Box and Fiddle
Year 10 No 04
December 1986
Price 30p
12 pages
8 month subscription £3.75
Joint Editors – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP or Douglas Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Having been responsible for the production of the ‘B&F’ for four issues it is now time to take stock.
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who has sent in Club reports, photographs and any items of interest. At first these were a bit slow in coming, but happily there are signs that this is changing.
We are, however, still very short of general interest items and any such articles, along with relevant photographs, would be greatly appreciated.
Regarding photographs : if negatives must be sent, please send 35mm, as these are the only ones that can be easily handled. Prints, however, are preferable.
In an effort to arouse new interest we introduced the ‘Bands of Yesterday’ competition in September. However, the response has been very disappointing.
This month we have introduced a ‘Record Review’ and it has been suggested that we carry a ‘Musical Swap-Shop’. Any other ideas?
Due to holiday arrangements, the copy date for the January issue has had to be brought forward to 8th December. Any items arriving later will be held and published in the February issue, so keep sending in your reports.
Tom, who is at present away on business, and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 1987.
Doug Adamson
Accordions Galore 1986
by Peter Paterson
Accordions Galore 1986 was staged, as usual, in Motherwell Civic Centre Concert Hall. It was on the evening of Saturday, 8th November, and the show was the 8th Annual Concert in memory of Will Starr.
Will Starr died on the 6th Match, 1976, and in this year, 1986, it denotes over ten year since he died. The first Accordions Galore Show was in 1979, and over the years the enthusiasm and the direction of Will Starr’s fans has not diminished noticeably, they turned out as usual at Motherwell on a wet evening, as I said earlier on, on 8th November. The concert kicked off at 7.30pm sharp, to the strains of the pipes. Members of the Biggar British Legion Pipe Band gave a real tartan extravaganza to the opening of the show. After playing some rousing marches they left the stage to the delighted applause of the audience. I as presenter, came on to welcome everyone and introduced the next act.
The young ladies from the Rosaline Dow Dancing School from Bellshill came on resplendent in their Highland garb, accompanied by their piper Richard Thomson. Richard struck up and the girls went through the intricacies of their Highland dance routine, proving themselves a credit to Miss Dow’s tuition.
After the dancers it was right into the 1986 Will Starr Memorial Shield Competition.
Four contestants exhibited their skills on their accordions, starting off with a young lass from Chapelhill, Gillian Healy. Then David Martin, who is fast becoming a real showman with his stage act, gave us his pleasure.
Next it was the turn of the young red headed lad from Crossford, Keith Robertson. Keith, a contestant from last year, like David Martin, certainly romped through his set with some style. Next was Vincent Healy, Gillian’s brother, He played a varied selection of tunes, maybe a little nervous to start, but he soon settles down. Vincent was the last contestant for 1986.
It was on to our Top of the Bill Act. The black curtains opened to the strains of the Gordon Young Trio. This featured Gordon Young on piano box, George hill, a weel kent face from the Joe Gordon folk Four od btgone days, on guitar. George also backed up Will Starr on many of his recordings. The drummer was Ewan McGee from Coatbridge.
To be honest it was the first time I had ever heard Gordon Young play. After the first few selections I certainly was impressed and the audience clearly were and showed it in their response.
Gordon, in his other showbusiness ventures, works with the Scottish tenor from Falkirk, Duncan Fraser.
Duncan was on hand at Motherwell to share the bill with Gordon. After being introduced on stage, Duncan Fraser’s fine tenor voice brought back memories of the old White Heather Club’s concerts headed by Robert Wilson and Will Starr. Duncan had a great way with him in handling the audience between songs. As for his voice, superb and, as some kind of singer myself, I applaud him. The combination of Gordon Young and Duncan Fraser is a breath of fresh air badly needed in our Scottish entertainment side. I highly recommend them. During this part of the show, before the interval, I must mention George Hill’s contribution. His rendition of Lara’s Theme on the guitar was something to remember. Ewan McGee on drums kept the tempo together no problem.
Second Half
The second half of the concert started with the Biggar R.B.L. Pipe Band featuring the Rosaline Dow Highland Dancers. They were well received, as they were in the first half.
It was then the turn of a special item of the night, Ronnie McCulloch, Motherwell’s own accordionist. Ronnie, a very well known player in the fifties and sixties, had a very successful act in those days playing all over the world with Kenneth McKellar and many others. Up until as couple of years ago he lived in South Africa. His extent of playing these days is for the old folks in the area. I had not heard him myself for many years and I did enjoy his act when I heard him once more. His style of playing is of an infectious comedy type sporadic burst of music with some gags and odd comic songs. Another breath from the old Scottish Music Hall days.
