Box & Fiddle November 2015

Fiddle

39th Year No. 03 Nov 2015

ÂŁ2.70

BOX& The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts

Jack Delaney HIS STORY: PART 2

Button Box GATHERING

Diane Kelday takes Centre Stage Disclosure Certificates CLUB REPORTS

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Welcome

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B&F • EDITORIAL

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

Treasurer • Willie Johnstone treasurer@boxandfiddle.com

October was a busy month and the Box & Fiddle was out and about at various festivals, I hope you saw us there. November will be equally busy with visits to the RSCDS AGM, Highland Showtime and Fiddle 2015.

One of the topics I have heard discussed when out and about, is how copying and sharing of CD’s negatively affects the music industry as Pia Walker, Editor a whole, not just artists, but all whose jobs rely on the sales of CD’s. The production of a CD and a magazine is not a million miles apart. The production for both involves pre-production, production and marketing with the end product hopefully being of interest to many people. There’s a considerable cost involved for both, which the price of the total amount of products sold should cover. If it is not covered, somebody is out of pocket. Just saying!

Another topic is Disclosure, and I hope you will get something from the article in this issue. I do believe that more and more people will ask teachers etc. to provide this.

I am writing this the day after returning Shetlagged from my ‘holiday’ in Shetland. I had a fantastic time although I stumbled and fell on the Thursday (at the feet of Peter Leask!) The next day a lot of people were talking and teasing me about it. People who were not even there when it happened and I realized that our world of music is very small, but with a large capacity for verbal networking, which means that information (good or bad) flies about really quickly! I’ll try and behave in an upright manner from now on, so as not to be the topic of conversation again! LOL The November issue see the start of the festive season and I hope you get a lot of gift-ideas in this and the December issue. Why not give your loved one a CD or book of music for Christmas? What about a subscription to the Box & Fiddle? Just hinting!

Whatever you do, keep going to the clubs and wrap up warm.

Executive Committee: Charlie Kirkpatrick David Cunningham Margo Maclennan Richard Ross Tom Orr

Box and Fiddle Magazine nominated for the Hands up for Trad Music in the Media Award. Please vote for us and for the Scottish Dance Band nominations. Voting starts 2nd November.

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

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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

Keep up with the latest news at

www.boxandfiddle.com Box & Fiddle (NAAFC)

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Contents

B&F • CONTENTS

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Jack Delaney & his Band

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Disclosure Certificates

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News

Some information you may need

Arbroath A&F Club Charity Open Day; C&G Sound; Avondale Ceilidh Society; The Alloa Story

11 Button Box Gathering

Ian Simpson tells us about a fantastic evening at Eden Court’s Empire Theatre

41 19 Club News

The latest news from our clubs

31 Club Diary

You are never too old to go Clubbing!

37 Dance Diary

Find the nearest dances and ceilidhs

40 In Memory John Rooney

13 Centre Stage

41 Reviews

14 The Jack Delaney Story

43 Quiz

We talk to Diane Kelday

Catherine and Jim Mackay

The Manfrini Artisan; Leabhar a’ Phiàna

The second part of his story told

Test your wits with a chance

by his granddaughter Heather

to win a Stanley Ceilidh CD

18 Take The Floor

Tune into November’s guest list

Deadlines:

44 Music

Margo’s Farewell by Eric Allan

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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To Disclose or Not to Disclose?

As many of you know I teach dance, I am also a court interpreter, which means I am teaching or sitting beside potentially vulnerable people. I therefore have had to yet again investigate the wonderful world of Disclosure Certificates. Not an easy task, but I have had excellent help from Disclosure Scotland who have responded well to every query I have had.

In view of the fact that many of you either have people who want to learn music, or you yourselves are tutors, please take a minute to read through this. It is to your advantage.

Disclosure certificates have been around for a good while now, but in February 2011, the Scottish Government introduced a new membership scheme to replace and improve upon the previous Enhanced Disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups.

The following is only extracts of what I have found. The best place to look first of all is: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk – it is up to you to decide if you want a disclosure certificate or not.

E-mail them with any queries; they are very quick to reply. There is no legal requirement to have any form of disclosure. However, it is recognised by employers, organisations and others that having some form of disclosure is a safer way to recruit people into different types of work that involve working with children or protected adults.

There is no requirement to obtain a replacement/ updated certificate after any defined period, however it is best practise to get a new or updated one every 1 -3 years. This would be for the purpose of further adding any potential vetting information to a certificate; however, this is not mandatory.

If you are ‘teaching’ or ‘instructing’ children/ protected adults through a school/organisation, then this constitutes regulated work and you would be eligible to join the PVG Scheme. Applications cost a one off payment of £59.00 – however, the application has to be countersigned by the organisation/school employing you and there is no hard and fast rule as to who should pay this.

If you are self-employed you can apply for a Scheme Membership Statement. This Certificate

does not show any convictional information, it simply states that you are not barred from working with children and/or protected adults. This also costs £59.00 and does not need to be countersigned in the first instance; however, if you go on to perform regulated work for an organisation/council/school they may ask you to obtain a full Scheme Record and this would mean additional costs to yourself.

Alternatively the Basic Certificate remains available for anyone for any purpose and this can be completed online.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CERTIFICATE OPTIONS? Under Part 5 of the Police Act 1997 (“the 1997 Act”), the Scottish Ministers may carry out criminal record checks. There are three levels of checks: • The criminal conviction certificate (Basic Disclosure); • The criminal record certificate (Standard Disclosure); and • The enhanced criminal record certificate (Enhanced Disclosure).

BASIC DISCLOSURES A Basic Disclosure (termed as a ‘criminal conviction certificate’ in Part V of the Police Act 1997) is the lowest level of disclosure and is available to anyone for any purpose. It contains details of convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 or states that there are no such convictions. This type of Disclosure is only issued to the applicant. It is not job-specific or job-related and may be used more than once. The Basic Disclosure will only show any unspent convictions. The Basic Certificate is only showing information correct on the date it was issued. The Basic certificate is not part of the (OM) Ongoing Monitoring process. (OM is only applicable to PVG). Anyone hiring would not see any new convictions since the disclosure was issued.

Individuals can apply for a Basic Disclosure, for any purpose and it can be completed online.

B&F • NOVEMBER 2015

If you are in a position eligible for either the PVG Scheme, a Standard or Enhanced disclosure, it must be countersigned by a Registered Body.

STANDARD DISCLOSURES The intermediate level of Disclosure is the Standard Disclosure (termed as a ‘criminal record certificate’ under Part V of the Police Act 1997).

This includes convictions held on central records and records both unspent and relevant spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Standard Disclosure is available, subject to the application first being countersigned by a registered person (The Registered Body).

To qualify for a Standard Disclosure the position must be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2003.

ENHANCED DISCLOSURES The highest level of disclosure is the Enhanced Disclosure (termed as an ‘enhanced criminal record certificate’ under Part V of the Police Act 1997). In addition to the details included in Standard Disclosures, Enhanced Disclosures may contain non-conviction information, which a Chief Officer or Chief Constable may choose to disclose if they reasonably believe it to be relevant to the position in question.

THE PVG SCHEME The PVG Scheme is established by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (“the PVG Act”). The PVG Scheme replaces Enhanced Disclosure for individuals working with vulnerable groups.

For most other types of regulated work with children or protected adults, the PVG Scheme is now the most appropriate type of check. Regulated work is the term used by the PVG Act to define the types of work which barred individuals must not do, and for which PVG Scheme membership is available.

There are two levels of fee (£59 / £18) which apply to the PVG Scheme, as well as free checks for volunteers doing regulated work for qualifying

voluntary organisations.

The information contained in an individual’s Scheme Record is sensitive and personal.

Organisations and personal employers cannot share disclosure information without that individual’s consent.

The PVG scheme offers the following improvements on the current system: • • • • •

Effective barring The adults’ list Continuous updating Streamlined disclosure processes Access to disclosure for personal employers

Individuals who are self-employed, or expect to become self-employed, in a capacity which involves regulated work, may wish to join the PVG Scheme for, or in anticipation of, such work.

APPLICATION FORM When an individual wishes to join the PVG Scheme, they will need to fill in a detailed application form and provide proof of identity, just like for enhanced disclosure.

This application form will need to be countersigned by a registered body if it is for a Scheme Record or by a personal employer if it is for a Scheme Membership Statement and the personal employer wants to receive a copy. The application form does not need to be countersigned if it is made by the individual alone in anticipation of doing regulated work in the future.

Disclosure Scotland will keep the individual’s PVG Scheme membership and vetting information up to date. This process is called continuous updating and is one of the biggest differences between Enhanced Disclosure and the PVG Scheme.

Enhanced Disclosures simply provided a snapshot of a person’s criminal conviction history at the point-in-time when the disclosure was issued. No information was updated by Disclosure Scotland until a further application, if any, for an enhanced disclosure was made and a new enhanced disclosure was issued. l

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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.

Arbroath Accordion & Fiddle Club

Club Charity Open Day

On 4th October Chairman Tony Simpson welcomed a very large crowd to our second Open Day at the Meadowbank Inn, Arbroath. Session players were as follows: on accordions were Tony Simpson, John Hart, Cora Nicol, Margaret Patullo, Arthur Wood, Janet Graham, Alan Petrie, Eric Davidson and all the way from Beauly, Tom Cruickshanks. On fiddles were Liz Arthur, Dave Smith, and first time at Arbroath, Stuart Fergusson. Our only drummer was Avril Abbott and playing piano accompaniment for the various groups were John White, Tony Simpson and Bill Forbes. The afternoon session spanned three hours of great music with a fantastic stramash completing the afternoon.

Dancing in the evening was to the Marian Anderson Dance Band and what a great night we had.

The proceeds for the evening are to be given to a local gentleman, Grant Callachan, and his family. This young man has unfortunately been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has helped

Top: Marian Anderson, the Committee and a young helper. Above: Dancers in full swing.

many families in and around the Arbroath area through his dedication as an Occupational Therapist.

Vice-Chairman, Avril Abott gave the vote of thanks to all who had helped make the day such a great success and to all the various businesses and individuals who had donated an abundance of excellent raffle prizes.

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B&F • NEWS

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Calum Low & Grace McGill Calum Low sent in an e-mail telling me a little of what C&G sound was I am Calum Low and together with Grace McGill perform as the C&G sound.

Who are we? Well, I am a former winner of the M.A.F.I.A. Shield for Accordion. I started playing accordion from an early age and by the age of nine I played solo to my first audience.

I continued playing the accordion and over the next few years I was out most Friday and Saturday nights playing with my dad Robert Low’s dance band. (It was known as the Cameronians).

I have also been fortunate enough from time to time to have been invited as guest artist at a number of accordion and fiddle clubs in Scotland and the North of England. I teach piano to diploma level for the London Trinity College of Music and I hold a performers diploma in pianoforte.

I have known Grace for 8 years. She is 18 years of age and also from Bishopbriggs. I am her piano teacher and she is very accomplished and working on her grade 7 at present.

Unknown to us both we

shared the same stage at the Bishopbriggs Gala Day 4 years ago albeit with different acts.

I was playing accordion with my friend of many years, a percussionist called John Nicol.

Grace was playing drums with a community group called The Bishopbriggs Ceilidh Band. For the next week’s piano lesson I set my mother’s set of drums up in the room and Grace took to them like a duck to water. John Nicol gave her a few lessons and so C&G Sound started. Grace is dedicated and enthusiastic and plays a unique style of

percussion well worth hearing and watching.

We decided to host our own monthly concerts at various venues playing a varied selection of music spanning more than a hundred years. It gives us the freedom to express ourselves as we have a unique presentation both in visual appearance as well as sound. Our concerts are in a relaxed environment and free of charge.

If you are interested in hearing more about what we do, you are welcome to contact us through calumlow@hotmail.co.uk

Avondale Ceilidh Society After 18 years Avondale Ceilidh Society held their last and final Ceilidh on Saturday 12th September.

They rounded off in style with a free buffet which was enjoyed by everyone. Dick Black who played for their first ever Ceilidh also played for their last.

It was a sad occasion, but their numbers had been declining over the past years and the organisers therefore decided to call it a day.

