Box and Fiddle
Year 31 No 01
September 2007
Price £2.30
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £25.30 + p&p £8.80 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
And so the B&F enters its 31st year. Thank you to all readers and contributors throughout the years and particularly to the current team.
This issue carries some wonderful photographs of the NAAFC Celebrity Luncheon and Ceilidh held in The Huntingtower Hotel in June. We also have a little bit about our very popular Club Supporter of the Year – James Paterson.
We also have a report on the inaugural Tradstyle Day in Perth, which clearly was a huge success. Next year’s date has already been set, so that’s one to look forward to.
We were saddened to hear of the recent deaths of two Club stalwarts – moothie player Betty Burnett and Penicuik drummer Bob Henderson. Both will be sorely missed.
Please keep the articles, letters and Club reports coming in – your efforts are much appreciated.
Karin Ingram
NAAFC AGM 2007
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the NAAFC held on Sunday, 24th June 2007
by Lorna Mair
Chairman, Nicol McLaren, …….
James Paterson
Club Supporter of the Year
by Charlie Todd
The 2007 club supporter of the Year is James Paterson from Peebles. James started his musical career in 1955 when he bought his first accordion, a 120 bass Frontalini and in that same year he joined the Innerleithan Pipe Band to learn the snare drum. On accordion he did not receive any formal tuition, but was assisted by local players Hugh Hanratty and Willie Inglis to play tunes and read some simple music. In time he moved on to a Marinucci accordion and subsequently, around 1962, a new Ranco Supervox – which he still has, in immaculate condition.
About the same time James moved from the Innerleithan Pipe Band to the Peebles RBL Pipe Band where, in time, he became Leading Drummer. He stayed with them till he retired from that scene in the mid-1980s. The accordion had, in the meantime, taken a back seat, hardly being taken out of its case for the best part of 20 years. However, in 1989 the start of the Yarrow A&F Club rekindled his interest. He attended the inaugural meeting as a friend of the late John Laidlaw and returned the following month with the dusted and polished Ranco.
A year later James invested in a Hohner Morino IVN and progressed to playing at concerts and functions. Made redundant from his Insurance job in 1994 he decided not to look for another job but to take life a bit easier, concentrate on engagements and use his additional leisure time to visit as many Accordion and fiddle Clubs and accordion related events as possible. To date he has attended 70 Clubs throughout Scotland and the North of England and is a regular at the monthly meetings of around a dozen. Seven of the Clubs he has attended are now closed and he still has 15 earmarked for a first time visit and he additionally has appeared at 17 over the years as Guest Artiste with a band or trio.
James says he is delighted to win this award and thanks his many friends and supporters for their votes. As for the future, well he intends to “continue to attend as many box and Fiddle Clubs as possible, to play accordion or drums as often as possible and to enjoy the overwhelming camaraderie”.
Well said, and may James have many years ahead of him to enjoy his music.
Betty Burnett (Obituary)
by Liz McG
Fiddle and Accordion Clubs are mourning the loss of Betty Burnett, who passed away after a sair fecht.
Betty Burnett, small in stature, but big of heart, battled her illness without a complaint. She was a regular player from the floor at many of the Clubs in the North East.
When she played her moothie, she played from her very heart and soul, and her music gave great enjoyment to many. Even terminal illness did not deter her and, although drained of energy, she refused to be beaten and played her moothie.
A friend to many, we are all the richer from knowing her and she is sadly missed.
The Jimmy Shand Shield
A Legend
by Bill Wilkie
A legend indeed. If we were to take the winners of The Shand Shield and track their history from the day they became Scottish Champions, that would be some story, some legend.
Take Jimmy Blue for example – the first name on The Shand Shield – and follow his meteoric rise to fame following his Champion status. That would make fascinating reading, and the same could be said of the many other Champions over the past 57 years.
Young potential champions should ponder this and get into the fray. There is no greater excitement and no greater honour in Scottish accordion music than having your name on this prestigious trophy.
A special note to competitors – last year we limited the number of finalists to three. I think this was unfair as some players were only a point behind the selected three in the semi-finals and may well have won in the finals. I have reached a compromise by allowing five finalists to compete for the title at the evening concert.