The presentation to the 1986 Will Starr Shield contestants was our next item. Margaret Starrs joined me on stage, and after reading the judges’ results the 1986 accolade went to Keith Robertson from Crossford. He will now hold the Will Starr Memorial Shield for this year. Second was David Martin, third Vincent Healy and fourth Gillian Healy.
After the presentation, Scott McInnes from Lesmahagow, the 1985 Will Starr Shield winner, took the stage. Scott has improved immensely since last year. I, like the audience, enjoyed the arrangement of jazz and old time selections. Scott informed me later he is quite busy with his small band playing for general dances and concerts. Good luck to you Scott, these are the experience years for you.
Brian Anderson, a slim eleven-year-old lad, followed Scott McInnes. This was an entirely new variation to the show. Brian, with his props and impressions, was a knock-out. His comedy routines and timing were great. Like most vocal acts using the Concert Hall P.A. system, it was marred by the poor quality. I have been assured a new sound system is being installed soon – not before time.
Time was moving on, and around 9.45pm, Gordon Young and his Trio took the spotlight. The flashing fingers and pleasing stage appearance of Gordon had the audience going for him. George Hill took the lead and took the audience through a selection of Al Jolson numbers, proving his fine talent as a guitarist.
Once again it was Duncan Fraser leading off with a fine rendition of ‘Marching Through the Heather’. The quality of his voice changes dramatically to the various moods of the songs.
Duncan then introduced Jackie Fallon, a charming young lady who gave her own interpretation of a pleasijg Scottish dance and a very energetic Irish Dance. Gordon and Trio accompanied her. Duncan Fraser finished off in fine style with a couple of songs.
I finished off the evening thanking everyone and mainly the Top of the Bill artistes. I throw out this to all Accordion Clubs. Book this complete group and see for yourself.
The proceeds from the concert will go to Arthritis Care.
A note to accordion clubs. How about more contestants for next year’s Will Starr contest?
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the annual ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and once again it proved to be a really huhe success with musicians in attendance from all parts of Scotland and avid enthusiasts from as far away as Liverpool. What a feast of music they were in for and, as usual, we had a struggle getting all the players fitted in before our time expired at 1.30am.
My sincere thanks goes to everyone who gave so generously to this year’s charity which is for handicapped children. My thanks also to Ken Scott and Jim Webster who made the collection which came to £185. A special thanks is surely due to Jim Webster, who acted as compere for the whole night and really kept things going with a swing in the absence of Robbie Shepherd, who could not attend owing to pressure of work. Hope to see you back next year Robbie.
Fiddle players were a little thin on the ground this year but, ‘boy oh boy’, what we lacked in quantity we sure made up for in quality. There was Brian Cruickshanks from Kintore, who also plays bass with the Graeme Mitchell Band ; then there was Judith Davidson from Banchory, who leaves me stuck for words to describe her brilliance on the fiddle ; then there was the man who is surely a legend in his own lifetime, yes, none other than Ian Powrie. Thank you all for giving up your time to come to the ceilidh.
I am not going to go into details about all the accordion players other than to say they were all brilliant, and I really do appreciate you all making the effort to come along. The list of names seems endless. There was Alex Morrison from the island of Lewis on button-box ; Jim Berry from Newburgh, also on button-box ; Robert Ross and Hector Ramsay from Stirling are ; two great young Continental box-players, Joyce Reid from Blairgowrie, Johnny Grieve from Peterculter, Davie Batchelor from Stanley, Sandy Tulloch from Dundee, Bobby Crowe from Balmullo (thanks Bobby for joining us), Gordon Duguid from Fyvie, Graeme Mitchell from Huntly, Jacqueline Dick from Freuchie, Lindsay Weir from Ross-shire, Robert Black (now based in Edinburgh), Edward Galley from Forfar, Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie, Craig McCallum from Penicuik, John Rogerson from Peebles, Duncan Black from Stanley, David Hume from Dalkeith and Kirsty Bisset from Stirling. I’ll leave you all to work out how many past and present accordion champions are in that lot. Oh, and by the way, I did have a wee tune myself before too many folk arrived.
And now to the hard working backing musicians.
On drums we had that great supporter of all my functions in Stanley, David Scott from Kellas. Then there was Graham Jamieson from Pumpherston, Ian Murray from rothbury, Steve Beattie from Langholm and Duncan Burns from Alva. Quite an impressive selection.
