted to meet them and hear their story.
The oldest is Clelland who is going into 4th year at Dunfermline High School this year, studying physics, design & manufacture, music, drama and history amongst other subjects. He and his sister were pupils of Woodmill High which unfortunately burned down about a year ago, so in order to progress their education the decision to change schools was made. When you combine this with the recent Covid19 Lockdown you can understand it hasn’t been an easy time for them; however, they both like their new school and have settled in really well.
Clelland plays the accordion and told his story about how he got started; and it seems to echo his dad’s. In town one day Gordon passed the shop Cash Generators and saw a small Hohner accordion in the window. He phoned home to ask Ailsa if she thought it was a good idea to purchase this for 8-year-old Clelland. She replied, “You’d better speak to him yourself” and handed the phone to Clelland, who in his very laid-back manner just said, “Yeah, okay!” Gordon mentioned that once Clelland had decided he wanted to take up the accordion, there was only one person he had in mind to teach him: his long-time musical friend Keith Dickson. Luckily for Gordon, Keith found a space for Clelland in his busy teaching schedule and so began regular Sunday morning treks to Keith’s home near Dolphinton.
Shortly after Clelland started his lessons, Blythe asked if she could have piano lessons. Once again Gordon approached Keith and he agreed to teach 7-year-old Blythe the piano. After seeing Clelland and Blythe return home so enthusiastic about their lessons, 6-year-old Inver soon wanted to join them and thus began Inver’s accordion adventure with lessons on a small 24-bass accordion. Throughout my meeting with all three children it was very obvious how much they enjoyed their music lessons and how much they admired their teacher Keith Dickson.
Clelland told me he liked all kinds of music. He enjoyed Scottish music with a certain leaning to Celtic-rock, although he did mention he also liked French musette and classical. It would seem he really enjoys competitions as he loves to be able to pick a tune, practice it and gain a sense of satisfaction when all the hard work pays off. He also enjoys meeting other competitors and making friends at competitions. One of his best musical experiences was at the Trophee Mondial held in Onet-le-Chateau in France, where he was asked up on stage to play with the world renowned accordionist Eric Bouvelle. They remain friends to this day.
The Trophee Mondial in 2017 was a great life experience for the whole family. In order to get there without splitting the accordions, as they would have had to if flying, they decided to hire a minibus and travel in style. However, it took three days to get there, and according to Clelland’s facial expressions it was three days too much. In fact all of them looked a bit pained on remembering this. Having three kids asking, “When are we there?” can do that to you, as all parents know. But they all agreed that it was a fantastic occasion. They made so many new friends, and language barriers posed no problems thanks to Google translate – at least not for the children, who chatted away happily to others via their mobiles. Clelland was delighted to win the 12 and Under Musette Section.
Quiet 14-year-old Blythe’s first love is the piano and she likes classical music the best. She is also attending Dunfermline High School, studying accounting, music, physics, graphic communication and design and manufacture. Although she started on the piano she told me that she decided to take up the accordion 4 years ago. She was finding it frustrating sitting on the sidelines when travelling to accordion competitions with her brothers and so decided that she would have to take up the accordion too. Blythe won the Mod Under-13 Piano Section held in Oban at the age of 9 and has also won Solo Accordion Championships. In 2017 she became the UK Champion in the Under-10 Polka Category. She too likes competing and the preparation involved.
These kids are amazingly well adjusted. Two are teenagers and one is on the cusp of being so, yet there’s still no need for the United Nations Diplomatic corps! I asked if they were competitive at home, but was told that they generally get on well at home and support each other. In fact, Ailsa told me that they had always explained to the kids that the family was a team, and it seemed to have worked.
While we were talking piano music, Clelland mentioned that only a month earlier he had taken up the piano as his second instrument to help his work towards his Nat5 music exam. He did mention that Blythe was always on hand to offer her help to him and he really appreciated it. Everyone agreed that Blythe was really, really helpful to both of her brothers.
