Box and Fiddle
Year 24 No 04
Dec 2000 / Jan 2001
Price £1.20
52 Page Magazine
7 month subscription £12
Editor – Grant Crawford, East Kilbride
B&F Treasurer – Sandra Fleming, Blairgowrie
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
Well here we are almost at Christmas and with a New Year approaching fast. Here’s hoping that all around the country come Christmas Morning lots of little boys and girls and maybe one or two older ones will be opening up new accordions and fiddles and perhaps more importantly as I stated on the recent ‘Take the Floor’ feature, drums, keyboards and perhaps even a bass. For several years now I have been concerned at the lack of ‘back line’ musicians within our ranks and feel it is something that has to be addressed before it is too late.
The main feature in this month’s bumper edition is about john Crawford. After my time with John I came away from Freuchie in a state of exhilaration but within a few hours my feelings had turned to anguish and panic. It suddenly dawned on me that there is no-one with John’s knowledge and skill and tuners and repairers are few and far between. Perhaps it is time to consider that apart from encouraging young people to play the different instruments we should be actively seeking ways to ensure that the crafts of the instrument repairers are also preserved.
But enough of the doom and gloom. My first few months have been an eye opener and the Association and its member Clubs seem to be going from strength to strength. Within the next few months The Angus Fitchet Collection should be available and then before we know it the annual Musselburgh Festival will be upon us. I know Neil and Margaret are always on the lookout for helpers so why not make it your New Year Resolution to do more to help and preserve our type of music.
Finally, on behalf of Karin and myself, thank you all for your continued support and may we join with the rest of the Committee in wishing you the compliments of the season.
Grant Crawford
In Tune with John Crawford
by Grant Crawford
When we’re not feeling too good we generally take a trip to the doctor, or the dentist if toothache is the problem. When an accordion starts sounding unwell the road into Freuchie seems to be a natural remedy. Freuchie is the home village of expert accordion tuner and repair mechanic John Crawford. At the recent Domino Coupler Morino Day organised by the Button Key Club at Windygates, John gave an interesting talk on the qualities and mechanics of the famous Hohner accordion popular with so many players. Such is John’s knowledge of the accordion I thought it would be interesting to find out a little more about background so I arranged to meet with him. I initially thought I would probably spend an hour or so with him. After nearly five hours with him I had still barely scratched the surface of this living encyclopedia of accordion information.
John was born into a musical family in Kinross, Fife seventy-five years past in November. His father was a fine piper and could also play the fiddle and melodeon and his mother played the piano and his six brothers and sisters also played. John recalls many a musical evening at home when his mother would move all the ornaments out of reach as when his father walked around the room the tassels hanging from his drones would inevitably catch and knock something over. A regular visitor to the musical Sunday evenings was a friend of John’s father who could ‘fair knock a tune’ out of a two-row melodeon namely Jimmy Shand. John has continued his friendship with Sir Jimmy and his family and values it highly.
John’s first introduction to a melodeon was at the age of six when he was confined to bed with German measles. He taught himself to play the melodeon and then at school he was given fiddle lessons for a year. At the annual school concert he was given a solo spot but after the concert the teacher told John’s parents that he would never make anything of it ‘as he didn’t stick to the dots’. Unknown to the audience who had appreciated his fine performance, John had decided to ‘go his own way’ and changed his programme. Although his musical education on the fiddle had ended he continued to play it and he even made his own single string fiddle and he treasures the memories of Sir Jimmy Shand playing it. As John remarks “how many people know that Sir Jimmy could also knock a fair tune out of a fiddle”.
John inherited his father’s love of the pipes and soon was taking lessons on the chanter when he joined the Boys’ Brigade and he recalls sitting around the table with the Pipe Major, who couldn’t read music, learning the tunes by ‘dirling’.
APPRENTICESHIP
On leaving school John got an apprenticeship as an engineer at a garage in Ladybank repairing steam engines and road rollers, and earning the princely sum of 10/- a week. The wages were soon put towards the purchase of his first real accordion, a 48 bass model. Although he was still more interested in the pipes he and his elder brother Jim went out and played at local dances. It was also during his time at the garage that he carried out his first ‘repair’ to an accordion. One of the garage’s main customers was a family by the name of Lovat, who had a travelling fairground. On one of the carousels there was an old steam organ complete with a Wurlitzer accordion. The accordion was unusual in that it had a treble keyboard on both sides. The keys were operated by a series of levers that were attached to the back of the keyboard but every now and then they would jam. John carried out a repair and also made an interesting discovery about the reed blocks in the process. As accordionists will tell you the reeds have little valves on them to stop one side of the reed from sounding on the draw or push of the bellows. Initially John thought this may have been the problem with the non-sounding notes on the accordion until he realised that because there was a constant air supply to the accordion only one reed was required per note sounding unlike the normal two on a conventional accordion.
WAR
Unfortunately war came and John joined the R.E.M.E. It was however in the post-war years whilst stationed in the Black Forrest area of Germany that John added to his knowledge of the mechanics and maintenance of accordions. John was in charge of an army vehicle park and among the helpers were a few German PoWs. Although they were not meant to fraternise, John formed a friendship with one of the PoW’s who lived close by. On a Sunday after church service Sergeant Crawford would sneak away for a few hours with his newfound friend, who shared a love of the accordion, to visit the German soldier’s family at Trossinger. The father was an accordion repairer whop had worked for Hohner. During his visits to the old mans workshop John picked up his craft although there were language difficulties. He still recalls how the workshop was split into different areas depending on what type of work had to be carried out. There was a bench for tuning reeds and another bench for carrying out casing repairs. John acknowledges the amount of information passed on to him and fondly recalls how the man would show him how to repair the different faults to accordions from carefully waxing and pinning reeds to the actual tuning of reeds. John points out that the positioning of the pin or over or under use of wax can greatly affect the response and sound of a reed. The old gent even made his own special tools for certain jobs, a practice John has to continue today. John still has some of the tools made for him and he particularly treasures a tuning fork the old man made for him with a hacksaw from a piece of bright steel. What is the connection between an accordion and a car battery? One of the tricks john learned was how to fix a problem with the keyboard axle (the rod running the length of the accordion on which the keys pivot) using a car battery – the full technique is a closely guarded secret. The German family were called Krat and John wonders if there are connections with the family who now run the accordion company of a similar name. The company is spelt Kratt, with a double ‘t’ and as they are also based in Trossinger, John is sure there must be a connection.
John worked with the B(ritish) A(rmy) O(n the) R(hine) Vehicle Inspectorate while in the R.E.M.E. and fondly remembers two little trips, one to Italy and the other to Gibraltar, he had to make on official business. He was sent out on each occasion to sort out a problem the troops were having with new Bedford trucks. The troops knew there was still fuel left in the tanks but they couldn’t get the lorries started so Sergeant Crawford was dispatched to sort out the problem. The solution? Simple! Lift the driver’s seat and turn a switch for the reserve fuel tank. If someone had just bothered to read the manual John wouldn’t have had to make one trip, let alone two. As John says “perhaps the fact that the manual was also kept in the same ‘secret’ compartment under the driver’s seat helped as no-one knew where to look except the mechanics who had been given training by Bedford”.
