Fiddle
38th Year No. 11 July 2015
The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts
The story behind the tune
Mr & Mrs Alec Ross WICK 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Centre Stage ON THE RADIO
PLUS CLUB & DANCE DIARIES, REVIEWS, AND MUCH MORE...
£2.70
BOX&
Welcome
B&F • EDITORIAL
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...to the July 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 Irvine mamidesigns@hotmail.com Section icons by: FlatIcon
Cover Image © Roy Walker Printer • Meigle Colour Printers www.meigleprint.co.uk
NAAFC Chairman • Nicol McLaren 9 Sheila Road, Blairgowrie Perthshire, PH10 6RP Tel: 01250 874 526 nicol@boxandfiddle.com Vice Chairman • Iain Cathcart Tel: 01555 661 017 iain@boxandfiddle.com Secretary • Susan MacFadyen Carlung Farm, West Kilbride Ayrshire, KA23 9PU Tel: 01294 823 865 susan@boxandfiddle.com Treasurer • Charlie Todd 63 Station Road, Thankerton Biggar, ML12 6NZ Tel: 01899 308 327 charlie@boxandfiddle.com Executive Committee: Charlie Kirkpatrick David Cunningham Margo Maclennan Richard Ross Tom Orr Willie Johnstone
A year has passed since Marie and I were introduced as the new designer and editor of the magazine at the NAAFC AGM. Time flies when you have fun. And it has been fun. The encouragement and help has been overwhelming and although there is still a lot of work to do and I still have a lot to learn, the tide has started to turn. Interest in the Pia Walker, Editor magazine is growing, which can only be good for the clubs in the long term, as readers, clubs and the NAAFC are closely linked. We are all in it together; we all have a big role to play to promote our type of music. A case of “Think not what the music can do for you, but what you can do for the music”. ALL: Please keep sending in articles, anecdotes, photos, ideas, jokes and adverts. CLUBS: Keep sending reports and other information to me for the deadline date. Keep the word count to 250-300 words maximum, and check the correct spelling of names. Do not worry about formatting. Send in photos. Keep promoting the magazine. As soon as you can, send me your guest artist list and diary for the coming season. Do check our website and see if your info is correct. SUBSCRIBERS: Send me your views on the club scene and whatever else you may think could interest other readers. With regard to subscription, a reminder letter will be enclosed in the last copy of the current subscription period. You do not have to do anything until you receive this letter. For many of you this will be in November 2015. If you have not received your magazine, do phone me to check, it is always nice to talk to you. ADVERTISERS: Thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated. To those of you stocking the magazines in your outlets, we hope that it may be of mutual benefit. Finally a big thank you to Marie for all her hard work, and to the Executive for their help and support. I look forward to working with you all next season.
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
B&F • CONTENTS
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10 6
News Wick 40 Anniversary; th
Accordion Exhibition & Ceilidh, Peebles Summer Special;
26 Take the Floor Ian Muir SDB
27 Dance Diary
Find the nearest dances and ceilidhs
RSCDS New Musical Director
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Summer Subscriptions
Find out where to pick up your copy
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Centre Stage
30 In Memory
Tributes to Calum MacLean
33 Reviews
Toralf Tollefsen, World Artist
Susan MacFadyen
10 Mr and Mrs Alec Ross The story behind the tune
13 Club News
The latest news from our clubs
24 Club Diary
Wendy Ralston shares her poem
44 Music
Glen and Margaret’s Arran Wedding
You are never too old to go Clubbing!
Deadlines:
34 On the Radio 34 A Special Place by R Liddle
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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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM
NEWS
News
Send in your story. If you have a photo that tells a story, send it in with an explanation.
Wick 40th Anniversary Our May club night also celebrated the club’s 40th birthday and a tremendous night of musical entertainment was provided for a more than full house by all our local artistes and our guests, The Iain MacPhail Dance Band. Included in the tunes played by the guests was a tune composed by the band leader for our birthday and this was greatly appreciated by all in the audience. The Chairman made a short speech detailing the formation of the club and the strength of the club over the years and hoped that the present and future committees would continue to drive the club forward and build on the strong foundation created by the original committee. No birthday is complete without a birthday cake and there was indeed a cake baked by club secretary Irene MacKay. This was then cut by Blythe Bullen (6 years) our youngest player on the night and Donald MacGregor from the Caithness Volunteers. Cake was later distributed to those present and was enjoyed by all. Honorary Memberships were then presented to Peter MacLeod, Billy Thomson (ex-chairman) and Phyllis Thomson (ex-committee). Murray and Ellie Lamont (owners of Mackays’ Hotel) were
Peter MacLeod (Oban) one of the original committee receiving an Honorary Membership certificate from club chairman Farquhar MacGregor
Blythe Bullen with Donald MacGregor (of the Caithness Volunteers) cutting our birthday cake.