1950 Jimmy Blue Dunning
1951 Robert Campbell Guildtown
1952 Jimmy Blue Dunning
1953 Dougall Jenkins Dundee
1954 James Crawford Ladybank
1955 Dougall Jenkins Dundee
1956 Alistair Hunter Oban
1957 Ian Holmes Dumfries
1958 Alistair Hunter Oban
1959 James Lindsay Glenalmond
1960 John Crawford Freuchie
1961 Ivor Britton Inveraray
1962 Fraser McGlynn Tarbert
1963 Alec McIntyre Scone
1964 John Carmichael Glasgow
1965 James Lindsay Glenalmond
1966 Fraser McGlynn Tarbert
1967 James Cassidy Milnathort
1968 Robert Whitehead Shilbottle
1969 George Stirrat Glasgow
1970 John McGregor Comrie
1971 Bill Black Dunkeld
1972 John Huband Muirhead
1973 John Duncan Dundee
1974 James Lindsay Kirkcaldy
1975 M. Miller Monifieth
1976 Peter Bruce Scone
1977 Graeme Mitchell Cairnie
1978 Eric Bell Forgue
1979 Robert Black Stanley
1980 Richard Ross Glasgow
1981 Richard Ross Glasgow
1982 Jacqueline Dick Freuchie
1983 Duncan Black Stanley
1984 Edward Galley Forfar
1985 Neil Caul Kirriemuir
1986 James Grant Eyemouth
1987 Billy McGuire Linwood
1988 Robert Black London
1989 Liam Howitt Glasgow
1990 Liam Howitt Glasgow
1991 Robert Ross Kincardine
1992 James Coutts Kirkcaldy
1993 Lynne Christie Huntly
1994 Scott Gordon Galston
1995 Brian Morrison Forfar
1996 Mhairi Coutts Kirkcaldy
1997 Alasdair MacCuish Paisley
1998 John Bone Inverallochy
1999 John Burns Falkirk
2000 Michael Philip Cardenden
2001 Neil Galloway Cupar
2002 Alan Small Auchtermuchty
2003 Liam Stewart Galston
2004 Tom Orr Lanark
2005 Gary Sutherland Giffordtown
2006 Alex McKenzie Inverness
Bill Spence (1919-2007) - Obituary
by Jock Thomson
Bill was a man that Scotland (and particularly Hawick) was extremely lucky to have in its midst, because his parents had originally intended to emigrate to New Zealand. He was brought up in Hawick, where he started showing his musical talents at an early age, going for lessons from his neighbour, Mr Smith of Allars Crescent. During his school years in Hawick he joined the Boys’ Brigade eventually becoming an officer. Bill fought with the KOSB and, after the war years, was reunited with Mary whom he married in December 1948. Mary still stays in the family home. Barry, their only child, was born in 1951.
Meanwhile Bill’s musical career was progressing and he passed the British College of Accordionists Registered Teachers Certificate in 1952. He also traveled to London to compete in and win the British Accordion Championship. He opened his music shop in Drumlanrig Square in 1963, eventually moving to Buccleuch Street where the music shop continues to trade. It has remained in family hands with his son Barry and grand-daughters Sandy and Adrienne. In 1964 Bill passed the BMG Certificate. He also composed and arranged music. Two of his own compositions were the 2/4s Royal Scot Farewell and Glendale Highlanders and some of his arrangements were published in the Hohner Popular Series of Piano Accordion Music.
Bill was a great influence to many of the Border musicians, teaching accordion and guitar in the back room of the shop and many of his pupils sat their exams in Bill’s home. To name but a few they included Eric Goodfellow, Bill and Jim Anderson, Jock Borthwick, Neil Barron, Luigi Nardini, Steve Hislop (Hizzy) and yours truly, also, Jimmy Clinkscale and George Butler who both organised accordion concerts in Border towns. Many of Scotland’s leading musicians, including Sir Jimmy Shand and Jimmy Blue, visited Bill over the years. My sincere thanks to all who helped me research this obituary. It was a great privilege to have known and been a pupil of the very talented Bill Spence.
The following piece was written in ‘the Hawick Tongue’ by a local historian, teacher and musician, Ian Landles.
Born on Trinity Street, off o’ the Lunn the butcher kind, hei bade in Allars Crescent. The first boy in the Congregational 4th Hawick BBs hei bade on ti be an officer. Hei was educated at the High School till it burnt doon – hei didni dae’s either – and heid ti gaun ti Wilton. Hei sterted playin the piani when hei was seeven bein taught by Mr Smith in Allars Crescent and got his first accordion when hei was 14 teachin umsel that sucessfihly that hei was sune teachin eet at weekends in Edinburgh. Hei later studied under Dr Shirlaw o Edinburgh University becoming an ALCM and an LBCA. Hei’s a TD tae which presumably disni stand for Tone Deef! Durin the war hei fought wi the 4th KOSBs bein among the last o the BEF ti come oot when France fell, but hei still fund time ti play for Selby Wright, the Radio Padre. He hed his ain accordion bands entertainin at coolness concerts, dinners, functions and weddins, playin at Scottish Accordion Festivals and ogtin gaun ti London for the British championships. As weel as reaching the piani, the accordion and the guitar for 45 years hei set up his music shop in 1963 first in what’s noo Brydons the Joiners in Drumlanrig Square, then in Buccleuch Street where hei’s ti move wi the times inti the video business which involves him watchin a film a night ti ken what ti order so if ever Barry Norman packs up Bill’s ready ti step inti his shoes. When hei dez get time ti umsel hei enjoys walkin roond Mertins Brig or up the Mair. Hei likes the Hawick songs, hei played at the Ball for years and minds vividly o playin Cornets up ti the Moat and doon ti the Tooer Knowe – him on the accordion, Davie Scott on the trumpet and Tony Nelson on the drums – Wat Robson was in the band tae but heid hev hed some hatter getting the pinai up the Loan! The Hawick songs meant maist ti um though durin the war when hei played the piani for Wullie Slorance when RSM Andra Baittie organised his Hawick nights fer frae Bonnie Teviotdale ti which absent Teries thochts certainly flew hameward.
