Editor’s Notebook: Glass Chanter/ Jimmy Anderson/ CLASP Invitational/ Capt. John Dinner/ John Balloch

Reader Les Hutt has commented on the news this week of the new trophy for the North Games. Les writes: ‘Many thanks to Andrew Grant and Jean Cameron for the new trophy. ‘The Glass Chanter was an institution for those who competed on the Northern circuit and hopefully this will inspire a good turnout in the future competitions.’ Yes, a terrific gesture by Jean and Andrew Les. I am sure…

RSPBA NI Branch confirm contests/ Leinster Contest/ Howth Contest/ 10th Bangor BB

The RSPBA NI Branch have now confirmed all of their venues for the 2024 season and have also confirmed that several dates have fallen by the wayside. The mini band contest which had been organised by Irvine Memorial for May 4th in Fivemiletown was cancelled due to lack of entries, whilst the NI Branch competition set for June 15th failed to find a host council and it too has been…

Highland Games: New Trophy for North Games Champion/ Island Games Schedule Streamlined

A new ‘Glass Chanter’ trophy has been announced for the champion piper at the North of Scotland’s Highland Games. The new trophy replaces an earlier version which has gone missing. Mrs Jean Cameron, the woman behind the idea, said, ‘The Glass Chanter has been designed by Glasstom Studios of Tain. The trophy has been funded by Mr Andrew Grant McKenzie, of the firm Highland Historian. ‘It will be awarded on…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Tickets/ ‘Wee’ Donald MacLean/ Atholl Gathering

A few comments on yesterday’s story about ticket prices for the Worlds. This from Donald McRae: ‘The price of tickets for children (under 16) is depressing, the price for a Saturday ticket being £17 or only £5.50 less than that for an adult. ‘I would expect such a ticket to be lower, possibly around 50% of the adult price. Should Glasgow Life not be encouraging youngsters to engage with the…

Northern Ireland News: Ravara Concert Review/ Richard Parkes Masterclass/ County Down Results

The Lagan Valley Island Centre in Lisburn City was packed to capacity on Saturday, April 27th, the audience eager to hear Ravara Pipe Band ‘Live in Concert’. Those who attended were not disappointed. David Scott fulfilled the role of compere in his usual inimitable style. P/M Samuel Connolly’s band consisted of up to 22 pipers who were supported by D/S Matthew Shaw’s corps of 12 sides, six tenors and a…