also presented with an Honorary Membership and a presentation plaque. The first club meeting was held in Mackays Hotel and the club continues to meet there to this day. A final presentation of a royal diamond glass memento was presented to Isobel Harper for all her work and support to the club over many years. The only other remaining member of the original committee, Charlie Dey, was unable to be present due to a family commitment, but an Honorary Membership certificate is on its way by post to him. Charlie had phoned the hotel just before the start of the night’s entertainment and was able to have a quick chat with Peter (MacLeod). Many positive comments have been received with regard to our birthday night and it is only right that written appreciation should be shown for the Iain MacPhail Dance Band and all local musicians who performed so ably and helped make our birthday a night to remember. JWFM
B&F • NEWS
Accordion Exhibition & Ceilidh
Jock the Box
Saturday 8th August The Muchty Musicmakers are hosting an Accordion Exhibition and Ceilidh Dance on Saturday 8th August in the Victoria Hall, Auchtermuchty. The Exhibition runs from 12 noon to 4 pm and the Ceilidh from 7:30 pm to 11 pm. Entry to the exhibition is by donation. Tickets for the ceilidh cost £5. The proceeds from the ceilidh will go towards funding the Musicmakers’ music workshops for the rest of the year. There are long term plans to open an Accordion Museum in
the village and this exhibition is the first step to publicise this and to gauge support. Most of the accordions to be exhibited are from Caroline Hunt’s collection of vintage accordions. It is also hoped to have some Jimmy Shand memorabilia on display. Jock the Box of Box of Bananas fame will lead a workshop during
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the exhibition and also lead the music for the ceilidh. Music will also be provided by the Muchty Musicmakers, the tutors and other friends. All those who are interested are very welcome to visit the exhibition. There will be opportunities for accordion players to take part in some of the musical events during the afternoon and also the ceilidh. Musicians who play other instruments are also welcome If you want more information please contact Alistair Cairns 01337 827955 or Eric Titterington 01337 860482. We can also be contacted at info@muchtymusicmakers. co.uk. Our website is www. muchtymusicmakers.co.uk or you can find the Muchty Musicmakers on Facebook.
Peebles Summer Special
Once again we will be running our Summer Special Open Day in the Peebles Rugby Club on Sunday 9th August 2015 from 1.30pm - 5pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served around 3pm and a raffle will also be included during the day. Everyone will be most welcome whether you play a musical instrument or just enjoy our kind of music, so make this a date for your diary.
New Musical Director for RSCDS
WHAT’S ON
Ian Muir of Craigellachie Scottish Dance Band was appointed Musical Director for the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society at their November AGM. Here he, Judith Muir and Micah Thompson are pictured on stage for the very recent International Branch Weekend Workshop, held in Copenhagen, where they played for the more than 165 participants.
Who was a big influence in your life and/or your music? My parents for my love of Scottish music. As a child my dad taught me to tap out the beat of the music as we listened to the dance music on a Saturday night. What was your first job? Paper deliveries. Where was the first time you performed in public? Beith Accordion and Fiddle Club I think. I was too nervous to bring my accordion in, so I left it in the car until I was persuaded to perform. I can still remember the set of Gaelic waltzes I played. What do you appreciate most in life? Good health and good friends. What is your greatest indulgence? Pipe music and Chocolate! What is your abiding musical memory? Being presented many years ago with the ‘Most Improved Player Award’ by Jim Johnstone at Galston Accordion & Fiddle Club. What are your worst fears? Rats, birds and I’m not fond of heights either.
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What is your most cherished childhood memory? Visiting my grandparents on the Isle of Tiree. As a child I used to get jealous of my school friends jetting off to Spain while we headed for Tiree. Looking back now I wouldn’t change it for the world. I remember we would all pile into the back of my grandpa’s wee green van (before the days of seatbelt laws) and head off to pick up his pension. I still remember every time the van went over a cattle grid and made the loud noise, my grandpa would say: “Who did that?” Happy days!
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What is your favourite location in Scotland? The Isle of Tiree, I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like. If you had to leave what would you miss and what would you be glad to see the back of? I’d miss the vibrant music scene in Scotland; however, I wouldn’t miss the weather! If your house was on fire what item would you save? My accordion!
Susan MacFadyen Superb musician, Secretary of the NAAFC, and well-known by many on the festival scene as she is a supporter of quite a few. Her music is also enjoyed by many Scottish country dancers. What are the best places in the world you have visited? Shetland. The hospitality of the Shetlanders is second to none. I also loved New York and Basel, Switzerland. What is your favourite musical venue? West Kilbride Village Hall. It’s our local village hall; it creates a sense of community. How would you like to be remembered? Hopefully, as a laid back, down to earth person who cared for others. What makes you angry, annoyed or short tempered? People who do not use their indicators on roundabouts (I’m a driving instructor!)