His havourite song’s ‘I Like Auld Hawick the Best’. That’s his philosophy tae. Hei could hev moved ti further his music but Bill’s been happy ti hev spent his life in oor ain auld toon.
Tradstyle 2007 – Saturday, 2nd June in the Salutation Hotel, Perth
by Heather McLean and the Tradstyle Committee
We start this piece with some background to origins of this event from the Committee.
“Dennis Morrison gathered us all together to thrash out a format for a day of the kind of traditional music that we all felt should be heard and appreciated – a collection of different styles and sounds of the past and future. We felt that another Festival was not the answer, and also felt it important that we were in control. Not so as to dictate, but to emphasise/express our feelings and concerns for what lie ahead.
A fund raising event too…..but with a message. Traditional music has a future as well as a past. Hopefully, as well as raising money for deserving causes, it would make people think, ‘Where is our music heading?’ We can help determine/contribute/influence that future. An opportunity to hear players and bands that some of us, young and old, have never heard play live, maybe only on records or old recordings sometimes aired by the BBC. A selection of different instruments, alternative arrangements/styles, West Coast and different areas.
We are, in essence, worried for the future; younger players are hearing different styles, which involve an alternative type of interpretation. Traditional tunes are being lost in frenzied finger exercises. It was also felt that the tunes picked for competing lacked a certain substance. This is not to say that what kids are playing now is wrong, but there is no denying it is different. Where are they hearing this? Could it be the radio? CDs? It’s certainly not on the telly. When was the last time you saw a Scottish Dance Band on the TV?
During our travels around the country playing at Accordion Clubs, the lack of young players is obvious. Some Clubs are an exception to this, but overall this is the case. How can we encourage youngsters to keep the tradition going on the up?
Maybe we’re living in the past, maybe we’re resistant to change, and maybe there’s room for all different styles. But we feel that it’s important to preserve the style and feel that influenced us all, or is that preservation of an era that has maybe gone forever? We need to rekindle some memories that many people have of the sixties and seventies. Albums in the house, how often are they played?
We wanted to see a gathering of young and old, a celebration of our own music which has helped us through many troubled times – a varied collection of artistes from all over Scotland with different styles and techniques.
After many discussions at Festivals, Accordion clubs and traveling to and from bookings around the country, it became apparent that we were not alone in being worried about the direction the Scottish music scene was travelling in, almost taking it to a different level….which of course is good, but changing the genre? Folk music, although similar, is a different style of traditional music altogether and should not be confused with traditional Scottish Dance Music”.
Any thoughts or comments are welcomed by the Committee to “keep traditional music alive”.
This, the first event, was full to capacity with many people unable to get tickets due to a very high demand. The compere for the day was the hugely popular John Carmichael, who introduced the first band on stage – The Trad Style Band – consisting of Graeme Mitchell and Colin Dewar on accordions, Dennis Morrison on keyboard, Neil McMillan (bass) and Ian Hutson on drums. Their selection included a 6/8 march written by Dennis Morrison for this event, a march selection including Mr & Mrs Bobby Jamieson and Huntershill.
The first of the guests for the afternoon was young Gemma Donald, accompanied by Mo Rutherford on piano. Gemma was the winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship last year. Her selections included a hornpipe which she wrote herself – what a talent this young lady has! Bill Black (button-box), Mabel Gray (piano), David Bowen (second accordion), Gus Millar (drums) and Judi Nicolson on fiddle played two nice sets, well done Bill. Douglas Lawrence was next on the fiddle, accompanied by Dennis Morrison on piano, playing House of Skene, the first time this tune has been played in public.
Following on was Matthew MacLennan whose sets included Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Mrs MacDonald of Dunach and Dumbarton Castle. Following on was Fraser McGlynn, with some jig selections Rakes of Kildare, Far Ower the Sea, Saddle the Pony, The Haymakers and The Irish Washerwoman. Next on stage was Ian Holmes, accompanied by Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Jim Lawrie (piano) and Gus Millar on drums. Ian’s selection included the strathspey Silver Birch, a waltz composed by Ian called Waltz for Angus Fitchet and finishing with two pipe marches by Angus Fitchet. Judi Nicolson was next to take the stage, accompanied by Graeme Mitchell on piano. Judi was a past winner of the Junior and Senior ‘Golden Fiddle Awards’. Judi’s selection included Joe the Jigger and a set of Skinner tunes, a slow air she wrote called Sailing South and finishing with two other own compositions, Leithen Barr and Strawberry Jam.
