Box and Fiddle
Year 21 No 01
September 1997
Price 70p
12 pages
7 month subscription £8.00
Editor – Editor – Ron Ramsay, 48 Hospitalfield Road, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 2LS
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Welcome to the first issue in the 21st year of the Box and Fiddle. As you may well be aware I am handing over the Editor’s job to Charlie Todd, who, all going well will be presenting the next issue in October.
I have been Editor for the past three years and enjoyed the job immensely, and I hope you have enjoyed the end product. Since I retired from the Police Service over three years ago, I am still working full time as a Computer Database Manager, and as such, am liable to be called out at any time when things go wrong, as they often do.
Old Time Dancing is another passion which takes up a lot of my time so as you will appreciate I do not have much spare time to do justice to such an important job as Editor of the ‘B&F’.
Charlie volunteered his services and I wish him success in his new task.
As from 1st September, all correspondence should be sent to Charlie at…………..
But don’t worry, if you have sent mail to me, I’ll forward it to Charlie.
Finally, thanks to all the Club scribes and advertisers who send in material. In the time I have been Editor I have made many new friends and no matter what Club I have visited I have been made most welcome.
Ron Ramsay
Perth Weekend, 1997
by Robin Ellis
Once again the last weekend in June saw the sun shining as enthusiasts arrived at the station Hotel in Perth for the N.A.A.F.C. Weekend Gathering. The proceedings began at lunch time on Saturday when members from far afield gathered to catch up on the year’s news.
Then followed an informal ceilidh led by Kevin Clark and his band and our guests from Shetland. This lasted about an hour after which many players gathered in small groups to swop tunes or took a walk into Perth to do some shopping. Dinner that evening saw more friendships renewed and by 8.00 p.m. some 150 had assembled in the Hotel Ballroom for an evening’s enjoyment. This comprised mainly old-time dances with just a few set dances for those with enough stamina. The proceedings were most ably run by Kevin Clark and his band till about 1.00 a.m. when both players and dancers were suitably exhausted and everyone retired either to parties or some well earned sleep.
After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday the Annual General Meeting commenced at 11.00 a.m. under the expert eye of Chairman, Jim Johnstone. This took some 60 minutes and as lunch was not until 2.00 p.m. there was further time to meet old friends and catch up on the news.
The major event of the weekend is without doubt the Presentation Luncheon. Some 200 guests packed the Ballroom with the guest list reading rather like the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Scottish Music World. Unfortunately, the two elder-statesmen, Jimmy Shand and Angus Fitchet were not well enough to attend but it was delightful to see others such as Ian Powrie, Jimmy Blue, Pam Wilkie and Billy Thom in attendance, in most cases. With their spouses.
After the lunch came the ‘King of Ceilidhs’. Kevin Clark, with his usual six-piece, being the resident band, started the proceedings off with some real ‘toe tapping’ music. We then had appearances by many of the well-known names in the world of Scottish Dance music most ably introduced by Robbie Shepherd in his own inimitable way. There were Simon Howie, Craig McCallum, David Oswald, Robert Black and David and Jim Halcrow with their respective bands and also solo performances from Scott Gordon, Marie Fielding and the only singer, our M.C. Robbie. There was a wonderful moment of nostalgia when Ian Powrie, Ian Holmes, Pam Wilkie and Billy Thom took the stage and proved that they can still captivate an audience. During the ceilidh the Guests of Honour representing the Shetlands, Jim and David Halcrow, Alan Scolay and Margaret Coupar were presented with a plaque in recognition of their great contribution to our music. Also a picture was presented to Jack Cooper in grateful thanks for all his work in organizing the Weekend over past years.
There were the Halcrows from the Shetlands and my wife and myself from Kent showing the immense area that the N.A.A.F.C now covers. It must be almost 1,000 miles. To those of you living in Central Scotland it might have been just another musical weekend but to us from far away it was ‘sheer magic’. See you next year.
Francis Edwin Wright (aged 79) - Obituary
by
It is with sadness we learn of the death of Francis Wright, who died on Thursday, 21st August.
He was Chairman of the Board of Administration of the British College of Accordionists in Leicester, and Past Chairman of the National Accordion Organisation (N.A.O.)
Accordions were his life, teaching, playing, adjudicating, etc. He was a great friend of Jimmy Shand.
