Box and Fiddle
Year 30 No 06
February 2007
Price £2.30
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £25.30 + p&p £8.80 (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
Lots of bands have been playing abroad for St Andrew’s and Burns’ Nights. It would be great to print photos and articles about your travels – please send them to us. It’s really interesting hearing about Scottish music and dance overseas. If there are any budding writers out there we’d really appreciate hearing from you. We’re usually okay for reports on events but we’re lacking articles about people or the technicalities of playing the accordion or fiddle. Any volunteers?
This month our intrepid reporters, Heather McLean and Jock Thomson, headed off to Windygates, and by all accounts they thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the shand Morino Day.
We were sad to learn of the death of Andrew Dunbar, Compere of the Dunblane Club. He will be greatly missed.
Karin Ingram
Shand Morino Gathering
Windygates Institute, Windygates, Fife – Sunday, 14th January 2007
by Heather McLean
On this, our first visit to the 12th Shand Morino Gathering, the hall was full of enthusiastic listeners and players for this annual event. Everyone was offered some homemade soup on arrival before proceedings got going.
Bruce Lindsay Snr got the afternoon underway saying a few words to welcome everyone, and then we had a minute’s silence fro missing friends, namely Sandy Tulloch and Jim Roger. In front of the stage was a display of 21 Shand Morino button-boxes, and throughout the afternoon most of there were played, including the very first Shand Morino box now belonging to Catherine MacKay from Inverness. Some had even come over from Ireland with their owners.
Jim Quigley gave us some background into his friendship with Sir Jimmy Shand, the man responsible for all of us being here. Their friendship began in 1957 in the village hall and progressed from there. Jimmy was not only an accomplished musician, but also a perfect gentleman, never saying a bad word about anyone. In the late 1930s Jimmy put his ideas to Hohner, and the Shand Morino was born. The distinctive sound was unique and no matter the line-up of a band, the Shand sound prevailed. About 4 years after the end of the war, the production of the Shand Morino began and the first 4 arrived early in the a950s, when the instrument retailed at around £250.
Musicians started the first half of the afternoon with a stramash. We then had two sets from each of the players, beginning with David Ross (Kilmarnock). Then came Graeme and Jim MacKay (Inverness), with Jim playing his own compositions. Graeme played the gold Shand Morino that once belonged to Sir Jimmy himself. Graeme had never played this accordion before but it was no problem for this young, very talented accordionist – well done Graeme! Andy Greig (Pittenweem) followed and the George and David Rea (Douch, Co. Antrim). Ian Holmes (Dumfries), played his Swiss accordion with all its buttons made of wood. He played Sepp at the Crossroads and a lovely waltz called The Appenzeller. Then we heard some great playing from Mike Hoare, all the way from Tipperary. Jim Quigley played The Bluebell Polka and Snow in Summer, followed by Sandy Ramage whose selections included June Clover. Then Ken Hopkins (Comber. Co. Down) played, accompanied by Joe Hayes who sand The Peanut Song. This took us up to the interval, when teas, sandwiches and cakes were served. Followed by the raffle and then it was back on with the music.
In the second half of the programme we were entertained by Willie McHardy and Donal Ring (Cork) accompanied by his brother Michael. They were followed by Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir); his selections included Anything Doing? and The Francis Wright Waltz. Then it was time for something a bit different – a group of musicians who meet every Wednesday night at Windygates gave us a few sets. Next to take the stage was Bruce Lindsay Jnr, his selections included My Bonnie Irish Boy and The Hat My Father Wore. Next was Graeme MacKay, playing two own compositions and The Harvest Home Hornpipe. Following Graeme was Angus Cruickshanks, then Norman MacKay playing The Jacqueline Waltz followed by Willie McFarlane. Next was Graham Irvine, then we had a song from Heather Alison (Belfast). Joe Hayes (Cork) provided backing for many of the other musicians throughout the afternoon on his 5-row. Other players performing throughout the afternoon were, on button-boxes Colin Chalmers, Gladys Wright, Ronnie Brown and Jim Fortune; on piano accordions, Ian McCallum, Bruce Lindsay Snr and Lex Keith. Drummers throughout the afternoon were Gerry Boxall, David Taylor, John Stewart, Bobby Dowds and Jock Ireland; on fiddles were Graham Burns and Brian Ness and, on mouth organ Bryce Johnstone. Last but not least – two lads who provided backing for all the performers throughout the whole afternoon – John Sinton on double bass and Jimmy Scott on piano. Well done lads! The afternoon ended with another stramash, selections including The 6.20 Two-Step. A tremendous afternoon of music played to the highest standards by all these enthusiastic button-box players traveling from far and near to make this such a memorable annual event.