Ian Muir was next and his selections included Flowers of Edinburgh and Far Frae Hame. Following Ian was Stuart Walker from Inverness on fiddle; his sets included the pipe tune Piper’s Bonnet. John Ellis and the Highland country Band were next. John and the band first got together in the 1960s and today they played hornpipes, reels, a Gaelic medley, jigs, a set of Scottish waltzes, a set of marches including Captain Cameron’s March and, after great applause, finally finished their set with a great set of reels.
Speaking to the musicians throughout the afternoon they were all very impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of musicians and audience alike. The first of the two raffles was drawn, and a big thankyou should go to Lisa and Neil Mitchell, Duncan and Rory Duguid, Halden and Jasmine Nicolson and Lauren and Lisa McCallum who helped with the handing out of all the lovely prizes.
Then we had a very informal session made up of various musicians throughout the afternoon after the concert, giving everyone non-stop music until the dance in the evening. Robin and Deryn Waitt were there and were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to you both and here’s to many more years of happiness together.
First band for the dance was The Hector MacFadyen SDB from Oban, accompanied by Fraser McInnes (drums), Colin Garvin (keyboard), Maurice Duncan (fiddle) and Tom Orr (second accordion), giving us some great music for the first half of the dancing. This was followed by the second raffle.
Next band was The Craig McCallum SDB from Aberdeen. Craig was accompanied by his wife Hazel on keyboard, Alison Smith (fiddle), Alisdair MacLeod (bass), Duncan Henderson (drums) and Gillies Crichton on second accordion. What a fantastic dat from morning till night and the music was brilliant.
Special thanks should be given to the main men at the head of the organizing of the event, namely, Dennis Morrison, Neil McMillan, Colin Dewar, Graeme Mitchell and Ian Hutson and also to all the other people who helped the Committee make this such a success.
I should like to add my own special thanks to all involved with the Tradstyle 2007 and for the invitation to Jock Thomson and myself to come along to this great event to represent the B&F magazine. We’re now looking forward to 7th June 2008 in The Station Hotel, Perth for another great day.
TSMA Young Trad Tour
by
Not all ‘traditionalists’ approve of competitions, ……..
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Mountain Tears – Jim MacKay’s SDB – JMM2007 - Independent
Book Review
The Cumbria Collection – Donald Ridley – Deeay Music
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
1st Sept 07 – Colin Dewar SDB (OB from Tillicoultry)
8th Sept 07 – Proms in the Park
15th Sept 07 – Gordon Pattullo Ceilidh Band (OB from Forfar)
22nd Sept 07 – Da Fustra (OB from Shetland)
29th Sept 07 – John Carmichael SDB (OB from Pacific Quay, Glasgow)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 12th Sept 07 – Bill Black SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Sept 07 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Sept 07 – Karyn McCulloch
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Sept 07 – Steven Carcary SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Sept 07 – Jimmy Cassidy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 16th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Sept 07 – Lothian SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Sept 07 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – George Hood SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Sept 07 – Liam Stewart SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Sept 07 – David Oswald Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Sept 07 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Sept 07 – Jim Gold SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 17th Sept 07 – Graeme Whitehead Trio
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Sept 07 – John Morgan
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 30th Sept 07 – John Renton SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Sept 07 – Marian Anderson SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 27th Sept 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Sept 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 1st Sept 07 – Jack Emblow & Tony Compton 23rd Sept 07 – Jimmy Wilson & Graeme Munro
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Sept 07 – Iain Cathcart Trio
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Sept 07 – Callum Wilson SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Sept 07 – Tom Orr SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 12th Sept 07 – John Renton SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Sept 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Sept 07 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Sept 07 – Wayne Robertson & Claire Telford
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 27th Sept 07 – Gordon Shand SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Sept 07 – Jim Gold SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 27th Sept 07 – Steven Carcary Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Iain Anderson SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 9th Sept 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Sept 07 – Scott Leslie SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Sept 07 – Lothian Duo
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Sept 07 – Johnny Duncan
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Sept 07 – Ray Carse
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Dunblane
10. Fintry
11. Glendale
12. Glenrothes
13. Montrose
14. North East
15. Perth
16. Thornhill
17. Turriff
18. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2007
(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 20th Sept 04 – present)
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 Feb 2005 - )
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. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
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. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
And so the B&F enters its 31st year. Thank you to all readers and contributors throughout the years and particularly to the current team.
