THE SAGA CONTINUES UNABATED.

Well the event with the chieftains was very good, although our pipe chanter reeds had to be raised so much in their seats I thought they would fall out. We really need concert chanters if we are going to do any more of that sort of work.

Kinloss in 2012 looked a very forlorn place with the demise of all the aircraft save the newly refurbished sentry which was towed into position overlooking Findhorn. It has been the last aircraft to be in the deep maintenance hanger & was shining like a new pin. Sadly without a team to look after it the shine might not last long.
We had a terrific reunion with the many friends we made while up there, one of the nicest guys, Ian Turpy died not long after our visit, so I was really glad I had the chance to say hello again to him.

We still continue to fluctuate in numbers, both with the pipe & drum corps & desperately need a Bass Drummer, our last one having just retired due to an injury.
We had a great turnout for both of the last Rememberance parades in '13 & '14. of course the last one was very special as it commemorated the 100 year point. We played away after the ceremony with the Tipperary set, to lots of applause from the huge gathering at the Cenotaph.

We have only managed to get 2 busking slots in the city centre this year due to all the market stall activities that have flooded the city. So many events have had a series of tented & chalet stalls in the main streets I think a lot of busking acts have suffered. Lets hope 2015 is a better year.

My ailments have continued since last reported & have made playing a troubled task from time to time. I have had several treatments to try & improve the situation but I think surgery could be the only answer. The problem is calcification of the shoulder muscles which seem to need scraped but that means an operation. I don't fancy that so will soldier on as long as possible without.

We have had a change of leader since my last entry, back to our original first female Pipe Major, Laura. She has great fingering & is going to put us all through our paces on EXERCISES. UGG!!!!

Serves us right really as we have been very slack on these for a while. We need to improve if we are going to compete.

New band photos will follow here soon.

Gosh, how time flies. Here we are at 2023 already.

The band is still going strong & indeed has swelled tremendously, with 24 members.

My shoulders issue has evolved & I am still managing to play my pipes although at age 79 the old Arthur itis is making things a little difficult to say the least.

We have 2 more events in town, busking, and now have a QRcode poster to enable our audience to scan them to donate to our funds. Saturday will be our first use of it.

We have been through a lot over the past 3 years with a major viral pandemic killing millions around the world.

We thought we were over it but word just out says it is on the increase again. 

I think I might have a version of as I have had a very rough few days.

A CALLBACK FROM HISTORY

Out of the blue I recently received an email from RAF Kinloss. The boys in the band are arranging the 65th & final reunion of the band as the station is about to close & the band will be no more. This is very sad & rekindles the fond memories I hold of my time there.

Apparently little is actually changing as the members are going to amalgamate with the RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band, just along the road, but it just aint the same as they say. Hopefully I will get some picures to add to this entry soon.

Life in The City of York Pipe Band is continuing steadily & new life is gradually being injected into it. We now have about 15 pipers at various stages of ability but as usual getting them all at the same practice is something of a challenge. The drum corp is also recovering steadily from a mass exodus a while back. It just goes to show how you can't keep a good team down.

We have just been invited to perform with the 'Chieftains' at the York Barbican later in the summer, so perhaps that will entice members to come along to a practice session or two.

Since my last post I have also had a low profile at the band, due to a succession of medical situations. Hopefully they will improve soon as it is very annoying to have to miss both practices & functions.

Back soon.