Leyland Accordion Club

Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - March 2026

2026-03-15T12:47:11-04:00

Last Month

At our February Meeting we had a smaller number of players attend, possibly due to the freezing weather on that night. That being said we had a great night of playing round the room, drinking tea and Coffee, Socialising and having a good time. As is often the case there were piles of free sheet music on the tables for members to look through and take away thanks to Gordon who supplied it. The night seemed to go quite quickly and it wasn’t long before it was time to leave.

The night ended at the usual 11pm. Thanks go to all who attended, and to all those who entertained us.

David Batty

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 17^th March.

If you know someone who might be interested in attending the club then please let them know about us. I am sure that are a lot of people who would attend if only they knew we existed and how laid back and friendly the club is. They don’t have to be players, we know that many people have enjoyed visiting us just for the chat and the company. I have always looked at the club as a friendship club based around a musical instrument.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 17^th March. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year:
17^th March 2026
21^st April 2026
19^th May 2026
16^th June 2026
21^st July 2026
18^th August 2026
15^th September 2026
20^th October 2026
17^th November 2026
15^th December 2026


Jean Southern

Jean Southern recently passed away at Home surrounded by her Family. Jean ran the Wyre Accordion Club with Tom Duncan. Her funeral is taking place on the 25^th March at Carleton Cemetery & Crematorium, Stocks Ln, Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 7QS. The service starts at 11:45am. There is a memorial site for her at https://jeansouthern.muchloved.com

St Audries Bay Accordion Week

We Previously wrote about the Accordion Week in Somerset taking place in early May at a different site to usual. There has been another development and a change of date for the Accordion Week. The Date has now moved back to the usual early July Date which is Saturday 4^th – Saturday 11^th July 2026 It has also moved back to the usual venue of St Audries Bay Holiday Park with a slight difference this year. Accommodation is not available at St Audries Bay Holiday Park while Renovations take place. Accommodation is available in nearby Hotels and BnB’s as well as other Holiday Parks such as Home Farm (which is next door to St Audries and is a 10 minutes drive away). The Bar at St Audries Bay Holiday Park will still be open during the week and bar food etc will still be available. Accommodation has to be booked by yourself, then you can book your place on the Accordion week itself by contacting the Accordion week team. Email sabaccordionweek@gmail.com for more details.

Accordion Cello Duo in Morecambe

Accordionist Hannah James and Cellist Toby Kuhn are performing at More Music 13-17 Devonshire Rd, West End, Morecambe LA3 1QT on the 21^st March at 8pm Tickets cost £14 on the Door. Hannah and Toby take you on a journey through sound, texture, emotion and rhythm, Hannah and Toby navigate the paths of growth, discovery, darkness and light, exploring the dialogue of cello, voice, accordion and foot percussion in new and unexpected ways. To book tickets in Advanced and for more information visit https://moremusic.org.uk/whats-on/hannah-james-toby-kuhn/

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 1st April starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

The night starts at 8pm and will be a chance to chat about accordions, find out what others have been up to, or even play a tune for us. Please share the link below with any accordion folk who might be interested in joining us. If you want to chat about accordion stuff, listen to others play the accordion, or give us a tune then please join us.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 1st April.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

The link above is the same for every online meeting we have, it doesn’t change from month to month. You can test your computer works with the link at any time. If you get a message saying you are waiting for a host to let you in, or something similar, then your computer is set up correctly to join the meeting on the correct dates/times.

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - February 2026

2026-02-15T18:51:19-05:00

Last Month

At our January meeting the night Started with Steven Fox playing These Are My Mountains and Coming Through The Rye. The next tune had no title because Steven learnt it from a 78 rpm record but didn’t remember the title. Steven continued with Amazing Grace, Wooden Heart, Coming Home, and The Water Is Wide. Our next player was Ann Parker, playing Memories Are Made Of This, Bluebell Polka, Beer Barrel Polka and The Snow Waltz. Michael Christiansen then took to the stage and played The South Uist Tramping Song, Hopeful Lover, Aitken Drum, Slievenamon, Lord Lovats Lament, Flett From Flotta and Dark Island. Our next player was Bernard Bamber, he started with He’ll Have To Go and then went on to play Grandfathers Clock, Beautiful, You Are My Sunshine, She’s A Lassie From Lancashire, Roll Out The Barrel, Daisy Bell, Bobby Shaftoe, Goodnight Irene, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Once those who wanted to play on the stage had finished we moved on to the free for all part of the night with players drinking coffee, playing in different parts of the room, catching up with each other, swapping tips, reading music, and drinking more coffee.

The night ended at the usual 11pm. Thanks go to all who attended, and to all those who entertained us.

David Batty

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 17^th February.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 17^th February. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year:
17^th February 2026
17^th March 2026
21^st April 2026
19^th May 2026
16^th June 2026
21^st July 2026
18^th August 2026
15^th September 2026
20^th October 2026
17^th November 2026
15^th December 2026

Julie Best and Jean Corrighan Free Concert

Take some time out of your day and unwind with a free 1 hour afternoon recital at Carlisle Cathedral on the 8^th April at 2pm . Whether you're a classical enthusiast or just looking to enjoy something new, there’s something for everyone! Julie Best and Jean Corrighan met many years ago at The Ronmar School of Music in Carlisle and both achieved success as solo performers before forming a duo and becoming National Premier Duet Champions on 3 occasions. They perform at many functions, events and Accordion Clubs playing a wide variety of music. Their repertoire includes popular, light classics, French, Italian, Scottish and many more to suit all tastes.

This event is free to enter; there will be a retiring collection at the end of the concert - please give what you can to support the artist and the Cathedral.

The address is 7 Abbey Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ.

Bradford Accordion Band up for Award

A band formed in its founder's kitchen has been nominated for one of the UK's most prestigious classical music awards.

The Bradford Accordion Band was set up in 1997 by Anita Bašić in her own home and is now a 38-piece ensemble.

It is one of four on the shortlist for the Royal Philharmonic Society's 2026 Inspiration Award.

The winners will be announced at the music charity's annual awards held at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on 12 March.
Bašić said she first began learning the bellows-driven instrument aged nine.

She said: "My roots are that my family are from the former Yugoslavia, from Serbia, where the accordion is the number one instrument and leads the orchestras.

"I've always had a passion and a love for it.

"So I actually learnt to play the accordion in this country, did all my grades, etc.

"Then I really wanted to do something that involved others who loved it as much as I do."

She began teaching others to play with her kitchen "classroom" while she juggled raising children, doing a degree and running a business.

The band has grown from the original five to 38 members and also raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity through its fundraising concerts.

Bašić, 56, is now its musical director.

She said: "We all say it's more than the music, it's become like an extended family and people look out for one another.

"We have a very active WhatsApp group.

"It's just brilliant to be part of something that makes people happy."

The musician said the group would "really like" to win the award which is voted for by the public.

"We want to put the accordion on the national map as an instrument that's not recognized as much as it should be, that's where we're coming from with it."

The Royal Philharmonic Society is a London-based charity set up in 1813 to celebrate and promote classical music.

