The Jim Gold BandApril 2007The season ended on a definite high note when 102 listeners came through "the turnstiles" at Biggar Municipal on Easter Sunday to hear a host of local artistes and the Jim Gold Band from Douglas. Jim had his regular line up in the shape of brother Tom on fiddle, Gavin Jackson from Thankerton on second box, Ross Anderson from Rosewell on drums and David Ilgunas from Symington on piano. It's becoming a fairly rare thing these days to meet a band with a steady line up but they have successfully built on their win in the Band Section at Musselburgh in March 2006 to create a mixed and entertaining programme. In addition to many fine Scottish sets we had a fiddle solo from Tom and a great semi-classical number, "Perles de Cristal" from the whole band. All credit to the lads for a well rehearsed programme. Supporting the club were visiting players from a wide area, namely accordionists Fiona Sinclair, Jennifer Cowie, Calum Muir, Jamie Young, Euan Orr, John Elliott, James Paterson, Blair Gardiner, Emma Dickson, Robbie Paterson, Duncan Hutchison, Tom Orr, Alan Gardiner, Gemma Coupland (who played a stunning Continental piece entitled Top Musette), Claire Noble and Robert Menzies. On concertina/fiddle we had David Corner, on fiddle Emma Gardiner, on keyboard Alan Gardiner, Tom Orr, Emily Short and Keith Dickson and on drums George Shiels, Tom Hope, James Dickson and Andrew Barrie (and thanks to Andrew for acting as barman for the evening). Special thanks to Joan Gold who organised an Easter Hamper raffle that raised £202 for Club funds, to Keith Dickson who mans the sound desk most evenings and to Alan Gardiner, who has just completed his first year as Chairman and MC, for all his efforts and guidance. The Club will be holding an open meeting in Biggar Municipal Hall at 3.30pm on Sunday 13th May 2007 to which everyone is invited to air their views on any aspect of its running. We look forward to the new season starting in September. 
Ian Hutson Dance BandMarch 2007Sunday 11th March saw an excellent turnout of local listeners and players to hear the Ian Hutson SDB. Several of our regular young players were recuperating in the aftermath of the competitions at Dumfries the previous day but their places were taken up by a host of visitors. On accordions we had Gordon Brown from Kelso, Jim Paterson, Euan Orr, Fiona Sinclair, Calum Muir, Robbie Paterson, Andrew and Adam Gibb, Scott Nichol, Tom Orr, Katey Todd, Steven Todd, Duncan Hutchison, Alan Gardiner, Ian Graham, Blair Gardiner, Neil Hardie, Donald MacLeod, Jim Gold and Wullie McFarlane.
On fiddle Emma Gardiner, Caroline Hardie and Vaila Tait, on drums Bill Gillie from Kelso, Geordie Shiels, Ross Anderson, Tom Hope and Andrew Barrie and on keyboards Keith Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Tom Orr and Steven Todd.
Our guests were initially delayed due to an accident on the Edinburgh By-pass but they proceeded to give us two excellent sessions of fine traditional music. Ian was accompanied by Alistair MacLeod on second accordion, Gordon Smith on drums and Jim Nichol on keyboard. Ian interspersed the playing with a number of humorous stories - mostly at the expense of the recently married Gordon Smith - and to reinforce the fact that the audience had thoroughly enjoyed the band, sales at the door
of their new CD "Let's Celebrate" really took off.
Thanks again lads. Next month our guests are from closer to home - the Jim Gold Band from Douglas. 
Gordon Shand Scottish Dance Band February 2007Our February meeting on Sunday 11th saw the first 5 piece guest artiste band to appear here for many a year. Gordon Shand and his Broadcasting Band, namely Tom Hamilton on fiddle, Jim Lindsay on second accordion, Gordon Smith on drums and Graham Berry on keyboards gave us two marvellous sessions in their own unique style. With very modern and captivating arrangements and great musicianship all round their programme provided something for everyone with many more recent compositions, some by the band members, but a sprinkling of older tunes including a great rendering of an old classic the “Happy Go Lucky Polka” played by Gordon and Jim. In fact Gordon gave special mention to Jim who apparently spent most of the evening “winging it” – creating interesting harmonies off the top of his head while reading only the lead copies. Well done Jim. Supporting players on the night were accordionists John Murray (who joined us all the way from Alnwick), Duncan Muir, Katie and Steven Todd, Adele Queen, Andrew and Adam Gibb, Tom Orr, Jim Paterson, Roy Anderson, Emma Dickson, Alan Gardiner and Duncan Hutchison. On fiddle were Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold and Hannah Dickson. On keyboards Keith Dickson, Tom Orr, Dorothy Lawson, Mike Anderson and Steven Todd and on drums Bob Henderson, George Shiels, Andrew Barrie and Ian Graham. Next month, again the 11th, we have a welcome visit from another popular band, Ian Hutson. We hope to see you at the Municipal Hall, Biggar at 7pm for another great night. 