This issue carries some wonderful photographs of the NAAFC Celebrity Luncheon and Ceilidh held in The Huntingtower Hotel in June. We also have a little bit about our very popular Club Supporter of the Year – James Paterson.
We also have a report on the inaugural Tradstyle Day in Perth, which clearly was a huge success. Next year’s date has already been set, so that’s one to look forward to.
We were saddened to hear of the recent deaths of two Club stalwarts – moothie player Betty Burnett and Penicuik drummer Bob Henderson. Both will be sorely missed.
Please keep the articles, letters and Club reports coming in – your efforts are much appreciated.
Karin Ingram
NAAFC AGM 2007
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the NAAFC held on Sunday, 24th June 2007
by Lorna Mair
Chairman, Nicol McLaren, …….
James Paterson
Club Supporter of the Year
by Charlie Todd
The 2007 club supporter of the Year is James Paterson from Peebles. James started his musical career in 1955 when he bought his first accordion, a 120 bass Frontalini and in that same year he joined the Innerleithan Pipe Band to learn the snare drum. On accordion he did not receive any formal tuition, but was assisted by local players Hugh Hanratty and Willie Inglis to play tunes and read some simple music. In time he moved on to a Marinucci accordion and subsequently, around 1962, a new Ranco Supervox – which he still has, in immaculate condition.
About the same time James moved from the Innerleithan Pipe Band to the Peebles RBL Pipe Band where, in time, he became Leading Drummer. He stayed with them till he retired from that scene in the mid-1980s. The accordion had, in the meantime, taken a back seat, hardly being taken out of its case for the best part of 20 years. However, in 1989 the start of the Yarrow A&F Club rekindled his interest. He attended the inaugural meeting as a friend of the late John Laidlaw and returned the following month with the dusted and polished Ranco.
A year later James invested in a Hohner Morino IVN and progressed to playing at concerts and functions. Made redundant from his Insurance job in 1994 he decided not to look for another job but to take life a bit easier, concentrate on engagements and use his additional leisure time to visit as many Accordion and fiddle Clubs and accordion related events as possible. To date he has attended 70 Clubs throughout Scotland and the North of England and is a regular at the monthly meetings of around a dozen. Seven of the Clubs he has attended are now closed and he still has 15 earmarked for a first time visit and he additionally has appeared at 17 over the years as Guest Artiste with a band or trio.
James says he is delighted to win this award and thanks his many friends and supporters for their votes. As for the future, well he intends to “continue to attend as many box and Fiddle Clubs as possible, to play accordion or drums as often as possible and to enjoy the overwhelming camaraderie”.
Well said, and may James have many years ahead of him to enjoy his music.
Betty Burnett (Obituary)
by Liz McG
Fiddle and Accordion Clubs are mourning the loss of Betty Burnett, who passed away after a sair fecht.
Betty Burnett, small in stature, but big of heart, battled her illness without a complaint. She was a regular player from the floor at many of the Clubs in the North East.
When she played her moothie, she played from her very heart and soul, and her music gave great enjoyment to many. Even terminal illness did not deter her and, although drained of energy, she refused to be beaten and played her moothie.
A friend to many, we are all the richer from knowing her and she is sadly missed.
The Jimmy Shand Shield
A Legend
by Bill Wilkie
A legend indeed. If we were to take the winners of The Shand Shield and track their history from the day they became Scottish Champions, that would be some story, some legend.
Take Jimmy Blue for example – the first name on The Shand Shield – and follow his meteoric rise to fame following his Champion status. That would make fascinating reading, and the same could be said of the many other Champions over the past 57 years.
Young potential champions should ponder this and get into the fray. There is no greater excitement and no greater honour in Scottish accordion music than having your name on this prestigious trophy.
A special note to competitors – last year we limited the number of finalists to three. I think this was unfair as some players were only a point behind the selected three in the semi-finals and may well have won in the finals. I have reached a compromise by allowing five finalists to compete for the title at the evening concert.
