Box and Fiddle
Year 42 No 01
September 2018
Price £3.00
40 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer –
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
I hope you have all had time to relax during the fantastic summer………
Pia Walker
Gretna Open Day
by DSW
Gretna Accordion & Fiddle Club held an Open Day in The Richard Greenhow Centre on Sunday 29th July. A large audience appreciated………..
John Douglas Appreciation Day
by Derek Hamilton
On Sunday 22nd July, enthusiastic people gathered in the Locharbriggs Social Club for an afternoon of music and dance. Leonard Brown, in his usual thorough fashion, had organised the afternoon to honour Dumfries-based musician, accordion dealer and supreme accordion repairer and tuner John Douglas’ 35 years of service to the accordion world.
It is quite clear that Leonard organizes these events only for people whom he respects and who have given him much help in his blossoming musical career. John Douglas is certainly one of those people who have always been on call for instant help with sales and repairs of Leonard’s accordion.
The afternoon started with a concert provided by Leonard and his All Star band of Liam Stewart on piano, John Sinton on bass, Duncan Findlay on guitar and banjo and Malcolm Ross on drums. The event was fronted by Leonard who not only played an absolute blinder on the box but also entertained with anecdotes and wee funny stories!
2.00 prompt was the start time and Leonard and the band boys played their way so professionally through some of the most fascinating sets and tunes I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. At 3.10 Leonard made the presentation to John. He produced a framed hologram of an accordion, and a unique special bottle and then, in a stroke of genius, dropped the bombshell on john. A golf day on 12th August for two at the Cally Palace Hotel and Golf Resort in Dumfriesshire with dinner, bed and breakfast! Of course, Leonard had done his homework. Johnand Barbara are keen golfers. It was an ideal gift indeed! The music resumed before 4.00pm and the band played to a packed floor for dancing. 20 dances in all were covered. Round the room and set dances were popular with the crowd of John Douglas supporters. The afternoon was rounded off with a full floor of dancers for Jessie’s Polka.
It had been a day of superb organisation and impeccable playing with a tremendous friendly atmosphere, with two gentlemen at the top of their game. All the ingredients were there for the wonderful afternoon we all experienced.
Thank you, John, for all the hard work and we hope you have continued success in your new premises; and thank you Leonard, for having the idea and carrying it through to a fantastic day!
The June AGM
by Pia Walker
The Huntingtower in Perth was once more the venue for the NAAFC AGM…….
The Fiddler of Strathspey Festival
by Kathleen Anderson
Friday 8th June witnessed a special performance to an audience of around 270 schoolchildren aged from 4 to 12 in Grantown Primary School. The fiddler was Paul Anderson, this year’s main festival fiddler and one who is acclaimed as “one of the most respected exponents of the Scots fiddle tradition today.” Paul certainly hugely impressed his young audience.
The Festival continued on Friday evening with a special concert entitled ‘The Strathspey.’ An appreciative audience in the Ben Mhor was led, musically, through the story of Strathspey music and dance from its earliest days as pipe tunes, with added tales of such characters as the legendary outlaw James Macpherson and the laird’s piper and ‘violer’, Grantown’s own Angus Cumming. Reference was made to great composers such as William Marshall and Scott Skinner and the different styles of playing the strathspey in contrast to marches or reels. All this was most ably performed by Paul Anderson who was later accompanied on guitar by Alastair MacDougall. Inevitably, the night continued with a lively session in the Ben Mhor bar!
The 2018 Fiddler of Strathspey competitions took place in Grantown’s charming little St Columba’s Church on Saturday morning. In charge of proceedings was viola player and fiddle tutor Jon Rutter. The adjudicator was Paul Anderson. As well as competitors, friends and family, the audience included Ronnie Gibson, leader of the Aberden S&R society.
There were trophies for 9, 12, 16 and under, for the Grantown Society Cup and the Maggie Adamson Goblet for selections from Angus Cumming’s collection, the Reidhaven Quaich for own choice pieces and the John MacGregor Memorial cup for traditional groups. The Imray Trophy was for the most inspirational player in the eyes of the adjudicator.
