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Dingwall music club strikes a chord with five local causes on 45th anniversary.





Andrew Macivor, Wendy Urquhart, Mary Munro and Colin Masterson received cheques on behalf of a number of local causes.
Andrew Macivor, Wendy Urquhart, Mary Munro and Colin Masterson received cheques on behalf of a number of local causes.

A MUSIC club based in Dingwall hit the right note with five local causes close to its heart after a £1000 handout to mark its 45th anniversary.

Christine Matheson of Dingwall & District Accordion & Fiddle Club, who welcomed audience members to The Legion in Dingwall in the absence of Ian Simpson, explained the idea.

She said: “To mark the club's 45th anniversary, the committee decided to give a donation of £200 to each of five local charities. The charities chosen all have connections to either committee or club members.

“We are making donations to Dingwall Fire Brigade Community Group; Highland Blindcraft Sensory Services (formerly Sight Action Dingwall); the Puffin Pool, Feis Rois and St Clement’s School Parent Council, all based in Dingwall. We are grateful for the services these charities provide for communities across our area. Thanks also, to you, our audience, who continue to support the club which has made these donations possible.”

Gordon Haddow, Nicola Braid and Margaret Morrison.
Gordon Haddow, Nicola Braid and Margaret Morrison.

Graham Wood (accordion) along with Allen Shepherd (keyboard) and Martin MacLean (drums) set the scene for what was to be a night with a feast of excellent music.

Guests for the evening showed why they were worthy winners of the National Accordion & Fiddle Club's Guest Artist of the Year. Gordon Haddow played his accordion with great feeling for the music and in perfect timing with Nicola Braid on harmony accordion. The crowd was treated to a varied selection of tunes with different tempos and brilliant harmonies. Nicola and Gordon have become extremely popular in clubs with their unique arrangements. Margaret Robertson, renowned Shetland musician, accompanied professionally on keyboard.

Nicola Braid, Gordon Haddow and Margaret Robertson.
Nicola Braid, Gordon Haddow and Margaret Robertson.

Other players on accordion were Monica MacLean, Bob Begg, James Corbett, Cammie MacLean and Susie Simpson. Young Millie West on her first outing to the Dingwall club was given great encouragement by the applause from the audience.

Heather Lyon playing fiddle was welcomed back. Susie and Christine accompanied on keyboard while Mike Chisholm and Maggie Jamieson were the other drummers on the night. The InverRoss Band, with Donna Dingwall and Christine Matheson (accordions), Audrey MacDonald (fiddle), Allen Shepherd (keyeboard) and Mike Chisholm (drums) completed the large turnout of local players.

Two of the club’s members, Hugh and Marlene Munro, were recently presented with a prestigious award by the International Sheepdog Society. This was presented at Biggar by Princess Anne. A message of congratulations from all at the club was conveyed.

The next club night will be held on November 6 when guests are the Country Quines. The group has a Facebook page.


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