Category: Pipe Bands

P/M Richard Parkes MBE Retires from Field Marshal Montgomery

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The most successful pipe major in pipe band history, Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery, has announced his retirement. In a statement, the band revealed that P/Sgt. Matt Wilson will be taking over as Pipe Major. Richard (62) has won 13 World title, more than any other Pipe Major, and over forty major championships. Richard said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery. The…

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Editor’s Notebook: Michael Colliery Band/ Solo & Band Season/ Edith MacPherson/ Funeral Details

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Reader Gary Clacher: My dad, Adam Clacher, won the World Solo Drumming Championship in 1959 when he was with the Grade 2 Michael Colliery band. Not sure if this has been done before or since by a Grade 2 leading drummer. I wonder if anyone has any photos of my dad, or the Michael Colliery Band, competing? A long shot but photos seem so hard to find from this time….

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BBC Recordings from the Northern Meeting to Air this Weekend / Northern Ireland Bands

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On the piping shows on the BBC this weekend (Radio Scotland and Radio nan Gàidheal) there will be live recordings from this year’s Northern Meeting competition in Inverness, reports presenter Micheal Steele. The shows include performances from the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, the Gold Clasp and the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society Silver Star for Former Winners March, Strathspey and Reel. Saturday night on Radio Scotland (9pm) has Nick…

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Editor’s Notebook: Piobaireachd Champions/ Joe Noble’s Funeral/ Scots Guards KO Draw/ Kilberry Castle/ Balmoral Classic/ Games Round-Up

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All congratulations to Alasdair Henderson and Nick Hudson, pictured above, on winning the two major piobaireachd awards of the summer, the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban and the Clasp at Inverness. Both are first time champions at this level. Why are these the highest ceòl mòr awards in world piping? The tunes are from a set list of the most difficult in the canon, your chosen piece is given only 20…

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News from Across the Water: SLOT win All Irelands/ Tribute Band/ September Solos

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From early morning pipe bands and spectators from home and abroad descended on the grounds of  Newbridge House, Donabate, County Dublin, for the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships – and what a great day of musical entertainment and competition it was. Grade 1 is always a tight affair, and this year was no different. St Laurence O’Toole took the early initiative by winning the MSR, giving them a two point lead. Despite Field…

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