Branch News
22/06/2021
We are sorry to announce that the Chatsworth Contest has been cancelled.
24/05/2021
Results of the Juvenile Online Solo Contest are now published here
17/05/2021
COVID GUIDANCE - ENGLAND as at 17 May
SUMMARY
Guidance has been received from HQ RSPBA Scotland which points Pipe Bands to the Government COVID-19 website. In the English context this means:
· From 17 May, maximum 30 people outdoors, 6 indoors
· Maintain good hygiene
· Maintain social distancing of 2 metres
· Wear face coverings where possible
· Keep Test and Trace records for 21 days
· Have a COVID Risk Assessment
· Individuals who have symptoms or have a household member with COVID symptoms should keep away
· If outdoors, don't permit an audience to gather. This would turn a rehearsal into a performance, when additional restrictions apply.
Please see here for more detailed information
08/04/2021
Updated Guidance from 29 March 2021.
GROUPS OF 6 CAN MEET OUTDOORS
The new guidance permits non-professional performing arts activity outdoors in groups of up to 6 people, or as a group of 2 households. Indoor non-professional performing arts is not currently permitted unless an exemption exists, such as a performance as part of an act of worship.
All other guidance, ‘hands/face/space’, risk assessments, social distancing, practice protocols, and local restrictions remains in place. Guidance on this is contained in the government's website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
With thanks to Reading Scottish Pipe Band who have compiled a very thorough explanatory document which is available here
02/04/2021
This is to advise you that the Branch Chair has decided after consultation with Juvenile Solo Tutors to postpone the Contest by a few weeks. Jackie Allan felt that on reflection the timing in school Easter holidays may have been a barrier to Juvenile Solo Pipers' interest and preparation for the Competitions.
Here are the revised dates:
JUVENILE SOLO CONTEST DATES (PIPING AND DRUMMING)
Closing date for entries is extended to Friday 30 April 2021,
Videos submitted by Saturday 8 May 2021
New entry forms are available here.
31/03/2021
ONLINE MASTERCLASS WITH ADJUDICATOR TONY SLOANE - SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021
18 Pipe Majors and Pipe Sergeants attended a very thought provoking and informative online session with Tony Sloane, one of our regular Adjudicators. He encouraged an exploration of what made something a favourite tune or song and what made it good music.
He then went through the points he considers when adjudicating pipe bands. A fuller set of notes is available here
It is hoped to run a similar session for drummers later in the year.
29/03/2021
The results of the online solo contest are now available here
13/03/2021
BACKBRIEF ON RSPBA AGM HELD VIA ZOOM 13 MAR 2021
- There were 56 bands in attendance, plus Board of Directors
-
First 3 Championships in 2021 have been cancelled:
- 27 May British Champs, Paisley
- 12 June UK Champs, Lurgan
- 26 June European Champs, Inverness
- A decision is awaited on Scottish Champs, 31 July, Dumbarton and the Worlds 13 Aug. There is a meeting planned next week with the Scottish government , it is hoped to be able to give an answer shortly afterwards.
- A proposal to make bands whose membership lapses to pay arrears in order to rejoin RSPBA was not carried
- John Hughes retired as Chairman, the new Chairman is Kevin Reilly
- The AGM endorsed the re-election of 3 Directors, Walter McGregor, Paul McAndrew, Sharon Smith
- The use of Zoom to save costs and improve attendance is expected to continue
- AOB generated some criticism that revised playing requirements for Major Champs - to take into account the reduce preparation time - had been requested in November but there had been no response from RSPBA as yet. Another comment was that as overseas bands were unlikely to attend, it should not be titled The Worlds
Jackie Allan
Chairman
12/03/2021
Entry forms and details of the Online Juvenile Solo Contest are now available here (Please use the latest V2 document for the Contest details, available here)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CORBY CONTEST THIS YEAR HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
07/03/2021
Update from branch chairman:
The Government road map out of Lockdown (as at 6 Mar) allows for
- 8 Mar - meet with 1 other outdoors (respecting social distancing etc)
- 17 May - up to 30 meeting outdoors (ie outdoor band practice is possible)
- 21 June - resumption of indoor practices
Adjudicator Tony Sloane will run an online seminar for Pipe Majors /Pipe Sergeants in late March, date tbc.