1950 Jimmy Blue Dunning
1951 Robert Campbell Guildtown
1952 Jimmy Blue Dunning
1953 Dougall Jenkins Dundee
1954 James Crawford Ladybank
1955 Dougall Jenkins Dundee
1956 Alistair Hunter Oban
1957 Ian Holmes Dumfries
1958 Alistair Hunter Oban
1959 James Lindsay Glenalmond
1960 John Crawford Freuchie
1961 Ivor Britton Inveraray
1962 Fraser McGlynn Tarbert
1963 Alec McIntyre Scone
1964 John Carmichael Glasgow
1965 James Lindsay Glenalmond
1966 Fraser McGlynn Tarbert
1967 James Cassidy Milnathort
1968 Robert Whitehead Shilbottle
1969 George Stirrat Glasgow
1970 John McGregor Comrie
1971 Bill Black Dunkeld
1972 John Huband Muirhead
1973 John Duncan Dundee
1974 James Lindsay Kirkcaldy
1975 M. Miller Monifieth
1976 Peter Bruce Scone
1977 Graeme Mitchell Cairnie
1978 Eric Bell Forgue
1979 Robert Black Stanley
1980 Richard Ross Glasgow
1981 Richard Ross Glasgow
1982 Jacqueline Dick Freuchie
1983 Duncan Black Stanley
1984 Edward Galley Forfar
1985 Neil Caul Kirriemuir
1986 James Grant Eyemouth
1987 Billy McGuire Linwood
1988 Robert Black London
1989 Liam Howitt Glasgow
1990 Liam Howitt Glasgow
1991 Robert Ross Kincardine
1992 James Coutts Kirkcaldy
1993 Lynne Christie Huntly
1994 Scott Gordon Galston
1995 Brian Morrison Forfar
1996 Mhairi Coutts Kirkcaldy
1997 Alasdair MacCuish Paisley
1998 John Bone Inverallochy
1999 John Burns Falkirk
2000 Michael Philip Cardenden
2001 Neil Galloway Cupar
2002 Alan Small Auchtermuchty
2003 Liam Stewart Galston
2004 Tom Orr Lanark
2005 Gary Sutherland Giffordtown
2006 Alex McKenzie Inverness
Bill Spence (1919-2007) - Obituary
by Jock Thomson
Bill was a man that Scotland (and particularly Hawick) was extremely lucky to have in its midst, because his parents had originally intended to emigrate to New Zealand. He was brought up in Hawick, where he started showing his musical talents at an early age, going for lessons from his neighbour, Mr Smith of Allars Crescent. During his school years in Hawick he joined the Boys’ Brigade eventually becoming an officer. Bill fought with the KOSB and, after the war years, was reunited with Mary whom he married in December 1948. Mary still stays in the family home. Barry, their only child, was born in 1951.
Meanwhile Bill’s musical career was progressing and he passed the British College of Accordionists Registered Teachers Certificate in 1952. He also traveled to London to compete in and win the British Accordion Championship. He opened his music shop in Drumlanrig Square in 1963, eventually moving to Buccleuch Street where the music shop continues to trade. It has remained in family hands with his son Barry and grand-daughters Sandy and Adrienne. In 1964 Bill passed the BMG Certificate. He also composed and arranged music. Two of his own compositions were the 2/4s Royal Scot Farewell and Glendale Highlanders and some of his arrangements were published in the Hohner Popular Series of Piano Accordion Music.
Bill was a great influence to many of the Border musicians, teaching accordion and guitar in the back room of the shop and many of his pupils sat their exams in Bill’s home. To name but a few they included Eric Goodfellow, Bill and Jim Anderson, Jock Borthwick, Neil Barron, Luigi Nardini, Steve Hislop (Hizzy) and yours truly, also, Jimmy Clinkscale and George Butler who both organised accordion concerts in Border towns. Many of Scotland’s leading musicians, including Sir Jimmy Shand and Jimmy Blue, visited Bill over the years. My sincere thanks to all who helped me research this obituary. It was a great privilege to have known and been a pupil of the very talented Bill Spence.
The following piece was written in ‘the Hawick Tongue’ by a local historian, teacher and musician, Ian Landles.
Born on Trinity Street, off o’ the Lunn the butcher kind, hei bade in Allars Crescent. The first boy in the Congregational 4th Hawick BBs hei bade on ti be an officer. Hei was educated at the High School till it burnt doon – hei didni dae’s either – and heid ti gaun ti Wilton. Hei sterted playin the piani when hei was seeven bein taught by Mr Smith in Allars Crescent and got his first accordion when hei was 14 teachin umsel that sucessfihly that hei was sune teachin eet at weekends in Edinburgh. Hei later studied under Dr Shirlaw o Edinburgh University becoming an ALCM and an LBCA. Hei’s a TD tae which presumably disni stand for Tone Deef! Durin the war hei fought wi the 4th KOSBs bein among the last o the BEF ti come oot when France fell, but hei still fund time ti play for Selby Wright, the Radio Padre. He hed his ain accordion bands entertainin at coolness concerts, dinners, functions and weddins, playin at Scottish Accordion Festivals and ogtin gaun ti London for the British championships. As weel as reaching the piani, the accordion and the guitar for 45 years hei set up his music shop in 1963 first in what’s noo Brydons the Joiners in Drumlanrig Square, then in Buccleuch Street where hei’s ti move wi the times inti the video business which involves him watchin a film a night ti ken what ti order so if ever Barry Norman packs up Bill’s ready ti step inti his shoes. When hei dez get time ti umsel hei enjoys walkin roond Mertins Brig or up the Mair. Hei likes the Hawick songs, hei played at the Ball for years and minds vividly o playin Cornets up ti the Moat and doon ti the Tooer Knowe – him on the accordion, Davie Scott on the trumpet and Tony Nelson on the drums – Wat Robson was in the band tae but heid hev hed some hatter getting the pinai up the Loan! The Hawick songs meant maist ti um though durin the war when hei played the piani for Wullie Slorance when RSM Andra Baittie organised his Hawick nights fer frae Bonnie Teviotdale ti which absent Teries thochts certainly flew hameward.
