Branch News
25/04/2025
MAJOR GENERAL DAVID McDOWALL CBE
The RSPBA was deeply saddened to hear of the death of our President, Maj Gen David McDowall CBE. He died on Wednesday evening after a short illness and our condolences go to Valerie and the family.
General David was born in Stranraer and as a youth played the pipes in the Stranraer & District Pipe Band. He kept the skill going as a member of the Royal Signals Pipes and Drums and was awarded the honour of being the Lone Piper at the Edinburgh Tattoo in 2009 when he retired as head of the army in Scotland.
Appointed to the role of RSPBA President at the 2024 AGM he enthusiastically attended all the major championships and many Board and Committee meetings during the year. His considerable experience and wise counsel did much to support the newly elected Chairman and the management team at RSPBA HQ and he will be greatly missed.
14/04/2025
Here's the drum score for Walter MacGregor's March
Download pdf here
Download jpeg here
06/03/2025
Massed bands at Colchester Contest
Massed Bands Finale - Walter MacGregor's March. Here is the revised score for Walter MacGregor's March. The drum score will be available shortly. Please be able to play this by Colchester.
Download pdf here
Download jpeg here
24/02/2025
Solo and band entry forms for the indoor contests and the Colchester and Corby Contests are now available through the Branch Contest page.
14/02/2025
ADULT AMATEUR SOLO PIPING IN 2025
This year London and South of England Branch RSPBA are creating an English CLASP (Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers) League for all adult amateur solo pipers. We believe this will offer our pipers many advantages
· a fairer competitive playing field, as they only compete against same graded players
· opportunities to move up the grading ladder from Grade 4 to Grade 1 in both piobaireachd and light music as skills improve.
· development and training through the CLASP educational programmes
· the ability to compete at other CLASP events both in Scotland and online
CLASP has recently introduced a new category of Grade 4 practice chanter contests online for adult learners, thus creating a complete pathway from beginner to top piper. There is information on the CLASP website https://theclasp.co.uk explaining membership and fees. It also lists the online and live events open to members, the tune requirements and how to submit a recording for grading.
Please note CLASP is only for pipers aged 18 +. Our Branch will continue to offer Juvenile solo piping and drumming contests at local events. All the application forms for contests are via our website.
The purpose of the RSPBA is to promote and develop pipe bands. We aim to improve quality and increase involvement through offering this pathway to individual development alongside our existing pipe band contests.
02/12/2024
They have asked for bands to play at his funeral, and Pipe Majors will be kept informed as and when a date is arranged. The family would wish this tune, Walter MacGregor's March, composed by P/M Jim McCombie to be played outside the church.
Walter MacGregor
03/10/2024
Formal Music Qualifications for Pipers and Drummers.
26/09/2024
Entry forms for the 2024 online Juvenile solo contests are now available here.
02/09/2024
Results from the Chatsworth Country Fair (English Championships) are now available here
27/08/24
Draw for the Chatsworth Country Fair Contest is now available here
18/07/24
Results from the Corby Highland Games are available here
12/07/24
An updated draw for the Corby contest is available here
19/06/24
17/06/2024
The results from the Colchester 'Pipes in the Park' contest are now available here
13/05/2024
The results of the PM Jim McGinn contest are now posted here.
17/04/2024
The results of the 14/04/24 Mini Band contest are now posted here.
31/03/24
The draw for the 14/04/24 Mini Band Contest is now available here
30/01/24
Entry forms for the 2024 branch contests are now available through this page
29/12/23
The results of the 2023 online Juvenile solo piping contest are now available here.
29/09/23
Entry forms and contest details of the Online Juvenile Solo Contest (Piping and Drumming) are now available here.
06/09/2023
Results from the Chatsworth Country Fair Contest are now available here.
26/08/2023
Draw for the Chatsworth Country Fair Contest is now shown here.
10/07/2023
Results from yesterday's contest at Corby are now available here.
29/06/23
Entry forms and contest details of the 2023 Chatsworth Contest are now available here
13/06/2023
Results from the Pipes in the Park, Colchester are now posted here.
17/05/23
Results from the PM Jim McGinn Contest are now available here.