I do hope that I have not missed anyone out, if so I send my apologies to you and special thanks to all the hard working Committee and tea ladies for hosting this great occasion.
I must include special thanks from Jock Thomson and myself for the invitation to represent The Box and Fiddle magazine at this tremendous event. Thank you, it was much appreciated. I have already marked it in my diary for next year!
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
The Stanley Ceilidh Vol 1 – CONISB02 – Conisby Music
The Ceilidh King – Fergie MacDonald – CD106 – Rannoch Music
Let’s celebrate – Live from Ballintuim Village Hall – Ian Hutson SDB – HRMCD559 – Highlander Music
Bowstroke – Gregor Borland – NESS001 - Independent
The Wilderness Collection Vol 1 – Fiddle & Piano Music from Shetland - Margaret Scollay - – Independent
Book Review
The Clanranald Collection Vol 1 – Fergie MacDonald – Rannoch Music
The Wilderness Collection Vol 1 – Compositions from Shetland by Margaret Scollay, Alan Scollay and Lell Robertson – Independent
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Feb 07 – Lynne Christie SDB (Feature on Margaret Scollay)
10th Feb 07 – The Lomond Ceilidh Band
17th Feb 07 – The West Telferton Caledonian Band
24th Feb 07 – Neil Barron SDB (OB from Tait Hall, Kelso)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Feb 07 – Frank Thomson SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Feb 07 – Roy Hendrie Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Feb 07 – Ian McCallum Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Feb 07 - tbc
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Feb 07 – Simon Howie SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Feb 07 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Feb 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Feb 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Feb 07 – Gordon Shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Feb 07 – Johnny Duncan
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Feb 07 – Gary Blair
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Feb 07 - Skipinnish
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Ian Kirkpatrick SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Feb 07 – Karyn McCulloch & Billy Thom
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Feb 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Feb 07 – Joyce Ramsay Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 20th Feb 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – Daniel McPhee Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Feb 07 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Feb 07 – Jock Fraser SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Feb 07 – Alan Roy
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Deirdre Adamson
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Feb 07 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - Feb 07 -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Feb 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Feb 07 – Colin Garvin Trio
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th Feb 07 – Ian Muir Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Feb 07 – George Balfour Duo
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Feb 07 – Ian McCallum SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th Feb 07 – Burns Brothers Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 25th Feb 07 – Robert Black SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th Feb 07 – Hebbie Gaey + Own Composition
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Feb 07 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Feb 07 – Local Artistes Night
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Feb 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Feb 07 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – Members’ Night
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 15th Feb 07 – Cameron Kellow CD
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Feb 07 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Feb 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Feb 07 – Club Night
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 9th Feb 07 – Dance to Archie MacVicar SDB 27th Feb 07 – Stuart Cameron Trio (Deoch ‘n’ Dorus)
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Feb 07 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – AGM + Wayne Robertson SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 22nd Feb 07 – Sandy Lindsay SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 21st Feb 07 – Neil Hardie SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Feb 07 – Scott Nichol SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Feb 07 – Strathspey Fiddlers
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 1st Feb 07 – MacAllister Brothers
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 22nd Feb 07 – Gordon Brown SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Tribute (Duncan, Marie & Owen)
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 6th Feb 07 – Steve Roxton
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Feb 07 – Stuart Cameron Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Feb 07 – Scott Leslie SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th Feb 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th Feb 07 – The Big Squeeze