And so the story turns to Inver, the youngest and most extrovert of team Shand. Inver came third in the Variety Section at the 2017 Trophee Mondial. He likes all kinds of music, but has a passion for Scottish traditional, especially pipe tunes. However, he also enjoys playing musettes. (Obviously a genetic thing, as his dad also liked them when he was younger.) He likes performing more than competing, as he feels it is a far more relaxed atmosphere when you don’t have to focus so much on not making mistakes. He went on to mention that he enjoyed the interaction with the crowd, so perhaps we will see him on the dance music scene soon.
He has already realized that the audiences are different. There is total silence at a competition, but applause at performances. Inver too is starting High School this year and has managed to get into Dunfermline High beside Clelland and Blythe. He also intends to study music when the time comes, with piano as his second choice of instrument, and has already nominated Blythe to help out. Like his siblings he has taken home a wealth of cups and trophies including sections at the UK and Scottish All Accordion Championships.
They all went to Portugal in November 2019 for the Trophee Mondial, and this time Clelland won the World Musette Section for ages 13 – 35 while Inver came second in the Variety Section for age 12 and Under. All three competed again as a trio in the World Music Section. This was an Open Section so they were competing against the top senior players from around the world, and they were the youngest competitors. Their performance included 4 pieces with the boys on accordion and Blythe playing the grand piano. This section was adjudicated by 15 judges from countries all around the world including China, Russia, America, Italy – the list goes on. All three of them agreed it was a fantastic experience and were pleased with the feedback they received from the adjudicators and the audience.
Having just heard about the road trip to France, I pictured something similar for the journey to Portugal. But no, this tome they flew and the accordions had seats to themselves. They also rented a villa with a pool and this was extremely popular with the family, who spent a considerable time in it. Inver also told me that the food was amazing there.
So are these kids just musical prodigies and immersed in music only? Or are they interested in other things? The answer is, of course, that they have other interests. Clelland likes basketball, and follows Alloa Athletic football team, as does his father. However, Clelland also has a soft spot for Everton. Furthermore, when not playing accordion he plays another box – the X-box!
Inver likes basketball and Queen of the South. Apparently his choice of football team is due to his uncle’s influence (his mum is from Dumfries). He also kind-of-likes Alloa, but “does not want to disappoint his uncle,” he laughs. (Pars do not get a shoe-in!)
Blythe likes hockey, and when they go back to school after Lockdown she will see if she can join the after-school class. Her mum told me she was a natural Highland dancer when she was younger, but “the music won!”
Unlike Clelland, both Blythe and Inver more or less know what they want to do later in life. Blythe is considering a career in teaching and according to the family she is a natural teacher with infinite patience. Inver wants to open a bakery. The family all agreed with one voice that he made the most amazing shortbread and brownies. He also bakes bread. When Inver leaves school he wants to change the garden shed into a bakery and so his Dad recently composed a pipe reel called The Shed Baker. Clelland once wanted to become an aerospace engineer, but right now he hasn’t got a clue! Typical teenager that he is!
Going back to school will be different this year. Their school burning down meant that they became internet pupils, then Lockdown meant that since March they have been doing all their schoolwork from home via digital and on-line means. This is not easy in a house with three kids, but they have aced these problems. Even their Sunday music lessons have been done via Skype thanks to Keith Dickson’s efforts. I did ask if they were practicing a lot and Inver told me that there was a competition coming up and therefore they were practicing a little more.
They also have spontaneous tunes with Dad, who right now has finished a bucket-list project. This is something he had always been meaning to do as a kind of legacy, but had never got round to. It is a book of his own compositions scored for the bagpipes. Ailsa can now have her dining room table back without it being overflowing with papers. Among the music titles within the book, which is titled Journey, are one called Horizontal, after Clelland’s usual relaxed demeanour, and of course The Shed Baker in honour of Inver.
We haven’t heard much from Gordon himself musically lately although he has been commissioned to record a Country Dance album with his band later this year. He does admit that life in general is busy with work. Both he and Ailsa are also fully committed to their children and their musical careers and this seems to bear fruit. This is a family we will hear so much more about and I, for one, look forward to seeing Clelland, Blythe and Inver grow both personally and musically.
Learning in Lockdown
by Keith Dickson
With all our movements restricted from March 2020 owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, music teachers and students faced an unprecedented challenge on how to continue with education without incorporating face-to-face lessons.