Now to the pianists. A special thank you must go to Graham Berry from Newburgh, who worked so hard early in the evening before the other arrived ; Derek Hendry from Kellas area, Anne Rutherford from Dundee, Violet Morrison from the Isle of Lewis, and my wife Ann, who did so much work before and after the ceilidh.
Just to add a little bit of icing to the cake we had a tremendous display of Irish dancing from young Roberta Murray from Rothbury, who danced to the music of Ian Powrie and Bobby Crowe, backed by piano and drums. We also had some superb singing from our own Kathleen black, who was accompanied by her brother Robert on piano.
My sincere thanks must also go to Jenny and Clive Byewater, the proprietors of the Tayside Hotel, and also to their staff for supplying us with excellent basket suppers and, of course, the odd dram or two to keep us going.
The date for next year’s ceilidh is the 6th of November, so if you would like to be part of this tremendous gathering, mark it in your diary now. We’ll be delighted to welcome you to ‘The Stanley Ceilidh’.
Dances already booked for the coming year are as follows :-
5th December 86 – Colin Dewar’s SDB
27th March 87 – Craig McCallum’s SDB
15th May 87 – Bobby Crowe’s SDB
28th August 87 – Duncan Black’s SDB
16th October 87 – Jim Johnstone’s SDB
and once again, the Stanley Ceilidh on the 6th of November. All of these functions are in the Tayside Hotel, Stanley, where accommodation is also available.
Thank you one and all for your support and I look forward to many more happy, toe-tapping nights in your company.
The Forth Brig
by unknown
Jim Douglas was a gentlemen. This was my opinion of the man and also the opinion of all who knew him. A farm worker for most of his life, his small frame belied the strength required for hard manual work on the Angus farms from the 20’s to the late 60’s. Jim’s great love was Scottish traditional music and he played the ‘Black Dot’ Double Ray melodeon, a popular instrument in the bothies of bye-gone days.
I first met him in 1962 when a few enthusiasts would gather at the local hostelry once a week for a session. Each of us would play our own favourite tune on these occasions and Jim’s was always ‘The Forth Brig’. How well I remember his style, seated in the corner, one leg crossed over and his head bent sideways in concentration. His performance was unique to say the least. Great gasps came from his box as he struggled for air. His big toil worn fingers flying over the keys accompanied by a squeeze on the drones from time to time. Great enjoyment was derived from these meetings. New tunes were learned, whisky was consumed and good fellowship prevailed.
During the years that followed, most of us progressed to play in pubs, clubs, at weddings etc., and I didn’t see Jim for another ten years. Then one night, while playing in the same but up-dated lounge bar, who walked in but Jim. Still the same couthy, likeable man, but much older. The ten years had taken their toll and Jim seemed even smaller now and stiff with arthritis. “I don’t come out too often,” he told me, “but today is my birthday.” That was excuse enough. Drams were passed round and old times remembered. Somehow a few of us found our way to Jim’s small cottage where he was spending his retirement. Well fortified with a few drams the music started and we celebrated his birthday in style. After much persuasion, Jim produced his box, sat near the fire and after a few faltering bars played ‘Bonnie Gallowa’’, ‘The Rights of Man’ and his old tunes. Cheers greeted his final chord and it was then I requested ‘The Forth Brig’ before we departed. Just like the first time I heard him play, he crossed his legs and bent his head to his beloved melodeon and out of the ancient instrument came the unique rendering, drones and all. What a finale!
I never saw Jim again. He passed away some months later, his few possessions scattered to the four winds. I often wondered what became of the melodeon. Early this past summer I heard a young accordionist play his competition march, strathspey and reel. The strathspey was ‘The Forth Brig’ and it was faultless, a polished performance that one comes to expect from today’s young musicians. Odd that it didn’t particularly ‘turn me on’ as they say. Maybe I was waiting to hear the gasps of air that Jim Douglas needed to get the last few bars in or the growl of the drones that always seemed to arrive at the right time. Again, maybe just a yearning for good times now gone. Whatever, R.I.P. Jim. ‘The Forth Brig’ will always belong to you.
(A well written piece – we could have done with more of these in the B&F over the years – does anyone know who wrote it?)
Readers Letters
Sir – I should like to make a point regarding Box and Fiddle sales.
At present you are asking the Clubs to sell the papers at a loss. It’s understandable that you have to charge postage, but we are unable to recover the postage cost when you have a recommended price of 30p printed on the paper, as I’m sure no club member will give us 35p without a few words.
