Box and Fiddle
Year 46 No 01
October 2022
Price £3.00
40 Page Magazine
12 month UK subscription £49.45
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Scott Band
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
Autumn has arrived and with it the start of the Club season .…….
Pia
Celebrity Luncheon Sunday 26th June 2022
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
After the formalities of the AGM the fun part of the day with the Celebrity Luncheon and our very own Accordion and Fiddle Club started. This of course was the first time that we had been able to get together since 2019 owing to the restrictions of Covid and it proved to be a great occasion. Worries about whether the Covid situation would affect our attendance proved unfounded and in the end a total of 131 devotees attended although the run up to the event was not without its troubles as one of our Guests of Honour John Sinton was struct down with the dreaded virus and was unable to attend. By the wonders of modern science however John was able to record a message which was relayed on the screen provided by the hotel and his celebrity inscribed rose bowl was entrusted to the safe hands of Leonard Brown to be delivered to John at a later date.
Chairman Nicol McLaren welcomed everyone especially our three Guests of Honour namely Mabel Gray, Cecil Hughson and the aforementioned John Sinton. In also welcoming previous recipients of the award including Honorary member Robbie Shepherd MBE, he made special mention of last year’s recipients Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell and Malcolm Ross whose awards were presented at the very successful virtual function in June 2021. Everyone thereafter enjoyed a lovely meal efficiently served by the excellent staff of the Invercarse Hotel.
Then the music started, led off by our MC for the afternoon Ian Muir and friends. Ian had his son Cameron on piano helping to make a really great band sound with two swinging sets. Ian then assumed his MC duties keeping things moving along smoothly and a great job he made of it too.
Our first guest of honour, Mabel Gray, admitted to feeling a bit nervous but with Nicol at her side and holding the microphone she made an excellent speech. Later she assembled her own band with yours truly on accordion, Shona McFadyen on fiddle and Susan McFadyen on second accordion with a Gray family back line – Mabel on piano, daughter Suzanne on double base and son George on drums. One of Mabel’s favourite tunes is the Highland Wedding so that got an airing, followed by a lovely waltz that Mabel wrote a number of years back for Bill Black simply entitled Bill. A highlight when Bill Black played at accordion and fiddle clubs was a piano solo by Mabel so it seemed appropriate that the final number was the Black and White Rag played by Mabel accompanied by Suzanne and George.
Our second guest of honour was none other than Mr Shetland himself, Cecil Hughson. Someone once said to me that if you were posting anything to Cecil then you only needed to address it Cecil Shetland and it would get there. Cecil’s mobility is affected and he gave his speech from his wheelchair introducing all his guests with “brief” stories about them. Cecil of course was a founding member of the famous Shetland band Da Fustra and for his spot he had Iain MacPhail on accordion and current member of Da Fustra Alan Gifford on fiddle. They gave us a couple of rousing sets in true Shetland style.
During the course of the afternoon we were entertained by various groups of musicians led on accordions by, in no particular order Leonard Brown, James Coutts, Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell, Jennifer Cruickshank and Richard Ross and accompanied by others too numerous to mention making up six piece bands. One of Anda Campbell’s guests Robert Robertson, expertly accompanied by Alan Kitchen, gave us a couple of Gaelic songs Eilidh and Mo Mhathair and this was particularly well received. Robert is a former winner of the Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod and is also the lead singer in the brilliant group Tidelines. In addition to his singing talents and playing the guitar, he is an accomplished accordionist and just before lockdown did an outside broadcast for Take the Floor at Celtic Connections.
All too soon, it was time to have the final stramash with about thirty musicians crammed in and around the stage. Unfortunately, because of time constraints not everyone was able to get a tune during the afternoon and we hope to rectify this next year by having them first on. This gathering always seems to be a joyous occasion and this year was no exception helped in no small measure by the splendid, spacious surroundings of the Invercarse Hotel. This year also there seemed to be a great atmosphere about the place with people obviously so pleased to be able to get back out and meet their friends through music. We all left having enjoyed a great afternoon and are looking forward to next year’s function at the Invercarse Hotel on Sunday 25 June 2023
On another note, it would be remiss of me on behalf of the Association to congratulate our Chairman Nicol McLaren on being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Trad Awards in December 2019. It is pleasing to note that the good work Nicol does on behalf of “our music” has been recognised. Well done, Nicol.
NAAFC Golf Day 2022
Sunday 15th May 2022…………..
Stan Flett
In interview with Denis Shepherd
Veteran Aberdeen musician Stan Flett recalls two incidents in his career that left him physically worse for wear.
Turning up to play second box in George Bell’s Band in Edinburgh, Stan was told: “There’s been a change of plans – you’ll be playing keyboard now.” Taking his place, he soon learned who the new second box player was: none other than Mickie Ainsworth of Ian Powrie Band fame. Never having played in such exalted company, Stan felt somewhat intimidated but Mickie, soon sensing his nervousness, was able to reassure him – ‘I’m just an ordinary guy -you’re doing fine!’ and Stan was able to relax – until the second half, that is. Bell then informed him that he had ‘a couple of friends’ in the audience and that one of them would be sitting in for a few tunes; and when this player turned out to be none other than the legendary Jim Johnstone, Stan was so shocked that he was told he had gone ‘as white as a ghost.’
The other incident was somewhat less pleasant. All set up and about to play at a wedding in Aberdeen’s Amatola Hotel, Stan plugged in his microphone only to be hurled into the air as a result of an unearthed plug which had been tampered with.