To the organisers’ delight, the Strathspey Herald, to whom we are indebted, sponsored the competition. Prior to giving out the trophies, certificates and medals, Paul and Ronnie played a couple of sets and demonstrated the standards which could be achieved. The winners were then announced with the top awards going to :-
Xander Johnston – 2018 Junior Fiddler of Strathspey
Angus Robinson – Grantown Society Cup
Charlotte Slater - 12 and Under & 16 and Under Champion
The Slater Family – The John MacGregor Memorial Trophy
Iona Pizzaro – The Imray quaich
One of the many highlights of the weekend was the afternoon workshop in the Fiddlers’ Café. Players of all ages and abilities took part under the tutelage of Ronnie Gibson. Amongst tables set with teas, coffees and home baking there was room for inspiration and even for some of the audience to dance. The evening ceilidh was an equally lively affair with the Forres Fiddle and Accordion Group leading what turned out to be an international company in an evening of traditional music and dance.
The Sunday morning service in Inverallan was supported by Paul playing during and after the service.
Heartfelt thanks are due to all those who made the events possible. What makes it all worthwhile is the pleasure it gives and the opportunity to perpetuate a wonderful part of our culture. The Festival will return next year in the third weekend in September 2019 – bigger and better!
Centre Stage
Danny Hannay (Stonehouse Club)
In Memory – Bruce Marnoch
by Gordon Howe
Inchture Parish Church was packed to overflowing for the funeral of Bruce Marnoch who passed away on 31st July, 2018. Bruce was well known for his interest in Scottish music and attendance at, and support of, Box and Fiddle Clubs throughout the Central Belt.
It was fitting that Nicol McLaren, Chairman of the NAAFC, played the tune composed by the Blairgowrie Club Chairman Scott Band, Bruce Marnoch’s 80th Birthday, at the close of service. Nicol also played The March of the Cameron Men as a tribute to Bruce’s National Service in the Cameron Highlanders during which he spent time as a royal guard to the Queen at Balmoral.
Bruce was also a regular attendee at the Shetland A&F Festival held each October, and had made preparations to attend this year too. He had other interests including ploughing matches and vintage tractors, having restored a Berry Fergi to pristine condition, and this tractor became a regular sight at vintage tractor runs raising money for local charities. Fittingly, it was used to lead the cortege to the local churchyard in Inchture, driven by his grandson Christopher.
As the then Past chairman of our local hall committee (Clunie) I was eternally grateful to Bruce for refurbishing the inside of our building to conform to the regulations for disabled access and use.
Bruce is survived by his wife Sheila and son Ian. His two grown-up grandsons, Christopher and Jamie, recently returned from a caravan holiday in Burghead with their grandfather and grandmother, which shows what a close family they all are.
In Memory – David Maxwell Pollock
Davie Pollock of Roslin 1931 – 2018
by Christie Ratter
I first met Davie at the Armadale A&F Club in 2008, and we have been close friends since. We traveled thousands of miles and played thousands of tunes together.
Davie left school at the age of 15 and took up work on various farms. He attended Agricultural College as a mature student after graduation. He joined the Agricultural and Food Research Association at Mordun, part of the Roslin Research Institute. After progressing through the ranks, he achieved the position of Higher Scientific Officer, before retiring through bad health in 1985.
Davie’s musical career began with learning to play the bagpipes at the age of 8, which he then gave up at 13. He then shifted his attention to the piano accordion, which he played for 12 years, before swapping the piano box for the 5-row accordion.
He always told me the story that his pay on the farm was 30/- a week. He then realised he could earn 30 bob per night playing along with his friends in the band they called ‘The Band from Hell’.
Davie was a very popular guy, well-known from the south of Ireland to the very north of Scotland. He was an extremely talented entertainer, singer, comedian, poet and musician. He was a truly great friend, who called me on the phone almost every day in the 10 years I knew him.