Article taken from BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cew8jkx4kx1o

Newport Music Club Concert

Newport Music Club is delighted to give a platform to young musicians and have invited the prize-winning accordionist Sofía Ros to play on Saturday, February 31, 7pm at Cosy Hall 6 Water Ln, Chetwynd End, Newport TF10 7LD.
Born in the Canary Isles but now based in Glasgow, accordionist Sofía Ros was named BBC Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician of the Year in 2025, following her solo debut with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra performing Astor Piazzolla’s Aconcagua Concerto under the baton of Andrew Gourlay at Glasgow City Halls.

Sofía won First Prize in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s 2024 Concerto Competition and was also a prize winner of the Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon; and in the Manhattan and Vienna International Music Competitions. A finalist in the keyboard category of the Royal Over-Seas League Competition, Sofía’s performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland’s Classical Now and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row.
Her impressive list of achievements includes performance at major international venues including Carnegie Hall in New York; the Musikverein, Konzerthaus, and Alten Rathaus in Vienna; the Purcell Room in London; Queen’s Hall and Usher Hall in Edinburgh; and Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Sofía will be playing works by Bach, Rameau, Trojan, Paganini/Liszt, Albéniz, Semionov, and Zolotaryov. Why not come along to see this rising star and hear for yourself?

This performance is only possible because Sofía is kindly supported by The Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Tickets: Adults - £15 children/students - £2 payable on the door by cash or cheque.

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 4th March starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 4th March.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - January 2026

2026-01-17T19:23:36-05:00

Last Month

At our last meeting of 2025 we had our annual Christmas Jacobs Join, this is where we all bring some item of food along and put it together in to a feast. This was also our one month of the year where any instrument, monologue or other skill is welcome at the club. We started the night with Harvey on Trumpet and Bernard Belshaw on Keyboard playing a selection of tunes. I was up next playing the accordion before giving up the stage to Ann Parker playing the Ukelele. Harvey then played his Accordion with Bernard Belshaw on Keyboard. At our December night we don’t have any specific running order, we just leave the stage open to whoever wants to get up next, and seeing a gap on the stage Ann Parker on Ukelele and Bernard Belshaw on Keyboard played together while Ann sang. Young Andrew was up next, he played Twinkle Twinkle from memory, last time he played it he needed his tune book but not now for this tune. Harvey was up next on the Trumpet with Bernard on Keyboard. Steve Fox then set up his Keyboard with his son George on Guitar and played a nice selection of tunes.

The night ended at the usual 11pm. Thanks go to all who attended, all who brought food, and to those who entertained us.

David Batty

David Batty

Our Next Meeting - Jacobs Join

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 20^th January.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 20^th January. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year:
20^th January 2026
17^th February 2026
17^th March 2026
21^st April 2026
19^th May 2026
16^th June 2026
21^st July 2026
18^th August 2026
15^th September 2026
20^th October 2026
17^th November 2026
15^th December 2026

Germany's Instrument of the Year

Each year Germany’s State Music Council select an instrument of the year and have been doing so since 2008. In recent years it has been the Human Voice, Mandolin and Tuba. For 2026 the instrument of the year is the Accordion. Breaking away from its outdated image

Renowned performers showcase the accordion's versatility through captivating live performances. Social media is full of clips featuring accordionists performing feats you wouldn't normally associate with the instrument.

Camilo Rivera from Chile plays the accordion while inline skating. Martynas Levickis from Lithuania floats in the clouds and plays his instrument in a hot air balloon. "At one point, the connection with the audience was lost due to the Wi-Fi being cut off. That was the highlight: Music vanished into the sky," Levickis told DW.

Accordionist Andreea Gheorghita (#Balkandreea) is setting viewing records on TikTok by performing pop songs with Balkan rhythms for her over 500,000 followers and playing at techno festivals.

Matzke also captivates audiences with his band Vangardion, showcasing the accordion's versatility beyond traditional folk music. "In Germany, the accordion often carries the cliche of being played in a very traditional way, so it surprises many when I do something different with it."

Matzke is particularly enthusiastic about digital accordions, which also work well in rock music. "For example, I have an electric piano sound and can create new and fascinating soundscapes," he added.

Article taken from https://www.dw.com/en/accordion-history-music-genres-germany-top-instrument-2026/a-75189059

UK West Coast Folk Festival

This runs from the 23rd to the 25^th of January at Blackpool Winter Gardens. This is 3 days with 3 stages and 36 acts. The UK West Coast Folk Festival 2026 acts including Seth Lakeman, Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, The Webb Sisters, Nick Harper, Honey and the Bear, Baskery, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, Tradarrr, Louise and Chris Rogan, Katie Spencer, Gilmore and Roberts, Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh and many more. Day Tickets cost £59 or a 3 Day Early bird ticket costs £159. To book visit https://www.solidentertainments.com/folk/west-coast/tickets.html

To see a full list of Acts and running order for the 3 days visit https://www.solidentertainments.com/folk/west-coast/acts.html

To read a review about a previous festival visit https://www.folknorthwest.co.uk/live-uk-westcoast-folk-festival.html

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 4th February starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 4th Februrary.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - December 2025

2025-12-14T17:29:17-05:00

Last Month

Our last meeting in November was a dedicated practice night so there were no stage performances. Instead we spent the night playing in various locations and groups around the room, chatting, drinking tea and coffee, swapping stories and tips, and generally having a good time. Lots of tunes were played, advice given, a bass tutorial went on in one part of the room and a good catch up was had by all.

The night ended at the usual 11pm. Thanks go to all who attended and to those who entertained us.

David Batty

Our Next Meeting - Jacobs Join

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 16^th December.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 16^th December. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year:
16^th December 2025

20^th January 2026
17^th February 2026
17^th March 2026
21^st April 2026
19^th May 2026
16^th June 2026
21^st July 2026
18^th August 2026
15^th September 2026
20^th October 2026
17^th November 2026
15^th December 2026

Jacobs Join

As is normal for our December Christmas meeting we will be having a ‘Jacobs Join’, this is where we all try and bring some sandwiches, pork pies, cake, sausage rolls or some other form of food to put in to a communal feast.

This will also be a night where we ask people to not only play the accordion but also to show any of their other talents if they do something besides play the accordion. Maybe you play the trumpet, banjo, sing, play the keyboard, recite amusing ditties or have some other talent you would like to share with us, if so we look forward to your performance. We also look for anyone teaming up with another player or two on the December night if you want to have a go at playing together. If you are a nervous player, or have not played in front of anyone before then this is a good night to make your debut. After the food has been laid out and others are choosing what to eat, you could take your turn on the stage and get some playing in while others are concentrating on their food.

As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

St Audries Accordion Week, Changes

St Audries Accordion week will be a bit different for 2026 and 2027. St Audries Holiday camp are having some work done which means the Accordion week can’t take place at the Camp for 2 years. The Accordion week team have worked hard to come up with a temporary solution. The event will take place in the town of Dunster which is about 20 minutes away from St Audries Bay. The Hotel booked for the week is the Yarn Market hotel, which has 28 bedrooms.

There is also the option of staying in accommodation elsewhere (finding and booking your own) and traveling in for the day. There are caravan sites nearby for those who have caravans and want to stay in their van and make the eight minute drive to the festival each day.