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 8th Feb 0 7 Local Club Night 22nd Feb 07 – Ian Thomson SDB
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Feb 07 – Jock Loch
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 10th Feb 07 – Simon Howie SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Feb 07 – David Scott Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Feb 07 – Local night
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Feb 07 – David Bowen
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Feb 07 – Iain Anderson SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Ross MacPherson Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Campsie
11. Castle Douglas
12. Cults
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Fintry
18. Forfar
19. Forres
20. Galashiels
21. Glendale
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Highland
25. inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Kelso
29. Ladybank
30. Langholm
31. Lewis & Harris
32. Mauchline
33. Newmill
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Peebles
37. Premier
38. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Sutherland
42. Thornhill
43. Turriff
44. Tynedale
45. West Barnes
46. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2005
(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 early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. 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. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
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. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
Advertising rates
Back Page (colour) - £300
Full Page (colour) - £220
Full Page (b&w) - £140
Half Page (colour) - £110
Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
Quarter Page (b&w) - £35
Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12
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
Lots of bands have been playing abroad for St Andrew’s and Burns’ Nights. It would be great to print photos and articles about your travels – please send them to us. It’s really interesting hearing about Scottish music and dance overseas. If there are any budding writers out there we’d really appreciate hearing from you. We’re usually okay for reports on events but we’re lacking articles about people or the technicalities of playing the accordion or fiddle. Any volunteers?
This month our intrepid reporters, Heather McLean and Jock Thomson, headed off to Windygates, and by all accounts they thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the shand Morino Day.
We were sad to learn of the death of Andrew Dunbar, Compere of the Dunblane Club. He will be greatly missed.
Karin Ingram
Shand Morino Gathering
Windygates Institute, Windygates, Fife – Sunday, 14th January 2007
by Heather McLean
On this, our first visit to the 12th Shand Morino Gathering, the hall was full of enthusiastic listeners and players for this annual event. Everyone was offered some homemade soup on arrival before proceedings got going.
Bruce Lindsay Snr got the afternoon underway saying a few words to welcome everyone, and then we had a minute’s silence fro missing friends, namely Sandy Tulloch and Jim Roger. In front of the stage was a display of 21 Shand Morino button-boxes, and throughout the afternoon most of there were played, including the very first Shand Morino box now belonging to Catherine MacKay from Inverness. Some had even come over from Ireland with their owners.
Jim Quigley gave us some background into his friendship with Sir Jimmy Shand, the man responsible for all of us being here. Their friendship began in 1957 in the village hall and progressed from there. Jimmy was not only an accomplished musician, but also a perfect gentleman, never saying a bad word about anyone. In the late 1930s Jimmy put his ideas to Hohner, and the Shand Morino was born. The distinctive sound was unique and no matter the line-up of a band, the Shand sound prevailed. About 4 years after the end of the war, the production of the Shand Morino began and the first 4 arrived early in the a950s, when the instrument retailed at around £250.
Musicians started the first half of the afternoon with a stramash. We then had two sets from each of the players, beginning with David Ross (Kilmarnock). Then came Graeme and Jim MacKay (Inverness), with Jim playing his own compositions. Graeme played the gold Shand Morino that once belonged to Sir Jimmy himself. Graeme had never played this accordion before but it was no problem for this young, very talented accordionist – well done Graeme! Andy Greig (Pittenweem) followed and the George and David Rea (Douch, Co. Antrim). Ian Holmes (Dumfries), played his Swiss accordion with all its buttons made of wood. He played Sepp at the Crossroads and a lovely waltz called The Appenzeller. Then we heard some great playing from Mike Hoare, all the way from Tipperary. Jim Quigley played The Bluebell Polka and Snow in Summer, followed by Sandy Ramage whose selections included June Clover. Then Ken Hopkins (Comber. Co. Down) played, accompanied by Joe Hayes who sand The Peanut Song. This took us up to the interval, when teas, sandwiches and cakes were served. Followed by the raffle and then it was back on with the music.
