RSPBA News: Tony Harris, Life Member/ Composing Competition

I was very sad to learn that Tony Harris, former RSPBA National Councillor, passed away on Friday 10 April 2020 at the age of 89, writes Alistair Aitken.  Tony had been in a care residence for some time near his home in Toddington in Bedfordshire. Tony was born in Wootton Green, a small village in Bedfordshire.  He lived in nearby Stewartby, where his father, uncles and grandfather worked for the…

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Piobaireachd Society Lockdown Tune Initiative

Callum Wynd with Lachlan MacNeill Campbell of Kintarbert’s Fancy is the latest tune on the Piobaireachd Society’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/505347449507112/posts/3657045511003941/ The initiative, for PS members, began last week with President Robert Wallace playing part of Too long in This Condition and this was followed by Dr Peter McCalister with Lament for Patrick Og. Callum has nominated Dr John Frater to follow him. Membership of the Society is open to all…

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Lorient Festival Interceltique Will Go Ahead if Possible

Brittany’s Lorient Festival have issued a ‘show must go on’ message in face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement they say: ‘August needs to become the month of celebration and revival of enthusiasm! ‘Let’s celebrate together the 2020 festival, which opens the doors to the future. We welcome you with open arms to Lorient, the Interceltic capital!‘ Scottish organiser Tom Johnstone said: ‘Still all systems go for the 50th…

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Editor’s Notes: Lockdown Challenge/ Fèis Ross/ Princess Diana Tune/ US Coast Guard Book/ David’s Painting

Another week goes by; the trial continues. But pipers (and drummers) are responding, the internet alive with endeavours and challenges. I was pleased the Piobaireachd Society’s own received such a hearty welcome. Hopefully the tunes will continue throughout the lockdown. Organiser in chief is Dr Peter McCalister and he has nominated PS member Callum Wynd to play next. Who will Callum nominate? Following a couple of queries, I must point…

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Music Education is Underfunded and Undervalued by the Scottish Government

As part of our Lockdown Challenge we asked for submissions from readers: essays, pictures, drawings or tunes. Young champion piper Brodie Watson-Massey has submitted this article. It is printed exactly as submitted without editing. All essays will be judged by our correspondent MacStig and a prize awarded to the winner. Readers who have a view on what Brodie writes are welcome to voice it in our Comment section. Music education…

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