Box and Fiddle
Year 17 No 01
September 1993
Price 60p
12 pages
7 month subscription £7.00
Editor – Editor – Doug Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
When I took over from Tom Clark two years ago, I agreed initially to continue for two issues to se if the paper was viable. Having achieved this aim, I then agreed to carry on for another two years. This is now up and I feel the time has come for somebody else to take up the challenge.
Should anybody be interested in this position, please get in touch with me and I shall give you an idea of what’s involved. In the event of nobody coming forward, I have informed Jimmy Blue that I shall continue to the end of this season.
During the summer months I had the pleasure of attending one of our new member Clubs, the Islay Club. Run more on the lines of a ‘Ceilidh Club’ where Highland dancers, singers and various other instrumentalists were as common as accordionists and fiddlers, an audience of over 160, most of whom were still there at the end, enjoyed an evening of varied entertainment. Perhaps there is something to be learned from this recipe.
Due to a surplus of reports and other interesting articles, a few regular features are missing this month. Most of these will return in October.
Wishing all Clubs a successful season.
Doug Adamson
Benvenuti A Scozia Signor Enzo
by Charlie Todd
Roberto Enzo will, for many in Scotland, be a new name in the accordion world. It was after hearing his performance at the East Kilbride Club that I decided to learn how it came about that a former Junior World champion came to settle in my neck of the woods.
Roberto was born in the beautiful city of Venice in 1960 into a family with no musical background. Neither his parents nor grandparents played any musical instruments or sang, but it was his father who gave him a small toy accordion at the age of three as a present for Epihany (gifts are not exchanged at Christmas in Italy) which aroused his interest. A neighbour, by good fortune a piano teacher, recognised some potential in young Roberto and persuaded his father to enroll him in the renowned L. Fancelli Accordion School when he was 8 years old.
Initially tuition took the normal form of twice weekly 45 minute lessons under the instruction of Maestro Elio Boschello. However, all that changed when it was recognised that Roberto was a potential champion and thereafter he went straight from primary school each day at midday to a room at the studio where tuition and practice took up the next 10 or so hours. Weekends were similar, except that with no school he was expected to practice 14 hours a day.
For those a bit more technical than myself Roberto used the QUINTA freebass system. One of the highlights of those days was playing in a 50 strong accordion orchestra which contained no less than five former World Champions.
Predictably, all this practice paid dividends and in each of the years 1970 to 1975, Roberto won his age group at the International Competition in Castelfidardo, together with a National Competition for Concert Accordionists in 1974 and the Junior title for the World Championships held at Recanati in Italy in 1975. In the concert competition Roberto had to play a one hour programme from memory on stage in front of a large audience and 25 to 30 adjudicators concealed behind screens.
I asked Roberto to clarify the World Championship position and he explained that there were two. The Coupe Mondial which occasionally receives a mention in the ‘B&F’ is preferred by the Americans and Russians but still has a limited entry. The Confederation Mondial de L’Accordeon is more favoured by Italy and France and each country worldwide is entitled to enter 4 accordionists – two for the seniors and two for the juniors. As a result between 250 and 300 entrants compete each year for these coveted titles.
For the next three years, with this Championship under his belt, Robert was able to combine concert tours in Europe, Canada and the U.S.A. with continuing practice and three attempts at the Senior World Championship. However, luck wasn’t with him and on each occasion in Barcelona (1976), Paris (1977) and Yugoslavia (1978) he was Runner-Up.
Instead of a normal secondary school, Roberto attended a Conservatory of Music where he was able to extend his musical studies to include, piano, organ and composition. By the age of 18 he had completed studies which normally took 3 years longer next came a ‘year out’ for National Service as a tank driver.
The Scottish Connection
With his return to civilian life Roberto embarked on a career in popular music, also singing to his own accompaniment incidentally, and playing for dancing. It was during this time that he met a Scots lass, Rita, on a working holiday in Italy. He had been on holiday in Scotland on three occasions and liked the country and its people. After marrying they eventually decided to return to Scotland and settle in East Kilbride.
Now, four years later, Roberto is well established as a full time entertainer playing his Borsini accordion in Italian restaurants in the Glasgow area in the evening and teaching in his studio at Strathclyde Business Centre in New Stevenston, Motherwell, on two afternoons a week. Last year, one of his pupils, Clint McCutcheon, was the first British entrant ever for the same Junior World Championship that Roberto won in 1975. Daughter Laura, now 8, is also a keen student of the accordion.
Roberto’s guest spot at East Kilbride demonstrated his undoubted versatility with the usual sets of jigs, marches and reels being replaced by selections of lombadas, Italian polkas and tangos blended with accordion classics by all the top composers. As you would expect, his skill and technique are breathtaking and his commentary pleasant and friendly, lapsing into his native Italian when the English translation eludes him.
All in all therefore, Roberto’s performance provides a very refreshing experience and I would wish him and his family a long and happy stay in Scotland.