On the day they managed to donate £ 400.00 to the following charities: St Andrew’s Hospice, Cancer Research UK, The Haven Blantyre, Upper GI Surgery, Wishaw General Hospital.

Isabel and Archie, who incidentally celebrated their Golden Anniversary on the 1st of October, thank everyone for their support over the years.

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The Alloa Story A reader, Elaine Fyfe, sent in this photo of the band with her dad playing the accordion.

I asked her if she had a story of the band and this is what she wrote: Well ... not a story about the band itself. I see my dad had the biggest accordion! He was very musical.

Sadly he died when I was nine and I was never aware he played.

My mother always wanted me to learn to play the accordion and took me to see one, which was a 120 bass. I took one look at this thing that was almost as big as me and said “no thank you!” I learnt to play the piano instead.

Fast forward 50 years (!) and I was talking to my big sister about an increasing desire to learn to play the accordion and asked her if anyone in the family had ever played. Surprised that I didn’t know, she told me about dad. I was very excited when she duly produced a dusty old photo the following week and said I could have it.

Alloa Accordion Band and Bill Fyfe sent by Elaine Fyfe.

This finally spurred me on to find a teacher and, after 50 years, I started learning to play. I have now been “playing” about two years under the patient guidance of Alex Ross. I absolutely love it!

However, unlike my dad and my son both born with a natural ear for music I plod along with the sheet music in front on me … I can play a tango!

Dad was a local to the Alloa area so there may be descendants of some of the other folk in the photo who can tell you about the Alloa band.

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Monday – Thursday 9am-8.30pm Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-5.30pm

www.facebook.com/highlevelmusic Tel: 01595 692618

B&F • NOVEMBER 2015

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Button Box Gathering

T

he evening of Thursday 17th September played regularly at this show since he was eleven saw the annual Button Box Gathering and the audience certainly enjoyed his selection of taking place within the splendid setting of great tunes.

Alex Macintyre was next on the stage having Eden Court’s Empire Theatre. Although it started in 2001, this is the first time I’ve been there and it travelled from Perth. His solo performance was of another great variety including some of his own hopefully won’t be the last.

Catherine and Jim Mackay do a power of work in compositions.

As Alex left the stage, the spotlight putting the show together each was then on another solo performer, year and must find it rewarding to Graeme Mackay of Inverness with see an almost full house on the All in all, this his Shand Morino. He is a well night. was a fantastic travelled man who with his box Compere for the evening was evening showcasing travels far and wide to entertain John ‘The Prof’ Matheson and he audiences. started the evening by introducing button-box players Sandy Lindsay took to the stage Andrew Leaver, head of from all over next with his four piece band. His fundraising at Highland Hospice.

Scotland dad Jim was unable to be there, Andrew informed the audience of having recently had an operation – the current activity of the hospice, get well soon Jim. who will be receiving the profits Ending the first half was Jim Mackay’s Scottish from the concert this year. Last year, they received £2,438 from the concert, which included a collection Dance Band – a real family affair with Jim’s son Thomas on drums and grandson Graeme on at the door on the way out.

On with the music and it was The Brandon McPhee button-box. Another great selection including some Trio from Caithness who opened the show with a compositions by Jim – I particularly enjoyed the tune great selection. Eighteen year old Brandon has Broken Branches.

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After the break, the audience were seated and ready for what turned out to be a splendid second half. It started with Ian Cruickshanks and his band from Kirriemuir. Another great line up of musicians, some of whom have played with Ian for many years.

You can see that the line-up for the show travels far and wide to be there and next on stage was Lochcarron box player Sandy Ross. Accompanied on piano by George Mackintosh, another fine selection of tunes followed. It’s always interesting to hear the story behind some of the tunes as well.

Sandy loves going out for a tune and you’ll often hear him at the local accordion and fiddle clubs.

After hearing Brandon McPhee in the first half, it was great to have his uncle, Daniel McPhee in the second half with an outstanding solo performance.

It must be over twenty years ago since I first heard Daniel playing at a ceilidh I was hosting and it’s great to hear him on the scene again playing at some accordion and fiddle clubs.

Last act of the evening was Scott Band & His Scottish Dance Band. He’s from Newtyle in Angus and has the great talent of being able to play both button-box and piano accordions. He also keeps busy as musical director with Dundee Strathspey & Reel Society. Another fine selection of tunes before the other musicians joined the band for a closing set. Matthew Maclennan also presented Catherine with a well deserved bouquet before the curtain came down.

All in all, this was a fantastic evening showcasing button-box players from all over Scotland with an array of different styles and musical influences.

Hopefully, it won’t be the last gathering I’ll be attending – if you haven’t been to one yet, watch this space for details of the next one!! l Ian Simpson All Scottish – North Highland Radio www.northhighlandradio.co.uk

C

ge

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

Camping at the Bay of Skaill with my grandparents in the caravan that my granddad built.

tre Sta n e

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

I’ve had many influences, including Jean & Andy Leonard, Jenny Keldie and Moira Summers.

What was your first job?

Working as a guide at Skaill House.

When was the first time you performed in public?

Not sure, it may have been a Burns Supper with the school fiddle club when I was 11.

What do you appreciate most in life?

That I was born and brought up in Orkney.

What is your greatest indulgence?

Buying tune books... is 53 too many?

What is your abiding musical memory?

A trip with the Orkney Traditional Music Project to the 2003 Yn Chruinnaght Festival on the Isle of Man. It was the same time that Cameron Stout was in the final of Big Brother, and we got caught up in the hype, making banners to set in front of the stage when we were performing.

What are your worst fears?

Not being able to play music, as it is pretty much what takes up all of my spare time!

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

I’ve been on a few musical trips to Bergen, which have always

Diane Kelday If you go down Kirkwall High Street and hear the pipe band playing, you will probably see Diane playing the pipes with them. However, must of us also know Diane as a very accomplished Orkney fiddler. She is the former leader of The Orkney West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society, and now leads The Orkney Traditional Music Project. been great fun. I also love New York.

What is your favourite musical venue?

It has to be a choice between Stromness Town Hall, which has great acoustics or St Magnus Cathedral, which is an absolutely stunning building to play in.

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What is your favourite location in Scotland?

Rackwick beach on Hoy. If you had to leave what would you miss and what would you be glad to see the back of?

I would miss the friends I have made through music, but not the fact that everyone seems to know what everyone else is up to, or if they don’t know they just make it up!

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

The teddy bear I received when I was born.

Who are your heroes and why?

My Grandad Cursiter, a remarkable man who has a fantastic outlook on life.

The Scottish Dance Music scene - your thoughts and hopes?

I think youngsters in Orkney are more interested in big folky groups rather than Scottish Dance Music, so I hope that we can have a revival and get some new Orkney dance bands on the go.

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

Peter Kay, Ainsley Harriott, Lorraine Kelly, Sue Perkins, Michael Bublé

How would you like to be remembered?

For having a leading role in youth music within Orkney

Your 1,2,3 of favourite tunes/ songs?

The Duke of Fife’s Welcome to Deeside, Heroes of Longhope and The Sandiburn Reel.

What makes you angry, annoyed or short tempered?

People who don’t listen to suggestions on how to make improvements, only to decide in hindsight that it might have actually been a good idea!

Today I will: Eat: Pasta bake Drink: Tea Read: A lot of emails!

Visit: The bank Watch: The Food Network channel

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THE

Jack Delaney STORY

By Heather Delaney We continue the story of Jack Delaney as told by his granddaughter Heather.

I

n 1959 Jack met my Gran Leslie and they were married in September 1960. She was the perfect wife for putting up with him being away so much and having to wash white shirts all the time. She supported him unquestionably and even forgave him (just!) when he accidentally arranged a gig in the Lake District for someone’s silver wedding party – on the day of his own silver wedding! They had a very warm and loving relationship, living in ‘perfect harmony’ for 53 years. Jack and Leslie encouraged all the family with their music and Leslie in particular was very proud of them all.

During the sixties and seventies Jack played second box with lots of bands making records and doing broadcasts frequently. At that time Jim Johnstone was broadcasting with an excellent five-piece band and asked Jack to play on his first six-piece broadcast. Shortly after, Jim asked Jack to do a series of country dance recordings with him at the Craighall studio in Edinburgh. Jack also recorded with Jimmy Shand Jnr and Bert Shorthouse on the same series.

In 1960, Jack joined the Hamish Menzies band and played with them until 1972. This band consisted of Hamish Menzies on fiddle, Dochie McCallum on Shand Morino, Bert Leishman on drums, Walter Sinton on piano and Robert Anderson on bass. They

travelled all over the country in the Bedford van with a dodgy heater, playing in many venues on the west coast, in the borders and the north of England. This was one of the best working bands he had been in, and Jack really enjoyed playing with these fellows.

He reckons that Hamish and Dochie are two of the finest gentlemen in the band business. They had many happy times together and are still very close friends. In 1965, Gus Miller joined the band and did his first broadcast with them. Believe it or not, Jack says that Gus was a very shy and quiet fellow in these days, but look at him now!

The band played in the hall at Lochearnhead every Saturday for a number of years and had great fun there. After closing time in the Lochearnhead Hotel, the locals all piled into the hall to dance and many stories can be told about this. There were two worthies, who shall remain nameless, who were always up to mischief and frequently caused mayhem. Once they decided that another local farmer, who was very drunk, was badly in need of a haircut. “It’s time to set the heather on fire” was the comment they made as they used a lighter to set fire to his hair. The drunken farmer never even noticed it happening and the smell of burned hair lingered in the hall all night.

In 1969, the band moved from Lochearnhead

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1981 Jack at Craighall Studio recording an LP for RSCDS with Andrew Rankine

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Jack Delaney and Band.

called ‘The Clachan Ceilidh’. ‘The Ceilidh’ was set village hall to the Trossachs Hotel playing for up by Matt McCabe in Alloa, Clackmannanshire dancing every Saturday evening. It was a very and it provided an opportunity for youngsters to popular venue and people travelled from as far as learn skills in Scottish dance, song, and a variety of Glasgow, Stirling and Alloa to join in the fun. musical instruments. The young people could then In 1972, when Hamish Menzies took over as come together to perform for the public at concerts Postmaster in Callander, Jack started his own band. and ceilidhs.

The original line-up was Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, The group went on exchange Ricci Franci and Graeme Burns visits to Germany where they were plus Elaine Anderson singing. once involved in a TV broadcast.

Elaine was later replaced by Jean Jack has always Jack remembers that at one point he Thom. Jean and her husband was on stage playing a large Hohner John became close friends with been keen to Morino V while Forbes MacFarlane Jack and Leslie and she still sings see traditional was playing his Hohner Black Dot with Jack every Thursday at a Scottish music Double Ray melodeon. The German voluntary group in Stirling. survive producers thought it was hilarious to During the late seventies Jack see a tiny man playing a massive was once again invited to play with accordion and a larger man playing Andrew Rankine when he came a tiny melodeon. up to Scotland to do broadcasts It was through the Clachan Ceilidh that many of for the BBC and Radio Forth on Robin Brock’s today’s musicians did their apprenticeship including programme.

Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Walter Sinton, John Jack continues doing broadcasts to this day.

Sinton, Marissa Bryce, Robert Ramsay, Graham He has played alongside many of the top bands Miles, Bert Fullerton, Ian Thomson, Gordon Shand including Bert Shorthouse, Sir Jimmy Shand and and many more. It was during this period that Jack Jimmy Shand Jnr., Jim Johnstone, Alex MacArthur, met Graeme Burns who began to play with his band Robin Brock, Iain MacPhail, Sandy Nixon, Neil and became his best friend.

Barron, Colin Dewar and many others.

Recently, he was involved with Iain MacPhail Jack has always been keen to see traditional in making a CD for Logan MacGregor called Scottish music survive and be enjoyed by as many ‘Reflecting on Rankine’, an album of Andrew people as possible. For many years Jack helped Rankine compositions and sets with Iain MacPhail tutor bands of young people in an organisation

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1

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3 1. Jack Delaney and his band at one of their many visits to an accordion and fiddle club.

2. The Colin Dewar band all fit for a Queen.

2 taking the lead and granddad on second box. Jack really enjoyed working with Iain and they have become very good friends.

