Box and Fiddle
Year 44 No 01
September 2020
Price £3.00
3 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
These have been challenging times for the magazine, but also enjoyable in as much as we have all worked hard to keep the magazine going. …………
Pia Walker
Doric Future
by Denis Shepherd in interview with Jill McWilliam
The Doric Future website www.doricfuture.co.uk was set up only in October 2019 but already, ………………..
Full text awaited from Pia.
It Was Like Coming Home
By Pia Walker in interview with Linda Rankin
Who is she? You might well ask. Well, Linda is another person who like me, and so many others, has felt drawn to Scotland……….
Carlops
by Gordon Young
It occurred to me, as I am sitting here partially confined to barracks and fairly content, with a lovely wife who is very good to me and enjoying fairly decent health: what more could I ask for? Well, the big miss for me at this current time, as I am sure it is with many, is not being able to be involved in live Scottish dance music, playing at dances and Accordion Clubs. Even a wee stagger round the floor for a St Bernard’s Waltz would be very therapeutic.
I particularly enjoy Accordion Clubs, and I think this stems from being involved many years ago in a wonderful Club at then Alan Ramsay Hotel in the village of Carlops. The Club, in its early years (1970s), was run by Bobby Jack, a very fine button-key accordionists who lived in Penicuik and who led a very good band. Bobby was well respected in the area and the Club was very popular from the outset, attracting good musicians and outstanding guest artistes. Bobby Jack was at the helm for a number of years and then Robin Brock took over.
Robin was a well-kent face in our music circles, having played bass with Jim Johnstone and Jim MacLeod and having broadcast and recorded with his own band on lead accordion. We had many top class guests artistes at the Club, too many to list here, but many stars such as Will Starr, Ian Powrie, Jimmy Blue, Angus Fitchet, Ian Holmes and Bobby MacLeod were pleased to play at Carlops.
We were fortunate to have a perfect venue for the Club and received a great deal of help from a number of people. For instance Jack Delaney, a very well-known figure, in Scottish dance bands, always brought along his sound system and was happy to help out on second box as required. We also had an in-house rhythm section available if required consisting of Davie Flockhart on piano, Robin Brock on double bass and myself on the wime gums.
I hope this gives you a flavour of the fun we had at the Carlops Accordion & Fiddle Club all these years ago and the joy and pleasure I still get, whether attending a Club to play or just going along to listen, I hope, when the current situation has eased, you will get along to your nearest Club and enjoy or traditional Scottish dance music. I know you will be made most welcome.
Musical Memories – Part 16
by Denis Shepherd
UNTIL a few years ago all ceilidh bands could be assured of a Hogmanay booking – and Fittiefolk was no exception. And we had a lot of interesting experiences!
On two successive Hogmanays we played at a coastal hotel near Peterhead. The first was uneventful but the second was quite memorable – and not for all the right reasons. Keyboard player Harry Williamson (a Fittiefolk member only on Hogmanays) gave me a lift but a storm had blown in that day and we found ourselves struggling through six inches of sleety snow – and that was before we got out of Aberdeen! Harry had left it till the last minute to get his keyboard repaired by someone in the highest part of Westhill and we had to pick it up on the way to Peterhead. As we were about to set off from the repairer’s I said, half-jokingly, “Did he remember to give you the power lead so that you can plug it in?” It was lucky I did – it saved a second journey to the highest part of Westhill!
When we got to Peterhead there was no snow but plenty of wind. When we left the car it needed all of our combined strength to prevent the keyboard from being blown into the North Sea! As we set up in the function room at the back of the hotel, we noticed the radiators were still cold and assumed the room would gradually heat up once they were switched on. But they never were – the room just got colder and colder. And as people went through to the hotel proper and discovered it was nice and warm there, they simply ‘forgot’ to come back to the ceilidh. We could have gone home early – but for two couples who were determined to get their money’s worth and stuck it out to the bitter end.