“My late daughter Alison who was playing drums in the band was hysterical and feared the worst,” recalls Stan, who landed on his back on the floor in front of the stage. “I was vaguely aware of being lifted up and taken to hospital – but the first thing I clearly remember there was the sound of an alarm and a doctor shouting, ‘Everybody stop!’ Apparently a plug in the equipment keeping me alive had fused – so that was twice in one evening I was almost a goner because of an electrical fault!” Stan was released the following evening and was soon playing again, but has been extra respectful of electricity since then.
His first dice with death, however, came in the first few days of his life, which began in Findochty in November 1936, when he suffered an optic nerve failure in his left eye and he was ‘sent home to die.’ His fisherman dad, however, found a cure which had evaded the medical profession: he spotted a can of condensed milk and Stan immediately rallied!
Stan is registered partly blind and this has shaped his musical development. His talent was first spotted by his mum when the family used to visit an aunt in Aberdeen and he would pick out tunes in her piano by ear. When he later moved from Buckie Academy to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, he got a grounding in reading braille music – “It was very strange, especially when you had to go from right to left” – and he started listening to the dance music on the radio on Saturdays. And the rest, as they say, is history! He admits his visual disability has enhanced his audio-sensitivity – “I listen to chords and harmonies all the time, and I enjoy listening to CDs and practising the accompaniments on my keyboard.”
However, his talents are more diverse than this. In Edinburgh he also had singing lessons and soon joined a church choir – and still sometimes sings to his own accompaniment. He also learned the mechanics of the pipe organ with its stops and pistons – “She’s a huge beast!” – and this has been a great benefit to him. He has played in cathedrals in Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
On returning to Aberdeen, he joined the St Andrews Cathedral choir where he found the choir master, who was totally blind, had attended the RBS before him. He was therefore surprised to be told: ‘Right, Stan, we’re going to do a bit of sight reading!’ He recalls: “You had to play with the right hand, read with the left and play by feel. Very weird!”
After thumping the piano (his own words!) for several years, Stan bought his first accordion, a double bass JT Forbes, for £42 in Dundee, after his workmates had suggested he take up the instrument. It was some time later that he went along to Aberdeen Accordion and Fiddle Club in the Queen’s Hotel, where he sat in a corner until he was spotted by Esma Shepherd, who had soon introduced hm to everybody. He later went on to be the Club’s chairman for some eleven years.
“I was privileged to be chairman and the accordion and fiddle club scene has done a lot for me,” Stan recalls, although his memories are tinged with sadness at daughter Alison’s untimely passing. “Drummer George Sim was a great help to her and she went on to do well with Dame Evelyn Glennie’s group.
“The support I got from the Club after she died was incredible, and I have made a lot of friends through the clubs. Jim Johnstone once spotted me walking in Princes Street and invited me to have tea in his hotel. I met Rudi Meeks in Shetland and I once met the Cape Breton Players to get them to Aberdeen Music Hall for their concert. I had taken the day off work to make the arrangements – which was just as well, because at lunch-time I found the Music Hall piano had not been tuned and there was a panic until it got done, just in the nick of time!
“I have also guested with George Bell and Jimmy Ritchie, playing in various clubs over Scotland.”
Working as area fund-raising manager for the RNIB charity until retiring for health reasons in 1999, Stan has frequently been able to combine business trips with visits to far-flung clubs. As a result, he is now an honorary member of the Stornoway & District Round Table, while on his first visit to Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club he surprised their members by introducing himself – because they already had a Stan Flett in the club! “I’ve got to know the other Stan well since then and we’ve had many laughs,” says Stan.
“Through this job I also had dealings with Jimmy Shand when I had booked him for a retreat school held by the RNIB outside Aberdeen, which was cancelled because of the 1963 typhoid epidemic. I met him at Auchtermuchty to sort things out but he refused to take a cancellation fee. I also met Billy Craib in the Queen’s Hotel and I remember how upset he was when his bass slid to the floor and broke its neck.”
Supporters of the charity included Andy Stewart and Stan arranged for him to perform a ‘pile of pennies’ ceremony at the Burnett Hotel, Banchory. His association with the aforementioned late bandleader George Bell of Blairgowrie, who was completely blind and followed Stan into the RNIB, transcends both music and work as Stan took over George’s area, from Stonehaven to Dundee, when he retired. This left Stan with a huge area stretching to Shetland and Skye! He is eternally grateful to his wife, Christine, who acted as his driver and secretary during this phase of his career. Nowadays, he is as active as ever in his roles of chair of Aberdeen Action on Disability, Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance and Cross-Party Group on Disability.
Stan still plays regularly at the Aberdeen and Turriff & District clubs (as well doing the odd concert with your reporter) but he made a more unusual contribution at the recent 40th anniversary celebrations at Turriff. He produced a copy of the music for his composition, The Folk at the Oak, the Royal Oak being a former venue of the club, and it was played on stage by guest artist Ewan Galloway.
Stan sums up both his musical and social history with the words, “Music has lifted my life for me!”
A Musical Tribute Day
Sunday June 5th dawned bright and beautiful. This was to be Bruce Lindsay’s day. It promised to be a mixture of music and memories from family friends telling stories that would have filled a big red book in the style of ‘This Is Your Life’.
The day just got warmer as we and many others travelled to Windygates. People wishing to pay their respects were arriving from all over the British Isles, and of course from Cork, one of the places Bruce had a special connection to.