In the second half of the programme we were entertained by Willie McHardy and Donal Ring (Cork) accompanied by his brother Michael. They were followed by Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir); his selections included Anything Doing? and The Francis Wright Waltz. Then it was time for something a bit different – a group of musicians who meet every Wednesday night at Windygates gave us a few sets. Next to take the stage was Bruce Lindsay Jnr, his selections included My Bonnie Irish Boy and The Hat My Father Wore. Next was Graeme MacKay, playing two own compositions and The Harvest Home Hornpipe. Following Graeme was Angus Cruickshanks, then Norman MacKay playing The Jacqueline Waltz followed by Willie McFarlane. Next was Graham Irvine, then we had a song from Heather Alison (Belfast). Joe Hayes (Cork) provided backing for many of the other musicians throughout the afternoon on his 5-row. Other players performing throughout the afternoon were, on button-boxes Colin Chalmers, Gladys Wright, Ronnie Brown and Jim Fortune; on piano accordions, Ian McCallum, Bruce Lindsay Snr and Lex Keith. Drummers throughout the afternoon were Gerry Boxall, David Taylor, John Stewart, Bobby Dowds and Jock Ireland; on fiddles were Graham Burns and Brian Ness and, on mouth organ Bryce Johnstone. Last but not least – two lads who provided backing for all the performers throughout the whole afternoon – John Sinton on double bass and Jimmy Scott on piano. Well done lads! The afternoon ended with another stramash, selections including The 6.20 Two-Step. A tremendous afternoon of music played to the highest standards by all these enthusiastic button-box players traveling from far and near to make this such a memorable annual event.
I do hope that I have not missed anyone out, if so I send my apologies to you and special thanks to all the hard working Committee and tea ladies for hosting this great occasion.
I must include special thanks from Jock Thomson and myself for the invitation to represent The Box and Fiddle magazine at this tremendous event. Thank you, it was much appreciated. I have already marked it in my diary for next year!
CD Reviews – See Hear with Judith Linton
The Stanley Ceilidh Vol 1 – CONISB02 – Conisby Music
The Ceilidh King – Fergie MacDonald – CD106 – Rannoch Music
Let’s celebrate – Live from Ballintuim Village Hall – Ian Hutson SDB – HRMCD559 – Highlander Music
Bowstroke – Gregor Borland – NESS001 - Independent
The Wilderness Collection Vol 1 – Fiddle & Piano Music from Shetland - Margaret Scollay - – Independent
Book Review
The Clanranald Collection Vol 1 – Fergie MacDonald – Rannoch Music
The Wilderness Collection Vol 1 – Compositions from Shetland by Margaret Scollay, Alan Scollay and Lell Robertson – Independent
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
3rd Feb 07 – Lynne Christie SDB (Feature on Margaret Scollay)
10th Feb 07 – The Lomond Ceilidh Band
17th Feb 07 – The West Telferton Caledonian Band
24th Feb 07 – Neil Barron SDB (OB from Tait Hall, Kelso)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 27th Feb 07 – Frank Thomson SDB
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 18th Feb 07 – Roy Hendrie Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 4th Feb 07 – Ian McCallum Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 1st Feb 07 - tbc
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 18th Feb 07 – Simon Howie SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 26th Feb 07 – Lynne Christie SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 28th Feb 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) – 19th Feb 07 – Andy Kain Trio
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 11th Feb 07 – Gordon Shand SDB
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Feb 07 – Johnny Duncan
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 13th Feb 07 – Gary Blair
Button Key (Windygates Institute) –
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 6th Feb 07 - Skipinnish
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Ian Kirkpatrick SDB
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 15th Feb 07 – Karyn McCulloch & Billy Thom
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel) 1st Feb 07 – Gary Sutherland SDB
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 14th Feb 07 – Joyce Ramsay Trio
Dalriada (Argyll Hotel, Lochgilphead) 20th Feb 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – Daniel McPhee Trio
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 21st Feb 07 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 13th Feb 07 – Jock Fraser SDB
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate) 19th Feb 07 – Alan Roy
East Kilbride (Masonic Hall, Kittoch St) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Deirdre Adamson
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 26th Feb 07 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - Feb 07 -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 14th Feb 07 – Gordon Pattullo
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 1st Feb 07 – Colin Garvin Trio
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) – 15th Feb 07 – Ian Muir Trio
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Feb 07 – George Balfour Duo
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Feb 07 – Ian McCallum SDB
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) - 4th Feb 07 – Burns Brothers Trio
Haddington (Railway Inn) - 25th Feb 07 – Robert Black SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 19th Feb 07 – Hebbie Gaey + Own Composition
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) - 14th Feb 07 – Fraser McGlynn Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 1st Feb 07 – Local Artistes Night
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 6th Feb 07 – Marian Anderson Trio
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 28th Feb 07 – Susan MacFadyen SDB
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – Members’ Night
Ladybank (Railway Tavern) - 15th Feb 07 – Cameron Kellow CD
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 26th Feb 07 – Alistair McCulloch Duo
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) – 14th Feb 07 – Michael Philip SDB
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 20th Feb 07 – Club Night
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 9th Feb 07 – Dance to Archie MacVicar SDB 27th Feb 07 – Stuart Cameron Trio (Deoch ‘n’ Dorus)