The line up in granddad’s band has changed over the years as musicians have come and gone. The current band members are granddad on lead box, Alastair McGirr on keyboard, my dad John Delaney on bass, Melanie Dutton on drums and myself on fiddle. Alistair started in 1981 and in Jack’s words: He “couldn’t have found a better pianist, bandsman and friend”. Alastair’s superb musicianship and fine arrangements have really been the core of the band. In addition, Jackie Raeburn and James Gunn are drafted in when a second box is required. We still play at ceilidhs and in accordion & fiddle clubs.

For the past ten years the band has played at the Pitlochry Street Party, which is held on New Year’s Day. What an experience it is playing in the open air in freezing conditions for two or three thousand very enthusiastic dancers.

Jack has managed to travel and play the length

3. Jack receiving the Guest Artiste of the Year Award in 2015.

and breadth of Britain as well as France and Monte Carlo. Whoever said that playing the accordion wasn’t glamorous? He has even played for Royalty in Edinburgh, Balmoral and Stirling. The Queen commented to granddad that she was most concerned that they had to carry so much heavy equipment around with them!

One of the highlights in his career was receiving the Caithness Bowl from the NAAFC as one of their Guests of Honour in 2006 at their Annual AGM and Luncheon.

My grandad has enjoyed every minute of his 65 playing years and wouldn’t have changed a minute of it. He “enjoys the tune and the crack” as much as ever. He says he wouldn’t have been doing guest artiste spots at accordion and fiddle clubs now if it wasn’t for me playing with him in the band – so I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to him. I always enjoy and look forward to being able to play with a full six-piece band of experienced musicians and this is something I will never forget. l

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Take The Floor

THE JIM LINDSAY BAND It is some 30 years since Jim Lindsay gathered together a group of like-minded musicians from other bands with a view to “doing something different and having fun” on Take the Floor. Over the intervening period The Jim Lindsay Band has consistently maintained a reputation for innovative arrangements and unusual and fun repertoire as high-lighted on their critically acclaimed Freehand CD. Meanwhile a different version of The Jim Lindsay Band was gaining world-wide recognition for quality music for Scottish country dancing and produced several popular dancing CDs. Indeed, the most recent of these, Book 49 for the RSCDS, has been hailed as “the new gold standard for Scottish country dance music”.

This Take the Floor session broadcast on 14th/15th November sees a new incarnation of the band bringing together the two sides of its history and features some brand new material, some revamps of the band’s classic tracks and of course, some good traditional dance music. The seven piece line-up is: Jim Lindsay and David Hume (accordion), Alison Smith and Gillian Ramsay (violin), Malcolm Ross (drums), Graham Berry (piano) and John Sinton (bass). Jim tells me he is thrilled to be working with such a talented team and that they had a great time during the session. He only hopes that their chemistry comes across on the finished article and that the audience gains as much enjoyment from the music as they did. l

07/11/15 Compilation – Showcase Of Tracks From Many Of Our

Leading Bands + All Scotland Senior Accordion Championships 14/11/15 Jim Lindsay SDB + Glenfiddich 2 21/11/15 Niall Kirkpatrick SDB 28/11/15 Jack Delany SDB

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.

ANNAN ST ANDREWS The guest band for September was The Bon Accords, comprising of husband and wife, Robin and Deryn Waitt. Robin plays a Shand Morino 3-row button-key accordion, whilst Deryn plays piano accordion and provides occasional vocals. They are very popular across Scotland and the North of England and have toured Ireland on a number of occasions. They shared a close friendship with Dermot O’Brien, the legendary Irish entertainer.

The band commenced the evening by playing for dancing.

The local players, accompanied by Billy Porter and Ian Riddet on drums and occasionally by Robin Waitt on second accordion were: Kenny White from Rigg, who played a number of popular Scottish tunes on piano accordion; William Little from Dumfries with three sets on whistle; Norman Swainson from Wigton played for a Pride of Erin Waltz on piano accordion. Jim Fraser from Dumfries played for a Hesitation Waltz on piano accordion. Newby Park from Carlisle can play piano accordion, button-key accordion

and concertina and played an aged piano accordion for a waltz and a quickstep. Kenny Jackson from Stonehouse played a number of popular tunes on piano accordion.

David Bell from Carlisle played for an Edinburgh Mixture and White Heather Foxtrot on piano accordion.

Robin and Deryn reside at Claygate, close to Gilnockie Village Hall and are passionate supporters of all activities in the hall. Wendy Ralston from Sanquhar recited her own poem in the vernacular, titled Gilnockie, which told of a ceilidh in the hall and also of the famous Burns Supper. It was absolutely priceless.

The guest band then returned to end the evening. Finally, MC Jack Murdoch thanked the band and each and every one of the local players.

BANFF The Banff Springs Hotel was the scene for our September meeting, the first after our successful weekly summer ceilidhs.

Andy welcomed all and the floor players started with Graeme Wilson from Inverness

on piano accordion and John Cook from Turriff on washboard, Dave Morrice joined in on keyboard. It was a nice sound done in style as they played marches, waltzes and reels, even a set of sing-along songs.

Dave and Diane Morrice from Balmedie then took to the stage, Dave on fiddle with Diane on keyboard. Their sets included some Scott Skinner music, always good to listen to. Dave play a lot of different tempos and his guitar playing, especially of The Dark Island, was great to listen to.

Andy, John, Graham and Diane started the second half with more music including The Wild Rover, some reels and The Last Waltz before Dave and Diane returned playing Young at Heart, which of course they are.

After a great number of well kent tunes, they finished off the evening with some Hillbilly music. It was great playing from Dave and Diane and the stramash then brought the evening to a close.

Agnes Bain BIGGAR Biggar Accordion & Fiddle Club had their first meeting

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Ramsay and Morag Robertson continued with the high standard of musical tempos and sounds. Eric Davidson and David Stoakes finished off for the night before our guest band took to the stage again for their second session.

The club would like to remind everyone that our AGM will be held PRIOR to our November club meeting on Tuesday 10th November at 7.30pm.

David Kennedy and his SDB, Biggar

of the season on Sunday 13th September and enjoyed a good turnout of both players and listeners alike.

Playing accordion were Finlay Hope, Fiona Paul, David Millar, Fraser Hewitt, Newby Park, India Smith, Jim Gold, Allan Smith and Alan Gardiner, with David Corner entertaining on concertina. Fiona Paul and Keith Dickson played keyboard with Tom Hope and Andrew Gibb on drums. The star of the show was however little Emily Gold (3 years old!) who sang a lovely song unaccompanied.

Guest artistes for the evening were David Kennedy and his Scottish Dance Band. Fresh from recording their second “Take The Floor” session back in May they enthralled the audience with a great selection of material, full of energy and drive.

All in all, a great start to the new season. Our next evening is on Sunday 8th November when we look forward to far travelled guest artistes from Campbeltown, Archie & Alec McAllister. This fiddle and accordion duo will bring a fine “West Coast” flavour to the club

and we very much look forward to their visit.

BLAIRGOWRIE Wow what a busy evening!

The hall was full and lots of players awaited their turn on stage to keep the large crowd entertained.

As usual Scott Band, Chairman, kicked off the evening accompanied by Gerry Boxhall on drums and Marissa Bryce on keyboard.

Club regular Alan Petrie was next followed by Gordon Reid.

John Gray accompanied by Billy Hutton on drums continued the musical journey of the night. John Davidson followed by the youngest player of the night, Liam Hope, kept everyone’s toes tapping in time to the music. Our guest band, The David Oswald SDB, took to the stage for their first session. Musically they travelled all over Scotland with many a tale to tell about the tunes they were playing. It was lovely to see them back at the club.

Stewart Smith took to the stage to start the second half of the night’s entertainment. Joyce

CASTLE DOUGLAS The first meeting of the season for Castle Douglas Accordion and Fiddle Club took place at The Urr Valley Country House Hotel on Tuesday, 15th September. The weather outside was glorious and the welcome inside was warm.

Our Chairman and MC, Ian Riddet, introduced our backing musicians: Pat Clark on keyboard, Ian Marshall on drums, and playing for the first time for the club, George McKinnel on accordion. They really were fantastic. Local artists were on accordion: Billy Telford, David Dunbar, Jim Fraser, Barbara Fisher and, all the way from Stonehouse, Kenny Jackson. On fiddle we heard John Cowan; on whistle, Willie Little; on mouthie and spoons, George Shanks; on drums, Ian Smith and on mouthie, also playing for the first time at the club, Dougie Radley from Lochmaben. The backing musicians and the local players were all superb. Thank you one and all.

Our guest artiste was the bubbly Ray Carse from Armadale. His wit and his

B&F • CLUB NEWS

first visit to Coalburn and we hope it won’t be too long before he returns! Another grand night!

DUNFERMLINE

Callum Wilson’s SDB, Coalburn

stories had us all in stitches the whole time. Not only did he have a great sense of humour, but his playing was first class, too. He involved the audience to the extent that he received two standing ovations at the end of the evening. As one member said: “How do you follow an evening like this?” Thanks Ray! Ian Riddet thanked the hotel and the helpers and wished everyone goodnight.

COALBURN September saw us head back to Coalburn Miners Welfare Hall for our first night of the season, how time flies, where has the summer gone? Did we have a summer?

Over 100 people arrived to support us and as Jean had only ordered 96 pies the boys delivering were told not to coax anybody to take a pie if they were hesitating, however, back came 2 pies so Jean was able to breathe a sigh of relief!

A special mention was made to Davie Graham from Sanquhar who had received Club Supporter of the Year at the recent BAFFI awards.

Congratulations and well deserved Davie. Davie is a regular face at Coalburn.

Supporting players were George Forsyth, Bob Berry, Elizabeth Morrison, Frank Morrison, Marshall Harkness, Margaret Ferguson, Kenny Jackson, Fiona Paul, Agnes Hope, Ronnie Easton, Alan Smith, Willie McFarlane and young Mark Bryson and his cousin Angus on accordions.

This was Angus’s first visit to Coalburn and we hope he will return, however that will depend on whether it clashes with his carpet bowls, lets hope box and fiddle win! On keyboard were Fiona Paul and Dorothy Lawson and at the start we had no drummer, but faithful Charlie Todd arrived and helped us out for most of the night. Andrew Clacher gave us a few tunes on the harmonica, nice to hear another instrument.

Guest artist for the evening was The Callum Wilson SDB from Biggar, with Callum on lead accordion, his wife Ena on piano, Arthur Speed on 2nd box and George Shiels on drums who gave us two very enjoyable sessions. This was not Callum’s

The first meeting of the season got off to a great start in our new venue, The Sportsmans Bar, Burnside Street, Rosyth.

Chairman Mike Davies opened the meeting and welcomed a large crowd. Some were well kent faces and some were new.

First on stage were “The Young Ones” consisting of Bob Adam and John Drury on accordions, Frances Craigen and Duncan Cooper on fiddles, Jim Reid on keyboard and Jim Patterson on drums. Next on stage was accordionist John Drury, who gave us a nice polka and a waltz. Scott Morton followed giving us lively tunes on his box. Nice to see John Geddes back, playing as usual some great foot-tapping tunes. Frances Craigen followed playing a tune on her fiddle composed by Jim Reid called The Amethyst Waltz. A new player to the club, Ed Parkhouse, played his accordion and entertained us well. Hope to see you back Ed! Dave Philp played excellently next. Bill Stark followed, as usual fine playing from Bill. Another lady player, Janet Graham on accordion entertained us with a great selection of sing-along tunes.

Last on stage were our regular players, Willie McFarlane accompanied by Jim Dow on drums and Jess Bailey vocalist.

Our guest band for the evening was The Ewan Dowie Band. A great new band! Ewan

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was accompanied by Gary Sutherland, Craig Paton on keyboard and Kyle Innes on drums. The lads were excellent and entertained the audience well.

Bob Adam DUNS The first meeting of the new season was held in The Masonic Lodge, Newtown Street, Duns on Monday 21st September; Chairman Ronnie Patterson gave a warm welcome to all musicians and supporters, especially to the visitors and anyone attending our club for the first time.

The following supporting players ensured that we had the usual excellent supply of great music. Accordionists: Philip Gillie, Brian Forrest, Ronnie Johnstone, Ronnie Easton, Neil MacMillan, Charlie McIntee and Gordon Brown; Concertina: David Corner; Keyboard: Brian Forrest and Neil MacMillan; Fiddle: David Corner and June Meikle; Drums: Tom Riddell, Will Gillie and Tom Rankin.

