I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the Pipe band Community and our supporters a very merry, peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.
Looking back over the 2014 year, whilst the number of our bands who achieved world titles was not as high as in the recent past, we were all thrilled for Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band in winning the Grade 1 World Championship title for the 4th consecutive year. What a magnificent achievement and we are very proud to have them as one of our own bands. We had a great season and a reasonably kind year weather-wise apart from the horrendous conditions for the County Antrim Championships at Larne which led to the unprecedented step of having to postpone the competition despite all avenues being explored on the day to proceed with it. We also have had terrific numbers of students attending our RSPBANI School and it is heartening to see the demand from those who wish to participate in our education projects.
I wish to pay tribute to the Officers of the Branch, the Branch Executive, the Committees, our Project Officer Ian Burrows and all our volunteers, individuals, groups and bands who have worked so hard and with good humour to enable our contests, school, events, marketing, public relations, website, social media, financial arrangements etc. to be delivered so well. It really is very much appreciated.
I look forwards to seeing you all in the New Year
Ray Hall