Norrie and Sheila Williams Retire
by Norrie
It will now be common knowledge that the two of us retired as Secretary and Chairman of the Musselburgh Festival Committee in June of this year. Why? – well, there are two main reasons.
Firstly, although a very rewarding task, it is a fairly arduous one and contrary to what one might expect it doesn’t become any less so as the years progress, in fact the worry factor increases with each succeeding event.
Secondly, as both of us are now the proud possessors of bus passes, we feel that although this does not make us old by present day standards, to the majority of competitors who are in the 8 – 25 age range we must appear ancient – on a level with their grandparents. Now, as with most things, our music cannot stand still, the type and style of tunes, harmonies, arrangements etc, and the way forward must surely lie in the hands of the younger generation. We are running out of steam and new ideas, to a certain extent, so it is time to step aside.
However, we must emphasise what a privilege it has been for us to be involved in this way, the opportunity of meeting so many folk with the common interest in our music, the contact with competitors of all ages and their parents, adjudicators, teachers, helpers, radio stations, caterers, hall staff and so on and so on. These have all been acknowledged annually in the Musselburgh Reports, so no need to enlarge here.
Last but certainly not least, we must express our gratitude to N.A.A.F.C. Chairman Jimmy Blue and his Executive Committee for their continuing support and encouragement, to successive Editors of the ‘B&F’ for their co-operation and to all our own Festival Committee for their sterling efforts and heartwarming fellowship over the past 12 years.
For the record the members were Joan Blue (Forgandenny), Tom Clark (Dundee), Eddie MacDonald (Kinnesswood), Anne and Bob Scott (Lochgelly), the late Willie Wilson (Dalry) and latterly Neil Copland of Dundee. We will certainly miss their company. In all these 12 years there has never been a cross word.
In conclusion, thanks to our predecessors, Christine Hunter and Alex Little for handing over such a healthy Festival and our very best wishes to our successors Margaret Quirrie and Neil Copland for continuing success.
“Some Wedding That!”
by Norrie Williams
I know I’ve said this before, but when ‘Auld Lang Syne’ rounds off the Sunday afternoon ceilidh at the finish of the N.A.A.F.C. A.G.M. Weekend, it has more poignancy for me than on almost any other occasion, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
The fellowship and friendships which started through the common interest in our music have strengthened over the years. Enjoying the company of old friends and making new ones has become a real mainstay of this two day event.
This may sound like a load of sentimental guff but few of those present would deny that the farewells in the early evening of the Sunday are tinged with genuine sadness.
Looking round the room during ‘A.L.S.’ one sees faces ‘frae a’ the airts’ and ages ranging from late teens well into the eighties, and where else can one rub shoulders so informally with some of the greats of the Scottish dance music scene. Yes, the A.G.M. weekend has certainly got that something that makes it special.
The Saturday afternoon followed last year’s successful pattern with a ceilidh for all players present, hinging around Jimmy Shand Snr, looking so well and completely belying his 85 years. The stramash started in one of the small Committee Rooms but as it is difficult for sardines to play boxes and fiddles the whole affair moved into the ballroom and a good time was had by all.
Then replete from a mouth-watering evening meal of Roast Beef chasseur and Bavarian Lemon Torte (on different plates of course!), it was straight into the dance to the music of a very young looking, beardless, Bobby Crowe and his Band, the supporting caste being a bearded Ron Kerr (fiddle), Edward Galley (2nd accordion), Jim Lindsay (keyboard) and Malcolm Ross (drums) – a truly first class combination.
The half time band had an equally notable complement, fielding no less than three British chromatic players, Messrs Blue, Shand and Tulloch, in addition to Ian Powrie, Joan Blue and on drums David Shand.
Sunday morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed – I’m a liar as well – and a very well attended (extra chairs required) A.G.M. which turned out to be a comparatively peaceful affair. The younger generation of players were well represented here, as at the dance, when their sartorial elegance evoked much favourable comment as it did at Musselburgh. They certainly are a credit to the Association.
There being no special guest this year, the customary celebrity ceilidh, ably and effortlessly compered, as always, by Chairman Jimmy Blue, kicked off hard on the heels of the lunch. The opening spot was taken by Nicol McLaren (of Glencraig Band fame) leading a quartet in selections of marches and jigs – good stuff.
There were ten turns in all, each on polished and professional (performers listed below), the last being a dance sessions with a band front line of Jimmy Shand, Ian Powrie, Tom Clark and Sandy Tulloch, which produced the quote of the day from two women who were passing along the corridor at the time and peeped in – “Some wedding that!”.
Once again we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jack Cooper for his superhuman efforts in organising the whole affair and ensuring that it ran smoothly. It really is a mammoth task and must be fraught with anxieties.
Here’s to 1994.
