Category: Letters

History: Grangemouth Boys Pipe Band and a First Picture of Muirhead & Sons

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I came across the photograph above in my great-grandfather’s collection. This is a copy I made in the days of negative film – the original is lost, writes reader Donald McLean It shows the Grangemouth Boys Pipe Band circa 1927-28. Of note for me is that seated second from left is my godfather John Ross (1909-1988). I spotted a reference to the Grangemouth Boys winning the Juvenile prize at the…

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Can Anyone Help Me Find Out More About My Father?

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Reader Alison Willasey-Wilsey has written, ‘I wonder if Piping Press readers can assist me in finding out more information about my father now deceased.  ‘He said that he joined the Aberdeen and Dundee Pipe Band of the Royal Engineers in 1937. ‘He was subsequently called up to the Royal Engineers when war broke out in 1939. I know he was in a pipe band as a young boy in Aberdeen…

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‘Pibroch by the Sea’ Details Announced

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Details of the annual ‘Pibroch by the Sea’ event in Brittany, France, have been announced by the promoters. In a departure from previous years, performances of ceòl mòr will be given at the spectacular Mont St Michel a couple of hours drive east from the usual host village of Cancale. The date is Saturday, September 7, and the performances will be given between 11am and 2.30pm. Ten piobaireachd players from…

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

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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…

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Revisiting the Past: 2/4 Marches and a Letter from Archibald Campbell

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Until the advent of recordings, music was ephemeral. Performances faded from memory, save for occasional outstanding examples imprinted on our minds. Memories become clouded in time, however.  Historic recordings can remind us of what we heard in the past. I am old enough to detect that march playing has arguably deteriorated, even at the highest level.  I can assure readers this is not just a personal view – it is shared…

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