If there is some law whereby you must have the price on show, could I suggest that you enclose a few extra copies, as was the case a few seasons ago, to cover the postage.
I should like to hear the comments from other Clubs.
Arthur Brown (Secretary, Livingston A&F Club)
Sir – Ian Redford commented in the October issue that traditional Scottish dance music, without the aid of electronics, will never die out.
What exactly does he mean by ‘without the aid of electronics’? Have we reverted to the country halls of my youth where there was no power to provide electronics (and mostly no heating either)?
I have rarely been anywhere in recent years where a band or group has played with no electronic aid at all. They all must have microphones, amplifiers and speakers.
I would dearly love to hear truly traditional style playing as I did in Orkney a year or two ago during the Folk Festival. This is probably anathema to A&F Club enthusiasts, but there’s no reason for it to be so. It is, after all, the same music isn’t it.
B. Drever, 109 High Ormlie, Thurso
Sir – For some years I have had to do a lot of traveling and this has given me the opportunity to visit a number of A&F Clubs and to see many players.
Time and again I come away thinking what a pity it is that so many excellent performances are spoiled by poor stage manners.
A player comes to the stage, ignores the applause he gets, plays a set of tunes – all unannounced – plays another set, gets up and walks off without uttering a word. This behaviour is not confined to the young and inexperienced; seasoned performers are often just as culpable.
Our top players are well aware of the importance of rapport wit the audience and even though most ordinary folk do not have their ‘gift of the gab’, a smile, an acknowledgement of the applause by something as simple as ‘Thank you, and now I’d like to play…..’ can make a world of difference to the impression a player creates.
Perhaps music teachers might not only prepare their pupils for competitions where muteness is expected, but also give them a bit of guidance on how to behave in less formal circumstances, and more experienced players should try to remember that people like to know what is being played and to feel some kind of relationship with the performer, not think of him as a robot like the one in your October issue – but at least he had a voice!
Roy Hordley, Grianach, Faichem, Invergarry
Sir – In answer to your query in the October ossue of the ‘B&F’ regarding the pencil portrait of the well-known face of Bobby Crowe, I can tell you that this was done while Bobby was playing as guest artiste for the Galston A&F Club at the time the Club was being held in the Parakeet Hotel in Hurlford, Ayrshire.
The artist who drew the picture is a Mr Archie Graham from Ayr. Archie is an Art teacher in one of the Academies in Ayr and was visiting the Club with his son who was a keen young player at that time on his accordion. Archie whiled away his time listening to Bobby Crowe performing and drew this portrait, which was presented to Bobby at the finish and who was delighted with the picture.
I cannot give you the exact date at the moment when that night was, but it was around the late 1970’s.
Hoping this sheds some light on the mystery of the bearded box player and the nameless artist.
Billy Stewart, Galston A&F Club.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 30th Dec 86 Dennis Morrison SDB
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only – 10th Dec 86 Deirdre Adamson
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 11th Dec 86 Jim Johnstone SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 7th Dec 86 Christmas Dance with John Carmichael
Balloch (Denny Social Club) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) – 11th Dec 86 Dochie McCallum
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 16th Dec 86 Wattie Beattie SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) – 4th Dec 86 Bill Black SDB
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4th Dec 86 Bobby Crowe SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Dec The Armour Brothers
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) – 12th Jan 87 Allan MacIntosh & Calum Ross
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 15th Dec 86 Jamie Pirie
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) – 6th Dec 86 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 11th Dec 86 M.A.F.I.A. Club
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) – 16th Dec 86 Peter Wood SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 2nd Dec 86 The Donaldson Brothers
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 18th Dec 86 Graeme Munro
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Dec 86 Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec The Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 4th Dec 86 The Ythan Trio
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – t 86 TThe Oakbank Soundott, Saoch Blend, William Bennett, Sabastian Bell and the Amadeus Quartet.utations, including Anne-Soph
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callander
8. Crieff & District
9. Dingwall & District
10. Dunblane
11. Dundee
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Galston
15. Highland
16. Islesteps
17. Kelso
18. Lesmahagow
19. Livingston
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Mauchline
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. Ormiston
25. Peebles
26. Perth & District
27. Renfrew
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Turriff & District
31. Tynedale
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £92
Half Page - £46
Quarter Page - £23
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
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
Having been responsible for the production of the ‘B&F’ for four issues it is now time to take stock.
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who has sent in Club reports, photographs and any items of interest. At first these were a bit slow in coming, but happily there are signs that this is changing.
