STRATHCLYDE POLICE PIPE BAND TO VISIT CAMPBELTOWN

[Admin3]

STRATHCLYDE POLICE PIPE BAND TO VISIT CAMPBELTOWN

The Kintyre Piping Society and the Kintyre Juvenile Pipe Band Association
have joined forces to bring Strathclyde Police Pipe Band to Campbeltown on
Saturday 1st October 2005. Led by Pipe Major Donald MacKay, Strathclyde
Police will be attending with their Grade 1 Band to conduct a series of
workshops for Kintyre’s young pipers and drummers, followed by a joint
street performance with Kintyre Schools Pipe Bands in Campbeltown’s Main
Street, and then a performance in concert in the Victoria Hall.

Willie McCallum, Secretary of Kintyre Piping Society said, “We’re absolutely
delighted to have secured this visit by the Police. They’re truly one of
the world’s top bands and they put on a great show which will be enjoyed by
all, not just the piping die-hards. I’ve heard them several times this
season and been mighty impressed. I’d encourage everyone in Campbeltown to
turn out and listen.”

During the afternoon of 1st October, the Police bandsmen and bandswomen will
take time to lead groups of Kintyre Schools pipers and drummers in workshops
at Campbeltown Grammar School. This will give the local youngsters and
their regular tuition team led by Pipe Major Ian McKerral the chance to pick
up a few tips and tricks of the trade.

Weather permitting, the massed bands of Strathclyde Police and Kintyre
Schools will perform together in Main Street at 6.30pm.

The Kintyre Piping Society is then presenting Strathclyde Police Pipe Band
in concert in the Victoria Hall at 8.00pm (doors open from 7.00pm). The
Police will be performing a varied selection of band material, as well as a
number of solo piping and drumming items. Supporting them on stage will be
the Kintyre Schools Juvenile Grade Pipe Band. A ceilidh will follow the
concert, with the music supplied by Fraser McGlynn and his renowned dance
band from Mid Argyll. It all promises to be a night to remember. Tickets
for the concert and ceilidh are likely to be in short supply, but are still
available at a price of £6.00 each from The Chocolate Box and McKerrals
Barber Shop, or by telephone enquiry at Campbeltown 552508, 554112 or
554506, or by email enquiry to kintyrepiping@btinternet.com

It’s clear that the Police Pipe Band is relishing its visit to one of the
remoter parts of its wide area. “Strathclyde Police Pipe Band are very much
looking forward to presenting an entertaining and varied concert in
Campbeltown”, said their Pipe Major Donald MacKay. “We hope that there will
be something for everyone – we will be playing a mixture of contemporary,
traditional and family favourites, with a variety of influences. The
Kintyre Peninsula has been for many years a hotbed of piping talent, and
never more so than at present. It is a privilege to support the current
resurgence of the music in the area. We are very hopeful that from the
wealth of young pipers and drummers living in Kintyre there may be some who
would pursue a career in Strathclyde Police. Our band consists principally
of serving police officers and we are keen to consolidate that position with
the best players possible.”

THANK YOU CAMPBELTOWN

To coincide with the Strathclyde Police visit, the Kintyre Juvenile Pipe
Band Association takes the opportunity to express grateful thanks to
everyone in Campbeltown and Kintyre for their ongoing and continuing support
for the Kintyre Schools Pipe Bands. “Without this constant support and
encouragement, Kintyre Schools success and development would simply not be
sustained and we just would not have our two top notch Pipe Bands including
of course the 2005 Novice Juvenile World Champions”, said Iain Ferguson,
Association Secretary. “Strathclyde Police are supporting the community by
waiving all fees for their visit on 1st October. So, for once, we won’t be
rattling our cans in Main Street that day. There will be no collection,
just a big “Thank you, Campbeltown” from Kintyre Schools to all the good
folk of Kintyre for all their help and support throughout the year. But
don’t worry, we’ll be back with our begging bowls soon!”

Hopefully the weather will be fair on 1st October and that will allow a huge
crowd of Campbeltonians and visitors to turn out at 6.30pm, and line both
sides of Main Street and soak up a wonderful sound and a tremendous
atmosphere.

[jaywalker]

It might be worth warning them about the speed trap i saw when I was up at the music festival weekend.. Sneaky bugger was up to his oxters in the long grass just before the Tayinloan straight..