At another venue on Deeside the manager put the three of us – myself, Harry and Mark Lammas - in a small room behind closed doors and said those who wanted to dance would find us. The floor was barely big enough to dance on and it transpired that those sitting in the dozen or so chairs only wanted to be entertained. Luckily we had a big repertoire though not the one we had expected to use on Hogmanay! At some point the punters in the lounge opened the door to see what was going on – and hastily shut it again! Then, as we left at the end of the evening, the manager said, “I have a big room through the house where we could have had space for everyone and room for dancing.” Thanks for telling us!
We played a few Hogmanays at another Deeside venue where in contrast everyone was in the same village hall, picnicking and dancing. This venue had only a temporary stage, assembled for each occasion, and its stability left a lot to be desired. As it was a tight fit for a full ceilidh band, Harry pushed the back of his chair close against the wall – closer, in fact, than the section of stage under him. At the end of one dance there was a loud crash and no sign of Harry – apart from his feet sticking up behind the keyboard!
I find that having been a caller makes me appreciate the calling at other ceilidhs that I go to – whether good or bad. One instance of the latter was when a caller at a big event in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen announced the Swedish Masquerade and then asked a couple to demonstrate it – which they did, closely watched by all those who were keen to learn it. When they had finished, the caller said: “Thank you very much; that was an excellent demonstration. However, that’s not the way we’re going to do it tonight.” Talk about confusing people! The safest ploy, in my opinion, is for the caller to demonstrate the dance himself!
I enjoy singing to certain dances which do not need to be called; this was something I began after David Dow, who had introduced singing to the band, left. And at 11.55pm every Hogmanay, wherever I may be, I think of all the Fittiefolk Hogmanay gigs of the past and feel I should be singing He’ll Have to Go, as I did every time to get people in a romantic mood before the bells.
Another song I introduced was Lassie Come and Dance with Me – this was a result of my earliest dancing experiences, doing the Boston Two Step to Michael McKay’s Band, with this very song being sung by fiddler and guitarist Tommy McDonald. In more recent years I have done a few ceilidh dance calling jobs with Michael’s current band Country Edition and on one occasion I actually sang this song for a Boston Two Step. I later realised this had great significance: this was essentially the same legendary band that I had learned the song from nearly half-a-century earlier!
Missing in the Mists of Time
by Pia Walker
September and the start of the season – but probably not as we know it.
This, however, should not prevent us…………………
Full Text awaited from Pia
Livingston Club Calls It a Day
by Wendy Evans (Secretary)
I see that many clubs have been posting their cancellations of meetings on the NAAFC Facebook page.
Our situation is a little different in that we are actually going to close the Club after 48 years in existence. It was a difficult decision for the Committee to make but there are several contributing factors. We have been unable to recruit new Committee Members for some time. None of us are spring chickens and it needs a turnover of fresh blood to keep the Club alive. Also, our membership numbers have been dropping consistently over several seasons and it is proving difficult to make income meet the cost of venue and artist hire.
I’ll post on the Facebook page shortly, but felt I should let the National Association know directly.
I’ve written to all of our members with the news and asked them to support other Clubs when they re-open.
Thanks for all your help and patience over the years in office and I hope we can continue, one day, to see a thriving music scene again.
Centre Stage
Maxine Cummings
In Memory –
Rosalind Snaith (1943 – 2020)
by David & Irene Bell
Rosalind started piano lessons at 10 years old – and so began a lifelong love affair with music. An accomplished musician blessed with perfect pitch, she was a great help to her brother, David Bell, as they began The Lyne Valley Dance Band in 1959. Two years later she left to enter a career as a nurse and midwife. Marriage and a family took up the intervening years, but the piano continued to be part of her life at socials and among friends, and she was a regular church organist. She also taught herself the accordion but never took it up seriously.
Returning to the music scene in the 1980s, she played with the roger Dobson Band for a short time before returning to become permanent pianist for The Lyne Valley Band. Travelling with the band she made many, many friends and attended Box and Fiddle and other Festivals – but playing at the Shetland Music Festival in 2003 was very special. Rosalind was spellbound while experiencing the range of music and players and – braving the dreaded crossing – returned again and again as a spectator.