The guest artistes were the Scott Band Band, Scott on lead accordion, Bill Ewing on piano, Gillian Ramsay on fiddle and Graham Sherritt on drums. Scott leading the band, on both piano- and button-box, gave a first class performance with an extremely well played programme, which was much appreciated and enjoyed by everyone at Duns.

Our youngest member of the audience this evening was June Meikle’s niece Ava Nichol, 9 months old, who thoroughly enjoyed the music.

The evening ended with the

Ewan Dowie, Dunfermline Scott Band Band, Duns

local players joining Scott and the band for a stramash, all too soon it was time for Ronnie to thank everyone for contributing to another fantastic night. We look forward to seeing everyone next month.

Dorothy Patterson FINTRY Our first meeting of the season got off to a flying start with a record number of individual players, fourteen in all, resulting in a couple of players having to stand down.

The players who performed for us were 7 year old Kirsty Rodger, Mum Susan Rodger, Newby Park, John Geddes,

Andy Philip, Janet Graham, Bill Stewart, Sandy Scott, Neil MacEachern, Geoff Burton, all accordion players, with Andrew Clacker on harmonica, Bruce Shearlaw on pipes. Newby Park was also able to give us a couple of tunes on his Paolo Soprani accordion dated 1870!

Backing our players were John Strachan and Margaret Burton on piano with Gerry Boxall and Billy Hutton on drums. We also welcomed David Graham, Club Supporter of the Year.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the two sessions of music from our guests Nicky McMichan with Matthew Maclennan on second accordion and Gordon Smith on drums. We were certainly

B&F • CLUB NEWS

The Graeme Mitchell SDB, Forres

Graeme’s band gave us a super programme of fine music played with the usual positivity and steady tempo that we associate with Graeme. The band consisted of Graeme, Gordon Duguid, Brian Cruickshank and Duncan Christie. Great music, Thanks lads! A lovely dressed doll and wardrobe of twelve hand knitted outfits has been donated to the club by member Mrs Mary Wright.

We will run a raffle for it over September, October and November, and the draw will be made on the November club night. Our sincere thanks go to Mary for her generosity. Our first night ended with all musicians joining our guests for the closing stramash.

S. Kelman GRETNA

treated to a very professional performance from this group playing a wide selection of Scottish music.

Thanks to all for a great evening of music.

Geoff Burton FORRES The new season got off to a fine start with visitors from Banchory and Australia. The guest band was The Graeme Mitchell SDB. Compere John “the prof” Matheson invited all players on stage for the opening stramash, which was led by committee member Chris Stepien.

Yvonne Cameron was our first local player on piano accordion.

We were then entertained on melodeon by Fred Davidson from Banchory. Thanks for coming such a long way to play for us, Fred. Jim McKay of Inverness was next on buttonkey accordion, followed by two fiddlers, Fiona Cameron and Willie James, backed by piano and drums. In the second half, Graham Wilson followed

by Ian Duguid (both on piano accordion) played for us and Hamish MacDougall gave us a few tunes on his button-box.

Providing backing throughout the evening were Ena Brian or myself on piano with John Brander, Jock Stephen, Iain Anderson and George Hutcheson on drums.

The first meeting of the season was held on Sunday 6th September at the Gables Hotel. In the absence of our regular MC John Salton, David Bell welcomed everyone with a wish for a successful season.

As usual the Lyne Valley Band opened the programme playing marches and The Watchtower.

Next was Don Ferguson who entertained with some Elvis Presley numbers, followed

by Bill Bell with some Jimmy Shand waltzes. We were happy to welcome mouth organ player John Graves who played Whistling Rufus (surely not easy to play on a moothie).

Next came Newby Park who played wheels and reels and for Richard Brown it was waltzes and foxtrots.

The guests for the evening were Robert Whitehead and

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his band who played a great selection of dance music featuring composers such as Jimmy Shand, Angus Fitchet and Ronnie Cooper.

The second half began with Norman Swainson giving us Irish and Scottish love songs and Brian Maxwell who went to the Highlands for marches and waltzes. Our last local player was Robin Waitt who performed 6/8 marches and The Oslo Waltz.

The guests returned and began with a request for The Andy Ross Two-step followed by a polka and a waltz dedicated to Emma.

A tune named for the great Northumbrian mouth organ player Willie Atkinson preceded hornpipes and jigs. Then came a beautiful fiddle solo by Andy Kain and the band closed their programme with a set of reels.

David Bell then thanked everyone.

Kate Andrews HIGHLAND The Highland Club reconvened for the new season in the usual venue and a large crowd assembled in the hall well before starting time.

First up was local broadcaster and noted accordion player, Graham Wilson. Jean Millwood then took to the stage. Jean is a very skilful player and we knew we were in for a treat. Jean was backed by Jacqui MacDonald on keyboard. Susie Simpson was next and played solo.

Susie is a very accomplished player and her band is in demand across the country.

Local favourite Archie MacPhee managed a rare visit to the

club and was backed by Jacqui MacDonald on keyboard.

Time for the guests and Roy Hendrie made the trip from Ayrshire. Roy had his good friend Dave Morrice from Aberdeenshire on fiddle and a very sophisticated machine that supplied what seemed like an orchestra at times.

Good stuff from the boys and the crowd certainly enjoyed the different sounds and the mini world tour of tunes, which included a Bossa Nova, something that has not been heard at the Highland Club for a very long time.

Hamish MacDougall started the second half with Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums.

Alex Mackenzie had made the trip in from Garve and formed a trio with Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on drums.

Calum and Bob remained in situ and Ian Joseph MacDonald took the lead with Graham Wilson on second box.

Roy Hendrie and Dave Morrice returned to bring the show to an end with a first class performance and another mini tour and some first class music,

including a fiddle solo from Dave.

For a full report and photographs please view www.hafc-inverness.co.uk or the club’s Facebook page.

KELSO A new season, a new start! I’d like to start off by thanking Bill Elliott for doing our club reports for as long as anyone can remember, and I look forward to having him on hand to assist me as I continue.

With a packed room at Kelso Rugby Club it was great to see everyone straight back into their routine.

Our guest this September evening was The Eric Goodfellow Band with Eric himself on lead accordion, well respected Roddy Matthews on fiddle and not forgetting the great back line of Ian Anderson on piano and Robert Whillans on drums. A great variety of tunes was played from someone who doesn’t read music. Roddy played a superb solo of Leaving Lerwick Harbour.

With nearly as many

B&F • CLUB NEWS

Lewis & Harris

musicians as audience there was music all night with Bob Liddle, Charlie McIntee, Robert Cleland, Gordon Clark, Tommy Herdman, Leonard Brown, Paul Capaldi, Robin Waitt, Brian Forest, Roger Dobson and Ronnie Easton all on accordions; June Meikle and Ian Woods on fiddle; David Corner on concertina; Brian Forest, Bob Liddle and Leonard Brown on piano and on drums we had Tommy Riddell, Kenny Bell, Bill Gillie and George Darling.

Rachel J Oliver LEWIS & HARRIS In October we welcomed Robert Nairn and his band to our club.

Robert on button-key accordion, Andrew Macdonald on piano accordion and Hugh MacCallum on drums. Robert is no stranger to our island and has played here on many occasions and we had a good big audience to appreciate the great music he and his band gave us. Our Compere for the night was our chairman, Duncan Gordon, who also entertained us with his accordion music as well as Ishbel Crichton, Angus, Mark,

DB, Graham and Alex Morrison.

Dol brought along his melodeon and Annabel was on the fiddle with DB on box and Violet Morrison on keyboard.

Definitely a night to remember and on behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who came along to support us.

Douglas Watson LIVINGSTON The first night of the season got off to beautiful start with George Forsyth playing the Primrose Valley Waltz in tribute to the late Ian Baird. Sandy Scott followed with Harry Lauder and Irish selections, tempting the audience to sing along. Next Bob Berry played an enjoyable Scottish selection including Kelvingrove, then David Horner played two lovely little hornpipe selections. Arthur Brown and Jessie Whyte (fiddle) gave us a rowdy – in a nice way!

– reels and waltz selection, before Margaret Roberson slowed the tempo to perfection with a beautiful slow intro into Dumbarton’s Drums. Fiona Paul played a lovely Scottish and American selection including

Golden Slippers and Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Guest artistes The Pentlands Ceilidh Band, Colin Brown, Derek Rae and Gary Kello, played a tremendous selection including a nifty set of Irish jigs and a fine set of Shetland reels especially for our visitors from Shetland, Mr & Mrs Drewie Hawick. Jigs by Fiona Driver followed including a fascinatingly named Rabbits Go Away. Making the visit a family occasion, Derek’s son, Logan Rae, earned huge applause with his drum solo.

Willie MacFarlane started the second half with a tango, followed by David Horner with his fiddle and then Bob Wight with lovely 6/8 and waltz selections before we delighted in welcoming to the stage, Drewie Hawick. Ronnie Easton completed the evening with a lovely couple of sets.

Pentlands Ceilidh Band recommenced with Flowers of Edinburgh then thrilled us with wonderful pipe jigs, reels, marches and much more. A great night was enjoyed by all.

Thanks also to pianists for the evening Derek Hamilton and Fiona Paul and to drummers Jim Dow and Jack McLeish for suitably accompanying most of our players.

WEE LOCKERBIE For the first meeting of the new season in the Queens Hotel there was a good turnout of players and audience. MC John Watret had a busy time introducing the volunteer players: On accordion, David Dunbar, Bill McMinn,

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Jim Fraser, Newby Park, James Johnstone, Kenny Jackson, Bill Telfer, Fiona Paul, Charlie Todd, and Leonard Brown. Ian Wood played fiddle and William Little gave a tune on his tin whistle.

Our resident keyboard player Iain Wilson accompanied most of the volunteer players, but got an occasional rest when Willie McRobert, Fiona Paul and Leonard Brown took a turn. The drummers sharing the accompaniment during the evening were the two regular drummers, Ian Riddet and Bob Dorrance, with Charlie Todd also giving them a break.

The guest artistes for the evening were two wellknown musicians on the Scottish Dance music scene; accordionist Liam Stewart accompanied by drummer Gordon Smith. The duo played two sessions of a great and varied selection of music including some Continental numbers, very well played to the delight of everyone judging by the foot-tapping and clapping. Great music.

The usual raffle was held and thanks to everyone who came along to support the club.

See you again this month. All welcome.

NEWBURGH Our Compere Jim Aitken welcomed all to the first meeting of the season at Abdie Hall, Grange of Lindores and we started off with a couple of tunes from a regular player Dave Matthew on piano accordion ably accompanied by our resident musicians Alan Sutherland (drums) and

Roger Dobson & his Band,, Newtongrange

Graham Berry (keyboard).

Dave was followed by the youngest member of the McLaren Family, Cameron; he was followed by his father Jim who also played a nice selection. Next was Bob Russell from Leuchars and right after him we had John White playing fiddle and his daughter Catriona playing the penny whistle. She then played her guitar and sang a lovely song about picking brambles written and composed by herself.

Our guest artist was Gavin Piper from Letham, Angus.

Gavin is a one man show playing some wonderful music on his electronic 5-row buttonaccordion, lots of great effects for the audience to enjoy, and he took us up to the traditional break for tea and goodies provided by the hall committee.

The second half was started by the third member of the McLaren family, granddad Pete (piano accordion), accompanied on drums this time by Rab Stark and Graham.

He was followed by a regular at many clubs, Chic Boath, on his 3-row button-box. Next was Dave Husband accompanied

by Alan Crawford (drums). Our Compere Jim Aitken played his fiddle and provided us with a song in the “Key of Jim” which Graham managed to accompany with ease. Our last spot fell to Dave Matthew before we had Gavin Piper take us up to ’lousing’ time again with many great selections.

Thanks to all who came along either to listen or participate and we hope to see you all again.

NEWTONGRANGE A beautiful night ushered in the first night of the season, and it was heartening to see a great turnout, especially in view of the fact that we had a change of venue for the evening.

