Category: Pipe Bands

Tales of the Muirheads from the 1960s – Part 2

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Former Muirhead & Sons piper Gordon Ferguson, now domiciled in Australia, concludes his reminiscences… The other memories that I have relate to a trip overseas to Russia in 1967 as World Pipe Band Champions. I was thinking of including some tales of the band trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, that same year but though it was a memorable trip there is not a great deal to comment on, especially since…

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Happy Hogmanay/ Piper in Austria/ Pipe Band Ship Launch/ Eagle Pipers 1970

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There are many good reasons to enjoy Hogmanay this evening not least of which is that when numbskull politicians dictate we should do something it is wise to carry on as before. Piping at ‘the Bells’ in your home is perfectly safe and outside cheering up the neighbours even safer. Cancelling Hogmanay is the sort of torture no true Scot should have to endure. It’s on a par with the…

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Tales of the Muirheads from the 1960s and Some Humorous Recollections

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Gordon Ferguson, a Worlds-winning member of the legendary Muirhead & Sons Pipe Band in the 1960s, continues his trip down memory lane with a look back at some humourous moments from his time with the band. In the picture above, the band pose after completing five-in-a-row World titles at Perth in 1969. P/Sgt Andra Dowie is standing, second from the right. Andrew Dowie, ‘big Andra’, was Pipe Sergeant when I…

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Irish PBA Produce Five Year Plan and Re-work Constitution and Teaching Manuals/ Blackthorn Pipers/ Balmoral Teaching Weekend

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I have for some time been copied into communications which the Irish Pipe Band Association issue to their member bands, writes Gilbert Cromie. Recently I received a number of documents which have been sent out for consideration and discussion ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting which is scheduled to take place via Zoom on the 22nd January 2022 at 2.00pm. The IPBA, like its RSPBA NI Branch neighbours, have…

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Northern Ireland Approves Reduced Season of Pipe Band Contests for 2022

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The 71st Annual General Meeting of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (Northern Ireland) Branch took place on Saturday 27th November 2021. Representatives of seventeen member bands were in attendance along with Kevin Reilly and Brian MacMahon, the Chairmen of the RSPBA and the Irish Pipe Band Association respectively. Members heard that the Branch had facilitated a well-attended Zoom meeting of Pipe Majors and Leading Drummers on Monday 25th October at 7.30pm…

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