For the record :-
1) Guests who booked in for part or all of the weekend hailed from the following houfs :-
Aberdeen, Arbroath, Ayr, Auchtermuchty, Blairgowrie, Beith, Crook of Devon, Dundee, Dunblane, Dumfries, Ellon, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Forfar, Falkirk, Glasgow, Kelso, Lancashire, Lockerbie, Millport, Mauchline, Northumberland, Newtongrange, Oban, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Stirling, Wick, Yarrow.
2) Performers in Celebrity Ceilidh :-
Fiddle – Ian Powrie, Margaret Quirie, Stella Wilkie
Accordion – Kirsty Bisset, Tom Clark, Bobby Coghill, Ian Holmes, Jim Johnstone, Nicol McLaren, David Oswald, Bruce Quirrie, Morag Robertson, Jimmy Shand, Ian Thomson, Sandy Tulloch.
Piano – Joan Blue, Maureen Rutherford
Drums – Jack Cooper, David Shand
Unclassified! – Robbie Shepherd
Footnote – Feeling the anti-climax after leaving Perth we called in at the ‘Little Chef’ near Dunblane and were cheered up no end to find that Margaret and Ian Holmes had done the same. A great crack and all set off again in great form.
Introducing the Clubs
No 16 Banchory
by Bill Smith
When approached by the ‘B&F’ Editor to write an article about Banchory A&F Club, its history and supporters, my thoughts went back to the time while living in Huntly, the North East Club was formed in Keith and as secretary for the Huntly Harmonica Orchestra I was asked to join in the setting up of the Club. Unfortunately, I had to decline due to my day job but it sparked off my interest in what I thought was a great idea.
I moved to Banchory with my family in 1973 and became secretary for the Banchory S&R Society in 1974 and with that Society sampled the competitive side of Music Festivals, the rivalry and friendships that music can bring, my wife Margaret and daughter Jane were all involved.
In the weeks before a Festival there would be a procession of players of all ages calling at the house for a practice for which every solo, trio or orchestra section they would have entered. It soon became apparent some players suffered more from nerves than others, and one of the reasons was that they were only playing on a stage two or three times a year, and if a mistake was made it sapped their confidence. The obvious solution, more playing in public and what better than start a Banchory A&F Club.
The manager of the Burnett Arms Hotel, the late Bert Flett, offered his function suite for our meeting free of charge and indeed paid for adverts and provided one of our first trophies and secured for us the services of Jimmy Blue as our first guest artiste. This was in 1978.
Mr Robert Melvin and his wife Jackie, owners of the Burnett Arms Hotel, are still our benefactors and this is greatly appreciated.
Bert Flett became our first Hon. President and the other office bearers were Margaret Smith and Mrs Celia Davidson, joint Treasurers, myself as Secretary, Miss Mary Milne and Margaret Smith sharing the piano accompaniments.
The connection with the S&R Society was vital with Conductor Sandy Cooper, Julia Fyfe, Rhoda Drummond, Fred Davidson, Charles Esson Snr., and the late Jim Linklater making up the Committee.
The opening night was packed to capacity and tremendous entertainment and enjoyment was provided. The value of this venture showed and great talent began to emerge, names that are now familiar, Judith Davidson, Kathleen Smith, Jane Smith, Alex Bain, Paul Anderson, David Anderson, Heather Anderson, Angela Smith, Neil Dawson, Brian Cruickshank, Charles Esson Jnr., Lynne Gould, Averil Anderson, Gary Anderson, many of them doing guest spots all round the Accordion and Fiddle Club circuit.
Youngsters who are beginning to shine are Russell Kostulin, Keith Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Lucy Sutherland, Claire Telford, Carolyn Kostulin, Stuart Robertson, Victoria Fifield, Emily Kostulin and Anna Low.
The Club has greatly benefited from non-playing members like Bert and Mollie Mackie, Ken Mackie and his wife Madge, Mrs Nan Barrack and others too numerous to mention.
I would also like to pay tribute to treasured members who have died, or who cannot attend due to illness. Personally, I can still see them in their places on stage or in the audience, if we gave them entertainment, they gave us encouragement.
Our thanks are also due to Gordon and Aileen Rattray, owners of the Douglas Arms Hotel, who have also acted as our hosts on several occasions, their contribution towards music in the Banchory area is tremendous to Banchory S&R Society and the A&F Club in particular.
We endeavour to provide a variety of guest artistes and are open to suggestions in this field, however’ it is inevitable that bands like Bill Black, Graeme Mitchell and Jennifer Forrest are favourites.
Over the years the Committee has remained the same and special thanks to those who carry out the various jobs like pianist Mrs Margaret Smith, door-keeper Rhone Drummond and Fred Davidson, M.C.
I hope that the Club continues to prosper and give pleasure to audience and performers alike and keep the Box and Fiddle live.
Cecil & Ruby Dawson
I was saddened to hear of the death in a road accident of Cecil and Ruby Dawson of Huntly, mother and father of well known fiddler Neil Dawson. Earlier that day they had returned from a tour of Canada with the Banchory S&R Society. The following comments from the Banchory Club Secretary say it all :
Bill Smith, originally from Huntly, and a personal friend of Cecil and Ruby, said that the Society had lost two great supporters and friends.
