Box and Fiddle
Year 32 No 01
September 2008
Price £2.30
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £27.50 + p&p £9.90 (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
This has been a dreadfully sad month for the A&F Club scene. Many of us were attending the funeral of Jim Johnstone, world-renowned dance band leader and past Chairman of the NAAFC, when we heard the awful news that Eric Goodfellow had died suddenly that very morning. Perhaps not as high profile as Jim, but nonetheless Eric was a lunchpin in the Scottish dance music scene was lucky enough to work as a dance caller with both of these gentlemen and I know many of us will miss them. We hope to carry fitting tributes next month, so please send us anecdotes and photographs that you think may be suitable.
Karin Ingram
NAAFC AGM & Celebrity Luncheon
by Lorna Mair
Minutes of the AGM…………
NAAFC AGM & Celebrity Luncheon 2008
by Robin Ellis
True to form, sunshine and showers greeted those arriving at The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on the last Sunday of June. The AGM went off as smoothly as ever as can be seen by the Minutes.
There was some time for renewing old acquaintances and to look at some of Caroline Hunt’s ever growing collection of accordions, old and new. The assembled company then moved into the dining room for an excellent lunch of vegetable soup, braised medallion of lamb, and a delightful strawberry desert.
After coffee, Chairman, Nicol McLaren, introduced our MC for the afternoon Bobby Colgan. Bobby is an expert in the art of story telling and set the tone for the entertainment with plenty of racy patter.
The essence of this afternoon ceilidh is the presentation of awards and a succession of bands playing their favourite pieces. There were three Guests of Honour this year. These are people who have contributed greatly to the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs over many years. Bobby Harvey is a fiddler and founder of the now regrettably defunct MAFIA (Milngavie Accordion & Fiddle Instrumental Association – in case you didn’t know) and judging by some of the stories told this was a very apt title! Gordon Pattullo, accordion soloist and some time band leader is usually remembered as the smartest dresser on the circuit. I might add that he didn’t disappoint us at the Luncheon; he was the only man in a kilt. Finally Neil McMillan, bass player, accordionist, lead or second he is happy as either and, of course, keyboard player. I think his name must be on the credits of more editions of ‘Take the Floor’ than anyone else. Full biographies have or will appear in the B&F.
Also presented were the BAFFIs, the first being the Guest Artiste of the Year and the winner was Billy Anderson and Albany. Next came CD of the Year and this time the winner was Ian Cruickshanks for About Tyme Two. Club of the Year went to Duns and finally Club Supporter of the Year to Audrey Muir from Haddington Club.
Before and after the presentations was the ceilidh. Few of the bands were made up of their regular musicians and most were simply made up from those players present. Anyone not familiar with Scottish dance music would be amazed, as it seems that amyone can play with anyone and the result is a polished performance. Indeed many players can play more than on instrument with equal ease. Why this seems to be peculiar to Scotland, with a population of only five million I do not know but it is largely unknown in England where the population is fifty million. There must be a musical gene somewhere.
There were bands led by John Carmichael, James Coutts, Craig Paton, Michael Philip, Bob Liddle, Dochie McCallum, Bobby Harvey, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Gordon Pattullo, Shona MacFadyen, Matthew MacLennan and our own Nicol McLaren. Supporting them were: on accordions Iain Cathcart, Gary Mair, Ivor Britton, Graeme Mitchell, Frank Thomson, Susan MAcFadyen and Lorna Mair; on fiddle were Raemond Jappy and Shona MacFadyen; on keyboard Alan Kitchen, Mo Rutherford, Joan Blue, Neil McMillan, Pam Wilkie and Ian Muir; on drums Billy Thom, Gus Millar, Heather Fraser, Jim Cooper and Charlie Todd and bass players were Suzanne Croy, Neil McMillan and Doug Cargill.
