Box and Fiddle
Year 03 No 01
September 1979
Price 15p
8 pages
8 month subscription £1.75?
Editor - Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer
Editorial
Welcome back folks to another season of good music and good companionship. Whether you are a musician or listener, have many happy hours.
Guest artistes please note that you are not being very co-operative, not all of you, just a few. It is only common courtesy to at least acknowledge enquiries from Club Secretaries. It is also good business sense to look after your customers.
A new Guest artiste List is being made ready and should be available in a few weeks. The artistes on it should do their best to help Secretaries to get their Clubs organized and that can only be done if the Guest Artistes will acknowledge enquiries.
Please let me know if the Directory and the Diary are not correct.
David Ross, our Treasurer, wishes it to be known that the Association’s Subscription from each Club is now due and would Treasurers please expedite.
Our Secretary, Andrew Nairn, still has a few badges left and our Chairman, Jimmy Blue, wishes every Club a most successful season.
The report of the AGM is being held over till next month as is the report of the Executive Committee first meeting.
During the recess a new Club has joined us, this is Newtongrange, Secretary Mrs M. Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith.
We extend them our hand and we will be hearing how they get on.
By the by, you will notice that this season the publication date is the 15th of the month and the deadline is the 1st. It’s been reversed for several good reasons.
Ronnie Easton
by David Ross
Ronnie has unfortunately had to move house and will be staying in Reddich, near Birmingham. This state of affairs was brought about by the closure of ‘Monsanto’ where Ronnie worked for the past 14 years or so.
I must express my feelings from the musical angle and say we have lost one of the best bands currently broadcasting. Ronnie has tried to introduce us to new tunes and did work hard searching for new material, also he had his ‘own’ band and that is something we hear too little of.
I feel that we have too many ‘gather-ups’ and this does not lend itself to anything but criticism. May I wish Ronnie all the best and say he will be missed in Scotland as a musician and a friend.
Gold for M.A.F.I.A. and Balloch
On Saturday, 26th May, at the Golden Fiddle Championships in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, the winners of the seven piece group contest was the Glasgow Caledonians Strathspey and Reel Society’s Group ‘A’.
This team was made up as follows :
Sheena McLean (piano)
Dave Cailey (bass)
Norman Williams (accordion)
Ken McLean, Gordon Simpson, Denis McLaughlan & Jimmy Yeaman (fiddles)
All seven players belong to the Balloch and Milngavie Clubs.
Appreciation
Archie Park
by Ian Smith
Just after the ‘B&F’ ended its 78-79 season we learned with deep regret of the sudden death of a great friend and fiddler, Archie Park. Archie came from the Border country but was just as well known at Perth or anywhere where there was a gathering of accordionists and fiddlers.
Archie was an extrovert and was the life and soul of any group he joined with. One always got him in the same mood, happy-go-lucky. He lived for the moment and people loved him for it. He once told me that “He loved the ordinary people. They talk the same language as me”. One thing is for sure, the Musselburgh Festival won’t be quite the same, neither the Straiton or Perth Festivals. His humour and infectious laugh will be missed.
Even at this late stage we extend to his relatives our sincerest condolences and they can be assured that when musicians get together and start to reminisce, the name of Archie Park will be fondly remembered.
Presentation Dinner
by Ian Smith
The Guest of Honour at the Association’s Dinner was Jimmy Shand. A splendid affair for a splendid gentleman. A gathering of over 200 musicians and friends from the Accordion and Fiddle world had met to honour the man who has become a legend in his lifetime. With Jimmy was his good lady Anne, Jimmy Shand Jnr , wife Margaret and daughter Diane, also brother David, Uncle Bob and Dorothy.
Congratulations to the organisers under the leadership of Association Secretary Andrew Nairn. A special word of thanks to Jackie Cooper, Dundee, for the great assistance he gave behind the scenes. The Chairman, Jimmy Blue, co-ordinated the whole evening and everything went like clockwork.
Jimmy Blue welcomed everybody and called on a few people to say a few words. First was Angus Fitchet who said he could speak better with a fiddle but said it was a great honour for him just to be invited.
Bobby MacLeod, who on behalf of his wife Jean and himself, thanked the Association for their invitation, said it was a wonderful privilege and that Jimmy had been an inspiration to everyone.
Pleasure
Next was Dr Sandy Tulloch, an eye specialist, who said that he and his wife were thrilled when the anonymous invitation was received with tremendous pleasure. He went on to relate an experience with Jimmy and an ailing box spread out on the bed in pieces.
This led then to the main speaker, Andy Stewart, who was accompanied by his wife Sheila. Andy immediately let loose with a broadside of jokes, stories and anecdotes which was very much enjoyed.
He apologised for being late and said that even if two of his other cars or, as he put it, his other two cars, had broken down they would have walked all the way from Stonehaven just to be in this elite company. On this special night it was a great honour to have been asked to be the main speaker. He said that this night will long be remembered in the annals of the history of Scotland’s music when those of his own fraternity have set aside a few hours to welcome this unique individual. He then asked everyone to be upstanding and drink a toast to Jimmy Shand.
The chairman, Jimmy Blue, then rose and, with some emotion in his voice, addressed Jimmy and said “From the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs please accept this as a wee something that you have done for all of us”. At that, the lights were dimmed, the spotlight came on, the curtain was pulled, and there were gasps of delight when a full portrait was revealed. This was Jimmy, in his Highland regalia and on the table beside him was his Shand Morino, a truly magnificent portrait. The applause was long and sincere and when it eventually died down Jimmy Shand rose to speak. He was clearly overcome. His first words were “I don’t understand how I deserve this.” Such is the man’s humility.
The last couple of years of his life have been full of surprises. The first was when he reached three score years and ten he got his first birthday party, next was when he went to Edinburgh to receive his golden disc, then that man Eamonn Andrews presented him with ‘This is Your Life’. He admitted that what scared him was the thought of what they were going to surprise him about his early days (Laughter).
