Box and Fiddle
Year 34 No 04
December 2010
Price £2.60
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £28.60 + p&p £10.45 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
As I write this I’m looking out at total whiteout! Once again it looks as though Club Nights up and down the country will be disrupted by severe weather. Be sure to be prepared and take care on the roads however far you’re travelling this winter.
Please remember that next month, as usual, has an earlier deadline due to Printers’ holidays. Anything received after 8th December will definitely not be printed. The February issue will also have an earlier deadline due to my own holiday schedule.
Have a great Christmas and New Year!
Karin Ingram
Stanley Ceilidh 2010
by Iain Cathcart
The 32nd Stanley Ceilidh took place ………….
Billy Thom (1937 – 2010)
by Charlie Todd
The story of Billy Thom starts and ends in the picturesque Stirlingshire town of Dunblane where, barring his National Service years, Billy spent his entire life. Musically it all started in 1945 when 8-year-old Billy finally persuaded neighbour Willie Gemmell, leading drummer with the Dunblane City Pipe Band, to start him as a learner. With a natural feeling for rhythm and tempo and lots of hard practice, his progress was rapid and after two years he was competing regularly with the band and winning prizes in Grade 3 competitions.
Where did the interest stem from? Well, there was no history of music in the family. Mum, ‘The Duchess’ could get a tune out of a mouth-organ and an accordion, but his father was ‘tone deaf’. Dad did however organize dances in the local Victoria Hall, with all the top bands of the day, and it was there that Billy became fascinated by the sound and swing of Scottish Dance Music.
It was dance music that was to cut short Billy’s pipe band career, but not before he had moved briefly to the world famous ‘Red Hackle’ Pipe Band which was based in Glasgow. Although increasing commitments were to rule out future participation in the pipe band scene, recordings and major functions in later years were to bring him into contact with many leading exponents in that field. Billy particularly remembered Alex Connell, of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, and Bert Barr and Alex Duthart of Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia. Throughout his career he attended ‘drum clinics’ organised by another pipe band notable, Joe Noble, in his Sauchiehall Street premises.
After school, Billy worked as a message boy for local grocers D & J McEwan and it was during his rounds one evening that he was approached by Jim MacLeod who asked if he was interested in playing at a dance as part of the ‘Arthur MacLeod Quartet’. He still remembers that first band engagement for Mrs Kemp who ran the Cambusbarron Country Dance Club. Having played to the other group members’ satisfaction he became their regular drummer.
Billy was unreserved in his praise for the two men who gave him a start in the Scottish dance music world, namely Jim MacLeod and Alex MacArthur. Enthusiastic and dedicated, that gave him the chance to do his first radio broadcast that same year, 1952, at the age of only 15. Billy’s attitude mirrored Alex MacArthur’s. “Mistakes go for nothing so long as it swings” – not that Billy made any mistakes. Regular radio work was to follow on ‘Down at the Mains’ and ‘Children’s Hour’. This was to last up until 1957 when he was called-up to do his National Service in the RAF. “But I must have been good,” he joked, “because Jim asked me back to do a video – 35 years later in 1992!”
Based at R.A.F. St. Athan in South Wales, Billy was soon co-opted into the Regional Band of the R.A.F. and it was here that the next phase of his career began. Surrounded by professional “Big Band” musicians doing their stint, and sent for kit lessons from Les Thomas in Cardiff, he soon discovered a fascinating new side to drumming.
Demobbed in 1959, Billy was approached by Andrew Rankine who was putting a full-time band on the road. The following two years were spent in the company of Andrew, Ian Holmes, Ron Gonella, Tom McTague and Robert Campbell. “You’re only as good as the people around you,” commented Billy and throughout his playing career he considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with many of the finest around.
Incidentally, Billy considers himself a “brush” player as opposed to a “stick” player and this brought to memory a story I heard some time ago and which Billy confirmed. It was while he was doing live radio broadcasts with Andrew’s band that the producer received many complaints from listeners about a background “hiss” during transmissions. Technical equipment was thoroughly checked but the cause was finally tracked down to “the stir” in Billy’s powerful brush work on his finely tuned snare drum.
In 1961 he left Andrew to join a “swing outfit”, The Jimmy Watson Quintet, in The Rob Roy Motel in Aberfoyle. Indeed, in conversation with Billy it soon becomes obvious that his career has always had two component parts, namely Scottish and “Big Band” running in parallel, with one taking precedence for a while and then assuming a lesser role as the other comes to the forefront.
During his five years with Jimmy Watson, Billy was also appearing in “The White Heather Club” with Bobby MacLeod and Andy Stewart, and making records with Max Houliston (including, he says, an all time classic of continental music At the Piazza).
For two years from 1966, he formed his own jazz quartet as resident band at the Inchyra Grange Hotel at Polmont. This consisted of Bill Hendry (Falkirk) on piano, Alan Saddler on bass and Drew McRobert, “A marvellous modern accordionist from Dunblane.”
In 1968, it was time for another move, this time to Jim Johnstone’s full-time band with Ron Kerr, Tommy Lees (later John Carmichael), Billy Craib and Pam Brough. Billy remembers Tommy Lees, now residing in London, as an outstanding second box player with a unique style, especially in jigs. “Just listen to A Measure of Scotch to hear how a band should swing.” Once again life was hectic with The White Heather Club on tour and at the height of its popularity.
1971 saw a move back to the cabaret scene in the successful but ill fated Rangers Social Club. Initially playing with The Alan Cameron Quintet and later The Dave Mason Big Band, their time was spent backing nationally known names such as Matt Munro, Vince Hill and many others, several of whom are still personal friends.