This year the week will take place from the 8^th – 15^th May this is because this is the only week the hotel had free. In 2027 the dates will be back to the usual July dates.

For prices and further information email sabaccordionweek@gmail.com

Computing/Computer Science tutition

When not running the club some of you know that I work with computers and in education. I am a programmer and qualified computer science teacher with 43 years of programming and computing experience behind me.

I work for OCR exam board delivering teacher CPD for their A Level and GCSE Computer Science qualifications, and I also deliver their webinars for GCSE computer science to teachers, explaining the qualification, delivery, exam procedures, programming languages they can use, assessment etc. but this work is only spasmodic.

I have spent years travelling the country delivering training to computer science teachers in their own schools, and have trained over 10,000 teachers in face to face sessions this way.

I deliver training to DVLA staff a couple of times a year and staff from other organisations such as Barclays and the M.O.D. as required. For many years I have delivered computer games design courses to children online and also at Winchester and London during the summer holidays in Techcamp (residential camp for 8 to 17 year olds).

I am currently looking to get work without having to travel to London etc. and I am now asking anyone who knows of students looking for a tutor for a child for their computing or computer science work at school, to let them know I exist. I can deliver tuition remotely to any location via Zoom. I have delivered a few thousand hours of tuition this way to teachers and now am looking to get work tutoring students who need extra help. Maybe their teacher is not a subject specialist (quite common in this country) and the parents realise the child will benefit from a specialist tutors help. I am happy to take bookings on a regular basis or on an ad-hoc basis as required Some students might just need a one off session, maybe they want an hour a month, or maybe an hour a week nearer exams. I am happy to speak to any parents to fit in with their needs.

If you know anyone looking for a tutor for the above, or a one day course in Computer Games Design for kids (or adults) please pass on my details. I am happy to issue gift vouchers if someone is buying for someone else.

www.codecollege.co.uk which is where I get work from teachers and schools

www.davidbatty.com gives parents more info on myself and my history

Thanks.

David Batty 01772 454328

david@codecollege.co.uk or david@davidbatty.com

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 7th January starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 7th January.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - November 2025

2025-11-16T17:42:42-05:00

Last Month

Our last meeting in October started with Bernard Bamber playing Loch Lomond, I Belong To Glasgow and The Northern Lights Of Old Aberdeen. A Jim Reeves medley was next, consisting of I Love You Because, Paper Roses and He’ll Have To Go. His next medley was Blackpool Belle, Oh When The Saints Go Marching In, The Happy Wonderer, Que Sera Sera, Show Me The Way To Go Home and In The Mood. Our next player was Michael playing Welcome To Skye, Wee Tod, Lord Lovets’ Lament, Flett From Flotta, Father John McMillian Of Barra and The Gin Run Rig. Steven Fox up next making his return to the club, Steven was from Blackpool but now lives in Burnley. Steven played Wooden Heart, Save The Last Dance For Me, A Classical Medley, Chariots Of Fire, Marching Through The Wry and Going Home. Ann Parker then took to the stage playing Snow Waltz, Loveliest Night Of The Year and Beautiful Days. Our next player Adrian Ward from Otley was making his debut at the club, he gave us renditions of Sweet Jonny Jones (Cadridris is its Welsh Name), Minuet in G Major, Jesus Joy Of Mans Desiring. Then to finish the stage performances myself and Rebecca played Plaisir D’amour.

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 18th November. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 18th November. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025
… then the third Tuesday of each month in 2026 onwards.

Knutsford Accordion Day 2026

Knutsford Accordion Day 2026 will be held on the 23rd of May, a bit later than they normally have it to avoid other accordion events taking place.

They are delighted to have as their MD for the day, Shona Holmes ADCA(TD) LBCA. With over 50 years of experience in accordion orchestras, Shona Holmes brings a wealth of experience as both a performer and a teacher.

Shona was a regular on the competition circuit in the 70's & 80's achieving success in solo, duet and orchestral categories. Today her passion lies in ensemble playing, particularly groups, orchestras and duets with her pupils.

She is the founder and Musical Director of the Watford Accordion Band, which she has led for over 20 years. She also leads the Stevenage Accordion Group and is a member of the London Accordion Orchestra.

Put this date in your diary and we will write again with more details of the day when we have them.

Music and Medical Research

I recently came across a research project into Neurodivergent Musicians and Audiences Experiences in Live Music Settings. The Aim of the study is to gain insight into neurodivergent Musicians and Audiences and their Auditory Processing Experiences, Motiviation, Engagement and Reasonable Adjustments. The definition of Neurodivergent is Autism Spectrum, Adhd, Dyspraxia (DCD), Dyslexia and Tourette’s. There are different Questionaires to fill out for Musicians and Audiences if you know someone who fits the bill the questionaires can be found here: Musicians:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/rncm/neurodivergent-musicians

Audiences: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/rncm/neurodivergent-audiences

It got me thinking what other research about Music and the impact of music were taking place, this took me to the Government website for research Be Part Of Research (https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/) where a search for the word Music brought up the following research taking place.

Autism – Children’s Improvisational Music Therapy Evaluation. Researching the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Improvisational Music Therapy for Children aged 7 – 11 with Autism.

Music Therapy in complex Specialist Neurorehabilitation. Researching different functional outcomes if music therapy is included in the rehabilitation after a neurological injury.

Benefits of Personalised Music in Dementia- a Feasibility Study. There is growing evidence for the benefit of music for individuals living with dementia but there has been limited research in to personalised music, this is a feasibility study.

Make every step count: Personalised Music Feedback to Walking for People Living with COPD. Researching if using Music in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise increases motivation of exercise.

These Research Projects are open to participants and can be found on the Be Part of Research website if you search for Music. https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 3rd December starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 3rd December.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - October 2025

2025-10-19T17:32:30-04:00

Last Month

Our last meeting in September started with Ann Parker playing Under Paris Skies, Snow Waltz, Loveliest Night Of The Year, Frog Chorus, Style Musette, Yodelling Polka, and Black Mask Waltz. Our next player Sara Daly played Autumn Waltz, Haust, Envikens Waltz and Rocking your Babies To Sleep. It was time for our youngest player six year old Andrew Batty to take to the stage, he played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while reading from his music book. Colin Ensor was up next, Colin opened with I won’t Tell A Soul, then went on to play Why Did you Make Me Care, Pigalle, Auburn Waltz, The Greatest Mistake of My Life, Charmaine, Who’s Taking You Home Tonight and The Way Old Friends Do.

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 21st October. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 21st October. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

21^st October 2025
18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025

Clocks Change This Sunday

Don’t forget that the clocks go back an hour this Sunday the 26^th of October. The nights get darker, so more time to play the accordion while it’s dark and cold outside 😊

Interview with Ksenija Sidorova

The following Interview was taken from Bachtrack and is an Interview with Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. “Big careers can have strange and unpredictable beginnings, and in the case of Latvian musician Ksenija Sidorova, her journey to becoming one of classical music’s most well-known accordionists could hardly have been more low-key, being practically accidental. It began, she says, with her grandmother. “When she introduced me to the accordion, it was purely by chance. She thought, ‘let’s pick a hobby’ – it was something she thought would be fun to do over the summer. And by the end of the summer I could pull off playing a few songs with her.”

