the
Pipemagazine Band
P/M Duncan Nicholson: My Hopes for the Future
Pipe Band Magazine is the o cial publication of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association April 2014
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 1 17/03/2014 18:16 17/03/2014 18:17 TO WIN TO WIN
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PATRONS 6 Lady of the Dance e Earl of Elgin & Kincardine e Earl of Mans eld - Christine Lacey President - George Ussher Chairman - Gordon Hamill Vice-Chairman - John Hughes 9 Know Your P/M Honorary Presidents Alex Mosson Ian McLellan - Duncan Nicholson Hon. Vice-Presidents George Purves 14 Branch News Scottie MacLean Matthew Connell Alistair MacDonald Kevin Reilly 16 Letters Chief Executive Ian Embelton HQ O ce Manager: Aliki Papageorgiou 45 Washington St.,Glasgow G3 8AZ t: 0141 221 5414; f: 0141 221 1561 www.rspba.org 20 All Our Yesterdays
- HMS Empress Branches and Directors
Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway ... M McCrindle 26 Tributes Dundee, Perth & Angus...... P McAndrew Fife ...... I Finlay - George Black Glasgow & West ...... I MacAskill, N Greeves Lothian & Borders ...... W McCa erty, S Orr - P/M Bill Hepburn London & South of England ...... W MacGregor Midlands ...... D Frith NE England ...... K Reilly 32 Ulster's Teaching NW England ...... P Brown North of Scotland ...... R Niven, J Gibb - Province leads the way Northern Ireland ...... M Herron, K Crothers Stirling ...... A Grant 34 2014 Diary RSPBA A liated Associations Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers Australian PBA Bagpipe Association of Germany British Columbia PBA Front: P/M Duncan Nicholson of Greater Glasgow Police Eastern United States PBA Scotland Pipe Band is the subject of this issue’s interview. Irish PBA Midwest US PBA Turn to page nine. Netherlands PBA PBA of Scandinavia PBA of South Africa PBA of Switzerland Pipe Band Magazine is produced and published by PP Publishing for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Pipers and Pipe Band Association of Ontario Pipe Band Magazine, c/o 16-24 Otago St., Glasgow G12 8JH, Scotland, UK Royal New Zealand PBA For Editorial and Advertising call 07957818672 or email [email protected] Southern US PBA VAT No. 703 7056 54 Western US PBA Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Association.
APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 1
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 1 17/03/2014 18:17 the R ! By ight HEADQUARTERS NEWS
All Change At the Trigger
he commands ‘Band ‘shun!’ and ‘Get Ready!’ could become a thing of the past following a new rule change agreed at the TAssociation’s AGM. From now on bands that wish to remain with their instruments on the shoulder at the contest arena ags will be entitled to do so. Previously the rules were that pipes had to be taken down and placed under the arm before the pipe major brought the band to attention ready for the two introductory rolls. Some bands felt that this system was harking back to a military past and had nothing really to do with musical presentation. Moreover, every time the pipes were moved there was a risk of something going wrong, a drone top coming o , or tuning being a ected. Now it is up to bands to choose for themselves the routine they adopt. One prominent pipe major told the Pipe Band Magazine: ‘ is is something I have felt strongly about for a number of years. Bands are trying to give of their best and surely it is the music they produce that matters, not the ceremony prior to their performance. Anything that increases
CHRISTINE HONOURED
The Association would like to off er its heartiest congratulations to its Dancing Convenor Miss Christine Lacey who was honoured by HM The Queen with an MBE in her New Year Honours List. Christine is seen receiving her award from HRH Prince Charles. Read more about Christine's wonderful achievement and career on p6.
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the R ! the R t! By ight By igh from HQ to You! the chance of a band playing well has to be a good thing and from now on bands who want to keep their ‘pipes up’ can do so without any penalty.’ e rule change was mooted last year but, possibly because it would have been compulsory, it narrowly failed to gain a majority. is time it was made optional and passed unanimously. e AGM heard that Association funds continue to be bouyant with an £89,000 surplus for the nancial year ending December 31 - and this despite a 52% increase in prizemoney during 2013. e exact gures show that in 2012 the prize fund for the ve majors was £76,000. Last year that was increased by
AGM ....forced re-location
£38,000 to £115,000. Chief Executive Ian Embelton said: ‘We are keen to pass on as much of our surplus as is prudent to our winning bands and hence the large increase last year. What does not go in the prize fund is held to pay for our running costs and the rest placed in reserve to pay for the planned re-location of the Association’s Headquarters once a new site has been identi ed and a development project agreed. anks to the contracts which we were able to negotiate over the past few years, we are in a healthy position nancially and we aim to continue this in the future. Contracts are in place for the championships for 2015 and negotiations for the years therea er will begin in the autumn.’
Only 31 bands were represented at the AGM (held on March 8th in the Trades House in Glasgow), although the number of delegates attending was just under 100. Association o cials admitted to being RT Shepherd & Son slightly disappointed at the turn out from member bands but accepted the view that when things were (Scotland) Ltd going well bands seemed to be happy to leave the www.shepherd-bagpipes.com running of the Association to elected o cials and the Board of Directors. e AGM and the earlier meeting
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 4 17/03/2014 18:17 of the Board was a ected by a power cut which blacked out much of that area of the city on the Saturday morning. ‘Directors JAMES KING t is with sadness that the Association in the dark again,’ one delegate said good- reports the death of outstanding humouredly. A er relocation to another leading drummer James King, Iformerly of the Dysart and Dundonald part of the Trades Hall building the meeting Pipe Band. He was 58. With P/M proceeded without hitch. R.T. Shepherd, James won two More details on the Worlds: e plan is for World Pipe Band Championships with the band in the 1970s. A full the Grade 1 arena to be used throughout the obituary to this fi ne musician will Saturday with the Juvenile contest taking be carried in our next edition and the Association's condolences go place there in the morning, followed by the to all those who mourn their loss. two legs of the Grade 1 Championship and then following that will be the Grade 2 nal. participants is making it next to impossible to All events will be live streamed over the internet have everything on the one day. However, having and also lmed by the BBC Scotland Television Saturday as the main day allows bands and Outside Broadcast unit. e Grade 1 Quali er on their followers to have the traditional ‘Sunday the Friday will be live streamed over internet. A a er the Worlds’ downtime, a chance to relax decision on how the results of the Quali er will and re ect a er the big day. Marketing and be announced has still to be taken but there may Media Committee Convenor Walter MacGregor well be some form of ceremony to nish the day, reported to the AGM: ‘In 2013 the BBC once the top bands going through to compete on the again provided live streaming of the Grade 1 Saturday. A large crowd is expected on the Friday performances and for the rst time the Juvenile to hear a showcase of what will be, in the main, the Grade nal. I am sure our young competitors, top 20+ bands in the world. their families and supporters...much appreciated e two-day Worlds looks like becoming a this unexpected innovation. Funding for the live permanent arrangement. Sheer volume of streaming of the Grade 1 qualifying heats formed part of a substantial nancial support package provided by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Live and Events Scotland. Notwithstanding this your Association needs to develop...the Worlds experience for spectators and maximise for itself some of the potential bene ts of the continuing and growing prestige of the event. In addition to the best of pipe band music, the Worlds should o er a platform for Scottish producers and retailers to showcase their wares to the many visitors from home and from around the globe. As regards catering, the existing arrangements are restrictive and dated…...changing perceived wisdom may prove di cult but Forres, when hosting the European Championships last year, adopted a much more enlightened approach.’
