The 78th Fraser Highlanders band from Ontario have launched a crowd-funder to help pay for a professional recording of their pre-Worlds concert on August 12th.
Entitled ‘True North Strong’, the concert will celebrate piping and drumming with a distinctly Canadian flavour. The 78th Frasers are a self-supporting organisation, the band’s members paying their own way to rehearsals and competitions at home and abroad.
The fundraiser is intended to help offset the cost of producing a top class recording. Pipe Major Michael Grey says the 78th Frasers have a long tradition of influential recordings, including their 1987 release ‘Live in Ireland’, one the best-selling of all time.
‘Our concerts have always been an opportunity to share music that means something deeply to the band and to our audiences,’ he said. ‘This campaign will help us create a professional recording that captures that spirit while easing some of the financial burden carried by our members as we represent Canada on the world stage.’
There are various ways you can support Mike and his band, ranging from a $25 ‘Friend of the 78th’ pin to a $2,500 Legacy Patron with all sorts of benefits including a personalised tune written by the man himself. Learn more here.
277 Argylls TA
Correspondent Nick Taitz on the results from the 1962 Worlds where P/M John Weatherston led the 277 Argylls TA band to victory:
‘We were often told of the win by the 277 by one of the youngest pipers in the band that day, Roy Blevins. Afterwards Roy played in Clan McFarlane in Canada and later with Richmond Avenue Pipe Band in South Africa.
‘I was a member of the band and knew him well. He gave many of us the benefit of his advice, and the example of his own excellent piping.
‘Another young piper in the 277 who won the World’s as well with Roy was Jack Caraher, who also lived in South Africa and played for Richmond Avenue.’
Thanks for that Nicholas. Would Roy be in the above picture? When I moved to a new house in Glasgow in 1980 I discovered that the previous occupier had been Roy Blevins (he’d gone back to SA). Another spooky fact: the chap next door was Willie Somerville of the Lanarkshire Police band!
Canada Memories
Iain Duncan, author of the new book ‘Around the Worlds’: ‘I read your own story of your short trip to Hamilton, Ontario, and that brought back happy memories of my visits to Toronto back in the ’70s at the CNE [Canadian National Exhibition] and the parades through downtown Toronto.
‘Three times we, Glasgow Skye, took part, and the trouble with such trips were the thoughts of living in Canada; still love it.’
Yes, half a century ago, Iain. Those of us who were there won’t forget it. I passed the CNE stadium last weekend. It has been rebuilt you might expect, but the green slopes where we practised and tuned up are still the same. Anyone else remember the CNE and the parades from the 70s?
Atholl Gathering/ Killin Games
Piping Convenor Jack Taylor: ‘Atholl Gathering entries are now closed. All events are at capacity and some are well over-subscribed. Before we make draws, can we ask that any competitor who is withdrawing to please notify us on atholl.gathering.piping@gmail.com so that we can offer places to those on the waiting list. Many thanks.’
Jen MacIntosh re Kenmore Games: ‘I have a small amendment to the Guide to the Games. There are three events in the 18 and under contests: March, S&R, Jig. In the over 18s there are also three events: MSR, Jig, Medley (4-6 mins.). Pre-entry and on the day accepted.’ Kenmore Games, Perthshire, are on July 1.
Malcolm & Angus
This cutting is from the Inverness Courier of September 1930. The caption reads: ‘Piping Tradition – Malcolm R McPherson of Invershin, who won the Pibrochs and the Society’s gold clasp at Inverness, Northern Meeting. He is seen with his father, Angus McPherson. Five generations of the family have competed at the games in the Pibrochs.’
It would appear that the national press of almost 100 years ago was no better at accurate reporting of piping than it is today. What struck me is Malcolm’s dress. How you see him is how he would have competed, black tie, hair sporran, dirks, bonnet. A far cry from today’s ungracious shirt-sleeve order, though it has to be said to their credit that the Northern Meeting do still insist on jackets.
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