Scots Music Group - ……….
Livingston A&F Club – The End of An Era
by
In 1999, to celebrate the Club’s 25th Anniversary, one of our founder members, Murdo McLeod, wrote an excellent history-to-date of Livingston A&F Club. That report contains details of so many visits to the Club by famous musicians, both of the time and of the present day, that it reads almost as a Who’s Who of the Scottish traditional music scene. I offer no apology for indulging in a little plagiarism in composing this article.
Before becoming the Livingston A&F Club in 1973, the Club had its roots in Edinburgh in 1971, when musicians and folk singers would firstly gather as an informal practice group and then have alternating folk singer and musician guest artiste evenings. Only when the Club moved to Livingston, and there was a desire for a more formal organisation, did it become the Club we know today. In the 1970s accordion teacher Chrissie Leatham encouraged her proteges to attend the Club and so the likes of Iain MacPhail and Jim Johnstone were amongst those first players.
The very first guest spot was filled by Bert Shorthouse whose fee for the evening was £12. This being the first visit to such a Club by many of the audience, they were suitably thrilled and remained members for many years. That year, pianist Derek Lawrence wrote the jig Livingston Accordion Club. It was recorded by sandy Coghill and can now be viewed on YouTube. Then, on the 10th Anniversary of the Club, John Rae, a member from the beginning, wrote a fine polka dedicated to the Club.
After making use of ten different venues in the Livingston area over a couple of decades, varying in diversity from Rab’s Bar in Deans to Cameron Iron Works, the Club in 1998 moved to The Hillcroft Hotel in Whitburn and this remained as our permanent venue right into 2020.
In the early years, many established musicians and bandleaders were either Committee members or Club members. With few Accordion and Fiddle Clubs around, this was a great opportunity for musicians to perform to an eager audience. Club membership peaked at 116 although Club night attendance was much higher, as not every Club meeting attendee became a member. By 2020 membership had reduced to 50 with very few non-members in attendance.
An interesting proposal at the 1977 meeting was that membership and door prices should rise as follows: membership to be £1 (10p for juniors) for the season, with an entrance fee to each meeting of 50p (30p for pensioners) and 60p for non-members. In today’s money, that would make membership £5.61, so we managed to stay below inflation at £4 in this late 19/20 season. At the same meeting it was agreed that the B&F magazine would be sold to Club members for 5p.
In January 1978, the Club welcomed Jim Cleland as guest artist, and at our final meeting in February 2020 he again appeared on the agenda. This time he was playing 2nd box with Willie McFarlane, although it has to be said that he also took the lead on occasion.
In 1980 the Club had 17 Committee members. Many of these held the position of President, Chair or Treasurer over the years. Arthur Brown remained as Honorary Secretary for approaching 30 years, although others rotated their positions. In 2020 the number of Committee members had reduced to 10 and it was proving impossible to recruit new Committee or Club members. And so, the present Committee made the very sad but inevitable decision to close the Club. With age catching up with everyone and a lack of interested parties to run the Club, it was felt closure was inevitable.
Over the years invited guest artistes have been generous in their fees, appreciating that funds are tight for A&F Clubs everywhere. This generosity, and that of the Hilcroft Hotel in not raising their fees, has helped to enable the Club to exist successfully for as many years as it has. For many years, the Club has relied upon Jim Dow, Jack McLeish and Iain Wilson to support club players and upon bob Wight and Bill Arnott to be the Club MCs. So many local musicians have played for us over the years, Bill Black, bob Berry, George Forsyth, Willy McFarlane and Jessie Whyte being only a few of the more recent many.
But the other stars of the show have been our Club members who have turned out for 47 years, come rain or shine, to listen, to enjoy and applaud so very many talented musicians.
Thank you and good night.
Newcastleton Medicine
by Keith Dickson
Newcastleton, or Copshaw Holm as it is known, last year celebrated 50 years of its Traditional Music Festival, a festival renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, this year’s festival, which was due to be held from 3rd to 5th July, was cancelled due to the cononavirus outbreak.
However, it was decided to run the 51st Festival online – Virtually Holm!