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Directors meet before the AGM
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 5 17/03/2014 18:17 Highland dancing is a much enjoyed feature of every pipe band competition and sometimes pipers and drummers forget the e ort and responsibility it takes to mount the many prestigious championships we witness each summer. So it is with great pleasure we can this issue celebrate Royal recognition for the woman who has worked so tirelessly over the years for our dancers, the RSPBA s Dancing Convenor Christine Lacey who has spent her… Lifetime as Lady of the Dance iss Christine Lacey, Dancing Convenor for the RSPBA, was honoured in this year’s New Year’s Honours list and has been appointed Member Mof the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Scottish Highland Dancing. For the past 10 years Christine has been the dance convenor for the RSPBA at most of their major championships. She took on that role from well-known RSPBA Life Member Miss Jean Ritchie, not
Christine with husband Donald a er another winning day at Cowal
A glitteringly successful career was followed by a life dedicated to helping other dancers
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 6 17/03/2014 18:17 only a dear friend of Christine’s but also a very dear friend of Christine’s dance teacher Miss Jessie Stewart MBE. Christine had a very successful competitive career winning over 250 championship titles including six World Highland Dancing Championships. Currently Christine is Chairman of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing - the world governing body of Highland dance and has held that position since 2006. Since retiring from competitive dancing she has served on all committees of the SOBHD and she organises the dancing at her two main local Highland games Luss and Balloch as well as the City of Glasgow Championships every year for the past 20 years. Christine is in great demand worldwide lecturing, examining and adjudicating. Last June Christine took early retirement from the Bank of Scotland, where she worked in management, after almost 34 years service. She now has formed a local dance school with her business partner Kirsteen Brown called the Lacey Brown School of Dance. Christine is happily married to RSPBA adjudicator and Field Marshal Montgomery piper Donald MacPhee and they reside in Alexandria in the Vale of Leven.
Christine is very grateful Christine pictured near the for the support the RSPBA bonny banks of Loch Lomond gives to Highland dancers with the World Adult trophy and Highland dancing offering contests and championships at most of their major pipe band championships. Said Christine: ‘To be honoured in this way is very overwhelming because somebody has actually thought to nominate me. It’s very humbling. 'My dance teacher Miss Jessie Stewart was awarded an MBE too and to be even thought of receiving the same honour as her is just really surreal.’
Christine poses for the cameras and (right) with her predecessor at the RSPBA, Miss Jean Ritchie
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KNOW YOUR PIPE MAJORS Hes the man in the hot seat at Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band so lets nd out more about...... Duncan Nicholson DESCRIBE your early band career and how you started piping. My father Donald started teaching me at the age of eight. Dad is very enthusiastic about piping and we would regularly travel to recitals, highland games and competitions to listen to the popular pipers at that time. ere was an old man who lived in Mallaig called Duncan Gillies who used to play in the old Glasgow Police Pipe Band. We used to go up to Duncan’s house on an occasional Sunday to play a tune and he would regularly talk about his days in the band and how great Seonaidh Roidein was. I therea er went for tuition to P/M Evan MacRae in Fort William. We would travel from
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 9 17/03/2014 18:18 KNOW YOUR PIPE MAJORS ‘ e Polis are the only Grade 1 band I have played in...... ’
Mallaig every second Saturday until we eventually moved local games and shows. to Fort William. Evan was an outstanding teacher and Duncan MacDonald gained the utmost respect of all his pupils in Lochaber took over from Evan as schools High School. His knowledge and love of piobaireachd instructor in my last year in the was tremendous. He used to have two big suitcases band. full of audiotapes, one containing Bob Nicol singing I therea er started playing with canntaireachd, the other of Bob Brown. Evan used to run folk bands and eventually, a er the Lochaber a year at music college, joined Schools Pipe the group the Tannahill Weavers where music was a full Band along with time occupation for ve years. I used to play with the Alec MacDonald Lochaber Pipe Band under P/M Sandy MacKenzie when I who was an was home from touring. ex-Gordon Highlander. Talk us through the bands you played with and some of is was my the outstanding bandsmen, drummers and pipers you rst experience encountered. playing in a pipe At 28 I took the path of getting a real job, as they say, and band. In my time joined Strathclyde Police. e ‘Polis’ are the only grade 1 in the band we one and competing band I have played in. Ian Plunkett never competed was the Pipe Major in my rst year followed by Jimmy but during the Wark. Jimmy is one of the big characters in the pipe Duncan and his summer months band world and had his own way of trying to get the best father, Donald were busy out of the band. He liked to put his subtleties into the playing at the performance at the competitions and we won the British
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 10 17/03/2014 18:20 KNOW YOUR PIPE MAJORS ‘Iain MacPherson, the current Pipe Sergeant has great experience...... ’
Championship in 2003. Donald MacKay took over from Jimmy. Under Donalds leadership the band won three championships and these were good times. I was appointed pipe sergeant in Donald's last season in the band. When Don Bradford took over, I continued as pipe sergeant. Don is very talented with his own very recognisable style. His proli c compositions meant that Duncan on the throughout the later part of the whistle at Celtic Connections nineties and the rst decade of this century there was hardly a band in Grade 1 that didnt play one of his are in this position you need someone who you can click compositions. I remember we used to joke about how with to cover all the various aspects that go into running a he kept writing opening tunes for the other bands who band. would go on to win the worlds. e only drum corps I know in competitive bands Iain MacPherson, the current Pipe Sergeant in is Eric Wards corps. I suppose you get spoilt when you are the band, has great experience having played under P/M used to hearing such a high standard of drumming and Ian McLellan and it is important that you can connect you end up thinking that it is normal. Sometimes it's not with someone musically when you lead a band. Both of us until you take a break from playing that you realise how being ‘teuchters, it seems to work well! I think when you fortunate you are to be able to rely on them.
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Highs and lows of your career? Highs: Winning any of the championships with the band. Getting a big thumbs up from P/M Ian McLellan a er the Celtic Connections concert in January 2013. Lows? Not that many, just being disappointed if we don't perform well.
Who were your biggest in uences; who did/do you look up to? Dad, P/M Evan MacRae, Alec Greater Glasgow march on at the Worlds MacDonald, P/M Iain Morrison, P/M Ian McLellan, Gordon being in uenced by the three brothers. Whether it Duncan, Dr. Angus, Allan and Iain MacDonald, was with musicality, competition piping, introducing Angus MacColl, Gordon Walker, Alasdair Gillies tunes and Gaelic music to the pipes and pioneering and others. P/M Ian Morrison was the most musical some of the collaborations we have in piping today, player I ever heard; P/M Ian McLellan for what these gents have it all. he did with his band and his knowledge; Gordon I don’t think anyone growing up in my era could have Duncan for his passion, compositions and musicality not but admired Angus MacColl, Gordon Walker and Dr. Angus, Allan and Iain MacDonald. Growing and Alasdair Gillies, given their achievements and up in the north west coast you couldn’t have helped playing throughout the last 30 years.
