 The weekend of September 19th and 20th was very significant for the Redland Scottish and Celtic Society and the Redland City Pipe Band. Not only was the weather glorious for a spring day (even if a little hot) with attendance up on last year, but it was the first outing of the Band as a competitor at the gathering, showing off not just the new tunes but the new pipe bag covers, new drums and new flags on the bass drones - all very special. The weekend included the South Queensland Pipe Band and Solo Championship as well as the Inaugural “Bay Island Titles” Highland Dancing Competition.
The weekend started really well with the solo events on Saturday. Well done to all our members who took part in  the solos, you were a credit to us all. We especially congratulate Sam Davis for his well deserved win in elementary drumming, Matt Leach for his first in learner pipe chanter and Peter Gallacher for placing 2nd in the intermediate jig and 3rd in the elementary slow air.
On the Sunday it was all hands to the deck – starting at 6am for some with the setting up. The dancing competition was well under way early in the morning and comments from stall holders included how nice it was to be able to watch as they commented they were often at the back away from activities. The program for the day included a mini band contest, full band contests, border collies, heavy highland games, singing, dancing, foot races, address to the haggis, drum majors competition and massed bands. There were stalls with celtic items, foods, drinks and the Multi Sports club was open for a wee dram for those whose thirst went a little beyond the snow cones.
The VIPs entered in the train with no rails escorted by the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps, all led in by the full Redland City Pipe Band, with our new logos flying from the leading rank of pipers.
 The dancers from the Redland Scottish and Celtic Highland Dancing Academy were busy all day. Members were successful in all events and finished the day with many trophies.
At the end of the day our chieftain, Harry MacKenzie handed out the trophies and prizes. The Band received the Eddie Santagiuliana encouragement trophy. Well done to all - the hard work of the last few weeks and months has really paid off.
An event like this does not just ‘happen’. For weeks members of the Society has worked hard to make it a success. Members were there early on both Saturday and Sunday setting up and there again at the end of the day taking down marquees and making sure all rubbish was picked up and the site left spick and span. The tireless workers behind the scenes makes the difference to these events going well – it all appeared effortless but of course was nothing of the kind. We extend an especially big thank you to the team, those who organised the event, carried out numerous  duties on the day, those who trained the band members and dancers– they are worth their weight in haggis and liquid gold!
See you all next year. |