Bruce unfortunately passed away during the pandemic. However, when Bruce’s family learned that so many people were saddened that they couldn’t pay their respects to a friend, colleague and much-loved fellow musician, a memorial was organized. Word soon spread and it soon became obvious just how popular Bruce was. During his lifetime Bruce organized dances and a Club, Buttons and Bows, supported by his wife Lil and his son Bruce and daughter Trudy. Bruce, whom you’d call a character, just loved to play music for no other reason than the entertainment and pleasure of others. I was once lucky enough to be able to travel to Caol, Fort William with Bruce and his Buttons and Bows where they were warmly welcomed and gave an evening’s excellent performance. He was also a man who didn’t really know how to say no when asked for help or advice.
My wife and I got to know Bruce just over 20 years ago. It was through our friendship with the late Jack McLeish, his wife Elizabeth and the ever-popular Willie McFarlane that we started going to Bruce’s Thursday night dances where we danced to the music of the ‘Magnificent Seven’. Bruce led the band, encouraging new couples to try new dances, and if he found they had an entertainment talent he would charm and coax them into revealing this talent for the benefit of those present.
As we arrived to pay our respects on the Tribute Day ‘Young’ Bruce welcomed us and informed us that tea and coffee were available. More and more people began to arrive and it didn’t take long for the hall to fill. It soon became apparent that this was going to be a day to remember.
At 2pm young Brice got the proceedings under way and shortly after the music started Mary Cook discretely led Bruce’s wife Lil into the hall. It is with sadness that we also have to report that Lil passed away not long after this day.
Bruce directed the rest of the day as his father would have done in stramash style. He called upon each musician in turn, Inviting them to name their piece and lead off with others joining in. The music was interspersed with songs and stories about some of Bruce’s antics. Some of these were hard to believe, but were corroborated by Trudy who was involved in some of them.
Around 4.30 there was a break for food and refreshments. And what a feast the family provided! Bruce would have been proud!
The second part of the day continued as before, with even more musicians arriving, and even more amusing stories.
All too soon the day came to an end. But what a day! It was full of music and laughter though tinged with sadness as we remembered the man who was Bruce Lindsay. My thanks once again go to the Lindsay family for allowing us to be part of such a wonderful tribute to a very special person.
Musical Memories – Part 22
by Denis Shepherd
………..
Centre Stage
Peter Rae (Biggar)
IN MEMORY
Charlie MacKenzie –
by Tom Cowing
It is my sad duty to announce the passing of Charlie MacKenzie at the age of 96 on Monday 25th July at his home at Acomb. One of our original founders of Tynedale A&F Club, Charlie was the very first on stage on our opening night in November 1980 in the Royal Hotel and until recent years continued to open our shows. He was a stalwart and mainstay of our Clubby acting as sound engineer and accompanist as well as setting up the venue. Sterling service indeed. One of the most notable accordionists in Northumberland and beyond, Charlie was best known as leader of his popular dance band but he was also a very capable solo entertainer and accompanist, added to which he was a skillful drummer. For many years his work was demanding, particularly those when he drove his grocery van to the highest and remotest parts of Northumberland and Northern Durham. In this his devotion to duty was legendary as proved by his regular battles through the winter snow and ice to deliver essential supplies sometimes elderly and dependent customers. Charlie had a kindly and caring personality. He treated everyone as his friend and as such was warmly welcomed wherever he went. His good cheer and his music lifted everyone’s spirits. He was indeed a bringer of happiness and enjoyment to all. I must pay the sincerest tribute to his wife Frances for all her loving care of Charlie and to his family for their wonderful support. To me especially, Charlie was a loyal friend and colleague for 60 years. I always felt he was gifted and blessed with the heart of a minstrel, who by tradition is universally loved and welcomed. I leave these closing words to W.B. Yeats in his famous poem, The Fiddler of Dooney. I feel the poem says it all, especially the 4th verse.
The Fiddler of Dooney by W. B Yeats
When I play on my fiddle in Dooney,
Folk dance like a wave of the sea,
My cousin is priest in Kilvarnet,
My brother in Moharabuiee.
I passed my brother and cousin,
They read in their books of prayer,
I read in my book of songs,
I bought at the Sligo Fair.
When we come to the end of time,
To Peter sitting in state,
He will smile on the three old spirits,
But call me first through the gate.
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle,
And the merry love to dance.
And when the folk there spy me,
They will all come up to me,
With ‘Here is the fiddler on Dooney!’
And dance like a wave on the sea.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
I just had to write to say how much Esma and I, together with our four freens fae Buchan, enjoyed oorsels at the Celebrity Luncheon. It was great to meet in and hae a blether wi freens old and new and to find the interest and enthusiasm is still there after the dreaded COVID-19 restrictions.
Please pass on our sincere congratulations to Nicol, Charlie and the rest of the Executive Committee, nae forgettin yersel wi the clickin camera. As those who were there micht hae noticed, Esma and I are getting less mobile these days, but thanks tae oor freens we got there and really appreciated the efforts put in to make the luncheon such a success right from the excellent meal and service from the staff at the Invercarse Hotel aa the wye through tae the last ringing note o’ music.
Thanks too to Nicol for presenting me with my wee badge as the first recipient of a lifetime membership of the NAAFC, which I thought then micht be for old age and that was close!