More from P/M Nicholson next issue
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 14 17/03/2014 18:21 Schools Championship by Alistair Aitken OBE Grows in Stature he second Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships were held in Broughton High School and TFettes College in Edinburgh on Sunday 9 March, 2014. e Championships carried the support of the RSPBA but they were independently organised and were funded through the auspices of the Tam O’Shanter Family Charitable Trust. e primary aim of these Championships is to foster the formation and development of pipe bands in schools across Scotland, both public and Dollar Academy on private; but school bands from other parts their way to victory of the UK can also enter. Other objectives are to provide a friendly atmosphere for 96 individual schools, including the Ampleforth Highlanders schools which have never entered a pipe band competition from North East England. Piping, Drumming and Ensemble before, and also to o er the opportunity of di erent levels of Adjudicators for the band competitions were provided by competition for bands which already have some competitive the RSPBA. e Freestyle competition was judged by Robert experience outwith the RSPBA system. e Championships are Mathieson and Craig Munro, Gary West (BBC Scotland planned to be an annual event. Entry was free of charge to the ‘Pipeline) and Captain Tony Williams (Director of Music, e competitors and the spectators. ose who had to travel long Royal Regiment of Scotland). e Quartet Piping competition distances were also o ered funding assistance towards the costs was also judged by Robert Mathieson, Craig Munro and Gary of travel and accommodation etc. is year the Championships West. Promoted under the banner 'Every School Needs a Pipe o ered ve di erent levels of competition: Juvenile - for RSPBA Band', the Championships were once again a great success registered Juvenile school and combined school bands from with the programme running seamlessly due to the e orts of the same education authority; Novice Juvenile - for RSPBA senior Broughton High School and Fettes College pupils who registered Novice Juvenile school and combined bands from the acted very e ciently as stewards and announcers. In general, same education authority. Junior ‘A - for school and combined with entries increased by around one third compared to 2013, school bands with some competition experience but not the Championships highlighted the wealth of young talent registered with the RSPBA; Junior ‘B - for school and combined which exists throughout the country providing the foundation school bands with experience of competing in the Debut for maintaining Scotland’s traditional music. One of the section of these Championships in 2013; Debut - for school highlights of the day were the six performances in the Freestyle bands competing for their rst time (including school bands competition, each of which in their own way demonstrated how reforming aer an absence of at least three years, provided that the boundaries of pipes and drums can be extended to involve none of the players had competed before). In addition there was other instruments tonally and musically, and at the same time an invitational Quartet Piping competition (held this year in the achieving originality, innovation, ingenuity and musical impact. prestigious Fettes College in close proximity to Broughton High e Freestyle event was very much an experiment this year but School) for individual schools as yet unable to form a band but it success suggests that it will be repeated and expanded for the who wished to give pipers competing experience. A completely Championships in 2015. new development this year was the introduction of a Freestyle Juvenile: 1 Dollar Academy 2 George Watson’s 3 George Heriot’s Musicianship competition to conclude the Championships. Novice: 1 George Heriot’s 2 George Watson’s 3 Dollar Academy e Freestyle event was open to all schools, or groups of Jnr. 'A': 1 Dundee High School CCF 2 Glenalmond 'A' 3 Loretto CCF schools, from the same education authority. Its aim was to o er Jnr. 'B': 1 Queen Victoria School 2 Davidson’s Mains Cluster Schools 3 a less formal opportunity for schools with limited numbers Knox Academy of pipers or drummers and no band to participate in the Debut Bands: 1Ross and Cromarty Schools 2 Renfrewshire Schools 3 Championships along with other types of musicians in their Ampleforth Highlanders school; or to enable existing school bands to showcase their Quartet Piping: 1 Tobermory High School 2 St Agatha’s Primary skills in an innovative concert-style performance. e general School 3 Beath High School 'A' idea was to illustrate to parents, teachers, education authorities Freestyle Musicianship: 1 Gordonstoun 2 High School of Glasgow and the public the musical scope and versatility of piping and Highly Commended – Preston Lodge High School. drumming. e 2014 event involved some 70 individual band pb performances across the various categories, representative of APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 15
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 15 17/03/2014 18:21 LETTERS to the EDITOR [email protected] Regretting Move to Digital
Dear Sir, was a bold move by the Directors of the I am a subscriber to the Pipe Band Association to approve the change to a free Magazine. My subscription runs out download and I would contend that their later this year a er which I will be longer decision has been vindicated by the huge receive the magazine in paper form. increase in readership this has wrought, Going digital is sad news for me as I do with thousands of downloads in the rst not own, or have access to, a computer. I quarter, January to end of March 2014. have always enjoyed this very informative We wonder if you have access to a public magazine and to me it should stay in paper library. Most of the big ones these days have format. ank you, internet access and the one in Windmill D McLaughlin, Street, Gravesend, does seem to have this Gravesend, Kent facility. If so, you may be able to read the * I m afraid the move to digital was magazine there for free. If this does not suit inevitable Mr McLaughlin given the modern you, please contact us once again when way of things. e younger generation your subscription runs out and we will is simply not interested in buying paper see if there is some other way round the magazines, the majority anyway. It di culty……Editor
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PB Mag Apr 14.indd 16 17/03/2014 18:21 LETTERS to the EDITOR [email protected]
Piper in Wartime Dear Sir, It was necessary to phone in January re the money for charities which attend the non-delivery of the mag. A few days later I pseudo-military etc. events. Within the received a note saying 'call in at the Sorting website I ask for advice as to the correct O ce'. e mag had been sent but postage uniform to wear. I hope magazine readers unpaid. A few more days later, another will help. I travel with two sets of pipes mag arrived, correctly paid. It’s all in the – one as back-up. I do a fair amount of past and I don’t want reimbursement. As funerals and always know that if one set I have your attention, there’s likely to be packs up at the wrong time, I can switch. more demand for solos and bands this year One set has an angled blow-tube stock and for a long time in the WW1 context. which I’ve used for years and years. I had I run a website which may be of interest. hoped to nd another but without success. Now that the mag is all online, perhaps a With best wishes. link and a bit of text could go in. It begins Alan F Harrison, via email with the piper in wartime via warpiper. info or go to http://thepiperinpeacetime. * Apologies for the diculties with the post yolasite.com/. As a re-enactment piper, I and we are sure readers will respond to your am enthusiastically involved in raising email with advice to your website....Editor.
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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
THE CLYDE INDUSTRIAL When HMS Cumberland sailed Training Ship Association was into Rothesay Bay in 1869 she HMS formed in 1868 by a small number was reported as ‘a wonderful and of in uential Glasgow people. e magni cent sight. In the rst year purpose of the Association was to 174 boys were placed on board, EMPRESS provide care for homeless young mostly from the Glasgow area. boys, petty o enders, truants Within ve years 300 boys were and those thought to be at risk of on board, all young o enders. e and her involvement in crime. boys were dressed in smart naval uniforms and they spent all their In 1869 the Association was given time on board apart from shore boys an old Royal Navy ship – HMS duties and leave. On board ship Cumberland – which was tted they undertook school lessons out as a training ship and moored and physical training, all designed o Rhu, near Helensburgh. to develop them into responsible HMS Cumberland, built in 1842 adults. How a sea borne at Chatham, Kent, was a 2,214 ton, 180 feet long, two-deck Unfortunately HMS Cumberland pipe band improved man of war with 70 guns, three was completely destroyed by a the lives of a citys masts and a crew of 620. In 1854 re in 1889, a spectacle which she operated in the Baltic Sea attracted huge numbers of onshore wayward youngsters during the Crimean War and spectators. Some of the boys were she was involved in the attack on suspected of starting the re and Bomarsund, Finland, in August ve were tried for the crime, but that year. nothing could be proved.
