Box & Fiddle

Fiddle

41st Year No. 12 Aug 2018

£3.00

BOX& The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts

KEITH FESTIVAL UK ACCORDION CHAMPIONSHIPS CASTELFIDARDO CALLUM WALLACE IS CENTRE STAGE PLUS

AGM n o e h c n u L

NEWS, CLUB & DANCE DIARIES AND MUCH MORE...

Welcome

B&F • EDITORIAL

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...to the August issue of Box & Fiddle The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts

Editor • Pia Walker 7 Tarvit Gardens Cupar, Fife, KY15 5BT Tel: 01334 657 850 Mob: 07715 115 489 editor@boxandfiddle.com Designer • Marie Martin mamidesigns@hotmail.com Front cover AGM Luncheon Guests of Honour Photo by: Pia Walker Section icons by: FlatIcon

Printer • Ivanhoe Caledonian Printing Company Ltd Eskmills, Musselburgh, EH21 7PE

NAAFC Chairman Nicol McLaren The Shian, Woodlands Road Blairgowrie, PH10 6LD Tel: 01250 874 526 nicol@boxandfiddle.com Vice Chairman Iain Cathcart Tel: 01555 661 017 iain@boxandfiddle.com Secretary Shona MacFadyen Executive Committee: Scott Band Charlie Kirkpatrick Susan MacFadyen Tom Orr Richard Ross Liam Stewart

What a summer! I hope you have all had a fantastic time, what with all the festivals and music going on recently, and now it is time to gear up for the club season starting in September. Time for committees to pay for their NAAFC membership, and decide how many magazines they want in the coming months (add at least one extra and promote it Pia Walker, Editor at your club). You also have to double check that the club dates have been sent to this editor and that your reporter knows all about word count and deadline dates.

A few musicians have contacted me asking why they were not in the guest directory in the July issue. An e-mail was send to all I had e-mails for in the beginning of May explaining that I needed their consent to publish their details. Attached was a form, which also appeared in the May issue of the magazine – a reminder was even posted on Facebook. We couldn’t publish if you didn’t respond to this; however, you can still get in the online directory by contacting me or going via the website.

In this issue, we hear from Derek Hamilton about the celebrity luncheon held after the AGM, with plenty of photos of a great afternoon. We also remember two musicians who passed away recently, Hebbie Gray and Fraser McGlynn. We also hear from various events that occurred during the summer, so there’s lots to read about in this and of course in coming issues too. I also have a big oops in this issue, as I did not publish the final part of the music shown in July. It arrived as two pages, and I overlooked page 2.

I do love hearing from you all and am always glad when you send in snippets of information. A reader is keeping me informed about horse races where horses with musical names are entered and apparently in June horses called Stradivarius and Scottish Jig were both winners. On a sadder footnote, Stradivarius stood on a nail after winning the Ascot Gold Cup and is now a bit sore.

Time to get on with the music.

Keep up with the latest news at

www.boxandfiddle.com Box & Fiddle (NAAFC)

Pia

The editorial team reserves the right to refuse or edit all copy. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Use of material and advertising from this publication is strictly prohibited without permission in writing from the editor.

While every care has been taken in compiling Box & Fiddle to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press, Box & Fiddle assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

Contents

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B&F • CONTENTS

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News Letters

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Club Diary You are never too old to go clubbing!

Castelfidardo Visit Take the Floor AGM Luncheon Festivals Keith Festival;

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Dance Diary

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In Memory

Find the nearest dances and ceilidhs

Fraser McGlynn Hebbie Gray

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Reviews

National Accordion Organisation

Music for the Carlingwark Collection

UK Accordion Championships

of Scottish Country Dances;

Club News The latest news from our clubs

Centre Stage Callum Wallace

Deadlines:

Eddi Reader’s Cavalier

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Sheet Music Donald & Janette MacIver’s Golden Wedding March Steven Carcary

All articles, adverts, club reports and text for the magazine must be e-mailed to the editor by the 5th of every month at the latest. Copy received after this date cannot be guaranteed to feature in the next issue.

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NEWS

News

Send in your story. If you have a photo that tells a story, send it in with an explanation.

Carol Dobson’s 50th Birthday Party and Sepsis Fundraiser

19th May 2018 saw many friends and family gather in Newcastleton’s Legends Bar and Function Room to celebrate fiddler Carol Dobson.

Carol wanted to raise funds for the UK Sepsis Trust, an organisation that carries out research into and raise awareness of the serious ailment that took Carol’s partner, well known and loved musician Mark MacDougall, from us in 2015.

The day took the form of an informal gathering of musicians from all parts of Scotland who provided the best of Scottish dance music for the assembled audience of Carol and Mark’s family and friends from Newcastleton and all parts of the country. This session lasted until around 6.30pm when a break was taken to do justice to the food that had been provided, to catch up with friends old and new and to relax with a refreshment or two prior to the auction of specially donated items.