His havourite song’s ‘I Like Auld Hawick the Best’. That’s his philosophy tae. Hei could hev moved ti further his music but Bill’s been happy ti hev spent his life in oor ain auld toon.
Tradstyle 2007 – Saturday, 2nd June in the Salutation Hotel, Perth
by Heather McLean and the Tradstyle Committee
We start this piece with some background to origins of this event from the Committee.
“Dennis Morrison gathered us all together to thrash out a format for a day of the kind of traditional music that we all felt should be heard and appreciated – a collection of different styles and sounds of the past and future. We felt that another Festival was not the answer, and also felt it important that we were in control. Not so as to dictate, but to emphasise/express our feelings and concerns for what lie ahead.
A fund raising event too…..but with a message. Traditional music has a future as well as a past. Hopefully, as well as raising money for deserving causes, it would make people think, ‘Where is our music heading?’ We can help determine/contribute/influence that future. An opportunity to hear players and bands that some of us, young and old, have never heard play live, maybe only on records or old recordings sometimes aired by the BBC. A selection of different instruments, alternative arrangements/styles, West Coast and different areas.
We are, in essence, worried for the future; younger players are hearing different styles, which involve an alternative type of interpretation. Traditional tunes are being lost in frenzied finger exercises. It was also felt that the tunes picked for competing lacked a certain substance. This is not to say that what kids are playing now is wrong, but there is no denying it is different. Where are they hearing this? Could it be the radio? CDs? It’s certainly not on the telly. When was the last time you saw a Scottish Dance Band on the TV?
During our travels around the country playing at Accordion Clubs, the lack of young players is obvious. Some Clubs are an exception to this, but overall this is the case. How can we encourage youngsters to keep the tradition going on the up?
Maybe we’re living in the past, maybe we’re resistant to change, and maybe there’s room for all different styles. But we feel that it’s important to preserve the style and feel that influenced us all, or is that preservation of an era that has maybe gone forever? We need to rekindle some memories that many people have of the sixties and seventies. Albums in the house, how often are they played?
We wanted to see a gathering of young and old, a celebration of our own music which has helped us through many troubled times – a varied collection of artistes from all over Scotland with different styles and techniques.
After many discussions at Festivals, Accordion clubs and traveling to and from bookings around the country, it became apparent that we were not alone in being worried about the direction the Scottish music scene was travelling in, almost taking it to a different level….which of course is good, but changing the genre? Folk music, although similar, is a different style of traditional music altogether and should not be confused with traditional Scottish Dance Music”.
Any thoughts or comments are welcomed by the Committee to “keep traditional music alive”.
This, the first event, was full to capacity with many people unable to get tickets due to a very high demand. The compere for the day was the hugely popular John Carmichael, who introduced the first band on stage – The Trad Style Band – consisting of Graeme Mitchell and Colin Dewar on accordions, Dennis Morrison on keyboard, Neil McMillan (bass) and Ian Hutson on drums. Their selection included a 6/8 march written by Dennis Morrison for this event, a march selection including Mr & Mrs Bobby Jamieson and Huntershill.
The first of the guests for the afternoon was young Gemma Donald, accompanied by Mo Rutherford on piano. Gemma was the winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship last year. Her selections included a hornpipe which she wrote herself – what a talent this young lady has! Bill Black (button-box), Mabel Gray (piano), David Bowen (second accordion), Gus Millar (drums) and Judi Nicolson on fiddle played two nice sets, well done Bill. Douglas Lawrence was next on the fiddle, accompanied by Dennis Morrison on piano, playing House of Skene, the first time this tune has been played in public.
Following on was Matthew MacLennan whose sets included Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, Mrs MacDonald of Dunach and Dumbarton Castle. Following on was Fraser McGlynn, with some jig selections Rakes of Kildare, Far Ower the Sea, Saddle the Pony, The Haymakers and The Irish Washerwoman. Next on stage was Ian Holmes, accompanied by Gordon Simpson (fiddle), Jim Lawrie (piano) and Gus Millar on drums. Ian’s selection included the strathspey Silver Birch, a waltz composed by Ian called Waltz for Angus Fitchet and finishing with two pipe marches by Angus Fitchet. Judi Nicolson was next to take the stage, accompanied by Graeme Mitchell on piano. Judi was a past winner of the Junior and Senior ‘Golden Fiddle Awards’. Judi’s selection included Joe the Jigger and a set of Skinner tunes, a slow air she wrote called Sailing South and finishing with two other own compositions, Leithen Barr and Strawberry Jam.