Next to her secondary school was a music school. “I was seven at the time. My mom asked me, ‘Do you want to go in?’ We were greeted by some staff of this school, and they said, ‘Does she play anything?’ ‘Oh yes, she plays the accordion!’ They said, ‘How odd! Do you want to play the accordion?’ Apparently I said yes – and this is how it began.”

Things became more serious a few years later. “I was around 12 years old, and I had to change my instrument. My parents had to sacrifice a lot to save up and buy me a better instrument. And the question was simply, ‘Do you want to continue playing?’” She did, and she got her new accordion. “I remember going to pick it up, playing the first note, and crying at how good it sounded.” Continuing to play and improve – “I liked practising by that point” – the time came to decide where to go to study more intensively. Two weeks trying out a music college in Riga didn’t work out, but the unexpected next step came from the Royal Academy of Music in London.

“Owen Murray, who still teaches there, got hold of my little demo disc and invited me to play for him. So my mother and I packed our bags in the beginning of December.” They arrived, only to find themselves in the midst of all the prospective students attending auditions. “I said, ‘Great, that doesn’t apply to me. I’m still just 16 and didn’t graduate from my school.’” She went and played for Murray, and was then asked to play again, this time for the then principal, Sir Curtis Price. The result was Sidorova being offered a scholarship to begin undergraduate studies, an opportunity she regards as one of the highlights of her musical life. “I didn’t know it was possible. There were people who really believed.”

An interest in both old and new music was important to her from the outset. Her first professionally-produced solo album, Classical Accordion (2011), opens with Arne Nordheim’s Flashing, and features works by Schnittke, Berio – the challenging thirteenth Sequenza – and Yuji Takahashi alongside music by Bach, Scarlatti and Mozart. The Nordheim was especially important to Sidorova. “It’s my favourite. I love this piece, and it was my introduction to contemporary music when I was in London, and to beautiful sound production on the accordion, which is an art on its own. This piece is so delicate.”

Sidorova’s interest in new music led to her actively seeking out new repertoire for the instrument. “It was a dream that I would be collaborating. There wasn’t so much repertoire, so we knew we needed to create it.” During her time studying at the Academy, she became friends with Bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova. Sidorova asked if Tabakova had anything she could play, and received a movement from her Piano Concerto, “and I said: I love this piece! Do you mind if I do something with it?” Tabakova didn’t mind, and the reworked result was Horizons – included on her 2024 album Crossroads – and now Tabakova has composed a new concerto specifically for her.

A few weeks after its world premiere in May, Sidorova will be bringing Tabakova’s Concerto to the composer’s native Bulgaria, performing it on 19th June in Sofia, with the Sofia Philharmonic conducted by Nayden Todorov. She hasn’t performed with the Sofia orchestra before, but is looking forward to it, in no small part because Tabakova will be attending to hear its Bulgarian premiere. “She’ll be there, and she’s a very warm person, so I feel her support.”

Even though Sidorova wasn’t actively involved in its composition – “I’m not a composer, I don’t want to interfere”, she says – the new work was actively inspired by her playing. I asked Tabakova about this, and she recalled, “I heard Ksenija perform an arrangement of a Bulgarian folk dance with mandolinist Avi Avital, which was at the back of my mind when writing the multiple time-signatured final movement.” This leans in to Sidorova’s perceptions of the nature of the accordion. “It’s multifaceted,” she explains, “I never want to forget its roots in folk music. Composers often turn to the folk side of it. They always include something, like Dobrinka is doing. The last movement is very folky. I think it’s a big part of the instrument.”

Considering the poetic and evocative titles Tabakova tends to give her compositions, it seems surprising that this new work has an entirely functional title, Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra. Yet its individual movements – ‘Blazing Ground’, ‘Whispered Memory’, and ‘Ancient Patterns’ – shed some light on the subject matter, rooted in considerations of the relationship between machines (such as technology and AI) and the soul, summarised by the question, in Tabakova’s words, of “how will our fragile human souls cope with a virtual reality, which aims to substitute real connection and curiosity?”

Thinking about this tension between humans and machines gets me wondering to what extent Sidorova regards her accordion as a machine, something external, or more inextricably part of herself. “It’s a child, it’s kid number four,” she says, referencing her three (human) children, and though she’s quick to point out “I’m not that crazy that I give it a name”, admits that “actually I sometimes call it The Beast.”

Her description makes the accordion sound like the essence of Tabakova’s concerto, something combining real and artificial life. “There’s all these metal parts to it, so yes, it is a machine. But then it has bellows, so it’s a breathing creature.” That breath, she emphasises, has given voice to people through the ages. “It’s a traditional instrument in so many countries, an accompaniment to many songs. It brings out joy, sorrow – it’s emotional.” This informs her attitude to choices of repertoire. “I think I’ve found my language. I tend to follow my heart – I want to like the music that I perform because, if I don’t believe in it, I’m never going to convince the audience to believe in it.”

She describes the itinerant soloist experience, moving from orchestra to orchestra, as “a little bit like being adopted by a family for a little period of time.” This ‘adoption’ process involves Sidorova continually making adjustments to the way she utilises her instrument. “It’s a journey, always, with orchestras. I love it, I really do, because there’s so many sounds you can work with. With Dobrinka’s piece, I can’t wait to get into the first rehearsal because I’m sure, with the registration, I’ll have to change a lot. And it’s a bit of pressure, you know,” she says, smiling broadly, “it’s happening very fast!”

Sidorova’s relationship with contemporary music is deep and long-lasting, and her repertoire of concertos includes Vaclav Trojan’s Fairy Tales, Piazzolla’s Concerto for Bandoneon and Chamber Orchestra ‘Aconcagua’ (Piazzolla features extensively in her output) and Artūrs Maskats’ What The Wind Told Over The Sea, all of which she has recorded. Concertos also feature in her future plans, with a new one coming from Turkish composer Fazıl Say, and a forthcoming recording featuring concertos from two fellow Baltic composers, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Prophecy and Tõnu Kõrvits’ Dances. More immediately, she’ll be participating in a residency at the Bodensee Festival in May and June, and making her debut at Carnegie Hall in a solo recital in November.

I ask if she sees her role as an ambassador, advocating for the accordion in contemporary music. “Absolutely. My teachers started this journey, they were the true pioneers. It’s a big task, so I just continue doing that, and of course there’s a lot of colleagues of mine nowadays. The calling is there, and they’re doing the same thing. So I think we’re all raising awareness.” Her advice to prospective accordionists is simple: “Be open to everything. This is your time, you’ve got the time, don’t waste it. Enjoy it!” “

Olivia Moore and Adam Fairhall Concert

This duo are holding a Concert is on Friday 14^th November 8pm at More Music 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT Tickets cost £14 on the door or £10 in advance. Tickets can be bought online https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/91092 for any more information about the event visit https://moremusic.org.uk/whats-on/moore-and-fairhall/

Moore and Fairhall are a folk-jazz accordion and violin duo who bring together Indian Ragas, American Folk and jazz from all eras, resulting in music that is lyrical, passionate and highly rhythmic.