Jimmy then went back to his early days which were pretty grim. He was brought up in a mining community, the circumstances were humble in the extreme. He was four years in the pits when the General Strike happened. It was hard before, but now the got worse. There were nine in their family and only one brother in work. He drove a horse and cart for £2 12/- a week. They were also the victims of the Means Test. This, for Jimmy, meant that he only got his Insurance Card stamped.
in 1933 he stepped through the door of a music shop in Dundee. This was the most momentous step he ever took. He used to go in and admire the melodeons. Piano accordions weren’t popular at that time. The shop was owned by Charles Forbes and he was eventually offered a job. At first he felt unable to accept as he was on strike, but in the end he did. It was the best move he ever made.
System Devised
Charles Forbes explained all about the melodeons and imparted what little music he knew but, more importantly, he explained about the system he had devised about the bass. This was the Double Ray. This was the melodeon that the lads in the bothies played. It cost £4 5/- but you could get a better one if you took another model, this one cost £3 10/-.
The father of Ian and Bill Powrie was a noted melodeon player and Bill ‘Poorie’ had made a number of 78s and this led to the only time Jimmy adjudicated at a competition. There were eight in the competition and they all sounded so like Bill Poorie that he couldn’t tell one from another.
Jimmy then came to the origin of the Shand Morino. Forbes shop had contacts with Hohner in Germany, so they arranged for a Special to be made. Up to then his box was a 33-36 4 voice. That was the one on which he made his first recording.
It was quite a jump from that to his new special 2 row, 80 bass, but it turned out the most unbalanced box he ever handled. Almost as soon as he took possession, he sold it. His second special took another nine months to get all the defects ironed out and when it arrived it was fine. The name of this one was Organola 3 row 80 basses. He had this one to the early days of the war, then sold it to Mr McGjie, Orkney, on the understanding that if he sold it, he would sell it back to him. He never did and this grieved Jimmy.
Mr Forbes and Jimmy then got down to designing what was to become the Shand Morino. He still has the original one from June, 1939. Even then he had to get used to it and said that on his first solo broadcast from Edinburgh he didn’t play it, he fought with it, and to make matters worse he had to announce the tunes. He announced the first and forgot the rest.
Household Name
The Shand Morino has now become a household name. They have been the means of bringing much pleasure to countless people, but he regretted that the instruments nowadays are hopelessly overpriced.
“I am standing here tonight and if my life has been successful I owe it all to Charles Forbes. He was the man who set me on the road, and if I have been successful will have justified the faith that Charles Forbes had in me. He sent me off to London to do a recording. My fee was £16, out of which all my expenses were to come. The train fare was £3 12s 6d, it is nearer £40 now. They provided me with an accompanist who was a good player but couldn’t vamp for the box. After four hours rehearsals we were no further forward. In the end we made one recording with the accompanist and two without. Ten months later the records came out, that was in 1933”. Jimmy added “I’ve just finished my last LP in May, 1979”.
In his travels he has made lots of friends all over the world. Some took up the accordion or the fiddle and in later years some played at the intervals, especially in the North of England.
Going on to the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs he said he didn’t know what he had done to deserve being honoured as he had only visited three Clubs in Dundee, Milngavie and Gretna. He also felt that when he retired he would have nothing to do. “God knows how I find time to do nothing”. He then said that he had bought every box he ever had and felt that if someone or some firm had gifted one he wouldn’t have been happy with it.
“When I accepted the invitation I never thought that it would be such a lavish affair. I thought just a quiet ceremony with a few friends. However, if it gives you satisfaction then I accept in the same spirit. Thank you one and all and prosperity to all Clubs in the future”. He was given a standing ovation.
Great Likeness
Guest speaker Andy Stewart felt constrained to reply and his opening sentence was typical Andy Stewart. “It’s a beautiful portrait and a great likeness Jimmy, you’re almost smiling.” He went on to say that Jimmy in his own way made a beautiful speech and was taken by the thought that Jimmy stood for his nation and it was a wonderful confession when he had said he had paid for every box he ever owned. He said, “I don’t think you can achieve the success Jimmy has without first having the gift, given by a higher power, and by paying for everything as you go along”.
He went on, “What a tremendous night this has been, it’s warm in here, not just the heat of the room, but of the warmth of love and affection we have for one another and what we stand for and that is the music of Scotland and that id Jimmy Shand”.
So ended the first part amid thunderous applause.
A nice touch by the Chairman next. He invited ordinary members to come up and say a few words. Among those to take the opportunity were Jim MacLeod (Dunblane), Bobby Coghill (Wick) and Robert Whitehead (Wooler) and a host of others.
The rest of the evening was taken up by a ceilidh starring Angus Fitchet, Tom Clark, the Currie Brothers, Jimmy Yeaman, Bill Black etc, etc, etc. Even the Master himself played the box much to everyone’s delight.
If everyone present had brought their instruments, what an orchestra it would have made, what an LP it would have made. There were gathered 200 of the finest traditional players with but one thought on their minds, Jimmy Shand the man, Jimmy Shand the musician, Jimmy Shand the Master.
Jimmy Shand
by Andy Stewart
Oh, Jimmy Shand, sae braw an’ grand
You’ve brocht sic music tae this land
In solo tune or wi’ your band
Past a’ compeer:
Abune them a’ you’ll always standby us held dear!
Ay Jim ye are a man o’ pairts
Wha’s music’s kent in a’ the airts
An’ wi’ applause gets just desairts
North, south, east, west
Tae hear them say a’ frae their hairts –
“Man, he’s the best!”
But gin ye be Scotch music’s king
Strathspey or reel – jig, heilan’ fling
Your sound had power to fairly bring
A reign fu’ far –
‘Neath Northern Lights your praise they sing
And Southern Star!
For nigh on fifty year your sound
Has traveled all our country round
And gane whaur foreign borders bound
Sae sweet sae braw –
It’s garr’s Scots mak’ ye king uncrowned
Heich abune a’!
Oh little wist ye on that day
When your first notes ye strove to play
An’ like maist ‘prentice lads the way
Was better socht –
That music wad take you to gaze
On lands unthocht!