We are, however, still very short of general interest items and any such articles, along with relevant photographs, would be greatly appreciated.
Regarding photographs : if negatives must be sent, please send 35mm, as these are the only ones that can be easily handled. Prints, however, are preferable.
In an effort to arouse new interest we introduced the ‘Bands of Yesterday’ competition in September. However, the response has been very disappointing.
This month we have introduced a ‘Record Review’ and it has been suggested that we carry a ‘Musical Swap-Shop’. Any other ideas?
Due to holiday arrangements, the copy date for the January issue has had to be brought forward to 8th December. Any items arriving later will be held and published in the February issue, so keep sending in your reports.
Tom, who is at present away on business, and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 1987.
Doug Adamson
Accordions Galore 1986
by Peter Paterson
Accordions Galore 1986 was staged, as usual, in Motherwell Civic Centre Concert Hall. It was on the evening of Saturday, 8th November, and the show was the 8th Annual Concert in memory of Will Starr.
Will Starr died on the 6th Match, 1976, and in this year, 1986, it denotes over ten year since he died. The first Accordions Galore Show was in 1979, and over the years the enthusiasm and the direction of Will Starr’s fans has not diminished noticeably, they turned out as usual at Motherwell on a wet evening, as I said earlier on, on 8th November. The concert kicked off at 7.30pm sharp, to the strains of the pipes. Members of the Biggar British Legion Pipe Band gave a real tartan extravaganza to the opening of the show. After playing some rousing marches they left the stage to the delighted applause of the audience. I as presenter, came on to welcome everyone and introduced the next act.
The young ladies from the Rosaline Dow Dancing School from Bellshill came on resplendent in their Highland garb, accompanied by their piper Richard Thomson. Richard struck up and the girls went through the intricacies of their Highland dance routine, proving themselves a credit to Miss Dow’s tuition.
After the dancers it was right into the 1986 Will Starr Memorial Shield Competition.
Four contestants exhibited their skills on their accordions, starting off with a young lass from Chapelhill, Gillian Healy. Then David Martin, who is fast becoming a real showman with his stage act, gave us his pleasure.
Next it was the turn of the young red headed lad from Crossford, Keith Robertson. Keith, a contestant from last year, like David Martin, certainly romped through his set with some style. Next was Vincent Healy, Gillian’s brother, He played a varied selection of tunes, maybe a little nervous to start, but he soon settles down. Vincent was the last contestant for 1986.
It was on to our Top of the Bill Act. The black curtains opened to the strains of the Gordon Young Trio. This featured Gordon Young on piano box, George hill, a weel kent face from the Joe Gordon folk Four od btgone days, on guitar. George also backed up Will Starr on many of his recordings. The drummer was Ewan McGee from Coatbridge.
To be honest it was the first time I had ever heard Gordon Young play. After the first few selections I certainly was impressed and the audience clearly were and showed it in their response.
Gordon, in his other showbusiness ventures, works with the Scottish tenor from Falkirk, Duncan Fraser.
Duncan was on hand at Motherwell to share the bill with Gordon. After being introduced on stage, Duncan Fraser’s fine tenor voice brought back memories of the old White Heather Club’s concerts headed by Robert Wilson and Will Starr. Duncan had a great way with him in handling the audience between songs. As for his voice, superb and, as some kind of singer myself, I applaud him. The combination of Gordon Young and Duncan Fraser is a breath of fresh air badly needed in our Scottish entertainment side. I highly recommend them. During this part of the show, before the interval, I must mention George Hill’s contribution. His rendition of Lara’s Theme on the guitar was something to remember. Ewan McGee on drums kept the tempo together no problem.
Second Half
The second half of the concert started with the Biggar R.B.L. Pipe Band featuring the Rosaline Dow Highland Dancers. They were well received, as they were in the first half.
It was then the turn of a special item of the night, Ronnie McCulloch, Motherwell’s own accordionist. Ronnie, a very well known player in the fifties and sixties, had a very successful act in those days playing all over the world with Kenneth McKellar and many others. Up until as couple of years ago he lived in South Africa. His extent of playing these days is for the old folks in the area. I had not heard him myself for many years and I did enjoy his act when I heard him once more. His style of playing is of an infectious comedy type sporadic burst of music with some gags and odd comic songs. Another breath from the old Scottish Music Hall days.
The presentation to the 1986 Will Starr Shield contestants was our next item. Margaret Starrs joined me on stage, and after reading the judges’ results the 1986 accolade went to Keith Robertson from Crossford. He will now hold the Will Starr Memorial Shield for this year. Second was David Martin, third Vincent Healy and fourth Gillian Healy.
