Box and Fiddle
Year 28 No 01
September 2004
Price £2.00
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £20 + p&p £6.50 (UK)
Editorial
Welcome to the 28th season of the B&F magazine. I hope you’ve all had a great summer, and we are looking forward to the winter months full of music and dancing.
Our main feature this month is The Glencraig SDB – winners of this year’s Guest Artiste of the Year Award and we also have articles about the Munich Scottish Association and our young traditional musicians.
In the middle of August a benefit dance was held for Jim Johnstone, and so far more than £10,000 has been raised. You can see the photographs on Page 29. There are plans to release a video of the event. So we’ll keep you posted.
We’ll be producing a 2005 B&F Calendar in November. Could all clubs please let me have their 2005 dates? Don’t worry if you don’t yet have your Guest Artistes booked - it’s the dates of your meetings that are important, because these will be pre-printed on the calendar. I don’t have time to work out all the meeting dates for 70+ clubs so I’d appreciate that information asap.
The Guest Artiste List will be published next month, so if there are any additions, deletions or charges of address please let me know.
Karin Ingram
Nicol McLaren & the Glencraig SDB
by Karyn McCulloch
Pick up any copy of the B&F magazine, cast your eye down the list of Guest Artistes in the Club Diary – the name of Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB is more than likely to appear somewhere. They are one of the most popular bands on the Club scene and worthy winners in the ‘Guest Artiste of the Year’ category at the 2004 BAFFIs.
But how did it all start? Nicol McLaren grew up in a musical family – his uncle was the late Alex MacArthur – so music was always around. He started playing accordion at the age of 9 and was given lessons by Marion Campbell of LArbert. One night at Biggar Accordion Club, Uncle Alex persuaded Nicol to have a wee tune. He organised a ‘makey-up’ band to put round the youngster, as there were a “bunch of no-hopers” lurking in the background that night. The line-up of that ‘instant band’ was : lead accordion – Nicol McLaren ; fiddle - Ian Powrie ; second accordion – Jim Johnstone ; piano – Bobby Brown ; bass – Robin Brock ; and drums – (The Inimitable) Bobby Colgan. That was the night that Nicol decided that he wanted to lead his own band and, with that goal in mind, he practiced hard. However a few years later music was put on the back burner for a while, as Nicol was studying agriculture at Edinburgh University. (He passed with flying colours of course!) He did start again with a ‘folky’ band in his final year – when he discovered that free beer was available if you played in the pubs in Edinburgh!
Then in 1983, while he was working as a salesman with S.A.I. in Blairgowrie, he was asked if he could put a band together for a church social. So he rounded up a couple of pals – Dave Bell on drums and Lorna Webster (now Lorna Mair NAAFC Secretary) on accordion – and they played the gig. This led to several more gigs – and The Glencraig SDB began to evolve. (Incidentally, the band was named after two of Nicol’s working collies – Glen and Craig).
The diary was soon filling up nicely – and so was the band – with the addition of Suzanne Gray on bass, Gordon Howe on fiddle and Graham Berry on piano. The band recorded their first album in 1989 – the same year they made their first radio broadcast on Take the Floor. There have been another 11 broadcasts since then. Nicol has also been a Guest Presenter on Take the Floor, while Robbie was having a well-earned break.
Although the band line-up has changed over the years, the sound of the band remains constant. Gordon Howe is the regular fiddler, but in his absence Patsy Reid or Judith Linton keep the seat warm. Gordon was a classical violinist playing with orchestras, until he joined the band. His Uncle, Jim Howe, played fiddle with The Hawthorne Band. Nicol always refers to Gordon as the ‘Old Man’ of the band – but Gordon points out that Nicol is now the same age Gordon was when he joined the band!
Davie Bell is the drummer with the band. Yes, the same man as the tune Davie Bell the Green-keeper, written by Michael Philip. Davie has been a green-keeper at Blairgowrie Golf Club since he left school. 2003 was a significant ‘milestone’ year for him – he celebrated his 40th birthday, his 10th wedding anniversary, 25 years service at work – and it was his 21st year with the band! His other hobby is bowling – he was the youngest ever winner of the Blair Bowling Club Championship – and he now has over 300 bowling trophies!! (Need a big display cabinet for all those, Davie!) And another thing – Davie is the ‘Nip Drinking Champion’ of the band. (A drummer that takes a drink – surely that’s unheard of!!) Robert Simpson can also be found deputising on the drums when Davie is busy winning bowling tournaments. (Or recovering from a drinking session!)