To Canada’s great towns an’ plains
An’ fair Australia’s wroch-like ‘mains’
Tae walk the streets o’ foreign stanes
An’ tread the brod
In countries wi’ byornar names
Faur flung abroad
There’s mony a chiel in cabin scant
Surrounded but by dare and want
You’ve gar’d his verra hairt tae vaunt
An’ life and feel
Maist glad to hear your merry rant
Wi’ jig and reel!
There’s many lads in outback land
Faur frae Auld Scotia’s kindly strand
Hae blessed you an’ your tunefu’ band
When sunk in gloom
They’ve taen their lassies hand-in-hand
An’ cleared the room!
In jungle deep in old Malay
When tigers in their path did stray
There’s Scots, I’ve heard, have saved the day
An’ banished harms
For the beast turned douch when they did play –
Ay – “Music hath charms!”
And I heard of a loon mid Ireland’s strife –
Man Jim – You saved his very life
For as some o’ the ‘Bahoys’ wi’ gun and knife
Were bent to slay –
“Pit on a Shand record” he roared tae his wife –
An’ they danced away!
Enough! I think they’ll get the gist
An’ catch on braw for weel they wist
That I the Blarney Stone ne’er kissed
But speak sincere
When I say your notes I ne’er hae missed
Through a’ the years!
Hail Caledonia’s music-man!
Let ilka family ay an’ clan
Raise up their glasses in their han’
An’ drink your health!
For the music of our Jimmy Shand
Is mair nor wealth!
It’s never gowd or such can buy
The kind o’ joy to make them high
Frae Gretna tae the Isle o’ Skye
As ony kite!
Your music money widna try
Tae measure quite!
Lang may you reign an’ aiblins bring
Anither June tae sweetly sing
Some new made jig or reel or fling
And add mair wealth
Of pleasure brocht us by ‘The King’
Jimmy Shand! Your health!!
Mull Music Festival Society
by John McIntee
The Festival, our second, opened on 27th April, 1979, with an excellent concert and fiddle recital at Glengorm Castle under the able Chairmanship of the Tobermory Bard, Angus MacIntyre. The featured artistes at this event were Angus Cameron and Ron Gonella and what can I say about their performances – particularly their duets – they are, of course, the masters.
Also at the Castle were our very own Gaelic Group, the Sound of Mull, who are becomingly increasingly well known for their unique swinging sound. The recital was, of course, a sellout.
During this time at Tobermory, other artistes had arrived and were becoming esconsed in the hostelries they had been allocated. Tommy Kettles, Alan Sadler, Frank Henery and ‘The King’ Billy Thom, had the Macdonald Arms jumping to their wonderful music. The Tommy Kettles Quartet have so firmly established themselves and their music in Tobermory that they now have a fan following of their own. Tommy, with his mastery of musette, jazz, etc, Frank Henery (described as the despair of razor blade manufacturers – Bobby Colgan’s quote, not mine!) , the incomparable guitarist, the magic bass of Alan Sadler, all knitted together with the drumsticks of Billy Thom – what a fantastic amalgam of music……!
Up at the Western Isles Hotel there was a tremendous flash of colour – this was the Tartan Lads, Bill and Ray. The Lads had been on the island before but this was their first booking with the Festival and such was their impact that we are still ‘reeling’. They have also established themselves as firm favourites and like all our other artistes they have a blanket booking for future Festivals. Co-billed at the Western Isles was that Magic Man of the Fiddle wee Angus Fitchet. I know he will not mind me referring to him as wee but this does not refer to the stature he holds for the Muilleachs who would describe him as the ‘Peter Pan’ of the fiddle and we could give him no higher compliment. Also on the bill was our own lovely Fiona MacKenzie of the sweet voice and the effervescent young Highland dancer Isla Tague and piper.
Not to be outdone, the Mishnish Hotel in Main Street, Tobermory – abode of the Man from Tobermory – the famous Bobby MacLeod was in full swing with Bobby MacLeod of the flying fingers, supported by a bevy of top-line talent, including the inimitable bobby Colgan and Bobby Brown, who, together had the patrons’ sides aching with laughter. During this time the hotels at Dervaig and Salen also had great talent performing in the bars.
At the Aros Hall in Tobermory the fabulous ‘Gentleman’ Jim Johnstone and his Broadcasting Band were in full command for the late, late dance – and what a dance it was….! The locals are wanting to book tickets for next years dance in advance! In the wee small hours of Friday, 27th April – generously lubricated with the Water of Life, most of us just managed to crawl home to bed.
Saturday, 28th April, 1979
The day dawned with beautiful sunshine and Tobermory was at its loveliest – although there were a few red eyes. The Open Talent competition began at 10am for the Juniors with a wealth and diversity of talent. The outstanding performer immediately stamped himself on the judges (Jim Johnstone, Angus Fitchet, Bobby Colgan and Angus MacIntyre) and the and the capacity audience in the person of young David Morrice from the North-East who was absolute magic on the fiddle; the Senior Competition was won by a 69 year-old from Oban, Ian MacLeod, who does things with a harmonica that have to be seen (and heard) to be believed. During this time all the hotels were going full blast.
Throughout the day, the friendly invaders from the mainland who had come over for the Festival were greeting old and new friends in the Main Street. Billy Thom, Tommy Kettles, Frank Henery and Alan Sadler left the Macdonald Arms for a breather and were talking to your correspondent in the Main Street – Billy was doing his usual kidding. At the time he was wearing a distinctive red T-shirt and tartan trousers and being Billy, had a crowd around him. Because of the imminent General Election one of our aged worthies thought Billy was the local Labour candidate, and declared his intention of voting for him. Needless to say at the General Election on 3rd May this local worthy was most disappointed to find the THOM was not on the ballot papers…! Such is Billy’s prestige here that I know Tobermory would vote for him to a man – particularly the Macdonald Arms crowd.