He will be sadly missed.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Craigievar Ceilidh Band – A Perfect Day at Shielburn – Shiel CD016
Fyne Fiddler Vol 1 – Amy Geddes with Donald Knox
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
Not shown
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 25th Sept 2018 – Martainn Skene Highland DB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 12th Sept 2018 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Sept 2018 – John Douglas
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 17th Sept 2018 - tbc
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 11th Sept 2018 - tbc
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 13th Sept 2018 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Sept 2018 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 13th Sept 2018 – Frank Morrison SDB
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) – 18th Sept 2018 – Derek Hamilton & Friends
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Iain Anderson SDB 30th Sept 2018 – Robert Robertson Band
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Sept 2018 – James Coutts SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 6th Sept 2018 – Colin Dewar Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Sept 2018 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Sept 2018 – Duncan Black Trio
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 11th Sept 2018 – Kyle Innes Band
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 17th Sept 2018 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Kevin Cheyne Trio
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 30th Sept 2018 – Cruickshank Family Band
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Sept 2018 – Cruickshank Family Band
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 27th Sept 2018 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 5th Sept 2018 – Callum Cruickshanks Trio + 30th Anniversary
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Jiggin’ Higgin’s
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Sept 2018 – Richard Ross Band
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 4th Sept 2018 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 26th Sept 2018 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 30th Sept 2018 – Richard Smith Trio
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 6th Sept 2018 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Sept 2018 – Janet Graham SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 25th Sept 2018 – Alasdair MacLeod Quartet
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 23rd Sept 2018 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Sept 2018 – Tom Cruickshank Trio 21st Sept 2018 Brandon McPhee Trio with Eddie Rose (£10)
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 27th Sept 2018 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 5th 12th 19th Sept 2018 – Club Night 26th Sept 2018 – Sanday Belkies and visit from Sutherland A&F Club
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Ian Muir SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 6th Sept 2018 – Tom Kearney
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 4th 11th 18th 25th Sept 2018 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 20th Sept 2018 – Club Night
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Sept 2018 – AIM’s
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Sept 2018 – George Rennie Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Sept 2018 – Addie Harper Band
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Caithness Scorries
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Blairgowrie
4. Buttonkey
5. Campsie
6. Crieff
7. Lewis & Harris
8. Livingston
9. Montrose
10. North East
11. Rothbury
12. Seghill
13. Turriff
14. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer –
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
I hope you have all had time to relax during the fantastic summer………
Pia Walker
Gretna Open Day
by DSW
Gretna Accordion & Fiddle Club held an Open Day in The Richard Greenhow Centre on Sunday 29th July. A large audience appreciated………..
John Douglas Appreciation Day
by Derek Hamilton
On Sunday 22nd July, enthusiastic people gathered in the Locharbriggs Social Club for an afternoon of music and dance. Leonard Brown, in his usual thorough fashion, had organised the afternoon to honour Dumfries-based musician, accordion dealer and supreme accordion repairer and tuner John Douglas’ 35 years of service to the accordion world.
It is quite clear that Leonard organizes these events only for people whom he respects and who have given him much help in his blossoming musical career. John Douglas is certainly one of those people who have always been on call for instant help with sales and repairs of Leonard’s accordion.
The afternoon started with a concert provided by Leonard and his All Star band of Liam Stewart on piano, John Sinton on bass, Duncan Findlay on guitar and banjo and Malcolm Ross on drums. The event was fronted by Leonard who not only played an absolute blinder on the box but also entertained with anecdotes and wee funny stories!
2.00 prompt was the start time and Leonard and the band boys played their way so professionally through some of the most fascinating sets and tunes I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. At 3.10 Leonard made the presentation to John. He produced a framed hologram of an accordion, and a unique special bottle and then, in a stroke of genius, dropped the bombshell on john. A golf day on 12th August for two at the Cally Palace Hotel and Golf Resort in Dumfriesshire with dinner, bed and breakfast! Of course, Leonard had done his homework. Johnand Barbara are keen golfers. It was an ideal gift indeed! The music resumed before 4.00pm and the band played to a packed floor for dancing. 20 dances in all were covered. Round the room and set dances were popular with the crowd of John Douglas supporters. The afternoon was rounded off with a full floor of dancers for Jessie’s Polka.
It had been a day of superb organisation and impeccable playing with a tremendous friendly atmosphere, with two gentlemen at the top of their game. All the ingredients were there for the wonderful afternoon we all experienced.
Thank you, John, for all the hard work and we hope you have continued success in your new premises; and thank you Leonard, for having the idea and carrying it through to a fantastic day!