Who are your heroes and why? Those who put their life in danger or give their life for our country. The Scottish Dance Music scene - your thoughts and hopes? We have a vibrant music scene with many talented musicians, and long may that continue. I do worry though that the SDB style of music may be lost. With many radio stations removing our type of music from the airwaves where is our platform going to be in the future? What 5 people would you invite to your dream dinner party? Willie Hunter and Bobby McLeod for tunes, Ricky Fulton (comedy genius), Gerard Butler and Billy Joel. Your 1, 2, 3 of favourite tunes/ songs? Mo Mhathair especially Calum Kennedy’s rendition, Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Today I will: Eat: Food Drink: Water Read: College notes Visit: Glasgow Watch: The News, I’m not a big TV fan.
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? If you don’t have a report to write, then mention someone from your club or a special event and send in a relevant photo. Information in Club News helps attract visitors to your club, so make sure your club sounds like the place we want to go to.
ABERDEEN Scott Gordon, Chairman, welcomed a smaller than usual crowd to our Annual General Meeting. He thanked all in the committee for their work over the past year and reported that the club is in good fettle. After the election of the office bearers, the committee were elected en bloc for the coming year. Scott then introduced our guest for the evening. He was accordionist David Vernon. David from Edinburgh gave us a dazzling performance of Scottish, classical and Continental tunes. After the tea-break, we had our local artists. First up was Frank Burnett on accordion accompanied by Stanley Flett. Then Keith Duncan on accordion accompanied by Esma Shepherd on piano and Scott Gordon on drums. Next was the moothie played by Denis Shepherd, then Sandy McAllan on button-box who played a set of hornpipes and surprised us with a rendition of Greensleeves. David Vernon returned for his second spot and again entertained us to many different
David Vernon
types of music and some very amusing stories along with it. He got an enthusiastic reception from the crowd and as an encore, played melody on both hands with a set of tunes finishing with The High Level Hornpipe. Amazing! Esma Shepherd ANNAN ST ANDREW The guest band for May was the Janet Graham Scottish Dance Band, comprising Janet Graham from Cumbernauld on piano accordion, Andy Kain from
Newcastle on fiddle, Ian Wilson from Crawford on keyboard and Derek Hamilton from Galston on drums. Janet and the band have produced a CD titled The Strathcarron Collection with all proceeds going to The Strathcarron Hospice. Janet and the band commenced the evening by playing for popular dances. The local players accompanied by Ian Wilson on keyboard and Billy Porter on drums were: Aisling Anderson from Eaglesfield playing three pieces of music on fiddle.
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B&F • DANCE DIARY
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Dance Diary
View the Scottih Country Dances online at www.dancediary.info/index.html Contact: ceilidh@dancediary.info Tel: 01389 767718 or send your entry to: Alasdair Graham, 1 First Avenue, Dumbarton G82 2PU
Ceilidh & Old Time Dances
Regular Weekly Events
DATE
TOWN
HALL
BAND
TIME
COST
CONTACT
COMMENTS
Every Monday
Kirkwall
St Magnus Centre
Live Music
7.30-10pm
£3/£1
Door - All Welcome
Orkney Dance Assoc.
Every Tuesday
Humbie, East Lothian
Village Hall
(Tuition Given)
7.30-10pm
£3 B.Y.O.B.
Door (Owen & Catherine Harrison) 01383 415 142
Ceilidh, Old Time & Social Dance Club
Every Wednesday
Garelochhead
Parish Church
-
2pm-4pm
£2 (tea)
01436 671 089
Social Club
Bonnyrigg
Pitcairn Centre
Live Music
7.30-10pm
£4
Door (Jennifer Johnstone)
Ceilidh & Old Time
Glasgow
St Andrews in Square
Live Music
7.15 -9.30pm
£5.50 Bar
Door (Tricia Matthews) 01324 716855
Ceilidh & Old Time Class
Every Saturday
Fife, Largo Ward
Largo Ward Village Hall
Live Music
8pm-11pm
No Bar £5 (tea)
Door
Different bands each week. (See Diary)
Every Sunday
Fife, Cupar
Old Parish Church Hall, Kirk Wynd
-
2pm-5pm
£3 (tea)
Door (Owen & Catherine Harrison) 01383 415 142
Ceilidh, Old Time & Social Dance Club
Most Sundays
East Kilbride
Girl Guide Hall, Dundas Place
-
7.30-10pm
£2 (tea)
Door or tel: 01355 230 134 or 245 052
Ceilidh & Old Time Club
Ceilidh & Old Time Dances
July 2015
DATE
TOWN
HALL
BAND
TIME
COST
CONTACT
COMMENTS
8
Banff
Springs Hotel
Roddy Matthews
7.3010.30pm
£4
01346 518 754
A. & F. C. Dance – Pay at Door
10
Foulden
Village Hall
Bon Accord
8pm-12pm
£6 [No Bar]
01289 386 400
Supper Dance – soft drinks sold
11
Canonbie
Village Hall
Lyne Valley
7.3011.30pm
£6 Tea
01387 371 544
BYOB & Food.