During quiet spells at the motor depot John spent his time getting to know the workings of the machine shop, teaching himself the art of using lathes and milling machines. John still has a beautiful brass scale model of a Morris 8 gearbox, which he made during his free time in the army, and to this day he enjoys making models. A fine scale model of a ‘Glasgow cart’ is on show with every minute detail faithfully reproduced to full working order. His masterpiece though was a fully working model of an agricultural baler, which his daughter Anita now possesses. His woodworking and metal working skills are still put to use in the accordion repair business and when you examine a hand-made reed block you can really appreciate the craftsman’s skill John possesses.
BOXES
After the 48 bass accordion John’s next purchase was a Hohner Verdi 3 from Forbes of Dundee. The box had previously been owned by George McKelvie who went on to play with the Shand Band. That accordion had a bit of history as it had been smuggled out of Hohner’s factory at the outbreak of war in 1939 by Louis Cabrelli. Louis was an Italian who worked for Hohner and escaped to Britain and John still maintains that Cabrelli was one of the best players he has ever heard playing Italian classic such as ‘Waves of the Danube’. Incidentally the Verdi cost £27 and with the £2/5- change John purchased a 2CC diesel engine from a model shop and using some scrap aluminium built a little racing car, which he and his brothers got hours of pleasure from playing with in the street. “In those days there weren’t many cars around so we attached one end of a length of string to the car and the other to a nail hammered into the road and just let the car spin until it ran out of fuel”. Perhaps hammering the nail into the road surface was to be of significance as John later worked as Fleet Maintenance Manager for Tarmac Construction, the road builders.
After the Verdi John purchased a Hohner Morino IVM. It was straight tuned and John’s father did not like the sound of the accordion so before long it was sold on and replaced with a new Ranco Supervox. This led to John’s long association with Ranco. Although he is currently playing a Classique 37/96 model it has had the ‘Crawford touch’ applied with a few custom changes. All the reeds have been replaced with Ranco reeds and the 16’ (bassoon) reeds have been taken out of the tone chamber and swapped with the 8’ (clarinet) reeds. This process involved John making a new reed block. John handed me his prototype reedblock and on inspecting this work of art lovingly created I asked him how long it had taken him to make “Three or four hours one Sunday morning” he replied. One of the accordions he was working on at the time of the interview was a conversion of another Classique for someone who had heard John’s own box and fancied having it changed to the same configuration.
In John’s little workshop he has his own little tools, many as previously indicated being self-made, along with an array of files, some of which are diamond coated and quite expensive. He has a set of bellows for tuning reeds and a Paterson Chromatic Electronic Tuner. John still ‘uses the lugs’ for tuning and adds that the electronic tuner is a ‘time saver’. I noticed a small electronic hand drill, but John, unlike some tuners, uses this purely for buffing reeds clean. On top of his workbench there are little storage drawers containing reeds and other spares for all makes of accordions. John even has an immense knowledge of reeds explaining that “Shand Morino reeds can be identified by a little dot on them”. An interesting point on reeds came up after the Domino Coupler Day. One owner with a rather rare VM approached John for some advice regarding restoration of the instrument. The owner had been advised that the original Morino reeds had been replaced with ‘inferior’ reeds from a Hohner Artiste five-row accordion. The reason given for this explanation were that all the reeds were stamped ‘Artiste’. Luckily John knew this was not the case and that the ‘Artiste’ reeds were actually the original reeds and explained that these reeds were in fact the finest reeds available.
FINE PLAYER
Apart from being one of the finest tuners around John is, of course, also a first class player. He won the coveted All Scotland Accordion Championship at Perth in 1960 playing the march ‘Jim McBay’s Welcome’, the strathspey ‘Maggie Cameron’ and the reel ‘the Marchioness of Tullybardine’. The adjudicators that day were Ian Powrie and Bobby MacLeod. 1960 proved to be a successful year in the competition ring for john as he also won events held at Gretna and Dumfries. “I was working on the morning of the Dumfries competition” he recalls, “but when I got home my wife, Elizabeth, asked if I fancied going down just to listen? We got into the car and after a journey of several hours we arrived in Dumfries. The first person I met was the late Albie Tedham, the fiddler from Langholm. Albie had won the Fiddle championship at Perth and he suggested that we should enter the Duet competition. Although the pair of us had never played together we found a quiet space and after a quick run through some tunes entered and won. Incidentally John was never out of the top three when competing and fondly recalls the camaraderie with fellow competitors such as Douglas Muir and Jimmy Blue.
BROADCASTING
On the broadcasting front he broadcast with the East Neuk Band along with David Smith also on accordion, Brian Ness on fiddle, Tommy Gathered on drums, Robert Taylor on bass (and vocals) and long standing friend Bill Wean on piano. John recalls doing a broadcast from the famous Coldside Studio in Dundee, 2 the studio was in the Coldside Library, the books being at one end and the studio at the other end of the same room. During a live broadcast someone entered the library and when the door opened this almighty draft blew the music off the stands and all around the studio. Producer James Sloggie and several of the crew were running around frantically trying to gather up the music. On another occasion Robert Taylor was to do a few songs so had to lay his bass down and move to another microphone” continues john “ halfway through a song, Bernard Sumner, the BBC’s official accompanist, who was in the studio to accompany another artiste, picked up the bass and started waltzing around the studio with it. Bernard was a great source of hilarity and I also recall him sitting down at the piano beside Bill Wean, mid-set, and playing harmonies” muses John.
John also recalls in those days that you would do a live broadcast and then go to play at a dance elsewhere later the same night. On one occasion he recalls having to play at a dance in the Assembly Rooms, Dumfries after a broadcast and on the way home the band’s Ford car got stuck in a swollen ford and they had to put all the equipment on the roof of the car and push it out of the water. And just to compound the misery, john had to get home to Fife to start work at 7am the following morning.
John also broadcast with his own ‘Highlandaires’ with Bill Ewan on piano and James Kinnear on drums and also broadcast on a radio programme called ‘For Your Entertainment’ as well as making a few appearance on television.
COMPOSER
John is also a fine composer and among his many known tunes are ‘Bill Ewan’s Reel’, ‘The Bruntley Reel’, ‘Ian’s Reel’ (composed for friend and bandleader Ian McCallum) and a fine march ‘Freuchie’s March to Lords’ written to commemorate the success of the village cricket team. Jimmy Blue also recorded a tune entitled ‘Crawford’s Reel’ but John explained “that it was actually a tune called the ‘Fair Maid of Perth’ with two additional parts, composed by myself.”
Although John had cut a record for Thistle Records back in the 1970’s it was not until 1998 that the real John Crawford was to be heard at his best. His ‘Piping on the Box’ CD, complete with Crawford tartan design, was released on Thane Records (TRCD9803) showing that when it comes to pipe music John has few equals.
John’s daughter, Anita, was also an excellent player but unfortunately had to stop playing due to back problems.
Ask John for his opinion of the music scene today and he will tell you that “technically the youngsters are first class but unfortunately they all sound the same. They play too fast and try to be competitive, trying to outdo each other. Unfortunately there are very few of the young bands with a distinctive sound but at least the music is safe for a few more generations” he continues.
Away from the music scene John’s hobbies include model making and “messing around with anything mechanical” (he even built his own sit-on petrol lawnmower) and apart from the pipes, has also inherited his fathers love of vehicles. John is regularly invited to adjudicate at vintage car and truck rallies. Musically he enjoys all types of music with the exception of heavy rock and the highlight of the week is BBC Scotland’s Pipeline programme, featuring the best of pipe music.