At 8pm on the Saturday night in the Aros Hall, the Bearsden Fiddlers took over, supported by the day’s prize-winners and the Sound of Mull and this was really a TAKE-OVER BID. The Hall was packed half an hour before the concert started and the doors had to be locked to the dismay of late patrons. The Hall fairly jumped all night after that – the only slightly sad note was that the conductor, Hamish Johnstone, who a few weeks before had suffered a slight coronary was unable to conduct, but his stand in conductor was excellent. Hamish, who is doing well, and has all our best wishes for a complete recovery, did, in fact , conduct one number in his own inimitable style and in honour of the occasion greatly pleased the Muilleachs by giving his World Premiere of his own composition, in honour of the Festival ‘A Night with the Fiddlers at Tobermory’. After the night’s jollification, ceilidhs went on to the wee sma’ hours in all the hotels. NOT MUCH SLEEP WAS OBTAINED THIS NIGHT EITHER.
Sunday, 29th April, 1979
The day dawned bleak – the weather broke down – and the special boat laid on by MacBrayne berthed at Tobermory Pier at 11.30am. Again a large compliment of friendly invaders descended upon us, families and friends from the mainland, Oban, Lochaline, Fort William etc. By this time it was bucketing down, but amazingly all managed to squeeze themselves into hotels / restaurants etc. Sadly, due to the inclement weather, we had to postpone our proposed ‘Festival Fling’ at the Clock, but no-one seemed to mind as the entertainment from the Hotels etc was magnificent. At 5.30pm the boat left Tobermory to the strains of ‘Will ye no’ Come Back Again’ from ship to shore.
At 8pm that night in the Aros Hall we had the final concert with the Jim Johnstone Band, Tommy Kettles Quartet, Bobby Brown, Bobby Colgan, Sound of Mull, David Morrice and several other acts and again this was to a capacity audience. The great feature of these additional concerts in the Aros Hall was that whole families turned out, from the very young to the very old to support and be entertained. Tommy Kettles, who had composed ‘The Festival Waltz’ in our honour, was given a great ovation for this.
After the concert the patrons all disappeared to their favourite hostelries where the ceilidhs continued. Tommy Kettles and his Quartet were in full swing at the MacDonald Arms ; the Tartan Lads, Angus Fitchet, Sound of Mull, Fiona MacKenzie and Dave Morrice at the Western Isles, and at the ceilidh in the Mishnish Hotel, hosted by bobby and Jean MacLeod, Booy Colgan and Bobby Brown had the patrons in a state of hysterical laughter. Tobermory will never forget their rendition of ‘Old King Cole’, their impersonations of famous musical personalities and in particular Bobby Colgan’s sexy sporran….! The audience were delighted when the Old Master, Bobby MacLeod, sat in with the Jim Johnstone Band – the music was tremendous. The ceilidh continued all night. Very little sleep was obtained on this last Highland Fling.
Sadly, Monday 30th April dawned and most folk started drifting homewards, to catch boats etc, although there were still a few ghostly figures wandering around Tobermory, where it is rumoured that they were staying on until NEXT FESTIVAL! Hotels and guest houses were full during the Festival and an estimated 1,000 persons attended various functions etc. The Festival is now a regular feature for the last weekend in April each year and bookings are already coming in for next years Festival.
In conclusion I would say in 1978 we had a Festival – but in 1979 WE HAD A BALL!!
Roll on 1980 until we see you all again.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Let’s Dance in Strict Tempo – Ian Holmes and His Band – Lismor LILP5097
Scottish Country Dances Vol 2 – Alex MacArthur and his Band – Bluebell BBR119
The Sound of Houliston – Max Houliston and his Band – EMI Glen Gin 1003
Cape Breton Scottish Fiddle – Topic 12TS354
Melodeon Greats – Topic 12T376
Jack Stitt and his Band – Loudon LDN472
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel)
Alnwick (Nag’s Head)
Balloch (Balloch Hotel)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel)
Beith (Anderson Hotel)
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel)
Cumnock (Tup Inn)
Derwentside (Royal British Legion, Consett)
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) – 11th Sept 79 Alex MacArthur SDB 9th Oct 79 Jack Stalker SDB
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel)
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom)
Falkirk (Park Hotel) 9th Apr 79 Currie Brothers
Forres (Brig Motel)
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford)
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler)
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel)
Kelso (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Kintore (Crown Hotel)
Langholm (Crown Hotel)
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel)
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull)
Monklands (Kennilworth Hotel, Airdrie) – 1st Oct 79 Ceilidh with Jackie Jennet
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel)
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn - Penton)
North East (Seafield Arms)
Oban (Park Hotel)
Perth (Salutation Hotel)
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) Ronnie Easton & Kenny Thomson
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel)
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Banff
6. Beith
7. Biggar
8. Buchan
9. Coupar Angus
10. Cumnock
11. Derwentside
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. Falkirk
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Monklands
23. Newton St Boswells
24. North Cumbria
25. North East
26. Shetland
27. Straiton
28. Stranraer
29. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS IT APPEARED IN THE SEPT 1979 ISSUE
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
6. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
7. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
8. Buchan A&F Club
9. Coupar Angus A&F Club
10. Cumnock A&F Club
11. Derwentside A&F Club
12. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
13. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
14. Dundee & District A&F Club
15. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
16. Falkirk A&F Club
17. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
18. Galston A&F Club
19. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
20. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
21. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
22. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
23. Kintore A&F Club
24. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
25. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
26. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
27. M.A.F.I.A.
28. Monklands A&F Club
29. Newcastleton Accordion Club
30. New Cumnock A&F Club
31. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1976)
32. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
33. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
34. Oban A&F Club (1975)
35. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
36. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
37. Rothbury Accordion Club (1974)
38. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
39. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
40. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
41. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
42. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
43. Club Accord
44. Coquetdale (?)
45. Cumbria (or North Cumbria) Accordion Club
46. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
47. Fintry A&F Club
48. Gretna (June 1966)
49. Renfrew A&F Club
50. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
51. Wellbank A&F Club
Welcome back folks to another season of good music and good companionship. Whether you are a musician or listener, have many happy hours.