11
Inverness
Daviot Hall
Marian Anderson
8pm-12pm
£5 Tea
01463 870 508
Social Dancers - B.Y.O.B.
11
Largo Ward
Village Hall
Ian MacCallum
8pm-11pm
£5 Tea
Door
Weekly Dance
12
Aberdeen
Ashdale Hall
Charlie Esson
7.30-10pm
£4
01224 713 674
Part proceeds local charities
15
Banff
Springs Hotel
Johnny Duncan
7.3010.30pm
£4
01346 518 754
A. & F. C. Dance – Pay at Door
15
Linlithgow
Palace Courtyard
Iain Anderson
7.30-10pm
£8.50 Tea
0131 331 1528
Scotch Hop – Indoors if wet
17
Bridge of Earn
The Institute
Scott Band
8pm-11pm
£5 [No Bar]
07952 026 633
Pay at Door
18
Kincraig
Community Hall
Sheila Peters
8pm-12pm
£5 Tea/Bar
01540 651 377
Cairngorm Ceilidh dancers
18
Largo Ward
Village Hall
Steven Carcary
8pm-11pm
£5 Tea
Door
Weekly Dance
18
Carrington
Village Hall
Marian Anderson
7.3011.30pm
£?
01875 830 333
Old Time Dancing
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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM
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Reviews
If you wish your CDs, DVDs or books to be reviewed, please send them to: Bill Brown, 3 Galahad Close, Cippenham, Slough, SL1 9DT
Toralf Tollefsen World Artist
‘Toralf Tollefsen World Artist’ is a fascinating book about the life, career and achievements of Toralf Tollefsen (1914-94), a much loved and internationally renowned Norwegian accordionist. First published (in Norwegian) in 1994 to celebrate Tollefsen’s 80th birthday, this book is not actually a biography as such, but an anthology edited by Jon Faukstad containing a lengthy in-depth biographical interview with the great man, four informative articles about Tollefsen and his very significant contribution to the accordion (written by Mogens Ellegaard, Ola Kai Ledang, Jon Faukstad, and Birger Ostby), plus a complete and detailed discography compiled by Tom Valle. Toralf Tollefsen has long been a legendary figure in the accordion world, especially in Britain where he lived between 1936/39 and 1946/61. There have been other accordionists equally skilled, but few could match Tollefsen’s charisma, stage presence or reputation or the deep impression he made on a generation of accordionists in this country whose progress was often measured by how well they could play his compositions and arrangements. This newly published English-language version tells about Tollefsen’s lifelong dedication to the accordion, his ambitions, thoughts on repertoire, performance, his instruments, playing experiences in Britain and the USA and his philosophy about life. The life of Tollefsen is, in a sense, the story of the modern accordion in Britain and Europe as this was the man whose long-held and eventually realised dream it was to pioneer the accordion’s transition from variety theatres to the classical concert stage, introducing the free bass instrument in the process. In the interview section Tollefsen discusses how he went from variety to classical music in the post-war years and the problems he had to overcome.
Originally published in Norwegian, ‘Toralf Tollefsen World Artist’ has been painstakingly translated and updated by Owen Murray, with assistance from Olga Jorgensen for the translation of the article by Professor Ola Kai Ledang. Special mention should be made of Roland Williams, whose enthusiasm brought this project to fruition. l ‘Toralf Tollefsen World Artist’ should be in every accordion enthusiast’s collection. It is available from Double Zed Ltd, Winton, West Hill, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA2 0JQ. www.zzmusic.uk Rob Howard
www.tomorrmusic.co.uk m ro Available f
NEW RELEASE
Available to buy from
www.tomorrmusic.co.uk
£12 +(£1.50 P&P) or alternatively send a cheque made out to ‘Tom Orr’ to 1 Hilton Farm Steadings, Rosyth, KY11 3HA £12 + £1.50 P&P
or alternatively send a cheque to ‘Tom Orr’ 1 Hilton Farm Steadings, Dunfermline, KY11 3HA
Sheet Music
Glen and Margaret’s Arran Wedding by R. Liddle This tune was written a long time ago by Bob Liddle, Kelso