est.1948
I
N a recent report in the Oban association in the week following the
Times their correspondent British.Therewillprobablybesmaller
congratulatedtheScottishPipers’ contests in both Ireland and Scotland
Association for establishing its in the middle weekend of the
Knockout Competition at a fortnight and then the whole circus
consistentvenue(theCollegeLecture moves across the water to Scotland
Hall).Althoughhedidn’telaborateon and Glasgow for the Worlds and its
it,it is because everyone now knows precursors.A neat two-week package
where the contest is and what to do which should prove commercially
when they get there that audience attractiveworldwide.Moreoveritwill
figures have achieved some help assuage the very trying situation
consistency. So it is with all piping we have at the moment whereby a
events. People do not like change. band may enter for the Worlds, save
Stick with a town or venue and your upfortwoyearstogetherefrom,say,
reputation and chances of success Australia, and then fail to make the
grow. Look no further than the final in their respective grade. In
Glenfiddich Championship. If short, their dream trip is over by
something works, best to leave well lunchtimeonthebigdayandallthey
alone. Moving things around can be have left is the beer tent and a queue
fatal. Recent forced changes at the for the toilet.A sorry outcome I’m
Northern Meeting did it no favours sureyouwouldagree.Fromnextyear
So far, despite considerable things will be different and bands –
pressure(theykeeponwinning,damn they can spend up to £20,000 and
it), the RSPBA has resisted the moreingettinghere–willhavemuch
pleading from Ulster bands to move better value for money.
the World Championships to Belfast So congratulations all round to
in Northern Ireland.We consider this the officials at the RSPBA for
a sensible decision. Glasgow, the bringing this off. They are often
Gaelic/Celtic music and language criticised – fairly and in a positive
capital of the universe, is the natural lightinthesepageswemightadd.But
home for the Worlds and here they they deserve credit when they get
must remain. In a nifty compromise things right.We are sure the fortnight
however, 2010 will see the British will be a success and know that the
ChampionshipsmovingtoBelfastina local authority marketing
slot two weeks before the Worlds. departments in Glasgow and Belfast
Thanks to this enlightened effort to arekeentogiveitasmuchbackingas
keep everyone happy, overseas bands possible. If the Association can keep
will now be able to travel to the UK things going in this format for a few
foratwoweekfeastoftheirfavourite yearsitwillembedintothepipeband
sounds.Various events similar to the psyche much in the same way that
‘Piping Live’ festival will be run by Oban and Inverness are hard wired
the Northern Ireland branch of the into the minds of all solo pipers.
3
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64