Chairman Andrew Knight got the music under way, and welcomed all. Over the course of the evening we heard from accordionists: Karen Higgins, Margaret Kemp, David Pollock, Chris Ratter, Sheila McLean, Ronnie Johnstone, Ewan Galloway, Linda Campbell, Magnus Turpie, Norman McKay and Gordon Clark; fiddlers: Andrew Knight, David Corner,

B&F • CLUB NEWS

Seven-year-old Rachel Low making her Club debut, North East

Leonard Brown, North East

Carrie Owen, Debbie Davidson, Gordon Cameron, Jan Dubickas, and Mike Faulds; on keyboard: Ewan Galloway and Hilda Fulton; on drums: Tam Rankin and George Darling and on concertina: David Corner.

It was great to see many new musicians and we look forward to seeing them again.

We were delighted to welcome the well-known and highly respected Roger Dobson and his band. They played a fantastic selection of music, getting the audience’s feet tapping. With Roger were daughter Carol on fiddle, Mark MacDougall on keyboard and Eric Goodfellow on drums.

After the break and raffle the music got back under way with more from our local and visiting musicians.

The band returned to the stage with another set of great tunes including a lovely solo from Carol – Ashokan’s Farewell. All the music was very much appreciated by all. Thank you, Roger and band, for an excellent night to start the new season.

We would like to thank Newtongrange Masonic Lodge

and staff for providing a great venue and invaluable help, and also Tommy Johnson for providing the pies.

Mags NORTH EAST There was a large audience for the first meeting of the season.

The stramash, consisting of 2 accordions, 4 fiddles, piano and drums was lead by accordionist Lesley Nicol. Compere Doug Stewart then welcomed the crowd and acknowledged the sad passing of accordionist George Anderson, who was a founder member of the club.

He then introduced Lesley who dedicated a Continental tune to George. Little Rachel Lowe on accordion was visiting the club for the first time. She played Happy Birthday for Treasurer Jan Petrie. She gave a confident performance of some well, known tunes.

Her older sister, Kirsty played some lovely tunes on the fiddle.

Fiddler Casey Findlay was next with a great performance.

Another fiddler, Rebecca Anderson, was accompanied by Jane Farquharson on piano and entertained the audience with

a great selection and finished with a 6/8 march written for the club by her granddad, the late George Anderson. Doug then entertained the audience whilst our band for the evening set up.

Leonard Brown and Malcolm Ross, provided a great selection of toe-tapping music and laughter. They performed a fun tune, The Typewriter. They finished the first half with a brilliant rendition of The Flying Scotsman.

Accordionist Ken Mackay started the second half with a fine selection of tunes. Fiddler Gina Robertson was next also with a great set. Lesley took the stage again, this time on piano to play her own composition, Daisy Rock. Fiddler Isla Smith played some great selections.

Fiddler Lorna Edward, accompanied by Jane played a beautiful slow air and a set of marches.

It was then back to the band and a wide range of tunes from traditional Scottish to Italian and even Brazilian. The evening concluded with a great performance of The Orange Blossom Special.

Lorna Edward

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ORKNEY Unlike clubs further ‘sooth’, Orkney Accordion & Fiddle Club hold their major events during the summer months to take advantage of better weather, longer daylight, and the many visitors from all over.

So on 30th Sept we put on our final summer event using the evening to showcase some of our local talent.

Club players, led by young fiddle player Graham Low, played four rousing sets to set the standard for the evening.

Graham then took the stage alone to let us all see what a talent he has become in his own right. Orange Blossom Special is something special when it gets his treatment. Following this, and finishing off the first half we had another new young group, this time pupils from Stromness Academy, under the name Belt Hid Oot. I love their version of The Rose of St Magnus with the beautiful harmonies they blend into it. Great!

The club players again set toes tapping to start the second half off. Good to see another new face or two in the ranks.

Following this came a well known duo, Jenny & Hazel Wrigley. After a couple of warm up sets they really got into full flow, one felt they could have gone on all night moving slickly from tune to tune. However, waiting in the wings were Orkney S & R players - our special guests of the evening.

They have their own distinctive sound with their variety of instruments. I loved their treatment of the slow air, Light in That Land. It was obvious the

Belt Hid Oot, Orkney

audience wanted more as the last set finished, so once again the players finished the evening on an unscheduled set of tunes. It was a fitting end to our summer events for another year.

BB ROTHBURY AUGUST We had a capacity audience at our August club meeting held at the Queens Head Hotel at Rothbury. Our guest artistes were two very young and talented brothers. Kyle Rowan, aged 13, took the lead on piano accordion with his brother Alan, accompanying him on keyboard. This was their first appearance playing at an accordion club and they performed excellently. They played some wonderful sets including The Skylark’s Ascension, The Tiree Bridal Song, Pipe Major Jim Christie of Wick, The Killin Jig, and many others.

Local artistes were Joan Kirk, Mungo Riddell, Sylvia Youngson, Janet Graham, Rachel Oliver and Anne Brown

on accordions; Sue Morgan on keyboard, Robin Dunn, Rachel Haile and Andy Kain on fiddles; and Joe Ashbridge on drums.

Many thanks go to all the locals who came along to add to the enjoyment of the evening. All good wishes to Kyle and Alan for the future and hope they will come back to Rothbury again.

SEPTEMBER Our local players were Joan Kirk, Mungo Riddell, Sylvia Youngson, Robin Cowens, Rachel Oliver and Anne Brown all on accordions. Anne played a lovely tune composed by a local musician, James Tait, called Long Journey Home.

Sue Morgan on keyboard, Jimmy Little on mouth organ, Robin Dunn and Rachel Hailes on fiddle and Joe Ashbridge on drums. The guest artistes, The Gold Brothers Trio were introduced, comprising of Jim Gold on accordion, Tom Gold on fiddle and on drums, Ross Anderson. They played a good variety of well-known tunes including The Meeting of the Waters, The Blackthorn Stick, Margaret’s Waltz, Crossing the

B&F • CLUB NEWS

The Kyle Rowan Duo, Rothbury

Minch and Simon Thoumire’s Jig. Many thanks to all the local players who helped to make this a very enjoyable evening.

Mary Davidson SEGHILL Guest artists of the month were Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross.

Having read the various reports from the venues where they have played, it is very difficult to add anything more, other than as a duo they do produce entertainment of the highest quality.

When the words thank you are not enough, it is better left to memory of the evening and go home happy. Thank you!

Jim Youngson

appreciate their generous support and dedication.

Our supporting artists were: Tom Cowing and Cynthia Mackenzie accompanied on drums by their old friend and colleague Bill Gillie. Newby Park from Carlisle gave us a memorable performance on his powerful vintage Soprani and on his A flat, single-row melodeon. Anne Brown from Rothbury entertained using her own special arrangements and her own expander. Anne Wilson from Carlisle produced her usual polished performance, though she was using a Hohner strange to her. Alan Barnes

TYNEDALE Our September club night brought us our usual goodly company of both audience and supporting musicians. We are grateful to our supporting players many of whom travel considerable distances to get to Hexham. We very much

The Calchou Ceilidh Band

gave his usual impeccable performance of orchestral arrangements and instrumental voices. June Forster from Carlisle gave us her usual highly polished performance, next was David O’Donnell, always ready with selections from his vast repertoire. We were delighted to welcome Robert Cleland on his first visit to Tynedale. Robert is a very experienced player and is Compere of Galashiels Accordion Club. Leonard Brown from South Shields then produced some instrumental fireworks, just a taste of his future programme when he opens our new season in March 2016.

Our guest artistes were The Calchou Ceilidh Band from Kelso led by accordionist Charlie McIntee with fiddler Louise Douglas and on second accordion Brian Forrest with Bill Gillie on drums. “Calchou” is the ancient name for Kelso.

The programme included two solos from Louise and was a delight. Charlie’s beautiful arrangements had a lightness and refinement to it which made for quite a new sound.

Tom Cowing

29

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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

WICK The first night of the new season drew a large crowd to Mackays Hotel with the Lomond Ceilidh Band featuring Alan Small and Gemma Donald as guest artistes.

14 players started with a stramash and the first tune was composed earlier this year for the club’s 40th anniversary by Iain MacPhail: Iain MacPhail’s Compliments to the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club.

Young Blythe Bullen on fiddle took to the stage accompanied by her tutor Addie Harper.

Young Kirsty Grant followed accompanied by a silent ‘pink panther’ who was on stage in relation to the first tune she played. Next was the Tannach Ceilidh Band, always popular with the audience.

Lee Ann Rosie then played accompanied by Addie. Daniel MacKay followed, despite his disabilities he always plays the accordion with a smile on his face. Ava Harper was next and ably demonstrated that she is developing into a fine fiddle player. Emily Morrison then took us up to guest artiste time with some excellent fiddle playing.

Alan Small and Gemma Donald have both played at the club previously, but not as a duo. They hit the floor running and took us to the interval with well thought out tune sets played to a very high standard.

The Cormack sisters started the second half impressing the audience with their solo and duet playing. We then had the Caithness Volunteers who faithfully appear every month and are always popular with the

Eddie Rose and Alexander (Sandy) Lindsay in full swing.

audience. Last before our guest artistes was Alistair Bain on mouth organ and Addie Harper on accordion. The pair of them can liven any audience and seem to thrive on each other’s playing.

Alan and Gemma continued where they had finished in the first half with the audience clearly showing their appreciation. An excellent opening to our new season.

JWFM BUTTON-KEYS (WINDYGATES)

We had an excellent turnout at the September meeting with Eddie Rose and Alexander Lindsay as our guests, which proved to be a great evening with such a variety of comedy sketches and humorous banter between Eddie and the participating audience, while Alexander kept the music going with a fine variety. Was it a concert, accordion club or a ceilidh? Irrespectively, it was certainly a grand night.

Club players were Bruce Lindsay, Mark Crawford, Dave Matthew, Dave Kerr, Jennifer

Kerr, David Corner, Ian Stuart, Ian McCallum, John Weaks, Peter McLaren, David Pollock, Willie McFarlane, Stuart Venters, Roy Magna, Bryce Johnstone, Jim Bole, Jack McLeish, Graeme Burns, Gerry Boxall, and Jos Taylor. All the players played their own selections, either in groups or solo. We had a surprise visit from Alex McIntyre, who gave us an introduction to a buttonkey accordion, which he had recently obtained and this was followed by two stints on stage with several selections that were certainly very pleasing to the ear. Thank you very much Alex.

Another really enjoyable evening and we managed to give all the players a turn on stage, which resulted in a slight over-run. Thanks very much to all who support the club, donate raffle prizes and purchase raffle tickets. Thanks also to the catering team who always seem to provide the right amount of catering and refreshment. Hope to see you at the November meeting when Dick Black’s band will be the guests.

B&F • CLUB DIARY

31

Club Diary

Please contact editor@boxandfiddle.com for any corrections to the diary.