Mr Smith said that he and his wife, Margaret, had thoroughly enjoyed the fortnights musical tour with the Society in their company. They were tremendous workers for any musical event and their support will be greatly missed.
On the tour, they gave great assistance when it was required and their good natured attitude to life endeared them to their seventy companions.
They were an extremely caring couple, not only for one another but for their family and all who came into contact with them.
It was a privilege to have enjoyed their friendship and I am sure that the thoughts and prayers of all who knew them will comfort the family in their time of loss.
Our sympathies go out to Neil and his two brothers, Brian and Eric.
June Brown – An Appreciation
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of June Brown on 13th May, 1993.
June was a stalwart of the Perth Club, serving on the Committee for 21 years. She took the admission money for all that time, and only missed two meetings during the two decades.
June was the wife of well known fiddler Jim Brown, and they celebrated their Ruby Wedding in August, 1992. She will be sadly missed by friends and family.
Jim Balneaves
June Brown of Bridge of Earn, wife of fiddler Jim Brown, was a founder member of the Perth A&F Club. She was one of the three ‘girls’ on the Committee formed in August, 1970, the other two being Maisie Ainsworth and myself.
For twenty-two years June, with Maisie, was ‘on the door’, and her ready smile and droll sense of humour was appreciated by all who came to the Perth Club and even more so by her friends.
June had an infectious giggle, loved a night out with close friends, took great pleasure in her family – son Jimmy and wife Maureen, and grandchildren, Janine and Justin.
Many of us had the great pleasure of attending June and Jim’s Ruby Wedding party in August last year, a surprise for both of them arranged by the family.
June had a particularly close relationship with Janine, her grand-daughter and delighted in the fact that Janine could wind her grandfather, Jim, round her little finger and keep him in order!
June had been on Committee for 20 years when, for the very first time, and through illness, she missed a Club night. The Chairman, announcing her absence, assured people that she would be getting a very strong letter from the Committee to ensure better attendance in future! June loved that. June will be very much missed, not only by those associated with the Perth A&F Club, but particularly by all those who knew her as a warm, kind hearted and loyal friend.
Joan Blue
Graham Romani, well known to competitors locally and nationally also died during the summer months and will be greatly missed.
Book Review
Puirt a Eilean Leodhais – Tunes from the Isle of Lewis – Composed by Ian Crichton – Book 2
The Annandale Collection of Original Compositions for Fiddle and Accordion by Renwick MacArthur
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
4th Sept 93 – Colin Dewar SDB
11th Sept 93 – Alan Gardiner SDB
18th Sept 93 – Bobby Crowe SDB
25th Sept 93 – tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Sept 93 – James Coutts SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Sept 93 – West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 22nd Sept 93 – Charlie Abel & George Sim
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Sept 93 – Bill Black SDB
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – Currie Brothers
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Sept 93 – Robert Ross 18th Sept Dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Park Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 15th Sept 93 – Eric Goodfellow SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Sept 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (Bridgend Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Strathcarron Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Sept 93 – Eric Goodfellow SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate)
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Sept 93 – Jimmy Ritchie & Ian Anderson
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 14th Sept 93 – Iona RuncimanTrio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – George Carmichael SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Armadale
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Brigmill
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dalriada
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dundee
15. East Kilbride
16. Etterick & Yarrow
17. Forres
18. Glendale
19. Gretna
20. Highland
21. Kinlochshiel
22. Kintore
23. Lesmahagow
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Newtongrange
27. North East
28. Peebles
29. Rothbury
30. Stirling
31. Sutherland
32. Thurso
33. Tynedale
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club (
29. Forfar A&F Club (
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
36. 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)
37. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
38. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
39. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
40. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
41. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
42. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
43. Kintore A&F Club (
44. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
45. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
46. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
47. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
48. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
49. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
50. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
51. Mull A&F Club
52. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
53. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
54. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
55. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
56. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
57. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
58. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
59. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
60. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
61. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
62. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
63. Sutherland A&F Club (
64. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
65. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
66. Tranent A&F Club
67. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
68. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
69. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
70. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
71. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
72. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
73. Buchan A&F Club
74. Callander A&F Club (
75. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
76. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
77. Club Accord
78. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
79. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
80. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
81. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
82. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
83. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
84. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
89. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
90. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
91. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
92. Newcastleton Accordion Club
93. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
94. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
95. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
96. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
97. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
98. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
99. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
100. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £94
Half Page - £47
Quarter Page - £24
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
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
When I took over from Tom Clark two years ago, I agreed initially to continue for two issues to se if the paper was viable. Having achieved this aim, I then agreed to carry on for another two years. This is now up and I feel the time has come for somebody else to take up the challenge.
Should anybody be interested in this position, please get in touch with me and I shall give you an idea of what’s involved. In the event of nobody coming forward, I have informed Jimmy Blue that I shall continue to the end of this season.