From there it was a sideways move in 1976 to The Bob Stevenson Quintet in The Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy and then in 1980 to The Gleneagles Hotel with Ray Fierstone of The Entertainment Co., again backing cabaret artistes.
Around that time, Billy also started playing occasionally with the band of a colleague from earlier days, namely John Carmichael, and this has gradually snowballed into an almost full-time commitment. Mention here of another favourite LP, Tear Up The Tartan. Billy thoroughly enjoys the swing and lift the band sound has developed over the years and an added bonus is, “John’s patter – unbeatable”. Inevitably he still finds time to play with The Peggy O’Keefe Trio and make records with Gordon Pattullo, the latest being All The Best – another cracker.
“Who along the way particularly inspired you?” I asked. Two names instantly sprang to mind in the Scottish idiom, Arthur Easson, “Tremendous lift and swing,” and Ian McDougall from Bobby MacLeod’s band, “A wonderful modern player as well”. On the Big Band scene, session drummer Roy Sneddon is, “Outstanding – Scotland’s top session man”.
The foregoing are just some of Billy’s activities in what has been a very full career. Somewhere along the way he also “had the privilege” of making two LPs with Jimmy Shand, Dancing Through Scotland and Gateway to the Forth and EPs with the band and Ivy Carey, Jimmy’s singer. Another highlight was accompanying Bobby MacLeod, indeed that led to the only “two piece” broadcast on “Take the Floor” that has ever been done. Listen to The Man from Tobermory Billy advises, for the real MacLeod magic.
Advice to young drummers, “Get good tuition, take keyboard lessons and practise like mad.” Billy himself recalls practising six hours a day, six days a week, while he was involved in theatre pit work. “And remember, as a drummer you’re not playing for yourself, you’re accompanying a band.” The mention of keyboard lessons surprised me at first, but Billy stresses the importance of being able to read and understand any music score, not just drum scores.
Throughout his 60 year career Billy Thom had over 150 LPs, excluding those made anonymously as a session musician, and innumerable radio and TV broadcasts to his credit, his expertise bridged the gap between traditional music and the ‘Big Band’ sound and provided inspiration for many up-and-coming young players. The ‘Prince of Percussion’ will be sadly missed by us all on the Scottish Dance music scene.
Hobgoblin Music
by
The folk and traditional musical instrument specialists………
Memories of Andrew Nairn
by Joan Blue and Jim Balneaves
Joan Blue
At one AGM in The Salutation, Andrew Nairn was complaining loudly about the Secretary of the Association not doing the job properly. So Jimmy more or less told him to put his money where his mouth was and proposed him as Secretary. I remember Andrew laughing and saying, “I’ve seen this done before and didn’t think I’d fall for it” (or words to that effect) but, after a little pressure, he DID take the job and was at Jimmy’s side until Jimmy retired at which point Andrew said he would go at the same time.
He was a real stalwart – so loyal to Jimmy and such a help to him when folk were getting nasty and nitpicking. He was a true friend. I can’t remember the name of Andrew’s farm where the first Committee meetings were held but they got on with the NAAFC business – Jimmy and I think Norrie Williams tried out various tractors and farm machinery – they enjoyed Margaret’s baking and had a really good time. When Andrew moved to Culross Abbey, the meetings were held in Forgandenny. One memorable one was when they said they wanted to honour Jimmy with a portrait and he said he didn’t want it unless I was in it. It was so funny – he had to go out of his own house while the rest of the Committee debated this – however, much to his delight, they decided that I could be included (being the woman behind the man!!!)
Jim Balneaves
I went on holiday on 15th November returning on the 19th to find that my friend Andrew Nairn had died and I had missed the funeral, which caused me great distress.
Andrew was the Secretary of the Association when I joined as the Treasurer, at which time he wrote to me on notepaper headed “Scotch Greys”, with which he was heavily involved. I never thought of Andrew as a military man, but he explained that it is a breed of poultry.
Jimmy Blue told me that Andrew had been quite vocal at an early AGM and he (Jimmy) asked later, “Who is that man, I will have to get him on the Committee”, which started a long relationship between the two. Andrew also helped out at Musselburgh Festival for many years. Andrew had to leave his farm when new roads around Dumfermline had to be and he moved to a flat at Abbey House, Culross, where he made horse jumps and stands, which he painted with great care in line with the demands of the equestrian fraternity. He also maintained the border around the garden at Abbey House, the home of The Hon. Charles Bruce, son of the Earl of Elgin whom Andrew referred to as ‘The Lairdie’. The border was of considerable length with a width of six feet without a weed. Andrew knew the name of every flower, plant and bush. Andrew was also a keen gardener in his own area, entering many district shows and usually winning a cup for some exhibit.
Andrew covered many miles with his concert party, appearing at numerous village halls, WRIs, nursing homes etc. He had an interest in and attended many Strathspey and Reel functions and acted as Compere for many presentations.
He also had quite a knowledge of malt whisky, being able to differentiate between various brands. He was even known to partake of some of them occasionally!
Andrew, with his wife Margaret and son Jimmy, moved to Merryhill Cottage, Charlestown some years ago and Andrew produced a beautiful garden.
My late wife Helen and I had many splendid meals at Abbey House and Merryhill cottage where Andrew, Margaret, Helen and I spent the evenings putting the world to rights. Andrew was a man of many interests and hobbies who gave very freely of his time to the various activities he was involved in.