He is survived by his wife, Jessie, and daughter, Rosemary, who is now Principal of the College.
The funeral took place on Friday, 29th August, in St. Andrew’s Church, Countessthorpe, Leicester and was attended by many notable musicians including Sir James Anderton, Patron of the College.
The Coveted Stradivarius
An old man with drool down his chin staggered over to a group of fiddlers, and interrupting a wild tune, began a moaning, gesticulating tale of his great grandpa’s fiddle. “It’s a Stradivarius, the real thing”, he splutters. “He got it when he was a boy, and it was old then, that was more than 100 years age!”
The fiddle is dragged out and examined hmmmm…..dirt and debris rattle around inside the instrument and somebody has used a very large wood screw and a bottle of Elmer’s glue to hold the neck in place. Through a rat-chewed, enlarged f-hole a label can be seen.
The ‘Copy of’ and ‘Made in Germany’ are vary small print compared to the bold Antonius Stradivarius’. Hmmmm….I wonder why they did that?
At least they labeled this as a copy as most Stradivarius labels do not tell you this and there are thousands of fakes out there. The chance of finding a genuine Strad is non-existent, and even if you managed to acquire such a violin, getting an ‘expert’ to certify it as genuine is next to impossible.
In addition to the numerous run-of-the-mill fakes there are many very cleverly produced copies of Stradivarius violins. Over the years, some of these have been certified as genuine by the experts of the day. When today’s expert certifies a violin as to its origin, he is sticking his neck out, since subsequent proof that he is wrong will discredit him.
This means that if he goofs, he will be out of a job because nobody will ever believe him again. Consequently, most appraisers of violins prefer to validate violins that have some history or have been certified as genuine by some famous expert in the past.
Since the late 1700’s any violin made in Italy has become worth more and more money. A Stradivarius instrument can be worth several million dollars. As a result, tens of thousands of copies have been made over the years. Because of this rampant effort to copy, you would probably be better off to ignore any label you find in a violin, especially if it says ‘Stradivarius’.
Advert
Butlin’s proudly present The 1998 Box and Fiddle Festival
Wonderworld West, Ayr
30th March to 3rd April, 1998
Starring
Simon Howir SDB
Allan McIntosh &the Heather SDB
Bruce Lindsay SDB
Sandy Nixon SDB
Kirsty’s Ceilidh
Ian Muir SDB
Colin Dewar SDB
John Ellis and his Highland Country Band
Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Jean McConnachie Sound
Dick Black Band
John Carmichael SDB
Prices
Budget Self Catering - £23
Half Board for 4 nights - £46
Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent
by Ron Ramsay
Bobby and his band had a very successful tour playing to capacity crowds throughout Scotland. The Old Time Dance in Arbroath was a first for the band and was thoroughly enjoyed by the 150 dancers and the band themselves. After the dance finished, they got a standing ovation, which they thoroughly deserved.
The band were then asked to play at a Scottish Country Dance in Carnoustie when Colin Dewar was indisposed due to a leg injury. Again a great night was had by all.
Dufftown was the next venue and again an excellent night. The dances at Beauly and Troon were a repeat performance receiving high acclaim.
An informal get-together of musicians was arranged in Arbroath for Bobby and the band to meet fellow musicians. About 40 musicians turned up and what a night, enjoyed by all.
The last venue was Forres when the band put on a concert true to form, another great night.
Thanks to Bobby and the band for the great entertainment, and welcome back anytime.