Colchester Contest (13 June) is cancelled
We await information from the Corby Highland Gathering organisers
Chatsworth country fair is going ahead, we will consult with bands to see if the All England contest is viable. The solos are likely to go ahead anyway.
08/01/2021
Entry forms and guidance for the Online Solo Branch Contest to be held in March are now available here
22/11/20
An invitation to join the Branch AGM by Zoom was sent to all Pipe Majors and Branch officials on Sunday 29 Nov.
If you have not received it, or would also like to attend, email the Chairman Jackie Allan on jackie.allan@yahoo.co.uk
08/11/20
Piobaireachd Society Live-Streamed Recital – Sunday 29th November at 7.30pm
Please support live piping during these difficult times by registering to hear some of the world’s finest pipers performing at the Piobaireachd Society’s 2020 Recital. The recital, which is being organised in associated with the National Piping Centre, will be live streamed via the internet. Tickets cost just £5 each and are available from the society’s website here.
18/10/20
The results for the online solo contests are now shown here
23/092020
HERE IS THE LATEST COVID-19 INFO:
UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE AND ADVICE FOR PIPE BANDS - 22 SEPTEMBER 2020
RESPONSE FROM DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT (DCMS).
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has responded positively to my query on whether amateur bands could continue to train. This extract summarises the situation:
Non-professional performing arts activity, including choirs, orchestras or drama groups can continue to rehearse or perform together where this is planned activity in line with the performing arts guidance and if they can do so in a way that ensures that there is no interaction between groups of more than six at any time.
If an amateur group is not able to ensure that no mingling takes place between these subgroups of no more than six (including when arriving at or leaving activity or in any breaks or socialising) then such non-professional activity should not take place.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts -
PRIME MINISTER'S UPDATE 22 SEPTEMBER
It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:
- HANDS - Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
- FACE - Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- SPACE - Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).
Limits on the number of people you can see socially have changed. When meeting friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors. This is against the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400.
The rule above does not mean that there cannot be more than six people in any one place.
All activities for under 18s are exempt. There can be multiple groups of six people in a place, provided that those groups do not mingle.
ADVICE TO BANDS
Bands wishing to train should follow these additional guidelines in order to be legally compliant with the tighter restrictions
- Adhere to the ‘Rule of six’ to split players into groups with a maximum of 6 people per group.
- Create fixed teams of pipers and drummers, each player being assigned to, and remaining in, a single group until such time as the guidance changes.
- Each group to maintain at least 3 meters distance from any other group at all times.
- Whilst playing, group members should space themselves 2 meters apart
- Groups must not mingle or socially engage with other groups on arrival, when leaving or in breaks during practice whilst at the venue.
- There is no limit on the number of groups that can attend up to a maximum of 30 members in total.
- When held at an indoor venue, wear face masks before, after and in breaks between playing
22/08/2020
ONLINE SOLO PIPING & DRUMMING CONTEST
As already communicated to Pipe Majors and Band Secretaries The Branch are able to confirm arrangements for entry to the Branch free Online Solo Piping and Drumming Competitions with a closing date of 26 September 2020.
Once an Entry Form is processed Jackie Allan, the Competition Organiser, will contact competitors regarding submission of the pre-recorded digital performance(s). Results will be published by 17 October 2020.
The Adjudicators will provide individual copies of their critique. Certificates will be awarded to winners and performances will be uploaded to YouTube.
Please download entry forms and guidance notes here:
The Solo Piping & Solo Drumming Entry Form
Guidance for Online Competitions
26/07/2020
Branch advice for Pipers and Pipe Bands during the COVID-19 epidemic is available to download here
19/06/2020
Information on the next CLASP competition for solo pipers
https://theclasp.co.uk/2020/06/16/online-competition-draw-and-important-information-20th-june-2020/
15/06/2020
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
THE CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR CONTEST SHOW CONTEST (05/06 SEPTEMBER) IS NOW CANCELLED
09/06/2020
The RSPBA is holding a virtual AGM on 27th June.
