Pipers Required to Visit Strakonice in the Czech Republic
Thurs 21 Aug to Sun 24 Aug 2008
Strakonice is the centre of Czech bagpiping and as such is running a festival.
The town is approx 100miles SW of Prague
The West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band have been invited to provide a small group of pipers, Highland Dancers and a Drummer.
The events seem to be (from the tentative programme):-
Thursday 19-30 participants parade through the town and some sort of performance afterwards
Friday 10-30 Rehearsals
22-30 Bagpiper Assembly
Saturday 10-30 Some sort of performance
20-00 A more formal performance
Sunday 13-00 Closing procession through the town
Participants have to get themselves to Prague where transport takes them to Strakonice. Accommodation, meals and a small amount of spending money is provided. It is preferred that participants arrive on Wed 20 and dept on Mon 25.
Tunes to be agreed by the group taking part and will be from the well known variety. The exception will be for the Highland Dancing which need not require everyone to play for this feature.
Robert Gardner West Midlands Fire Service PB Pipe Major
Tel 01527 872789 robmgardner@btinternet.com
Thurs 21 Aug to Sun 24 Aug 2008
Strakonice is the centre of Czech bagpiping and as such is running a festival.
The town is approx 100miles SW of Prague
The West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band have been invited to provide a small group of pipers, Highland Dancers and a Drummer.
The events seem to be (from the tentative programme):-
Thursday 19-30 participants parade through the town and some sort of performance afterwards
Friday 10-30 Rehearsals
22-30 Bagpiper Assembly
Saturday 10-30 Some sort of performance
20-00 A more formal performance
Sunday 13-00 Closing procession through the town
Participants have to get themselves to Prague where transport takes them to Strakonice. Accommodation, meals and a small amount of spending money is provided. It is preferred that participants arrive on Wed 20 and dept on Mon 25.
Tunes to be agreed by the group taking part and will be from the well known variety. The exception will be for the Highland Dancing which need not require everyone to play for this feature.
Robert Gardner West Midlands Fire Service PB Pipe Major
Tel 01527 872789 robmgardner@btinternet.com
JIMMY WRIGHT
(More news from Owen Nash)
Jimmy's funeral will take place next Tuesday 22nd January at St Pauls Church, Ashton Road, Oldham, at 1.00pm, followed by internment at Hollinwood Cemetery, Limeside Road, off Hollins Road, Hollinwood and later at the Bridgewater Hotel on Manchester Road (entrance in Chapel Road). If you are in contact with any of Jimmy's friends please pass on this message.
(More news from Owen Nash)
Jimmy's funeral will take place next Tuesday 22nd January at St Pauls Church, Ashton Road, Oldham, at 1.00pm, followed by internment at Hollinwood Cemetery, Limeside Road, off Hollins Road, Hollinwood and later at the Bridgewater Hotel on Manchester Road (entrance in Chapel Road). If you are in contact with any of Jimmy's friends please pass on this message.
ROY BENTLEY
Owen has spoken with Doreen Bentley (Roy's wife) and she has asked him if he would arrange for some pipers and drummers to play at the funeral. If you are attending the funeral, would you please wear your kilt/uniform and if you play pipes or drums would you please bring your instrument. It is envisaged that we will play "Green Hills and The Battles O'er" escorting the cortege from the main road into the crematorium. Peter Doyle will then play "Flowers of the Forest" as the coffin is carried into the Chapel.
Owen has spoken with Doreen Bentley (Roy's wife) and she has asked him if he would arrange for some pipers and drummers to play at the funeral. If you are attending the funeral, would you please wear your kilt/uniform and if you play pipes or drums would you please bring your instrument. It is envisaged that we will play "Green Hills and The Battles O'er" escorting the cortege from the main road into the crematorium. Peter Doyle will then play "Flowers of the Forest" as the coffin is carried into the Chapel.