Record Review
A Scotish Celebration – Gordon Pattullo and his All Star Bans – Ross Records CD GR 160
Book Review
Melodies of Mull and Beyond – Calum McLean – Deeay Music
The Eightsome Reel – Deirdre Adamson – Deeay Music
The Wild Limerickeer – Alex Jamieson
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
6th Sept 97 – Fergie MacDonald (repeat)
13th Sept 97 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (repeat)
20th Sept 97 – OB from Perth with Bill Black SDB (repeat)
27th Sept–
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 30th Sept 97 – Windygates Club
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st Sept 97 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th Sept 97- Michael Philip, Paul Clancy & Malcolm Ross
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 4th Sept 97 – Angie Smith Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th Sept 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 15th Sept 97 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 9th Sept 97 – Angie Smith Trio
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th Sept 97 – David Ross Trio
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 2nd Sept 97 – Currie Brothers
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 4th Sept 97 – Johnnie Murray (accordion) from the Republic of Ireland
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 18th Sept 97 – Bill Black SDB
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Michael Garvin SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 16th Sept 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 9th Sept 97 - tba
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 23rd Sept 97 – Currie Brothers
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Sept 97 – Andrew Peebles SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Sept 97 – Scott Gordon SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 18th Sept 97 – Dave Stewart
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 17th Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 24th Sept 97 – Meoran Ciuil
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Lanark (Masonic Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 11th Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 4th Sept 97 – Bill Black SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 16th Sept 97 – Scott Leslie SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Jill Simpson
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th Sept 97 – Johnny Duncan Duo
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Sept 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 14th Sept 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 10th Sept 97 – Tom Alexander
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 4th Sept 97 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 2nd Sept 97 - Roger Dobson SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 17th Sept 97 – Roger Dobson SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Banff
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Buttonkey
7. Campsie
8. Carlisle
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Dingwall
12. Dunfermline
13. Forres
14. Glendale
15. Glenrothes
16. Gretna
17. Isle of Skye
18. Kelso
19. Lesmahagow
20. Lewis & Harris
21. Lockerbie
22. Montrose
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Renfrew
27. Rothbury
28. Stirling
29. Thornhill
30. Thurso
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. Wick
34. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(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. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. 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?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates increased
Full Page - £113 from Sept 96
Half Page - £57
Quarter Page - £29
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Margaret Smith, Smeaton Farm Cottage, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2NL
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Welcome to the first issue in the 21st year of the Box and Fiddle. As you may well be aware I am handing over the Editor’s job to Charlie Todd, who, all going well will be presenting the next issue in October.
I have been Editor for the past three years and enjoyed the job immensely, and I hope you have enjoyed the end product. Since I retired from the Police Service over three years ago, I am still working full time as a Computer Database Manager, and as such, am liable to be called out at any time when things go wrong, as they often do.
Old Time Dancing is another passion which takes up a lot of my time so as you will appreciate I do not have much spare time to do justice to such an important job as Editor of the ‘B&F’.
Charlie volunteered his services and I wish him success in his new task.
As from 1st September, all correspondence should be sent to Charlie at…………..
But don’t worry, if you have sent mail to me, I’ll forward it to Charlie.
Finally, thanks to all the Club scribes and advertisers who send in material. In the time I have been Editor I have made many new friends and no matter what Club I have visited I have been made most welcome.
Ron Ramsay
Perth Weekend, 1997
by Robin Ellis
Once again the last weekend in June saw the sun shining as enthusiasts arrived at the station Hotel in Perth for the N.A.A.F.C. Weekend Gathering. The proceedings began at lunch time on Saturday when members from far afield gathered to catch up on the year’s news.
Then followed an informal ceilidh led by Kevin Clark and his band and our guests from Shetland. This lasted about an hour after which many players gathered in small groups to swop tunes or took a walk into Perth to do some shopping. Dinner that evening saw more friendships renewed and by 8.00 p.m. some 150 had assembled in the Hotel Ballroom for an evening’s enjoyment. This comprised mainly old-time dances with just a few set dances for those with enough stamina. The proceedings were most ably run by Kevin Clark and his band till about 1.00 a.m. when both players and dancers were suitably exhausted and everyone retired either to parties or some well earned sleep.
After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday the Annual General Meeting commenced at 11.00 a.m. under the expert eye of Chairman, Jim Johnstone. This took some 60 minutes and as lunch was not until 2.00 p.m. there was further time to meet old friends and catch up on the news.
The major event of the weekend is without doubt the Presentation Luncheon. Some 200 guests packed the Ballroom with the guest list reading rather like the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Scottish Music World. Unfortunately, the two elder-statesmen, Jimmy Shand and Angus Fitchet were not well enough to attend but it was delightful to see others such as Ian Powrie, Jimmy Blue, Pam Wilkie and Billy Thom in attendance, in most cases. With their spouses.