After nearly five hours in John’s company I had to take my leave but still feeling that I had barely scratched the surface. Anyone who has had the pleasure of talking to John, combined with Elizabeth’s fine home baking, will confirm that Bruntley Place is a little bit of heaven on earth. As I was leaving the ‘phone rang yet again with someone seeking advice on purchasing a new accordion. Such is John’s knowledge that he was able to tell the caller about the number of folds in the bellows compared to another instrument and advise on what specification to choose.
When it comes to accordions, playing, tuning, repairing or just general knowledge of the instrument, John Crawford has few equals, and the number of bandleaders who turn to him for advice is proof enough.
Shetland Accordion & fiddle Festival
12th to 16th October 2000
As he blearily boarded the airport bus for the dreich journey home to Mainland Scotland, a Festival regular was heard to croak “Oh…the best yet!” Incredibly……..
The 51st Perth Festival
by Bill Wilkie
Exciting music and a great spirit of fun and celebration prevailed for the 51st All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival in Perth on Saturday 28th October and throughout the entire weekend.
The Grand Ceilidh Dance in the Station Hotel on Friday night set the pattern for a weekend of jollification. Presented for the first time only last year, the ceilidh dance is now established and an eagerly anticipated part of The Festival. Its instant success was assured by the exuberance and showmanship of John Carmichael and the wonderful music of his top ceilidh band. Compere Mickie Ainsworth was there as usual to tie it all together and to present the members of the company who wanted to give a tune.
While that was going on, the Country Dance, organized and played for by Neil Copland and Mo Rutherford was taking place in the Lesser City Hall. Mo and Neil have run this now for several years with the proceeds going to a worthy charity.
During the day on Friday and Saturday generous hearted musicians played in and around the City Centre creating a happy atmosphere and uplifting the spirits of both shoppers and Festival goers alike. A substantial sum was collected for the annual BBC ‘Children in Need’ Appeal. Thanks are due to the many participating musicians especially Ian Johnston and his Band, the Lomond Ceilidh Band, Wilma Innes from Keith, John Weaks from Glasgow, Graeme MacKay from Inverness, Bill Mackie from Inverkeilour and Bryce Johnstone from Glenrothes.
The competitions were well patronised by competitors and listening enthusiasts alike and it was sheer elation all round when Michael Philip walked away with The Jimmy Shand Shield. After entering for the past seven years, Michael finally achieved his ambition of being crowned ‘All Scotland Accordion Champion’. He has always been within a hairbreadth of winning and his great tenacity and determination has at last paid off. This should be inspiration to all aspiring champions to keep at it and never give up.
With last year being The 50th Festival Show, Bill Wilkie pulled out all the stops to make it the best ever and it probably was, the problem this year was to come up with an equally great show. The audience needn’t have worried. Bill presented new artistes and fresh ideas and produced a tremendous show which will be long remembered.
The weekend was brought to a happy and successful conclusion with the Perth Accordion and Fiddle Club’s dance in The Salutation Hotel to the tremendous music of two of the best bands in the Scottish music scene. Firstly revelers danced enthusiastically to ‘young’ James Coutts and his Band, showing the future of Dance music is in good safe hands, and then, fresh from topping the bill at the Festival show, the ‘auld maister’ Jim Johnstone and his Band.
Many people thought that the Golden Jubilee Festival would see the end of the Perth Festival but it only marked the end of the first fifty years. The Festival is still going strong and now embarks on the next fifty years with confidence and optimism.
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1) Emily Smith (85)
2) Paul chamberlain (83)
3) Alex Drummond-Methven (78)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Michael Philip (95)
2) Neil Galloway (94)
3) Iain Anderson (93)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Trophy)
1) Nicky McMichan (86)
2) Birkhill SDB (85)
3) Iain Anderson (84)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) Graeme MacKay (88)
2) Colin Dewar (87)
3) Michael Philip (86)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Kirsty Johnston (90)
2) Lomond Ceilidh Band (89)
3) Tayside Trio (88.5)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) Graeme MacKay (88)
2) John Weaks (84)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Willie Lawrie (96)
2) John Weaks (84)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Kirsty Johnston (90)
2) Neil Angus McNeil (89.5)
3) David MacKenzie (89)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Cowie Cup)
1) Gary Forrest (91)
2) David MacKenzie (89)
3) Kirsty Johnston (86.5)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Jimmy Stephens Silver Salver)
1) Lindsay Weir (89)
2) Susan MacFadyen (88)
3) Emily Smith (86)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) David Hunt (96)
2) Michael Philip (95)
3) Roy Hendrie (94)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Kirsty Johnston (96)
2) Kerry Irvine (95)
3) Morgan Leslie (93)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) Grant Dinwoodie (96)
2)
3)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1) Lomond Ceilidh Band (97)
2) Kirsty Johnston (96)
3) Nicky McMichan (95)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12)
1) James Watt (89)
2) Alex MacKenzie (80)
3) Scott Wilson (71)
Junior Fiddle Sol (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Fiona Johnston (88)
2) Erin Smith (87)
3) Duncan Lean (86)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Katherine Brook (85)
2) Cameron Barnes (82)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Perdy Syres-Gibson (86)
2) Sarah Downie (85)
3) Neil Adams (84)
William C. Honeyman
Scottish Fiddler
By Grant Crawford
The Gow family, William Marshall, Captain Simon Fraser, James Lowe and James Scott Skinner are the names that come to mind when talk turns to the past masters of Scottish fiddle music. However one name that never seems to be mentioned is that of William C. Honeyman.
Honeyman (b.1845 d.1919) was an accomplished players and a most respected teacher. Although not as well known as the aforementioned for his playing, he did leave his mark on Scottish fiddle music.
He published several books and tutors, the latter dealing with the technique of playing reels, jigs and particularly strathspeys. His first book, printed around 1880 was ‘The Violin : How to Master It’ and within the ten chapters he covered subjects such as ‘the position of the instrument’, ‘the shoulder, arm, hand, wrist and fingers, ‘the management of the bow’, ‘the peculiar bowing of Scottish Strathspeys analysed and explained’ and other advice on choosing an instrument and strings. The purpose of the book was primarily to ‘preserve a style’. A follow up tome was ‘The Strathspey, Reel and hornpipe Tutor’ which was published in 1898 and was described as ‘being a concise analysis of the peculiar method of bowing these compositions’. This publication carried over one hundred and fifty examples of reels, strathspeys and hornpipes, the last type giving the same tune in different styles such as Sailor’s Style, Sand Dance Style and The Newcastle Style. Such was the success of this publication that it was reprinted on at least five occasions.
Among his other publications were ‘The Secrets of Violin Playing’ and ‘The Humours of Violin Playing’, ‘The Violin : How to Choose One’ and ‘Scottish Violin Makers : Past and Present’. The last contained interesting biographical details and personal reminiscences on such well-known makers as Ruddiman, Stirrat, Morrison, Crammond, Findlay, and of course, the Hardie family. The book contained 47 photographs and gave information allowing the identification of a fiddle.
Not content with publishing a book on Scottish fiddler makers, he published a volume called ‘Violin Makers’ Diagrams’ which included details of instruments made by Joseph Guarnerius, Gio Paula Maggini and Gasparo Da Salo. The diagrams showed and compared the rises and thickness of each instrument and analysed the characteristics of the sound produced.