Iain Anderson TrioJanuary 2007 The January meeting took place on Sunday 14th in the usual venue of the Municipal Hall in Biggar. Guest artists for the evening were the Iain Anderson Trio. Iain is based in Gartocharn and is one of the most popular Scottish dance band leaders on the scene today. Joining him on stage were Tom Orr [keyboard] and Andrew Barrie [drums]. They provided a very appreciative audience with a fine selection of music, all expertly executed in steady but swingy tempos. A joy to listen to. The Biggar club enjoys a great mix of young and not so young musicians ranging from 7 to 70 something. Supporting musicians on the night were, on accordion, Calum Muir, Steven Todd, Katie Todd, Andrew Gibb, Jamie Young, Duncan Hutchison, Euan Orr, Robbie Paterson, Scott Nichol, Gemma Coupland, Claire Noble, Blair Gardiner and Alan Gardiner. On fiddle David Corner, Tom Gold, Robert Menzies and Emma Gardiner, on keyboard Scott Nichol, Keith Dickson and Alan Gardiner with George Shiels and Tom Hope on drums. All in all a great start to the New Year. The February meeting takes place on Sunday 11th. Guest artistes are the Gordon Shand Scottish Dance Band from Dunfermline. Gordon is bringing a 5 piece band and we hope for a good turnout. Evening starts at 7.00 p.m. admission £4 to include tea and biscuits and all will be made very welcome.  The Lomond Ceilidh BandDecember 2006Our December meeting turned out to be on a dreich, wet Sunday evening but despite our initial fears it was almost a full house to hear our guests the Lomond Ceilidh Band. However, before they took to the stage Chairman and MC for the evening Alan Gardiner welcomed a wealth of local talent. On accordion Megan Bell, Adam Gibb, Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Hannah Jamieson, Erin McGinley, Robert Menzies, Calum Muir, Duncan Muir, Scott Nichol, Euan Orr, Tom Orr, Robbie Paterson, Emily Short, Katie Todd, Steven Todd and Jamie Young; 18 young accordionists in all, (probably with an average age of about 15) playing well rehearsed pieces and sets of tunes. On fiddle were Tom Gold and Ashleigh Short with David Corner performing on concertina.
Accompanists on keyboard were Alan Gardiner, Robert Menzies, Jim Nichol, Scott Nichol, Tom Orr and George Walker with Andrew Barrie, Tom Hope, George Shiels and Charlie Todd on drums.
Our guests, the Lomond Ceilidh Band consisting of the "usual suspects" Alan Small (accordion) Ewan Stark (fiddle) and Calum Wallace (drums) (intended guest Karen Hannah having been previously involved in a road accident) provided us with two excellent sessions of music and banter. The band covered everything from sedate waltz tempo to the liveliest of jigs and reels with the odd Continental and Modern piece thrown in for good measure. Many thanks to the lads for their fine performance - and I hope Calum's drum was still in the car at Kinross where he left it!
We wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Club and look forward to seeing everyone back at the Municipal Hall on Sunday 14th January 2007 for the Iain Anderson Trio from Gartocharn. 
Robert Menzies Band November 2006Chairman, Alan Gardiner, welcomed a large turnout to our November meeting and got the evening underway with himself on lead accordion, wife Emma on fiddle, Jim Nichol on keyboard and Charlie Todd on drums. Then it was over to the younger generation as Katie and Stevie Todd from Dalkeith on accordion and keyboard took to the stage, followed by brothers Andrew and Adam Gibb from Toftcombs Farm, just outside Biggar. Then it was the turn of Calum Muir from Carnwath followed by Duncan Muir from Closeburn. Ably backed by ether Jim or Keith Dickson on piano and Tom Hope or Ross Anderson on drums they all gave a good account of themselves, with recently used competition sets much in evidence. David Corner from Dalkeith then entertained us with a couple of excellent sets on the concertina.
Our Guest Artistes for the evening were the Robert Menzies Band. Robert, from Closeburn near Dumfries, is only 16 years old but is equally at home performing on Accordion, Fiddle or Piano. He was accompanied by sister Alison on drums, Jim Gold (Douglas) on second box, Scott Nichol (Pathhead) on keyboard and joined twice in each half by vocalist/guitarist Claire Hastings with some songs (which Robert also accompanied on piano) as a break from the dance music. The band played a variety of Traditional Music interspersed with the odd classical number - Robert performing Czardas / V. Monti and Jim playing Perles de Cristal / G. Hamel - pieces which really show what the accordion is all about! Then picking up the fiddle as lead instrument for a set, Robert showed us what makes him one of the most remarkable young musicians in our area.
Before the second half got under way Alan Gardiner paid tribute to Joy Anderson who passed away a fortnight ago, only 16 months after husband John. Together they had run the club for 20 years and prior to that had assisted Alex MacArthur for a further 10. Alan outlined Joy's unstinting service to the Club over the years and offered the sincere condolences of everyone at the Club to Sheena, Iain and their families.
