Guest Book
These entries are in alphabetical order and include the date submitted and an email contact.
Robert Beeton
I lived in Fort William in the 50’s until summer of 1963 when I moved to Grantham Lincolnshire. I have lived in various parts
of Canada and the US since 1974 and currently live in Kingston, Ontario. I was at the Beatles dance in Dingwall in 1963.
(See entry). I was just completing my O-Levels in ’63 and hitched a ride with an older friend who was in a band and had
also played in Dingwall. Embarrassingly I have racked my brain and cannot yet recall the name of either the band or the
individual. Old age can be a little frustrating but I am sure it will come to me sooner or later and you’ll be the second to know.
I had a typical teenage band “career” of sorts my self in and around Grantham and the Midlands and play guitar to this day,
albeit more personal therapy than music.I will let you know if I come up with the names.
Submitted 26th May 2006
Tel : (613) 548-7898 Cell : (613) 299-2208
E-mail : [email protected] : [email protected] : [email protected]
Alex
McKenzie
Like James Robertson I am a past member of the 1960's band, The Ardennes. (See
below). Strathpeffer was a great venue and I too have very fond memories
of those days.
Good luck in the future to the pavilion. I look forward to visiting in the near future.
Submitted 6th July 2006
[email protected]
Ian MacKenzie
"Spent many a grand night at the Strath. I was very pleased to see the way the Pavilion has been restored to it's former self. My wife Linda was not at the
Beatles dance in Dingwall (see entry in 1963) as I did not meet her till 1966 after I came to New Zealand in 1964".
Submitted 27th May 2006 [email protected]
The Ardennes
I remember being in the Fife band the Ardennes who played many a time in the
Pavilion in the 60s.
Usually it was Friday and Saturday and we were normally the support band to
Glasgow bands that frequently topped the bill. We used to be
put in accommodation at the back of the pavilion.
All wooded panelled rooms and it was a strange feeling sleeping in the pavilion
when all the dancing was finished and it lay silent. We usually played three
card brag and as young musicians had a great time
with all the quines that used to travel to the dancing from all parts of the
area.
Ah the memories, asking a lass you saw dancing " Can I see you to your bus?" The
reply was usually of a broad dialect that was not always understood by us young
refined Fifers !
Any way I do remember being sent for cigarettes by other members of the band, me
being the youngest and drawing the short straw, feeling my way down the stairs
to open the door to ink black darkness. Kind
of scary to say the least and going to the centre where there was a machine.
Also a milk machine which was popular in those days.
Breakfast in the tartan restaurant at the side was always excellent. I think the
Highland Hotel had something to do with the pavilion and if I remember was owned
by a Mr Shepherd ?
I will have to revisit the village as an older but no wiser gentleman. Kind
regards JR
Submitted on 2nd May 2006 by James Robertson [email protected]
The Chaperones
They were: Lex Gibson, Dave Brownlee, Johnny Walker, Bobby ‘Red’ Campbell and Tommy Quinn. They played in the Pavilion in 1964. This was around the time of the ‘Mersey Sound’ days and bands like The Chaperones were very popular. The Chaperones made a number of appearances at Strathpeffer during 1964 (one of which included Lex's birthday on the weekend of 19th / 20th June) and, each time, the group spent the whole weekend at the spa, playing 4-hour gigs (one each night on Friday and Saturday). They had accommodation included, which was directly above the stage and, in Lex’s own words, they “fell out of bed in the morning and straight into rehearsals”.
Submitted on 3rd May 2006 by Lex's daughter www.lexgibson.com
The Dynamos
I have very fond memories of playing on stage at "the Strath" as keyboard man with "The Dynamos". The band went fully professional about 1973 but as a semi-pro showband we had some great gigs in the Strath. Manson Grant joined the Dynamos Showband around 1972 and took over my role on keyboards. The Band were about to go fully professional and I wanted to opt out. The Line-up at that time was: Billy Gray (Bass), Frank Sutherland (Bass, Accordion & Vocals), Ann Sutherland (Vocals), Robert Cameron (Drums & Manager), Geordie Jack (Guitar, Sax, Drums & Vocals), Davey Duff (Lead Guitar, Mandolin & Vocals) and Benny Macdonald (Keyboards). Our set was wide ranging, from Scottish, country, rock and some of whatever was current chart material. We aimed to make the last hour of our set non-stop music, with Ann, Davey, Frank and Geordie swapping centre-stage microphone as we went through the set. After a successful period on the professional circuit the group divided into two outstanding acts - Manson Grant & The Dynamos and Colorado - without question two of the most successful and enduring groups from the North.
Check out www.mansongrantandthedynamos.com
Submitted on 13th May 2006 by Ben Macdonald [email protected]
The Royal Viceroys
My name is Billy Donaldson. I played in your ballroom with the "Royal Viceroys" in '69......I think. Really enjoyed Scotland!!.
Great people!...MAGIC!!.
Billy Donaldson (Royal Viceroys) here again. You know, I don't believe we ever
HAD a photo taken.....at least not while I was with the band. As far as the
line-up of the band, here goes: Jimmy Watters (Leader) trombone&vocals. Sam
Downey. Drums&vocals. Martin...(Can't think of his
name!!!...rhythm-guitar..&vocals. Joe Gilchrist Bass & vocals and myself
guitar-organ (Farfisa) and vocals. I'm still playing guitar...and I live in
Canada now. My e-mail address is: [email protected]
I'm never going to retire!!...having too much fun. If you know of any Scottish
people living in Ontario...(that's where I live) who danced to the Royal
Viceroys you can put them in touch with me through the e-mail I have just given
to you.,
Submitted 26th May 2006 Billy Donaldson [email protected]
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