Rosalind was in great demand as a backing player, being able to fit in with both the talented and the learner, and was also resident pianist at the Gretna Accordion & Fiddle Club.
When she was not playing, she was a talented needlewoman, and she enjoyed dancing and meeting up with her many, many friends.
Rosalind suffered a short illness and died peacefully at home, with her partner Norman Little and daughters Fiona and Marie at her side on 27th July 2020.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
TMSA Young Trad Tour 2019 – Various Artistes – TMSA19
The Spectrum Project – Marie Fielding – Rumford Records
Menace by Hugh M. Morrison
He cannot play the squeeze box,
Nor yet the violin,
He cannot play a single note,
He cannot even sing,
He cannot play piano,
Nor piccolo, nor flute
He cannot blow the trumpet,
No, not a single toot,
He’s totally unmusical,
From this you may surmise,
He’s no damned use to anyone,
He come to criticise.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
Three years ago we lost one of Scotland’s finest musicians and composers. His contributions to Scottish, Swiss and Scandinavian music will not be forgotten. He met and played alongside the best players of his generation, e.g. Sir Jimmy Shand, Will Starr, Alex Carter, Bobby MacLeod and angus Fitchet who first introduced him to his wife Margaret. Some people did not realise that Margaret was also a box player and that they played together on occasions. A couple of early tunes he composed were Miss Margaret Bell and Queen of the South. He joined Andy Stewart in London’s Festival Hall and played for The White Heather Club. By 1962 he had formed his own band.
In an article in the September 2017 B&F issue, Ian McCallum wrote extensively about his achievements and stated that one of the best of Ian Holmes’ bands had comprised Kenny Wilson on fiddle, Bob McNeillie on second accordion, Bill Hendry on piano, Stan Saunders on bass and Gordon Young on drums. Actually Ian McCallum himself played with Ian Holmes and his band and stated it was an honour and a treat. A coachbuilder to trade, Ian Holmes had two stints at Penmans of Dumfries and then moved on to work in Len Frobisher’s music shop before opening his own, assisted by Margaret. They have two daughters, Rhona and Mhorag, and Mhorag has fond memories of accepting in 2014, on behalf of her dad, the award of indiction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Ian recorded 18 albums and had mastered playing 8 different accordion types. Ian was a deacon in his own church in Maxwelltown, Dumfries so it was very fitting that a celebration of the man’s life and music be held there.
The immaculately dressed band comprised Ian Cruickshanks on button-key accordion, Ian Kirkpatrick on fiddle and Ian McCallum on piano box (three fans on the front row), James Clark on piano, John Sinton on bass and Gus Millar on drums. Two special guests from the Continent also played as a tribute to Ian.
Great credit must go to the person who selected the players as the playing was first class. A comment was passed at the time that no other band, even if they had practiced for a month, could they have achieved such a professional sound. Many players, as do the members of the aforementioned band, regularly keep in touch with Margaret as friends and they are taking every opportunity to make sure that Ian’s music is played regularly.
TWAE-
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
5th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
12th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
19th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
26th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Coalburn
2. Crieff
3. Livingston
4. Seghill
5. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Forfar A&F Club (
24. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
25. Fort William A&F Club ( )
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
38. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
39. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
40. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
42. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
43. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
44. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
45. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
46. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
47. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
48. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
49. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
50 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
51 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
52 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
53 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
54 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?)
55. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
56. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
57. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Derwentside A&F Club
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
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. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. 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
These have been challenging times for the magazine, but also enjoyable in as much as we have all worked hard to keep the magazine going. …………
Pia Walker
Doric Future
by Denis Shepherd in interview with Jill McWilliam
The Doric Future website www.doricfuture.co.uk was set up only in October 2019 but already, ………………..
Full text awaited from Pia.
It Was Like Coming Home
By Pia Walker in interview with Linda Rankin
Who is she? You might well ask. Well, Linda is another person who like me, and so many others, has felt drawn to Scotland……….