Although tutorials publication were his forte, he did also publish several books of music including solos, duets and arrangements for ensembles. He was also a notable composer and among his compositions were Honeyman’s Jig, the strathspey Canty Jean and A Memory. The last was described as ‘a romance for the violin with fine passages for the 3rd and 4th string : repeats using grand double stopping giving the violinist scope to show his technical prowess but still within the reach of the average amateur’.
Having acquired the knowledge that he did, Honeyman was in demand as an adjudicator at fiddle competitions. James F. Dickie and the Camerons of Kirriemuir have all acknowledged him by confirming that they were all taught from the pages of his tutors and indeed the Camerons recorded on the Beltona label in the 1930’s under the title of ‘Honeyman’s Fiddlers’
CD Reviews
The Colliston Sound – Another Round – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Douglas Lawrence – As You’d Expect – Champion Recordings CHAMPCD01
The Gordon Gunn Band – Shoreside – Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX204
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
9th Dec 00 – Colin Dewar SDB + feature on composer Willie Lawrie
16th Dec 00 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB + phone in with studio guests
23rd Dec 00 – The Occasionals + special guests from The Hub in Edinburgh
30th Dec 00 – John Carmichael SDB + special guests from the Banqueting Hall, Glasgow City Chambers
6th Jan 01 – Iain MacPhail SDB + concert set
13th Jan 01 – Alan Gardiner SDB + letters
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 19th Dec 00 Dance to Garioch Blend 30th Jan 01 Aberdeen Junior S&R Society
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 13th Dec 00 Christmas Party 24th Jan 01 Burns’ Night 14th Feb 01 James Paterson
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 00 Dance to John Douglas SDB 21st Jan 01 Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Dec 00 Club Night 28th Dec 00 Garioch Blend Jan 01 No Meeting 4th Feb 01 Bruce Lindsay Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Dec 00 Jock Fraser SDB 4th Jan 01 tbc
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 00 David Cunningham Trio 21st Jan 01 Tommy Walker SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – Dec 00 Bill Black SDB 29th Jan 01 Paul
Anderson & the Whisky Olympics
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 20th Dec 00 Garioch Blend 24th Jan 01 Bill Brian Quartet
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th Dec 00 Ian Thomson SDB 15th Jan 01 Seamus O’Sullivan
Belford (Community Centre) – No info
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Dec 00 Give Way 14th Jan 01 Allan Smith SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 00 Dunkeld S&R Society 9th Jan 01 tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Dec 00 Christmas Dance 9th Jan 01 Hertfordshire Accordion Club
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th Dec 00 Ernie Cowie & Friends 18th Jan 01 Seamus O’Sullivan
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 00 Ian Muir Sound 9th Jan 01 Tommy Walker Band
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 14th Dec 00 Ronmar Accordion Orchestra 18th Jan 01 Jean & Jim McConnachie
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th Dec 00 Ceilidh 16th Jan 01 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 00 Deirdre Adamson 18th Jan 01 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 10th Dec 00 All welcome 14th Jan 01 All welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th Dec 00 James Coutts SDB 19th Jan 01 Dance
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 13th Dec 00 Montrose A&F Club 10th Jan 01 Club Night
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 19th Dec 00 Christmas Party
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 Skye A&F Club 10th Jan 01 Burns Brothers
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone SDB 17th Jan 01 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th Dec 00 John Morgan 9th Jan 01 Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th – 10th Dec 00 Garioch Blend + Iain Anderson
East Kilbride (Torrance Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting 25th Jan 01 Gary Blair Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 8th Dec 00 Christmas Ceilidh 23rd Jan 01 Garioch Blend
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 00 Paul Anderson & Sinclair Gair 22nd Jan 01 Stuart McKeown SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - No info
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Allan McIntosh SDB 10th Jan 01 Joan McLaughlin Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th Dec 00 Jimmy Cassidy 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 11th Dec 00 Liam Stewart 8th Jan 01 tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 21st Dec 00 Gordon Pattullo 18th Jan 01 Robert Whitehead SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone Trio 3rd Jan 01 Club night
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - No info
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 3rd Dec 00 Deirdre Adamson 7th Jan 01 Ian Muir Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Dec 00 David Vernon 15th Jan 01 Wyvis Sound
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th Dec 00 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 10th Jan 01 Balloch A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th Dec 00 Dance to Alan McIntosh SDB 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th Dec 00 Gordon Pattullo 9th Jan 01 Brian Griffin
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Tommy Newcomen Duo 31st Jan 01 Pentland Ceilidh Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 John Bone
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 16th Dec 00 Dance to Nicol McLaren
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Fiddlers Von Trapp 10th Jan 01 Local Night
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 00 John Morgan 11th Jan 01 Alan Gardiner
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th Dec 00 Club Night 22nd Dec 00 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) Dec 00 No meeting 16th Jan 01 Willie McFarlane Band
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - Dec 00 No meeting 30th Jan 01 Donald McLeod Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 00 MacDonald Brothers 16th Jan 01 Richard Smith
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 Windygates Club 10th Jan 01 Wayne Rbertson Trio
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - Noinfo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 6th Dec 00 David Scott 7th Jan 01 Open Day
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – Dec 00 No Meeting 29th Jan 01 George Carmichael SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 00 Alastair Hunter Trio 9th Jan 01 Lynne Gould Trio
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 7th Dec 00 Sandy Legget 12th Jan 01 Dance to Charlie Kirkpatrick
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting Jan 25th 01 Club Night
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting 16th Jan 01 Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 5th Dec 00 Declan Aungier 2nd Jan 01 Paud Griffin
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Dec 00 Lyndsey Allan & James Herkness 9th Jan 01 David Vernon
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 7th Dec 00 David Sturgeon SDB 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 14th Dec 00 Marian Anderson SDB 11th Jen 01 Allan Smith SDB
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - No info
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - No info
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - No info
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 13th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone SDB 10th Jan 01 Ceilidh Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 11th Dec 00 Wyvis Sound 8th Jan 012 Meoran Ciuil
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 7th Dec 00 Bill Black 4th Jan 01 Kathleen Hadden & Friends 1st Feb 01 Redcoats Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – No info
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th Dec 00 Carol Ella 19th Jan 01 Ceilidh / Band Night 20th Feb 01 Jimmy Lindsay
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 20th Dec 00 Club Night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick & District
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banff & District
8. Beith & District
9. Blairgowrie
10. Brommley
11. Button Key
12. Campsie
13. Carlisle
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff & District
16. Dingwall & District
17. Dunoon & Cowal
18. East Kilbride
19. Ellon
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Galston
23. Glenrothes & District
24. Gretna
25. Highland
26. Inveraray & District
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Kintore
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Montrose
37. Newmill-on-Teviot
38. Newtongrange
39. Peebles
40. Perth
41. Premier
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Selkirk
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Tynedale
48. Wick
49. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Sandra Fleming, Blairgowrie
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
Well here we are almost at Christmas and with a New Year approaching fast. Here’s hoping that all around the country come Christmas Morning lots of little boys and girls and maybe one or two older ones will be opening up new accordions and fiddles and perhaps more importantly as I stated on the recent ‘Take the Floor’ feature, drums, keyboards and perhaps even a bass. For several years now I have been concerned at the lack of ‘back line’ musicians within our ranks and feel it is something that has to be addressed before it is too late.