25/04/2023
Entry forms and contest details of the 2023 Pipes in the Park, Colchester Contest are now available here
Entry forms for the 2023 Corby Highland Gathering are available here
Results of the 23/04/24 Mini Band and Solo Contest are now available here
24/04/2023
Entry forms and contest details of the 2023 PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest are now available here
07/02/2023
Surrey Piping School
Please see this news from Iona MacDonald:
The National Piping Centre is bringing its teachers to the South East for the first Surrey Piping School, from 31st March - 2nd April at Gordon's School, Woking.
This weekend school will give you teaching, workshops, practice and more with teaching from our Director of Piping Finlay MacDonald and 9 time Glenfiddich Piping Champion, Willie McCallum.
There will also be a public recital as part of the school at 7.30pm, Saturday 1st April, featuring Finlay and Willie.
We hope that you can pass this onto your piping contacts, band mates and students as we would love to see you all there for this first school.
Find out more and register now: https://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/learn/seasonal-schools/surrey-piping-school
05/02/2023
Entry forms for the Indoor Mini Band Contest on 23/04/23 are now available here
21/11/2022
The results of the Juvenile Online Solo Contest are now available here
14/11/2022
The Branch Training day has unfortunately been cancelled due to insufficient applications. Apologies to all who hoped to attend.
13/10/2022
The RSPBA registration fees for 2023 are due on or before 30/11/22, details of prices and how to pay are now available here on the RSPB Headquarters website.
09/10/2022
Details of the Branch training day to be held on Sunday 20/11/22 can be found here.
01/10/2022
Entry forms for the 2022 Online Juvenile solo Contest are now available here
29/08/2022
The draw for the Chatsworth Contest is now available here.
21/08/2022
Entry forms for the Mini Band and Quartet contests to be held at Chatsworth are now available here
21/07/2022
Clasp and Amateur entry forms for the Chatsworth Solo Contest are now available here
27/06/2022
There will be a solo piping contest at Harpenden Highland Gathering on Sunday 10 July. It is organised by the SPSL (Scottish Piping Society of London), applications on the day or to info@scottishpipingsocietyoflondon.co.uk
15/06/2022
Results of the Pipes in the Park Contest are now available here
19/05/2022
Entry forms for the Pipes in the Park Contest, Colchester on 12/06/22 are now available here
17/05/2022
Results of the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest are now posted here
02/05/2022
Tenor Drumming Workshop.
All abilities welcome
Venue: Henry Dixon Hall, Rivenhall End CM8 3HR
Times: 1030 for 11 till 4pm on Saturday 28 May
Content: Rudiments, Reading Music, Flourishes, tuning the drum.
Tutor: Kylie MacGregor.
Cost: £10.
Admin: Tea & coffee provided but bring your own packed lunch and water bottle.
Names and enquiries to Kylie MacGregor on 07931 479840 by no later than 20 May
25/04/2022
The results of the Minibands, Quartets and Solo Solo Contest held on Sunday 24 April 2022 are now available here
20/04/2022
The results of the online Adult Solo Contest are now available here
11/04/2022
Entry forms and contest details for the PM Jim McGinn Memorial Contest including Full Band, Mini Bands, Quartets, Solo Piping and Drumming can now be downloaded here
26/03/2022
Entry forms and contest details for the Indoor Mini Bands, Quartets, Solo Piping and Drumming Contest can now be downloaded here
15/02/2022
Entry forms and contest details for the Adult Online Solo Contest can now be downloaded here
03/02/2022
The early-bird registration on the 2022 Pipe Major's Symposium is now open.
The 2022 Dojo U Pipe Major's Symposium is a completely online event, running from February 12-13, 2022 – 20 pipe corps leaders (all ability and grade levels welcome) can learn all about best-practice band leadership for a whole weekend.
Find out more here https://pipersdojo.lpages.co/the-pipe-majors-symposium/
01/02/2022
The minutes of the Branch AGM held on 28/11/21 are available to download here
09/12/2021
Callum Beaumont Recital at Ipswich on 11 Mar 22.