An evening of partying to music from the 80s, 90s and beyond followed when the best of handbag dancing was displayed by those who wished to show their expertise in that particular genre.

The total from an online giving page, donated to by many friends, particularly those who were

unable to attend on the day, collection buckets in the function room, the afternoon and evening raffles and, of course, the auction raised an amazing £4000. A huge THANK YOU to all who contributed in any way and to the musicians who performed on the day. With me as compere, we

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The three guest of honours with Nicol McLaren

A winning day

By Derek Hamilton

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unday 24th June and the sun was shining brilliantly as Richard Hughes from Tobermory and I set off from Galston heading for Perth and the Huntingtower Hotel. It was the day of the AGM and celebrity luncheon of the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. This is the day when the good and great of our music are honoured for their contribution to the scene.

This year three out and out stalwarts were honoured: Bill Hendry from Dundee, Graeme Mitchell from Huntly and Freeland Barbour late from Edinburgh! A horrendous hold up on the road from Edinburgh kept Freeland back beyond the start of the event, but he made it. Grace was dished out by the ubiquitous Gordon Young (drummer extraordinaire) followed by a well-served lunch and coffee. Nicol McLaren opened the afternoon proceedings and introduced our compere for the day, Ian Muir, who executed his duties during the afternoon with great enthusiasm. The BAFFIs were first to be presented and Charlie Kirkpatrick was assigned that duty.

CD of the Year was presented in his absence to Ewan Galloway for ‘First Class Delivery’. Ewan was carrying out his duties as chief petty officer with a youth team of trainee sea cadets on the high seas of the south coast of England.

Guest Artist of the Year went to Janet Graham from Cumbernauld. Janet is, without doubt, a very popular guest artist wherever she plays with her band.

Club of the Year was deservedly won by Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club. A hard working committee run this very welcoming club.

The Club Supporter of the Year was awarded to Jean Harrison of Coleburn Club. Any of the guest artists visiting Coleburn will enthral about Jean’s baking. A very hard working member of the club indeed.

The afternoon progressed with the annual ceilidh, lead players being accompanied by backing players from all airts - far too many to mention in this short piece but I would single out one gentleman

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Festivals Keith Festival

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he 43rd Keith Festival drew to a close with a terrific final concert. The weekend started off with the dance in the Legion and music by the Scott Band Band who were first timers at Keith Festival. The dancers really enjoyed this band so there was a great atmosphere. On Friday night there also was a bothy ballad concert in the Plough Lounge with our singing guests Joe Aitken, Moira Stewart, John Dickson and Janice Reavell and her daughter Ellen Birt (Janice actually attended the first Keith Festival). We also had an opening concert in the Bowling Club.

Saturday is competition day and the competitions were very well supported. There were also sessions in the local pubs and shops.

Gary Sutherland’s 5-piece band and Brian Gear and Martin Henderson from Shetland were both hits, while a young group making its debut at Keith Festival - The Rowies, three talented youngsters from the Dyce Music School - were also terrific guests. The ever-popular Mayfield Group from Banchory and surrounding district went down a storm. Our headline act on Saturday night in the Royal Hotel was Manran, who drew a great audience. Manran had never played a festival like ours before so it was a bit of a new experience for them. The usual concert went ahead with all our guests at the Bowling Club - this concert is always a sell out.

Sunday and our Bairns Ceilidh is always very

B&F • CLUB NEWS

Club News Just remember to seek permission to publish the photos and tell us the name of the photographers.

To ensure a more readable section, please only send in max 250-300 words. A photo tells a better story, so add one or two of those too. Why not of your audience? Information in Club News helps attract visitors to your club, so make sure your club sounds like the place we want to go to.

ANNAN The meeting took place in Newington Social Club on Sunday 17th June. Jack Murdoch welcomed a packed hall and introduced the guests The Sandy Nixon Scottish Dance Band. The band soon had the dancers on the floor with a variety of dances including a Gay Gordons, Britannia Two Step and a New Killarney Waltz.

The band comprised Sandy, who received his first accordion at the age of seven and who has not stopped playing since, Alastair Wood on second box, Alex Graham on drums and James Clark on keyboard.

James didn’t need his sat nav tonight as he was playing on home ground.

It was then the turn of the local players. 11 players entertained the audience accompanied by Bill Porter on drums, John Waugh on keyboard and John Douglas on second box. Jim Frazer played Call of the Pipes and Reg White accompanied by Graham Woods on drums played The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.

Ian Woods played a couple of tunes on fiddle and John Waugh played for an Edinburgh Mixture. Frank Morrison played

Avril Abbott, Dave Smith, Margaret Smith and Bill Ford, Arbroath Seamus O’Sullivan Band, Arbroath

for the Gypsy Tap. After tea and the raffle, it was the turn of Roger and Carol Dobson, Newby Park, William Little and Barbara Fisher to keep us entertained.

