Lisburn to bid for 2008 Pipe Band Championship
Pipe Bands by Mervyn McConnell
LISBURN City Council's Economic Development Committee is to re-examine the costs involved in hosting a major pipe band championship in 2008 after Councillor Ronnie Crawford suggested the figure proposed for the event was higher than expected.
The committee had taken a decision in September that the council should bid for a major championship at a cost of £40,000, plus additional Council costs of a further £10,000 for technical support, marketing and promotions.
Following the decision, a letter was received from the President of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association advising that a provisional bid had been tabled on behalf of Lisburn City Council in the sum of £46,000, plus VAT, thus giving the opportunity for the council to increase its bid to this amount to secure this event.
In view of the economic benefits that would be gained from such an event, it was proposed by Alderman Cecil Calvert, seconded by Councillor Allan Ewart, and agreed to recommend that, subject to a financial appraisal, the council agrees to hid the new amount of £46,000, plus additional council costs of £10,000, to host the 2008 European Pipe Band Championships.
However, speaking at the full meeting of the council, Councillor Ronnie Crawford, former President of the Northern Ireland branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said he believed a major Pipe Band Championship could be undertaken for less than the predicted £46,000.
As a result the council agreed to refer the matter back to the Economic Development Committee for further examination
Ulster Star
06/01/2006