Guest artistes please note that you are not being very co-operative, not all of you, just a few. It is only common courtesy to at least acknowledge enquiries from Club Secretaries. It is also good business sense to look after your customers.
A new Guest artiste List is being made ready and should be available in a few weeks. The artistes on it should do their best to help Secretaries to get their Clubs organized and that can only be done if the Guest Artistes will acknowledge enquiries.
Please let me know if the Directory and the Diary are not correct.
David Ross, our Treasurer, wishes it to be known that the Association’s Subscription from each Club is now due and would Treasurers please expedite.
Our Secretary, Andrew Nairn, still has a few badges left and our Chairman, Jimmy Blue, wishes every Club a most successful season.
The report of the AGM is being held over till next month as is the report of the Executive Committee first meeting.
During the recess a new Club has joined us, this is Newtongrange, Secretary Mrs M. Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith.
We extend them our hand and we will be hearing how they get on.
By the by, you will notice that this season the publication date is the 15th of the month and the deadline is the 1st. It’s been reversed for several good reasons.
Ronnie Easton
by David Ross
Ronnie has unfortunately had to move house and will be staying in Reddich, near Birmingham. This state of affairs was brought about by the closure of ‘Monsanto’ where Ronnie worked for the past 14 years or so.
I must express my feelings from the musical angle and say we have lost one of the best bands currently broadcasting. Ronnie has tried to introduce us to new tunes and did work hard searching for new material, also he had his ‘own’ band and that is something we hear too little of.
I feel that we have too many ‘gather-ups’ and this does not lend itself to anything but criticism. May I wish Ronnie all the best and say he will be missed in Scotland as a musician and a friend.
Gold for M.A.F.I.A. and Balloch
On Saturday, 26th May, at the Golden Fiddle Championships in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, the winners of the seven piece group contest was the Glasgow Caledonians Strathspey and Reel Society’s Group ‘A’.
This team was made up as follows :
Sheena McLean (piano)
Dave Cailey (bass)
Norman Williams (accordion)
Ken McLean, Gordon Simpson, Denis McLaughlan & Jimmy Yeaman (fiddles)
All seven players belong to the Balloch and Milngavie Clubs.
Appreciation
Archie Park
by Ian Smith
Just after the ‘B&F’ ended its 78-79 season we learned with deep regret of the sudden death of a great friend and fiddler, Archie Park. Archie came from the Border country but was just as well known at Perth or anywhere where there was a gathering of accordionists and fiddlers.
Archie was an extrovert and was the life and soul of any group he joined with. One always got him in the same mood, happy-go-lucky. He lived for the moment and people loved him for it. He once told me that “He loved the ordinary people. They talk the same language as me”. One thing is for sure, the Musselburgh Festival won’t be quite the same, neither the Straiton or Perth Festivals. His humour and infectious laugh will be missed.
Even at this late stage we extend to his relatives our sincerest condolences and they can be assured that when musicians get together and start to reminisce, the name of Archie Park will be fondly remembered.
Presentation Dinner
by Ian Smith
The Guest of Honour at the Association’s Dinner was Jimmy Shand. A splendid affair for a splendid gentleman. A gathering of over 200 musicians and friends from the Accordion and Fiddle world had met to honour the man who has become a legend in his lifetime. With Jimmy was his good lady Anne, Jimmy Shand Jnr , wife Margaret and daughter Diane, also brother David, Uncle Bob and Dorothy.
Congratulations to the organisers under the leadership of Association Secretary Andrew Nairn. A special word of thanks to Jackie Cooper, Dundee, for the great assistance he gave behind the scenes. The Chairman, Jimmy Blue, co-ordinated the whole evening and everything went like clockwork.
Jimmy Blue welcomed everybody and called on a few people to say a few words. First was Angus Fitchet who said he could speak better with a fiddle but said it was a great honour for him just to be invited.
Bobby MacLeod, who on behalf of his wife Jean and himself, thanked the Association for their invitation, said it was a wonderful privilege and that Jimmy had been an inspiration to everyone.
Pleasure
Next was Dr Sandy Tulloch, an eye specialist, who said that he and his wife were thrilled when the anonymous invitation was received with tremendous pleasure. He went on to relate an experience with Jimmy and an ailing box spread out on the bed in pieces.
This led then to the main speaker, Andy Stewart, who was accompanied by his wife Sheila. Andy immediately let loose with a broadside of jokes, stories and anecdotes which was very much enjoyed.
He apologised for being late and said that even if two of his other cars or, as he put it, his other two cars, had broken down they would have walked all the way from Stonehaven just to be in this elite company. On this special night it was a great honour to have been asked to be the main speaker. He said that this night will long be remembered in the annals of the history of Scotland’s music when those of his own fraternity have set aside a few hours to welcome this unique individual. He then asked everyone to be upstanding and drink a toast to Jimmy Shand.
The chairman, Jimmy Blue, then rose and, with some emotion in his voice, addressed Jimmy and said “From the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs please accept this as a wee something that you have done for all of us”. At that, the lights were dimmed, the spotlight came on, the curtain was pulled, and there were gasps of delight when a full portrait was revealed. This was Jimmy, in his Highland regalia and on the table beside him was his Shand Morino, a truly magnificent portrait. The applause was long and sincere and when it eventually died down Jimmy Shand rose to speak. He was clearly overcome. His first words were “I don’t understand how I deserve this.” Such is the man’s humility.
The last couple of years of his life have been full of surprises. The first was when he reached three score years and ten he got his first birthday party, next was when he went to Edinburgh to receive his golden disc, then that man Eamonn Andrews presented him with ‘This is Your Life’. He admitted that what scared him was the thought of what they were going to surprise him about his early days (Laughter).
Jimmy then went back to his early days which were pretty grim. He was brought up in a mining community, the circumstances were humble in the extreme. He was four years in the pits when the General Strike happened. It was hard before, but now the got worse. There were nine in their family and only one brother in work. He drove a horse and cart for £2 12/- a week. They were also the victims of the Means Test. This, for Jimmy, meant that he only got his Insurance Card stamped.
in 1933 he stepped through the door of a music shop in Dundee. This was the most momentous step he ever took. He used to go in and admire the melodeons. Piano accordions weren’t popular at that time. The shop was owned by Charles Forbes and he was eventually offered a job. At first he felt unable to accept as he was on strike, but in the end he did. It was the best move he ever made.