The main feature in this month’s bumper edition is about john Crawford. After my time with John I came away from Freuchie in a state of exhilaration but within a few hours my feelings had turned to anguish and panic. It suddenly dawned on me that there is no-one with John’s knowledge and skill and tuners and repairers are few and far between. Perhaps it is time to consider that apart from encouraging young people to play the different instruments we should be actively seeking ways to ensure that the crafts of the instrument repairers are also preserved.
But enough of the doom and gloom. My first few months have been an eye opener and the Association and its member Clubs seem to be going from strength to strength. Within the next few months The Angus Fitchet Collection should be available and then before we know it the annual Musselburgh Festival will be upon us. I know Neil and Margaret are always on the lookout for helpers so why not make it your New Year Resolution to do more to help and preserve our type of music.
Finally, on behalf of Karin and myself, thank you all for your continued support and may we join with the rest of the Committee in wishing you the compliments of the season.
Grant Crawford
In Tune with John Crawford
by Grant Crawford
When we’re not feeling too good we generally take a trip to the doctor, or the dentist if toothache is the problem. When an accordion starts sounding unwell the road into Freuchie seems to be a natural remedy. Freuchie is the home village of expert accordion tuner and repair mechanic John Crawford. At the recent Domino Coupler Morino Day organised by the Button Key Club at Windygates, John gave an interesting talk on the qualities and mechanics of the famous Hohner accordion popular with so many players. Such is John’s knowledge of the accordion I thought it would be interesting to find out a little more about background so I arranged to meet with him. I initially thought I would probably spend an hour or so with him. After nearly five hours with him I had still barely scratched the surface of this living encyclopedia of accordion information.
John was born into a musical family in Kinross, Fife seventy-five years past in November. His father was a fine piper and could also play the fiddle and melodeon and his mother played the piano and his six brothers and sisters also played. John recalls many a musical evening at home when his mother would move all the ornaments out of reach as when his father walked around the room the tassels hanging from his drones would inevitably catch and knock something over. A regular visitor to the musical Sunday evenings was a friend of John’s father who could ‘fair knock a tune’ out of a two-row melodeon namely Jimmy Shand. John has continued his friendship with Sir Jimmy and his family and values it highly.
John’s first introduction to a melodeon was at the age of six when he was confined to bed with German measles. He taught himself to play the melodeon and then at school he was given fiddle lessons for a year. At the annual school concert he was given a solo spot but after the concert the teacher told John’s parents that he would never make anything of it ‘as he didn’t stick to the dots’. Unknown to the audience who had appreciated his fine performance, John had decided to ‘go his own way’ and changed his programme. Although his musical education on the fiddle had ended he continued to play it and he even made his own single string fiddle and he treasures the memories of Sir Jimmy Shand playing it. As John remarks “how many people know that Sir Jimmy could also knock a fair tune out of a fiddle”.
John inherited his father’s love of the pipes and soon was taking lessons on the chanter when he joined the Boys’ Brigade and he recalls sitting around the table with the Pipe Major, who couldn’t read music, learning the tunes by ‘dirling’.
APPRENTICESHIP
On leaving school John got an apprenticeship as an engineer at a garage in Ladybank repairing steam engines and road rollers, and earning the princely sum of 10/- a week. The wages were soon put towards the purchase of his first real accordion, a 48 bass model. Although he was still more interested in the pipes he and his elder brother Jim went out and played at local dances. It was also during his time at the garage that he carried out his first ‘repair’ to an accordion. One of the garage’s main customers was a family by the name of Lovat, who had a travelling fairground. On one of the carousels there was an old steam organ complete with a Wurlitzer accordion. The accordion was unusual in that it had a treble keyboard on both sides. The keys were operated by a series of levers that were attached to the back of the keyboard but every now and then they would jam. John carried out a repair and also made an interesting discovery about the reed blocks in the process. As accordionists will tell you the reeds have little valves on them to stop one side of the reed from sounding on the draw or push of the bellows. Initially John thought this may have been the problem with the non-sounding notes on the accordion until he realised that because there was a constant air supply to the accordion only one reed was required per note sounding unlike the normal two on a conventional accordion.
WAR
Unfortunately war came and John joined the R.E.M.E. It was however in the post-war years whilst stationed in the Black Forrest area of Germany that John added to his knowledge of the mechanics and maintenance of accordions. John was in charge of an army vehicle park and among the helpers were a few German PoWs. Although they were not meant to fraternise, John formed a friendship with one of the PoW’s who lived close by. On a Sunday after church service Sergeant Crawford would sneak away for a few hours with his newfound friend, who shared a love of the accordion, to visit the German soldier’s family at Trossinger. The father was an accordion repairer whop had worked for Hohner. During his visits to the old mans workshop John picked up his craft although there were language difficulties. He still recalls how the workshop was split into different areas depending on what type of work had to be carried out. There was a bench for tuning reeds and another bench for carrying out casing repairs. John acknowledges the amount of information passed on to him and fondly recalls how the man would show him how to repair the different faults to accordions from carefully waxing and pinning reeds to the actual tuning of reeds. John points out that the positioning of the pin or over or under use of wax can greatly affect the response and sound of a reed. The old gent even made his own special tools for certain jobs, a practice John has to continue today. John still has some of the tools made for him and he particularly treasures a tuning fork the old man made for him with a hacksaw from a piece of bright steel. What is the connection between an accordion and a car battery? One of the tricks john learned was how to fix a problem with the keyboard axle (the rod running the length of the accordion on which the keys pivot) using a car battery – the full technique is a closely guarded secret. The German family were called Krat and John wonders if there are connections with the family who now run the accordion company of a similar name. The company is spelt Kratt, with a double ‘t’ and as they are also based in Trossinger, John is sure there must be a connection.
John worked with the B(ritish) A(rmy) O(n the) R(hine) Vehicle Inspectorate while in the R.E.M.E. and fondly remembers two little trips, one to Italy and the other to Gibraltar, he had to make on official business. He was sent out on each occasion to sort out a problem the troops were having with new Bedford trucks. The troops knew there was still fuel left in the tanks but they couldn’t get the lorries started so Sergeant Crawford was dispatched to sort out the problem. The solution? Simple! Lift the driver’s seat and turn a switch for the reserve fuel tank. If someone had just bothered to read the manual John wouldn’t have had to make one trip, let alone two. As John says “perhaps the fact that the manual was also kept in the same ‘secret’ compartment under the driver’s seat helped as no-one knew where to look except the mechanics who had been given training by Bedford”.
During quiet spells at the motor depot John spent his time getting to know the workings of the machine shop, teaching himself the art of using lathes and milling machines. John still has a beautiful brass scale model of a Morris 8 gearbox, which he made during his free time in the army, and to this day he enjoys making models. A fine scale model of a ‘Glasgow cart’ is on show with every minute detail faithfully reproduced to full working order. His masterpiece though was a fully working model of an agricultural baler, which his daughter Anita now possesses. His woodworking and metal working skills are still put to use in the accordion repair business and when you examine a hand-made reed block you can really appreciate the craftsman’s skill John possesses.
