RSPBA Glasgow & West Inaugural Indoor Contest

This was a very successful day with a large crowd filling the main auditorium at Coatbridge High School, Lanarkshire, for the inaugural championship. In his address Branch Chairman Gordon Hamill thanked the local authority, North Lanarkshire Council, and in particular Mr Jim Park, Head of Music, for the use of the excellent premises and Mr Brian Robinson of Robinson Jewellers for donating the trophies. Mr Hamill added: ‘If you have enjoyed…

RSPBA Glasgow & West Branch Solo Drumming 2015

The winner of the inaugural championship held today in Coatbridge High School, Lanarkshire, was Craig Lawrie of Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band.  A delighted Craig received his trophy from Branch Secretary Maureen Gilmour.  Runner up was Eric Ward of Greater Glasgow Police who won the MSR section. Results: Overall – 1 Craig Lawrie 2 Eric Ward 3 Mark Hastings, Denny & Dunipace 4 Cameron Ward, Greater Glasgow Police MSR –…

Full Band Indoor Contest and Solo Drumming To Be Held This Saturday

Saturday sees the RSPBA Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch’s first ever Solo Drumming and Pipe Band contest being held in Coatbridge High School, Lanarkshire, writes Robert Wallace. The running order is below and a quick look shows a rather disappointing entry from the bands. Only Glasgow Police (pictured) of the branch Grade 1 bands have entered. I’m not sure why the others, Shotts & Dykehead, Inveraray and Scottish Power are giving…

Preview of New Edition of Pipe Band Magazine

The April 2015 edition of the magazine will be out on Wednesday as a free download from the RSPBA or from the ppresshop.  Followers of the Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band (pictured below in 1974 under P/M Tom MacAllister Jnr. and L/D Alex Duthart) will be interested to read of the life and times of band legend Sandy Bell. Here’s a short excerpt:  ‘At Shotts, a period of re-building started again when,…

New Band Competition Announced/SPA Winners

The Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the RSPBA has inaugurated a new competition for full pipe bands and solo drummers. The contest will take place on 25th April 2015; venue: Coatbridge High School. The band contest is indoor, full band and covers Grades 1 to Novice Juvenile and is open to all bands. Solo Drumming Sections are: Adult, entrants aged 18 years and over on date of contest, any…