When I came home, I checked on the Box & Fiddle website for a list of celebrities honoured since the beginning. To reminf you, first was Sir Jimmy (1979) followed by angus Fitchet (1981), and thirdly Bobby MacLeod (1982). That I was No 7 in 1992 means I am indeed the only survivor from the list during these early days.
It was a sobering thought and made the token gesture all the warmer and I shall wear it with pride. Although we might not get back to the huge surge of interest from those days we must continue to foster ‘oor kyn o’ music’ and I wish the Association and the Box and Fiddle magazine all success in the future.
Thanks again and see ye aa next year.
Robbie Shepherd
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
R
Book Review
Exploring Country & Western Fiddle by Chris Haigh Published by Schott
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
01/10/2022 – New – Seamus O’sullivan SDB + Jane McCarry from Still Game
08/10/2022 – New – Leonard Brown & His All-Star Band + Foster & Allen
15/10/2022 – Kevin Clark & the Craigowl Band
22/10/2022 – New – Iain MacPhail SDB
29/10/2022 – Compilation Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Jubilee Hall, Newton-on-the Moor)
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 2nd October 2022 – Jim Cleland
Banchory (Royal British Legion) –
Banff & District (The Fife Lodge Hotel) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – October 2022 – no meeting
Blairgowrie (Rattray Bowling Club) - 11th October 2022 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 12th October 2022 – Ian Thomson & Crynoch C.B.
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th October 2022 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 13th October 2022 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 13th October 2022 – Paul Capaldi Trio
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 11th October 2022 – David Vernon
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - October 2022 – no meeting
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 23rd October 2022 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Crieff & District (British Legion) 6th October 2022 – Jim Cleland SDB
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th October 2022 – Martainn Skene Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th October 2022 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunfermline (Masonic Hall, Rosyth) – 11th October 2022 – Gavin Piper
Dumfries (Crichton Royal Golf Club) - 4th October 2022 – Matthew MacLennan SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 30th October 2022 – Ewan Galloway Duo
Forres (Forres Golf Club) – 10th October 2022 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Galashiels (Clovenfors Hotel) - October 2022 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall, Wooler) - 27th October 2022 – Cruickshanks Family C.B.
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 5th October 2022 – Club Night
Glenrothes (Queen Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th October 2022 – Fife S&R Society
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 2nd October 2022 – Judith Linton Trio
Hidden Toun (Haddington Bowling Club) - 16th October 2022 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th October 2022 – Peter Wood SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 12th October 2022 - tbc
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th October 2022 - tbc
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 26th October 2022 – Seamus O’Sullivan Duo
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 21st October 2022 - tbc
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 23rd October 2022 – John Morgan
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District Kilmarnock FC Supporters Club) - 18th October 2022 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th October 2022 – Gavin Piper
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31st October 2022 - tbc
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel ) – 6th October 2022 – Matthew MacLennan
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – October 2022 – no meeting
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 18th October 2022 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 4th 11th 18th October 2022 – Club Nights 25th Oct – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 6th – 9th October 2022 - Festival 27th Oct – Gavin Piper
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) – 15th October 2022 – George Rennie C.B.
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – October 2022 -
TMSA (Aberdeen) – Sportmans Club - 15th October 2022 – Doric Meal ‘n’ Ale Concert18th Oct – Session 30th Oct – Doric Concert
Turriff (Royal British Legion, Fyvie) –
Tynedale (Tynedale Farmers Function Suite) – 20th October 2022 – Susan & Shona MacFadyen
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 1st 29th October 2022 – Local Players 24th Oct - AGM
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th October 2022 – Peter Wood SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Blairgowrie
3. Crieff
4. Forfar
5. Forres
6. Highland
7. Isle of Skye
8. Kelso
9. Montrose
10. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT DEC 2022
(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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
6. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
7. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
8. Button Key A&F Club (
9. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
10. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
11. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
13. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
14. Coalburn A&F Club (
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
17. Dumfries A&F Club (1965 renamed Islesteps Jan 1981 – 2021 then back to Dumfries)
18. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
20. Forfar A&F Club (1984 – present)
21. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
22. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
23. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
24. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
25. 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)
26. Hidden Toun A&F (Haddington) (Jan 2022 – present)
27. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
28. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
29. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
30. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
31. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
32. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
33. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
34. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
35. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
37. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
38. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
39. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
40. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
41. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
42. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
43. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
44 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 - ?
45 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
46 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
47 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
48 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
49 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership, closed due to Covid or omitted in error?)
50. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
51. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
52. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
53. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
54. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – restarted ? till Covid 19 in March 2020)
55. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
56. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
57. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
58. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
59. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
60. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
61. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
62. Buchan A&F Club
63. Callander A&F Club (
64. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
65. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
66. Club Accord
67. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
68 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
71. Cults A & F Club (
72. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
73. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981 - ?)
74. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
75. Derwentside A&F Club
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
80. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
81. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
82. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
85. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
86. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
87. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F - later The Railway Club, Inverlochy )
88. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
89. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
90. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
91. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
92. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
93. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
94. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
95. Kintore A&F Club (
96. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
97. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
98. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
99. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
100. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
101. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
102. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
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 – closed at Covid 19 in March 2020)
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 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £320
Full Page (colour) - £256
Full Page (b&w) - £160
Half Page (colour) - £128
Half Page (b&w) - £80
Quarter Page (colour) - £64
Quarter Page (b&w) - £40
Eighth Page - £30
Small Boxed £20
B&F Treasurer – Scott Band
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
Autumn has arrived and with it the start of the Club season .…….