Two interesting innovations were a solo fiddler, Raemond Jappy, a new name to me, accompanied by Mo Rutherford, and the recreation of Bobby Harvey’s original band with Bobby, Ivor Britton and John Carmichael in the front row. After their first set we were in for another surprise as they were joined by another voice from years ago, Alasdair Gilles, who joined the band with some well known songs in English and Gaelic proving that he had not lost the magic of former years. Many of the bandleaders were quite happy to take a supporting role with the other players, there are thankfully no ‘Prima Donnas’ in the Scottish dance music world. One most impressive feature about the players is the range, from Craig Paton who must be in his early teens to a number whose names, discretion will not allow me to disclose as they must have had their bus passes for many years, some even longer than me! However they are still happily and competently enjoying the music. During the afternoon I also spied quiet a few names some of whom have retired from public playing but many who are still active. There was Morag Robertson, Neil Copland, John Crawford, Peter Leask, Willie Simpson, Bobby Crowe, David Bell and Jack Cooper. In fact had everybody had a tune we would probably still have been going strong at closing time! As it was it was almost 7.00 before the proceedings finished – a record I think. As I have said before a real ‘Who’s Who’ of the Scottish dance world.
A special vote of thanks must go to Jim Balneaves who once again organised the afternoon. Jim is one of those people who never seeks the limelight but is always there to help when needed. Everybody had a seat, everybody had a lunch and everybody enjoyed themselves. What more could you ask? Thanks Jim.
Accordion Sizes
by Wayward Accordions
Bruce Miller’s European Accordion Festival
by
The ticket sales have got off to a good start ………
Windygates Goes to Dagersheim
by Noel Cleere
What is the best way to untie cultures …………….
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
A Starr is Born – Brandon McPhee – Pan Records – CDPAN024
More Than Welcome 9 – The Bobby More Bandshow – BMCD009
Book Review
Echoes of a Golden Age Rediscovered Scotland’s Original Fiddle Music – Charles Gore – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
REPEATS
6th Sept 08 – Dennis Morrison & Friends
13th Sept 08 – Iain Anderson SDB (OB from Winnock Hotel, Drymen)
20th Sept 08 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (OB from Dornie)
27th Sept 08 – Iain Cathcart (OB from Biggar)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st Sept 08 – Wayne Robertson SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 4th Sept 08 – Ian McCallum SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 21st Sept 08 – Jennifer Forrest Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th Sept 08 – Steven Carcary Youth Orchestra
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th Sept 08 – Dave Stewart Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 7th Sept 08 – Craigowl SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) -
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th Sept 08 – Davie Ross
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 4th Sept 08 – Lyne Valley Band
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 4th Sept 08 – Johnny Douglas
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 10th Sept 08 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Addie Harper SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 15th Sept 08 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd Sept 08 – Wyvis Sound
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 28th Sept 08 – Jim Gold Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 25th Sept 08 – Scott Nichol Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 3rd Sept 08 - tbc
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th Sept 08 – Simon Howie SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 21st Sept 08 – Jack Emblow & Tony Compton
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 2nd Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Sept 08 - Concert
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Davie Stewart Duo
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 18th Sept 08 – The Occasionals
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 5th Sept 08 – Iain MacPhail and Ecky Hodgson (Memorial Hall Concert) 22nd Sept 08 – Andrew Gibb SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 10th Sept 08 – Colin Dewar Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 30th Sept 08 – Walter Perrie Duo
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - Sept 08 -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 25th Sept 08 – Steven Carcary
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th Sept 08 – Bon Accords
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd Sept 08 – Michael Philip SDB
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Sept 08 – Addie Harper 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) - 14th Sept 08 – 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) - 9th Sept 08 – Marian Anderson Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – Sept 08 -
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th Sept 08 – Claire Telford & George Donald
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th Sept 08 – Gillian Birnie Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - Sept 08 -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) Sept 08 -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 16th Sept 08 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Blairgowrie
5. Button-key
6. Campsie
7. Coalburn
8. Forfar
9. Glendale
10. Glenrothes
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Montrose
13. Thornhill
14. Turriff
15. Tynedale
16. Uist & Benbecula
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. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
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 (Nov 1982 -
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. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
77. West Barnes ( - present)
78. 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?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85 Callander A&F Club (
86 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88 Club Accord
89 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
104. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
105. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
106. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
107. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
108. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
109. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
110. Mull A&F Club
111. Newcastleton Accordion Club
112. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
118. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
119. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
120. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
121. Tranent A&F Club
122. Vancouver
123. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
124. Wellbank A&F Club
125. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Full Page (colour) - £220
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Half Page (colour) - £110
Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
Quarter Page (b&w) - £35
Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12
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
This has been a dreadfully sad month for the A&F Club scene. Many of us were attending the funeral of Jim Johnstone, world-renowned dance band leader and past Chairman of the NAAFC, when we heard the awful news that Eric Goodfellow had died suddenly that very morning. Perhaps not as high profile as Jim, but nonetheless Eric was a lunchpin in the Scottish dance music scene was lucky enough to work as a dance caller with both of these gentlemen and I know many of us will miss them. We hope to carry fitting tributes next month, so please send us anecdotes and photographs that you think may be suitable.