After the presentation, Scott McInnes from Lesmahagow, the 1985 Will Starr Shield winner, took the stage. Scott has improved immensely since last year. I, like the audience, enjoyed the arrangement of jazz and old time selections. Scott informed me later he is quite busy with his small band playing for general dances and concerts. Good luck to you Scott, these are the experience years for you.
Brian Anderson, a slim eleven-year-old lad, followed Scott McInnes. This was an entirely new variation to the show. Brian, with his props and impressions, was a knock-out. His comedy routines and timing were great. Like most vocal acts using the Concert Hall P.A. system, it was marred by the poor quality. I have been assured a new sound system is being installed soon – not before time.
Time was moving on, and around 9.45pm, Gordon Young and his Trio took the spotlight. The flashing fingers and pleasing stage appearance of Gordon had the audience going for him. George Hill took the lead and took the audience through a selection of Al Jolson numbers, proving his fine talent as a guitarist.
Once again it was Duncan Fraser leading off with a fine rendition of ‘Marching Through the Heather’. The quality of his voice changes dramatically to the various moods of the songs.
Duncan then introduced Jackie Fallon, a charming young lady who gave her own interpretation of a pleasijg Scottish dance and a very energetic Irish Dance. Gordon and Trio accompanied her. Duncan Fraser finished off in fine style with a couple of songs.
I finished off the evening thanking everyone and mainly the Top of the Bill artistes. I throw out this to all Accordion Clubs. Book this complete group and see for yourself.
The proceeds from the concert will go to Arthritis Care.
A note to accordion clubs. How about more contestants for next year’s Will Starr contest?
The Stanley Ceilidh
by Bill Black
Once again the annual ‘Stanley Ceilidh’ has come and gone and once again it proved to be a really huhe success with musicians in attendance from all parts of Scotland and avid enthusiasts from as far away as Liverpool. What a feast of music they were in for and, as usual, we had a struggle getting all the players fitted in before our time expired at 1.30am.
My sincere thanks goes to everyone who gave so generously to this year’s charity which is for handicapped children. My thanks also to Ken Scott and Jim Webster who made the collection which came to £185. A special thanks is surely due to Jim Webster, who acted as compere for the whole night and really kept things going with a swing in the absence of Robbie Shepherd, who could not attend owing to pressure of work. Hope to see you back next year Robbie.
Fiddle players were a little thin on the ground this year but, ‘boy oh boy’, what we lacked in quantity we sure made up for in quality. There was Brian Cruickshanks from Kintore, who also plays bass with the Graeme Mitchell Band ; then there was Judith Davidson from Banchory, who leaves me stuck for words to describe her brilliance on the fiddle ; then there was the man who is surely a legend in his own lifetime, yes, none other than Ian Powrie. Thank you all for giving up your time to come to the ceilidh.
I am not going to go into details about all the accordion players other than to say they were all brilliant, and I really do appreciate you all making the effort to come along. The list of names seems endless. There was Alex Morrison from the island of Lewis on button-box ; Jim Berry from Newburgh, also on button-box ; Robert Ross and Hector Ramsay from Stirling are ; two great young Continental box-players, Joyce Reid from Blairgowrie, Johnny Grieve from Peterculter, Davie Batchelor from Stanley, Sandy Tulloch from Dundee, Bobby Crowe from Balmullo (thanks Bobby for joining us), Gordon Duguid from Fyvie, Graeme Mitchell from Huntly, Jacqueline Dick from Freuchie, Lindsay Weir from Ross-shire, Robert Black (now based in Edinburgh), Edward Galley from Forfar, Jennifer Forrest from Airdrie, Craig McCallum from Penicuik, John Rogerson from Peebles, Duncan Black from Stanley, David Hume from Dalkeith and Kirsty Bisset from Stirling. I’ll leave you all to work out how many past and present accordion champions are in that lot. Oh, and by the way, I did have a wee tune myself before too many folk arrived.
And now to the hard working backing musicians.
On drums we had that great supporter of all my functions in Stanley, David Scott from Kellas. Then there was Graham Jamieson from Pumpherston, Ian Murray from rothbury, Steve Beattie from Langholm and Duncan Burns from Alva. Quite an impressive selection.