Please note that the column for Guest Artistes have moved to between Club and Venue

November 2015 DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTISTE

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

1

Arbroath

David Cunningham SDB

Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, Elliot,

By Arbroath DD11 2PE (Doors open 7.30pm)

8.00 pm

Tony Simpson 01241 875 326

1

Gretna

Alistair Anderson

The Gables Hotel Gretna, Gretna Green DG16 5DQ

7.15 pm

David Bell 01228 523 957

2

Thurso

Elizabeth Mackenzie SDB

Pentland Hotel, Thurso KW14 7AA

7.30 pm

Ian Wright 01847 892 050

3

Campsie

Iain Cathcart SDB

Glazert Country House Hotel, Lennoxtown G66 7DJ

7.30 pm

Billy Hutton 0141 776 2344

3

Fort William

Alistair MacPherson

Railway Club, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6LY

8.00 pm

Alisdair MacDonald 01397 701 505

3

Islesteps

Neil Hardie SDB

Locharbriggs Social Club, Locharbriggs DG1 1XS

7.30 pm

Ian Gray 01387 760 276

3

North East

Gillian Stevenson

Royal British Legion, Keith AB55 5EN

7.30 pm

Mrs Petrie 01542 860 246

4

Dingwall

Ewan Galloway Band

National Hotel, Dingwall IV15 9HA

7.30 pm

Elspeth Weir 01349 877 675

4

Glenfarg

Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band

Glenfarg Village Hall, Glenfarg PH2 9NZ

8:00 pm

Russell Robertson 01577 830 642

4

Montrose

Graeme Mitchell SDB

Park Hotel, Montrose DD10 8RJ

7.30 pm

Ron Ramsay 01241 879 487

5

Crieff

The Gateway Players

The British Legion, Crieff PH7 3EB

8:00 pm

Lil Watson 01383 410 131

5

Galashiels

Alan Gardiner Trio

Clovenfords Hotel, Galashiels TD1 3LU

7.30 pm

Robert Cleland 01896 754 463

5

Lewis and Harris

Iain Crichton Memorial Charity Night

Caladh Inn, Stornoway HS1 2QN

8.00 pm

Janette MacIver 01851 704 870

5

Oban

Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio (40th Anniversary)

The Royal Hotel, Oban PA34 4BE

7.30 pm

Anne McFadyen 01631 562 077

5

Rothbury

Neil Hardie Band (Agm)

Queens Head Hotel, Rothbury NE65 7SR

7.30 pm

Mary Davidson 01668 281 307

5

Isle of Skye

Lomond Ceilidh Band

The Royal Hotel, Portree IV51 9BU

7.30 pm

info@skyemusic.co.uk

5

Turriff

Dennis Morison SDB

Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown AB53 5WJ

7.30 pm

Pat Steele 01888 562 486

8

Biggar

Archie & Alec Mcallister

Biggar Bowling Club, Biggar ML12 6AX

7.00 pm

Charlie Todd 01899 308 327

8

Haddington

Graeme Munro

Railway Hotel, Haddington EH41 3AF

2.00 pm

Audrey Podlinski 01620 828 095

10

Blairgowrie

Craigowl SDB (AGM)

Red House Hotel, Coupar Angus PH13 9AL

7.30 pm

Helen Aitchison 01821 670 302

10

Dunfermline

Janet Graham Band

Sportsman Bar, Rosyth KY11 2NX

7.30 pm

Mr Bob Adam 01383 306 142

10

Renfrew

Ian Cruickshanks Duo

Moorpark Masonic Halls, Renfrew PA4 0SA

7.30 pm

Ian Murchison 0141 889 4711

11

Alnwick

Scott Band Trio

The Farriers Arms, Alnwick NE66 2XX

7.30 pm

Leonard Brown 07758 723 355

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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

November 2015 cont.

DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTISTE

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

11

Forres

The Aiden Graham Trio

Victoria Hotel, Forres IV36 1EL

7.30 pm

Ann Sharp 01309 672 672

11

Inveraray

David Vernon

Argyll Hotel, Inveraray PA32 8XB

8.00 pm

Margaret Mather 01499 302 458

11

Langholm

Gary Sutherland Trio

British Legion, Langholm DG13 0DN

7.30 pm

Adam Grant 01387 371 423 01387 381 305

12

Button-Key (Windygates)

Dick Black

The Greig Institute, Windygates KY8 5DG

7.00 pm

Mary Cook 01592 713 687

12

Carlisle

Dougie & Tony, South of the Border

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

7.30 pm

Alison Davies 01228 675 505

12

Shetland

Local Night (Visitors Welcome)

Shetland Hotel, Lerwick ZE1 0PW

7.30 pm

Peter Leask 01595 693 162

12

Stonehouse

James Coutts Band

The Stonehouse Bowling Club, Stonehouse ML9 3 EB

7.00 pm

Margaret Hannay 01698 791 163

12

West Barns

Leonard Brown Duo

West Barns Inn, West Barns EH42 1UR

7.30 pm

I McCue 01368 863 448

15

Annan St Andrews

John Douglas

St Andrew Social Club, Annan DG12 5JW

7.30 pm

Mrs N Taylor 01461 204 604

15

Balloch

Leonard Brown

St Kessog’s Hall, Balloch G83 8LQ

7.30 pm

William Scott 07585 554 794

16

Beith

Martainn Skene SDB

Beith Bowling Club, Beith KA15 1DZ

7.30 pm

E MacFadyen 01294 823 865

16

Duns

Ronnie Easton & Friends

Masonic Lodge, Duns TD11 3AS

7.30 pm

01361 883 048

16

Highland

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

The Waterside Hotel, Inverness IV2 4SF

7.30 pm

Jacqui MacDonald 01463 231 929

17

Castle Douglas

Ewan Galloway

Urr Valley Hotel, Castle Douglas DG7 3JG

7.30 pm

Ian Riddet 01387 255 919

17

Dalriada

Ross MacPherson Trio

The Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead PA31 8JN

7.30 pm

Margaret Young 01546 602 915

17

Ellon

Nicola Auchnie Trio

Station Hotel, Ellon AB41 9BD

7.30 pm

Dr Tom R Jamieson 01358 268 354

17

Livingston

Judith Linton Trio

Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn EH47 0JU

7.15 pm

Wendy Evans 0131 441 9116

17

Mauchline

Jim Hutcheon

Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District KFC Supporters Club, Mauchline KA5 5AD

7.30 pm

Andy Rae 01290 550 402

17

Perth & District

Sandy Lindsay Band

Salutation Hotel, Perth PH2 8PH

8.00 pm

Peter Bruce 01738 551 485

17

Seghill

Andy Kain Duo

Seghill Comrades Club, Cramlington NE23 7TQ

7.30 pm

James Youngson 01670 356 410

17

Wick

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

Mackay’s Hotel, Union Street, Wick KW1 5ED

7.30 pm

Farquhar MacGregor 01955 631 243

18

Orkney

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

King Street Halls Kirkwall

7.30 pm

Jim Marwick 01856 874 474

18

Dunblane

Dick Black

Victoria Hall, Stirling Road, Dunblane FK15 9EX

7.15 pm

Pat Anderson 01786 822 505

18

Teviotdale

Ian Muir Trio

Buccleuch Bowling Club, Hawick TD9 0EG

7:30 PM

Stuart Anderson 01450 880 222

19

Coalburn

Ross Macpherson Trio

Coalburn Miners Welfare, Coalburn ML11 0LH

7.30 pm

Wilma Walsh 01555 892 848

19

Glendale

Janet Graham & her Band

Glendale Hall, Wooler NE71 6NL

7.30 pm

Leonard Brown 07758 723 355

19

Tynedale

Alan Roy

Hexham & District Ex-Servicemens Club Hexham NE46 3PQ

7.30 pm

Cynthia MacKenzie 01434 618 646

B&F • CLUB DIARY

33

November 2015 cont.

DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTISTE

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

21

Sutherland

Marian Anderson & Band

Rogart Village Hall, Rogart IV28 3XB

8.00 pm

Monica MacLean 01408 641 388

22

Haddington

Liam Stewart

Railway Hotel, Haddington EH41 3AF

2.00 pm

Audrey Podlinski 01620 828 095

23

Fintry

Seamus O’Sullivan

Fintry Sports Club, Fintry G63 0YA

7.30 pm

Sandy Shearlaw 01360 440 580

24

Aberdeen

Jim Lindsay Trio

Old Machar Royal British Legion, Bridge of Don AB23 8JN

7.30 pm

Susan Gordon 07968 439 421

24

Lockerbie

Alan Gardiner Trio

Queens Hotel, Lockerbie DG11 2RB

7.30 pm

A J Brockbank 01576 202 665

25

Banff & District

Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross

Banff Springs Hotel, Banff AB45 2JE

7.30 pm

Alison Coutts 01346 518 754

25

Kelso

Neil Hardie

Kelso Rugby Club, Kelso TD5 7EH

7.00 pm

Fiona Oliver 01668 216 162

26

Newburgh

Johnny Duncan

Abdie Hall, Grange of Lindores KY14 6JN

7.30 pm

Catriona Reid 07802 901 727

26

Peebles

Gold Brothers

Rugby Social Club, Peebles EH45 8RS

7.30 pm

Dorothy Lawson 07760 197 301

26

Shetland

Leonard Brown

Shetland Hotel, Lerwick ZE1 0PW

7.30 pm

Peter Leask 01595 693 162

29

Forfar

Gavin Piper

Plough Inn, Forfar DD8 3EW

7.30 pm

Gordon Simmers 01307 467 257

30

Banchory

Janet Graham SDB

Burnett Arms Hotel, Banchory AB31 5TD

7.45 pm

Brian Cruickshank 01339 883 582

30

Newtongrange

Susan MacFadyen Trio

Dean Tavern, Newtongrange EH22 4NA

7.30 pm

Margaret Knight 0131 660 1926

December 2015 DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTISTE

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

1

Campsie

Gary Forrest CB

Glazert Country House Hotel, Lennoxtown G66 7DJ

7.30 pm

Billy Hutton 0141 776 2344

1

Fort William

TBC

Railway Club, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6LY

8.00 pm

Alisdair MacDonald 01397 701 505

1

Islesteps

Marian Anderson Trio

Locharbriggs Social Club, Locharbriggs DG1 1XS

7.30 pm

Ian Gray 01387 760 276

1

North East

TBC

Royal British Legion, Keith AB55 5EN

7.30 pm

Mrs Petrie 01542 860 246

1

Wick

Jocky Campbell Dance Band

Mackay’s Hotel, Union Street, Wick KW1 5ED

7.30 pm

Farquhar MacGregor 01955 631 243

2

Dingwall

Elizabeth Mackenzie Trio

National Hotel, Dingwall IV15 9HA

7.30 pm

Elspeth Weir 01349 877 675

2

Glenfarg

David Vernon

Glenfarg Village Hall, Glenfarg PH2 9NZ

8:00 PM

Russell Robertson 01577 830 642

2

Montrose

Ewan Galloway SDB

Park Hotel, Montrose DD10 8RJ

7.30 pm

Ron Ramsay 01241 879 487

3

Crieff

Janet Graham Band

The British Legion, Crieff PH7 3EB

Lil Watson 01383 410 131

3

Galashiels

Blackthorn Ceilidh Band

Clovenfords Hotel, Galashiels TD1 3LU

7.30 pm

Robert Cleland 01896 754 463

3

Lewis and Harris

Local Players (Visitors Welcome)

Caladh Inn, Stornoway HS1 2QN

8.00 pm

Janette MacIver 01851 704 870

3

Isle of Skye

Alan Gardiner Trio

The Royal Hotel, Portree IV51 9BU

7.30 pm

info@skyemusic.co.uk

3

Oban

Leonard Brown

The Royal Hotel, Oban PA34 4BE

7.30 pm

Anne McFadyen 01631 562 077

☛

34

B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

December 2015 cont.

DATE

CLUB

GUEST ARTISTE

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

3

Turriff

Garioch Blend

Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown AB53 5WJ

7.30 pm

Pat Steele 01888 562 486

6

Arbroath

Gary Sutherland Dance Band

Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, Elliot,

By Arbroath DD11 2PE (Doors open 7.30pm)

8.00 pm

Tony Simpson 01241 875 326

6

Gretna

Marian Anderson Trio

The Gables Hotel Gretna, Gretna Green DG16 5DQ

7.15 pm

David Bell 01228 523 957

6

Haddington

Duncan Black

Railway Hotel, Haddington EH41 3AF

2.00 pm

Audrey Podlinski 01620 828 095

8

Aberdeen

Graeme Mitchell SDB

(Christmas Supper Dance)

Old Machar Royal British Legion, Bridge of Don AB23 8JN

7.30 pm

Susan Gordon 07968 439 421

8

Blairgowrie

Ronnie Easton & Friends

Red House Hotel, Coupar Angus PH13 9AL

7.45 pm

Helen Aitchison 01821 670 302

8

Dunfermline

Billy Anderson

Sportsman Bar, Rosyth KY11 2NX2HU

7.30 pm

Mr Bob Adam 01383 306 142

8

Renfrew

Alastair MacLeod Trio

Moorpark Masonic Halls, Renfrew PA4 0SA

7.30 pm

Ian Murchison 0141 889 4711

8

Thurso

Iain MacPhail SDB

Pentland Hotel, Thurso KW14 7AA

7.30 pm

Ian Wright 01847 892 050

9

Alnwick

Christmas Special (Local Night)

The Farriers Arms, Alnwick NE66 2XX

7.30 pm

Leonard Brown 07758 723 355

9

Banff & District

Garioch Blend (Christmas Dance)