Adam and Olivia met when they were selected for Edition VI of Serious’ prestigious ‘Take Five’ Artist Development Scheme and this duo is the result of their shared interest in a jazz approach to folk and world traditions.

Much in demand for her intoxicating, microtonally-infected playing style, Olivia has recently worked with the Srishti Dance company and with Milapfest’s Indo Jazz Club band.

“Nourished by Indian and Jazz traditions, but with an elegance that comes from her classical training, Olivia Moore’s violin has an Eastern tang which is genuinely entrancing” – Manchester Evening News.

Adam’s accordion style incorporates ostinato baselines, innovative rhythmic bellow techniques and free-flowing melodic improvisation. “Adam is a total star” – Independent on Sunday.

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 5th November starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 5th November.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - September 2025

2025-09-14T17:50:15-04:00

Last Month

Our last meeting in July started with David Rigby playing My Girls A Yorkshire Girl, Good Old Summertime, Irish Eyes, The Spinning Wheel, The Wild Rover, Wild Irish Rose, Highland Cathedral, Beautiful Dreamer and Now Is The Hour. Our next player was Sara Daly played Fathers Waltz, Petit Fleur, Lovely Glens Of Angus and to finish, Freilich. Ann Parker was up next playing Fancy Fingers Polka, Jack Allen Jive, Mambo Boogie, Chop Sticks, Memories Are Made Of This, The Harry Lime Theme and Frog Chorus. Our next player was Colin Ensor who started with Dancing With Tears, then continued with You Are Everywhere, The Greatest Mistake Of My Life, The Mairgret Theme, Home Away From Home, Alberta, The Ashokan Farewell, Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, Blue Kentucky Girl, Sweetheart of All My Dreams, and Who’s Taking You Home Tonight.

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 16th September. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 16th September. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

16^th September 2025
21^st October 2025
18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025

Sheet Music Library

The Following resource of sheet music links and corresponding YouTube videos has been shared with us. Thanks Verlus for sending this to share with our members. https://www.zisman.ca/squeezebox/Homework.html

Christmas Tunes

It's probably time to dig out your Christmas tunes and blow the dust off them ready for Christmas. Our December meeting is our annual Let your hair down night where you can show us your other skills, when we welcome other instruments or types of acts. Maybe you play the bagpipes or trumpet, play a keyboard or have some other skill, then December is an ideal time to share it with us. I mention it now as it’s not that far away and if you are like me you need time to get practicing!

Heritage Open Days

The 12^th to the 21^st of September is the annual Heritage open days, which sees historic places, interesting venues, and other events taking place with all opening their doors for free. A full list of locations can be found on their website. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on.html

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 1st October starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 1st October.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - August 2025

2025-08-17T08:29:51-04:00


Last Month

Our last meeting in July started with Ann Parker playing Yodelling Polka, Snow Waltz, Loveliest Night Of The Year and Woodland Fantasia. Bernard Bamber then played He’ll Have To Go, Grandfather’s Clock, Beautiful Dreamer, You Are My Sunshine, She’s a Lassie From Lancashire, Daisy Bell, Sweet Little Dicky Bird, Bobby Shaftoe, Goodnight Irene and to finish he played I’ll Be Your Sweetheart. Rebecca was up next playing Valse D’Amelie, Moon River and Puff The Magic Dragon. Our next player was Rachel who was a visitor to England from Calgary in Canada. I had been contacted by email a month or two earlier by Rachel and her family to see if we had a meeting she could attend while she was in England, I said we did have and I arranged with her to supply a button accordion for her to play for us. Rachel turned out to be a very accomplished player and entertained us with La Mer, Mademoiselle De Paris, Suona L’Organ, La Spangnola and Al Di La. Thanks for visiting us Rachel and hopefully we see you again in future if you are in the area, we really enjoyed your playing and it was nice to talk to you and your family. Andrew (Age 6 for those that don’t know him) had the job of following Rachel. Andrew (reading from his music book) played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Sara Daly followed Andrew, Sara started with The Gentle Light That Wakes Me, then continued with The Leaving Of Friday Harbour, Genevieves Waltz and finished with Emma and Jamies Wedding. David (myself) and Rebecca then played a Plasir D’Amour as a duet. Rebecca left the stage and I played Whispering Hope and Magic Roundabout Medley. Our next player was Colin Ensor, Colin played Please Don’t Talk, Mexicali Rose, Red Rose For A Blue Lady, Sailing By, Home Away From Home and Charmaine. Bernard Belshaw then gave us a selection of tunes including Ave Maria, Ain’t She Sweet, I Hear Music, Volare, Moonlight Serenade and Blaze Away. To finish the stage performances we heard from Harvey Seager who played a great selection of tunes, but unfortunately we missed writing them down on the tune sheet!

After the stage performances were over we then moved on to the informal part of the night, with people playing in various locations and groups around the room, chatting, drinking tea and coffee, swapping stories and tips, and generally having a good time. Our players swapped tunes with Rachel and I asked her about the kind of music played over in her area in Canada compared to here, she said it was quite similar.

The night ended at the usual 11pm. Thanks go to all who attended and to those who entertained us.

David Batty

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 19^th August. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 19^th August. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

19^th August 2025
16^th September 2025
21^st October 2025
18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025

Over 700 Accordions Auctioned in NI

Last Month we told you about Ken Hopkins Accordion collection that was up for auction at the beginning of August. The Auction has now ended and the majority of the Items were sold with only about 10 items out of over 900 lots, went unsold, the collection sold for a total of £210,000.
If you are interested in seeing the sold prices for the accordions and related items you can view the results on the following link, Remember that there is a 22.5% buyers premium to add to the prices you see https://www.rosss.ie/auction/the-ken-hopkins-accordion-collection/850/

You can view the unsold items on the following link https://www.rosss.ie/auction/the-ken-hopkins-accordion-collection/850/?sold=n Where you can also make an offer on the item if you are interested in buying anything.

Life With Brandon McPhee and New CD

I spotted this article from the Scottish Field Magazine and thought it may be of interest to some of you, The article gives an insight into the life of Brandon McPhee who is a professional Accordionist travelling the country and the world playing the accordion.

I grew up in Castletown, a small village in the far north of Caithness – so far north, in fact, that you might think you’d fall off the edge of the world. My journey began at Castletown Primary School before I moved on to Thurso High School, one of the two main schools in the region. Now I live in the glorious Royal Burgh of Wick, where I’ve been for more than ten years. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed.

There’s no place like home. Caithness holds a special place in my heart with its stunning scenery and tight-knit community. We have the Castle of Mey, once owned by The Queen Mother, and we’re proudly part of the North Coast 500. We even have the shortest street in the world. For me, Caithness isn’t just where I’m from—it’s my favourite place in the world.

I enjoyed school, though not as much as I loved playing the accordion. I was fortunate that the school supported my passion for music—they even purchased a button accordion for me to practice and perform during school hours and provided extra homework when I had to be away performing. Their support meant a lot to me. Music was always my main focus, and although I passed my other subjects, nothing compared to the joy I found in music. Every year, I return to perform with the band for the three Christmas Proms and sometimes for the teachers’ Burns Suppers.

