Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe

I rose this morning to learn of the passing of Cyril Hall, Zimbabwe. His friend Aiton Shepherd wrote from Western Australia: ‘Cyril died last night in Mutare.  ‘His eldest son, Bobby, who lives here in Perth, phoned with the sad news. I admit to a few tears. The attached photo [above] was taken by Craig Sked a few years ago at the 100 Guineas solo piping competition in Johannesburg.  By the…

Kenmore Games/ Johnstone Pipe Band/ Euro Draw

Despite fluctuating weather forecast predictions, it turned out to be a warm, dry night at this week’s Kenmore Games, writes Jen Mackintosh.  Even the midgies were kind enough to hold off until nearly the end!  Although a small number of entries, it was a good competition with some fine playing, and judge Ronnie Clark was encouraging in his praise when speaking at the prize giving. Above are the winners pictured…

Rare Book Quest/ Lochaber Gathering Entries/ John’s New Recording

Avid pipe music collector Marco Borzacca is looking to add the above book, the ‘Dunoon Highland Gathering Collection’, to his growing library. Marco lives in Genoa, Italy. He writes: ‘I’m looking for a vintage bagpipe music book but, despite all my adverts on various facebook’s pages, I have not found it yet, since I realise it is extremely rare and hard to find. ‘So, I was wondering if your magazine can…

Know Your Judges: Bob Worrall Part 2

Twenty five years ago Pipe Band Magazine began a series of interviews with pipe band judges. The first, in January 2000, was with Canadian Bob Worrall. This is the second instalment of the the interview with Bob. Read the first here. Despite the passage of time, many of Bob’s views remain valid and topical today……. Which bands have been your greatest influence?Strathclyde Police and Muirheads. Best band performance you have…

Piping and Drumming Scholarships at Top Fee Paying School Now Available

Glenalmond School in Perthshire is in the position, for the first time in my 27+ years here, to offer scholarships to pipers and pipe band snare drummers, writes Brian Elrick. I’m keen for this to reach as wide an audience as possible as it can offer life-changing educational opportunities for successful applicants. I run the Pipes & Drums programme at the school and Sandy Bayne is my snare drumming instructor. Sandy…