Suzanne Croy (nee Gray) has been with the band for 18 years, playing double bass. Mum, Mabel, plays piano with Bill Black and brother, George, plays drums with Duncan Black (previously he was with Jim Johnstone).
Maureen Rutherford played piano with the band for 10 years and taught Nicol ‘loads’ about musical arrangements. Isobelle Hodgson (“absolutely rock solid”) has been with the band for the last 5 years – and adds some more”much-needed glamour” to the band. Graham Berry still fills in on occasion (and is equally as glamorous!!)
Neil Caul, Hamish Smith or James Leask are often seen playing second box. (Although not all at the same time!)
Distance is not a problem for the band! As well as gallivanting all over the country to play at various Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, other regular annual gigs include The Island Fling, Skye (organised by Northbeat), The Shetland Festival (since 1992), Up Helly Aa (since 1993), Hogmanay in the Spittal of Glenshee and St Andrew’s Night in Bahrain!
In 2003 the band played for a St Andrew’s Night gig in Moscow – where the temperature was -30. They arrived home on the Tuesday – and on the Wednesday they were back on another plane heading for a St Andrew’s Night gig in Bahrain – where the temperature was +30.
In 2004 Nicol and the boys (and girls) were among the artistes invited to play at Stefano Bizzarri’s ‘Premio Internazionale per Fisarmonica Festival’ in Morro D’Oro, in Italy. This is the Italian equivalent of the Perth Festival the Bill Wilkie organizes – however the Italian job runs for 4 days! (And not a Mini in sight!) Nicol tells me that Marcosignori was top of the bill the night before the Glencraig Band! (Not that he likes to name drop or anything!)
Nicol has also been heavily involved in designing a brand new accordion – the SEM Scotia – which is aimed mainly at the Scottish market. This required several trips to Castelfidardo. Italy, where the accordions are made. (Oh, to live the life of a jet-setter!)
In between all these foreign trips, Nicol still finds time to adjudicate at various competitions and festivals. He is also in great demand as a compere – he’s even been known to Toast the Haggis or give The Immortal Memory!!
Readers of the B&F will know that Nicol is also the Chairman of the NAAFC (You’ll see the odd photo of him in the magazine now and again!!) However, here are one or two things about Nicol you might not know –
He is a keen rugby man – he spent 12 years playing as a fullback for Murrayfield RFC.
In the early 1990’s he was runner-up on ‘The Krypton Factor’.
Nicol is a keen country dancer – so he can do the dances as well as play them! (Bet he can’t do both at the same time though!)
He has a weekly radio show ‘Sporran’s a’ Burlin’’ on Heartland FM.
With more foreign trips being planned, including a trip to Kazakhstan in January 2005, another CD in the pipeline and no doubt more radio broadcasts, the future looks bright for Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB – appearing at an Accordion Club near you, soon. Probably!
Both Sides of the Tweed – 3rd to 5th October Eyemouth
by
This is a largely traditional music festival, based in the Scottish Borders ……..
A.L.P.
by
For many years ALP Scots Music Group (SMG) classes……..
Blazin’ in Beauly
The Garioch Fiddlers
by
Every two years ……..
Greetings from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
It has been a hectic summer……..
Rachelle’s Wedding
by Clyde johnstone
Sunday 12th June was a big day …..
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
We are having a quiet spell at present............
Newcastleton Festival
by Carole Brooks (Secy)
The Festival has been another successful………….