On deck .... the boys pictured in 1914
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HMS Cumberland
In the same year HMS known about what happened to came ashore they lived with their Cumberland was replaced by them when they le the ship, but families in a row of houses in another vessel, a 3,318 ton it is thought that over 60% joined Rhu village named Cumberland wooden battleship named e the Merchant Navy and that some Terrace a er the original ship. Empress. e ship had originally may have progressed to the Armed Many of the boys on e Empress been known as HMS Revenge and Forces during the war years. e came to Helensburgh frequently her previous roles had included Royal Navy, however, did not to collect provisions, including Flagship of the Channel Fleet favour natural progression of the supplies of bread and rolls in 1863, Second Flagship of the trainees to their ranks in normal from local baker, Lauchlan Mediterranean Fleet in 1865, circumstances as and Flagship at Queenstown in their background 1873, as well as coastguard duty was not considered at Pembroke and Devonport. to be suitable. e replacement ship remained moored o Rhu and by 1901 she A Captain Deveran, was licensed to have 400 boys on who was in charge board. She continued the role of both ships, of her predecessor as a Clyde lived on board e Training Ship before being sold Empress with his in 1923. During that time e orts family although he were made to change the image also had a residence from a means of reforming young on the mainland. o enders to that of educating He was reputed children of poor families. to be well liked by the boys and he Nevertheless it remained a hard corresponded with life for the boys and from all many of them a er accounts discipline was very strict. they le the ships. ey also came from a generation During his time on when the majority of them were both ships there small in stature, having been were no deaths poorly fed during their early life. apart from his own Life on the ships, with better food dog. When the and exercise, helped improve their o cers in charge general health. Little seems to be of e Empress
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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
Maclachlan. e transporting of such supplies from Juvenile Pipe Band of good standard. e band shore to ship was carried out with military precision, became available for local functions and could o en a spectacle enjoyed by many summer visitors. On be seen playing on the cast-iron bandstand, the base other occasions tourists gave the boys cigarettes [sic] for which still exists in Kidston Park in Helensburgh. and sweets when they circulated the ship on sight- e band also played at Inveraray Highland Games. seeing boat trips. ere is evidence that they continued to exist at least until 1914. Duncan Fraser of Greenock made In the late 1890s a piper named John Wallace took bagpipes for many customers in the area and it is up employment as an instructor on ‘At that time a full set of likely that the company supplied e Empress. John Wallace had bagpipes for the boys on the previously been Pipe Major and pipes mounted with ivory training ship. At that time a full set piping instructor at Dr Guthrie’s cost around £4 per set…’ of pipes mounted with ivory cost Industrial School at Liberton in Edinburgh. Born around £4 per set. As the pictures show, however, it in Edinburgh, he had served in the Argylls where is likely that all the boys played half-size bagpipes. he was tutored by Pipe Major Robert Meldrum. He was later a pupil of John MacDougall Gilles and John Wallace remained in employment on e became a successful competitive solo piper which Empress for only a few years and it was rumoured included winning the Gold Medal piobaireachd at that he lost his job on account of frequent absences the Argyllshire Gathering in 1901. whilst competing at Highland Games. Nonetheless he le a legacy to the ship and the pipe band by Within the short space of six months from joining composing a hornpipe with the title CTS Empress e Empress, John Wallace turned out an Empress (see over). Other tunes attributed to John Wallace
SFU STAY DRY IN THE BANDSPEC CHAMPIONS REIGN WHEN IT POURS!
P/S Jack Lee, Robert Mathieson & P/M Terry Lee (ret’d.) of SFU Pipe Band
22 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 22 17/03/2014 18:22
are e Henderson March, e Heights of Dargai, e Circassian Circle and e Dancing of the Fingers. Another interesting link with e Empress was a legendary gure in Scottish piping, Archie MacNeill, who was known as the ‘blind piper’. Archie was born in Govan. His father came from Gigha and Archie learned to play the bagpipes when his family moved to Rhu. When he was ten years old he had an accident which led him The Empress band in 1907 to become progressively blind, even more so aer the age the time the latter was employed went on to become some of the of 18. When living in Rhu he met on e Empress. Archie himself best known pipers in the country. John Wallace who became one of subsequently became a piping His teaching led him to become his rst piping instructors during instructor and some of his pupils a progenitor of the College of 24
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APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 23
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 23 17/03/2014 18:22 ALL OUR YESTERDAYS from p23
Piping and his system of tuition was to become part basis for the College’s Tutor 1 instruction book. For much of his life he was employed as a brush maker with the Blind Asylum. He was also a prolic and highly regarded composer and his well-known tunes include e Detroit Highlanders, David Ross of Rosehall, e Islay Ball, Verna Leith’s Wedding March and Gareloch, but the most notable being Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban. the large numbers in the band. other Juvenile contests including Archie McNeill was renowned as the Battalion Championships and a strict instructor who, although Drum Instructors during Archie’s the Glasgow contest held annually blind, had perfect hearing. He time were James Broadway and in the Winter Gardens on Glasgow was also very procient in the then Don Turrent. When the Green. e prizes at the latter playing of piobaireachd. In 1917 event were a number of paid he became Pipe Major of the engagements to play in Glasgow 139th Glasgow Boy’s Brigade Pipe Parks which greatly enhanced the Band and continued to teach the bands funds. 139th for 17 years thereaer. Aer the Second World War e BB company was based at St Archie worked at the Henderson Andrews United Free Church in Bagpipes workshop, where he Parliamentary Road, Glasgow, tested the quality of drones and but attracted boys from other chanters. He also wrote for e parts of the city. Archie’s own Piping Times. In his later years he sons, Donald and Alex, then continued to teach and play, and aged 13 and 11 respectively, he made several trips to Canada joined the band when Archie to visit his son Alex, who by that assumed command, and his time was a leading piper of the day nephews, David and Seumas and who competed successfully MacNeill, both joined later when Archie MacNeill and against the great John Wilson of they were old enough. his son Alex Edinburgh and Toronto when he In order to help the band, Archie was in his prime. Archie spent his took boys from the age of ten so World Championship contest nal years in Helensburgh and that they could play a few tunes by resumed at Cowal Games aer died in 1962. the time they were old enough to the First World War, the 139th pb join the Company. He would also Glasgow BB under Pipe Major have the boys come to his house Archie MacNeill, were World for extra tuition, as time was Juvenile Champions in 1919, 1920 limited on practice nights due to and 1923. e 139th won many
Prepared by the RSPBA Historical Research Group with assistance from Hector Russell and Jeannie Campbell
24 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 24 17/03/2014 18:22 NEWS FROM RSPBA BRANCHES
Glasgow & West
FOLLOWING the retirement of P/M Robert Shaw, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have a new pipe major. He’s George Sharp, a piper with very wide experience. George is pictured playing overlooking the Firth of Clyde. He has sent us his CV: ‘1975-1984 First tutor was Peter MacCallum. brother of P/M Ronald (the Duke’s piper). On Peter’s death I continued with P/M Tony Wilson who was a huge infl uence and inspiration. I am proud to have known Tony and regarded him as a friend. As a young piper I competed very successfully as a soloist around Argyll and became a member of the Campbeltown Pipe Band. I was present when Paul McCartney collaborated with the band for the hit single ‘Mull of Kintyre’, although too young to participate. turn to page 28
