Balloch Games Results (CLASP G1 Piob added)

A warm but overcast day at Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond on the first day of the Glasgow Fair holidays. Sixteen played in the Open events and seven in the juvenile. Pictured above (l-r) are Brian Lamond, organiser Helen Campbell, Kris Coyle and Bobby Allen. Piob1 John Mulhearn2 Bobby Allen3 Brian LamondJudges: A Frater, W Morrison March1 Brian Lamond, Bonnie Anne2 Kris Coyle, Hugh Kennedy3 John Mulhearn, P/M…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Grade 1/ Worlds Tickets/ RSPBA Jubilee/ Duncan’s Forgotten Piobaireachd/ Brisbane Beers

So it is a fact that this year’s World G1 title will be decided over four competitions involving a total of 16 judges. No one will be able to gainsay the winner after that. However I do not feel it necessary to go to such lengths. Eight judges stout and true can do the job perfectly well as they have shown in the past. Sixteen should not become the norm….

Alan Walters/ Captain Ian Cameron

It is with sincere regret that we learn of the passing of Alan Walters, British Columbia, renowned piper, teacher and adjudicator, writes the Editor. Alan died at his home in Surrey, BC. Alan was a brilliant piper with fingers as good as any I have ever heard – and that includes the best pipers over the past 60 years. He was highly musical, naturally gifted. He travelled to Scotland in…

Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Draw/ Sons of Holyland Success/ New Argylls Book/ Ian C Cameron/ Cowal 1983

Can someone explain why it is necessary to have Grade 1 qualifying on the Friday of the Worlds? From what my small brain can detect there are perfectly adequate timings for the Saturday for all 14 bands. No crush to get them all in. Why have them all playing on the Friday as well? Seems unnecessary and added expense. Who goes through? Are those who don’t make it discarded from…

Famous Pipers: Fifty Years Since the Passing of Robert U. Brown, Balmoral – Part 3

We continue with our tributes and comments on what proved to be RU Brown, Balmoral’s, final teaching and recital tour abroad to Australia. This is taken from the South Australian Pipe Band Association’s Newsletter…. It is with sadness that I [Ern Dowler, Vice-Principal Piping, South Australia] write these few words to the unforgettable memory of Pipe Major RU Brown and of experiences shared with him, above all his wonderful knowledge…