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 20th Feb 07 – Club Night
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Feb 07 – AGM + Wayne Robertson SDB
Newburgh (The Ship Inn) - 22nd Feb 07 – Sandy Lindsay SDB
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 21st Feb 07 – Neil Hardie SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 26th Feb 07 – Scott Nichol SDB
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 6th Feb 07 – Strathspey Fiddlers
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 1st Feb 07 – MacAllister Brothers
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 22nd Feb 07 – Gordon Brown SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Tribute (Duncan, Marie & Owen)
Phoenix (Argyll Arms hotel, Ardrishaig)
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) - 6th Feb 07 – Steve Roxton
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 13th Feb 07 – Stuart Cameron Trio
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 1st Feb 07 – Scott Leslie SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) - 11th Feb 07 – All Players Welcome
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) - 8th Feb 07 – The Big Squeeze
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 8th Feb 0 7 Local Club Night 22nd Feb 07 – Ian Thomson SDB
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) - 7th Feb 07 – Jock Loch
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 10th Feb 07 – Simon Howie SDB
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) - 13th Feb 07 – David Scott Trio
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 5th Feb 07 – Local night
Turriff (Commercail Hotel, Cuminestown) – 1st Feb 07 – David Bowen
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn) 8th Feb 07 – Iain Anderson SDB
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 20th Feb 07 – Ross MacPherson Trio
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Annan
3. Arbroath
4. Balloch
5. Banchory
6. Banff
7. Beith
8. Biggar
9. Blairgowrie
10. Campsie
11. Castle Douglas
12. Cults
13. Dingwall
14. Dunblane
15. Dunfermline
16. Duns
17. Fintry
18. Forfar
19. Forres
20. Galashiels
21. Glendale
22. Glenrothes
23. Gretna
24. Highland
25. inveraray
26. Isle of Skye
27. Islesteps
28. Kelso
29. Ladybank
30. Langholm
31. Lewis & Harris
32. Mauchline
33. Newmill
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Peebles
37. Premier
38. Rothbury
39. Shetland
40. Stonehouse
41. Sutherland
42. Thornhill
43. Turriff
44. Tynedale
45. West Barnes
46. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2005
(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 early 08-09
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. Brittania B&F Club ( joined 07-08
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key 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. 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. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
35. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
36. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
37. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
38. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
39. 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)
40. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
41. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
42. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
43. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
44. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
45. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
46. Kintore A&F Club (
47. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
48. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
49. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
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. Maine Valley A&F Club (
54. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
55. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
56. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
57. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
58. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
59. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
60. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
61. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
62. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
63. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
64. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
65. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
66. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
67. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
68. Selkirk A&F Club (
69. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
70. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
71. Sutherland A&F Club (
72. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
73. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
74. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
75. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
76. West Barnes ( - present)
77. 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?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84 Callander A&F Club (
85 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87 Club Accord
88 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
103. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
104. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
105. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
106. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
107. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
108. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
109. Mull A&F Club
110. Newcastleton Accordion Club
111. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
114. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
115. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
116. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
117. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
118. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
119. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
120. Tranent A&F Club
121. Vancouver
122. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
123. Wellbank A&F Club
124. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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