During the summer months I had the pleasure of attending one of our new member Clubs, the Islay Club. Run more on the lines of a ‘Ceilidh Club’ where Highland dancers, singers and various other instrumentalists were as common as accordionists and fiddlers, an audience of over 160, most of whom were still there at the end, enjoyed an evening of varied entertainment. Perhaps there is something to be learned from this recipe.
Due to a surplus of reports and other interesting articles, a few regular features are missing this month. Most of these will return in October.
Wishing all Clubs a successful season.
Doug Adamson
Benvenuti A Scozia Signor Enzo
by Charlie Todd
Roberto Enzo will, for many in Scotland, be a new name in the accordion world. It was after hearing his performance at the East Kilbride Club that I decided to learn how it came about that a former Junior World champion came to settle in my neck of the woods.
Roberto was born in the beautiful city of Venice in 1960 into a family with no musical background. Neither his parents nor grandparents played any musical instruments or sang, but it was his father who gave him a small toy accordion at the age of three as a present for Epihany (gifts are not exchanged at Christmas in Italy) which aroused his interest. A neighbour, by good fortune a piano teacher, recognised some potential in young Roberto and persuaded his father to enroll him in the renowned L. Fancelli Accordion School when he was 8 years old.
Initially tuition took the normal form of twice weekly 45 minute lessons under the instruction of Maestro Elio Boschello. However, all that changed when it was recognised that Roberto was a potential champion and thereafter he went straight from primary school each day at midday to a room at the studio where tuition and practice took up the next 10 or so hours. Weekends were similar, except that with no school he was expected to practice 14 hours a day.
For those a bit more technical than myself Roberto used the QUINTA freebass system. One of the highlights of those days was playing in a 50 strong accordion orchestra which contained no less than five former World Champions.
Predictably, all this practice paid dividends and in each of the years 1970 to 1975, Roberto won his age group at the International Competition in Castelfidardo, together with a National Competition for Concert Accordionists in 1974 and the Junior title for the World Championships held at Recanati in Italy in 1975. In the concert competition Roberto had to play a one hour programme from memory on stage in front of a large audience and 25 to 30 adjudicators concealed behind screens.
I asked Roberto to clarify the World Championship position and he explained that there were two. The Coupe Mondial which occasionally receives a mention in the ‘B&F’ is preferred by the Americans and Russians but still has a limited entry. The Confederation Mondial de L’Accordeon is more favoured by Italy and France and each country worldwide is entitled to enter 4 accordionists – two for the seniors and two for the juniors. As a result between 250 and 300 entrants compete each year for these coveted titles.
For the next three years, with this Championship under his belt, Robert was able to combine concert tours in Europe, Canada and the U.S.A. with continuing practice and three attempts at the Senior World Championship. However, luck wasn’t with him and on each occasion in Barcelona (1976), Paris (1977) and Yugoslavia (1978) he was Runner-Up.
Instead of a normal secondary school, Roberto attended a Conservatory of Music where he was able to extend his musical studies to include, piano, organ and composition. By the age of 18 he had completed studies which normally took 3 years longer next came a ‘year out’ for National Service as a tank driver.
The Scottish Connection
With his return to civilian life Roberto embarked on a career in popular music, also singing to his own accompaniment incidentally, and playing for dancing. It was during this time that he met a Scots lass, Rita, on a working holiday in Italy. He had been on holiday in Scotland on three occasions and liked the country and its people. After marrying they eventually decided to return to Scotland and settle in East Kilbride.
Now, four years later, Roberto is well established as a full time entertainer playing his Borsini accordion in Italian restaurants in the Glasgow area in the evening and teaching in his studio at Strathclyde Business Centre in New Stevenston, Motherwell, on two afternoons a week. Last year, one of his pupils, Clint McCutcheon, was the first British entrant ever for the same Junior World Championship that Roberto won in 1975. Daughter Laura, now 8, is also a keen student of the accordion.
Roberto’s guest spot at East Kilbride demonstrated his undoubted versatility with the usual sets of jigs, marches and reels being replaced by selections of lombadas, Italian polkas and tangos blended with accordion classics by all the top composers. As you would expect, his skill and technique are breathtaking and his commentary pleasant and friendly, lapsing into his native Italian when the English translation eludes him.
All in all therefore, Roberto’s performance provides a very refreshing experience and I would wish him and his family a long and happy stay in Scotland.
Norrie and Sheila Williams Retire
by Norrie
It will now be common knowledge that the two of us retired as Secretary and Chairman of the Musselburgh Festival Committee in June of this year. Why? – well, there are two main reasons.
Firstly, although a very rewarding task, it is a fairly arduous one and contrary to what one might expect it doesn’t become any less so as the years progress, in fact the worry factor increases with each succeeding event.