Ceolas
by Gordon Howe
At last, following several computer failures caused by lightening strikes…….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
As if by Magic – Iain Cathcart SDB – CONIS BO1 – Conisby Music
Borders Young Fiddles – ISLE 01CD – Isle Records
The Game’s a Bogey – Gregor Lowrey & Stevie Gillies – NSN CD009 – Independent
Sideways Air – Helena Torpy & Steve Turner – EEL CD04 - Independent
Book Review
Compositions by a Scots-Canadian – Bobby Frew – JDC Publications Ltd
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
4th Sept 04 – Jennifer Forrest SDB (OB from Woodend Barn, Banchory. Guests Paul Anderson & Frieda Morrison)
11th Sept 04 – The Hamefarers (The Sound Hall, Lerwick 1987)
18th Sept 04 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB (Clydebank Town Hall with the 3 Scots Tenors)
25th Sept 04 – 25th Anniversary Special (OB from City Hall Perth with Jim Johnstone SDB, John Ellis & the Highland Country Band, Gordon Shand SDB and Blazin’ Fiddles)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 28th Sept 04 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Sept 04 - GiveWay
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Sept 04 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Sept 04 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Sept 04 – David Bowen with Billy Thom and Dennis Morrison
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Sept 04 – Gordon Pattullo & Angela MacEachern
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Sept 04 – Ian Hutson SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Sept 04 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Sept 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Sept 04 – Allan McIntosh & the Heather SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Sept 04 – Michael Philip SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Sept 04 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Sept 04 – Ray Carse
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 20th Sept 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – 30th Sept 04 – Club Night
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Sept 04 – Marian Anderson SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Sept 04 – Scott Gordon Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Sept 04 – Bill Black SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 16th Sept 04 – James Coutts Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Sept 04 – Bon Accords
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Sept 04 – Jean McConnachie Duo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 5th Sept 04 – Gary Blair
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 29th Sept 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 27th Sept 04 – Ian Holmes Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Sept 04 – Liam Stewart
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Sept 04 – 10th Anniversary Party night with Donny & Diane 24th Sept Uist & Benbecula A&F Club 30th Sept - AGM
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Sept 04 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 28th Sept 04 – Archie McVican Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Sept 04 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Sept 04 – Open Day
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Sept 04 – James Coutts SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Sept 04 – Ian Muir
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 30th Sept 04 – The Occasionals
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – Gordon Shand SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 12th Sept 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Sept 04 – Stuart McKeown Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 2nd Sept 04 – Glenelvan SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Sept 04 – Archie Duncan
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – John Renton SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Armadale
4. Banchory
5. Blairgowrie
6. Dunfermline
7. Cowal & Dunoon
8. Forfar
9. Glendale
10. Lesmahagow
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Livingston
13. Montrose
14. Thornhill
15. Turriff
16. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
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. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
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. West Barnes ( - present)
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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Welcome to the 28th season of the B&F magazine. I hope you’ve all had a great summer, and we are looking forward to the winter months full of music and dancing.
Our main feature this month is The Glencraig SDB – winners of this year’s Guest Artiste of the Year Award and we also have articles about the Munich Scottish Association and our young traditional musicians.
In the middle of August a benefit dance was held for Jim Johnstone, and so far more than £10,000 has been raised. You can see the photographs on Page 29. There are plans to release a video of the event. So we’ll keep you posted.
We’ll be producing a 2005 B&F Calendar in November. Could all clubs please let me have their 2005 dates? Don’t worry if you don’t yet have your Guest Artistes booked - it’s the dates of your meetings that are important, because these will be pre-printed on the calendar. I don’t have time to work out all the meeting dates for 70+ clubs so I’d appreciate that information asap.
The Guest Artiste List will be published next month, so if there are any additions, deletions or charges of address please let me know.
Karin Ingram
Nicol McLaren & the Glencraig SDB
by Karyn McCulloch
Pick up any copy of the B&F magazine, cast your eye down the list of Guest Artistes in the Club Diary – the name of Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB is more than likely to appear somewhere. They are one of the most popular bands on the Club scene and worthy winners in the ‘Guest Artiste of the Year’ category at the 2004 BAFFIs.
But how did it all start? Nicol McLaren grew up in a musical family – his uncle was the late Alex MacArthur – so music was always around. He started playing accordion at the age of 9 and was given lessons by Marion Campbell of LArbert. One night at Biggar Accordion Club, Uncle Alex persuaded Nicol to have a wee tune. He organised a ‘makey-up’ band to put round the youngster, as there were a “bunch of no-hopers” lurking in the background that night. The line-up of that ‘instant band’ was : lead accordion – Nicol McLaren ; fiddle - Ian Powrie ; second accordion – Jim Johnstone ; piano – Bobby Brown ; bass – Robin Brock ; and drums – (The Inimitable) Bobby Colgan. That was the night that Nicol decided that he wanted to lead his own band and, with that goal in mind, he practiced hard. However a few years later music was put on the back burner for a while, as Nicol was studying agriculture at Edinburgh University. (He passed with flying colours of course!) He did start again with a ‘folky’ band in his final year – when he discovered that free beer was available if you played in the pubs in Edinburgh!
Then in 1983, while he was working as a salesman with S.A.I. in Blairgowrie, he was asked if he could put a band together for a church social. So he rounded up a couple of pals – Dave Bell on drums and Lorna Webster (now Lorna Mair NAAFC Secretary) on accordion – and they played the gig. This led to several more gigs – and The Glencraig SDB began to evolve. (Incidentally, the band was named after two of Nicol’s working collies – Glen and Craig).