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APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 25
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 25 17/03/2014 18:22 TRIBUTES tributes
GEORGE BLACK 1942 – 2013
IT IS WITH great sadness opportunity to make we report the recent death of great efforts locally in 71-year-old George Black, who raising awareness and had recently been battling with support for the charity cancer. A former engineer and Marie Curie. keen side drummer, George retired George was well 21 years ago from Yorkshire known within the local Imperial Metal. Some six years Dundee, Perth and ago he was fortunate to have Angus branch having survived Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma been a drummer with after undergoing chemotherapy various pipe bands in Dundee. However, in April in the area since an this year doctors diagnosed early age. In 1958 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), at the age of 16, George is pictured far right with the Bullion eld corps a form of cancer affecting the bone George won the Boys marrow, and George was informed Brigade solo drumming that he had less than two years to championships and thereafter father into the NCR (National Cash survive. went on to the Bullionfi eld Register) Pipe Band in the mid 60s George did not consider himself Papermill Pipe Band where his when, in 1967, the band had its defeated and with this news and father George Snr. was lead most consistent season winning with his family’s support, took the drummer. He followed his Champions of Champions
26 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 26 17/03/2014 18:23 TRIBUTES tributes
in Grade 2. Having then had a break and throughout the from the pipe band scene for a pipe band world. Bill plays at the number of years, George resumed A long career saw Deveron Bridge drumming duties with various spells him take the Turriff at Arbroath Royal British Legion, and District Pipe Tayside Police and MacKenzie Band to the Grade Caledonia Pipe Bands. He was a 3 Champion of well-respected tutor, lead drummer Champions title. Bill and drum score writer in the local was also a noted area and his opinions were often solo piper and a sought. More recently, in 2007, world-renowned along with assistance from David reedmaker. These Gibson, Scott Phillips and Ron are just a few McKay, George helped to create a highlights in a career His solo success had been mirrored new band in the local area and by that spanned seven decades. in the band 20 years earlier when April 2008, Carnoustie and District he led them to that Champion of Pipe Band was established. The Bill did his National Service at Fort Champions title. Parallel to this was band has since gone from strength George near Inverness with the the establishment of the band as to strength winning its first major Gordon Highlanders. Afterwards he a fixture at the Braemar Highland championship trophy at the British returned to his trade as a joiner and Gathering. Billy confirmed that the Championships in May 2013. succeeded his father George as band has been playing there for 40 pipe major at Turriff & District and George’s funeral was held years. 'My dad was presented to the was followed in the same post by in Carnoustie on Friday 16th Royal Family on six occasions and his own son Billy when he stepped November 2013. It was a to the Queen on three. I have also down in 2002. well-attended and excellent been presented three times,' said remembrance of his life which he Billy. Bill was a keen competitor on the shared with his family and with his solo circuit and In his younger Apart from winning awards and other love, pipe bands. As he was day he remembered competing meeting royalty, there was another laid to rest within the local Shanwell side to Bill Hepburn - his willingness Cemetery, a trio of pipers from to help people and to take part MacKenzie Caledonia, Arbroath in community events that would Royal British Legion and Carnoustie benefit others. He was also ready and District Pipe Bands, paid tribute and willing to help out judging at any by playing one of his favourite piping and pipe band contests to tunes, The Dark Island. which he was invited. George will be sadly missed in the Dundee, Perth and Angus area and His skill in joinery was a great no doubt in other parts of the pipe asset to him when he turned band world and beyond. Thoughts to reedmaking. From modest are with his family, loving wife beginnings in his garden shed, Agnes, daughter Karen and sons Bill developed an international Tony, Trevor and George jnr. against such piping giants at RU reputation sending his quality Brown, Balmoral, and P/M James products all over the world. The Ian Campbell Robertson, Banff, composer of venture grew until it became so the fine 6/8 march 'Farewell to the big that he opened a shop, Scotch Creeks'. Even in his 70s he was a Corner, in the town. The successful determined participant in veteran's business is now run by Billy and his P/M BILL HEPBURN 1930 – 2013 competitions, often travelling long wife Jackie. Bill is survived by his distances from his home in the north wife Ina, Billy and his sister Arlene BILL HEPBURN died last November east to the Central Belt to compete. and grandchildren Debbie and aged 83 after suffering a heart He won the Veterans Champions Gavin. attack. His death was a great loss to title in 2003 and repeated the piping in the north-east of Scotland success many times. Norman Fiddes
APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 27
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 27 17/03/2014 18:23 Glasgow & West Contd. from p25 1998-2001: Kilmarnock Pipe Band – I began as Pipe Major with six pipers and no drummers and within three 1984-1991: Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. I completed years swept the boards at local pipe band contests my Senior Pipers Course with a recommendation to go winning every competition we entered and won the forward to my Pipe Majors Course. I completed this in branch championship outright. We also achieved prizes Edinburgh Castle under Captain Gavin Stoddart and at championship level. P/M Joe Rafferty gaining a ‘Distinction’. The play-off 1999-2004: McCallum Bagpipes – I started employment panel included Captain John A MacLellan MBE. He sadly as a bagpipemaker almost at the very outset of this passed away a week later. I competed with the Argyll and company. Then there were only two employees; Sutherland Highlanders in Grade 2 and gained prizes at the company has now become one of the largest championship level. manufacturers and supplier worldwide. I performed at many high level events such as the 2002-2007: Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band – I Edinburgh Tattoo in which I was chosen from the became a member of this band and played in Grade 1 cast as the ‘Lone Piper’. I had my fi rst experience as and later Grade 2. The band consolidated in this grade acting Pipe Major at a Highland games with a mini and I played continually during this spell. band from the Argylls, achieving 1st place and beating 2008-2011: Vale of Atholl Pipe Band – I joined the band bands representing all of the Scottish Regiments. I was under the leadership of Pipe Major Andrew Renwick honoured to pipe for Her Majesty the Queen in London and later Pipe Major Adrian Cramb. During this time we during Royal Duties at Buckingham Palace and on Horse gained prizes in Grade 1 and I was fortunate to play in Guards Parade. the World Pipe Band Championship Final. The band 1988-1993: Kintyre and District Pipe Band – I competed performed at corporate and social events like Beating with this band whilst still serving in the Army and Retreat at the Royal Yacht Britannia and Cameron House afterwards. The band was formed by Tony Wilson and Hotel on Loch Lomondside. We also performed at high progressed through all grades to Grade 1 in almost profi le concerts such as Celtic connections and the successive years. Orkney Folk festival among others. 1992-1995: Tutor to Kintyre Schools – I gained this post 2011-2013: Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band – I on a part-time basis and was successful in tutoring what rejoined this band along with the new Pipe Major, later became a prize-winning competing schools band. Kenneth McLeod. We competed in Grade 2, winning