System Devised
Charles Forbes explained all about the melodeons and imparted what little music he knew but, more importantly, he explained about the system he had devised about the bass. This was the Double Ray. This was the melodeon that the lads in the bothies played. It cost £4 5/- but you could get a better one if you took another model, this one cost £3 10/-.
The father of Ian and Bill Powrie was a noted melodeon player and Bill ‘Poorie’ had made a number of 78s and this led to the only time Jimmy adjudicated at a competition. There were eight in the competition and they all sounded so like Bill Poorie that he couldn’t tell one from another.
Jimmy then came to the origin of the Shand Morino. Forbes shop had contacts with Hohner in Germany, so they arranged for a Special to be made. Up to then his box was a 33-36 4 voice. That was the one on which he made his first recording.
It was quite a jump from that to his new special 2 row, 80 bass, but it turned out the most unbalanced box he ever handled. Almost as soon as he took possession, he sold it. His second special took another nine months to get all the defects ironed out and when it arrived it was fine. The name of this one was Organola 3 row 80 basses. He had this one to the early days of the war, then sold it to Mr McGjie, Orkney, on the understanding that if he sold it, he would sell it back to him. He never did and this grieved Jimmy.
Mr Forbes and Jimmy then got down to designing what was to become the Shand Morino. He still has the original one from June, 1939. Even then he had to get used to it and said that on his first solo broadcast from Edinburgh he didn’t play it, he fought with it, and to make matters worse he had to announce the tunes. He announced the first and forgot the rest.
Household Name
The Shand Morino has now become a household name. They have been the means of bringing much pleasure to countless people, but he regretted that the instruments nowadays are hopelessly overpriced.
“I am standing here tonight and if my life has been successful I owe it all to Charles Forbes. He was the man who set me on the road, and if I have been successful will have justified the faith that Charles Forbes had in me. He sent me off to London to do a recording. My fee was £16, out of which all my expenses were to come. The train fare was £3 12s 6d, it is nearer £40 now. They provided me with an accompanist who was a good player but couldn’t vamp for the box. After four hours rehearsals we were no further forward. In the end we made one recording with the accompanist and two without. Ten months later the records came out, that was in 1933”. Jimmy added “I’ve just finished my last LP in May, 1979”.
In his travels he has made lots of friends all over the world. Some took up the accordion or the fiddle and in later years some played at the intervals, especially in the North of England.
Going on to the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs he said he didn’t know what he had done to deserve being honoured as he had only visited three Clubs in Dundee, Milngavie and Gretna. He also felt that when he retired he would have nothing to do. “God knows how I find time to do nothing”. He then said that he had bought every box he ever had and felt that if someone or some firm had gifted one he wouldn’t have been happy with it.
“When I accepted the invitation I never thought that it would be such a lavish affair. I thought just a quiet ceremony with a few friends. However, if it gives you satisfaction then I accept in the same spirit. Thank you one and all and prosperity to all Clubs in the future”. He was given a standing ovation.
Great Likeness
Guest speaker Andy Stewart felt constrained to reply and his opening sentence was typical Andy Stewart. “It’s a beautiful portrait and a great likeness Jimmy, you’re almost smiling.” He went on to say that Jimmy in his own way made a beautiful speech and was taken by the thought that Jimmy stood for his nation and it was a wonderful confession when he had said he had paid for every box he ever owned. He said, “I don’t think you can achieve the success Jimmy has without first having the gift, given by a higher power, and by paying for everything as you go along”.
He went on, “What a tremendous night this has been, it’s warm in here, not just the heat of the room, but of the warmth of love and affection we have for one another and what we stand for and that is the music of Scotland and that id Jimmy Shand”.
So ended the first part amid thunderous applause.
A nice touch by the Chairman next. He invited ordinary members to come up and say a few words. Among those to take the opportunity were Jim MacLeod (Dunblane), Bobby Coghill (Wick) and Robert Whitehead (Wooler) and a host of others.
The rest of the evening was taken up by a ceilidh starring Angus Fitchet, Tom Clark, the Currie Brothers, Jimmy Yeaman, Bill Black etc, etc, etc. Even the Master himself played the box much to everyone’s delight.
If everyone present had brought their instruments, what an orchestra it would have made, what an LP it would have made. There were gathered 200 of the finest traditional players with but one thought on their minds, Jimmy Shand the man, Jimmy Shand the musician, Jimmy Shand the Master.
Jimmy Shand
by Andy Stewart
Oh, Jimmy Shand, sae braw an’ grand
You’ve brocht sic music tae this land
In solo tune or wi’ your band
Past a’ compeer:
Abune them a’ you’ll always standby us held dear!
Ay Jim ye are a man o’ pairts
Wha’s music’s kent in a’ the airts
An’ wi’ applause gets just desairts
North, south, east, west
Tae hear them say a’ frae their hairts –
“Man, he’s the best!”
But gin ye be Scotch music’s king
Strathspey or reel – jig, heilan’ fling
Your sound had power to fairly bring
A reign fu’ far –
‘Neath Northern Lights your praise they sing
And Southern Star!
For nigh on fifty year your sound
Has traveled all our country round
And gane whaur foreign borders bound
Sae sweet sae braw –
It’s garr’s Scots mak’ ye king uncrowned
Heich abune a’!
Oh little wist ye on that day
When your first notes ye strove to play
An’ like maist ‘prentice lads the way
Was better socht –
That music wad take you to gaze
On lands unthocht!
To Canada’s great towns an’ plains
An’ fair Australia’s wroch-like ‘mains’
Tae walk the streets o’ foreign stanes
An’ tread the brod
In countries wi’ byornar names
Faur flung abroad
There’s mony a chiel in cabin scant
Surrounded but by dare and want
You’ve gar’d his verra hairt tae vaunt
An’ life and feel
Maist glad to hear your merry rant
Wi’ jig and reel!