BOXES
After the 48 bass accordion John’s next purchase was a Hohner Verdi 3 from Forbes of Dundee. The box had previously been owned by George McKelvie who went on to play with the Shand Band. That accordion had a bit of history as it had been smuggled out of Hohner’s factory at the outbreak of war in 1939 by Louis Cabrelli. Louis was an Italian who worked for Hohner and escaped to Britain and John still maintains that Cabrelli was one of the best players he has ever heard playing Italian classic such as ‘Waves of the Danube’. Incidentally the Verdi cost £27 and with the £2/5- change John purchased a 2CC diesel engine from a model shop and using some scrap aluminium built a little racing car, which he and his brothers got hours of pleasure from playing with in the street. “In those days there weren’t many cars around so we attached one end of a length of string to the car and the other to a nail hammered into the road and just let the car spin until it ran out of fuel”. Perhaps hammering the nail into the road surface was to be of significance as John later worked as Fleet Maintenance Manager for Tarmac Construction, the road builders.
After the Verdi John purchased a Hohner Morino IVM. It was straight tuned and John’s father did not like the sound of the accordion so before long it was sold on and replaced with a new Ranco Supervox. This led to John’s long association with Ranco. Although he is currently playing a Classique 37/96 model it has had the ‘Crawford touch’ applied with a few custom changes. All the reeds have been replaced with Ranco reeds and the 16’ (bassoon) reeds have been taken out of the tone chamber and swapped with the 8’ (clarinet) reeds. This process involved John making a new reed block. John handed me his prototype reedblock and on inspecting this work of art lovingly created I asked him how long it had taken him to make “Three or four hours one Sunday morning” he replied. One of the accordions he was working on at the time of the interview was a conversion of another Classique for someone who had heard John’s own box and fancied having it changed to the same configuration.
In John’s little workshop he has his own little tools, many as previously indicated being self-made, along with an array of files, some of which are diamond coated and quite expensive. He has a set of bellows for tuning reeds and a Paterson Chromatic Electronic Tuner. John still ‘uses the lugs’ for tuning and adds that the electronic tuner is a ‘time saver’. I noticed a small electronic hand drill, but John, unlike some tuners, uses this purely for buffing reeds clean. On top of his workbench there are little storage drawers containing reeds and other spares for all makes of accordions. John even has an immense knowledge of reeds explaining that “Shand Morino reeds can be identified by a little dot on them”. An interesting point on reeds came up after the Domino Coupler Day. One owner with a rather rare VM approached John for some advice regarding restoration of the instrument. The owner had been advised that the original Morino reeds had been replaced with ‘inferior’ reeds from a Hohner Artiste five-row accordion. The reason given for this explanation were that all the reeds were stamped ‘Artiste’. Luckily John knew this was not the case and that the ‘Artiste’ reeds were actually the original reeds and explained that these reeds were in fact the finest reeds available.
FINE PLAYER
Apart from being one of the finest tuners around John is, of course, also a first class player. He won the coveted All Scotland Accordion Championship at Perth in 1960 playing the march ‘Jim McBay’s Welcome’, the strathspey ‘Maggie Cameron’ and the reel ‘the Marchioness of Tullybardine’. The adjudicators that day were Ian Powrie and Bobby MacLeod. 1960 proved to be a successful year in the competition ring for john as he also won events held at Gretna and Dumfries. “I was working on the morning of the Dumfries competition” he recalls, “but when I got home my wife, Elizabeth, asked if I fancied going down just to listen? We got into the car and after a journey of several hours we arrived in Dumfries. The first person I met was the late Albie Tedham, the fiddler from Langholm. Albie had won the Fiddle championship at Perth and he suggested that we should enter the Duet competition. Although the pair of us had never played together we found a quiet space and after a quick run through some tunes entered and won. Incidentally John was never out of the top three when competing and fondly recalls the camaraderie with fellow competitors such as Douglas Muir and Jimmy Blue.
BROADCASTING
On the broadcasting front he broadcast with the East Neuk Band along with David Smith also on accordion, Brian Ness on fiddle, Tommy Gathered on drums, Robert Taylor on bass (and vocals) and long standing friend Bill Wean on piano. John recalls doing a broadcast from the famous Coldside Studio in Dundee, 2 the studio was in the Coldside Library, the books being at one end and the studio at the other end of the same room. During a live broadcast someone entered the library and when the door opened this almighty draft blew the music off the stands and all around the studio. Producer James Sloggie and several of the crew were running around frantically trying to gather up the music. On another occasion Robert Taylor was to do a few songs so had to lay his bass down and move to another microphone” continues john “ halfway through a song, Bernard Sumner, the BBC’s official accompanist, who was in the studio to accompany another artiste, picked up the bass and started waltzing around the studio with it. Bernard was a great source of hilarity and I also recall him sitting down at the piano beside Bill Wean, mid-set, and playing harmonies” muses John.
John also recalls in those days that you would do a live broadcast and then go to play at a dance elsewhere later the same night. On one occasion he recalls having to play at a dance in the Assembly Rooms, Dumfries after a broadcast and on the way home the band’s Ford car got stuck in a swollen ford and they had to put all the equipment on the roof of the car and push it out of the water. And just to compound the misery, john had to get home to Fife to start work at 7am the following morning.
John also broadcast with his own ‘Highlandaires’ with Bill Ewan on piano and James Kinnear on drums and also broadcast on a radio programme called ‘For Your Entertainment’ as well as making a few appearance on television.
COMPOSER
John is also a fine composer and among his many known tunes are ‘Bill Ewan’s Reel’, ‘The Bruntley Reel’, ‘Ian’s Reel’ (composed for friend and bandleader Ian McCallum) and a fine march ‘Freuchie’s March to Lords’ written to commemorate the success of the village cricket team. Jimmy Blue also recorded a tune entitled ‘Crawford’s Reel’ but John explained “that it was actually a tune called the ‘Fair Maid of Perth’ with two additional parts, composed by myself.”
Although John had cut a record for Thistle Records back in the 1970’s it was not until 1998 that the real John Crawford was to be heard at his best. His ‘Piping on the Box’ CD, complete with Crawford tartan design, was released on Thane Records (TRCD9803) showing that when it comes to pipe music John has few equals.
John’s daughter, Anita, was also an excellent player but unfortunately had to stop playing due to back problems.
Ask John for his opinion of the music scene today and he will tell you that “technically the youngsters are first class but unfortunately they all sound the same. They play too fast and try to be competitive, trying to outdo each other. Unfortunately there are very few of the young bands with a distinctive sound but at least the music is safe for a few more generations” he continues.
Away from the music scene John’s hobbies include model making and “messing around with anything mechanical” (he even built his own sit-on petrol lawnmower) and apart from the pipes, has also inherited his fathers love of vehicles. John is regularly invited to adjudicate at vintage car and truck rallies. Musically he enjoys all types of music with the exception of heavy rock and the highlight of the week is BBC Scotland’s Pipeline programme, featuring the best of pipe music.
After nearly five hours in John’s company I had to take my leave but still feeling that I had barely scratched the surface. Anyone who has had the pleasure of talking to John, combined with Elizabeth’s fine home baking, will confirm that Bruntley Place is a little bit of heaven on earth. As I was leaving the ‘phone rang yet again with someone seeking advice on purchasing a new accordion. Such is John’s knowledge that he was able to tell the caller about the number of folds in the bellows compared to another instrument and advise on what specification to choose.
