Update December 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all

from Isle of Cumbrae Pipe band

Well that another year in the bands history nearly completed. In all our visits , home and abroad, new friends have been made and many old acquaintances renewed. Our last parade of the year was in Kilwinning, leading the masonic Lodge Number 0 in there annual festival of St Thomas parade. It was a warm night by this parades standards. No snow and only a little ice in the car park and on the tips of the Pipers and Drummers fingers.

Two weeks earlier the band held a very successful Ceilidh in Ardrossan Civic Center,our thanks to to Chanty Dyke ceilidh band for the entertainment. Photographs that can be publish will be on line soon. You never know we may repeat the event next year.

Where will you find us next ?

While browsing my October issue of Practical Boat Owner I found this photograph of our Mini band performing at last years Inverkip Boat show. We will be there again this year on the weekend of 15th 16th October.

September 3rd saw a number of band members fund raising outside Sainsbury's in Saltcoats. Its been a long time since we attempted to raise funds in this way, but it was enjoyable and profitable. We need to pay for the new Jackets and waistcoats somehow.

Lorient 2011
Well.....been there bought the tee shirt ( well not really did not like this years design).
Another great time was had by all, yes a busy 10 days, but exhausting and enjoyable. Thanks to our friends from France and Germany who came and 'guested' with us.

Only three weeks until we set of for our second visit to the Lorient International Celtic Festival. Our new young blood ( Tutored by Ian Mathieson ) have been practicing hard and many of then had there first outing with the band at Culzean Castle on the 10 July.
They are slowly realising that they have left the comfort of Ian and are now under the command of Our Pipe Major. ( What a thought !!!!)
Drumming wise we will manage as long as no one else is admitted to hospital.

The weather was good to us at Culzean,you don't want to complain, but it could just have been

a fraction too warm !

We split our performance into two halves,first half family favorites second half the more exotic arrangements.
Some worked better than others, but in all a good days performance by everyone. Another two dress rehearsals ( at Balloch, Loch Lomond ) before the trip to Lorrient begins.

Armed Forces Day.
Saturday the 25th June saw a large contingent of band members heading for Edinburgh to take part in the Armed Forces Parade as part of the RBLS massed band.
The massed band paraded along the Royal Mile to Hollyrood Park where they took their share of entertaining the crowds. Prince Charles took the salute who along with the obligatory politicians strolled through the crowds later in the day. Nearly meeting some of the band members. DM's mother was much more fortunate.

Tune List

Our updated tune list for 2011 has recently been compiled by our beloved Pipe Sergeant. (You may not call him that after you have seen it!).
All the Pipers should have been sent a copy by email. If you have not received it contact JRH.
If you do not have music for any of the tunes contact Alan.

Lorient 2010

Well we left on the 4th August heading for the
Lorient International Celtic Festival.
Around 5:00pm to be precise the Beith contingent already on the bus. Twelve hour later we arrived at Plymouth ferry terminal,but the busses had multiplied to 4. Sounds of Kintyre Pipe band,Manchester Cadets Pipe band and Keltica dancers were all heading in the same direction. A 'short' 6 hours on the ferry and a further 3 on the road in France saw us arrive at our home for the next 10 days in Lorient. Was it worth it ? Oh yes it was !
We were involved in 5 major performances in the Lorient FC stadium converted into a white stage for the week. Never finishing before 02:00am.. Yes there is such a thing as Lorient time.
We also found ourselves in the Grand Parade on the Sunday. Group 73 out of 75 and the crowds were still at least 6 deep for the 1500k route.
Is it still true that they keep the best to the end?
The following Saturday saw the band at the Pipe band competition where we actually won some prize money. Nobody more surprised than us.
Well the next day we were heading home. We made it to Rosscoff without incident (thanks to Sat Nav or we might still be in France)
On the Ferry we were able to watch the full Stadium performance thanks to French TV3 and the Ferry crew. Now we know what happened when we were hanging about outside..
Then we slept...............

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The Stadium before the crowds