They don't have the technology to invite all branches to participate, but every Band Secretary has been sent an email with instructions on how to cast the votes for their band before the AGM. Voting will close at 10am on 25 June 2020.
You will be able to review the overall votes cast after the AGM. Further information is on the RSPBA website, please ensure that your band makes its voice heard.
20/05/2020
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
THE SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW CONTEST (01 AUGUST) IS NOW CANCELLED
16/04/2020
OBITUARY - TONY HARRIS
Tony Harris, a former Branch President, died of natural causes on Friday 10 April 2020. Tony was 89 years of age and owing to vascular dementia had resided latterly in a nursing home.
As many of you will remember Tony was a very loyal and hard working official of the Branch and served at varying times as a national councillor, chairman, vice-president and president from 2010-2015. Whilst his illness necessitated his withdrawal from Branch meetings and events some years ago it is very sad that we have lost yet another long standing former colleague.
Tony and his wife Sheila were both stalwart supporters of the Branch and we offer Sheila and family our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
20/05/2020
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
THE PIPES IN THE PARK, COLCHESTER (14 JUNE) IS NOW CANCELLED
PLEASE STAY SAFE EVERYONE
18/03/2020
THE PM JIM McGINN MEMORIAL CONTEST (17 MAY) IS NOW CANCELLED.
16/03/2020
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
UNFORTUNATELY THE TRAINING DAY AND THE MINI BAND CONTESTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED, FURTHER TO THIS:
PIPES IN THE PARK, COLCHESTER (14 JUNE) THE DECISION WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL AFTER EASTER (14 APR)
07/03/2020
Entry forms for the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest are now available here and the Colchester Pipes in the Park Contest are also available here.
04/02/2020
Entry forms for the Mini Band Contest are now available here
16/01/2020
Please see below for details of the forthcoming Branch Training Day:
Date: Saturday 21 March 2020
Times: 1000-1630
Lunch is provided
Venue: St Andrews Church, London Road, Reading, RG1 5BD
Parking: There is a car park behind the church, entered from Craven Road. If you get lost, follow signs for the hospital, which is also entered from Craven Road.
Pipers:
Competition pipers,
band pipers,
learner pipers
Drummers:
Snare drummers
Tenor and Bass
Tutors: P/M Ron Paterson will confirm tutors shortly
Application: Please click here for the application form and send this to Branch Secretary by 8 March
Cost: £25 to branch members, £45 to non members to be paid to branch
29/11/19
OBITUARY - STEVE DONALDSON
Many branch members will remember Steve Donaldson, our steward with the original yellow hackle in his glengarry, and we were very sorry to hear from his wife Nancy that he had unexpectedly died of a heart attack in September. A few extracts from his eulogy sum up his gentle nature
Nancy had been in the Stevenage Pipe Band since the early seventies and Steve came along for the ride. He bought an old Gordon Highlander kilt and sporran for £3.00 and always felt ten feet tall when wearing it. He was very good with the collecting box and raised a lot of money for the band with his cheeky but persuasive ways. He was a vital fundraiser in the campaign to take the band to the Cowal Games.
When the Stevenage Pipe Band folded, Steve went on to be Chief Steward for the RSPBA.
Attending competitions all over the country was physically challenging but very rewarding and very social. Nancy noted that Steve really loved the pipe band world and the people that were involved within it but he was not so keen on the "Tuesday aching muscles" after a Sunday contest. He finally handed over his yellow hackle in 2008. His passion over the last decade had been model railways and steam engines, and he had been hoping to get his steam loco licence.
Steve was a very kind and caring man, generous beyond measure with both time and money. He had a gentle and calm nature, a great sense of humour and was always enthusiastic and enjoyed life. He will be greatly missed.