Carlops
by Gordon Young
It occurred to me, as I am sitting here partially confined to barracks and fairly content, with a lovely wife who is very good to me and enjoying fairly decent health: what more could I ask for? Well, the big miss for me at this current time, as I am sure it is with many, is not being able to be involved in live Scottish dance music, playing at dances and Accordion Clubs. Even a wee stagger round the floor for a St Bernard’s Waltz would be very therapeutic.
I particularly enjoy Accordion Clubs, and I think this stems from being involved many years ago in a wonderful Club at then Alan Ramsay Hotel in the village of Carlops. The Club, in its early years (1970s), was run by Bobby Jack, a very fine button-key accordionists who lived in Penicuik and who led a very good band. Bobby was well respected in the area and the Club was very popular from the outset, attracting good musicians and outstanding guest artistes. Bobby Jack was at the helm for a number of years and then Robin Brock took over.
Robin was a well-kent face in our music circles, having played bass with Jim Johnstone and Jim MacLeod and having broadcast and recorded with his own band on lead accordion. We had many top class guests artistes at the Club, too many to list here, but many stars such as Will Starr, Ian Powrie, Jimmy Blue, Angus Fitchet, Ian Holmes and Bobby MacLeod were pleased to play at Carlops.
We were fortunate to have a perfect venue for the Club and received a great deal of help from a number of people. For instance Jack Delaney, a very well-known figure, in Scottish dance bands, always brought along his sound system and was happy to help out on second box as required. We also had an in-house rhythm section available if required consisting of Davie Flockhart on piano, Robin Brock on double bass and myself on the wime gums.
I hope this gives you a flavour of the fun we had at the Carlops Accordion & Fiddle Club all these years ago and the joy and pleasure I still get, whether attending a Club to play or just going along to listen, I hope, when the current situation has eased, you will get along to your nearest Club and enjoy or traditional Scottish dance music. I know you will be made most welcome.
Musical Memories – Part 16
by Denis Shepherd
UNTIL a few years ago all ceilidh bands could be assured of a Hogmanay booking – and Fittiefolk was no exception. And we had a lot of interesting experiences!
On two successive Hogmanays we played at a coastal hotel near Peterhead. The first was uneventful but the second was quite memorable – and not for all the right reasons. Keyboard player Harry Williamson (a Fittiefolk member only on Hogmanays) gave me a lift but a storm had blown in that day and we found ourselves struggling through six inches of sleety snow – and that was before we got out of Aberdeen! Harry had left it till the last minute to get his keyboard repaired by someone in the highest part of Westhill and we had to pick it up on the way to Peterhead. As we were about to set off from the repairer’s I said, half-jokingly, “Did he remember to give you the power lead so that you can plug it in?” It was lucky I did – it saved a second journey to the highest part of Westhill!
When we got to Peterhead there was no snow but plenty of wind. When we left the car it needed all of our combined strength to prevent the keyboard from being blown into the North Sea! As we set up in the function room at the back of the hotel, we noticed the radiators were still cold and assumed the room would gradually heat up once they were switched on. But they never were – the room just got colder and colder. And as people went through to the hotel proper and discovered it was nice and warm there, they simply ‘forgot’ to come back to the ceilidh. We could have gone home early – but for two couples who were determined to get their money’s worth and stuck it out to the bitter end.
At another venue on Deeside the manager put the three of us – myself, Harry and Mark Lammas - in a small room behind closed doors and said those who wanted to dance would find us. The floor was barely big enough to dance on and it transpired that those sitting in the dozen or so chairs only wanted to be entertained. Luckily we had a big repertoire though not the one we had expected to use on Hogmanay! At some point the punters in the lounge opened the door to see what was going on – and hastily shut it again! Then, as we left at the end of the evening, the manager said, “I have a big room through the house where we could have had space for everyone and room for dancing.” Thanks for telling us!
We played a few Hogmanays at another Deeside venue where in contrast everyone was in the same village hall, picnicking and dancing. This venue had only a temporary stage, assembled for each occasion, and its stability left a lot to be desired. As it was a tight fit for a full ceilidh band, Harry pushed the back of his chair close against the wall – closer, in fact, than the section of stage under him. At the end of one dance there was a loud crash and no sign of Harry – apart from his feet sticking up behind the keyboard!