When it comes to accordions, playing, tuning, repairing or just general knowledge of the instrument, John Crawford has few equals, and the number of bandleaders who turn to him for advice is proof enough.
Shetland Accordion & fiddle Festival
12th to 16th October 2000
As he blearily boarded the airport bus for the dreich journey home to Mainland Scotland, a Festival regular was heard to croak “Oh…the best yet!” Incredibly……..
The 51st Perth Festival
by Bill Wilkie
Exciting music and a great spirit of fun and celebration prevailed for the 51st All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival in Perth on Saturday 28th October and throughout the entire weekend.
The Grand Ceilidh Dance in the Station Hotel on Friday night set the pattern for a weekend of jollification. Presented for the first time only last year, the ceilidh dance is now established and an eagerly anticipated part of The Festival. Its instant success was assured by the exuberance and showmanship of John Carmichael and the wonderful music of his top ceilidh band. Compere Mickie Ainsworth was there as usual to tie it all together and to present the members of the company who wanted to give a tune.
While that was going on, the Country Dance, organized and played for by Neil Copland and Mo Rutherford was taking place in the Lesser City Hall. Mo and Neil have run this now for several years with the proceeds going to a worthy charity.
During the day on Friday and Saturday generous hearted musicians played in and around the City Centre creating a happy atmosphere and uplifting the spirits of both shoppers and Festival goers alike. A substantial sum was collected for the annual BBC ‘Children in Need’ Appeal. Thanks are due to the many participating musicians especially Ian Johnston and his Band, the Lomond Ceilidh Band, Wilma Innes from Keith, John Weaks from Glasgow, Graeme MacKay from Inverness, Bill Mackie from Inverkeilour and Bryce Johnstone from Glenrothes.
The competitions were well patronised by competitors and listening enthusiasts alike and it was sheer elation all round when Michael Philip walked away with The Jimmy Shand Shield. After entering for the past seven years, Michael finally achieved his ambition of being crowned ‘All Scotland Accordion Champion’. He has always been within a hairbreadth of winning and his great tenacity and determination has at last paid off. This should be inspiration to all aspiring champions to keep at it and never give up.
With last year being The 50th Festival Show, Bill Wilkie pulled out all the stops to make it the best ever and it probably was, the problem this year was to come up with an equally great show. The audience needn’t have worried. Bill presented new artistes and fresh ideas and produced a tremendous show which will be long remembered.
The weekend was brought to a happy and successful conclusion with the Perth Accordion and Fiddle Club’s dance in The Salutation Hotel to the tremendous music of two of the best bands in the Scottish music scene. Firstly revelers danced enthusiastically to ‘young’ James Coutts and his Band, showing the future of Dance music is in good safe hands, and then, fresh from topping the bill at the Festival show, the ‘auld maister’ Jim Johnstone and his Band.
Many people thought that the Golden Jubilee Festival would see the end of the Perth Festival but it only marked the end of the first fifty years. The Festival is still going strong and now embarks on the next fifty years with confidence and optimism.
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1) Emily Smith (85)
2) Paul chamberlain (83)
3) Alex Drummond-Methven (78)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Michael Philip (95)
2) Neil Galloway (94)
3) Iain Anderson (93)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Trophy)
1) Nicky McMichan (86)
2) Birkhill SDB (85)
3) Iain Anderson (84)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) Graeme MacKay (88)
2) Colin Dewar (87)
3) Michael Philip (86)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Kirsty Johnston (90)
2) Lomond Ceilidh Band (89)
3) Tayside Trio (88.5)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) Graeme MacKay (88)
2) John Weaks (84)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Willie Lawrie (96)
2) John Weaks (84)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Kirsty Johnston (90)
2) Neil Angus McNeil (89.5)
3) David MacKenzie (89)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Cowie Cup)
1) Gary Forrest (91)
2) David MacKenzie (89)
3) Kirsty Johnston (86.5)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Jimmy Stephens Silver Salver)
1) Lindsay Weir (89)
2) Susan MacFadyen (88)
3) Emily Smith (86)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) David Hunt (96)
2) Michael Philip (95)
3) Roy Hendrie (94)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Kirsty Johnston (96)
2) Kerry Irvine (95)
3) Morgan Leslie (93)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) Grant Dinwoodie (96)
2)
3)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1) Lomond Ceilidh Band (97)
2) Kirsty Johnston (96)
3) Nicky McMichan (95)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12)
1) James Watt (89)
2) Alex MacKenzie (80)
3) Scott Wilson (71)
Junior Fiddle Sol (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Fiona Johnston (88)
2) Erin Smith (87)
3) Duncan Lean (86)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Katherine Brook (85)
2) Cameron Barnes (82)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Perdy Syres-Gibson (86)
2) Sarah Downie (85)
3) Neil Adams (84)
William C. Honeyman
Scottish Fiddler
By Grant Crawford
The Gow family, William Marshall, Captain Simon Fraser, James Lowe and James Scott Skinner are the names that come to mind when talk turns to the past masters of Scottish fiddle music. However one name that never seems to be mentioned is that of William C. Honeyman.
Honeyman (b.1845 d.1919) was an accomplished players and a most respected teacher. Although not as well known as the aforementioned for his playing, he did leave his mark on Scottish fiddle music.
He published several books and tutors, the latter dealing with the technique of playing reels, jigs and particularly strathspeys. His first book, printed around 1880 was ‘The Violin : How to Master It’ and within the ten chapters he covered subjects such as ‘the position of the instrument’, ‘the shoulder, arm, hand, wrist and fingers, ‘the management of the bow’, ‘the peculiar bowing of Scottish Strathspeys analysed and explained’ and other advice on choosing an instrument and strings. The purpose of the book was primarily to ‘preserve a style’. A follow up tome was ‘The Strathspey, Reel and hornpipe Tutor’ which was published in 1898 and was described as ‘being a concise analysis of the peculiar method of bowing these compositions’. This publication carried over one hundred and fifty examples of reels, strathspeys and hornpipes, the last type giving the same tune in different styles such as Sailor’s Style, Sand Dance Style and The Newcastle Style. Such was the success of this publication that it was reprinted on at least five occasions.
Among his other publications were ‘The Secrets of Violin Playing’ and ‘The Humours of Violin Playing’, ‘The Violin : How to Choose One’ and ‘Scottish Violin Makers : Past and Present’. The last contained interesting biographical details and personal reminiscences on such well-known makers as Ruddiman, Stirrat, Morrison, Crammond, Findlay, and of course, the Hardie family. The book contained 47 photographs and gave information allowing the identification of a fiddle.
Not content with publishing a book on Scottish fiddler makers, he published a volume called ‘Violin Makers’ Diagrams’ which included details of instruments made by Joseph Guarnerius, Gio Paula Maggini and Gasparo Da Salo. The diagrams showed and compared the rises and thickness of each instrument and analysed the characteristics of the sound produced.
Although tutorials publication were his forte, he did also publish several books of music including solos, duets and arrangements for ensembles. He was also a notable composer and among his compositions were Honeyman’s Jig, the strathspey Canty Jean and A Memory. The last was described as ‘a romance for the violin with fine passages for the 3rd and 4th string : repeats using grand double stopping giving the violinist scope to show his technical prowess but still within the reach of the average amateur’.