The accordion and fiddle classes at Newcastleton have been well supported over the years. However,
this year the accordion and fiddle players were grouped together with all other instrumental competitors and were invited to submit a video of themselves performing a tune which they had learned to play during Lockdown. The category was named ‘traditional tune medicine’ and was divided into two age groups: 16 and Under and Adults.
The 16 and Under Class attracted 15 entries with judge Carol Anderson selecting accordionist Daisy Arnold from Moniaive as the overall winner. Daisy performed the strathspey Walter Rutherford composed by Michael Philip. The adult class featured 4 entries and was won by Penicuik accordionist Brian Smith performing the march Alasdair Cunningham Weir composed by Robin Brock.
A special award was shared by young musicians Alastair Adamson and Bruce Roberts for their ‘capturing of the Copshaw spirit’. Alastair performed a new march composed by Nicky McMichan, Stuart Adamson of the Holm, and Bruce performed the classic Copshawholme Fair.
Centre Stage
Ian Adamson (drummer)
Book Review
The Clyde Valley Collection – by Allan W. Smith (Kirkfieldbank by Lanark) – 76 Original Tunes – reviewed by Peter Wood
New Scottish Fiddle Tunes – from Karen Steven – reviewed by Marie Fielding
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
My whole world came crashing down as the Lockdown was put into place back in March. I was due to be guesting in Foster and Allen’s ‘Putting on the Style’ Tour of England, having spent several months promoting the single we had recorded together. It would probably have been my busiest year to date until then. We had a particularly high number of venues book in new areas as well as many planned promotional tours.
My whole life has been based around music since the age of 10 so I probably took it harder than I like to admit. What I miss most is performing live on stage, trying to do the best I can and meeting everyone after the performance. I really miss the personal connection.
But we decided to keep active here in Wick and have been very lucky to have the studio in-house so to speak, continuing to record what must be well over 150 tunes and songs for future albums. We have also been keeping up our TV show on Spotlight TV where was broadcast every Thursday at 4pm on Sky 376 and Freesat 517, with repeats on Wednesdays at 3pm. The messages, calls, letters and social media posts have given us hope that when everything returns to normal there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
This whole situation has made me realise more than ever how lucky I am with all the opportunities that have come my way, all the places my music has taken me and all the people I’ve met. I cannot wait for the day I can return to the stage and meet up with you all again. It’s the only thing that drives me forward!
I’d like to wish Pia, the B&F magazine and all its readers all the very best and to thank you all for reading my story. I’d like also to give my personal condolences to the families that have suffered bereavement and to people who have been affected by this virus in these incredibly troubling times. My thoughts are with you.
Best wishes
Brandon McPhee
Largoward Old Time Dancing
Largoward Village Hall in fife has been a venue for dancing for around 70 years and the dances held there must be some of the longest running of our type of dances. The dance was first run by Lindsay Ross, the well-known bandleader, then for a short time by Harry Whittlet who was a relation of Lindsay’s. Bob and Margaret Grier then continued organizing the dancing for many years. For 10 years now the dancing has been organized by the capable hands of the two Normans (McMenigall and Myles), both accordion players, and their wives Cath and Moira. Saturday nights often saw visitors from all over the world take part in the dancing.
Over the years a great variety of bands have graced the stage there. Take the Floor has also been recorded in the hall with various bands although this was usually done mid-week.
Like all venues, the dancing numbers in attendance are quite variable as bereavements, illnesses and aging take their toll (this also applies to the bands!)
We can only hope that the dancing resumes before too long. When we start again readers, dancers and visitors will get a warm welcome to a good night’s dancing at Largoward Village Hall.
Ian McCallum
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
3rd Oct 2020 – Archive Session
10th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
17th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
24th Oct 2020 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS (although none of them met) FROM :-
1. Aberdeen TMSA
2. Arbroath
3. Biggar
4. Lewis & Harris
5. North East
6. Orkney
7. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Forfar A&F Club (
24. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
25. Fort William A&F Club ( )
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
38. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
39. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
40. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
42. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
43. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
44. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
45. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
46. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
47. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
48. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
49. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
50 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
51 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
52 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
53 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
54 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?)
55. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
56. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
57. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Derwentside A&F Club
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – Februry 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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