My grandad, one of my greatest heroes and closest friends, was the one who first introduced me to music and opened up a world I never could have imagined.

Music became my true love when I was around 10-years-old. Before that, I was involved in various school activities and martial arts, but once music entered my life, everything else took a back seat. I remember being around seven or eight, listening to my parents play CDs of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Don Williams—three artists who remain favourites of mine. I’ll never forget the moment my grandad let me try his accordion for the first time—it just felt right. From that moment, I knew I had found my passion, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have discovered, at such a young age, what I wanted to do with my life.

I used to be quite narrow-minded about the music I liked, sticking to certain genres. These days, though country is still my favourite, I’ve grown to appreciate a wide range of genres—from swing and jazz to 60s classics. I’ve never come across a song that made me wish I had written it, though. I feel fortunate to have created something that feels like an extension of me, something that might live on after I’m gone. That, to me, is a special achievement.

Jimmy Shand has been a constant inspiration throughout my life, and he always will be. His sound, his style, his perfect musical timing—he travelled the world, had a chart-topping hit, designed his own accordion, sold out the Sydney Opera House, and is widely regarded as the most famous Scottish musician in history. I really wish I could have met him, but I was only four when he passed away. I did, however, meet Jimmy Shand Junior, and he told me that his father would have been proud of me—that meant the world to me.

There’s only one Jimmy Shand—no one will ever come close. My new album is my tribute to him, featuring some of his compositions and the tunes he made famous, all performed in my own style. Recording with the band at Studio D in Wick, the most northerly studio on the British mainland, was a great experience. I hope this album reflects my respect for Jimmy and demonstrates my efforts to keep traditional Scottish music alive.

I’m a big fan of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Willie Nelson, Don Williams, and Billy Ray Cyrus, among others. But I also enjoy Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, and even modern artists like Robbie Williams, Lucy Spraggan, and Taylor Swift. No matter the genre, so much of today’s music is built on the foundations laid by the greats. Sometimes, I wonder if in our rush to embrace new trends, we forget where it all began.

I often return to Johnny Cash’s early Sun Studios recordings. Just a double bass, an electric guitar, an acoustic with a dollar bill in the strings to mimic a train beat, and the voice of the ‘Man in Black’. Those sessions are brilliant. They speak to me, reminding me that no matter where you come from, with hard work and determination, you can grow, improve, and achieve something meaningful. Johnny Cash came from humble beginnings, landed a record deal, worked tirelessly, and became one of the biggest stars the world has ever known. His story inspires me every day to keep pushing to be the best version of myself.

Two moments stand out in my career. The first was winning first place at the All Scotland Accordion Championship and receiving the Jimmy Shand Shield. The second was performing and singing twice in the same year for two special occasions: first, at Canisbay Church, where I had the honour of singing, accompanied by the Dynamo’s legend Manson Grant on piano, on what would have been The Queen Mother’s 124th birthday for King Charles III; and second, at the Ghillies Ball in Balmoral Castle, for King Charles III and Queen Camilla—just as Jimmy Shand used to do. These are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.

The best advice I’ve ever received came from many seasoned musicians. ‘Never give up—the only person you let down is yourself. Be true to who you are, do what you do best, and stay honest to your own beliefs.’ That’s what really matters.

Brandon has just released his next albums which is a celebration of the legacy of the accordionist Jimmy Shand. The CD can be bought from Brandon’s online shop for £14.99 https://www.panrecords.co.uk/pr/R9gGCJWmI0CDvVvXIE_GpQ

The Tracks on the CD are:
1.Mairsland Two Step.
2. Jimmy Shand Waltz.
3. The Vital Spark (Para Handy Theme).
4. Galloway House Reel / Georgina Catherine MacDonald's Fancy/ Earl Grey.
5. Liberton Pipe Band.
6. Snow in Summer.
7. Don't Sit On My Jimmy Shands (Song) - single.
8. Lord Lovat's Lament / Old Rustic Bridge / Crusaders March.
9. Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen.
10. Flowers of Edinburgh / Waverley Steps / Norman Whitelaw.
11. Memories of Buckhaven.
12. The Muckin' O'Georgie's Byre / Lady Nelle Weymss / Braidley's House / Major Mackie.
13. Jimmy Shand The Legend (Duet ft Robert Lovie).

If you use streaming services such as Amazon Music/Spotify you can find the album by searching for “Brandon McPhee Plays The Music of Sir Jimmy Shand Vol 2”

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 3rd September starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 3rd September.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - July 2025

2025-07-12T18:15:03-04:00

Last Month

Our last meeting started with Bernard Belshaw playing Wooden Heart, How Wonderful To Know, You Made Me Love You, Satin Doll, Spanish Gypsy Dance, Blaze Away, Nessun Dorma, El Cumbanchero, Ave Maria, Ain’t She Sweet, Strangers In Paradise and Overhead The Moon Is Beaming. Our next player Sara Daley played Freilich, Leaving Of Friday Harbour, Sailing Through The Narrow’s, Genevieve’s Waltz, Emma and Jamies Wedding and Sargashyten Valsen. Michael Kristiansen was up next, he gave us South Georgia Whaling Song, Leaving Lismore, Lord Lovat’s Lament, Flett From Flotta, Bonnie Galloway, The Rowan Tree and Sprig Of Ivy. Bernard Bamber was our next player, he started with Blackpool Belle, Down By The Riverside, Oh When The Saints Go Marching In, I Belong To Glasgow, On Top Of Old Smoky, Green Green Grass Of Home, Please Release Me, Happy Wanderer, Your Cheating Heart, Let Him Go Let Him Tarry, In The Mood, and to finish he played Show Me The Way To Go Home. Ann Parker then took to the stage playing Fancy Fingers Polka, Mambo Boogie, Jackallen Jive, Snow Waltz, Over The Waves, Blue Bell Polka, Beer Barrel Polka and The Harry Lime Theme. Colin Ensor followed Ann playing Please Don’t Talk, The Greatest Mistake Of My Life, The Gentle Light, Red Rose For A Blue Lady, Dancing With Tears in my Eyes, Blue Eyes Crying, Kate Martins Waltz, Pigalle and Going Home. I was the last player of the night and I played Can’t Help Falling in Love, Return to Sorrento and The Magic Roundabout Medley.

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 15^th July. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc. On Tuesday we have a visitor from Canada who will be playing for us and we also have Graham from Weymouth who will also be playing for us. We normally see Graham on out Zoom meetings from Weymouth but he does try to get to the club whenever he is up this way.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 15^th July. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

15^th July 2025
19^th August 2025
16^th September 2025
21^st October 2025
18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025

St Audries Bay Accordion Week

St Audries Bay Accordion week has just taken place and was a great week of Accordioning, Socalising, learning and relaxing. The Weather warmed over the week and was dry and hot, we were treated to some great sunsets. The week consisted of Orchestras Through the week, a Day of workshops, Opportunities for 1-1’s with the teaching team and a Celidh night. The Week cumulated into a concert on the last night with the Orchestras performing what they had worked on through the week. If you are interested in attending next year’s accordion week email sabaccordionweek@gmail.com

Over 700 Accordions are up for Auction

This Vast ‘Accordion Man’ collection goes under hammer in Belfast, ranging from rare antiques to mass-produced concertinas

Co Down man Ken Hopkins repaired, refurbished, tuned and sold accordions for more than 30 years

Ken Hopkins was known as “The Accordion Man.” When he died in November 2024, he left an extraordinary legacy. His house in Comber, Co Down, was entirely filled with accordions. Some were interesting and some were valuable, but their state of repair varied widely.