Ian Muir was next and his selections included Flowers of Edinburgh and Far Frae Hame. Following Ian was Stuart Walker from Inverness on fiddle; his sets included the pipe tune Piper’s Bonnet. John Ellis and the Highland country Band were next. John and the band first got together in the 1960s and today they played hornpipes, reels, a Gaelic medley, jigs, a set of Scottish waltzes, a set of marches including Captain Cameron’s March and, after great applause, finally finished their set with a great set of reels.
Speaking to the musicians throughout the afternoon they were all very impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of musicians and audience alike. The first of the two raffles was drawn, and a big thankyou should go to Lisa and Neil Mitchell, Duncan and Rory Duguid, Halden and Jasmine Nicolson and Lauren and Lisa McCallum who helped with the handing out of all the lovely prizes.
Then we had a very informal session made up of various musicians throughout the afternoon after the concert, giving everyone non-stop music until the dance in the evening. Robin and Deryn Waitt were there and were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to you both and here’s to many more years of happiness together.
First band for the dance was The Hector MacFadyen SDB from Oban, accompanied by Fraser McInnes (drums), Colin Garvin (keyboard), Maurice Duncan (fiddle) and Tom Orr (second accordion), giving us some great music for the first half of the dancing. This was followed by the second raffle.
Next band was The Craig McCallum SDB from Aberdeen. Craig was accompanied by his wife Hazel on keyboard, Alison Smith (fiddle), Alisdair MacLeod (bass), Duncan Henderson (drums) and Gillies Crichton on second accordion. What a fantastic dat from morning till night and the music was brilliant.
Special thanks should be given to the main men at the head of the organizing of the event, namely, Dennis Morrison, Neil McMillan, Colin Dewar, Graeme Mitchell and Ian Hutson and also to all the other people who helped the Committee make this such a success.
I should like to add my own special thanks to all involved with the Tradstyle 2007 and for the invitation to Jock Thomson and myself to come along to this great event to represent the B&F magazine. We’re now looking forward to 7th June 2008 in The Station Hotel, Perth for another great day.
TSMA Young Trad Tour
by
Not all ‘traditionalists’ approve of competitions, ……..
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
Mountain Tears – Jim MacKay’s SDB – JMM2007 - Independent
Book Review
The Cumbria Collection – Donald Ridley – Deeay Music
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
1st Sept 07 – Colin Dewar SDB (OB from Tillicoultry)
8th Sept 07 – Proms in the Park
15th Sept 07 – Gordon Pattullo Ceilidh Band (OB from Forfar)
22nd Sept 07 – Da Fustra (OB from Shetland)
29th Sept 07 – John Carmichael SDB (OB from Pacific Quay, Glasgow)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 12th Sept 07 – Bill Black SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Sept 07 – Nicol McLaren SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 2nd Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 6th Sept 07 – Karyn McCulloch
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 24th Sept 07 – Steven Carcary SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 26th Sept 07 – Jimmy Cassidy
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 16th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 11th Sept 07 – Lothian SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Sept 07 – Jennifer Forrest SDB
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – George Hood SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Sept 07 – Liam Stewart SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 6th Sept 07 – David Oswald Trio
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Sept 07 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 11th Sept 07 – Jim Gold SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 17th Sept 07 – Graeme Whitehead Trio
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 24th Sept 07 – John Morgan
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 30th Sept 07 – John Renton SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Sept 07 – Marian Anderson SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 27th Sept 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) -
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 25th Sept 07 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 1st Sept 07 – Jack Emblow & Tony Compton 23rd Sept 07 – Jimmy Wilson & Graeme Munro
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 4th Sept 07 – Iain Cathcart Trio
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 26th Sept 07 – Callum Wilson SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 24th Sept 07 – Tom Orr SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 12th Sept 07 – John Renton SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Sept 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 25th Sept 07 – West Telferton Cale SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Sept 07 – Wayne Robertson & Claire Telford
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 27th Sept 07 – Gordon Shand SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 24th Sept 07 – Jim Gold SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 4th Sept 07 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 27th Sept 07 – Steven Carcary Trio
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Iain Anderson SDB
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 9th Sept 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 11th Sept 07 – Scott Leslie SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Sept 07 – Lothian Duo
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Sept 07 – Johnny Duncan
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Sept 07 – Ray Carse
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Sept 07 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Blairgowrie
8. Campsie
9. Dunblane
10. Fintry
11. Glendale
12. Glenrothes
13. Montrose
14. North East
15. Perth
16. Thornhill
17. Turriff
18. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2007
(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 20th Sept 04 – present)
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 Feb 2005 - )
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. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Maine Valley A&F Club (
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. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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