After the lunch came the ‘King of Ceilidhs’. Kevin Clark, with his usual six-piece, being the resident band, started the proceedings off with some real ‘toe tapping’ music. We then had appearances by many of the well-known names in the world of Scottish Dance music most ably introduced by Robbie Shepherd in his own inimitable way. There were Simon Howie, Craig McCallum, David Oswald, Robert Black and David and Jim Halcrow with their respective bands and also solo performances from Scott Gordon, Marie Fielding and the only singer, our M.C. Robbie. There was a wonderful moment of nostalgia when Ian Powrie, Ian Holmes, Pam Wilkie and Billy Thom took the stage and proved that they can still captivate an audience. During the ceilidh the Guests of Honour representing the Shetlands, Jim and David Halcrow, Alan Scolay and Margaret Coupar were presented with a plaque in recognition of their great contribution to our music. Also a picture was presented to Jack Cooper in grateful thanks for all his work in organizing the Weekend over past years.
There were the Halcrows from the Shetlands and my wife and myself from Kent showing the immense area that the N.A.A.F.C now covers. It must be almost 1,000 miles. To those of you living in Central Scotland it might have been just another musical weekend but to us from far away it was ‘sheer magic’. See you next year.
Francis Edwin Wright (aged 79) - Obituary
by
It is with sadness we learn of the death of Francis Wright, who died on Thursday, 21st August.
He was Chairman of the Board of Administration of the British College of Accordionists in Leicester, and Past Chairman of the National Accordion Organisation (N.A.O.)
Accordions were his life, teaching, playing, adjudicating, etc. He was a great friend of Jimmy Shand.
He is survived by his wife, Jessie, and daughter, Rosemary, who is now Principal of the College.
The funeral took place on Friday, 29th August, in St. Andrew’s Church, Countessthorpe, Leicester and was attended by many notable musicians including Sir James Anderton, Patron of the College.
The Coveted Stradivarius
An old man with drool down his chin staggered over to a group of fiddlers, and interrupting a wild tune, began a moaning, gesticulating tale of his great grandpa’s fiddle. “It’s a Stradivarius, the real thing”, he splutters. “He got it when he was a boy, and it was old then, that was more than 100 years age!”
The fiddle is dragged out and examined hmmmm…..dirt and debris rattle around inside the instrument and somebody has used a very large wood screw and a bottle of Elmer’s glue to hold the neck in place. Through a rat-chewed, enlarged f-hole a label can be seen.
The ‘Copy of’ and ‘Made in Germany’ are vary small print compared to the bold Antonius Stradivarius’. Hmmmm….I wonder why they did that?
At least they labeled this as a copy as most Stradivarius labels do not tell you this and there are thousands of fakes out there. The chance of finding a genuine Strad is non-existent, and even if you managed to acquire such a violin, getting an ‘expert’ to certify it as genuine is next to impossible.
In addition to the numerous run-of-the-mill fakes there are many very cleverly produced copies of Stradivarius violins. Over the years, some of these have been certified as genuine by the experts of the day. When today’s expert certifies a violin as to its origin, he is sticking his neck out, since subsequent proof that he is wrong will discredit him.
This means that if he goofs, he will be out of a job because nobody will ever believe him again. Consequently, most appraisers of violins prefer to validate violins that have some history or have been certified as genuine by some famous expert in the past.
Since the late 1700’s any violin made in Italy has become worth more and more money. A Stradivarius instrument can be worth several million dollars. As a result, tens of thousands of copies have been made over the years. Because of this rampant effort to copy, you would probably be better off to ignore any label you find in a violin, especially if it says ‘Stradivarius’.
Advert
Butlin’s proudly present The 1998 Box and Fiddle Festival
Wonderworld West, Ayr
30th March to 3rd April, 1998
Starring
Simon Howir SDB
Allan McIntosh &the Heather SDB
Bruce Lindsay SDB
Sandy Nixon SDB
Kirsty’s Ceilidh
Ian Muir SDB
Colin Dewar SDB
John Ellis and his Highland Country Band
Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Jean McConnachie Sound
Dick Black Band
John Carmichael SDB
Prices
Budget Self Catering - £23
Half Board for 4 nights - £46
Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent
by Ron Ramsay
Bobby and his band had a very successful tour playing to capacity crowds throughout Scotland. The Old Time Dance in Arbroath was a first for the band and was thoroughly enjoyed by the 150 dancers and the band themselves. After the dance finished, they got a standing ovation, which they thoroughly deserved.
The band were then asked to play at a Scottish Country Dance in Carnoustie when Colin Dewar was indisposed due to a leg injury. Again a great night was had by all.
Dufftown was the next venue and again an excellent night. The dances at Beauly and Troon were a repeat performance receiving high acclaim.