16/11/19
OBITUARY - RON PATERSON QPM
After an impressive career in the Metropolitan Police, for which he received the Queen's Police Medal, Ron Paterson turned his talents to supporting pipe bands in the London and South of England Branch of the RSPBA. Scottie Maclean asked him to be her Branch Vice President in 1997, and he stepped up in 2003 to take over the Presidency from her. In both roles Ron was diligent in attending Branch contests, and with a mixture of charm and persuasion did much to maximise sales of raffle tickets and programmes. Tony Harris took over in 2009 but became unwell and Ron agreed to resume the Presidency in 2016. He finally handed over the reins to Walter MacGregor in 2018. Ron was a very active and competent President, attending committee meetings and always supportive of the Branch and its bands.
During his last few years in office Ron spent much time tending to his wife Pam who became progressively unwell, and his devotion to her was a lesson to all who saw them. Sadly his own last years were beset by ill health, but he remained positive and maintained his interest in the Branch up to the last. We are most grateful for his commitment and support over the past decades. May he rest in peace
.
15/11/19
A message from the Branch Secretary:
"The 55th Branch AGM will be held on Sunday 24 November 2019. The venue is the University of Bedfordshire, Luton Campus,(Building A) University Square, LU1 3JU. Once more the plan is to hold an AGM preceded at 11.30 by a Training Workshop run by Tony Sloane RSPBA Adjudicator on what he is looking for from Band Pipers in competitions as well as ensemble performances. The outline timings are:
11.00 - arrive /coffee
11.30-1230 - Workshop
1230-1330 - break for lunch
1330-1530 - AGM
1530 - depart
Both the Training workshop and light refreshments will be provided free of charge but in order to cater with sufficient supplies please can you advise me the total number of band members who will attend.
Please note that any Band wishing to attend the AGM and Training Workshop should have completed and paid their annual membership. For your convenience I have attached the Band Annual Membership Subscription 2019/20 Form, the AGM Agenda, the List of Branch Officials, the Minutes of the previous AGM.The Election of Officers is an important item on the AGM Agenda.
As mentioned in a previous email you will see from the attached list the position of Vice Chair is still vacant. The Branch Committee wish me to stress the importance of filling this post. Please consider your circle of members, friends and supporters to identify a suitable candidate with the necessary enthusiasm and background. For your information I attach a list and have marked in red where officials' tenure will terminate unless re-elected and/or replaced at the AGM.
In addition to nominations for the position of Vice Chair I wish to canvass Bands to encourage volunteers for various roles (programmes/raffles/competition catering) that would be ideal for non-playing members/supporters.
With apologies to those who have already contacted me I would be very grateful if you would let me know by Monday 18 November 2019:
- name(s) of Band representative(s) attending the AGM
- any apologies
-
any matters/items for the Agenda
-
the names of Members attending the Training event
Finally here is some information about getting there and parking. The campus is located in Luton Town Centre about 2 miles off Junction 10 of the M1.
Car parking within the university campus is exceedingly limited. However the cheapest and closest car park is in Vicarage Street, Luton L1 3HZ.
When approaching the university campus from along St Mary's Road, select the left lane and at the traffic lights - immediately after St Mary's Church but before the multi-storey Mall and car park - turn left into Church Road, then left into Park Street, then left into Vicarage Street, then at the 'No Entry' signs turn right and this 'open' car park should be in view."
20/10/19
Branch Chair Jackie Allan sent a wee report of the training day held on 19/10/19
"P/M Ron Paterson ran an excellent training day on Saturday 19 October in eastern England, with representatives from 8 bands, 37 people in total. . The Band /Competition players were tutored by Angus Ingram and Iain Graham, the five learners were with Colin Taylor and the Drummers were tutored by Dan Belfield
After a day of intense focus on strathspey rhythms, we all came together on instruments to play O'er the Bows to Ballindalloch and Louden's Bonny Woods and Braes with a great deal of "Scottish snap" and significantly better than most of us manage in the competition MSRs!"
