Preparations underway for William Kennedy Festival
THE 15th William Kennedy Festival of Piping will take place from November 13 -16 at various venues throughout Armagh City. The Festival has generated enthusiasm since it was formed in 1993 and has continued to grow musically and in numbers attending without losing the core ethos that inspired it all those years ago. Information of all the events and venues are available from the Armagh Pipers Club 14 Victoria Street Armagh telephone 3751 1248 or email info@wkpf.org.
One event to highlight is on Saturday November 15 at 1pm in front of the Market Place Theatre, when the newly promoted Grade 1 Bagad Cap Caval Pipe band from Brittany will be entertaining the afternoon shopping public.
This band took the Grade 2 bands by storm at the world championships in August, and as a result has gained their promotion to the elite Grade 1. Weather permitting this is an event worth making the time to go and listen too.
The Belvoir Drum Majors has commenced its first term with 17 drum majors in attendance. Included in this number is Tony Murphy who travels up from New Ross each week for instruction. A new addition to the class this year is the class for learner drummers under the instruction of James Tweddie. At the moment he is teaching 3 young lads, but would welcome any one else interested. All they need is a pair of sticks and a drum pad. This class is also at 2.00pm the same as the drum majors.
Drummers are always in big demand in the pipe bands, and the earlier youngsters start the quicker they learn. So if you are interested in this worthwhile hobby then please get in touch with Secretary Ronnie Davidson who will give you all the necessary information.
Grade 3A Augharan Pipe Band are on the look out for learner pipers and drummers to strengthen the band for the new 2009 season. The band has been absent for some time now in the competition arena. But due to the dedication and hard work of the Pipe Major and Leading drummer they are up and rearing to go as they prepare for the new year. They practise every Monday evening at 7pm in Lisnagleer Hall between Dungannon and Cookstown. The new Leading Tip is David Johnston and the Pipe Major is Leslie Willis. The band would also like to record their gratitude and thanks to ex Leading Tip Roy Ferguson for all his dedication and help in the band last season.
There was a good attendance at the AGM of the Mid-Ulster section of the RSPBA Northern Ireland branch which took place on Wednesday October 8 in the Royal Hotel Cookstown. Norman Bell chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone with a special welcome to George Ussher, Chairman of the Northern Ireland branch.
Elected to office were the following: President — Cllr. Samuel Glasgow MBE, Vice-Presidents - Milton Thom, Cllr. Trevor Wilson, and Norman Bell. Vice-Chairman - Alastair Patterson. Secretary -Gloria Aicken, Assistant Secretary -Alastair Patterson. Treasurer - John Gilmour, PRO -Desmond McLaughlin, Trophy Officer - Gladys Cardwell. Assistant Trophy Officer - Malcolm Wilson. Auditor - Errol Hassin. Representative to Northern Ireland branch - Alex Crooks. Committee - Alex Crooks, Alan Ferguson, Carl Stirrup, Errol Hassin, Gladys Cardwell, Malcolm Wilson, Ashley Hassin, Jonathan Hassin,Desmond McLaughlin, Jeff Hamilton, Willie Bowman.
The Chairman's position was the only post that was changed due to Alex Crooks stepping down as the chairman. The section thanked Alex for all his hard work and dedication he has given over the years and wished him well in the future. Lowry Ferguson was elected to the position of Chairman. Lowry has been a loyal and dedicated member to the section and received congratulations and best wishes from the section
Ulster Star
24/10/2008