28 JANUARY 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 28 17/03/2014 18:23 Glasgow & West cont'd.
championships and local competitions. The band is recitals by some of the world’s top pipers and several fortunate to have always been in the prize list during this competitions. The Society is not just for solo competitors time. This was made even more significant on a personal but is open to all. Several members are currently playing level as my daughter Heather was also present in the with Grade 1 bands. Admission to Pipers Club nights, pipe corps. held at the Calthorpe Arms, Grays Inn Road (5 minutes 2009-Present: North Ayrshire Schools Piping Instructor – from Kings Cross), is free – other events have reduced I took this position and I am currently teaching pupils from entry for members. Membership of the SPSL is open to beginner in Primary Schools to Higher and Advanced all and currently costs £20 per year. Further details can Higher level. I also encourage my pupils to compete in be found at www.scottishpipingsocietyoflondon.co.uk solo piping competitions and with bands. Some of my Bill Simpson, who is a member of Reading Scottish pupils past and present now currently play in all grades Pipe Band, has recently celebrated his 90th birthday. including Grade 1. Bill has been with the band since 1997 but previously It is my intention to consolidate The Scottish Fire played with Glasgow Boys Brigade, Rover Scouts and & Rescue Service Pipe Band and with hard work, Army Cadets, and has won many medals at Solo Piping dedication and guidance, bring the band and its members competitions. Happy Birthday, Bill. Congratulations are forward competitively as a unit. I intend to look to my due to two other members of the band who have, or are experience to ensure that the band's image, publicly and about to marry. Band Corporal Alan Vaughan and Kat internally, is of the highest standard, reflecting the values Allwright tied the knot on 22nd March and Side Drummer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Alistair Groves will marry Theresa Payne on 10th May, so all good wishes to them. Apart from all that, the band Glasgow Branch: [email protected] is hosting an afternoon of Highland Entertainment in Reading Town Hall on Sunday 27th April, 2014, featuring London & South a variety of dancers, singers and bands, so a busy time ahead for Reading Scottish. The competition season is nearly upon us so good luck to The postponed Annual General Meeting of the Branch all those from the branch who will be competing. took place on Sunday 9th February 2014 and there were several changes of personnel. Sheila Harris [email protected] Annie Broderick, who has been Branch Secretary for a number of years, has resigned for health reasons. Mention was made of the excellent contribution she had Dundee, Perth, Angus made to the Branch during her years in office and thanks recorded in the minutes. We are pleased that she feels The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band held its annual Junior Piping able to continue as Trophy Convener. Her place as and Drumming Competition at Pitlochry High School on Branch Secretary will be taken by Irene Samson who 18th January. This was the 39th year of the competition is the wife of one of the branch stewards. Irene has and the judges had a very busy time adjudicating over been seen helping out at contests in the past – serving a hundred child entries. The event was sponsored by refreshments or on the tombola stall or whatever needed Angus MacDonald, Trinafour, and prizes kindly donated to be done and the Branch is very grateful to her for by McCallum Bagpipes and the Gordon Duncan Memorial taking over as Secretary. Trust. The first picture Shows the morning events Tony Harris, who has been President for the past three winners, with the Vale’s Chairman Angus Clarke, centre. years, has also resigned. Tony is a founder member of The second picture is of the afternoon events winners - the Branch – one of two still remaining, and has given Photographs courtesy of Vale of Atholl Pipe Bands. freely of his time in several posts over the years. His wife As with most other RSPBA branches in the UK, the had been press ganged into being Minute Secretary and Dundee, Perth and Angus Branch likes to think that it has she also has resigned. They are being replaced by Ron its fair share of well-known pipers, drummers, tutors and Paterson and Bernie Aitken respectively. Ron has been other characters of note. In an effort to showcase some President in the past so knows what is ahead of him and I of those people and the bands from our area, we hope to am sure Bernie will make an excellent Minute Secretary. produce some short bios of these people and our bands As well as all these changes to our Office Bearers, it was over the course of future editions of Pipe Band Magazine. reported that Branch contests had been well supported, Pipe Major Derek JW Potter RVM, recently retired despite not very good weather on one occasion, and from the Armed Forces and, amongst many of his that the finances are in good health with a modest profit accomplishments, can be recognised as one of the having been made last year and it is to be hoped that the longest serving in the office of Sovereign's Piper. On future is rosy. his retirement from the army and allowing him time to After the business part of the meeting, Roddy ‘resettle,’ we were fortunate to obtain a biography from Livingstone, Vice-president of the Scottish Piping Society him which the magazine will run when space permits. For of London, extended an invitation to Branch members now Derek picks up the story of his recent piping career: to go along to the Society’s meetings. Throughout the 'I currently teach in all schools within the Dundee Council year they hold a variety of events informal 'Piper’s Clubs' area and am part of the Instrumental Music Service. (a chance to go along and have a tune or just listen), When I started, the national exams were underway so
APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 29
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 29 17/03/2014 18:23 Dundee, Perth, Angus (cont'd)
that was the initial focus and then there was the Dundee explore in the future with the view to Dundee, Perth and Music Festival, various schools’ events and concerts Angus holding such events. I am sure that even after a which needed to be supported. I have also done some full career in the Military there are many future challenges judging at the local Branch Competitions and in March and piping opportunities to explore. As band playing will be judging at the Boys’ Brigade Championships. has been a major part of my piping experience, this is This is something I enjoy and believe is a very good way something which holds a great attraction for me and once of understanding the standards of the younger players settled fully I am sure that this will be an avenue I’ll wish today. to continue, as I have been doing some medley arranging I have also been working closely with all local bands and and tune writing with a few bands in the local area. organisations in Dundee and the surrounding area, which I have been very fortunate to turn a hobby into a full has some very well supported groups such as The Boys’ profession and I very much look forward to developing Brigade Companies, The Army Cadet Force, McKenzie and encouraging the future generation of pipers within the Caledonian, Fintry and Carnoustie Pipe Bands, to name Branch area as much as possible.' but a few who also have pupils at the various schools in The DPA Branch is very fortunate to have a person which I teach. such as Derek in its area, teaching and passing on his At Christmas we combined the schools together knowledge and experience, and as can be seen by his and performed for The Lord Provost’s lunch and last story, he has turned full circle from student to teacher as month entered the Scottish Schools Championships in if on a naturally designed course. Derek, as stated, grew Edinburgh. This is something that I hope to expand and up with the Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band and as to get as many pupils together to perform in public in such we felt this to be a suitable place to start with our support of the school calendar. My fi rst year in the role band bio. has passed very quickly. The MacKenzie Pipe Band was formed in 1918 at the end I stated earlier that I enjoyed