Pia
Celebrity Luncheon Sunday 26th June 2022
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
After the formalities of the AGM the fun part of the day with the Celebrity Luncheon and our very own Accordion and Fiddle Club started. This of course was the first time that we had been able to get together since 2019 owing to the restrictions of Covid and it proved to be a great occasion. Worries about whether the Covid situation would affect our attendance proved unfounded and in the end a total of 131 devotees attended although the run up to the event was not without its troubles as one of our Guests of Honour John Sinton was struct down with the dreaded virus and was unable to attend. By the wonders of modern science however John was able to record a message which was relayed on the screen provided by the hotel and his celebrity inscribed rose bowl was entrusted to the safe hands of Leonard Brown to be delivered to John at a later date.
Chairman Nicol McLaren welcomed everyone especially our three Guests of Honour namely Mabel Gray, Cecil Hughson and the aforementioned John Sinton. In also welcoming previous recipients of the award including Honorary member Robbie Shepherd MBE, he made special mention of last year’s recipients Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell and Malcolm Ross whose awards were presented at the very successful virtual function in June 2021. Everyone thereafter enjoyed a lovely meal efficiently served by the excellent staff of the Invercarse Hotel.
Then the music started, led off by our MC for the afternoon Ian Muir and friends. Ian had his son Cameron on piano helping to make a really great band sound with two swinging sets. Ian then assumed his MC duties keeping things moving along smoothly and a great job he made of it too.
Our first guest of honour, Mabel Gray, admitted to feeling a bit nervous but with Nicol at her side and holding the microphone she made an excellent speech. Later she assembled her own band with yours truly on accordion, Shona McFadyen on fiddle and Susan McFadyen on second accordion with a Gray family back line – Mabel on piano, daughter Suzanne on double base and son George on drums. One of Mabel’s favourite tunes is the Highland Wedding so that got an airing, followed by a lovely waltz that Mabel wrote a number of years back for Bill Black simply entitled Bill. A highlight when Bill Black played at accordion and fiddle clubs was a piano solo by Mabel so it seemed appropriate that the final number was the Black and White Rag played by Mabel accompanied by Suzanne and George.
Our second guest of honour was none other than Mr Shetland himself, Cecil Hughson. Someone once said to me that if you were posting anything to Cecil then you only needed to address it Cecil Shetland and it would get there. Cecil’s mobility is affected and he gave his speech from his wheelchair introducing all his guests with “brief” stories about them. Cecil of course was a founding member of the famous Shetland band Da Fustra and for his spot he had Iain MacPhail on accordion and current member of Da Fustra Alan Gifford on fiddle. They gave us a couple of rousing sets in true Shetland style.
During the course of the afternoon we were entertained by various groups of musicians led on accordions by, in no particular order Leonard Brown, James Coutts, Peter Bruce, Anda Campbell, Jennifer Cruickshank and Richard Ross and accompanied by others too numerous to mention making up six piece bands. One of Anda Campbell’s guests Robert Robertson, expertly accompanied by Alan Kitchen, gave us a couple of Gaelic songs Eilidh and Mo Mhathair and this was particularly well received. Robert is a former winner of the Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod and is also the lead singer in the brilliant group Tidelines. In addition to his singing talents and playing the guitar, he is an accomplished accordionist and just before lockdown did an outside broadcast for Take the Floor at Celtic Connections.
All too soon, it was time to have the final stramash with about thirty musicians crammed in and around the stage. Unfortunately, because of time constraints not everyone was able to get a tune during the afternoon and we hope to rectify this next year by having them first on. This gathering always seems to be a joyous occasion and this year was no exception helped in no small measure by the splendid, spacious surroundings of the Invercarse Hotel. This year also there seemed to be a great atmosphere about the place with people obviously so pleased to be able to get back out and meet their friends through music. We all left having enjoyed a great afternoon and are looking forward to next year’s function at the Invercarse Hotel on Sunday 25 June 2023
On another note, it would be remiss of me on behalf of the Association to congratulate our Chairman Nicol McLaren on being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Trad Awards in December 2019. It is pleasing to note that the good work Nicol does on behalf of “our music” has been recognised. Well done, Nicol.
NAAFC Golf Day 2022
Sunday 15th May 2022…………..
Stan Flett
In interview with Denis Shepherd
Veteran Aberdeen musician Stan Flett recalls two incidents in his career that left him physically worse for wear.
Turning up to play second box in George Bell’s Band in Edinburgh, Stan was told: “There’s been a change of plans – you’ll be playing keyboard now.” Taking his place, he soon learned who the new second box player was: none other than Mickie Ainsworth of Ian Powrie Band fame. Never having played in such exalted company, Stan felt somewhat intimidated but Mickie, soon sensing his nervousness, was able to reassure him – ‘I’m just an ordinary guy -you’re doing fine!’ and Stan was able to relax – until the second half, that is. Bell then informed him that he had ‘a couple of friends’ in the audience and that one of them would be sitting in for a few tunes; and when this player turned out to be none other than the legendary Jim Johnstone, Stan was so shocked that he was told he had gone ‘as white as a ghost.’
The other incident was somewhat less pleasant. All set up and about to play at a wedding in Aberdeen’s Amatola Hotel, Stan plugged in his microphone only to be hurled into the air as a result of an unearthed plug which had been tampered with.