He was a quiet unassuming man who did a great deal to bring pleasure to many.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Andrew’s wife Margaret, sons John and Jimmy and daughter Elspeth.
The world will be a sadder place with Andrew’s passing.
Inverness Button-Box Gathering
by Heather McLean
This year the Button-Box Gathering was back to The Eden Court Theatre, Inverness………
The Graeme MacKay SDB
by Liz Quinn
A very popular young band in the North of Scotland just now is the Graeme MacKay SDB from Inverness who were playing………
Highland Showtime 2010
by Bob WaresThe Highland A&F Club held their annual…………
Tribute to Dave Barclay
by Bobby Crowe
Born in Brechin on 21st September 1927, Dave was one of a family of five, two girls and three boys. As the family grew up, it was a home where music was played all the time. Jim played violin and saxophone, Ray played piano, and Dave, having been taught by a Mr George McKay, also played violin.
When Dave left school, he worked as a clerk in an insurance office. The call of music, however, was strong and he decided to study the subject more seriously. He obtained a place in Dundee, at an off-shoot of the London Trinity College of Music. The College had premises above Methven & Simpson’s Music Shop in Reform Street, where Dave attended classes two nights per week for a number of years, travelling from Brechin to Dundee and back by bus. During this period, he decided he really wanted to play the double bass, with a view to becoming a professional musician. Money, of course, was in short supply so, to supplement his income for his studies, he managed to get some casual playing engagements. One of the venues he played was the Rosemount Rooms in Montrose, by all accounts a fairly prestigious ballroom at that time, where his brother Raymond also played piano in the band.
In one Music Theory examination, Dave gained a mark of 99%, only to receive a letter a few days later, saying that there had been a mistake in the marking. He should have been awarded 100%. A footnote read, “only angels in Heaven were ever awarded 100%”.
Dave had always been interested in “Big Bands” and the musical arrangements, most of them written by professional arrangers, of the popular music of the day. Some of those bands came from the South and Dave would hitchhike from Brechin to Dundee and back, on many occasions to see and hear professional musicians at work and gain valuable knowledge from what he saw and heard.
Since childhood, Dave suffered from asthma – not a good condition to have when wanting to become a professional musician, given that a lot of the people he would be playing with would be smokers!
Around 1950, he joined the up and coming Lindsay Ross Scottish Dance Band, which was broadcasting sometimes every two weeks. Those broadcasts were all live, mainly from Coldside Library in Dundee or the BBC Studio at Beechgrove in Aberdeen. They were most proficient at performing all the dance tempos but their Scottish waltz selections were pretty special and that was because of the key signatures used, mainly played in flat keys. Jimmy Sturrock, the fiddler, would take over the bass from Dave, who would play the fiddle for the waltz, then change places for the next selection. All this live on air – no pre-recordings in those days. As a former band leader myself, I have yet to hear Scottish waltzes played more beautifully than by The Lindsay Ross Band.
The pianist in the Band was Lindsay’s sister, Marjorie Jane Ross, and Dave was to fall in love and marry this lovely lady. She became Marjorie Jane Barclay and the late Angus Fitchet composed a beautiful slow air for her. This lovely melody was played at Dave’s funeral by Jimmy Lindsay, just before a reel, also composed by Angus, entitled “David Barclay”. Their loving partnership lasted until Madge’s death on 14th October 2004. Exactly six years to that date Dave passed away.
The Lindsay Ross Band, with Dave on bass, was one of the first to appear on television, the programme being called “The Kilt is My Delight”, a peculiar title for a programme full of colour, considering the TV picture in those days was in black and white! Although the band was popular, it was becoming difficult to keep going in a full time professional capacity. Lindsay had heard that The Ian Powrie Band needed a bassist and got Dave the position in that band. The arrangement between Ian and Dave was that Dave would play in the band provisionally for a month and if either party was not satisfied with that arrangement for whatever reason, they would part company amicably. This arrangement was never discussed further. Seven years later, on 6th December, 1966, after numerous broadcasts, BBC’s “On Tour” shows, TV and stage shows with Andy Stewart, including the popular “White Heather Club”, Ian Powrie took off for Australia. At Ian’s farewell party, Dave was heard to remark that he must have been the longest serving “dep” bass player in the business. Typical Barclay humour. However, in Ian Powrie’s own words – and I quote – “There’s never a loss but what there’s a modest gain”. The gain was that Jimmy Blue took over the Powrie Band, Ronnie Kerr replacing Ian on fiddle.
When Jimmy announced that he would be taking over the Band, he canvassed all the players and Dave’s reply was that he didn’t want to spend the rest of his days in the back of a band bus. Later Jimmy told me that Dave was the player who supported him most. The personnel of the Band changed from time to time but Dave was always the bass player. Jimmy Blue continued to be the backing band for Andy Stewart, playing many summer seasons, appearing in theatres up and down the country and touring Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and Rhodesia. Dave didn’t do the South African tour. Ally McLeod played bass on that trip but when the band returned, Dave was again in his seat in the back of the band bus.
A new show, fronted by Andy Stewart, began on national television, called “Scotch Corner”. This show was broader based and the band had to accompany such guest artists as Dame Shirley Bassey, Rolf Harris, Dana, Julie Felix, etc. These people had their own band parts with the arrangements scored by professional arrangers. This posed no problems for Dave. All his studying in Reform Street stood him in good stead.