the weekend courses of the First World War to accommodate the need of the through in Perth and as a holder PDQB Teacher returning ex-servicemen to fulfi ll their musical aspirations. Certifi cate this is something that I would be keen to After many successful years competing in Grade 2, it was felt that amalgamating with another band would strengthen piping and drumming in the Dundee area, and so in 1958 they joined forces with the Caledonian Pipe Band resulting in the birth of MacKenzie Caledonian. By 1975, with the drive, enthusiasm and vision of Pipe Major J.K. Grimmond, the MacKenzie Caledonian Juvenile Band was formed. To this day they have won every major title in their grade, and became World Champions and Champion of Champions in Novice Juvenile as recently as 1998. This was due to the hard work and dedication of the tutors and members of both the Senior and Juvenile Bands. The senior band survived a lengthy time in Grade 2 but unfortunately at the end of the 2003 season was downgraded to Grade 3A. The hard work to rebuild the band began in earnest and by 2006 the Grade 3A band were 4th in the Champion of Champions table after placing at three Major Championships - not quite enough for promotion. The following year, 2007, saw the band winning 4th place at the Worlds and 2nd place at Cowal. Still not enough to see the band gain the elusive promotion back into Grade 2. The band upped their game, and by the 2008 season fi nally enjoyed the success they had desired so much. A 4th at the Scottish Championships and fi rsts at the British, Europeans, the Worlds and Cowal Championships, made it four major championship wins in a row to secure the Champions of Champions title and promotion back into Grade 2. 30 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 30 17/03/2014 18:23 Dundee, Perth, Angus (cont'd)
With some minor contest wins in the 2009 season for the newly promoted Grade 2 band, major success fi nally came in Grade 2 at Cowal in the shape of a 6th place. The following years saw some minor contest wins for both Grade 2 and Novice Juvenile bands and in 2012 the Grade 2 band managed to pick up ‘their’ 6th place trophy once again at Cowal! In 2013, lead drummer and former Scottish Champion solo drummer, Barham Brummage stepped aside after 5 years at the helm. Barham has recently been instrumental in creating a book in aid of Bone Cancer Research, MacKenzie Caledonia....the old days the charity which Fiona Morris (who began her career in the DPA Branch with Arbroath) spent a lot of time and effort promoting last year. Barham stated,
'I was fi rst drawn to Fiona's story when I saw on the Boghall web site that she was undergoing an op for her cancer. I was amazed to see her back out playing the next season and that she had committed herself to raising £500 for Bone Cancer Research Trust. As the season progressed it became obvious that she was working hard and had attracted phenomenal support from the MacKenzie Cal. in more modern times pipe band world. 'My involvement came when I sat down and read the book, 'The Piper's Tale', by 'We'd like to thank Allan for all of his great work with Fergus Muirhead. It made me think that there were a lot the band since he took on the position in 2002. Allan of pipe band people with tales to tell. I badgered some led the band through some diffi cult times in Grade 3 people and called in a few favours; Fiona did likewise until winning Champion of Champions in 2008 and and together we got stories from players in Scotland, the return to Grade 2. He continues with the band as Ireland, Canada and Australia, some stuff from judges Pipe Sergeant.' Both MacKenzie bands are currently and I added a few memories myself. in healthy positions membership wise, proving that the local area is more than capable of maintaining the 'The result is this book and I felt that any money raised interest of quality pipers and drummers, and with the should go to a charity that has clearly struck a chord with help from the various well-seasoned instructors such pipe band people. The title 'A slunge in the bidet...and as Anne Spalding, and with the occasional musical other stories from the world of pipe bands' (questions directorship from the likes of Derek Potter, the future for on a postcard to Barham for the title!) is released on both bands is in great hands. Amazon at a cost of £5. A percentage of the price of the book will be donated to BCRT.' Well done Barham President of MacKenzie Caledonian and also President and Fiona of course! Barham’s successor in the lead of the Dundee Perth and Angus Branch, Jimmy Mills, is tip role is no lightweight either, the 2003 world juvenile looking forward to seeing both of his bands in action in solo drumming champion, Calum Burns, was also lead the 2014 season with the ultimate desire being to once tip of the Champions of Champions Seafi eld and District again fi ll his trophy cabinet and maybe see if a promotion Novice Juvenile back in 2001. to the premier league is on the cards. Good luck folks!
The 2013 season saw a Grade 2 6th place at the European Championships for MacKenzie Cal,, and Ian Campbell overall 10th at the World Championships. No 6th place [email protected] at Cowal this time! However, the Novice Juveniles took a creditable 6th at the Worlds. The 2013 AGM also saw a change of leadership in the pipe corps with Neil Nicholson being elected as Pipe Major and Allan Low stepping down due to family commitments. Neil said: APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 31
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 31 17/03/2014 18:23 Province leads the way on Teaching By Winston Pollock n 1979 Ed McVeigh OBE as President, oversaw instructive rigour. the tentative steps of the RSPBANI to establish e School in 2014: e Day School Project, a meaningful education programme, through considered by most observers to be a very Ithe formation of an Education Committee. In signi cant development, began in Cookstown subsequent years the committee was to draw on Primary School in October 2012, quickly spreading Ed’s support many times as it strove to lay a good to ten other schools by March 2013 and 18 in total foundation for what eventually would become e by last September. Currently RSPBANI operates in Branch School. He was always quick to remind any both primary and secondary schools. e uptake branch member who doubted the vision, saying ‘if and the very positive response in these schools you do not help the weak, there will be no strong. provides evidence of the demand for piping and at vision is alive and well today thanks to Ed and drumming among school age children in the all who have contributed to the development of the province. school down through the years. An extract from a e success of the Day School Project in raising the recent external assessor’s report for the Arts Council pro le of piping, drumming and related activities Northern Ireland recognises within the formal education structure brings with ‘...project will have a the vision and execution it a new challenge: securing adequate funding to growing impact on of the school’s work: ‘As a guarantee the future. juveniles playing pipes teaching /learning event, it A case regarding essential funding for the Day is impressive and valuable School Project, is being prepared for presentation to and drums... that tuition is being done the Department of Education and the Department by high status players with of Culture and Leisure. considerable band/ensemble experience and a Furthermore, to succeed in achieving a prime consequent measure of con dence. is creates a objective of developing a youth programme calmness and uncontested learning environment worthy of its name the RSPBANI School will combining artistic direction and targeting with need the active support of the membership and
32 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 32 17/03/2014 18:23 Winston - planning the way forward
