Canada’s City of Victoria Pipe Band Celebrate 50 Years Since Their Founding

The City of Victoria Pipe Band, British Columbia, Canada, was formed in the autumn {fall) of 1972. Although the band ceased operations a number of years ago, past members met recently, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its formation. By Peter Aumonier Organised by Colin Magee and Gord Pollock, the band gathered at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Victoria, BC, for cocktails, an excellent meal, and an evening of story telling and…

NI News: Gareth Appointed FMM Leading Tip as Keith Retires/ Matt a Hit at Blackthorn/ Stormont Certificates

At a celebratory function in the Dunadry Inn last weekend, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band announced that leading drummer Keith Orr had decided to stand down and that his replacement would be drum corps member Gareth McLees. This brings to an end one of the most successful partnerships in pipe band history. Keith and P/M Richard Parkes have shared in around fifty RSPBA Major Championship successes. This includes 11 World,…

History: P/M Speedy, Scots Guards, and a Libyan Band he Trained During WW2

Further to researcher Liz Gardner’s article on the unknown Libyan Pipe Band, I can forward the following information. The band was known as the Senoussi Pipe Band of the Cyrenaican Defence Forces and was taught by Pipe-Major William Speedy of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards.  By Ron Abbott Pipe-Major 3184097 William Butler ‘Jock’ Speedy was born in Polwarth [near Duns, Scottish Borders] in 1902 and died in London in 1969.  He was…

Winter Storm Results

This competition was held in Kansas City on January 13. It attracted a very large entry in all categories. Andrew Carlisle, Northern Ireland and Pittsburgh, was the aggregate winner in the professional class. In addition to other prizes, Andrew (pictured) was awarded $1,500 for travel to Scotland to compete, or to travel back to Winter Storm 2024. Gold Medal Piobaireachd 1 Andrew Carlisle2 Nick Hudson3 Andrew Lewis4 Alastair Lee5 Derek Midgley6…

Editor’s Notebook: Juvenile Band Fund/ Libya Pipe Band/ DR’s Wedding/ Highland Dress/ Dingwall Honour

I was pleased to learn last week that the RSPBA are looking at upping the profile of their National Juvenile Pipe Band Fund. This fund was established in 2015 to help these bands pay for buses, tuition and other essentials that help youngsters get ‘on the grass’ for competition. The fund was inaugurated with a major contribution from Jimmy Stuart a piper in his time with Kilsyth, Camelon, Wallacestone and…