Karin Ingram
NAAFC AGM & Celebrity Luncheon
by Lorna Mair
Minutes of the AGM…………
NAAFC AGM & Celebrity Luncheon 2008
by Robin Ellis
True to form, sunshine and showers greeted those arriving at The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on the last Sunday of June. The AGM went off as smoothly as ever as can be seen by the Minutes.
There was some time for renewing old acquaintances and to look at some of Caroline Hunt’s ever growing collection of accordions, old and new. The assembled company then moved into the dining room for an excellent lunch of vegetable soup, braised medallion of lamb, and a delightful strawberry desert.
After coffee, Chairman, Nicol McLaren, introduced our MC for the afternoon Bobby Colgan. Bobby is an expert in the art of story telling and set the tone for the entertainment with plenty of racy patter.
The essence of this afternoon ceilidh is the presentation of awards and a succession of bands playing their favourite pieces. There were three Guests of Honour this year. These are people who have contributed greatly to the Accordion and Fiddle Clubs over many years. Bobby Harvey is a fiddler and founder of the now regrettably defunct MAFIA (Milngavie Accordion & Fiddle Instrumental Association – in case you didn’t know) and judging by some of the stories told this was a very apt title! Gordon Pattullo, accordion soloist and some time band leader is usually remembered as the smartest dresser on the circuit. I might add that he didn’t disappoint us at the Luncheon; he was the only man in a kilt. Finally Neil McMillan, bass player, accordionist, lead or second he is happy as either and, of course, keyboard player. I think his name must be on the credits of more editions of ‘Take the Floor’ than anyone else. Full biographies have or will appear in the B&F.
Also presented were the BAFFIs, the first being the Guest Artiste of the Year and the winner was Billy Anderson and Albany. Next came CD of the Year and this time the winner was Ian Cruickshanks for About Tyme Two. Club of the Year went to Duns and finally Club Supporter of the Year to Audrey Muir from Haddington Club.
Before and after the presentations was the ceilidh. Few of the bands were made up of their regular musicians and most were simply made up from those players present. Anyone not familiar with Scottish dance music would be amazed, as it seems that amyone can play with anyone and the result is a polished performance. Indeed many players can play more than on instrument with equal ease. Why this seems to be peculiar to Scotland, with a population of only five million I do not know but it is largely unknown in England where the population is fifty million. There must be a musical gene somewhere.
There were bands led by John Carmichael, James Coutts, Craig Paton, Michael Philip, Bob Liddle, Dochie McCallum, Bobby Harvey, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Gordon Pattullo, Shona MacFadyen, Matthew MacLennan and our own Nicol McLaren. Supporting them were: on accordions Iain Cathcart, Gary Mair, Ivor Britton, Graeme Mitchell, Frank Thomson, Susan MAcFadyen and Lorna Mair; on fiddle were Raemond Jappy and Shona MacFadyen; on keyboard Alan Kitchen, Mo Rutherford, Joan Blue, Neil McMillan, Pam Wilkie and Ian Muir; on drums Billy Thom, Gus Millar, Heather Fraser, Jim Cooper and Charlie Todd and bass players were Suzanne Croy, Neil McMillan and Doug Cargill.
Two interesting innovations were a solo fiddler, Raemond Jappy, a new name to me, accompanied by Mo Rutherford, and the recreation of Bobby Harvey’s original band with Bobby, Ivor Britton and John Carmichael in the front row. After their first set we were in for another surprise as they were joined by another voice from years ago, Alasdair Gilles, who joined the band with some well known songs in English and Gaelic proving that he had not lost the magic of former years. Many of the bandleaders were quite happy to take a supporting role with the other players, there are thankfully no ‘Prima Donnas’ in the Scottish dance music world. One most impressive feature about the players is the range, from Craig Paton who must be in his early teens to a number whose names, discretion will not allow me to disclose as they must have had their bus passes for many years, some even longer than me! However they are still happily and competently enjoying the music. During the afternoon I also spied quiet a few names some of whom have retired from public playing but many who are still active. There was Morag Robertson, Neil Copland, John Crawford, Peter Leask, Willie Simpson, Bobby Crowe, David Bell and Jack Cooper. In fact had everybody had a tune we would probably still have been going strong at closing time! As it was it was almost 7.00 before the proceedings finished – a record I think. As I have said before a real ‘Who’s Who’ of the Scottish dance world.
