Dundee, Perth, Angus (cont'd)

With some minor contest wins in the 

 came in Grade 2 at Cowal in the shape

 some minor contest wins for both Grade 2 and Novice Juvenile bands and in 2012 the Grade 2 band managed to

 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, 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 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

season progressed it became obvious that she was working hard and had attracted phenomenal support from the pipe band world. 'My involvement came

 Fergus Muirhead. It made me think that there were a lot of pipe band people with tales to tell. I badgered some

and together we got stories from players in Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Australia, some stuff from judges and I added a few memories myself.

 should go to a charity that has clearly struck a chord with

other stories from the world of pipe bands' (questions on a postcard to Barham for the title!) is released on Amazon at a cost of £5. A percentage of the price of

 tip role is no lightweight either, the 2003 world juvenile solo drumming champion, Calum Burns, was also lead

 Novice Juvenile back in 2001.

European Championships for MacKenzie Cal,, and overall 10th at the World Championships. No 6th place at Cowal this time! However, the Novice Juveniles took

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 MacKenzie Cal. in more modern times

'We'd like to thank Allan for all of his great work with the band since he took on the position in 2002. Allan 

the return to Grade 2. He continues with the band as Pipe Sergeant.' Both MacKenzie bands are currently in healthy positions membership wise, proving that the local area is more than capable of maintaining the interest of quality pipers and drummers, and with the help from the various well-seasoned instructors such as Anne Spalding, and with the occasional musical directorship from the likes of Derek Potter, the future for both bands is in great hands.

President of MacKenzie Caledonian and also President of the Dundee Perth and Angus Branch, Jimmy Mills, is looking forward to seeing both of his bands in action in the 2014 season with the ultimate desire being to once

 to the premier league is on the cards. Good luck folks! Ian Campbell

MacKenzie Caledonia....the old days