Secondly, as both of us are now the proud possessors of bus passes, we feel that although this does not make us old by present day standards, to the majority of competitors who are in the 8 – 25 age range we must appear ancient – on a level with their grandparents. Now, as with most things, our music cannot stand still, the type and style of tunes, harmonies, arrangements etc, and the way forward must surely lie in the hands of the younger generation. We are running out of steam and new ideas, to a certain extent, so it is time to step aside.
However, we must emphasise what a privilege it has been for us to be involved in this way, the opportunity of meeting so many folk with the common interest in our music, the contact with competitors of all ages and their parents, adjudicators, teachers, helpers, radio stations, caterers, hall staff and so on and so on. These have all been acknowledged annually in the Musselburgh Reports, so no need to enlarge here.
Last but certainly not least, we must express our gratitude to N.A.A.F.C. Chairman Jimmy Blue and his Executive Committee for their continuing support and encouragement, to successive Editors of the ‘B&F’ for their co-operation and to all our own Festival Committee for their sterling efforts and heartwarming fellowship over the past 12 years.
For the record the members were Joan Blue (Forgandenny), Tom Clark (Dundee), Eddie MacDonald (Kinnesswood), Anne and Bob Scott (Lochgelly), the late Willie Wilson (Dalry) and latterly Neil Copland of Dundee. We will certainly miss their company. In all these 12 years there has never been a cross word.
In conclusion, thanks to our predecessors, Christine Hunter and Alex Little for handing over such a healthy Festival and our very best wishes to our successors Margaret Quirrie and Neil Copland for continuing success.
“Some Wedding That!”
by Norrie Williams
I know I’ve said this before, but when ‘Auld Lang Syne’ rounds off the Sunday afternoon ceilidh at the finish of the N.A.A.F.C. A.G.M. Weekend, it has more poignancy for me than on almost any other occasion, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
The fellowship and friendships which started through the common interest in our music have strengthened over the years. Enjoying the company of old friends and making new ones has become a real mainstay of this two day event.
This may sound like a load of sentimental guff but few of those present would deny that the farewells in the early evening of the Sunday are tinged with genuine sadness.
Looking round the room during ‘A.L.S.’ one sees faces ‘frae a’ the airts’ and ages ranging from late teens well into the eighties, and where else can one rub shoulders so informally with some of the greats of the Scottish dance music scene. Yes, the A.G.M. weekend has certainly got that something that makes it special.
The Saturday afternoon followed last year’s successful pattern with a ceilidh for all players present, hinging around Jimmy Shand Snr, looking so well and completely belying his 85 years. The stramash started in one of the small Committee Rooms but as it is difficult for sardines to play boxes and fiddles the whole affair moved into the ballroom and a good time was had by all.
Then replete from a mouth-watering evening meal of Roast Beef chasseur and Bavarian Lemon Torte (on different plates of course!), it was straight into the dance to the music of a very young looking, beardless, Bobby Crowe and his Band, the supporting caste being a bearded Ron Kerr (fiddle), Edward Galley (2nd accordion), Jim Lindsay (keyboard) and Malcolm Ross (drums) – a truly first class combination.
The half time band had an equally notable complement, fielding no less than three British chromatic players, Messrs Blue, Shand and Tulloch, in addition to Ian Powrie, Joan Blue and on drums David Shand.
Sunday morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed – I’m a liar as well – and a very well attended (extra chairs required) A.G.M. which turned out to be a comparatively peaceful affair. The younger generation of players were well represented here, as at the dance, when their sartorial elegance evoked much favourable comment as it did at Musselburgh. They certainly are a credit to the Association.
There being no special guest this year, the customary celebrity ceilidh, ably and effortlessly compered, as always, by Chairman Jimmy Blue, kicked off hard on the heels of the lunch. The opening spot was taken by Nicol McLaren (of Glencraig Band fame) leading a quartet in selections of marches and jigs – good stuff.
There were ten turns in all, each on polished and professional (performers listed below), the last being a dance sessions with a band front line of Jimmy Shand, Ian Powrie, Tom Clark and Sandy Tulloch, which produced the quote of the day from two women who were passing along the corridor at the time and peeped in – “Some wedding that!”.
Once again we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jack Cooper for his superhuman efforts in organising the whole affair and ensuring that it ran smoothly. It really is a mammoth task and must be fraught with anxieties.
Here’s to 1994.
For the record :-
1) Guests who booked in for part or all of the weekend hailed from the following houfs :-
Aberdeen, Arbroath, Ayr, Auchtermuchty, Blairgowrie, Beith, Crook of Devon, Dundee, Dunblane, Dumfries, Ellon, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Forfar, Falkirk, Glasgow, Kelso, Lancashire, Lockerbie, Millport, Mauchline, Northumberland, Newtongrange, Oban, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Stirling, Wick, Yarrow.
2) Performers in Celebrity Ceilidh :-
Fiddle – Ian Powrie, Margaret Quirie, Stella Wilkie
Accordion – Kirsty Bisset, Tom Clark, Bobby Coghill, Ian Holmes, Jim Johnstone, Nicol McLaren, David Oswald, Bruce Quirrie, Morag Robertson, Jimmy Shand, Ian Thomson, Sandy Tulloch.