As many of you will know, the IPS annual recital has been organised very ably each year by Rod Caird. Following his untimely death last month can we ask, on behalf of IPS, that anyone who had sent Rod an email asking for tickets, reapplies to the IPS secretary Jim Jarvie on jamesjarvie52@yahoo.com
IPS has no visibility of or access to Rod's personal email account and needs to start again on registering interest as audience capacity is limited to 100.
They have confirmed that both Callum and the hotel venue are booked, so Covid willing the recital will go ahead this time.
22/11/2021
The 57th Branch AGM will be held on Sunday 28 November 2021 @ 2pm via a Zoom Meeting. It is hoped that a high number of Bands will be represented at the virtual AGM.
The Zoom ID is 424 624 2673
Password is 277853.
Documents are available in advance of the above meeting:
- Band Annual Membership Form 2021/22 - note that the membership subscription is waived.
- AGM 2021 Agenda
- Minutes of 2020 AGM
- Officials' Reports - Annual Accounts, President's Welcome, Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary, Trophy Convenor and Webmaster
A zip folder containing all these documents can be downloaded here
Although no Branch Membership fee is payable it is very important in line with GDPR to have completed forms returned to the Branch Secretary in order that they may keep you informed, especially of future virtual and outdoor competitions.
At the AGM an election will be held for 6 key positions namely - President, Chairman, Treasurer, Minute Secretary, Education Officer and Trophy Convenor. Hopefully some or all of the current incumbents may wish to stand for re-election but it would be helpful if the election is endorsed by members of Bands.
Please let the Branch Secretary know if your Band will be represented at the AGM and it would be helpful to have name(s) who will attend.
19/10/2021
The Branch is sorry to inform you that Rod Caird, one of our regular solo contest players passed away last week. He died in hospital following complications after surgery for cancer.
As well as regularly competing on the local circuit, Rod also tutored many pupils across Suffolk.
He contributed hugely to the Ipswich Piping Society and had just organised their annual recital for March 2022 event featuring Callum Beaumont. His enthusiasm for piping and his genial personality will be greatly missed.
Rod Caird
12/10/2021
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of England Branch
North West England Section
Prepare for 2022, obtain a critique by Playing for Sheets.
The objective of this Open event is to provide a Band with a challenge on their journey of preparing for the 2022 Season as they return to practices following the Covid-19 enforced lockdown.
Click the link for details on the Playing for Sheets event and how to enter.
06/10/2021
The results of the contest held at the Gordon's School are now available here
20/09/21
The draw for the Gordon's School Contest is available here.
15/09/2021
To help bands plan their admin, here are some approximate timings for the contest at Gordon's School, Woking in advance of the draw. the detailed timings will be published after the draw on 22 Sep
1000 start of trios, quartets and solo piping contests
1000 drumming workshop (tbc) and solo drumming contest
1300 Mini and full band contests
1600 Finish (maybe slightly earlier)
There will be soft drinks and food available for purchase
02/08/2021
Entry forms for the 3rd October contest at the Gordon's School, Woking are now available here.
Solo entry forms are now available here.
05/07/2021
The Branch are holding an outdoor contest at the Gordon's School, Woking on Sunday 3rd October 2021.
The contest will include solos, trios, mini bands and full bands.
Further details to follow soon.
05/07/2021
RSPBA SUMMER SCHOOL
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is pleased to announce the dates for Summer School 2021.
Our Summer School 2021 will take place online at a cost of £20.00 and will be strictly limited to 24 drummers and 36 pipers. The Summer School will run from Monday 2nd August until Thursday 5th August 2021.
Please complete the attached registration form to reserve a place for the Summer School 2021.
If you require any further information, please contact Pat Whelan, Education Officer or Rachel Gillespie on 0141 221 5414 or email Pat Whelan or Rachel
Course Registration Information:
- Designed for pipers and drummers aged over 10
- Places are strictly limited to 24 drummers and 36 pipers.
- Dates are Monday 2nd August through Thursday 5th August for Pipers and Drummers
- Course will be held online.
- Course costs will be £20.00 per registration for all 4 days.
- Payment can be made with your registration below using Credit Card, Debit Card or Paypal account
and the link is:
https://www.rspba.org/shop/summerschool2021.php
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