In many of the theatres, Dave also played in the pit orchestra. He had two instruments, one in the pit and one just off stage. When it came to the band spot and Andy’s main spot, Dave would dash from the orchestra pit to the stage for that part of the performance, in spite of asthma, he must also have been a bit of an athlete! In 1977, Jimmy Blue decided to retire from the professional music scene. Gordon Pattullo came into the picture as Andy’s backing band. Who was on bass? Yes, you’ve guessed it – David Barclay.
When Andy Stewart gave up performing, Dave played mainly studio sessions with many well known Scottish artists including Jim Johnstone, Cameron Kerr, Billy Anderson, Jim Lindsay, Bill McGuffie (jazz pianist), Angus Cameron, Hebbie Gray, Jimmy Shand and myself – and possibly more.
I was fortunate to have Dave in my band from 1977 until 1993. On the many broadcasts and recordings we did with my band, I have to thank Dave for his generous help with the bass notation. He would never say this or that was wrong. He would just say, “At bar such and such, it suggests to me that the choice of bass note should be A, B or C”. I can honestly say that Dave’s suggestions always made the music sound better.
After a recording session and so that we could relax and have a few drams, my son Steven often acted as “roadie”. One Sunday after recording a Take the Floor for the BBC in Aberdeen, we came down to a pub in Forfar. The session had gone well, only one retake, most likely due to some slip by me. We were all feeling pretty good about our performance. Many months later Steven let it slip that Dave had remarked to him “Your old man is getting better at this arranging. I only had to alter one bass note today”. What a compliment from such a wonderful musician.
The numerous 45 rpm records, tapes, LPs, CDs, videos and DVDs that Dave has performed on will surely be a lasting legacy to the man who changed the whole style of bass playing in Scottish dance music.
Limex MPR4
by Roy Hendrie
Limex is an Austrian Electronics Company specialisng in MIDI………….
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Reflecting on Rankine – Iain MacPhail and Friends – LOGANN001
Memories of Jim Johnstone – Ian Hutson SDB – HRMCD019
The Fisherman’s Reel – Marian Anderson SDB – HRMCD018
Hoots Mon! – Tom Alexander MBE – PEGCD712
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
4th Dec 10 – Calum McLean SDB
11th Dec 10 – Gordon Shand SDB
18th Dec 10 – Lynne Christie SDB
25th Dec 10 – Ian Muir SDB (OB from Troon Town Hall)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 14th Dec 10 – Christmas Social Buffet Dance to ?
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Dec 10 – Christmas Party & Buffet with Local Artistes
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Dec 10 – Dinner Dance with Jock Borthwick SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Dec 10 – Colin Dewar Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Dec 10 – Mark Cummine SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 10 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Graham Geddes SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson & Gemma Donald
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 10 – Pentlands Ceilidh Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 10 – Ian Thomson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Dec 10 – Christmas Special with Buttons and Bows
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Dec 10 – Burns Brothers SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 21st Dec 10 – Jim Fraser & Friends
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 10 – Gordon Pattullo
Coldingham (Village Hall) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Dec 10 – Johnny duncan
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 10 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Dec 10 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 13th Dec 10 – Graeme Munro SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 10 – Neil MAcEachern SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 19th Dec 10 – Cameron Kellow Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th Dec 10 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Dec 10 – Marian Anderson Trio
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 16th Dec 10 – Marie Fielding & Duncan Black
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Dec 10 – Neil Caul SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 5th Dec 10 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 20th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson & Gemma Donald
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th Dec 10 – Susie Simpson SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 8th Dec 10 – Steven Carcary Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Dec 10 – Iain Angus MacLeod C.B>
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Dec 10 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Wullie Scott
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 18th Dec 10 – Dance to Colin Garvin SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Dec 10 – Local Players
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Dec 10 – Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 10 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 15th Dec 10 – Club night – Local Musicians
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Dec 10 – Paul Anderson
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 2nd Dec 10 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 10 – Robert Nairn Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 2nd Dec 10 – Neil Caul SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 9th Dec 10 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 1st Dec 10 – Willie McFarland Band
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Dec 10 – Roger Donson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Dec 10 – Gavin Piper
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd Dec 10 – Robert Lovie and Friends
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 4th Dec 10 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 9th Dec 10 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 14th Dec 10 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button-key
11. Campsie
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Duns
19. Fintry
20. Forfar
21. Forres
22. Fort William
23. Galashiels
24. Glendale
25. Haddington
26. Highland
27. Inveraray
28. Isle of Skye
29. Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Lanark
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Mauchline
37. Montrose
38. Newburgh
39. Newtongrange
40. North East
41. Oban
42. Peebles
43. Perth
44. Renfrew
45. Rothbury
46. Shetland
47. Sutherland
48. Thurso
49. Turriff
50. Tynedale
51. West Barnes
52. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
As I write this I’m looking out at total whiteout! Once again it looks as though Club Nights up and down the country will be disrupted by severe weather. Be sure to be prepared and take care on the roads however far you’re travelling this winter.
Please remember that next month, as usual, has an earlier deadline due to Printers’ holidays. Anything received after 8th December will definitely not be printed. The February issue will also have an earlier deadline due to my own holiday schedule.
Have a great Christmas and New Year!
Karin Ingram
Stanley Ceilidh 2010
by Iain Cathcart
The 32nd Stanley Ceilidh took place ………….
Billy Thom (1937 – 2010)
by Charlie Todd
The story of Billy Thom starts and ends in the picturesque Stirlingshire town of Dunblane where, barring his National Service years, Billy spent his entire life. Musically it all started in 1945 when 8-year-old Billy finally persuaded neighbour Willie Gemmell, leading drummer with the Dunblane City Pipe Band, to start him as a learner. With a natural feeling for rhythm and tempo and lots of hard practice, his progress was rapid and after two years he was competing regularly with the band and winning prizes in Grade 3 competitions.