JIMMY WRIGHT
More sad news I'm afraid: I've just heard from Owen Nash that Jimmy Wright ( Side Drummer, Oldham Scottish, West Yorkshire Fire Services Etc) passed away last Friday night. I'll post more information as soon as I hear it.
More sad news I'm afraid: I've just heard from Owen Nash that Jimmy Wright ( Side Drummer, Oldham Scottish, West Yorkshire Fire Services Etc) passed away last Friday night. I'll post more information as soon as I hear it.
ROY BENTLEY
Roy Bentley passed away peacefully this morning in hospital this morning (6th Jan). He was about 81 and had been suffering from lung cancer for some time.
Roy was the lead drummer for Mount Carmel Pipe Band for many years.
Prior to that he was the Drum Major of the Prince Charles Edward Pipe Band.
Friday 18th January 2008 at 2.15 pm at Manchester Crematorium, Barlow Moor Road, Manchester. M21 7GZ
Funeral Reception at The Hough End Centre, Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, Manchester. M21 7SX
Map for the Crematorium and The Hough End Centre (see map attached to this post)
Family flowers only.
In memoriam donations to: The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester. M20 4BX. Cheques made payable to "The Christie Hospital" reference: for the Radiation Department and In memory of Mr Roy Bentley. Or visit www.christies.org/makedonations.html
Please let us know if you can attend the funeral and reception by email or by telephone, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
(Reply to roy.bentley90@ntlworld.com)
Roy Bentley passed away peacefully this morning in hospital this morning (6th Jan). He was about 81 and had been suffering from lung cancer for some time.
Roy was the lead drummer for Mount Carmel Pipe Band for many years.
Prior to that he was the Drum Major of the Prince Charles Edward Pipe Band.
Friday 18th January 2008 at 2.15 pm at Manchester Crematorium, Barlow Moor Road, Manchester. M21 7GZ
Funeral Reception at The Hough End Centre, Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, Manchester. M21 7SX
Map for the Crematorium and The Hough End Centre (see map attached to this post)
Family flowers only.
In memoriam donations to: The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester. M20 4BX. Cheques made payable to "The Christie Hospital" reference: for the Radiation Department and In memory of Mr Roy Bentley. Or visit www.christies.org/makedonations.html
Please let us know if you can attend the funeral and reception by email or by telephone, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
(Reply to roy.bentley90@ntlworld.com)
FORTHCOMING SHOW
Hi folks. I am Graham Houghton from the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band. Just to let you know we will be putting a show on at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on the 15th Feb. Tickets will be £10. We have got the Scots Guards Association, Littlebourgh Scottish Country Dancers, the Fusuliers and Drummers and also us. Please try and make it. We are trying to raise £10,000 and need as much support as possible. It should be a great night. If you require tickets email me on ospbgraham@btopenworld.com or call me on 07973120584. Let other bands know. Tell all I have 600 tickets to sell. All the best for the forthcoming comps.
Graham the mad bass drummer
Hi folks. I am Graham Houghton from the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band. Just to let you know we will be putting a show on at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on the 15th Feb. Tickets will be £10. We have got the Scots Guards Association, Littlebourgh Scottish Country Dancers, the Fusuliers and Drummers and also us. Please try and make it. We are trying to raise £10,000 and need as much support as possible. It should be a great night. If you require tickets email me on ospbgraham@btopenworld.com or call me on 07973120584. Let other bands know. Tell all I have 600 tickets to sell. All the best for the forthcoming comps.
Graham the mad bass drummer
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
Pipe Band Contest: Sunday 2nd September 2007
Grade 4: 1st Grampian Corby. 2nd Ashbourne & Dist. 3rd. Scot Guards Association (Manchester). 4th Essex Caledonian.
Grade 3: 1st Beeston. 2nd Pride of Murray. 3rd GMCFS.
Grade 2: 1st Beeston. 2nd Pride of Murray. 3rd GMCFS.
Solo Piping: Saturday 1st September 2007
Piobaireachd: 1st James Stewart. 2nd Alistair Smith. 3rd Dr John May.
