A new ‘World Solo Piping Championship’ group is to be formed with a view to organising an event mirroring the current World Solo Drumming Championship, according to minutes from the January RSPBA Board of Directors Meeting.
This would mean piping heats being held worldwide with a final in Glasgow. No details about the proposed championship have been released but clearly the intention is to offer pipe band pipers the same competition exposure and opportunity as drummers.
Other items of interest from the minutes: Deepest condolences were offered by the Chairman and directors to the family of the late Vice Chairman John Hughes and a minute silence held in his honour.
Several of the major championship hosts for 2024 have indicated a desire to hold similar competitions in 2025.
The resignations of Education Officer Pat Whelan and of Chief Executive Colin Mulhern were confirmed with the latter remaining in post for the next six months. Chairman Kevin Reilly thanked Mr Whelan for his service and said that Mr Mulhern had been an asset to the RSPBA and he would not like to see him go.
The possibility of holding pipe band summer schools in Govan, Glasgow and Tynecastle, Edinburgh, to be explored.
The 1st Largs BB band has moved from Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway Branch to Glasgow & West of Scotland.
Popular adjudicator Donald MacPhee is to become a Director of the Association. This will necessitate his standing down as a judge.
Correspondence from the London and South of England Branch included a vote of no confidence in the Chairman and Chief Executive and a wish to nominate Major General David McDowell CBE as President of the RSPBA.
Prize money vouchers are to include a clause, ‘if this is not redeemed within six months of the Championship this will be forfeited’.
Talks with the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust about holding a demonstration ‘freestyle’ event at the Worlds ongoing.
Overnight expenses for officials and judges to increase to £135 when over 100 miles for a single trip.
Glasgow marks its 850th Anniversary in 2025 and the RSPBA has been asked to take part in the celebrations.
Chairman Kevin Reilly indicated that he would be standing down after 43 years of service to the Association. It is understood Mr Reilly will stand for the position of President.
Playing requirements for Grade 1 championships in 2025 will have a change – no details yet.
The Association AGM will be at 11am on March 9 at Headquarters in Washington Street, Glasgow.