“My late daughter Alison who was playing drums in the band was hysterical and feared the worst,” recalls Stan, who landed on his back on the floor in front of the stage. “I was vaguely aware of being lifted up and taken to hospital – but the first thing I clearly remember there was the sound of an alarm and a doctor shouting, ‘Everybody stop!’ Apparently a plug in the equipment keeping me alive had fused – so that was twice in one evening I was almost a goner because of an electrical fault!” Stan was released the following evening and was soon playing again, but has been extra respectful of electricity since then.
His first dice with death, however, came in the first few days of his life, which began in Findochty in November 1936, when he suffered an optic nerve failure in his left eye and he was ‘sent home to die.’ His fisherman dad, however, found a cure which had evaded the medical profession: he spotted a can of condensed milk and Stan immediately rallied!
Stan is registered partly blind and this has shaped his musical development. His talent was first spotted by his mum when the family used to visit an aunt in Aberdeen and he would pick out tunes in her piano by ear. When he later moved from Buckie Academy to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, he got a grounding in reading braille music – “It was very strange, especially when you had to go from right to left” – and he started listening to the dance music on the radio on Saturdays. And the rest, as they say, is history! He admits his visual disability has enhanced his audio-sensitivity – “I listen to chords and harmonies all the time, and I enjoy listening to CDs and practising the accompaniments on my keyboard.”
However, his talents are more diverse than this. In Edinburgh he also had singing lessons and soon joined a church choir – and still sometimes sings to his own accompaniment. He also learned the mechanics of the pipe organ with its stops and pistons – “She’s a huge beast!” – and this has been a great benefit to him. He has played in cathedrals in Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
On returning to Aberdeen, he joined the St Andrews Cathedral choir where he found the choir master, who was totally blind, had attended the RBS before him. He was therefore surprised to be told: ‘Right, Stan, we’re going to do a bit of sight reading!’ He recalls: “You had to play with the right hand, read with the left and play by feel. Very weird!”
After thumping the piano (his own words!) for several years, Stan bought his first accordion, a double bass JT Forbes, for £42 in Dundee, after his workmates had suggested he take up the instrument. It was some time later that he went along to Aberdeen Accordion and Fiddle Club in the Queen’s Hotel, where he sat in a corner until he was spotted by Esma Shepherd, who had soon introduced hm to everybody. He later went on to be the Club’s chairman for some eleven years.
“I was privileged to be chairman and the accordion and fiddle club scene has done a lot for me,” Stan recalls, although his memories are tinged with sadness at daughter Alison’s untimely passing. “Drummer George Sim was a great help to her and she went on to do well with Dame Evelyn Glennie’s group.
“The support I got from the Club after she died was incredible, and I have made a lot of friends through the clubs. Jim Johnstone once spotted me walking in Princes Street and invited me to have tea in his hotel. I met Rudi Meeks in Shetland and I once met the Cape Breton Players to get them to Aberdeen Music Hall for their concert. I had taken the day off work to make the arrangements – which was just as well, because at lunch-time I found the Music Hall piano had not been tuned and there was a panic until it got done, just in the nick of time!
“I have also guested with George Bell and Jimmy Ritchie, playing in various clubs over Scotland.”
Working as area fund-raising manager for the RNIB charity until retiring for health reasons in 1999, Stan has frequently been able to combine business trips with visits to far-flung clubs. As a result, he is now an honorary member of the Stornoway & District Round Table, while on his first visit to Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club he surprised their members by introducing himself – because they already had a Stan Flett in the club! “I’ve got to know the other Stan well since then and we’ve had many laughs,” says Stan.
“Through this job I also had dealings with Jimmy Shand when I had booked him for a retreat school held by the RNIB outside Aberdeen, which was cancelled because of the 1963 typhoid epidemic. I met him at Auchtermuchty to sort things out but he refused to take a cancellation fee. I also met Billy Craib in the Queen’s Hotel and I remember how upset he was when his bass slid to the floor and broke its neck.”
Supporters of the charity included Andy Stewart and Stan arranged for him to perform a ‘pile of pennies’ ceremony at the Burnett Hotel, Banchory. His association with the aforementioned late bandleader George Bell of Blairgowrie, who was completely blind and followed Stan into the RNIB, transcends both music and work as Stan took over George’s area, from Stonehaven to Dundee, when he retired. This left Stan with a huge area stretching to Shetland and Skye! He is eternally grateful to his wife, Christine, who acted as his driver and secretary during this phase of his career. Nowadays, he is as active as ever in his roles of chair of Aberdeen Action on Disability, Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance and Cross-Party Group on Disability.
Stan still plays regularly at the Aberdeen and Turriff & District clubs (as well doing the odd concert with your reporter) but he made a more unusual contribution at the recent 40th anniversary celebrations at Turriff. He produced a copy of the music for his composition, The Folk at the Oak, the Royal Oak being a former venue of the club, and it was played on stage by guest artist Ewan Galloway.
Stan sums up both his musical and social history with the words, “Music has lifted my life for me!”
A Musical Tribute Day
Sunday June 5th dawned bright and beautiful. This was to be Bruce Lindsay’s day. It promised to be a mixture of music and memories from family friends telling stories that would have filled a big red book in the style of ‘This Is Your Life’.
The day just got warmer as we and many others travelled to Windygates. People wishing to pay their respects were arriving from all over the British Isles, and of course from Cork, one of the places Bruce had a special connection to.