I find that having been a caller makes me appreciate the calling at other ceilidhs that I go to – whether good or bad. One instance of the latter was when a caller at a big event in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen announced the Swedish Masquerade and then asked a couple to demonstrate it – which they did, closely watched by all those who were keen to learn it. When they had finished, the caller said: “Thank you very much; that was an excellent demonstration. However, that’s not the way we’re going to do it tonight.” Talk about confusing people! The safest ploy, in my opinion, is for the caller to demonstrate the dance himself!
I enjoy singing to certain dances which do not need to be called; this was something I began after David Dow, who had introduced singing to the band, left. And at 11.55pm every Hogmanay, wherever I may be, I think of all the Fittiefolk Hogmanay gigs of the past and feel I should be singing He’ll Have to Go, as I did every time to get people in a romantic mood before the bells.
Another song I introduced was Lassie Come and Dance with Me – this was a result of my earliest dancing experiences, doing the Boston Two Step to Michael McKay’s Band, with this very song being sung by fiddler and guitarist Tommy McDonald. In more recent years I have done a few ceilidh dance calling jobs with Michael’s current band Country Edition and on one occasion I actually sang this song for a Boston Two Step. I later realised this had great significance: this was essentially the same legendary band that I had learned the song from nearly half-a-century earlier!
Missing in the Mists of Time
by Pia Walker
September and the start of the season – but probably not as we know it.
This, however, should not prevent us…………………
Full Text awaited from Pia
Livingston Club Calls It a Day
by Wendy Evans (Secretary)
I see that many clubs have been posting their cancellations of meetings on the NAAFC Facebook page.
Our situation is a little different in that we are actually going to close the Club after 48 years in existence. It was a difficult decision for the Committee to make but there are several contributing factors. We have been unable to recruit new Committee Members for some time. None of us are spring chickens and it needs a turnover of fresh blood to keep the Club alive. Also, our membership numbers have been dropping consistently over several seasons and it is proving difficult to make income meet the cost of venue and artist hire.
I’ll post on the Facebook page shortly, but felt I should let the National Association know directly.
I’ve written to all of our members with the news and asked them to support other Clubs when they re-open.
Thanks for all your help and patience over the years in office and I hope we can continue, one day, to see a thriving music scene again.
Centre Stage
Maxine Cummings
In Memory –
Rosalind Snaith (1943 – 2020)
by David & Irene Bell
Rosalind started piano lessons at 10 years old – and so began a lifelong love affair with music. An accomplished musician blessed with perfect pitch, she was a great help to her brother, David Bell, as they began The Lyne Valley Dance Band in 1959. Two years later she left to enter a career as a nurse and midwife. Marriage and a family took up the intervening years, but the piano continued to be part of her life at socials and among friends, and she was a regular church organist. She also taught herself the accordion but never took it up seriously.
Returning to the music scene in the 1980s, she played with the roger Dobson Band for a short time before returning to become permanent pianist for The Lyne Valley Band. Travelling with the band she made many, many friends and attended Box and Fiddle and other Festivals – but playing at the Shetland Music Festival in 2003 was very special. Rosalind was spellbound while experiencing the range of music and players and – braving the dreaded crossing – returned again and again as a spectator.
Rosalind was in great demand as a backing player, being able to fit in with both the talented and the learner, and was also resident pianist at the Gretna Accordion & Fiddle Club.
When she was not playing, she was a talented needlewoman, and she enjoyed dancing and meeting up with her many, many friends.