The diary was soon filling up nicely – and so was the band – with the addition of Suzanne Gray on bass, Gordon Howe on fiddle and Graham Berry on piano. The band recorded their first album in 1989 – the same year they made their first radio broadcast on Take the Floor. There have been another 11 broadcasts since then. Nicol has also been a Guest Presenter on Take the Floor, while Robbie was having a well-earned break.
Although the band line-up has changed over the years, the sound of the band remains constant. Gordon Howe is the regular fiddler, but in his absence Patsy Reid or Judith Linton keep the seat warm. Gordon was a classical violinist playing with orchestras, until he joined the band. His Uncle, Jim Howe, played fiddle with The Hawthorne Band. Nicol always refers to Gordon as the ‘Old Man’ of the band – but Gordon points out that Nicol is now the same age Gordon was when he joined the band!
Davie Bell is the drummer with the band. Yes, the same man as the tune Davie Bell the Green-keeper, written by Michael Philip. Davie has been a green-keeper at Blairgowrie Golf Club since he left school. 2003 was a significant ‘milestone’ year for him – he celebrated his 40th birthday, his 10th wedding anniversary, 25 years service at work – and it was his 21st year with the band! His other hobby is bowling – he was the youngest ever winner of the Blair Bowling Club Championship – and he now has over 300 bowling trophies!! (Need a big display cabinet for all those, Davie!) And another thing – Davie is the ‘Nip Drinking Champion’ of the band. (A drummer that takes a drink – surely that’s unheard of!!) Robert Simpson can also be found deputising on the drums when Davie is busy winning bowling tournaments. (Or recovering from a drinking session!)
Suzanne Croy (nee Gray) has been with the band for 18 years, playing double bass. Mum, Mabel, plays piano with Bill Black and brother, George, plays drums with Duncan Black (previously he was with Jim Johnstone).
Maureen Rutherford played piano with the band for 10 years and taught Nicol ‘loads’ about musical arrangements. Isobelle Hodgson (“absolutely rock solid”) has been with the band for the last 5 years – and adds some more”much-needed glamour” to the band. Graham Berry still fills in on occasion (and is equally as glamorous!!)
Neil Caul, Hamish Smith or James Leask are often seen playing second box. (Although not all at the same time!)
Distance is not a problem for the band! As well as gallivanting all over the country to play at various Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, other regular annual gigs include The Island Fling, Skye (organised by Northbeat), The Shetland Festival (since 1992), Up Helly Aa (since 1993), Hogmanay in the Spittal of Glenshee and St Andrew’s Night in Bahrain!
In 2003 the band played for a St Andrew’s Night gig in Moscow – where the temperature was -30. They arrived home on the Tuesday – and on the Wednesday they were back on another plane heading for a St Andrew’s Night gig in Bahrain – where the temperature was +30.
In 2004 Nicol and the boys (and girls) were among the artistes invited to play at Stefano Bizzarri’s ‘Premio Internazionale per Fisarmonica Festival’ in Morro D’Oro, in Italy. This is the Italian equivalent of the Perth Festival the Bill Wilkie organizes – however the Italian job runs for 4 days! (And not a Mini in sight!) Nicol tells me that Marcosignori was top of the bill the night before the Glencraig Band! (Not that he likes to name drop or anything!)
Nicol has also been heavily involved in designing a brand new accordion – the SEM Scotia – which is aimed mainly at the Scottish market. This required several trips to Castelfidardo. Italy, where the accordions are made. (Oh, to live the life of a jet-setter!)
In between all these foreign trips, Nicol still finds time to adjudicate at various competitions and festivals. He is also in great demand as a compere – he’s even been known to Toast the Haggis or give The Immortal Memory!!
Readers of the B&F will know that Nicol is also the Chairman of the NAAFC (You’ll see the odd photo of him in the magazine now and again!!) However, here are one or two things about Nicol you might not know –
He is a keen rugby man – he spent 12 years playing as a fullback for Murrayfield RFC.
In the early 1990’s he was runner-up on ‘The Krypton Factor’.
Nicol is a keen country dancer – so he can do the dances as well as play them! (Bet he can’t do both at the same time though!)
He has a weekly radio show ‘Sporran’s a’ Burlin’’ on Heartland FM.