Piano – Joan Blue, Maureen Rutherford
Drums – Jack Cooper, David Shand
Unclassified! – Robbie Shepherd
Footnote – Feeling the anti-climax after leaving Perth we called in at the ‘Little Chef’ near Dunblane and were cheered up no end to find that Margaret and Ian Holmes had done the same. A great crack and all set off again in great form.
Introducing the Clubs
No 16 Banchory
by Bill Smith
When approached by the ‘B&F’ Editor to write an article about Banchory A&F Club, its history and supporters, my thoughts went back to the time while living in Huntly, the North East Club was formed in Keith and as secretary for the Huntly Harmonica Orchestra I was asked to join in the setting up of the Club. Unfortunately, I had to decline due to my day job but it sparked off my interest in what I thought was a great idea.
I moved to Banchory with my family in 1973 and became secretary for the Banchory S&R Society in 1974 and with that Society sampled the competitive side of Music Festivals, the rivalry and friendships that music can bring, my wife Margaret and daughter Jane were all involved.
In the weeks before a Festival there would be a procession of players of all ages calling at the house for a practice for which every solo, trio or orchestra section they would have entered. It soon became apparent some players suffered more from nerves than others, and one of the reasons was that they were only playing on a stage two or three times a year, and if a mistake was made it sapped their confidence. The obvious solution, more playing in public and what better than start a Banchory A&F Club.
The manager of the Burnett Arms Hotel, the late Bert Flett, offered his function suite for our meeting free of charge and indeed paid for adverts and provided one of our first trophies and secured for us the services of Jimmy Blue as our first guest artiste. This was in 1978.
Mr Robert Melvin and his wife Jackie, owners of the Burnett Arms Hotel, are still our benefactors and this is greatly appreciated.
Bert Flett became our first Hon. President and the other office bearers were Margaret Smith and Mrs Celia Davidson, joint Treasurers, myself as Secretary, Miss Mary Milne and Margaret Smith sharing the piano accompaniments.
The connection with the S&R Society was vital with Conductor Sandy Cooper, Julia Fyfe, Rhoda Drummond, Fred Davidson, Charles Esson Snr., and the late Jim Linklater making up the Committee.
The opening night was packed to capacity and tremendous entertainment and enjoyment was provided. The value of this venture showed and great talent began to emerge, names that are now familiar, Judith Davidson, Kathleen Smith, Jane Smith, Alex Bain, Paul Anderson, David Anderson, Heather Anderson, Angela Smith, Neil Dawson, Brian Cruickshank, Charles Esson Jnr., Lynne Gould, Averil Anderson, Gary Anderson, many of them doing guest spots all round the Accordion and Fiddle Club circuit.
Youngsters who are beginning to shine are Russell Kostulin, Keith Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Lucy Sutherland, Claire Telford, Carolyn Kostulin, Stuart Robertson, Victoria Fifield, Emily Kostulin and Anna Low.
The Club has greatly benefited from non-playing members like Bert and Mollie Mackie, Ken Mackie and his wife Madge, Mrs Nan Barrack and others too numerous to mention.
I would also like to pay tribute to treasured members who have died, or who cannot attend due to illness. Personally, I can still see them in their places on stage or in the audience, if we gave them entertainment, they gave us encouragement.
Our thanks are also due to Gordon and Aileen Rattray, owners of the Douglas Arms Hotel, who have also acted as our hosts on several occasions, their contribution towards music in the Banchory area is tremendous to Banchory S&R Society and the A&F Club in particular.
We endeavour to provide a variety of guest artistes and are open to suggestions in this field, however’ it is inevitable that bands like Bill Black, Graeme Mitchell and Jennifer Forrest are favourites.
Over the years the Committee has remained the same and special thanks to those who carry out the various jobs like pianist Mrs Margaret Smith, door-keeper Rhone Drummond and Fred Davidson, M.C.
I hope that the Club continues to prosper and give pleasure to audience and performers alike and keep the Box and Fiddle live.
Cecil & Ruby Dawson
I was saddened to hear of the death in a road accident of Cecil and Ruby Dawson of Huntly, mother and father of well known fiddler Neil Dawson. Earlier that day they had returned from a tour of Canada with the Banchory S&R Society. The following comments from the Banchory Club Secretary say it all :
Bill Smith, originally from Huntly, and a personal friend of Cecil and Ruby, said that the Society had lost two great supporters and friends.
Mr Smith said that he and his wife, Margaret, had thoroughly enjoyed the fortnights musical tour with the Society in their company. They were tremendous workers for any musical event and their support will be greatly missed.
On the tour, they gave great assistance when it was required and their good natured attitude to life endeared them to their seventy companions.
They were an extremely caring couple, not only for one another but for their family and all who came into contact with them.
It was a privilege to have enjoyed their friendship and I am sure that the thoughts and prayers of all who knew them will comfort the family in their time of loss.
