All the indications are that the RSPBA has made an inspired choice in appointing Meaghan Lyons as its new Chief Executive. From what I’ve read, Meaghan has a wide business experience (especially in fund raising).
We also know she is very good with people and has a thorough knowledge of the pipe band world in Canada, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Of course this last is not a pre-requisite of the job – just look at the outstanding success Ian Embelton made of it.
But it means, to use an over worked phrase, Meaghan will hit the ground running. She knows exactly the difficulties facing her. Uppermost must be securing a fifth major – and the firming up of the processes by which these championships are secured for future years.
There is also the vexed matter of broadcasting rights to the Worlds. If the BBC won’t participate then there are plenty of other options.
The RSPBA board, all bands and the media will be right behind Meaghan in her efforts to resolve these and other issues.
Toronto CNE
Couple of readers have responded to yesterday’s story. George Lynch: ‘I was playing with Pipers Whisky in 1979 and Irvine were on the trip to Toronto. George Lynch Snare drummer.’ That must have been one of the last trips George.
Another, unfortunately signed ‘Anonymous’: ‘I was also on my first trip to Canada and I led the Toronto Police Pipe Band down Yonge Street. I had the banner with the band name on it. My uncle was Chief of the Police back then.
‘It’s something that I never forgot as it was so exciting to be part of it. I also competed at a few of the Games.’ Please let us know who you are sir!
Skye Summer School
Mention of the Piobaireachd Society school last week reminded me that I had this from Allan Hamilton, who with his wife attended this year’s gathering. Allan writes of the early years of the College of Piping School on Skye:
‘The July 1956 CoP summer school was at the village of Carbost on the shores of Loch Harport, Skye, in a wee primary school that was so damp with the July rain that the bread became blue mouldy very quickly. It was that, or maybe that Seumas (MacNeill) had got a job lot of June’s old bread from Glasgow sources.
‘The cooks were learners (first year basic) from the Dough School [Domestic Science School] in Glasgow, and we lay on palliasses of Skye straw. It was full of native bugs which prevented long lies and made for a sharp start to our day.
‘That commenced with Seumas leading us into the morning lessons with a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in Gaelic from the blackboard.
‘Lessons were basic piping tunes and route marches with pipes. We were ordered into the sea to bathe (and probably to detach the bugs). Jimmy Wilson, who was a jack of all trades, made a kilt for a student Jacob, from Denmark, for his birthday.’
World Drumming: Congratulations to Kerr McQuillan on last week’s triumph, a success he will have been quick to share with his bandmates at Boghall.
Readers may not be aware that Kerr is also an accomplished piper, and from what I’ve heard could easily have made it in Grade 1 in that discipline had that been his prime calling.
What about a recording with you playing drums to your own piping Kerr? Now that would be unique.
Con Houlihan
Collette O’Connor: ‘Cullen Pipe Band, County Cork, celebrated its 85th anniversary on 17th October, with the local village community, family and friends travelling from near and far to mark this special occasion.
‘The celebrations also recognised P/M Con Houlihan who has dedicated an incredible 50 years to serving as Pipe Major of the band. Throughout his five decades of leadership, Con has taught generations of beginner pipers, led both the community and competition bands, and played a vital role in keeping piping and pipe band traditions alive in Cullen.
‘In recognition, the band and community presented Con with a beautiful practice chanter from David Naill & Co. along with a plaque from the IPBA in recognition of his 50 years as P/M. The presentations were accompanied by heartfelt video messages and a special performance of a tune written to commemorate Con’s service.’