There’s many lads in outback land
Faur frae Auld Scotia’s kindly strand
Hae blessed you an’ your tunefu’ band
When sunk in gloom
They’ve taen their lassies hand-in-hand
An’ cleared the room!
In jungle deep in old Malay
When tigers in their path did stray
There’s Scots, I’ve heard, have saved the day
An’ banished harms
For the beast turned douch when they did play –
Ay – “Music hath charms!”
And I heard of a loon mid Ireland’s strife –
Man Jim – You saved his very life
For as some o’ the ‘Bahoys’ wi’ gun and knife
Were bent to slay –
“Pit on a Shand record” he roared tae his wife –
An’ they danced away!
Enough! I think they’ll get the gist
An’ catch on braw for weel they wist
That I the Blarney Stone ne’er kissed
But speak sincere
When I say your notes I ne’er hae missed
Through a’ the years!
Hail Caledonia’s music-man!
Let ilka family ay an’ clan
Raise up their glasses in their han’
An’ drink your health!
For the music of our Jimmy Shand
Is mair nor wealth!
It’s never gowd or such can buy
The kind o’ joy to make them high
Frae Gretna tae the Isle o’ Skye
As ony kite!
Your music money widna try
Tae measure quite!
Lang may you reign an’ aiblins bring
Anither June tae sweetly sing
Some new made jig or reel or fling
And add mair wealth
Of pleasure brocht us by ‘The King’
Jimmy Shand! Your health!!
Mull Music Festival Society
by John McIntee
The Festival, our second, opened on 27th April, 1979, with an excellent concert and fiddle recital at Glengorm Castle under the able Chairmanship of the Tobermory Bard, Angus MacIntyre. The featured artistes at this event were Angus Cameron and Ron Gonella and what can I say about their performances – particularly their duets – they are, of course, the masters.
Also at the Castle were our very own Gaelic Group, the Sound of Mull, who are becomingly increasingly well known for their unique swinging sound. The recital was, of course, a sellout.
During this time at Tobermory, other artistes had arrived and were becoming esconsed in the hostelries they had been allocated. Tommy Kettles, Alan Sadler, Frank Henery and ‘The King’ Billy Thom, had the Macdonald Arms jumping to their wonderful music. The Tommy Kettles Quartet have so firmly established themselves and their music in Tobermory that they now have a fan following of their own. Tommy, with his mastery of musette, jazz, etc, Frank Henery (described as the despair of razor blade manufacturers – Bobby Colgan’s quote, not mine!) , the incomparable guitarist, the magic bass of Alan Sadler, all knitted together with the drumsticks of Billy Thom – what a fantastic amalgam of music……!
Up at the Western Isles Hotel there was a tremendous flash of colour – this was the Tartan Lads, Bill and Ray. The Lads had been on the island before but this was their first booking with the Festival and such was their impact that we are still ‘reeling’. They have also established themselves as firm favourites and like all our other artistes they have a blanket booking for future Festivals. Co-billed at the Western Isles was that Magic Man of the Fiddle wee Angus Fitchet. I know he will not mind me referring to him as wee but this does not refer to the stature he holds for the Muilleachs who would describe him as the ‘Peter Pan’ of the fiddle and we could give him no higher compliment. Also on the bill was our own lovely Fiona MacKenzie of the sweet voice and the effervescent young Highland dancer Isla Tague and piper.
Not to be outdone, the Mishnish Hotel in Main Street, Tobermory – abode of the Man from Tobermory – the famous Bobby MacLeod was in full swing with Bobby MacLeod of the flying fingers, supported by a bevy of top-line talent, including the inimitable bobby Colgan and Bobby Brown, who, together had the patrons’ sides aching with laughter. During this time the hotels at Dervaig and Salen also had great talent performing in the bars.
At the Aros Hall in Tobermory the fabulous ‘Gentleman’ Jim Johnstone and his Broadcasting Band were in full command for the late, late dance – and what a dance it was….! The locals are wanting to book tickets for next years dance in advance! In the wee small hours of Friday, 27th April – generously lubricated with the Water of Life, most of us just managed to crawl home to bed.
Saturday, 28th April, 1979
The day dawned with beautiful sunshine and Tobermory was at its loveliest – although there were a few red eyes. The Open Talent competition began at 10am for the Juniors with a wealth and diversity of talent. The outstanding performer immediately stamped himself on the judges (Jim Johnstone, Angus Fitchet, Bobby Colgan and Angus MacIntyre) and the and the capacity audience in the person of young David Morrice from the North-East who was absolute magic on the fiddle; the Senior Competition was won by a 69 year-old from Oban, Ian MacLeod, who does things with a harmonica that have to be seen (and heard) to be believed. During this time all the hotels were going full blast.
Throughout the day, the friendly invaders from the mainland who had come over for the Festival were greeting old and new friends in the Main Street. Billy Thom, Tommy Kettles, Frank Henery and Alan Sadler left the Macdonald Arms for a breather and were talking to your correspondent in the Main Street – Billy was doing his usual kidding. At the time he was wearing a distinctive red T-shirt and tartan trousers and being Billy, had a crowd around him. Because of the imminent General Election one of our aged worthies thought Billy was the local Labour candidate, and declared his intention of voting for him. Needless to say at the General Election on 3rd May this local worthy was most disappointed to find the THOM was not on the ballot papers…! Such is Billy’s prestige here that I know Tobermory would vote for him to a man – particularly the Macdonald Arms crowd.
At 8pm on the Saturday night in the Aros Hall, the Bearsden Fiddlers took over, supported by the day’s prize-winners and the Sound of Mull and this was really a TAKE-OVER BID. The Hall was packed half an hour before the concert started and the doors had to be locked to the dismay of late patrons. The Hall fairly jumped all night after that – the only slightly sad note was that the conductor, Hamish Johnstone, who a few weeks before had suffered a slight coronary was unable to conduct, but his stand in conductor was excellent. Hamish, who is doing well, and has all our best wishes for a complete recovery, did, in fact , conduct one number in his own inimitable style and in honour of the occasion greatly pleased the Muilleachs by giving his World Premiere of his own composition, in honour of the Festival ‘A Night with the Fiddlers at Tobermory’. After the night’s jollification, ceilidhs went on to the wee sma’ hours in all the hotels. NOT MUCH SLEEP WAS OBTAINED THIS NIGHT EITHER.