Learners tuning pipes
Pipes and drums demonstrating their strathspey styles
09/10/19
The 55th Branch AGM will be held on Sunday 24 November 2019 at 13.30.
The venue is the University of Bedfordshire, Luton Campus, University Square, LU1 3JU.
Once more the plan is to hold an AGM preceded at 11.30 by a Training Workshop run by Tony Sloane, RSPBA Adjudicator on what he is looking for from Band Pipers in competitions as well as ensemble performances.
Any Band wishing to attend the AGM and training events should have completed a membership form and paid their annual subscription.
Band registration forms can be downloaded here.
A Training Course for Pipers and Snare Drummers has been organised by the London & South of England Branch, the details are:
08/09/19
Chatsworth results are now posted here
26/08/19
The draw for the Chatsworth All England contest is now posted here.
11/08/19
Results from the SGS Contest are now posted here.
31/07/19
Normal service resumed!
Draw for the SGS contest on 04/08/19 is now posted here
Entry Forms for the Chatsworth Contest are now available here
Results from the Corby Contest are now available on the Results Page
22/06/19
Entry forms for the South Gloucester Show Contest are now available here.
12/06/19
The results of the "Pipes in the Park", Colchester Contest are now available on the Results Page
31/05/19
The draw for the "Pipes in the Park", Colchester Contest is now shown here
15/05/19
The results from the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest are now available here.
08/05/19
Entry forms for the "Pipes in the Park" Contest at Colchester are now available here.
25/04/19
The draw for the PM Jim McGinn contest is now available here.
11/04/19
Results from the Mini Band Contest are now available here.
29/01/19
Entry forms for the Mini Band and PM Jim McGinn Contests are now available through the links here.
Also, the Corby contest entry forms which include Full Band, Quartet and Solo Piping are available here.
07/01/19
27/11/18
Details of the Branch AGM can be seen here.
06/09/18
The results from the All England Championships at Chatsworth are now available here
29/08/18
The draw for the All England Championships at Chatsworth is now shown here
19/07/18
Results from the Corby Contest are now available here.
03/07/18
The draw for the Corby Contest is now available here
Entry Forms for the Chatsworth Contest are now available here.
13/06/18
Results from the Colchester Contest are now posted here.
01/06/18
The draw for the "Pipes in the Park" Contest is now shown here.
14/05/18
Results from the PM Jim McGinn contest are now available here
30/04/18
The draw for the PM Jim McGinn contest is now available here
24/04/18
Entry Forms for the 15/07/18, Corby Contest are now available here.
22/04/18
Entry Forms for the 10/06/18, Pipes in the Park (Colchester) Contest are now available here.
20/04/18
Results from the Mini-Bands, Quartets and Solos are now here
Entry forms for the PM Jim McGinn Contest are now available here
08/04/18
Draw for Quartets & Mini Band Contest is now available here
19/02/18
Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton will be appearing in London in April, get your tickets here:
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/folk/ross-ainslie-ali-hutton/
14/02/18
Entry Forms and contest details for the 15/04/18, Mini Band, Quartet and solos contest are now available here.
07/02/18
The 2018 Diary has now been updated and can be found here, thanks for your patience.
16/10/17
Band registration forms for the forthcoming season are available here
25/09/17
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
London & South of England Branch
REGENERATION!
Do you wish to improve your knowledge of Piping and Drumming?
This one day course will cover all levels from beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
As a branch we are pleased to announce our first Piping and Drumming course which will take place as follows.
Students may bring a packed lunch or purchase a light lunch on the day.
A certificate of attendance will be given on the day.
Saturday 7th October 2017 9am – 5pm
St Andrews Church Hall, London Road, Reading. RG1 5BD
For further information please contact the Branch Education Officer
chicmackie77@gmail.com
16/09/17
Results from the All England Pipe Band Championships held at Chatsworth are now available here
20/07/17
Chatsworth Solo entry forms and contest details are now available here
17/07/17
Corby results are now here
Chatsworth Band Entry Forms are now available here, solo piping forms will be available soon.