Where did the interest stem from? Well, there was no history of music in the family. Mum, ‘The Duchess’ could get a tune out of a mouth-organ and an accordion, but his father was ‘tone deaf’. Dad did however organize dances in the local Victoria Hall, with all the top bands of the day, and it was there that Billy became fascinated by the sound and swing of Scottish Dance Music.
It was dance music that was to cut short Billy’s pipe band career, but not before he had moved briefly to the world famous ‘Red Hackle’ Pipe Band which was based in Glasgow. Although increasing commitments were to rule out future participation in the pipe band scene, recordings and major functions in later years were to bring him into contact with many leading exponents in that field. Billy particularly remembered Alex Connell, of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, and Bert Barr and Alex Duthart of Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia. Throughout his career he attended ‘drum clinics’ organised by another pipe band notable, Joe Noble, in his Sauchiehall Street premises.
After school, Billy worked as a message boy for local grocers D & J McEwan and it was during his rounds one evening that he was approached by Jim MacLeod who asked if he was interested in playing at a dance as part of the ‘Arthur MacLeod Quartet’. He still remembers that first band engagement for Mrs Kemp who ran the Cambusbarron Country Dance Club. Having played to the other group members’ satisfaction he became their regular drummer.
Billy was unreserved in his praise for the two men who gave him a start in the Scottish dance music world, namely Jim MacLeod and Alex MacArthur. Enthusiastic and dedicated, that gave him the chance to do his first radio broadcast that same year, 1952, at the age of only 15. Billy’s attitude mirrored Alex MacArthur’s. “Mistakes go for nothing so long as it swings” – not that Billy made any mistakes. Regular radio work was to follow on ‘Down at the Mains’ and ‘Children’s Hour’. This was to last up until 1957 when he was called-up to do his National Service in the RAF. “But I must have been good,” he joked, “because Jim asked me back to do a video – 35 years later in 1992!”
Based at R.A.F. St. Athan in South Wales, Billy was soon co-opted into the Regional Band of the R.A.F. and it was here that the next phase of his career began. Surrounded by professional “Big Band” musicians doing their stint, and sent for kit lessons from Les Thomas in Cardiff, he soon discovered a fascinating new side to drumming.
Demobbed in 1959, Billy was approached by Andrew Rankine who was putting a full-time band on the road. The following two years were spent in the company of Andrew, Ian Holmes, Ron Gonella, Tom McTague and Robert Campbell. “You’re only as good as the people around you,” commented Billy and throughout his playing career he considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with many of the finest around.
Incidentally, Billy considers himself a “brush” player as opposed to a “stick” player and this brought to memory a story I heard some time ago and which Billy confirmed. It was while he was doing live radio broadcasts with Andrew’s band that the producer received many complaints from listeners about a background “hiss” during transmissions. Technical equipment was thoroughly checked but the cause was finally tracked down to “the stir” in Billy’s powerful brush work on his finely tuned snare drum.
In 1961 he left Andrew to join a “swing outfit”, The Jimmy Watson Quintet, in The Rob Roy Motel in Aberfoyle. Indeed, in conversation with Billy it soon becomes obvious that his career has always had two component parts, namely Scottish and “Big Band” running in parallel, with one taking precedence for a while and then assuming a lesser role as the other comes to the forefront.
During his five years with Jimmy Watson, Billy was also appearing in “The White Heather Club” with Bobby MacLeod and Andy Stewart, and making records with Max Houliston (including, he says, an all time classic of continental music At the Piazza).
For two years from 1966, he formed his own jazz quartet as resident band at the Inchyra Grange Hotel at Polmont. This consisted of Bill Hendry (Falkirk) on piano, Alan Saddler on bass and Drew McRobert, “A marvellous modern accordionist from Dunblane.”
In 1968, it was time for another move, this time to Jim Johnstone’s full-time band with Ron Kerr, Tommy Lees (later John Carmichael), Billy Craib and Pam Brough. Billy remembers Tommy Lees, now residing in London, as an outstanding second box player with a unique style, especially in jigs. “Just listen to A Measure of Scotch to hear how a band should swing.” Once again life was hectic with The White Heather Club on tour and at the height of its popularity.
1971 saw a move back to the cabaret scene in the successful but ill fated Rangers Social Club. Initially playing with The Alan Cameron Quintet and later The Dave Mason Big Band, their time was spent backing nationally known names such as Matt Munro, Vince Hill and many others, several of whom are still personal friends.
From there it was a sideways move in 1976 to The Bob Stevenson Quintet in The Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy and then in 1980 to The Gleneagles Hotel with Ray Fierstone of The Entertainment Co., again backing cabaret artistes.
Around that time, Billy also started playing occasionally with the band of a colleague from earlier days, namely John Carmichael, and this has gradually snowballed into an almost full-time commitment. Mention here of another favourite LP, Tear Up The Tartan. Billy thoroughly enjoys the swing and lift the band sound has developed over the years and an added bonus is, “John’s patter – unbeatable”. Inevitably he still finds time to play with The Peggy O’Keefe Trio and make records with Gordon Pattullo, the latest being All The Best – another cracker.