The band returned playing for a Gay Gordons Two Step and a variety of dances including a Hesitation Waltz and a Square Tango.

Jack thanked the band for a great night’s entertainment and hoped it wouldn’t be long before they were back. He also thanked the local players for

their continued support and all who brought raffles and bought tickets. He then wished everyone a safe journey home.

ARBROATH A smaller than normal audience attended our June meeting, perhaps owing to a large number of events taking place in the local area; however, a very enjoyable time was had by all. Vice chairman Avril Abbott welcomed all and the music was soon under way with our local

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Centre Stage

Callum Wallace A well-known drummer, guitarist, singer etc. from Perthshire. Finalists in the Scottish Wedding Awards 2018.

When was the first time you performed in public?

I was 11 with my mum and dad, Vic and Rhoda Wallace. My dad played accordion and my mum used to sing.

What do you appreciate most in life?

It has to be my family, Caroline and my two boys Cameron (10) and Angus (7).

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

After school I had a part time job in Wilkies Music Shop, Perth.

I also worked on a Saturday.

Being surrounded with all the instruments was a dream.

Who was a big influence in your life and /or your music?

The support I got from Mum and Dad was amazing. The instruments would change on a weekly basis☺ from drums to guitar, keyboard and singing.

What was your first job?

When I left school I served my apprenticeship as a baker at Montgomery’s in the Old High Street, Perth.

What is your greatest indulgence?

I do love a good Chinese.

What is your abiding musical memory?

It has to be my work with Music in Hospitals & Care. I work solo

with guitar and voice and I have travelled to many care units from Jersey to Shetland. Music and song certainly brighten up the residents’ day. I did have one lady say to me that the music session was better than the medicine she receives!

What are your worst fears?

Not being able to play music and entertain.

What are the best places in the world you have visited?

Dubai, Denmark and Venice.

What is your favourite musical venue?

Crieff Hydro is my most regular gig, both solo and with my band The Tay Ceilidh Band. I have performed there for over 32 years.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who is always smart and on time.

What makes you angry, annoyed or short tempered?

People who are rude. I had a chap one night who thought that while we had our break it was ok to film his child thrashing my drums. Beat it pal!

What is your favourite location in Scotland?

Shetland - St Ninian’s Isle.

If you had to leave, what would you miss and what would you be glad to see the back of?

I would miss my family and be glad to not see people suffer in pain.

If your house was on fire what item would you save?

My phone - I’m never off it.

Who are your heroes and why?

My dad. Without his support and encouragement I would not be where I am today.

The Scottish dance music scene - your thoughts and hopes?

I think the music scene is in good hands with accordion teachers like Gary Sutherland, Steven Carcary and Alan Small. I hope that bands don’t become over technical in their arrangements as people still have to dance to the music!

What 5 people would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Nicol Mclaren, Karen Harper, Gavin Piper, Alan Irvine, Jim Cleland.

Your favourite tunes/songs?

Come Spend A While Wi Me, Maggie West Waltz, Shug The Samba Man Today I will Eat: Chinese Drink: Chilled beer Read: Sunday Post Visit: My dad (he is now in Catmoor Care Home, Scone).

Watch: Cameron and Angus play football for Scone Thistle

F • AUGUST B&FB•&CLUB DIARY 2018

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Club Diary August 2018 DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTIST

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

1

Banff & District

Roddy Mathews SDB

Banff Springs Hotel, Banff AB45 2JE

7.30 pm

Alison Coutts 01346 518 754

1

Glenfarg

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

Glenfarg Village Hall, Glenfarg PH2 9NU

7.30 pm

Stewart Smith 01577 830 296

1

Montrose

Steven Carcary Duo

Park Hotel, Montrose DD10 8RJ

7.30 pm

Ron Ramsay 01241 879 487

1

Orkney

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

The Reel, Kirkwall KW15 1KD

7.30 pm

Jim Marwick 01856 874 474

2

Crieff

Willie Macfarlane

The British Legion, Crieff PH7 3EB

7.30 pm

Irene Anderson 01764 654 298

2

Lewis & Harris

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

Caladh Inn, Stornoway HS1 2QN

8.00 pm

Janette MacIver 01851 704 870

2

Rothbury

Alan Crookston Trio

Queens Head Hotel, Rothbury NE65 7SR

7.30 pm

Mary Davidson 01668 281 307

2

Turriff

Roddy Matthews

Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown AB53 5WJ

7.30 pm

Pat Steele 01888 562 486

5

Arbroath

Liam Stewart Duo

Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, Elliot,

By Arbroath DD11 2PE

7.30pm

Tony Simpson 01241 875 326

5

Peebles

Open Day

Rugby Social Club, Peebles EH45 8AD

1.30 pm

Dorothy Lawson 07760 197 301

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Seghill

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

Seghill Comrades Club, Cramlington NE23 7TQ

7.00 pm

James Youngson 01670 356 410

8

Banff & District

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

Banff Springs Hotel, Banff AB45 2JE

7.30 pm

Alison Coutts 01346 518 754

8

Orkney

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

The Reel, Kirkwall KW15 1KD

7.30 pm

Jim Marwick 01856 874 474

9

Button-Key (Windygates)