28/06/17
Draw for the Corby Contest is now available here
26/06/17
Results from the Colchester, Pipes in the Park Contest are now posted here.
02/06/17
The draw for the Colchester contest is now available here
19/05/17
Results from the Jim McGinn contest are now available here
Entry forms for the Corby Contest are now available here
27/04/17
Draw for the PM Jim McGinn contest is now available here.
17/04/17
Results from the Mini Band Contest are now posted here
Entry forms and Contest details for the "Pipes in the Park" Contest, formerly known as the "Scotland in Colchester" Contest are now available here.
27/02/17
The draw for the 9th April Mini Band Contest is now available here
10/02/17
Please note the Quartet Contest has been cancelled, please see note here
12/01/17
Please note, that due to unforeseen circumstances the Branch Meeting due to be held on 29th January, 2017 has been cancelled.
09/01/17
Entry forms and contest details for the 2017 Branch Indoor Contests are now available through the Branch Contest Page
09/11/16
The Branch AGM as 27 November 2016 at the Cranford Community College, High Street, Cranford, Hounslow, Middlesex TW5 9PD.
The Band Branch Annual Membership Subscription of £25.00 for 2016/2017 is due for payment by 27 November 2016. In addition all Bands must register with the RSPBA prior to registering with the Branch. Bands may not take part in any Branch activities until both subscriptions are paid.
Registration forms can be downloaded using this link
30/09/16
A Message from Branch Chairman, Walter MacGregor:
I have just heard today from her younger son, David, that Scottie's funeral service is to be held at The Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Stevenage Old Town SG1 3DB on Tuesday, 11 October 2016 at !.00 pm.
Anyone wishing to send condolences to the family may do so by contacting
Mr D A K MacLean
1 Miller’s Gardens
Kelvedon
Essex
CO5 9AH
Given Scottie’s very substantial contribution to RSPBA both at branch and national level it would be fitting if as many pipers and drummers, past and present members of bands in the London & South of England Branch and elsewhere could turn out to play at her funeral. I have asked Stephen Cussen, Pipe Major of the University of Bedfordshire Pipe Band, to organise this on behalf of the Branch and shall be grateful if you will liaise with him in that connection. Stephen may be contacted on email at stephen.cussen@ubs.com
Kind regards
Walter MacGregor
22/09/16
The Branch is sad to hear of the passing of our Vice President Mrs Scottie MacLean, further details will be announced here when they become available.
Scottie was a fine lady who will be missed by all who knew her. Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends.
08/09/16
Results from the All England Championships at Chatsworth are now posted here.
Solo piping results will be posted shortly.
25/08/16
The draw for the All England Pipe Band Championships at Chatsworth on Sunday 4th September is now available here
25/07/16
Entry form for both the Pipe Band (All England Championships) and Solo Piping contests at the Chatsworth Country Fair on 4th September, 2016 are now available here
17/07/16
The results from the Corby contest are now available here
05/06/16
The draw for the Scotland in Colchester contest is now available here
21/05/16
Congratulations to the University of Bedfordshire Pipe Band Drum Corps who were today crowned British Champions in Grade 3A at Paisley.
16/05/16
Results from the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest can be viewed here
01/05/16
The draw for the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest can be viewed here
17/04/16
Results from the mini band contest are now available here
Entry forms for the Scotland in Colchester can now be downloaded here
Entry forms for the Corby Highland Gathering Contest can now be downloaded here
05/04/16
Entry forms for the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest, to be held on 8th May 2016, are available to download here
04/04/16
The draw for the Indoor contest to be be held on 10th April is now available here
03/03/16
Entry forms for the mini band contest to be held on 10/04/16 can be downloaded here
02/03/16
Results from the Quartet & Trios Contest are now posted to the Branch Contest Results Page
22/02/16
The draw for the Quartet & Trios Contest is now available on the Branch Contest Draws Page
15/01/16
Entry forms for the Quartet, Trio, Solo Piping and Drumming Contest on 28th February are available to download here
01/11/15
Branch registration forms can be downloaded from the Branch Documents Page