Now to the pianists. A special thank you must go to Graham Berry from Newburgh, who worked so hard early in the evening before the other arrived ; Derek Hendry from Kellas area, Anne Rutherford from Dundee, Violet Morrison from the Isle of Lewis, and my wife Ann, who did so much work before and after the ceilidh.
Just to add a little bit of icing to the cake we had a tremendous display of Irish dancing from young Roberta Murray from Rothbury, who danced to the music of Ian Powrie and Bobby Crowe, backed by piano and drums. We also had some superb singing from our own Kathleen black, who was accompanied by her brother Robert on piano.
My sincere thanks must also go to Jenny and Clive Byewater, the proprietors of the Tayside Hotel, and also to their staff for supplying us with excellent basket suppers and, of course, the odd dram or two to keep us going.
The date for next year’s ceilidh is the 6th of November, so if you would like to be part of this tremendous gathering, mark it in your diary now. We’ll be delighted to welcome you to ‘The Stanley Ceilidh’.
Dances already booked for the coming year are as follows :-
5th December 86 – Colin Dewar’s SDB
27th March 87 – Craig McCallum’s SDB
15th May 87 – Bobby Crowe’s SDB
28th August 87 – Duncan Black’s SDB
16th October 87 – Jim Johnstone’s SDB
and once again, the Stanley Ceilidh on the 6th of November. All of these functions are in the Tayside Hotel, Stanley, where accommodation is also available.
Thank you one and all for your support and I look forward to many more happy, toe-tapping nights in your company.
The Forth Brig
by unknown
Jim Douglas was a gentlemen. This was my opinion of the man and also the opinion of all who knew him. A farm worker for most of his life, his small frame belied the strength required for hard manual work on the Angus farms from the 20’s to the late 60’s. Jim’s great love was Scottish traditional music and he played the ‘Black Dot’ Double Ray melodeon, a popular instrument in the bothies of bye-gone days.
I first met him in 1962 when a few enthusiasts would gather at the local hostelry once a week for a session. Each of us would play our own favourite tune on these occasions and Jim’s was always ‘The Forth Brig’. How well I remember his style, seated in the corner, one leg crossed over and his head bent sideways in concentration. His performance was unique to say the least. Great gasps came from his box as he struggled for air. His big toil worn fingers flying over the keys accompanied by a squeeze on the drones from time to time. Great enjoyment was derived from these meetings. New tunes were learned, whisky was consumed and good fellowship prevailed.
During the years that followed, most of us progressed to play in pubs, clubs, at weddings etc., and I didn’t see Jim for another ten years. Then one night, while playing in the same but up-dated lounge bar, who walked in but Jim. Still the same couthy, likeable man, but much older. The ten years had taken their toll and Jim seemed even smaller now and stiff with arthritis. “I don’t come out too often,” he told me, “but today is my birthday.” That was excuse enough. Drams were passed round and old times remembered. Somehow a few of us found our way to Jim’s small cottage where he was spending his retirement. Well fortified with a few drams the music started and we celebrated his birthday in style. After much persuasion, Jim produced his box, sat near the fire and after a few faltering bars played ‘Bonnie Gallowa’’, ‘The Rights of Man’ and his old tunes. Cheers greeted his final chord and it was then I requested ‘The Forth Brig’ before we departed. Just like the first time I heard him play, he crossed his legs and bent his head to his beloved melodeon and out of the ancient instrument came the unique rendering, drones and all. What a finale!
I never saw Jim again. He passed away some months later, his few possessions scattered to the four winds. I often wondered what became of the melodeon. Early this past summer I heard a young accordionist play his competition march, strathspey and reel. The strathspey was ‘The Forth Brig’ and it was faultless, a polished performance that one comes to expect from today’s young musicians. Odd that it didn’t particularly ‘turn me on’ as they say. Maybe I was waiting to hear the gasps of air that Jim Douglas needed to get the last few bars in or the growl of the drones that always seemed to arrive at the right time. Again, maybe just a yearning for good times now gone. Whatever, R.I.P. Jim. ‘The Forth Brig’ will always belong to you.
(A well written piece – we could have done with more of these in the B&F over the years – does anyone know who wrote it?)
Readers Letters
Sir – I should like to make a point regarding Box and Fiddle sales.
At present you are asking the Clubs to sell the papers at a loss. It’s understandable that you have to charge postage, but we are unable to recover the postage cost when you have a recommended price of 30p printed on the paper, as I’m sure no club member will give us 35p without a few words.
If there is some law whereby you must have the price on show, could I suggest that you enclose a few extra copies, as was the case a few seasons ago, to cover the postage.
I should like to hear the comments from other Clubs.