An informal get-together of musicians was arranged in Arbroath for Bobby and the band to meet fellow musicians. About 40 musicians turned up and what a night, enjoyed by all.
The last venue was Forres when the band put on a concert true to form, another great night.
Thanks to Bobby and the band for the great entertainment, and welcome back anytime.
Record Review
A Scotish Celebration – Gordon Pattullo and his All Star Bans – Ross Records CD GR 160
Book Review
Melodies of Mull and Beyond – Calum McLean – Deeay Music
The Eightsome Reel – Deirdre Adamson – Deeay Music
The Wild Limerickeer – Alex Jamieson
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
6th Sept 97 – Fergie MacDonald (repeat)
13th Sept 97 – Kenny Thomson & the Wardlaw SDB (repeat)
20th Sept 97 – OB from Perth with Bill Black SDB (repeat)
27th Sept–
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 30th Sept 97 – Windygates Club
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st Sept 97 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th Sept 97- Michael Philip, Paul Clancy & Malcolm Ross
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 4th Sept 97 – Angie Smith Trio
Ayr (Gartferry Hotel) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th Sept 97 – Iain Anderson SDB
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 15th Sept 97 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 9th Sept 97 – Angie Smith Trio
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th Sept 97 – David Ross Trio
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 2nd Sept 97 – Currie Brothers
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 4th Sept 97 – Johnnie Murray (accordion) from the Republic of Ireland
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 18th Sept 97 – Bill Black SDB
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Michael Garvin SDB
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 16th Sept 97 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 9th Sept 97 - tba
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) – 23rd Sept 97 – Currie Brothers
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 23rd Sept 97 – Andrew Peebles SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Sept 97 – Scott Gordon SDB
Fort William (Alexandra Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 18th Sept 97 – Dave Stewart
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 17th Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) -
Islay (White Hart Hotel) -
Isle of Skye -
Islesteps (Waterhole, Lochfoot) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 24th Sept 97 – Meoran Ciuil
Kinlochshiel (Islander Function Room) -
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Lanark (Masonic Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 11th Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 4th Sept 97 – Bill Black SDB
Livingston (Deans Community Centre) 16th Sept 97 – Scott Leslie SDB
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall)
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd Sept 97 – Jill Simpson
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th Sept 97 – Johnny Duncan Duo
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd Sept 97 – Bruce Lindsay Trio
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Sept 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) -
Reading Fiddlers (Piggot School) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 14th Sept 97 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Thornhill (Dumfries-shire) - 10th Sept 97 – Tom Alexander
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 4th Sept 97 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 2nd Sept 97 - Roger Dobson SDB
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 17th Sept 97 – Roger Dobson SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Banff
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Buttonkey
7. Campsie
8. Carlisle
9. Castle Douglas
10. Coalburn
11. Dingwall
12. Dunfermline
13. Forres
14. Glendale
15. Glenrothes
16. Gretna
17. Isle of Skye
18. Kelso
19. Lesmahagow
20. Lewis & Harris
21. Lockerbie
22. Montrose
23. Newtongrange
24. North East
25. Peebles
26. Renfrew
27. Rothbury
28. Stirling
29. Thornhill
30. Thurso
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. Wick
34. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1997
(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. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started?
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
7. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
8. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
9. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
10. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
11. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
12. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
13. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
14. Bromley A&F Club
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campbeltown A&F Club (
17. Campsie A&F Club (
18. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
19. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
20. Coalburn A&F Club (
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
23. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
24. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
25. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
26. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
27. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
28. Ellon A&F Club (
29. Etterick & Yarrow (Jan 1989 -
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
34. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
41. Inveraray A&F Club (Oct 1991 - present)
42. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986? - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
57. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
58. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
59. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
60. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
61. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
62. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
63. Renfrew A&F Club (
64. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
65. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. 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?)
76. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
77. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
78. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
79. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
80. Buchan A&F Club
81. Callander A&F Club (
82. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
83. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
84. Club Accord
85. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
86. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
87. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
88. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
89. Derwentside A&F Club
90. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
91. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
92. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
93. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
94. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
95. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
96. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
97. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
98. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
99. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
100. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
101. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
102. Mull A&F Club
103. Newcastleton Accordion Club
104. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
105. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
106. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
107. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
108. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
109. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
110. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
111. Tranent A&F Club
112. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
113. Wellbank A&F Club
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