Having acquired the knowledge that he did, Honeyman was in demand as an adjudicator at fiddle competitions. James F. Dickie and the Camerons of Kirriemuir have all acknowledged him by confirming that they were all taught from the pages of his tutors and indeed the Camerons recorded on the Beltona label in the 1930’s under the title of ‘Honeyman’s Fiddlers’
CD Reviews
The Colliston Sound – Another Round – Smith/Mearns Recordings
Douglas Lawrence – As You’d Expect – Champion Recordings CHAMPCD01
The Gordon Gunn Band – Shoreside – Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX204
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
9th Dec 00 – Colin Dewar SDB + feature on composer Willie Lawrie
16th Dec 00 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB + phone in with studio guests
23rd Dec 00 – The Occasionals + special guests from The Hub in Edinburgh
30th Dec 00 – John Carmichael SDB + special guests from the Banqueting Hall, Glasgow City Chambers
6th Jan 01 – Iain MacPhail SDB + concert set
13th Jan 01 – Alan Gardiner SDB + letters
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) – 19th Dec 00 Dance to Garioch Blend 30th Jan 01 Aberdeen Junior S&R Society
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 13th Dec 00 Christmas Party 24th Jan 01 Burns’ Night 14th Feb 01 James Paterson
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th Dec 00 Dance to John Douglas SDB 21st Jan 01 Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 3rd Dec 00 Club Night 28th Dec 00 Garioch Blend Jan 01 No Meeting 4th Feb 01 Bruce Lindsay Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 7th Dec 00 Jock Fraser SDB 4th Jan 01 tbc
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 17th Dec 00 David Cunningham Trio 21st Jan 01 Tommy Walker SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – Dec 00 Bill Black SDB 29th Jan 01 Paul
Anderson & the Whisky Olympics
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 20th Dec 00 Garioch Blend 24th Jan 01 Bill Brian Quartet
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 18th Dec 00 Ian Thomson SDB 15th Jan 01 Seamus O’Sullivan
Belford (Community Centre) – No info
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 10th Dec 00 Give Way 14th Jan 01 Allan Smith SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 12th Dec 00 Dunkeld S&R Society 9th Jan 01 tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 8th Dec 00 Christmas Dance 9th Jan 01 Hertfordshire Accordion Club
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 14th Dec 00 Ernie Cowie & Friends 18th Jan 01 Seamus O’Sullivan
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 5th Dec 00 Ian Muir Sound 9th Jan 01 Tommy Walker Band
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) - 14th Dec 00 Ronmar Accordion Orchestra 18th Jan 01 Jean & Jim McConnachie
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 19th Dec 00 Ceilidh 16th Jan 01 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 21st Dec 00 Deirdre Adamson 18th Jan 01 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 10th Dec 00 All welcome 14th Jan 01 All welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 7th Dec 00 James Coutts SDB 19th Jan 01 Dance
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 13th Dec 00 Montrose A&F Club 10th Jan 01 Club Night
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 19th Dec 00 Christmas Party
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 Skye A&F Club 10th Jan 01 Burns Brothers
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 20th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone SDB 17th Jan 01 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 12th Dec 00 John Morgan 9th Jan 01 Club Night
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 8th – 10th Dec 00 Garioch Blend + Iain Anderson
East Kilbride (Torrance Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting 25th Jan 01 Gary Blair Duo
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 8th Dec 00 Christmas Ceilidh 23rd Jan 01 Garioch Blend
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 00 Paul Anderson & Sinclair Gair 22nd Jan 01 Stuart McKeown SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - No info
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Allan McIntosh SDB 10th Jan 01 Joan McLaughlin Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 7th Dec 00 Jimmy Cassidy 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 11th Dec 00 Liam Stewart 8th Jan 01 tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 21st Dec 00 Gordon Pattullo 18th Jan 01 Robert Whitehead SDB
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 6th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone Trio 3rd Jan 01 Club night
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - No info
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 3rd Dec 00 Deirdre Adamson 7th Jan 01 Ian Muir Trio
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 18th Dec 00 David Vernon 15th Jan 01 Wyvis Sound
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 13th Dec 00 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio 10th Jan 01 Balloch A&F Club
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 8th Dec 00 Dance to Alan McIntosh SDB 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 5th Dec 00 Gordon Pattullo 9th Jan 01 Brian Griffin
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Tommy Newcomen Duo 31st Jan 01 Pentland Ceilidh Band
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 John Bone
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 16th Dec 00 Dance to Nicol McLaren
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 13th Dec 00 Fiddlers Von Trapp 10th Jan 01 Local Night
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 13th Dec 00 John Morgan 11th Jan 01 Alan Gardiner
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 7th Dec 00 Club Night 22nd Dec 00 Graeme Mitchell SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) Dec 00 No meeting 16th Jan 01 Willie McFarlane Band
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - Dec 00 No meeting 30th Jan 01 Donald McLeod Trio
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 19th Dec 00 MacDonald Brothers 16th Jan 01 Richard Smith
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th Dec 00 Windygates Club 10th Jan 01 Wayne Rbertson Trio
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - Noinfo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 6th Dec 00 David Scott 7th Jan 01 Open Day
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – Dec 00 No Meeting 29th Jan 01 George Carmichael SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 5th Dec 00 Alastair Hunter Trio 9th Jan 01 Lynne Gould Trio
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 7th Dec 00 Sandy Legget 12th Jan 01 Dance to Charlie Kirkpatrick
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting Jan 25th 01 Club Night
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – Dec 00 No meeting 16th Jan 01 Iain MacPhail SDB
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 5th Dec 00 Declan Aungier 2nd Jan 01 Paud Griffin
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 12th Dec 00 Lyndsey Allan & James Herkness 9th Jan 01 David Vernon
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 7th Dec 00 David Sturgeon SDB 4th Jan 01 Club Night
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 14th Dec 00 Marian Anderson SDB 11th Jen 01 Allan Smith SDB
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - No info
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - No info
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - No info
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 13th Dec 00 Jim Johnstone SDB 10th Jan 01 Ceilidh Night
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 11th Dec 00 Wyvis Sound 8th Jan 012 Meoran Ciuil
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 7th Dec 00 Bill Black 4th Jan 01 Kathleen Hadden & Friends 1st Feb 01 Redcoats Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – No info
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 19th Dec 00 Carol Ella 19th Jan 01 Ceilidh / Band Night 20th Feb 01 Jimmy Lindsay
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 20th Dec 00 Club Night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick & District
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Armadale
6. Balloch
7. Banff & District
8. Beith & District
9. Blairgowrie
10. Brommley
11. Button Key
12. Campsie
13. Carlisle
14. Coalburn
15. Crieff & District
16. Dingwall & District
17. Dunoon & Cowal
18. East Kilbride
19. Ellon
20. Forres
21. Galashiels
22. Galston
23. Glenrothes & District
24. Gretna
25. Highland
26. Inveraray & District
27. Isle of Skye
28. Islesteps
29. Kelso
30. Kintore
31. Lanark
32. Langholm
33. Lesmahagow
34. Lewis & Harris
35. Livingston
36. Montrose
37. Newmill-on-Teviot
38. Newtongrange
39. Peebles
40. Perth
41. Premier
42. Renfrew
43. Rothbury
44. Selkirk
45. Thornhill
46. Thurso
47. Tynedale
48. Wick
49. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1999
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. 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)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
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