Arthur Brown (Secretary, Livingston A&F Club)
Sir – Ian Redford commented in the October issue that traditional Scottish dance music, without the aid of electronics, will never die out.
What exactly does he mean by ‘without the aid of electronics’? Have we reverted to the country halls of my youth where there was no power to provide electronics (and mostly no heating either)?
I have rarely been anywhere in recent years where a band or group has played with no electronic aid at all. They all must have microphones, amplifiers and speakers.
I would dearly love to hear truly traditional style playing as I did in Orkney a year or two ago during the Folk Festival. This is probably anathema to A&F Club enthusiasts, but there’s no reason for it to be so. It is, after all, the same music isn’t it.
B. Drever, 109 High Ormlie, Thurso
Sir – For some years I have had to do a lot of traveling and this has given me the opportunity to visit a number of A&F Clubs and to see many players.
Time and again I come away thinking what a pity it is that so many excellent performances are spoiled by poor stage manners.
A player comes to the stage, ignores the applause he gets, plays a set of tunes – all unannounced – plays another set, gets up and walks off without uttering a word. This behaviour is not confined to the young and inexperienced; seasoned performers are often just as culpable.
Our top players are well aware of the importance of rapport wit the audience and even though most ordinary folk do not have their ‘gift of the gab’, a smile, an acknowledgement of the applause by something as simple as ‘Thank you, and now I’d like to play…..’ can make a world of difference to the impression a player creates.
Perhaps music teachers might not only prepare their pupils for competitions where muteness is expected, but also give them a bit of guidance on how to behave in less formal circumstances, and more experienced players should try to remember that people like to know what is being played and to feel some kind of relationship with the performer, not think of him as a robot like the one in your October issue – but at least he had a voice!
Roy Hordley, Grianach, Faichem, Invergarry
Sir – In answer to your query in the October ossue of the ‘B&F’ regarding the pencil portrait of the well-known face of Bobby Crowe, I can tell you that this was done while Bobby was playing as guest artiste for the Galston A&F Club at the time the Club was being held in the Parakeet Hotel in Hurlford, Ayrshire.
The artist who drew the picture is a Mr Archie Graham from Ayr. Archie is an Art teacher in one of the Academies in Ayr and was visiting the Club with his son who was a keen young player at that time on his accordion. Archie whiled away his time listening to Bobby Crowe performing and drew this portrait, which was presented to Bobby at the finish and who was delighted with the picture.
I cannot give you the exact date at the moment when that night was, but it was around the late 1970’s.
Hoping this sheds some light on the mystery of the bearded box player and the nameless artist.
Billy Stewart, Galston A&F Club.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 30th Dec 86 Dennis Morrison SDB
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only – 10th Dec 86 Deirdre Adamson
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) – 11th Dec 86 Jim Johnstone SDB
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) – 7th Dec 86 Christmas Dance with John Carmichael
Balloch (Denny Social Club) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) – 11th Dec 86 Dochie McCallum
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 16th Dec 86 Wattie Beattie SDB
Cleland (Dalrymple House) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) – 4th Dec 86 Bill Black SDB
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – 4th Dec 86 Bobby Crowe SDB
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 10th Dec The Armour Brothers
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) – 12th Jan 87 Allan MacIntosh & Calum Ross
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only -
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 15th Dec 86 Jamie Pirie
Islesteps (Cargenholm Hotel) – 6th Dec 86 Dance to Bill Black SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 11th Dec 86 M.A.F.I.A. Club
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) –
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) –
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) – 16th Dec 86 Peter Wood SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) – 2nd Dec 86 The Donaldson Brothers
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 18th Dec 86 Graeme Munro
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 16th Dec 86 Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Wilson’s of Crumlin) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec The Blair Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 4th Dec 86 The Ythan Trio
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) – t 86 TThe Oakbank Soundott, Saoch Blend, William Bennett, Sabastian Bell and the Amadeus Quartet.utations, including Anne-Soph
Walmer (Bridge of Allan) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Armadale
3. Ayr
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff & District
7. Callander
8. Crieff & District
9. Dingwall & District
10. Dunblane
11. Dundee
12. Forres
13. Fort William
14. Galston
15. Highland
16. Islesteps
17. Kelso
18. Lesmahagow
19. Livingston
20. M.A.F.I.A.
21. Mauchline
22. Newtongrange
23. North Cumbria
24. Ormiston
25. Peebles
26. Perth & District
27. Renfrew
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Turriff & District
31. Tynedale
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
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