non-membership alike. With this in mind it is recommended that a Youth Development Support Network be established to provide support in the future. e Ulster Scots Agency deserve credit for breaking new ground in 2013 by taking the initiative to fund the formation of a Novice Juvenile Pipe Band. e appearance, to say nothing of the performance of the band at the World Pipe Band Championships and the North West P.B. Championships in Portrush proved to be a major statement regarding possibilities for be dependent on 1) Funds being made fully interactive in their community. future development of youth project. available to ensure the continuance Encouragement is given to all juvenile is initiative enjoyed the support of the Day School Programme and students of the School to join their of instructors from the RSPBANI 2) Local pipe bands buying in to the local pipe band for competition, School: PM Andy McGregor , Mark project by providing real and active local engagements, concert or other Carmichael, DS Barney Megoran and support. community activity. Rachel Ferry. e continuation of e second Residential Summer the RSPBANI Day School project will Management emphasises that the Adventure Programme was held in have a growing impact on juveniles priority for the RSPBANI School is August ’13 at the NEELB’s Bushmills playing pipes and drums which in turn to see the membership of local pipe Education Outdoor Centre. A sincere will lead to the formation of regional bands go from strength to strength; thanks is due to PM Andy McGregor or schools’ bands. However, this will preferably local pipe bands which are turn to page 36
APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 33
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 33 17/03/2014 18:23 ALL THE DATES FOR 2014 2014 dates
All information subject to change; check rspba.org for updates
DATE CONTEST CONTACT GRADES
MAY Sat 10 Kinross Mr G Mair, 7 Lathro Lane, Kinross, KY13 8RX 2,3,4 & D/M Tel (eve) 01577 862337/ 0771 7758 778 [email protected] Sat 10 Lisburn Mr M Herron, 9 Ballydown Meadows, All & D/M Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 4QX Tel (eve) 028 406 548 49/ 07702 681 189 [email protected] Sun 11 Gourock Mr N Greeves, 11 Glen Grove, East Kilbride, All & D/M G75 0BG/ Tel 01355 242302/ 0784 9354170 [email protected] Sat 17 Dunbar Mrs A Hazzard, 15 Campwood View, Mayfield All & D/M Dalkeith EH22 5QQ Tel 07957 285 006 [email protected] Sat 17 Newtownards As Lisburn All & D/M Sat 24 Enniskillen Mr R Hall, 11 Benauchlin Park, Enniskillen, 1 to 4 & DM Co Fermanagh, BT74 6JT Tel 028 663 265 37/ 07841 927 593 [email protected] Sat 31 BRITISH CHAMPS., Bathgate. RSPBA HQ All & D/M JUNE Sun 1 Markinch Mrs I Westwater, 22 Parkview, Markinch, Fife, KY7 6BL All & D/M Tel No (eve) 01592 751 667/ 07837 480742 [email protected] Sun 1 Girvan Mrs S Smith, 26 Whitecraig Road, Ardrossan KY22 7EF 2,3,4 & D/M Tel No 01294 607 434; [email protected] Sat 7 Shotts As Gourock All & D/M Sat 7 Larne Mr A McCleery, 20 Belfast Rd., Antrim, Co Antrim, BT41 1NY 1 to 4 & DM Tel No (eve) 02894 465 167/ 07909 516777 [email protected] Sun 8 Colchester Mrs A Broderick, 1 Broad Cottages 2,3,4 Broad Road, Wickham St Paul, Halstead Essex, C09 2PG/ Tel 01787 269 152 [email protected] Sun 8 Ardrossan As Girvan 2,3,4 & D/M Sun 8 Strathmore As Kinross 2,3,4 & D/M Sat 14 UK CHAMPS., Belfast RSPBA HQ All & D/M Sun15 Aberdeen Mrs Linda Niven, Inveroyne, 1, 2, 3, 4 & Kirkton of Oyne, Insch, Aberdeenshire, AB52 6QU D/M Tel No 01464851401/ 07754 098801 [email protected] Sat 21 Ayr As Girvan 1 - 4 & D/M Sat 21 Lesmahagow As Gourock 2,3,4 Sat 21 Lochore Miss W Graham, 38 Spittalfield Road, All & D/M Inverkeithing, KY11 1DY/ Tel 07854 938223 [email protected] Sat 21 Lurgan As Lisburn All & D/M Sun 22 Helensburgh As Gourock 2,3,J,4,N/J Sat 28 EURO CHAMPS. Forres, RSPBA HQ All & D/M
34 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 34 17/03/2014 18:23 ALL THE DATES FOR 2014 2014 dates
DATE CONTEST CONTACT GRADES
JULY Sat 5 Wexford (All Ireland) As Lisburn All & D/M Sat 5 Carnoustie As Kinross 2,3 & D/M Sat 5 Annan As Girvan 2,3,4 & D/M Sat 5 Thornton New contact details to follow from Walter Ritchie 2,3,4 & D/M Sun 13 Corby As Colchester 2,3,4 Sat 19 Balloch As Gourock 2 - 4,N/D/M Sun 20 Ashbourne Ms Lisa Gregory, Ian’s Oak 1,2,3,4/D/M Yeldersley, Ashbourne DE6 1LS Tel 01335 346010/ 07816 602080 [email protected] Sat 26 SCOTTISH CHAMPS. Dumbarton, RSPBA HQ All & D/M
AUGUST Sat 2 Cookstown Mr William Bowman, Bowmans Road 1,2,3,4/D/M Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, BT45 5DZ Tel 07746 712112/ [email protected] Sat 2 Inverkeithing As Lochore All exc.G1 Sat 2 Melrose As Dunbar 2,3,4,N/D/M Sun 3 Turriff Mr Norman J Fiddes, Birkhill 1,2,3,4/D/M Parkhill, Aberdeen, AB21 7AQ Tel 01224 722 229/ 07740 373782 [email protected] Sun 3 Bridge of Allan Mr S Nicol, 44 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan All & D/M FK9 5NT/ Tel 01786 832682 [email protected] Sat 9 North Berwick As Dunbar All & D/M Sat 9 Dundonald As Girvan 1,2,3,4/D/M Sat 9 Omagh As Lisburn All & D/M Sun 10 Perth Mr A Rettie, 24 Florence Place, Perth, PH1 5BH 1,2,3,4/D/M Tel (eve) 01738 627 782/ 07710 678 400 [email protected] Sun 10 Mintlaw Ms H Simpson, Norwood, Burnett Street, 1,2,3,4/D/M Stuartfield, Peterhead, AB42 5DN Tel (eve) 01771 624 485/ 07786 240296 [email protected] Fri 15 & Sat 16 WORLDS Glasgow Green. RSPBA HQ All & D/M Sun17 Crieff As Kinross 2,3,4 & D/M Sat 23 Edinburgh As Dunbar All & D/M Sat 23 Rothesay As Gourock All & D/M Sat 23 Portrush As Lisburn All & D/M Sat 30 Cowal As Gourock All & D/M Sat 30 Stranraer As Girvan 1,2,3,4/D/M Sun 31 Chatsworth As Colchester 2,3,4 & D/M
SEPTEMBER Sun 6 Peebles As Dunbar 2,3,4,N/D/M Sat 13 Pitlochry Mr Ian Graham, Tighsith, Faskally 1,2,3,4, N/J Pitlochry, PH16 5LA/ Tel01796 4174 [email protected] Saturday 13 Innerleithen As Dunbar 2,3,4,N/D/M
APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 35
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 35 17/03/2014 18:23 By the Right! Teaching in the Province continued from p36 from page 33 and his team, who ensured this was an outstanding success for all Adjudicators Panel Management enrolled. Board (APMB) Convenor Malcolm e RSPBANI School Ensemble joined the Cross Border Orchestra MacKenzie reported: ‘ rough the Ireland in February/March 2013 on the Concert Tour of Ireland. is age policy we lost P/M Bob Shepherd venture provided superb experience both musically and socially who will be a huge loss to the APMB for all involved. Six piobaireachd seminars were held and the RSPBA. Alistair Aitken between September ’12 and March ’13. e success of these seminars is evidenced by the increasing number of competitors in the Ulster has resigned and that means that a and All Ireland Solo Piping Championships. e instruction given new training group will have to be at the ‘Sat’ Centres provides a vital introductory platform for the formed; he also will be missed for his seminars taken by Chris Armstrong and Glenn Brown. contribution over the last decade.’ Added to the Ballymena, Banbridge, Cookstown, Enniskillen and Londonderry ‘Saturday’ Centres was a Pilot Centre in Ballynahinch Kenny Crothers of the Finance in Term 2, 2012-13. In the past year there was a signi cant increase in the School enrolment as indicated below: Committee reported the purchase of new adjudicator tents for £10,000. Age 7 - 25 25+ 7 - 25 competing 25+ competing Pipes 71 8 71 6 Education O cer Pat Whelan reported Drums 69 5 69 5 the digitising of the Structured D/M 27 0 0 0 Piob 22 2 22 1 Learning books and that a total of 232 W/shops 76 91 47 8 pipers and drummers had sat SQA and Day 191 0 0 0 PDQB exams. Totals 446 105 209 94 pb pb
PIPE BAND DECUS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band, formed in 1940, is the most widely recognised performing group at the prestigious Australian GPS school.
Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band Decus Scholarships are awarded to boys who exhibit the qualities for which Brisbane Boys’ College is renowned, with the student excelling in his J\S[\YHSNjLSK
Applications are currently being accepted via our website - www.bbc.qld.edu.au
Closing date for scholarship registrations is Monday 10 February 2014.
Kensington Terrace, Toowong Queensland 4066 Australia T +61 7 3309 3658 W www.bbc.qld.edu.au
36 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 36 17/03/2014 18:23 October '13_PB Mag 16/09/2013 16:09 Page 39
INTRODUCING THE NEW
GREATER SOUND, LESS WEIGHT
THE LIGHTEST
At just 6.25Kg it’s the “Lightest Pipe Band snare drum, ever!” 100% birch 5.4mm 6 Even ply shell. New Design Top & Bottom strainers, weight reduction over 35%. APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine 37
PB Mag Apr 14.indd 37 17/03/2014 18:23 October '13_PB Mag 16/09/2013 16:09 Page 40
38 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine
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