“Who along the way particularly inspired you?” I asked. Two names instantly sprang to mind in the Scottish idiom, Arthur Easson, “Tremendous lift and swing,” and Ian McDougall from Bobby MacLeod’s band, “A wonderful modern player as well”. On the Big Band scene, session drummer Roy Sneddon is, “Outstanding – Scotland’s top session man”.
The foregoing are just some of Billy’s activities in what has been a very full career. Somewhere along the way he also “had the privilege” of making two LPs with Jimmy Shand, Dancing Through Scotland and Gateway to the Forth and EPs with the band and Ivy Carey, Jimmy’s singer. Another highlight was accompanying Bobby MacLeod, indeed that led to the only “two piece” broadcast on “Take the Floor” that has ever been done. Listen to The Man from Tobermory Billy advises, for the real MacLeod magic.
Advice to young drummers, “Get good tuition, take keyboard lessons and practise like mad.” Billy himself recalls practising six hours a day, six days a week, while he was involved in theatre pit work. “And remember, as a drummer you’re not playing for yourself, you’re accompanying a band.” The mention of keyboard lessons surprised me at first, but Billy stresses the importance of being able to read and understand any music score, not just drum scores.
Throughout his 60 year career Billy Thom had over 150 LPs, excluding those made anonymously as a session musician, and innumerable radio and TV broadcasts to his credit, his expertise bridged the gap between traditional music and the ‘Big Band’ sound and provided inspiration for many up-and-coming young players. The ‘Prince of Percussion’ will be sadly missed by us all on the Scottish Dance music scene.
Hobgoblin Music
by
The folk and traditional musical instrument specialists………
Memories of Andrew Nairn
by Joan Blue and Jim Balneaves
Joan Blue
At one AGM in The Salutation, Andrew Nairn was complaining loudly about the Secretary of the Association not doing the job properly. So Jimmy more or less told him to put his money where his mouth was and proposed him as Secretary. I remember Andrew laughing and saying, “I’ve seen this done before and didn’t think I’d fall for it” (or words to that effect) but, after a little pressure, he DID take the job and was at Jimmy’s side until Jimmy retired at which point Andrew said he would go at the same time.
He was a real stalwart – so loyal to Jimmy and such a help to him when folk were getting nasty and nitpicking. He was a true friend. I can’t remember the name of Andrew’s farm where the first Committee meetings were held but they got on with the NAAFC business – Jimmy and I think Norrie Williams tried out various tractors and farm machinery – they enjoyed Margaret’s baking and had a really good time. When Andrew moved to Culross Abbey, the meetings were held in Forgandenny. One memorable one was when they said they wanted to honour Jimmy with a portrait and he said he didn’t want it unless I was in it. It was so funny – he had to go out of his own house while the rest of the Committee debated this – however, much to his delight, they decided that I could be included (being the woman behind the man!!!)
Jim Balneaves
I went on holiday on 15th November returning on the 19th to find that my friend Andrew Nairn had died and I had missed the funeral, which caused me great distress.
Andrew was the Secretary of the Association when I joined as the Treasurer, at which time he wrote to me on notepaper headed “Scotch Greys”, with which he was heavily involved. I never thought of Andrew as a military man, but he explained that it is a breed of poultry.
Jimmy Blue told me that Andrew had been quite vocal at an early AGM and he (Jimmy) asked later, “Who is that man, I will have to get him on the Committee”, which started a long relationship between the two. Andrew also helped out at Musselburgh Festival for many years. Andrew had to leave his farm when new roads around Dumfermline had to be and he moved to a flat at Abbey House, Culross, where he made horse jumps and stands, which he painted with great care in line with the demands of the equestrian fraternity. He also maintained the border around the garden at Abbey House, the home of The Hon. Charles Bruce, son of the Earl of Elgin whom Andrew referred to as ‘The Lairdie’. The border was of considerable length with a width of six feet without a weed. Andrew knew the name of every flower, plant and bush. Andrew was also a keen gardener in his own area, entering many district shows and usually winning a cup for some exhibit.
Andrew covered many miles with his concert party, appearing at numerous village halls, WRIs, nursing homes etc. He had an interest in and attended many Strathspey and Reel functions and acted as Compere for many presentations.
He also had quite a knowledge of malt whisky, being able to differentiate between various brands. He was even known to partake of some of them occasionally!
Andrew, with his wife Margaret and son Jimmy, moved to Merryhill Cottage, Charlestown some years ago and Andrew produced a beautiful garden.
My late wife Helen and I had many splendid meals at Abbey House and Merryhill cottage where Andrew, Margaret, Helen and I spent the evenings putting the world to rights. Andrew was a man of many interests and hobbies who gave very freely of his time to the various activities he was involved in.
He was a quiet unassuming man who did a great deal to bring pleasure to many.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Andrew’s wife Margaret, sons John and Jimmy and daughter Elspeth.
The world will be a sadder place with Andrew’s passing.
Inverness Button-Box Gathering
by Heather McLean
This year the Button-Box Gathering was back to The Eden Court Theatre, Inverness………
The Graeme MacKay SDB
by Liz Quinn
A very popular young band in the North of Scotland just now is the Graeme MacKay SDB from Inverness who were playing………
Highland Showtime 2010
by Bob WaresThe Highland A&F Club held their annual…………
Tribute to Dave Barclay
by Bobby Crowe
Born in Brechin on 21st September 1927, Dave was one of a family of five, two girls and three boys. As the family grew up, it was a home where music was played all the time. Jim played violin and saxophone, Ray played piano, and Dave, having been taught by a Mr George McKay, also played violin.