Hopkins’ knowledge had died with him, which made it hard for his inheritors to sort through the collection. In December 2024, his son-in-law posted on The Accordionists’ Forum, asking for advice: “I always knew he was a serious collector, but at last count we had close to 800 examples from all over the world.”

For more than 30 years, Ken Hopkins Accordion and Music Services in Belfast had repaired, refurbished, tuned and sold accordions.

There is a rare chance to see antiques in situ at collector’s period Dun Laoghaire pad before they go under hammer.

Kens entire collection of accordions is going under the hammer at Ross’s in Belfast on Wednesday, July 23, beginning at 11am. It ranges from rare antiques and potential museum pieces to modern mass-produced accordions.

“We were astounded by the sheer number of instruments, all in his private house,” says Daniel Clarke of Ross’s. “There were accordions everywhere!” His colleague, Alec Grant, was given the job of cataloguing the sale. “The amount of room the accordions take up is quite overwhelming,” he says. “So is the breadth of the collection. There are accordions here that people have never seen one like it before.”

The highest estimated accordion in the sale is a Ballone Burini (Lot 7: est £2,000 to £5,000 / €2,320 to €5,600), but there are many instruments with £10 to £20 / €12 to €23 estimates, some of which are beautiful objects.

“The condition varies a lot,” Grant explains. “With accordions, the way to accurately assess value is based on the condition of the internals.”

The extent of the collection – and the fact that the last accordion repairman had died – made it hard to value the instruments. “We’ve had to catalogue the collection with no guarantee of condition or playability.”

We’ve had several musicians come in and play them

The solution, if you’re local, is to go to the auction house and try out the instruments in person. “We’ve had several musicians come in and play them,” Grant says. “But please bring a list of the lots you’re interested in, as it may take us a while to find them.”

The collection is too vast and unwieldy to have everything on display. “We’ve also had a lot of overseas interest from the US, Australia and Switzerland.”

Highlights include a Dari Constellation accordion, made in Italy, with hand-painted reed blocks (Lot 93: est £800 to £1,000 / €930 to €1,160). “The internal components have illustrations painted on them,” Grant explains. “It’s artisanally created and very rare.”

A concertina made in the UK by Lachenal & Co (Lot 725: est £200 to £300 / €230 to €350) is also a rarity. The company was founded by a Swiss immigrant, and made concertinas between 1850 and 1936. It comes in its original case and appears to be made for Vaudeville performances, as it can make interesting sounds including duck calls and whistles.

A Settimio Soprani Concert Grand accordion (Lot 100: est £300 to £400 / €350 to €460) was once owned by Gerald Bright (1904-1974).

Known as Geraldo, Bright was a popular British bandleader in the 1930s and 1940s. The instrument is one of only six ever made. “It’s hard to put a value on it,” Grant says. “It’s very rare, but I’m not sure how much that affects its value.”

Most of the interest to date has been in button accordions – the type commonly played in Ireland.

On two occasions, Hopkins was the victim of burglary. In 2012, 30 rare and vintage accordions, worth €24,570 – €36,855, were stolen from his home.

Reportedly, he was duped into leaving his house in by two men who said they wanted to buy an accordion. The men failed to meet him, and Hopkins returned to discover the theft. Twelve of the missing accordions were found, slightly damaged, in Co Meath, and returned to Hopkins. The others were not recovered.

Ten years later, thieves struck again. In March 2022, 11 accordions with an estimated value of €40,500 were stolen from Hopkins’ home. Hopkins told BBC News NI he did not expect to see the accordions again, and said the thefts were something “you got used to”. Given the scope of his collection, it’s remarkable the burglars were able to locate valuable and resalable instruments within a short time frame.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the accordions visit https://www.rosss.ie/ which is the Auctioneers website.

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 6th August starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 6th August.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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Leyland Accordion Club Newsletter - June 2025

2025-06-15T16:20:11-04:00

Last Month

Our last meeting started with Michael playing Skye Boat Song, Michael Row The Boat Ashore, Off To Californian Boys From Blue Hill, Welcome To Skye, Loch Rannoch and Unchained Melody. Our next player to take to the stage was Rebecca who gave us Waltz D’Ameile, Edelweiss and Moon River. Ann Parker was up next, Ann played Chopsticks, The Harry Lime Theme, Memories Are Made Of This, Frog Chorus, and Romanze. It was time for Bernard Bamber to shine, he started with You Are My Sunshine, then continued with Rambling Rose, She’s a Lassie From Lancashire, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, Don’t Dilly Dally, Daisy Bell, She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain, The Lambeth Walk, Maggie, I’ll Be Your Sweetheart and Bobby Shaftoe. I (David) was up next, playing a medley of I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, Cruising Down The River, Down At The Old Bull and Bush, She’s A Lassie From Lancashire, My Girls A Yorkshire Girl, I Belong To Glasgow, Keep Right On To The End Of The Road. After the medley I played The Old Rugged Cross, Bless This House, The Cuckoo Waltz, Now Is The Hour, Scotland The Brave, and for Andrew I finished with Twinkle Twinkle and The Wheels On The Bus. Sara Daly Was up next, she played La Cumparsita and another tune I didn’t get the title of. To end the stage part of the night Colin Ensor got up and played Alexanders Ragtime Band, McNamara’s Band, Dancing With Tears in my Eyes, The Gentle Light That Wakes Me, Getting Sentimental Over You, Blue Kentucky Girl, Red Roses For a Blue Lady and Goodnight Irene.

Our Next Meeting

We look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday the 17th June. As usual we will give players chance to play on the stage before opening the floor up to playing anywhere around the room, chatting, catching up with each other, learning new tunes etc.

Don’t forget to bring your accordion. As usual there will be Tea and Coffee on the go.

See you at 8pm this Tuesday 17th June. Please try and make it if you can. Doors open at 8pm, see you there.

David.

Forthcoming Dates

Our dates till the end of the year are: 3^rd Tuesdays of the month 8pm – 11pm

Our nights up to the end of the year

17^th June 2025
15^th July 2025
19^th August 2025
16^th September 2025
21^st October 2025
18^th November 2025
16^th December 2025

Carnforth 1940's Weekend

Join Carnforth's first ever 1940s weekend. A free two day event for all the family. The Carnforth Heritage Centre celebrates the 80th anniversary of iconic film Brief Encounter, which was filmed at Carnforth station in 1945.

‘Brief Encounter’ is one of the all-time classic love story films, and starred Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, and was directed by David Lean.

