Friday, December 10, 2010

Last Practice of the Year


Last night was the last practice for the year. Well done everyone we've had a great year. I look forward to continued growth and development of the band next year. Thanks also to those who have assisted the band over the past year, your help is greatly appreciated.

Here are some photos from last night.







- Peter W

Band Christmas Party

The band Christmas Party will be held at Harry Bowey reserve on Sunday starting at 4PM.

The band will provide hot chicken. We will set up a table for salads and desserts, Pipers please provide salads and Drummers please provide desserts. Please provide your own drinks.

We will play for about 15 min so bring your instruments.

Please bring your whole family and have a great time!

For location and parking please see the attached map. From the Main North Rd enter off of Malinya Drive.

- Peter W

A Special Tune for Claire Brown - From Bill Gall

Claire now has her own tune. Congratulations Claire and thank you Bill.
I think we might give this a go with the band!

Peter,
It's always good to see the younger generation
willing to take up the P/D's challenge.Its a wee polka
for Ms Claire Brown.
Bill, Tea Gardens, NSW
-Peter W

Another Tune from Bill

Some of Bill's tunes have an intriguing background!

Peter,
The original manuscript was stained with tea,
coffee maybe even a port or two. Anyway this is what
I salvaged.The pizza I did get and because I'm Scots/Aussie
and an Aberdonian I got it for FREE!!!!!!!!
Bill, Tea Gardens NSW
- Peter W

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Munno Para Christmas Pageant!

Warming up in the rain


Never sleep and drum

Praying for the rain to stop maybe??



Damn Rain


Oh No, Our ears are getting wet!




Bringing Santa down the street



You go that side and I'll go this side



Now that it's stopped raining we'll go inside




Spot of shopping anyone?




Who's hungry?



Aaron wants donuts



Whatever you do, do not look at the camera!




Is it just me or is it a bit warm in here?




He's awake!


David and Jeff have seen the same bargain



My kilt is better than your kilt Dad!!


If you take one more photo Mum..........


Trekking back to the cars


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

More Photos and Video from Kapunda

Some more photos and video from the street march, pubs and final performance at Kapunda. Thanks Leigh for the media.

It was a long day but well worth while as a social outing. There were a few gaffs during the day but overall the band gave a good account of itself.

This was Claire Brown's first time out with the band. Well done Claire!

Street march , pipers.
Street march, drummers.

The first pub was a bit crowded....
Start of the final performance.
Finished!

- Peter W


More Tunes from Bill Gall

Bill Gall recently sent us the following. Thanks Bill!

Peter,

P/Major Gordon Black was quite an easy going Pipe Major and well respected throughout the Regiment. The tune is an easy going wee jig as was Gordon. He passed away several years
ago. A good friend.

"Carrick-A-Rede", I'll never forget that bridge, My father drag me across it ,all you seen was a deep drop to the water below at 11years old I sh-- myself. (sorry about the grammar girls).

This extrodinary Officer was a wee man that could have come from a distant past in the Highland of Scotland, but what a soldier.

He retired shortly after 1988-9 to a lovely property in Scottsdale Tasmania, where he played his pipes in utter bliss. John had a lasting friendship with the famous Piping McLennan's in Scotland as well as Australia and his exploits were a wonder to listen to.

Bill Tea Gardens NSW


- Peter W


Bill Gall


We have had a lot of postings from Bill on our blog site (thanks for your support Bill) and a few people have been asking me who this Bill person is, so I though he needs a proper introduction.

Bill Gall was a member of our band back in the early 70's. He went on to a number of roles in the Australian Army including being the Pipe Major of a number of the pipe bands. I believe that he became the Senior Pipe Major in the Australian Army. Bill made a lot of friends in the piping world in his time many of these being the source of tunes which he sends to us from time to time.

I have asked Bill to give me a brief biography of his life and this is what he sent:

Peter,

Here goes ; born 16 Oct 1948, Aberdeen (slums), moved to Bucksburn,Aberdeenshire attended Bankhead Academy. Started playing a cornet with Moggiemoss paper mill band(8)
First chanter experience, Bucksburn Pipe Band,(10)A. Rennie. Knuckles took
their first bashing at (GH) Bridge Of Don Barracks, Uncle was Colour Sargeant
Colin Kerr (GH) the strict P/Maj was R Anderson.(GH).1961 joined the Royal Navy
under age, moved to Australia, 1963,Enlisted ADF 1965. Did no piping until after
Vietnam(back to basics).

Moved to 3 RAR Woodside and decided to start again(1973), joined City of Elizabeth Pipe Band(CEPB) (1974-5) first major comp with CEPB Aust Championships Melbourne under P/major Jimmy Smith. Best productive year for CEPB , Paul Odeggard and I piped at 53 weddings plenty of funds and Hic! Hic! drinks. Went to Canada played for Eskimo and Blackfoot wedding at Churchill, (couild'nt eat seal fat)
After Artic and mounteering courses, climbed Mt Kent with a team to play pipes at the top, Canadian record. Played with P/Maj I. Grant 3 PPCLI reunion since Korea ceremony Victoria Island BC.Canada.(AUSTCAN Bond 1977).

Won on a coin flick with P/Maj Norm Degrussa OAM, moved to 2/4 RAR as P/Maj. 1989-1992. Went to PNG, Indonesia,Fiji and many other exotic places normal people would'nt go. Singleton next move as Senior P/Maj Instructor until 1998. Emergency reserve as P/Maj of the RACT pipes and Drums, finally gave the ADF away 2000.35 years was enought. Civvy Bands: CEPB, Townsville Highland, 42nd RQR, (Rockhampton QLD), Army Tattoo 1988, SUR, many bands,Etc Etc.Mentor through my early years P/Major Angus Massie Snr.(excellent tutor) and a fair man to boot.

Thats all folks !!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry about the spelling)

-Peter W