When Dave left school, he worked as a clerk in an insurance office. The call of music, however, was strong and he decided to study the subject more seriously. He obtained a place in Dundee, at an off-shoot of the London Trinity College of Music. The College had premises above Methven & Simpson’s Music Shop in Reform Street, where Dave attended classes two nights per week for a number of years, travelling from Brechin to Dundee and back by bus. During this period, he decided he really wanted to play the double bass, with a view to becoming a professional musician. Money, of course, was in short supply so, to supplement his income for his studies, he managed to get some casual playing engagements. One of the venues he played was the Rosemount Rooms in Montrose, by all accounts a fairly prestigious ballroom at that time, where his brother Raymond also played piano in the band.
In one Music Theory examination, Dave gained a mark of 99%, only to receive a letter a few days later, saying that there had been a mistake in the marking. He should have been awarded 100%. A footnote read, “only angels in Heaven were ever awarded 100%”.
Dave had always been interested in “Big Bands” and the musical arrangements, most of them written by professional arrangers, of the popular music of the day. Some of those bands came from the South and Dave would hitchhike from Brechin to Dundee and back, on many occasions to see and hear professional musicians at work and gain valuable knowledge from what he saw and heard.
Since childhood, Dave suffered from asthma – not a good condition to have when wanting to become a professional musician, given that a lot of the people he would be playing with would be smokers!
Around 1950, he joined the up and coming Lindsay Ross Scottish Dance Band, which was broadcasting sometimes every two weeks. Those broadcasts were all live, mainly from Coldside Library in Dundee or the BBC Studio at Beechgrove in Aberdeen. They were most proficient at performing all the dance tempos but their Scottish waltz selections were pretty special and that was because of the key signatures used, mainly played in flat keys. Jimmy Sturrock, the fiddler, would take over the bass from Dave, who would play the fiddle for the waltz, then change places for the next selection. All this live on air – no pre-recordings in those days. As a former band leader myself, I have yet to hear Scottish waltzes played more beautifully than by The Lindsay Ross Band.
The pianist in the Band was Lindsay’s sister, Marjorie Jane Ross, and Dave was to fall in love and marry this lovely lady. She became Marjorie Jane Barclay and the late Angus Fitchet composed a beautiful slow air for her. This lovely melody was played at Dave’s funeral by Jimmy Lindsay, just before a reel, also composed by Angus, entitled “David Barclay”. Their loving partnership lasted until Madge’s death on 14th October 2004. Exactly six years to that date Dave passed away.
The Lindsay Ross Band, with Dave on bass, was one of the first to appear on television, the programme being called “The Kilt is My Delight”, a peculiar title for a programme full of colour, considering the TV picture in those days was in black and white! Although the band was popular, it was becoming difficult to keep going in a full time professional capacity. Lindsay had heard that The Ian Powrie Band needed a bassist and got Dave the position in that band. The arrangement between Ian and Dave was that Dave would play in the band provisionally for a month and if either party was not satisfied with that arrangement for whatever reason, they would part company amicably. This arrangement was never discussed further. Seven years later, on 6th December, 1966, after numerous broadcasts, BBC’s “On Tour” shows, TV and stage shows with Andy Stewart, including the popular “White Heather Club”, Ian Powrie took off for Australia. At Ian’s farewell party, Dave was heard to remark that he must have been the longest serving “dep” bass player in the business. Typical Barclay humour. However, in Ian Powrie’s own words – and I quote – “There’s never a loss but what there’s a modest gain”. The gain was that Jimmy Blue took over the Powrie Band, Ronnie Kerr replacing Ian on fiddle.
When Jimmy announced that he would be taking over the Band, he canvassed all the players and Dave’s reply was that he didn’t want to spend the rest of his days in the back of a band bus. Later Jimmy told me that Dave was the player who supported him most. The personnel of the Band changed from time to time but Dave was always the bass player. Jimmy Blue continued to be the backing band for Andy Stewart, playing many summer seasons, appearing in theatres up and down the country and touring Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and Rhodesia. Dave didn’t do the South African tour. Ally McLeod played bass on that trip but when the band returned, Dave was again in his seat in the back of the band bus.
A new show, fronted by Andy Stewart, began on national television, called “Scotch Corner”. This show was broader based and the band had to accompany such guest artists as Dame Shirley Bassey, Rolf Harris, Dana, Julie Felix, etc. These people had their own band parts with the arrangements scored by professional arrangers. This posed no problems for Dave. All his studying in Reform Street stood him in good stead.
In many of the theatres, Dave also played in the pit orchestra. He had two instruments, one in the pit and one just off stage. When it came to the band spot and Andy’s main spot, Dave would dash from the orchestra pit to the stage for that part of the performance, in spite of asthma, he must also have been a bit of an athlete! In 1977, Jimmy Blue decided to retire from the professional music scene. Gordon Pattullo came into the picture as Andy’s backing band. Who was on bass? Yes, you’ve guessed it – David Barclay.
When Andy Stewart gave up performing, Dave played mainly studio sessions with many well known Scottish artists including Jim Johnstone, Cameron Kerr, Billy Anderson, Jim Lindsay, Bill McGuffie (jazz pianist), Angus Cameron, Hebbie Gray, Jimmy Shand and myself – and possibly more.
I was fortunate to have Dave in my band from 1977 until 1993. On the many broadcasts and recordings we did with my band, I have to thank Dave for his generous help with the bass notation. He would never say this or that was wrong. He would just say, “At bar such and such, it suggests to me that the choice of bass note should be A, B or C”. I can honestly say that Dave’s suggestions always made the music sound better.
