Author: Gilbert Cromie

Northern Ireland Pipe Band Update: Richard Garnham/ Cancer Kids Charity/ Web Designer/ Closkelt Concert

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There was widespread sorrow across the pipe band community, and in particular the Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, on the passing of their leading drummer Richard Garnham. Pipe Major Mark Rodgers, led the condolences on behalf of the band and conveyed their sympathy to Richard’s wife Elaine, son Ryan and the family circle. Richard is pictured fourth from the right celebrating the band’s success at the UK Championships in 2015. He…

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RSPBA NI Branch Administrator Retires and Replacement Named 

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These last few months has seen change within the NI Branch with the retirement of Ian Burrows from his administrator role and the appointment of Michelle Shilliday as his replacement. Ian, who gave nine years of dedicated service, had succeeded Lindsey Ellis who resigned from her position in 2012 when she relocated to Scotland. Indeed Ian would actually have stepped down in September 2020 as announced by the RSPBANI Executive…

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Northern Ireland Pipe Band Round-Up: Parades, Contests and Exhibitions Keep Tradition Alive

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Over here in Northern Ireland the traditional parading season will wind down over the next month. On Saturday the 28th August the parades of the Royal Black Institution took place on a local basis. These parades have traditionally featured a significant proportion of our pipe bands, many of which will take their autumn break before resuming winter practices, and in most cases the tuition of learner classes supported by grants…

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Northern Ireland Pipe Band Festival Heading for a Sell Out/ Province Stages Live Outdoor Solo Piping and Drumming

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When the RSPBA NI Branch abandoned their contest programme they resolved to hold a series of Pipe Band Festivals and they get underway this Saturday, 7th August, with the Antrim & Newtownabbey Pipe Band Festival. It will take place at the Antrim Castle Gardens and it is supported by the local council and will feature bands, drum majors and Highland dancers performing under the RSPBA’s jurisdiction for the first time…

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Northern Ireland’s Pipe Bands Return to Action

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Toward the end of May 2021 the NI Executive announced that bands could undertake static outdoor practices (although no singing was allowed) and this was embraced enthusiastically by the majority of the country’s seven hundred bands. Week by week individual bands or band forums were showing photographs of bands at practice in all sorts of environments from car parks to farm yards in order to stick to the rules. Pipe…

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