The June AGM
by Pia Walker
The Huntingtower in Perth was once more the venue for the NAAFC AGM…….
The Fiddler of Strathspey Festival
by Kathleen Anderson
Friday 8th June witnessed a special performance to an audience of around 270 schoolchildren aged from 4 to 12 in Grantown Primary School. The fiddler was Paul Anderson, this year’s main festival fiddler and one who is acclaimed as “one of the most respected exponents of the Scots fiddle tradition today.” Paul certainly hugely impressed his young audience.
The Festival continued on Friday evening with a special concert entitled ‘The Strathspey.’ An appreciative audience in the Ben Mhor was led, musically, through the story of Strathspey music and dance from its earliest days as pipe tunes, with added tales of such characters as the legendary outlaw James Macpherson and the laird’s piper and ‘violer’, Grantown’s own Angus Cumming. Reference was made to great composers such as William Marshall and Scott Skinner and the different styles of playing the strathspey in contrast to marches or reels. All this was most ably performed by Paul Anderson who was later accompanied on guitar by Alastair MacDougall. Inevitably, the night continued with a lively session in the Ben Mhor bar!
The 2018 Fiddler of Strathspey competitions took place in Grantown’s charming little St Columba’s Church on Saturday morning. In charge of proceedings was viola player and fiddle tutor Jon Rutter. The adjudicator was Paul Anderson. As well as competitors, friends and family, the audience included Ronnie Gibson, leader of the Aberden S&R society.
There were trophies for 9, 12, 16 and under, for the Grantown Society Cup and the Maggie Adamson Goblet for selections from Angus Cumming’s collection, the Reidhaven Quaich for own choice pieces and the John MacGregor Memorial cup for traditional groups. The Imray Trophy was for the most inspirational player in the eyes of the adjudicator.
To the organisers’ delight, the Strathspey Herald, to whom we are indebted, sponsored the competition. Prior to giving out the trophies, certificates and medals, Paul and Ronnie played a couple of sets and demonstrated the standards which could be achieved. The winners were then announced with the top awards going to :-
Xander Johnston – 2018 Junior Fiddler of Strathspey
Angus Robinson – Grantown Society Cup
Charlotte Slater - 12 and Under & 16 and Under Champion
The Slater Family – The John MacGregor Memorial Trophy
Iona Pizzaro – The Imray quaich
One of the many highlights of the weekend was the afternoon workshop in the Fiddlers’ Café. Players of all ages and abilities took part under the tutelage of Ronnie Gibson. Amongst tables set with teas, coffees and home baking there was room for inspiration and even for some of the audience to dance. The evening ceilidh was an equally lively affair with the Forres Fiddle and Accordion Group leading what turned out to be an international company in an evening of traditional music and dance.
The Sunday morning service in Inverallan was supported by Paul playing during and after the service.
Heartfelt thanks are due to all those who made the events possible. What makes it all worthwhile is the pleasure it gives and the opportunity to perpetuate a wonderful part of our culture. The Festival will return next year in the third weekend in September 2019 – bigger and better!
Centre Stage
Danny Hannay (Stonehouse Club)
In Memory – Bruce Marnoch
by Gordon Howe
Inchture Parish Church was packed to overflowing for the funeral of Bruce Marnoch who passed away on 31st July, 2018. Bruce was well known for his interest in Scottish music and attendance at, and support of, Box and Fiddle Clubs throughout the Central Belt.
It was fitting that Nicol McLaren, Chairman of the NAAFC, played the tune composed by the Blairgowrie Club Chairman Scott Band, Bruce Marnoch’s 80th Birthday, at the close of service. Nicol also played The March of the Cameron Men as a tribute to Bruce’s National Service in the Cameron Highlanders during which he spent time as a royal guard to the Queen at Balmoral.
Bruce was also a regular attendee at the Shetland A&F Festival held each October, and had made preparations to attend this year too. He had other interests including ploughing matches and vintage tractors, having restored a Berry Fergi to pristine condition, and this tractor became a regular sight at vintage tractor runs raising money for local charities. Fittingly, it was used to lead the cortege to the local churchyard in Inchture, driven by his grandson Christopher.
