01/09/2026
NEW SEASON FOR DUMFRIES ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB
The first night of the new season for the Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club took place on Tuesday 1st September at The Crichton Golf Club and what a cracker of a first night we had!!
John Caskie compere, welcomed everyone and started in sombre mood, mentioning the passing of club drummer Ian McRobert in the week past.
Ian, brother of club piano player Willie McRobert was a regular at Dumfries, and other clubs, and always willing to have a tune when asked.
John invited all to offer their condolences to Willie and his Family.
John also mentioned the passing of Lorne McColm a regular supporter of our club over many years, Lorne’ brother Neil, another stalwart supporter, was in attendance. John offered the thoughts and condolences of all to Neil and the wider McColm family.
Knowing both, over many years John reminded the smaller than usual crowd that with Ian and Lorne in our thoughts, they would both have wanted the ‘tunes to continue’
The guest artistes for the first night of the season were the ever popular Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band from East Lothian.
Leader Graeme Munro on accordion, was joined by his wife Shauna Flockhart on piano, and Johnny Bridges on drums.
What a sound they produced and what an exciting and enjoyable programme with tunes and songs of all tempos, and all with ‘the Clappy Doo feel’ about them.
A terrific guest artiste performance, and one leaving the audience shouting for more.
Earlier in the evening Compere John had introduced local and visiting supporting players to participate in the evenings entertainment,
Local players were:
Iain Anderson, Ian Woods, Stephen McWhan, Brian Maxwell, Newby Park and Gavin Foster playing accordion. Keith Lauder played drums, Willie McRobert was on piano with Madeline Maxwell on whistle and bodrahn.
Visiting from East Yorkshire were David Hill with wife Joan, David on accordion and Joan playing fiddle gave us two lovely sets which were extremely well played.
Not as many local and supporting players than normal, but what we lacked in quantity was outshone by the great quality of all the players.
A break for a bumper raffle and all too soon it was guest artiste again to take us to the end of our first night.
A somber start, friends remembered, great music and banter, and our first night of 2026/2027 done.
The Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club meet again on Tuesday 6th October when Roddy Matthews and Garry Alexander are our guests.
Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club 226/2027
Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band picture attached.