Sunday, 29th April, 1979
The day dawned bleak – the weather broke down – and the special boat laid on by MacBrayne berthed at Tobermory Pier at 11.30am. Again a large compliment of friendly invaders descended upon us, families and friends from the mainland, Oban, Lochaline, Fort William etc. By this time it was bucketing down, but amazingly all managed to squeeze themselves into hotels / restaurants etc. Sadly, due to the inclement weather, we had to postpone our proposed ‘Festival Fling’ at the Clock, but no-one seemed to mind as the entertainment from the Hotels etc was magnificent. At 5.30pm the boat left Tobermory to the strains of ‘Will ye no’ Come Back Again’ from ship to shore.
At 8pm that night in the Aros Hall we had the final concert with the Jim Johnstone Band, Tommy Kettles Quartet, Bobby Brown, Bobby Colgan, Sound of Mull, David Morrice and several other acts and again this was to a capacity audience. The great feature of these additional concerts in the Aros Hall was that whole families turned out, from the very young to the very old to support and be entertained. Tommy Kettles, who had composed ‘The Festival Waltz’ in our honour, was given a great ovation for this.
After the concert the patrons all disappeared to their favourite hostelries where the ceilidhs continued. Tommy Kettles and his Quartet were in full swing at the MacDonald Arms ; the Tartan Lads, Angus Fitchet, Sound of Mull, Fiona MacKenzie and Dave Morrice at the Western Isles, and at the ceilidh in the Mishnish Hotel, hosted by bobby and Jean MacLeod, Booy Colgan and Bobby Brown had the patrons in a state of hysterical laughter. Tobermory will never forget their rendition of ‘Old King Cole’, their impersonations of famous musical personalities and in particular Bobby Colgan’s sexy sporran….! The audience were delighted when the Old Master, Bobby MacLeod, sat in with the Jim Johnstone Band – the music was tremendous. The ceilidh continued all night. Very little sleep was obtained on this last Highland Fling.
Sadly, Monday 30th April dawned and most folk started drifting homewards, to catch boats etc, although there were still a few ghostly figures wandering around Tobermory, where it is rumoured that they were staying on until NEXT FESTIVAL! Hotels and guest houses were full during the Festival and an estimated 1,000 persons attended various functions etc. The Festival is now a regular feature for the last weekend in April each year and bookings are already coming in for next years Festival.
In conclusion I would say in 1978 we had a Festival – but in 1979 WE HAD A BALL!!
Roll on 1980 until we see you all again.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
Let’s Dance in Strict Tempo – Ian Holmes and His Band – Lismor LILP5097
Scottish Country Dances Vol 2 – Alex MacArthur and his Band – Bluebell BBR119
The Sound of Houliston – Max Houliston and his Band – EMI Glen Gin 1003
Cape Breton Scottish Fiddle – Topic 12TS354
Melodeon Greats – Topic 12T376
Jack Stitt and his Band – Loudon LDN472
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel)
Alnwick (Nag’s Head)
Balloch (Balloch Hotel)
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel)
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel)
Beith (Anderson Hotel)
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel)
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel)
Cumnock (Tup Inn)
Derwentside (Royal British Legion, Consett)
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) – 11th Sept 79 Alex MacArthur SDB 9th Oct 79 Jack Stalker SDB
Dundee (Royal Central Hotel)
Dunfermline (Kinema Ballroom)
Falkirk (Park Hotel) 9th Apr 79 Currie Brothers
Forres (Brig Motel)
Galston (Parakeet, Hurlford)
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler)
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel)
Kelso (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Kintore (Crown Hotel)
Langholm (Crown Hotel)
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel)
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull)
Monklands (Kennilworth Hotel, Airdrie) – 1st Oct 79 Ceilidh with Jackie Jennet
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel)
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel)
North Cumbria (Huntsman Inn - Penton)
North East (Seafield Arms)
Oban (Park Hotel)
Perth (Salutation Hotel)
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (North West Castle Hotel) Ronnie Easton & Kenny Thomson
Torthorwald (Torr House Hotel)
Wick (McKay’s Hotel)
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Balloch
4. Banchory
5. Banff
6. Beith
7. Biggar
8. Buchan
9. Coupar Angus
10. Cumnock
11. Derwentside
12. Dunblane
13. Dundee
14. Dunfermline
15. Falkirk
16. Forres
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. Lockerbie
21. M.A.F.I.A.
22. Monklands
23. Newton St Boswells
24. North Cumbria
25. North East
26. Shetland
27. Straiton
28. Stranraer
29. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS IT APPEARED IN THE SEPT 1979 ISSUE
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
4. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
5. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
6. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
7. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
8. Buchan A&F Club
9. Coupar Angus A&F Club
10. Cumnock A&F Club
11. Derwentside A&F Club
12. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
13. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
14. Dundee & District A&F Club
15. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
16. Falkirk A&F Club
17. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
18. Galston A&F Club
19. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
20. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
21. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
22. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
23. Kintore A&F Club
24. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
25. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
26. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
27. M.A.F.I.A.
28. Monklands A&F Club
29. Newcastleton Accordion Club
30. New Cumnock A&F Club
31. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1976)
32. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
33. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
34. Oban A&F Club (1975)
35. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
36. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
37. Rothbury Accordion Club (1974)
38. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
39. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
40. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
41. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
42. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
43. Club Accord
44. Coquetdale (?)
45. Cumbria (or North Cumbria) Accordion Club
46. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
47. Fintry A&F Club
48. Gretna (June 1966)
49. Renfrew A&F Club
50. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
51. Wellbank A&F Club