First on stage for the second half was a band featuring Jamie Young from Holywood and Duncan Hutchison from Moffat on accordions with Tom Gold from Douglas on fiddle. Then young accordionists Erin McGinley from Thornhill and Megan Bell from Lesmahagow entertained us, followed by Adele Queen from Closeburn. Finally bands lead by Jim Paterson from Peebles and Blair Gardiner from Libberton near Carnwath preceded another highly entertaining spot from our Guests.
Thanks to everyone who attended, players and listeners, and to those who brought raffle prizes. Next month we welcome Alan Small (Accordion) and Karen Hannah (Fiddle) on Sunday 10th December at 7.00pm. We look forward to seeing you then. 
Wayne Robertson and Malcolm Ross.October 2006The club’s meeting on Sunday, October 8th saw an appreciative audience turn out in Biggar’s Municipal Hall for a great night’s entertainment. The night kicked off with the five piece Jim Gold Band, followed by a wealth of young musicians performing a variety of music. A number of excellent bands then entertained the audience before compere for the night Keith Dickson introduced Guest Artistes Wayne Robertson and Malclom Ross from Arbroath, Angus. After some tea another variety of talented musicians took to the stage, bringing the total to 29 club musicians performing: Accordion: Gemma Coupland, Emma Dickson, Matt Ferguson, Blair Gardiner, Andrew Gibb, Jim Gold, Duncan Hutchison, Gavin Jackson, David Kennedy, Erin McGinley, Robert Menzies, Calum Muir, Scott Nichol, Claire Noble, Euan Orr, Tom Orr, James Paterson, Robbie Paterson, Adele Queen, Katie Todd, Steven Todd and Jamie Young. Fiddle: Hannah Dickson, Tom Gold and Robert Menzies. Piano: Keith Dickson, Jim Nichol, Scott Nichol and George Walker (Club Supporter of the Year). Drums: Ross Anderson and Lisa Coupland. Our Guest Artistes then returned and thrilled the audience with their superb musicianship. Wayne, performing on a Bugari accordion attached via MIDI to a Solton sound module was supported rhythmically by Malcolm performing on a small 4 - piece Pearl drum kit. May I recommend if any organisation is looking for entertainment of the highest quality then look no further than these two musicians. Not only did they flawlessly perform favourite Scottish Traditional tunes like "Jean’s Reel" and "Moving Cloud", but were equally at ease performing French Musette (Pistonnette – M. Larcange), Light Music (The Typewriter – L. Anderson) and Robertson’s own "Variations on a Theme"….based on the tune "The Auld Meal Mill" ! An enthusiastic listener requested the duo to perform Charlie Camilleri’s "Magic Fingers" as an encore to which Wayne replied "Whatever’s happened to easy requests…like "The High Level"!. However, the duo responded with an excellent rendition bringing a fantastic night’s entertainment to a close. Next month the club meets in the Municipal Hall on Sunday Nov. 12th at 7.00pm with Guest Artistes the "Robert Menzies Band". 
Tom OrrSeptember 2006
Sunday, 17th September, saw the opening night of the Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club in the Municipal Hall with local guest artiste The Tom Orr Band . Tom, from Hyndfordbridge, on lead accordion was accompanied by Marie Fielding from Falkirk on fiddle, Gordon Middler from Aberdeen on keyboard and Fraser MacInnes from Tobermory on drums. Together they gave a very polished performance of contemporary Scottish Dance Music to an appreciative audience. Although only 19 Tom already has a couple of broadcasts under his belt, with a third scheduled for
November this year.
Other local player supporting us on the night were accordionists Duncan Hutchison (Moffat) , Gavin Jackson (Thankerton), Andrew Gibb (Biggar), Robbie Paterson, Scott Nichol (Loanhead), David Millar (Forth), Jim Gold (Douglas) and Charlie Todd (Thankerton). On fiddle was Tom Gold (Douglas), on concertina and then fiddle David Corner (Edinburgh) and on drums Lisa Coupland, Tom Hope (Coulter), Bob Henderson (Penicuik) and
Andrew Barrie (Elsrickle) and on keyboard Scott Nichol.
For the rest of the season we are back to our usual meeting date - the second Sunday - and next month we welcome accordionist Wayne Robertson and drummer Malcolm Ross from Arbroath on Sunday October 8th.
Future dates and artistes for you diary are :- 12th November the Robert Menzies Band from Thornhill, Dumfries-shire, 10th December accordionist Alan Small and fiddler Karen Hannah from Fife, 14th January the Iain Anderson Band from Gartocharn, 11th February the Gordon Shand Band from Dunfermline (5 piece), 11th March the Ian Hutson Band from Blairgowrie, and 8th April the Jim Gold Band from Douglas. We look forward to seeing you at the Municipal for a 7pm kick-off on each of those dates.
A general meeting to discuss the future running of the Club will be held at Biggar Municipal Hall on Sun Oct 1st at 4.00pm. Anyone interested will be made most welcome.
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