Banff Springs Hotel, Banff AB45 2JE

7.30 pm

Alison Coutts 01346 518 754

9

Forres

Graeme Mackay & Rachel Campbell

Victoria Hotel, Forres IV36 1EL

7.30 pm

Mrs Ann Sharp 01309 672 672

9

Inveraray

Ewan Galloway Trio

Argyll Hotel, Inveraray PA32 8XB

8.00 pm

Margaret Mather 01499 302 458

9

Kelso

Nicol Mclaren

Kelso Rugby Club, Kelso TD5 7EH

7.00 pm

Fiona Oliver 01668 216 162

9

Langholm

Seamus O’Sullivan

British Legion, Langholm DG13 0DN

7.30 pm

Adam Grant 01387 371 423 01387 381 305

10

Button-Key (Windygates)

Club Christmas Party

The Greig Institute, Windygates KY8 5DG

7.00 pm

Mary Cook 01592 713 687

10

Carlisle

Johnny Duncan Duo

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

7.30 pm

Alison Davies 01228 675 505

10

Shetland

Local Night (Visitors Welcome)

Shetland Hotel, Lerwick ZE1 0PW

7.30 pm

Peter Leask 01595 693 162

10

Stonehouse

Stuart McKeown Band

The Stonehouse Bowling Club, Stonehouse ML9 3 EB

7.00 pm

Margaret Hannay 01698 791 163

13

Biggar

Club Night (Visitors Welcome)

Biggar Bowling Club, Biggar ML12 6AX

7.00 pm

Charlie Todd 01899 308 327

14

Duns

TBC

Masonic Lodge, Duns TD11 3AS

7.30 pm

01361 883 048

15

Castle Douglas

Bob Dorrance

Urr Valley Hotel, Castle Douglas DG7 3JG

7.30 pm

Ian Riddet 01387 255 919

15

Mauchline

James Wiseman

Harry Lyle Suite, Mauchline & District KFC Supporters Club, Mauchline KA5 5AD

7.30 pm

Andy Rae 01290 550 402

15

Perth & District

Jack Delaney Band

Salutation Hotel, Perth PH2 8PH

8.00 pm

Peter Bruce 01738 551 485

16

Teviotdale

Blackthorne Ceilidh Band

Buccleuch Bowling Club, Hawick TD9 0EG

7:30 PM

Stuart Anderson 01450 880 222

17

Coalburn

Alan Roy

Coalburn Miners Welfare, Coalburn ML11 0LH

7.30 pm

Wilma Walsh 01555 892 848

17

Glendale

Iain MacPhail & his Band

Glendale Hall, Wooler NE71 6NL

7.30 pm

Leonard Brown 07758 723 355

20

Annan St Andrews

Brian Griffin (Dance)

St Andrew Social Club, Annan DG12 5JW

7.30 pm

Mrs N Taylor 01461 204 604

B&F • CLUB DIARY

35

December 2015 cont.

20

Balloch

Club Night (Visitors welcome)

St Kessog’s Hall, Balloch G83 8LQ

7.30 pm

William Scott 07585 554 794

20

Forfar

Scott Band SDB

Plough Inn, Forfar DD8 3EW

7.30 pm

Gordon Simmers 01307 467 257

21

Beith

Club Night

Beith Bowling Club, Beith KA15 1DZ

7.30 pm

E MacFadyen 01294 823 865

21

Highland

David Vernon

The Waterside Hotel, Inverness IV2 4SF

7.30 pm

Jacqui MacDonald 01463 231 929

22

Seghill

Leonard Brown (Christmas Dinner)

Seghill Comrades Club, Cramlington NE23 7TQ

7.30 pm

James Youngson 01670 356 410

28

Banchory

Graeme Mitchell SDB

Burnett Arms Hotel, Banchory AB31 5TD

7.45 pm

Brian Cruickshank 01339 883 582

(Christmas Special Evening)

Guest Artistes Why not advertise in the Box & Fiddle, the readers are your customers, contact: editor@

boxandfiddle.com

100% Made in Italy FINEST HAND MADE ACCORDIONS Dealer for Vignoni, Hohner and Victoria accordions

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103 Coney Green Business Centre, Wingfield View, Claycross, Chesterfield S45 9JW

Tel: 01246 252 868

B&F • DANCE DIARY

37

Dance Diary

View the Scottish 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

7.30pm -10pm

£3/£1

Door - All Welcome

Orkney Dance Assoc.

Dumbarton

St Patrick’s Hall

Recorded

7.30pm

£4

Door - 01436 268 238

Jim & Sue

Every Tuesday

Humbie, East Lothian

Village Hall

(Tuition Given)

7.30pm -10pm

£3 B.Y.O.B.

Door (Owen & Catherine Harrison) 01383 415 142

Ceilidh, Old Time and Social Dance Club

Every Wednesday

Garelochhead

Parish Church

-

2pm-4pm

£2 (tea)

01436 671 089

Social Club

Bonnyrigg

Pitcairn Centre

Live Music

7.30pm -10pm

£4

Door (Jennifer Johnstone)

Ceilidh & Old Time

Glasgow

St Andrews in Square

Live Music

7.15pm -9.30 pm

£5.50 Bar

Door (Tricia Matthews) 01324 716855

Ceilidh & Old Time Class

Stornoway

Primary School

-

7pm-9pm

-

Janette Maciver 01851 704 870

Ceilidh & Old Time Term time only

Every Thursday

Kirkton

Village Hall DG1 1ST

Live Music

7.30pm -10pm

£3 refreshments

John M Caskie 01387 710 975

Old Tyme Dance Group

Every Friday

Stornoway

Primary School

-

7.30pm -9.30pm

-

Janette Maciver 01851 704 870

Ceilidh & Old Time Term time only

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

-

7.30pm -10pm

£2 (tea)

Door or tel: 01355 230 134 or 245 052

Ceilidh & Old Time Club

Ceilidh & Old Time Dances

November 2015

DATE

TOWN

HALL

BAND

TIME

COST

CONTACT

COMMENTS

6

Portobello

Town Hall

Canongate Cadjers

8pm -10.30pm

£6

07815 741 699

Pay at Door

7

Windygates

Greig Institute

Ken Stewart

8pm-11pm

£5 Tea

Change of venue from Largoward

7

Inverness

Kirkhill C. Hall

Steven Carcary

8pm-12pm

£5 Tea

01463 870 508

Social Dancers - B.Y.O.B.

7

Midlem

Village Hall

Ian Cruickshanks

7.30pm -11.30pm

£6 [No Bar]

01835 870 244

Own Supper – Reserve Ticket

7

Stanley

Tayside Hotel

Simon Howie

8pm-1am

£10 T

01555 661 017

Advance Ticket

8

Glencarse

Village Hall

Wayne Robertson

7.30pm -10pm

£3 [No Bar]

01738 552 688

Set & Couples Dances

13

Foulden

Village Hall

Neil Hardie

8pm-12pm

£6 no bar

01289 386 400

Supper Dance

13

Tranent

Rannoch House

Ewan Galloway

7.30pm -11.30pm

£6 Bar

0131 660 1276

Wednesday Club

☛

38

B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

Ceilidh & Old Time Dances

November 2015 cont

13

Irvine

Volunteer Rooms

Donnie & Diane

7.30pm -11pm

£7 B.Y.O.B.

01292 316 815

Ayrshire Ceilidh Club

14

Largoward

Village Hall

Dick Black

8pm-11pm

£5 Tea

Door

Weekly Dance

14

Canonbie

Village Hall

Judith Linton

7.30pm -11.30pm

£6 Tea

01387 371 544

BYOB & Food.

14

Glencarse

Village Hall

Steven Carcary

8pm-11pm

£4 [No Bar]

01738 860 331

Hall Fundraising

14

Inverness

Daviot Village Hall

Dave Husband S.

8pm-12pm

£5 BYOB

01540 651 377

Cairngorm Ceilidh dancers

15

Montrose

Park Hotel

Johnny Duncan

2pm-5pm

£?

01241 879 487

A & F Club Sunday Ceilidh

15

Ayr

Heathfield C.C.

Live (most nights)

7.30pm -10.30pm

£? Tea

01292 440 073

R. the R + set dances-bring cup

15

Blairgowrie

Royal Hotel

Gordon Pattullo

2pm-5pm

£5 [Bar]

07719 838 452

Includes Stovies

20

Bridge of Earn

The Institute

Kerr Barrack

8pm-11pm

£5 [No Bar]

07952 026 633

Pay at Door

21

Largoward

Village Hall

Johnny Duncan

8pm-11pm

£5 Tea

Door

Weekly Dance

21

East Kilbride

Calderwood Hall

Alan Small

7.30pm -11.30pm

£6 tea/bisc.

BYOB

01355 230 134

Highlanders – pay at door

21

Carrington

Village Hall

Susan MacFadyen

7.30pm -11.30pm

£?

01875 830 333

Old Time – [near Gorebridge]

22

Glencarse

Village Hall

Gordon Pattullo

7.30pm10pm

£3 [No Bar]

01738 552 688

Set & Couples Dances

25

Dufftown

Memorial Hall

-

7.30pm -10pm

01542 888 471

Monthly Social

26

Windygates

Greig Institute

Bruce Lindsay

7.30pm -10.30pm

£5 Tea

01333 351 127

Monthly Dance Tea & Eats

27

Hutton

Village Hall

Bon Accord

8pm-12pm

£6 Supper

01289 386 630

Nr Berwick -on-Tweed

27

Aberdeen

Ashdale Hall

Ewan Galloway

8pm-12mn

Advance T

01224 713 674

Tartan Charity Night

27

Edinburgh

Lauriston Hall

H.L.I. + Piper

8pm-11pm

£10/£8

0131 339 5374

Advance Ticket Cheaper

28

Largoward

Village Hall

George Rennie

8pm-11pm

£5 Tea

Door

Weekly Dance

28

Seafield

Comm. Centre

Ewan Galloway

7.30-11.30

£5 supper

01506 417 512 or 01506 205 051

Pay at Door

28

Tranent

Rannoch House

Gordon Pattullo

7.30-11.30

£5 Bar

01875 615 138

Pay at Door

28

Edinburgh

Lauriston Hall

H.L.I. + Piper

8pm-11pm

£12/£10

0131 339 5374

Advance Ticket Cheaper

Ceilidh & Old Time Dances

June 2015 2015 December

DATE

TOWN

HALL

BAND

TIME

COST

CONTACT

COMMENTS

4

Portobello

Town Hall

Canongate Cadjers

8pm -10.30pm

£6

07815 741 699

Pay at Door

4

Irvine

Volunteer Rooms

Karyn McCulloch

7.30pm -11pm

£7 B.Y.O.B.

01292 316 815

Ayrshire Ceilidh Club

5

Largoward

Village Hall

Steven Carcary

8pm-11pm

£5 Tea

Door

Weekly Dance

5

Inverness

Kirkhill C. Hall

James Coutts

8pm-12pm

£5 Tea

01463 870 508

Social Dancers - B.Y.O.B.

5

Dufftown

Memorial Hall

Graeme Mitchell

7.30pm -11.30pm

Pay at door

01542 888 471

Old Time Dance

B&F • NOVEMBER 2015

Scottish Country Dances

39

November 2015

DATE

TOWN

HALL

BAND

TIME

COST

CONTACT

COMMENTS

13

Helensburgh

Victoria Halls

Frank Thomson

7.15pm

£25

01436 842 695

Branch Ball

13

Carnoustie

Beach Ballroom

Colin Dewar

7.30pm

£??

01241 854 418

40th Anniversary

13

East Linton

Comm. Hall

Graeme & Shauna

7.30pm

£7

01875 852 194

Branch Dance

13

Killearn

Village Hall

David Oswald

7.30pm

£7

01360 550 256

Club Dance

14

Bridge of Allan

Parish Ch. Hall

Colin Dewar

7.30pm

£7

0131 337 0193

Castle Club

14

Nairn

Comm. Centre

Marian Anderson

7.30pm

£7

-

Earl Haig Dance

14

Boat of Garten

Comm. Hall

David Bowen

6.30pm

£35

01479 821 393

Strathspey Ball

16

Stirling

Albert Hall

James Coutts

7.30pm

£8

01259 742 560

Martice Club

20

Culbokie

Findon Hall

Marian Anderson

8pm

£?