A special vote of thanks must go to Jim Balneaves who once again organised the afternoon. Jim is one of those people who never seeks the limelight but is always there to help when needed. Everybody had a seat, everybody had a lunch and everybody enjoyed themselves. What more could you ask? Thanks Jim.
Accordion Sizes
by Wayward Accordions
Bruce Miller’s European Accordion Festival
by
The ticket sales have got off to a good start ………
Windygates Goes to Dagersheim
by Noel Cleere
What is the best way to untie cultures …………….
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
A Starr is Born – Brandon McPhee – Pan Records – CDPAN024
More Than Welcome 9 – The Bobby More Bandshow – BMCD009
Book Review
Echoes of a Golden Age Rediscovered Scotland’s Original Fiddle Music – Charles Gore – Highland Music Trust
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
REPEATS
6th Sept 08 – Dennis Morrison & Friends
13th Sept 08 – Iain Anderson SDB (OB from Winnock Hotel, Drymen)
20th Sept 08 – Deoch ‘n’ Dorus (OB from Dornie)
27th Sept 08 – Iain Cathcart (OB from Biggar)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st Sept 08 – Wayne Robertson SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 4th Sept 08 – Ian McCallum SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 21st Sept 08 – Jennifer Forrest Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th Sept 08 – Steven Carcary Youth Orchestra
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th Sept 08 – Dave Stewart Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 7th Sept 08 – Craigowl SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) -
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th Sept 08 – Davie Ross
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 4th Sept 08 – Lyne Valley Band
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 4th Sept 08 – Johnny Douglas
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 10th Sept 08 – Neil Dawson & Friends
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Addie Harper SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 15th Sept 08 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd Sept 08 – Wyvis Sound
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 28th Sept 08 – Jim Gold Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 25th Sept 08 – Scott Nichol Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 3rd Sept 08 - tbc
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th Sept 08 – Simon Howie SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 21st Sept 08 – Jack Emblow & Tony Compton
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 2nd Sept 08 – Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Sept 08 - Concert
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Davie Stewart Duo
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 18th Sept 08 – The Occasionals
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 5th Sept 08 – Iain MacPhail and Ecky Hodgson (Memorial Hall Concert) 22nd Sept 08 – Andrew Gibb SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 10th Sept 08 – Colin Dewar Trio
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 30th Sept 08 – Walter Perrie Duo
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - Sept 08 -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd Sept 08 – Ross MacPherson Trio
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) - 25th Sept 08 – Steven Carcary
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 29th Sept 08 – Bon Accords
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd Sept 08 – Michael Philip SDB
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Sept 08 – Addie Harper 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) - 14th Sept 08 – 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) - 9th Sept 08 – Marian Anderson Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – Sept 08 -
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th Sept 08 – Claire Telford & George Donald
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th Sept 08 – Gillian Birnie Trio
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - Sept 08 -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) Sept 08 -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 16th Sept 08 – Jimmy Lindsay Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Blairgowrie
5. Button-key
6. Campsie
7. Coalburn
8. Forfar
9. Glendale
10. Glenrothes
11. Lewis & Harris
12. Montrose
13. Thornhill
14. Turriff
15. Tynedale
16. Uist & Benbecula
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. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
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 (Nov 1982 -
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. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
77. West Barnes ( - present)
78. 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?)
79. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
80. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
81. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
82. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
83. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
84. Buchan A&F Club
85 Callander A&F Club (
86 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
87 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
88 Club Accord
89 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
90. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
91. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
92. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
93. Derwentside A&F Club
94. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
95. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
96. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
97. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
98. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
99. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
100. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
101. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
102. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
103. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
104. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
105. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
106. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
107. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
108. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
109. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
110. Mull A&F Club
111. Newcastleton Accordion Club
112. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
118. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
119. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
120. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
121. Tranent A&F Club
122. Vancouver
123. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
124. Wellbank A&F Club
125. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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