As the then Past chairman of our local hall committee (Clunie) I was eternally grateful to Bruce for refurbishing the inside of our building to conform to the regulations for disabled access and use.
Bruce is survived by his wife Sheila and son Ian. His two grown-up grandsons, Christopher and Jamie, recently returned from a caravan holiday in Burghead with their grandfather and grandmother, which shows what a close family they all are.
In Memory – David Maxwell Pollock
Davie Pollock of Roslin 1931 – 2018
by Christie Ratter
I first met Davie at the Armadale A&F Club in 2008, and we have been close friends since. We traveled thousands of miles and played thousands of tunes together.
Davie left school at the age of 15 and took up work on various farms. He attended Agricultural College as a mature student after graduation. He joined the Agricultural and Food Research Association at Mordun, part of the Roslin Research Institute. After progressing through the ranks, he achieved the position of Higher Scientific Officer, before retiring through bad health in 1985.
Davie’s musical career began with learning to play the bagpipes at the age of 8, which he then gave up at 13. He then shifted his attention to the piano accordion, which he played for 12 years, before swapping the piano box for the 5-row accordion.
He always told me the story that his pay on the farm was 30/- a week. He then realised he could earn 30 bob per night playing along with his friends in the band they called ‘The Band from Hell’.
Davie was a very popular guy, well-known from the south of Ireland to the very north of Scotland. He was an extremely talented entertainer, singer, comedian, poet and musician. He was a truly great friend, who called me on the phone almost every day in the 10 years I knew him.
He will be sadly missed.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Craigievar Ceilidh Band – A Perfect Day at Shielburn – Shiel CD016
Fyne Fiddler Vol 1 – Amy Geddes with Donald Knox
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
Not shown
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 25th Sept 2018 – Martainn Skene Highland DB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 12th Sept 2018 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 16th Sept 2018 – John Douglas
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) – 17th Sept 2018 - tbc
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 11th Sept 2018 - tbc
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 13th Sept 2018 - tbc
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 4th Sept 2018 – Brandon McPhee Trio
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 13th Sept 2018 – Frank Morrison SDB
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) – 18th Sept 2018 – Derek Hamilton & Friends
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Iain Anderson SDB 30th Sept 2018 – Robert Robertson Band
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 20th Sept 2018 – James Coutts SDB
Crieff & District (British Legion) 6th Sept 2018 – Colin Dewar Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 5th Sept 2018 – Hector McFadyen SDB
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 19th Sept 2018 – Duncan Black Trio
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 11th Sept 2018 – Kyle Innes Band
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 17th Sept 2018 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Kevin Cheyne Trio
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 30th Sept 2018 – Cruickshank Family Band
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 12th Sept 2018 – Cruickshank Family Band
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 27th Sept 2018 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 5th Sept 2018 – Callum Cruickshanks Trio + 30th Anniversary
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 2nd Sept 2018 – Jiggin’ Higgin’s
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 17th Sept 2018 – Richard Ross Band
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 4th Sept 2018 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 26th Sept 2018 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 30th Sept 2018 – Richard Smith Trio
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 6th Sept 2018 – Ewan Galloway Trio
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 18th Sept 2018 – Janet Graham SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 25th Sept 2018 – Alasdair MacLeod Quartet
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 23rd Sept 2018 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 5th Sept 2018 – Tom Cruickshank Trio 21st Sept 2018 Brandon McPhee Trio with Eddie Rose (£10)
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) - 27th Sept 2018 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 5th 12th 19th Sept 2018 – Club Night 26th Sept 2018 – Sanday Belkies and visit from Sutherland A&F Club
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Ian Muir SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 6th Sept 2018 – Tom Kearney
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 4th 11th 18th 25th Sept 2018 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 20th Sept 2018 – Club Night
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 3rd Sept 2018 – AIM’s
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 6th Sept 2018 – George Rennie Duo
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 20th Sept 2018 – Addie Harper Band
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 18th Sept 2018 – Caithness Scorries
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Blairgowrie
4. Buttonkey
5. Campsie
6. Crieff
7. Lewis & Harris
8. Livingston
9. Montrose
10. North East
11. Rothbury
12. Seghill
13. Turriff
14. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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