March: 1st Kevin McNulty. 2nd James Stewart. 3rd John Angus Smith.
Strathspey & Reel: 1st John Angus Smith. 2nd Steve Watterson. 3rd James Stewart.
Hornpipe & Jig (Sat): 1st James Stewart. 2nd Alistair Smith. 3rd Dr John May.
Hornpipe & Jig (Sun): 1st Steve Watterson. 2nd Kevin McNulty. 3rd James Stewart.
Pipe Band Contest: Sunday 2nd September 2007
Grade 4: 1st Grampian Corby. 2nd Ashbourne & Dist. 3rd. Scot Guards Association (Manchester). 4th Essex Caledonian.
Grade 3: 1st Beeston. 2nd Pride of Murray. 3rd GMCFS.
Grade 2: 1st Beeston. 2nd Pride of Murray. 3rd GMCFS.
Solo Piping: Saturday 1st September 2007
Piobaireachd: 1st James Stewart. 2nd Alistair Smith. 3rd Dr John May.
March: 1st Kevin McNulty. 2nd James Stewart. 3rd John Angus Smith.
Strathspey & Reel: 1st John Angus Smith. 2nd Steve Watterson. 3rd James Stewart.
Hornpipe & Jig (Sat): 1st James Stewart. 2nd Alistair Smith. 3rd Dr John May.
Hornpipe & Jig (Sun): 1st Steve Watterson. 2nd Kevin McNulty. 3rd James Stewart.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 11th August 2007
An excellent result.
Greater Manchester County Fire Service Pipe Band - 2nd in Grade 3B out of 25 bands.
An excellent result.
Greater Manchester County Fire Service Pipe Band - 2nd in Grade 3B out of 25 bands.
(posted 28/7/07)
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 28th July 2007
Congratulations to Greater Manchester County Fire Service Pipe Band, who have just won 2nd prize in Grade 3B at the European Pipe Band Championships held in Inverness today.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 28th July 2007
Congratulations to Greater Manchester County Fire Service Pipe Band, who have just won 2nd prize in Grade 3B at the European Pipe Band Championships held in Inverness today.
(posted 16/7/07)
ASHBOURNE HIGHLAND GAMES Sunday 15th July 2007
Grade 4:
1. Wolverhampton, 2. University of Bedfordshire, 3. Welsh Piping Society, 4. Grampian Corby, 5. Essex Caledonia.
BDC: Wolverhampton. BBD: Wolverhampton.
Grade 3:
1. Beeston. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Pride of Murray. 4. Welsh Piping Society, 5. Grampian Corby.
BDC: Beeston. BBD: Greater Manchester County Fire Service.
Grade 2:
1. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 2. University of Bedfordshire, 3. Beeston, 4. Pride of Murray.
BDC: Beeston. BBD: Beeston.
ASHBOURNE HIGHLAND GAMES Sunday 15th July 2007
Grade 4:
1. Wolverhampton, 2. University of Bedfordshire, 3. Welsh Piping Society, 4. Grampian Corby, 5. Essex Caledonia.
BDC: Wolverhampton. BBD: Wolverhampton.
Grade 3:
1. Beeston. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Pride of Murray. 4. Welsh Piping Society, 5. Grampian Corby.
BDC: Beeston. BBD: Greater Manchester County Fire Service.
Grade 2:
1. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 2. University of Bedfordshire, 3. Beeston, 4. Pride of Murray.
BDC: Beeston. BBD: Beeston.
(posted 7/7/07)
ANNAN CONTEST Saturday 7th July 2007
Grade 4:
1. Kirkcudbright MacLellan, 2. East Kilbride, 3. Henderon Caledonian, 4. Troon Blackrock, 5. Morpeth and District, 6. Irvine and District, 7. City of Newcastle, 8. RBLS Annan Juvenile Pipes and Drums, 9. (PP) Girvan and District. 10. Kilmarnock, 11. Houghton Le-Spring
Grade 3:
1. Royal Burgh of Annan. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Royal Scots Borderers. 4. Cumnock and District, 5. 101 Northumbrian Regiment R A (V), 6. Kirkcudbright MacLellan, 7. Troon Blackrock, 8. Kilmarnock, 9. Irvine and District.