Our sympathies go out to Neil and his two brothers, Brian and Eric.
June Brown – An Appreciation
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of June Brown on 13th May, 1993.
June was a stalwart of the Perth Club, serving on the Committee for 21 years. She took the admission money for all that time, and only missed two meetings during the two decades.
June was the wife of well known fiddler Jim Brown, and they celebrated their Ruby Wedding in August, 1992. She will be sadly missed by friends and family.
Jim Balneaves
June Brown of Bridge of Earn, wife of fiddler Jim Brown, was a founder member of the Perth A&F Club. She was one of the three ‘girls’ on the Committee formed in August, 1970, the other two being Maisie Ainsworth and myself.
For twenty-two years June, with Maisie, was ‘on the door’, and her ready smile and droll sense of humour was appreciated by all who came to the Perth Club and even more so by her friends.
June had an infectious giggle, loved a night out with close friends, took great pleasure in her family – son Jimmy and wife Maureen, and grandchildren, Janine and Justin.
Many of us had the great pleasure of attending June and Jim’s Ruby Wedding party in August last year, a surprise for both of them arranged by the family.
June had a particularly close relationship with Janine, her grand-daughter and delighted in the fact that Janine could wind her grandfather, Jim, round her little finger and keep him in order!
June had been on Committee for 20 years when, for the very first time, and through illness, she missed a Club night. The Chairman, announcing her absence, assured people that she would be getting a very strong letter from the Committee to ensure better attendance in future! June loved that. June will be very much missed, not only by those associated with the Perth A&F Club, but particularly by all those who knew her as a warm, kind hearted and loyal friend.
Joan Blue
Graham Romani, well known to competitors locally and nationally also died during the summer months and will be greatly missed.
Book Review
Puirt a Eilean Leodhais – Tunes from the Isle of Lewis – Composed by Ian Crichton – Book 2
The Annandale Collection of Original Compositions for Fiddle and Accordion by Renwick MacArthur
Take the Floor – Repeat Broadcasts
4th Sept 93 – Colin Dewar SDB
11th Sept 93 – Alan Gardiner SDB
18th Sept 93 – Bobby Crowe SDB
25th Sept 93 – tbc
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Golden Fleece) – members only
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Sept 93 – James Coutts SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Sept 93 – West Telferton Caledonian SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Knowes Hotel, Macduff) – 22nd Sept 93 – Charlie Abel & George Sim
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Sept 93 – Bill Black SDB
Brigmill (Guardbridge Sports & Social Club)
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – Currie Brothers
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Sept 93 – Robert Ross 18th Sept Dance to Graeme Mitchell SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Park Hotel) –
Dunfermline (Jubilee House) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Ettrick & Yarrow (The Gordon Arms) - 15th Sept 93 – Eric Goodfellow SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Sept 93 – Ian Thomson SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (Bridgend Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Mabie House Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kinlochshiel (Strathcarron Hotel) -
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Sept 93 – Eric Goodfellow SDB
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate)
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Function Suite)
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Sept 93 – Jimmy Ritchie & Ian Anderson
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (Harbour Lights Restaurant) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Tranent (East Lothian Labour Club)
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 14th Sept 93 – Iona RuncimanTrio
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 21st Sept 93 – George Carmichael SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Arbroath
2. Armadale
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Brigmill
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dalriada
12. Dingwall
13. Dunblane
14. Dundee
15. East Kilbride
16. Etterick & Yarrow
17. Forres
18. Glendale
19. Gretna
20. Highland
21. Kinlochshiel
22. Kintore
23. Lesmahagow
24. Livingston
25. Lockerbie
26. Newtongrange
27. North East
28. Peebles
29. Rothbury
30. Stirling
31. Sutherland
32. Thurso
33. Tynedale
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1991 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976 – present)
3. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
4. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
5. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Derwentside A&F Club
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? -
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
24. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
25. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
26. Ellon A&F Club (
27. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
28. Fintry A&F Club (
29. Forfar A&F Club (
30. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
31. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
32. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
33. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
34. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
35. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
36. 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)
37. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
38. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991)
39. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
40. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
41. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
42. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
43. Kintore A&F Club (
44. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
45. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
46. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
47. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
48. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 - )
49. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
50. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
51. Mull A&F Club
52. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
53. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
54. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
55. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
56. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
57. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
58. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
59. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
60. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
61. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
62. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
63. Sutherland A&F Club (
64. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
65. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981 - present)
66. Tranent A&F Club
67. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
68. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
69. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
70. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
71. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
72. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
73. Buchan A&F Club
74. Callander A&F Club (
75. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
76. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
77. Club Accord
78. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
79. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
80. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
81. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
82. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
83. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
84. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
88. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
89. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
90. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
91. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
92. Newcastleton Accordion Club
93. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
94. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
95. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
96. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
97. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
98. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
99. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
100. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £94
Half Page - £47
Quarter Page - £24