Canadian Judge in Plea to PPBSO Members/ CLASP Online Results

Well-known piping and pipe band adjudicator Bob Worrall has called on members of the Piping and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) to support their board members during the current legal action and attendant controversy. In a statement on social media Mr Worrall (pictured below) writes: ‘For months now I have read and been made aware of a vicious online campaign directed toward the PPBSO Board and Chair of the…

Editor’s Notebook: Leslie’s Pipes/ Schools Jobs/ EUSPBA Vote/ John’s Book/ Piping Pop Groups

Next Friday (December 6) a set of pipes that belonged to the late Dr Leslie Craig will go under the auctioneer’s hammer in Glasgow. Great Western Auctions have put a price of between £1,200 and £1,600 on the Robert Gillanders instrument. The description reads: ‘A full set of ebonised white metal and ivory mounted Scottish Highland bagpipes. The mounts hand engraved with a thistle foliate pattern; together with an RG…

News from Across the Water: SLOT Headline Charity Night/ NI Success at WSD/ David Hanna/ Blackthorn/ FM Drummers

St Laurence O’ Toole Pipe Band will headline the ‘Kids with Cancer Charity Concert’ on Saturday 22nd March, 2025, in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown. SLOT, under the leadership of P/M Alen Tully and L/D Stephen Creighton, are the current UK Champions and World Champion drum corps. Also on the programme will be a ’70s tribute band with P/M David Caldwell and John Scullion in charge. As this is the first…

Band Subscription Deadline Nears/ 2025 Jimmy McIntosh Workshop Details

The RSPBA has reminded all bands that subscriptions for the 2025 season are due by this Saturday, November 30th. Currently registered bands pay £264 (adult) and £240 (juvenile). Late payment incurs a 20% penalty, adding over £52 to the adult fee. Overseas bands wishing to compete next summer in RSPBA competitions pay £132 and £120. Fees for bands registering for the first time are £288 and £264. More information: UK…

News from Across the Water: All Change at NI Branch/ Jeffrey McCready/ Bands Query/ Belfast Tartan Day

Change afoot in the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch. The AGM is at 11am this Saturday, 30th November, in Cookstown Methodist Church Hall. Judging by the number of post holders who have decided to step down, there will be significant changes to the 2025 officer team. Those not standing for re-election include current Branch President Winston Pinkerton, Treasurer Kenny Crothers, RSPBA NI Director Lorraine Ronaldson and Branch Chief Steward Brian Harvey….