Bruce unfortunately passed away during the pandemic. However, when Bruce’s family learned that so many people were saddened that they couldn’t pay their respects to a friend, colleague and much-loved fellow musician, a memorial was organized. Word soon spread and it soon became obvious just how popular Bruce was. During his lifetime Bruce organized dances and a Club, Buttons and Bows, supported by his wife Lil and his son Bruce and daughter Trudy. Bruce, whom you’d call a character, just loved to play music for no other reason than the entertainment and pleasure of others. I was once lucky enough to be able to travel to Caol, Fort William with Bruce and his Buttons and Bows where they were warmly welcomed and gave an evening’s excellent performance. He was also a man who didn’t really know how to say no when asked for help or advice.
My wife and I got to know Bruce just over 20 years ago. It was through our friendship with the late Jack McLeish, his wife Elizabeth and the ever-popular Willie McFarlane that we started going to Bruce’s Thursday night dances where we danced to the music of the ‘Magnificent Seven’. Bruce led the band, encouraging new couples to try new dances, and if he found they had an entertainment talent he would charm and coax them into revealing this talent for the benefit of those present.
As we arrived to pay our respects on the Tribute Day ‘Young’ Bruce welcomed us and informed us that tea and coffee were available. More and more people began to arrive and it didn’t take long for the hall to fill. It soon became apparent that this was going to be a day to remember.
At 2pm young Brice got the proceedings under way and shortly after the music started Mary Cook discretely led Bruce’s wife Lil into the hall. It is with sadness that we also have to report that Lil passed away not long after this day.
Bruce directed the rest of the day as his father would have done in stramash style. He called upon each musician in turn, Inviting them to name their piece and lead off with others joining in. The music was interspersed with songs and stories about some of Bruce’s antics. Some of these were hard to believe, but were corroborated by Trudy who was involved in some of them.
Around 4.30 there was a break for food and refreshments. And what a feast the family provided! Bruce would have been proud!
The second part of the day continued as before, with even more musicians arriving, and even more amusing stories.
All too soon the day came to an end. But what a day! It was full of music and laughter though tinged with sadness as we remembered the man who was Bruce Lindsay. My thanks once again go to the Lindsay family for allowing us to be part of such a wonderful tribute to a very special person.
Musical Memories – Part 22
by Denis Shepherd
………..
Centre Stage
Peter Rae (Biggar)
IN MEMORY
Charlie MacKenzie –
by Tom Cowing
It is my sad duty to announce the passing of Charlie MacKenzie at the age of 96 on Monday 25th July at his home at Acomb. One of our original founders of Tynedale A&F Club, Charlie was the very first on stage on our opening night in November 1980 in the Royal Hotel and until recent years continued to open our shows. He was a stalwart and mainstay of our Clubby acting as sound engineer and accompanist as well as setting up the venue. Sterling service indeed. One of the most notable accordionists in Northumberland and beyond, Charlie was best known as leader of his popular dance band but he was also a very capable solo entertainer and accompanist, added to which he was a skillful drummer. For many years his work was demanding, particularly those when he drove his grocery van to the highest and remotest parts of Northumberland and Northern Durham. In this his devotion to duty was legendary as proved by his regular battles through the winter snow and ice to deliver essential supplies sometimes elderly and dependent customers. Charlie had a kindly and caring personality. He treated everyone as his friend and as such was warmly welcomed wherever he went. His good cheer and his music lifted everyone’s spirits. He was indeed a bringer of happiness and enjoyment to all. I must pay the sincerest tribute to his wife Frances for all her loving care of Charlie and to his family for their wonderful support. To me especially, Charlie was a loyal friend and colleague for 60 years. I always felt he was gifted and blessed with the heart of a minstrel, who by tradition is universally loved and welcomed. I leave these closing words to W.B. Yeats in his famous poem, The Fiddler of Dooney. I feel the poem says it all, especially the 4th verse.
The Fiddler of Dooney by W. B Yeats
When I play on my fiddle in Dooney,
Folk dance like a wave of the sea,
My cousin is priest in Kilvarnet,
My brother in Moharabuiee.
I passed my brother and cousin,
They read in their books of prayer,
I read in my book of songs,
I bought at the Sligo Fair.
When we come to the end of time,
To Peter sitting in state,
He will smile on the three old spirits,
But call me first through the gate.
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle,
And the merry love to dance.
And when the folk there spy me,
They will all come up to me,
With ‘Here is the fiddler on Dooney!’
And dance like a wave on the sea.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
I just had to write to say how much Esma and I, together with our four freens fae Buchan, enjoyed oorsels at the Celebrity Luncheon. It was great to meet in and hae a blether wi freens old and new and to find the interest and enthusiasm is still there after the dreaded COVID-19 restrictions.
Please pass on our sincere congratulations to Nicol, Charlie and the rest of the Executive Committee, nae forgettin yersel wi the clickin camera. As those who were there micht hae noticed, Esma and I are getting less mobile these days, but thanks tae oor freens we got there and really appreciated the efforts put in to make the luncheon such a success right from the excellent meal and service from the staff at the Invercarse Hotel aa the wye through tae the last ringing note o’ music.
Thanks too to Nicol for presenting me with my wee badge as the first recipient of a lifetime membership of the NAAFC, which I thought then micht be for old age and that was close!
When I came home, I checked on the Box & Fiddle website for a list of celebrities honoured since the beginning. To reminf you, first was Sir Jimmy (1979) followed by angus Fitchet (1981), and thirdly Bobby MacLeod (1982). That I was No 7 in 1992 means I am indeed the only survivor from the list during these early days.