Grade 2:
1. Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary. 2. Royal Scots Borderers, 3. Royal Burgh of Annan, 4. Greater Manchester County Fire Service, 5. 101 Northumbrian Regiment R A (V).
ANNAN CONTEST Saturday 7th July 2007
Grade 4:
1. Kirkcudbright MacLellan, 2. East Kilbride, 3. Henderon Caledonian, 4. Troon Blackrock, 5. Morpeth and District, 6. Irvine and District, 7. City of Newcastle, 8. RBLS Annan Juvenile Pipes and Drums, 9. (PP) Girvan and District. 10. Kilmarnock, 11. Houghton Le-Spring
Grade 3:
1. Royal Burgh of Annan. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Royal Scots Borderers. 4. Cumnock and District, 5. 101 Northumbrian Regiment R A (V), 6. Kirkcudbright MacLellan, 7. Troon Blackrock, 8. Kilmarnock, 9. Irvine and District.
Grade 2:
1. Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary. 2. Royal Scots Borderers, 3. Royal Burgh of Annan, 4. Greater Manchester County Fire Service, 5. 101 Northumbrian Regiment R A (V).
(posted 2/7/07)
BIRMINGHAM CONTEST Sunday 1st July 2007
Grade 4:
1. (PP) Welsh Piping Society. 2. Wolverhampton. 3. (PP) Grampian Corby. 4. Henderson Caledonian.
5. University of Bedfordshire. 6. Triumph Motors RBL. 7. Nottinghamshire Police.
Best bass section: Wolverhampton.
Grade 3:
1. Beeston. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Grampian Corby. 4. Welsh Piping Society.
5. University of Bedfordshire 6. Nottinghamshire Police.
Best bass section: Greater Manchester County Fire Service
Grade 2:
1. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 2. Beeston.
Best bass section: Beeston
BIRMINGHAM CONTEST Sunday 1st July 2007
Grade 4:
1. (PP) Welsh Piping Society. 2. Wolverhampton. 3. (PP) Grampian Corby. 4. Henderson Caledonian.
5. University of Bedfordshire. 6. Triumph Motors RBL. 7. Nottinghamshire Police.
Best bass section: Wolverhampton.
Grade 3:
1. Beeston. 2. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 3. Grampian Corby. 4. Welsh Piping Society.
5. University of Bedfordshire 6. Nottinghamshire Police.
Best bass section: Greater Manchester County Fire Service
Grade 2:
1. Greater Manchester County Fire Service. 2. Beeston.
Best bass section: Beeston
(posted 6/6/07)
ALBERT VERNAL
News has just come in of the sudden death today of Albert Vernal, a long-serving tenor drummer in Chorley Pipe Band. Known to all as Bert, he
has been an active member of the band since the 1960's, to my knowledge - (maybe even earlier). He was 75.
ALBERT VERNAL
News has just come in of the sudden death today of Albert Vernal, a long-serving tenor drummer in Chorley Pipe Band. Known to all as Bert, he
has been an active member of the band since the 1960's, to my knowledge - (maybe even earlier). He was 75.
(posted 8/6/07)
EASTER SCHOOL 2008
THE COLLEGE AT CARBISDALE
In 1953 The College of Piping ran a School at Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland.
55 years on, The College has now joined forces with The Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums School to run what we hope to be an annual Piping and Drumming School at the Castle.
The School will take place next Easter between March 23 and March 29, 2008. It will offer intensive instruction by world leading pipers and drummers from The College and will also offer the opportunity for participants to achieve certification through The Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board.