Rosalind suffered a short illness and died peacefully at home, with her partner Norman Little and daughters Fiona and Marie at her side on 27th July 2020.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
TMSA Young Trad Tour 2019 – Various Artistes – TMSA19
The Spectrum Project – Marie Fielding – Rumford Records
Menace by Hugh M. Morrison
He cannot play the squeeze box,
Nor yet the violin,
He cannot play a single note,
He cannot even sing,
He cannot play piano,
Nor piccolo, nor flute
He cannot blow the trumpet,
No, not a single toot,
He’s totally unmusical,
From this you may surmise,
He’s no damned use to anyone,
He come to criticise.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Pia
Three years ago we lost one of Scotland’s finest musicians and composers. His contributions to Scottish, Swiss and Scandinavian music will not be forgotten. He met and played alongside the best players of his generation, e.g. Sir Jimmy Shand, Will Starr, Alex Carter, Bobby MacLeod and angus Fitchet who first introduced him to his wife Margaret. Some people did not realise that Margaret was also a box player and that they played together on occasions. A couple of early tunes he composed were Miss Margaret Bell and Queen of the South. He joined Andy Stewart in London’s Festival Hall and played for The White Heather Club. By 1962 he had formed his own band.
In an article in the September 2017 B&F issue, Ian McCallum wrote extensively about his achievements and stated that one of the best of Ian Holmes’ bands had comprised Kenny Wilson on fiddle, Bob McNeillie on second accordion, Bill Hendry on piano, Stan Saunders on bass and Gordon Young on drums. Actually Ian McCallum himself played with Ian Holmes and his band and stated it was an honour and a treat. A coachbuilder to trade, Ian Holmes had two stints at Penmans of Dumfries and then moved on to work in Len Frobisher’s music shop before opening his own, assisted by Margaret. They have two daughters, Rhona and Mhorag, and Mhorag has fond memories of accepting in 2014, on behalf of her dad, the award of indiction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Ian recorded 18 albums and had mastered playing 8 different accordion types. Ian was a deacon in his own church in Maxwelltown, Dumfries so it was very fitting that a celebration of the man’s life and music be held there.
The immaculately dressed band comprised Ian Cruickshanks on button-key accordion, Ian Kirkpatrick on fiddle and Ian McCallum on piano box (three fans on the front row), James Clark on piano, John Sinton on bass and Gus Millar on drums. Two special guests from the Continent also played as a tribute to Ian.
Great credit must go to the person who selected the players as the playing was first class. A comment was passed at the time that no other band, even if they had practiced for a month, could they have achieved such a professional sound. Many players, as do the members of the aforementioned band, regularly keep in touch with Margaret as friends and they are taking every opportunity to make sure that Ian’s music is played regularly.
TWAE-
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes
5th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
12th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
19th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
26th Sept 2020 – Archive Session
CLUB DIARY – NB no Club meetings due to the Covid19 pandemic
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) -
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) -
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Crossmichael Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Forfar (Forfar RBL) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Richard Greenhow Centre) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) –
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Coalburn
2. Crieff
3. Livingston
4. Seghill
5. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2019
(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. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Forfar A&F Club (
24. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
25. Fort William A&F Club ( )
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
31. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
32. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
33. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
35. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
36. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
37. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
38. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
39. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
40. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
41. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
42. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
43. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
44. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
45. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
46. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
47. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
48. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
49. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
50 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
51 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
52 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
53 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
54 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?)
55. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
56. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
57. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
58. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
59. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
60. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
61. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
62. Britannia B&F Club (joined 07-08 but much older
63. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
64. Buchan A&F Club
65. Callander A&F Club (
66. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980 – 1997?)
67. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
68. Club Accord
69. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
70 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
71. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
72. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
73. Cults A & F Club (
74. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
75. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
76. Derwentside A&F Club
77. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
78. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
79. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
80. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
81. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
82. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – April 2020 – Covid19)
83. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
84. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
85. Ellon A&F Club (1984 – April 2020 Covid19)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
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. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – March 2020 - Covid)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Maine Valley A&F Club (
105. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
106. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
107. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
108. Mull A&F Club
109. Newcastleton Accordion Club
110. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
113. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
114. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
117. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Selkirk A&F Club (
121. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
122. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
123. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
124. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
125 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
126 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
127. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
128. Tranent A&F Club
129. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
130. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
131. Wellbank A&F Club
132. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
133. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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