TIn January 1918, the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society announced that women would be enrolled in its pipe band. This society’s male band was no weak or novelty outfit. It was a champion band. But the war had depleted its ranks. The Weekly Times reported: ‘It is announced that 20 young women have joined the pipe band of the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society.’ By Stephen Matthews, Chairman…
Ian Forbes: If the RSPBA had promoted the top two or three Grade Two bands from last year’s Worlds, (e.g. Glasgow Skye, North Stratton, Dunedin – I forget the exact order), bands which many thought were already playing to a Grade 1 standard, this would have been the outcome: a) there would be no need for Grade 2 qualifiers this year, and b) Grade 1 numbers would have swelled to…
Ian Forbes: The RSPBA deserves full credit and congratulations for the increased number of bands scheduled to attend this year’s Worlds, as well as the welcomed expansion of events on the Friday. Most grades have greater band numbers participating compared to 2025, and there are many more reasons for pipe band enthusiasts and supporters to venture out to Glasgow Green on the Friday – previously characterised by very low attendance….
Another of our brave, anonymous correspondents has chipped in apropos my comments on band medleys saying that I am longing for the glory days of Muirhead & Sons. You should understand my faceless friend that there were no ‘glory days’ for Muirheads under the medley regime from 1970 onwards. They all belonged to Shotts, Dysart, Edinburgh Police, and then Strathclyde Police. The imposition of the medley was a huge sea…
The RSPBA has confirmed the entry of 211 bands for this year’s World Pipe Band Championships to be held in Glasgow over two days, August 14/15. Last year we had 202 bands. This year there are entrants from all pipe-playing regions of the world. The uptick is a significant achievement for the Association which has been criticised for the arrangements at major championships this year and last. Chief Executive Colin…
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