The School is open to all ages and to pipers and drummers of all levels of skill from beginners to competition players, from solo players to band members. Each student will be placed in a class of 8 to 10 students within their level of experience and skill.
Optional classes are planned to be offered in such as piobaireachd, reedmaking, pipe band techniques, and bagpipe and drum maintenance. Nightly lectures and recitals are offered by the instructors demonstrating prize-winning piping and drumming. There will also be presentations on some interesting history about bagpipes and drums and piping and drumming.
Formal Registration for the School will be on the afternoon of Sunday, March 23 and the course will then commence the next day until Friday, March 28. On the Friday evening there will be a Piping and Drumming Concert in the Great Upper Gallery of the castle and the course will then finish at lunchtime on Saturday, March 29 after the presentation of certificates to participants.
The Tuition Fee plus Bed and Breakfast at the castle will be £325.00 for adults with a £25.00 reduction for juniors for a great week of piping and drumming with some of the world's best piping and drumming instructors, together with the opportunity to gain PDQB qualifications.
The Easter School, 2008 has its own dedicated website at
The College at Carbisdale.
For anyone without access to the web then please contact Paul Turner, Business Manager of The Ross and Cromarty Pipes & Drums School, who are handling the Registrations on behalf of The College of Piping. Paul can be contacted on 0780 339 8426.
EASTER SCHOOL 2008
THE COLLEGE AT CARBISDALE
In 1953 The College of Piping ran a School at Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland.
55 years on, The College has now joined forces with The Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums School to run what we hope to be an annual Piping and Drumming School at the Castle.
The School will take place next Easter between March 23 and March 29, 2008. It will offer intensive instruction by world leading pipers and drummers from The College and will also offer the opportunity for participants to achieve certification through The Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board.
The School is open to all ages and to pipers and drummers of all levels of skill from beginners to competition players, from solo players to band members. Each student will be placed in a class of 8 to 10 students within their level of experience and skill.
Optional classes are planned to be offered in such as piobaireachd, reedmaking, pipe band techniques, and bagpipe and drum maintenance. Nightly lectures and recitals are offered by the instructors demonstrating prize-winning piping and drumming. There will also be presentations on some interesting history about bagpipes and drums and piping and drumming.
Formal Registration for the School will be on the afternoon of Sunday, March 23 and the course will then commence the next day until Friday, March 28. On the Friday evening there will be a Piping and Drumming Concert in the Great Upper Gallery of the castle and the course will then finish at lunchtime on Saturday, March 29 after the presentation of certificates to participants.
The Tuition Fee plus Bed and Breakfast at the castle will be £325.00 for adults with a £25.00 reduction for juniors for a great week of piping and drumming with some of the world's best piping and drumming instructors, together with the opportunity to gain PDQB qualifications.
The Easter School, 2008 has its own dedicated website at
The College at Carbisdale.
For anyone without access to the web then please contact Paul Turner, Business Manager of The Ross and Cromarty Pipes & Drums School, who are handling the Registrations on behalf of The College of Piping. Paul can be contacted on 0780 339 8426.
PIPERS
The Greater Manchester Celtic Pipe Band is looking for Pipers to join the band for the 2007 competition season. For more information please contact Pipe Major Gordon McKay on 07737 414 833 or see our website at gmcpb.co.uk
DRUMMERS
The Warrington Pipe Bands require drummers in all areas to help in the development of the two bands. We require a grade 3 standard leading drummer and a grade 4 leading drummer. We are also interested in talking to Bass drummers for both bands as well as tenors and sides. We have spent a long time out of serious competition and we are making a concentrated effort to return to Major contests as well as Scottish competitions. We need more drummers to help us achieve this aim.
Please contact Bernie Leigh on 01925 654458
VACANT POST
Chorley Pipe Band is presently looking for someone to take over the reins as Pipe Major since Terry Blake stood down from the post at their recent AGM.
Anyone interested is asked to contact either Alan Gagan on 01257 241128 or the Chairman, Gareth Scott, on 01772 465069.