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

The Greig Institute, Windygates KY8 5DG

7.00 pm

Mary Cook 01592 713 687

9

Carlisle

Thom Hardaker

St Margaret Mary’s Social Club, Carlisle CA2 4JX

7.30 pm

Alison Davies 01228 675 505

14

Blairgowrie

Steven Carcary 6-Piece SDB

Red House Hotel, Coupar Angus PH13 9AL

7.45 pm

Helen Aitchison 01821 670 302

14

Seghill

Joan Kirk & Friends (Buffet evening)

Seghill Comrades Club, Cramlington NE23 7TQ

7.00 pm

James Youngson 01670 356 410

15

Banff & District

Mcbains Dance Band

Banff Springs Hotel, Banff AB45 2JE

7.30 pm

Alison Coutts 01346 518 754

15

Orkney

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

The Reel, Kirkwall KW15 1KD

7.30 pm

Jim Marwick 01856 874 474

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Tynedale

Paul Capaldi Band

Tynedale Farmers Function Suite, Hexham Auction Mart, Hexham NE46 3SG

7.00 pm

Roddy Matthews 01434 672 424/ 07801 951 965

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Annan St Andrew

Dick Black

St Andrew Social Club, Annan DG12 5JW

7.30 pm

Mrs N Taylor 01461 204 604

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Ellon

Buttons & Bows

Station Hotel, Ellon AB41 9BD

7.30 pm

Tom Jamieson 07864 824583

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Seghill

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

Seghill Comrades Club, Cramlington NE23 7TQ

7.00 pm

James Youngson 01670 356 410

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In Memory Fraser McGlynn February 1940 - May 2018

By John Carmichael nfortunately as is the way of this life Scotland has lost one of its most endearing musical sons, Fraser McGlynn.

A devout family man, a master musician and a man possessed with the Tarbert wit, Fraser rose from the wee boy with no formal musical training but with a keen interest, ability and application to the very top level of traditional music and became one of the finest exponents of the unique instrument he played.

I first heard of Fraser when I was in my teens (struggling with the piano accordion myself) from my Uncle Duncan, a Tarbert man now living in Ardrishaig and a big fan of Fraser’s. We first met at Perth in 1964 when we both got into the final of the championship - how or why he didn’t win goodness knows - his selection King Robert the Bruce etc. was breathtaking. Our paths crossed many times over the years in shows, at Perth, the BBC, Music in Hospitals, Lochgilphead and of course the Dalriada Accordion Club.

Despite Fraser not being very well our last meeting, is worth relating. Fraser and Kevin called to collect an accordion and in the course of conversation Kevin said “I enjoyed your last broadcast.” To which Fraser said “I never heard it” in his usual manner. I thought, “I’ll fix that” - and went back to the house to fetch Kevin a CD of it saying, “Don’t be too critical about the mistakes.” To which in typical McGlynn fashion Fraser replied “I’ll no bother listening to it.”

That was Fraser! He will be sadly missed by us all.

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By Freeland Barbour first met Fraser when I was about ten years old in 1962. He and his fiddler Davie Scott were visiting Bob and Sheila Bridgeford in Perthshire. I happened to come past the house on some errand and was introduced to Fraser. My abiding memory

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was of black curly hair, a friendly smile, and a warm handshake, and that is how I always think of him and always will.

Some 20 years later, we started working together when I took up the reins producing ‘Take The Floor’ and we became firm friends. My admiration for his ability and his personality grew with every encounter.

When he and Kevin and Duncan Mackay arrived to record I never had any worries that I wouldn’t end up with a top-notch programme choc-full of good tunes well-played. We had a ‘first’ together in persuading the BBC bureaucrats to allow him to commercially issue some of his sessions showcasing local composers and he always championed his home and his roots. Indisputably, one of the great names in Scottish dance music, Fraser was a proud and worthy son of Argyll and quite simply one of the best

By Charlie Kirkpatrick ith the sad passing of Fraser McGlynn, one of the brightest stars of our music scene has been extinguished. Fraser was quite simply the finest exponent of the Shand Morino accordion and although he was adept at playing in many different genres, for me his playing of 2/4 and 6/8 marches, and Gaelic waltzes will never be beaten.

I first heard Fraser play at a dance in Kilmore Hall,

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