It was a sobering thought and made the token gesture all the warmer and I shall wear it with pride. Although we might not get back to the huge surge of interest from those days we must continue to foster ‘oor kyn o’ music’ and I wish the Association and the Box and Fiddle magazine all success in the future.
Thanks again and see ye aa next year.
Robbie Shepherd
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
R
Book Review
Exploring Country & Western Fiddle by Chris Haigh Published by Schott
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
01/10/2022 – New – Seamus O’sullivan SDB + Jane McCarry from Still Game
08/10/2022 – New – Leonard Brown & His All-Star Band + Foster & Allen
15/10/2022 – Kevin Clark & the Craigowl Band
22/10/2022 – New – Iain MacPhail SDB
29/10/2022 – Compilation Session
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Jubilee Hall, Newton-on-the Moor)
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 2nd October 2022 – Jim Cleland
Banchory (Royal British Legion) –
Banff & District (The Fife Lodge Hotel) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – October 2022 – no meeting
Blairgowrie (Rattray Bowling Club) - 11th October 2022 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 12th October 2022 – Ian Thomson & Crynoch C.B.
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th October 2022 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 13th October 2022 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 13th October 2022 – Paul Capaldi Trio
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 11th October 2022 – David Vernon
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - October 2022 – no meeting
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 23rd October 2022 – Clappy Doo C.B.
Crieff & District (British Legion) 6th October 2022 – Jim Cleland SDB
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th October 2022 – Martainn Skene Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th October 2022 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunfermline (Masonic Hall, Rosyth) – 11th October 2022 – Gavin Piper
Dumfries (Crichton Royal Golf Club) - 4th October 2022 – Matthew MacLennan SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 30th October 2022 – Ewan Galloway Duo
Forres (Forres Golf Club) – 10th October 2022 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Galashiels (Clovenfors Hotel) - October 2022 -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall, Wooler) - 27th October 2022 – Cruickshanks Family C.B.
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 5th October 2022 – Club Night
Glenrothes (Queen Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th October 2022 – Fife S&R Society
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) - 2nd October 2022 – Judith Linton Trio
Hidden Toun (Haddington Bowling Club) - 16th October 2022 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th October 2022 – Peter Wood SDB
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 12th October 2022 - tbc
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 6th October 2022 - tbc
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 26th October 2022 – Seamus O’Sullivan Duo
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 21st October 2022 - tbc
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 23rd October 2022 – John Morgan
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District Kilmarnock FC Supporters Club) - 18th October 2022 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th October 2022 – Gavin Piper
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 31st October 2022 - tbc
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel ) – 6th October 2022 – Matthew MacLennan
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – October 2022 – no meeting
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 18th October 2022 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 4th 11th 18th October 2022 – Club Nights 25th Oct – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 6th – 9th October 2022 - Festival 27th Oct – Gavin Piper
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) – 15th October 2022 – George Rennie C.B.
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – October 2022 -
TMSA (Aberdeen) – Sportmans Club - 15th October 2022 – Doric Meal ‘n’ Ale Concert18th Oct – Session 30th Oct – Doric Concert
Turriff (Royal British Legion, Fyvie) –
Tynedale (Tynedale Farmers Function Suite) – 20th October 2022 – Susan & Shona MacFadyen
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 1st 29th October 2022 – Local Players 24th Oct - AGM
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th October 2022 – Peter Wood SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Blairgowrie
3. Crieff
4. Forfar
5. Forres
6. Highland
7. Isle of Skye
8. Kelso
9. Montrose
10. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT DEC 2022
(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. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
6. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
7. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
8. Button Key A&F Club (
9. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
10. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
11. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
13. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
14. Coalburn A&F Club (
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
17. Dumfries A&F Club (1965 renamed Islesteps Jan 1981 – 2021 then back to Dumfries)
18. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
19. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
20. Forfar A&F Club (1984 – present)
21. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
22. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
23. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
24. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
25. 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)
26. Hidden Toun A&F (Haddington) (Jan 2022 – present)
27. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
28. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
29. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
30. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
31. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
32. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
33. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
34. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
35. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
37. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
38. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
39. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
40. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
41. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
42. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
43. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
44 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 - ?
45 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
46 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
47 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
48 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
49 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership, closed due to Covid or omitted in error?)
50. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
51. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
52. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
53. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
54. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – restarted ? till Covid 19 in March 2020)
55. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
56. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
57. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
58. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
59. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
60. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
61. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
62. Buchan A&F Club
63. Callander A&F Club (
64. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
65. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
66. Club Accord
67. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
68 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
71. Cults A & F Club (
72. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
73. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981 - ?)
74. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
75. Derwentside A&F Club
76. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
77. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
78. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
79. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
80. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
81. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
82. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
83. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
84. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
85. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
86. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
87. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F - later The Railway Club, Inverlochy )
88. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
89. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
90. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
91. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
92. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
93. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
94. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
95. Kintore A&F Club (
96. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
97. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
98. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
99. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
100. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
101. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
102. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 – Covid 19 – March 2020)
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 – closed at Covid 19 in March 2020)
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 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £320
Full Page (colour) - £256
Full Page (b&w) - £160
Half Page (colour) - £128
Half Page (b&w) - £80
Quarter Page (colour) - £64
Quarter Page (b&w) - £40
Eighth Page - £30
Small Boxed £20