The event, based in and around the centre at the railway station on Warton Road, is set to feature live music, jive classes, military vehicles, best dressed competitions children’s entertainment, a 1940s fairground, stalls, bar and much more.

Highlights include:

Live music, Vintage cars and tractors, Military vehicles, Model railways, Funfair, Best dressed competitions, Mr and Mrs Churchill impersonators, Jive class, Food and bar concessions, Vintage catwalk, Vintages stalls, 40s railway broadcast, Miniature children's rail ride.

Celebrations of 80 years of the Brief Encounter motion picture.

This is all taking place on the 28^th & 29^th June at Carnforth Railway Station.

For more information visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/people/Carnforth-1940s-Weekend/61570214763403/

Carnforth Railway Station, Warton Road, Carnforth, United Kingdom

Telephone 07799 108360 or email Carnforth1940s@gmail.com

Accordion Player recieves BEM in Kings Birthday Honours

This appeared in the Press and Journal…
Accordionist Frank Thomson, 85, has received a British Empire Medal in recognition of his decades of service to traditional Scottish music.

When Frank Thomson first picked up an accordion at the age of 10, little did he know he would go on to become one of The Queen’s favourite players.

Frank’s years on the squeezebox took him around dance halls all over Scotland, playing to countless dances spanning decades.

He has even played the instrument before audiences in America, Canada and the Middle East – as well as all over Europe.

But as he receives a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours, it’s his royal connections we ask about when we visit him at his Kingswells home.

And taking in the sun in his garden, Frank even treats us to a few tunes as he regales us with the story of “amazing musical journey”.

How did Frank Thomson get into the accordion?

After treating us to a selection of tunes, Frank, who has three daughters, recalls how he first fell in love with the accordion 75 years ago.

Frank, who was born and brought up in Perth but moved to Aberdeen in 1995, remembers when he started to show an interest in music.

He recalls his father playing the fiddle and bringing home an old wind organ.

But this was all while spending his working week in the banking industry.

And it was only when he took early retirement in 1995, that he began to really devote himself to his life-long passion.

“I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life on the golf course, like all my colleagues,” he chuckles.

“But I got a call from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society inviting me to play for classes and dances in Aberdeen.”

As this new career took off, he became a regular on Robbie Shepherd’s Radio Scotland show Take The Floor.

And soon enough, he found himself bagging quite a prestigious booking…

For 35-years, Frank played with Jack Sinclair’s Scottish Band at more than 200 royal events, including the Ghillies Ball at Balmoral Castle and the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday party at neighbouring Birkhall.

“We have lots of happy memories of the royal family,” Frank tells me.

“We became almost friends of the royal family, and it was quite special.”

The Ghillies Ball was one of Her Majesty’s annual highlights during her beloved summer residences at her Highlands hideaway.

This tradition dating back to the days of Queen Victoria has even been immortalised in The Crown.

It was arranged as a thank you to staff, and the first tune would usually be the Dashing White Sergeant.

The Queen inspects the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates at Balmoral when she arrives for her summer break.

Experts say the event is private so no photographs or video are typically released – and it’s only eye-witnesses like Frank who know what it was really like.

It’s said The Queen “did every dance and would stay up late into the night to just enjoy it”.

Why was Charles late for judging fancy dress competition?

It’s an event most of us would love a peek at, and Frank doesn’t mind sharing some of his recollections of the annual tartan-clad extravaganza – and other special events.

Including one where the serving monarch, back when he was a prince, offered up an unexpected excuse for turning up late…

“I remember one night it was a fancy dress party, which took place every summer the family was staying there. We were sat there ready to play,” he recalls.

“It was always judged by Prince Charles then, and the fancy dress parade was always at half past seven.

“But this evening Prince Charles did not arrive at half past seven to judge the fancy dress parade. And about 10-15 minutes later we started to get worried as everyone was waiting for the music to start.

“Turns out he was wanting to finish an episode of Coronation Street!”

The King does appear to be a fan of the Manchester soap – having visited to mark its 40th anniversary in 2000, and even filming a small cameo.

Frank Thomson on memories of The Queen at Balmoral

On the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday, Frank remembers her rolling back the years by dancing the St. Bernard Waltz and the Gay Gordons.

Frank adds: “She was very gracious, very communicative, she loved meeting people and she was just a very kindly hospitable lady.”

And he is just as effusive in his praise for her daughter – the woman who would go on to become the UK’s longest-serving monarch until her death in 2022.

The late Queen knew each of the musicians by name and Frank treasures the little interactions he was lucky enough to have with the historic figure.

“It was undoubtedly a huge honour and it was quite special because we were treated like royalty by the royalty,” he tells me.

“It is difficult to put into words. It’s a period of my life I will never forget.”

Frank Thomson reflects on worldwide popularity of accordion

Over the years, Frank has won many awards, and his music has taken him all across the globe.

“The amazing thing is how the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has become popular worldwide,” he adds with pride.

Every summer he still attends the St Andrews Summer School – a major convention of dancers and musicians from all over the world which goes on for four weeks.

So is he slowing down, now that he’s in his mid-80s?

Frank chuckles as he explains he still maintains a busy diary as he “doesn’t like to say no” to people.

And it’s recently been packed with events at Haddo House, with a snow ball he has performed at for 54 years on the trot, a performance with Fiona Kennedy and plenty more.

“It is about getting out there and enjoying yourself,” he explains.

“There is no better activity to do than Scottish Country Dancing, it keeps the mind active and keeps the body fit… That’s what Scottish Country Dancing is all about.

“When dancers need hips and joints replaced like anyone else, they recover more quickly because they are fit – they’re up and about in the ward before anyone else!”

How does Frank feel about royal recognition?

Ever humble, Frank “thought there had been a mistake” when he was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to music and culture.

“It was unreal, I just thought there had been a mistake,” the twinkle-eyed gentleman tells me, still a bit surprised.

“I had to sit down and really nip myself. It makes me feel very very special.

“I’m quite humbled, but highly honoured without a doubt…

“There are nights in my sleep where I wake up and start thinking about the things I have done, and I wonder ‘did I really do that!'”

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6779549/frank-thomson-accordion/

Online Chat/Playing Wednesday

The next ONLINE meeting will be 2nd July starting at 8pm, we have an online catch up with local members and others from far and wide. This is held on Zoom.

I will send out a reminder for anyone who forgets the meeting is on, but the meeting will be on, and here is the main announcement of it.

Simply click this link to Join our Zoom Meeting at 8pm on the 2nd July.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237487230?pwd=LzlLdC9RMCtkb1RMMmVoSXZVR0lMQT09

Meeting ID: 822 3748 7230
Passcode: accordion

David Batty

Contact Details

Leyland Accordion Club is a club based in Leyland Lancashire England.

We have our concerts at

St Mary's Community Centre
Broadfield Drive
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR25 1QN

Our postal address is

39 Wray Crescent
Ulnes Walton
Leyland
Lancashire
England
PR26 8NH

You can find our website at www.accordionclub.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/accordionclub

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/accordionclub

All the best...

David Batty

Leyland Accordion Club

39 Wray Crescent, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 8NH, UNITED KINGDOM

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