01381 621 309

Fortrose Rally

21

Bearsden

New Kilpatrick Hall

Lindsay Weir

7.30pm

£8

0141 942 6850

All dances walked

27

Troon

Concert Hall

Marian Anderson

7.30pm

£9

01292 315 558

Branch Dance

27

Laurencekirk

Mearns Academy

Jim Lindsay

7.30pm

£6.50

01561 377 203

Bring own cup

27

Kirkcaldy

Pathhead Ch. Hall

David Cunningham

7.30pm

£7

01592 569 795

Winter Dance

27

Scone

RDM Institute

David Oswald

7.30pm

£7 T

01738 443 568

Advance Ticket -90th Ann.

28

Bridge of Allan

Parish Ch. Hall

Alan Ross

7.30pm

£7

0131 337 0193

Castle Club

30

Stirling

Albert Hall

D. Cunningham

7.30pm

£8

01259 742 560

Martice Club

Ceilidh & Scottish Country Old Time Dances Dances

June 2015 2015 December

DATE

TOWN

HALL

BAND

TIME

COST

CONTACT

COMMENTS

4

Milngavie

Town Hall

Lothian

7.30pm

£9

0141 942 6850

Branch Xmas Dance

5

Ballachulish

Village Hall

Marian Anderson

7.30pm

£10

01855 821 900

Club Annual Rally

5

St Andrews

Town Hall

Luke Brady

7.00pm

£27 T

01334 475 274

Annual Ball – Ticket only

5

Whitley Bay

Valley School

Neil Hardie

7.30pm

£10

07851 773 162

Informal Dance

You can also read the Dance Diary online at www.box&fiddle.com

40

B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

In Memory John Rooney J

ohn Rooney of Ballynahinch, Co Down, Northern Ireland sadly passed away aged 72 at the beginning of September after a short illness.

John was a founder member and first chairman of the first accordion and fiddle club in Northern Ireland, the Premier Club, which originally met in Crumlin.

An avid listener and lover of Scottish accordion music John also played the 5-row Continental box and latterly dabbled a bit on the piano. John had not one, but three tunes written for him, John & Betty Rooney by Tom Edmundson, John Rooney of Ballynahinch by Willie Lawrie of Kinlochleven and the jig John Rooney.

John, a good engineer, could happily turn his hand to most things mechanical and electrical, even to the extent of taking accordions to bits and repairing them.

He was a quiet, deeply religious, genuine man, and commanded a fairly high powered job in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Belfast.

It could be said that John and his huge engineering staff kept the RVI operating on a daily basis. I remember being taken

by John to the hospital board room for lunch, sitting alongside eminent surgeons and revered practitioners and John was so obviously held in high esteem by all. In fact I’ve been told numerous times: “Any friend of John Rooney is a friend of mine”. He retired a few years ago, but kept his

engineering mind hard at work as a consultant.

For years he and his wife Betty attended the Perth Festival with John soaking up the atmosphere from the gallery in the City Halls as well as mixing with the many friends he and Betty made over the years.

He lived with Betty and three sons Ivan, Colin and Gordon in a beautiful house on the outskirts of Ballynahinch converting a splitlevel integral garage into a music room where his MIDI accordion was permanently set up. Many a tune and long discussions about the music scene were happily had there by John’s many musical friends.

Ian Muir and I did the many guest spots at the Premier Club, and John and some of the club members used to travel to many of the Scottish Country Dances we played around the Belfast area and Coleraine.

John gained a great deal of respect amongst Scottish

musicians and was instrumental in getting many high quality guests to travel across to Crumlin.

I was always welcomed with open arms by John, Betty and the boys on my many visits, both musical and on business. I dealt with John in both capacities and I can truthfully say he was always a perfect gentleman. Betty makes the best Pavlova I’ve ever tasted and Ian Muir will testify to that as well! They always made us so welcome.

John developed a spinal problem, which affected his left arm and leg. He chose not to have an operation because it had only a marginal chance of success.

Getting on with life and playing the box were more important on John’s agenda.

The accordion world both here and in Northern Ireland is saddened by a great loss only superseded by the loss Betty and the boys are feeling right now.

John, like so many, was taken far too early, but I know that his family take great comfort from the fact that he did not suffer pain in his last three weeks after being diagnosed with a very rare form of Lymphoma. The memories are all happy ones. Thanks for being a friend John, I’ll miss you. l Derek Hamilton

B&F • NOVEMBER 2015

41

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

The Manfrini Artisan

By Daniel McPhee - Manfrini Accordionist

It is after many hours of great thought and consideration that I decided to write this article for the Box & Fiddle reviewing the new three-row button-accordion “The Manfrini Artisan” by Manfrini Accordions.

I was the very proud owner of the first buttonkey accordion that Manfrini ever produced, the Manfrini Aria prototype model 001. This was such a great box I felt there could not be an accordion to match it. It was bright, tight and handled beautifully.

However, in early 2015 I began hearing rumours about a new offering from Manfrini accordions, the new Artisan Model - 37 treble, 80 bass. I was curious to what the difference was and after a phone call to Robert Rolston I found out that there were indeed quite a number of upgrades.

The buttons are nice, big and smooth edged for quickness with shifting tempos, the tone couplers re-arranged for comfort, but the biggest change was the upgrade to Claudio Binci reeds. My order was placed and after several months Robert was on the phone to tell me that the new model had arrived and would currently be getting the reeds installed - I was elated!

I received this accordion on the 17th of July and to say I am delighted is an understatement. Wow! What a beautiful piece of Italian engineering. In my opinion this is the finest Manfrini three-row to date and the added bass & treble mics along with the midi has made it the best three-row I’ve owned so far. It is a real pleasure to play this superb instrument.

It takes a real leap of faith to change from the famous Shand Morino (which I have played for 27 years), but Manfrini has upped the ante and delivered the goods yet again. Many traditional accordionists devoutly refuse to recognise that

Robert Rolston & Patrick Jackman presenting Daniel with his new box.

this accordion is on even ground with Sir Jimmy’s Shand’s famous Shand Morino. As an accordionist who has played both, my preference lies with the Manfrini, as I find the Artisan matches the Shand Morino extremely well on both a playing and handling basis. This was demonstrated one night during a visit from my nephew Brandon (current Scottish Champion) when we played together and the boxes blended seamlessly with each other.

I think it is a shame so many great players refuse to recognise the Manfrini as the top-shelf box it is, but then its very difficult to stand up to the legend that the Shand Morino has become. However, most Shand Morinos are models from the fifties and sixties, how long can they go on? What will bridge the gap into the next Century for the button-box player? I think the Manfrini is the obvious choice.

A few players and a number of Irish button-key players are now realising how good the Artisan is, and it does seem to be becoming more popular.

One day we will look back and realise that the future of the three-row button-accordion has taken a huge leap forward and is safe in the hands of Manfrini Accordions.

Slàinte mhath and happy playing.

42

B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

Leabhar a’ Phiàna

Simple Gaelic Tunes for the Piano

by Mairi M. Strachan

When Pia asked if I would review a new piano book of Gaelic tunes, I expected to play through a number of new Gaelic airs. It was a pleasant surprise to find that, yes, there are a few new tunes composed by Mairi Strachan herself, but the book comprises many of the lovely Gaelic waltzes, marches, strathspeys and schottisches, which were very much part of the Scottish Dance Band repertoire.

Mairi Strachan studied at the RSAMD (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and went on to teach music in Skye and Lochalsh for the next 34 years. She continues to tutor in piano, singing and clarsach. Many of her pupils, especially those who had been educated through the medium of Gaelic, enjoyed learning Gaelic and Highland tunes and to encourage this, she compiled and arranged the music for this fascinating book, suitable for students who have been learning for about six months, with the contents becoming increasingly difficult.

The arrangements have quite simple bass lines, which allow the pupil to concentrate on the melody.

The dotted quaver followed by a semiquaver, as

FOR SALE 5 Row Fantini C System

in most strathspeys, is introduced quite early in the book, as is the reverse – the “Scottish snap”. What an excellent idea to teach the intricacies of Scottish music from an early age. Having been at piano lessons for some years it was not until I started playing for country dance classes at age 15 that I discovered how vastly different this was to what I had been taught.

Many of the tunes are easy adapted versions of well known tunes and songs. I do not have Gaelic and was fascinated by some of the English/Scottish sub-titles, for instance a simplified High Road to Linton becomes I would play it on the pipes and an easy version of Soldiers Joy has the fascinating sub-title, I was Ever an Idiot.

I have Suilean Dubha (Black Eyes) beautifully sung on a CD by the Cottar Family and had never seen it in print. The music in this book is so varied, from slow airs to strathspeys and ends with the march The Meeting of the Waters.

I am happy to commend this book, not only for students in the Highlands, as a collection of very clever arrangements with fingering clearly marked.

The gradual increase in difficulty will barely be noticed by the students as they will be so enjoying playing through such a variety of lovely Scottish music.

Joan Blue

£2,700 ON

• 4 Voice • 96 Bass with Midi • Very Good Condition • Played by Calum Maclean on his last Broadcast

Call: 0778 613 7051 or Email: calumaclean@tiscali.co.uk

BAND SUPPLIES LTD

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Suppliers of Fiddles & Violins 13-15 Old Dumbarton Road Glasgow G3 8QY 0141-339 9400 E-mail: glasgow@bandsupplies.co.uk www.bandsupplies.co.uk

13-15 Old Dumbarton Road Glasgow G3 8QY 0141-339 9400 E-mail: glasgow@bandsupplies.co.uk www.bandsupplies.co.uk

Quiz

?

See how many you can answer...

?

GORDON PATTULLO NEW RELEASE ON CD

the accordion

Send in your answers to: quiz@boxandfiddle.com or post it to the editor before the 5th December.

The lucky winner will receive a Stanley Ceilidh CD. 1

Name any five bandleaders who have broadcast on TTF who originated within the ranks of KODA/Keith Dickson Accordion Orchestra?

2

Who or what has a “heid like a fermyard bull”?

3

Who composed “Donny the Post”?

4

Who has won the All Scotland Senior Scottish Accordion Championships three times?

5

Who currently plays piano in the Cullivoe Dance Band?

6

In which venue did Jimmy Clinkscale record a series of Accordion Bonanza LPs in the early 1980s?

7

Name the accordionist in the Tartan Lads.

8

Jock Loch founded which Accordion & Fiddle Club?

9

Annie Laurie was born in 1682, where?

10

Who was the first chairman of the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs?

£12.99 including P&P

Cheque / Postal Order to: Gordon Pattullo Tullybaccart Farmhouse, Coupar Angus, Perthshire, PH13 9LA

Telephone 01382 581265 or visit

www.gordonpattullo.co.uk

Answers to September Quiz: 1. Caber Feidh 2. Jim, Tom & Liam 3. Hockey 4. Ian Muir 5. Bobby Colgan 6. Bobby Harvey & Ivor Britton 7. John Carmichael 8. A manhole chamber 9. Fran & Anna 10. Jack Emblow

??????

Brand new CD release from James Coutts and his Band containing over 80 great tunes Available from James Coutts, 3 School Brae, Dysart, Kirkcaldy KY1 2XB. £12 incl P&P. Please make cheques payable to James Coutts

Sheet Music

Margo’s Farewell March by Eric Allan

Margo's Farewell

This tune, by Inverness fiddler Eric Allan, was presented to Margo Maclennan on her retirement from the post of Co-ordinator of the Traditional Music Classes (TMC) in Inverness. TMC was formed in 2001 to take over classes formerly run by the traditional music centre, Balnain House, which had sadly closed, and Margo carried out her role with great flair and enthusiasm, helping to introduce many people to our music. She has been a frequent contributor to the Box & Fiddle, is the mother of bandleader Matthew Maclennan, and is an enthusiastic dancer, so this Gay Gordons-type march is designed to match her personality.

D7/F S G

G/D A

A7/C S D D7/F S G G/D D/F S D

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A/C S A

March Eric Allan Ê Â S .           Â.                 A S:     Â D

D/F S

A

A7/C S D

D7/F S G

G/D

D7/F S

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G/D

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S . Â Â Â A S Â Â Â Â ÂÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

D

A D Em

D7/F S

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Bm A/C S A

Em Bm/D A/C S A7

S       Â.   Â.            A S      Â   Â  Â A D A A/E

D7/F S G

G/D

A

A7/C S D

G/D

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© Eric Allan 2015

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