With more foreign trips being planned, including a trip to Kazakhstan in January 2005, another CD in the pipeline and no doubt more radio broadcasts, the future looks bright for Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig SDB – appearing at an Accordion Club near you, soon. Probably!
Both Sides of the Tweed – 3rd to 5th October Eyemouth
by
This is a largely traditional music festival, based in the Scottish Borders ……..
A.L.P.
by
For many years ALP Scots Music Group (SMG) classes……..
Blazin’ in Beauly
The Garioch Fiddlers
by
Every two years ……..
Greetings from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
It has been a hectic summer……..
Rachelle’s Wedding
by Clyde johnstone
Sunday 12th June was a big day …..
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
We are having a quiet spell at present............
Newcastleton Festival
by Carole Brooks (Secy)
The Festival has been another successful………….
Ceolas
by Gordon Howe
At last, following several computer failures caused by lightening strikes…….
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
As if by Magic – Iain Cathcart SDB – CONIS BO1 – Conisby Music
Borders Young Fiddles – ISLE 01CD – Isle Records
The Game’s a Bogey – Gregor Lowrey & Stevie Gillies – NSN CD009 – Independent
Sideways Air – Helena Torpy & Steve Turner – EEL CD04 - Independent
Book Review
Compositions by a Scots-Canadian – Bobby Frew – JDC Publications Ltd
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
4th Sept 04 – Jennifer Forrest SDB (OB from Woodend Barn, Banchory. Guests Paul Anderson & Frieda Morrison)
11th Sept 04 – The Hamefarers (The Sound Hall, Lerwick 1987)
18th Sept 04 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB (Clydebank Town Hall with the 3 Scots Tenors)
25th Sept 04 – 25th Anniversary Special (OB from City Hall Perth with Jim Johnstone SDB, John Ellis & the Highland Country Band, Gordon Shand SDB and Blazin’ Fiddles)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 28th Sept 04 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Sept 04 - GiveWay
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Sept 04 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Sept 04 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Sept 04 – David Bowen with Billy Thom and Dennis Morrison
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Sept 04 – Gordon Pattullo & Angela MacEachern
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Sept 04 – Ian Hutson SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Sept 04 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Sept 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Sept 04 – Allan McIntosh & the Heather SDB
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Sept 04 – Michael Philip SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Sept 04 – Lindsay Weir SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Sept 04 – Ray Carse
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Masonic Lodge, Newtown St) 20th Sept 04 – Robert Whitehead SDB
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) – 30th Sept 04 – Club Night
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Sept 04 – Marian Anderson SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Sept 04 – Scott Gordon Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Sept 04 – Bill Black SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 16th Sept 04 – James Coutts Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Sept 04 – Bon Accords
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Sept 04 – Jean McConnachie Duo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 5th Sept 04 – Gary Blair
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 29th Sept 04 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 27th Sept 04 – Ian Holmes Trio
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Sept 04 – Liam Stewart
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 3rd Sept 04 – 10th Anniversary Party night with Donny & Diane 24th Sept Uist & Benbecula A&F Club 30th Sept - AGM
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Sept 04 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 28th Sept 04 – Archie McVican Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Sept 04 - tbc
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 5th Sept 04 – Open Day
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Sept 04 – James Coutts SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Sept 04 – Ian Muir
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Club) – 30th Sept 04 – The Occasionals
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – Gordon Shand SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 12th Sept 04 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Sept 04 – Stuart McKeown Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 2nd Sept 04 – Glenelvan SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Sept 04 – Archie Duncan
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Sept 04 – John Renton SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Armadale
4. Banchory
5. Blairgowrie
6. Dunfermline
7. Cowal & Dunoon
8. Forfar
9. Glendale
10. Lesmahagow
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Livingston
13. Montrose
14. Thornhill
15. Turriff
16. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2004
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 04/05
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
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. Haddington A&F Club (formed 04/05 )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
50. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
66. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
67. Selkirk A&F Club (
68. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
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. West Barnes ( - present)
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. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
78. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
79. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
80. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
81. Buchan A&F Club
82 Callander A&F Club (
83 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
84 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
85 Club Accord
86 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
87. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
88. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
89. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
90. Derwentside A&F Club
91. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
92. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
93. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
94. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
95. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
96. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
97. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
98. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
99. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
100. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
114. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
115. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
116. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
117. Tranent A&F Club
118. Vancouver
119. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
120. Wellbank A&F Club
121. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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