After a recording session and so that we could relax and have a few drams, my son Steven often acted as “roadie”. One Sunday after recording a Take the Floor for the BBC in Aberdeen, we came down to a pub in Forfar. The session had gone well, only one retake, most likely due to some slip by me. We were all feeling pretty good about our performance. Many months later Steven let it slip that Dave had remarked to him “Your old man is getting better at this arranging. I only had to alter one bass note today”. What a compliment from such a wonderful musician.
The numerous 45 rpm records, tapes, LPs, CDs, videos and DVDs that Dave has performed on will surely be a lasting legacy to the man who changed the whole style of bass playing in Scottish dance music.
Limex MPR4
by Roy Hendrie
Limex is an Austrian Electronics Company specialisng in MIDI………….
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Reflecting on Rankine – Iain MacPhail and Friends – LOGANN001
Memories of Jim Johnstone – Ian Hutson SDB – HRMCD019
The Fisherman’s Reel – Marian Anderson SDB – HRMCD018
Hoots Mon! – Tom Alexander MBE – PEGCD712
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s)
4th Dec 10 – Calum McLean SDB
11th Dec 10 – Gordon Shand SDB
18th Dec 10 – Lynne Christie SDB
25th Dec 10 – Ian Muir SDB (OB from Troon Town Hall)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 14th Dec 10 – Christmas Social Buffet Dance to ?
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle) 8th Dec 10 – Christmas Party & Buffet with Local Artistes
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Dec 10 – Dinner Dance with Jock Borthwick SDB
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Dec 10 – Colin Dewar Trio
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Dec 10 – Mark Cummine SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 10 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Graham Geddes SDB
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 20th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson & Gemma Donald
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 10 – Pentlands Ceilidh Band
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 10 – Ian Thomson SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Dec 10 – Christmas Special with Buttons and Bows
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Dec 10 – Burns Brothers SDB
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 21st Dec 10 – Jim Fraser & Friends
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 10 – Gordon Pattullo
Coldingham (Village Hall) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 2nd Dec 10 – Johnny duncan
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 10 – Gordon Pattullo
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Dec 10 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 13th Dec 10 – Graeme Munro SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) –
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 10 – Neil MAcEachern SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 19th Dec 10 – Cameron Kellow Trio
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Colin Donaldson SDB
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th Dec 10 – Alan Gardiner Trio
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Dec 10 – Marian Anderson Trio
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 16th Dec 10 – Marie Fielding & Duncan Black
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Dec 10 – Neil Caul SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) -
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 5th Dec 10 – Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 20th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson & Gemma Donald
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th Dec 10 – Susie Simpson SDB
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 8th Dec 10 – Steven Carcary Trio
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Dec 10 – Iain Angus MacLeod C.B>
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Dec 10 – Robert Whitehead SDB
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Wullie Scott
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) –
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 18th Dec 10 – Dance to Colin Garvin SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 8th Dec 10 – Iain Anderson SDB
Lauder (Black Bull Hotel) -
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Dec 10 – Local Players
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Dec 10 – Bon Accords
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 10 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse) 15th Dec 10 – Club night – Local Musicians
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Dec 10 – Paul Anderson
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) – 2nd Dec 10 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 10 – Robert Nairn Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 2nd Dec 10 – Neil Caul SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 9th Dec 10 – Susan MacFadyen Trio
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 1st Dec 10 – Willie McFarland Band
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 14th Dec 10 – Roger Donson SDB
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Dec 10 – Gavin Piper
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 2nd Dec 10 – Robert Lovie and Friends
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) - 4th Dec 10 – Local Players
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 9th Dec 10 – Club Night
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 14th Dec 10 – Matthew MacLennan Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Button-key
11. Campsie
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Duns
19. Fintry
20. Forfar
21. Forres
22. Fort William
23. Galashiels
24. Glendale
25. Haddington
26. Highland
27. Inveraray
28. Isle of Skye
29. Islesteps
30. Kelso
31. Kintore
32. Lanark
33. Lewis & Harris
34. Livingston
35. Lockerbie
36. Mauchline
37. Montrose
38. Newburgh
39. Newtongrange
40. North East
41. Oban
42. Peebles
43. Perth
44. Renfrew
45. Rothbury
46. Shetland
47. Sutherland
48. Thurso
49. Turriff
50. Tynedale
51. West Barnes
52. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2010
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
11. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
12. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
13. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
16. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
17. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
18. Coalburn A&F Club (
19. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
29. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
30. Ellon A&F Club (
31. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
32. Forfar A&F Club (
33. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
34. Fort William A&F Club (2009 -
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. 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)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
52. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
53. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
54 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
55 Maine Valley A&F Club (
56 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
57 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
58 Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
59 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
60 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
61. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
62. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
63. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
64. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
65. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
66. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
67. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
68. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
69. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
70. Selkirk A&F Club (
71. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
72 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
73 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
74 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
75 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
76 Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
77 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
78 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
79 West Barnes ( - present)
80 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
81. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
82. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
83. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
84. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
85. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
86. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
87. Buchan A&F Club
88 Callander A&F Club (
89 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
90 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
91 Club Accord
92 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
93. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
94. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
95. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
96. Derwentside A&F Club
97. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
98. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
99. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
100. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
101. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
102. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
103. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
104. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
105. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
106. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
107. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
108. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
109. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
110. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
111. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
112. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
113. Mull A&F Club
114. Newcastleton Accordion Club
115. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
116. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
117. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
118. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
119. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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