The RSPBANI Executive has this week received the disappointing news following a meeting of a Committee within Mid & East Antrim Council in which they have taken a decision to withdraw funding from our Championships which was being planned to take place at Ballymena Academy on the 3rd August. This news was delivered this week as part of major financial cutbacks within this Council and our event is one of a few to be axed.
Chairman Alastair Patterson has expressed the disappointment of the Northern Ireland Branch that we will be unable to have an event in Ballymena at this excellent venue and we fully understand the funding difficulties within Councils. We would appeal to bandspeople who reside within this council area to speak with your Councillors to ensure that this is not the end of Pipe Band events within this area moving into the future.
On a positive note we have received confirmation from two other council areas this week and once paperwork is completed over the next week or so we hope to be able to confirm and launch these venues.
A Branch Meeting is planned for the 24th April so bands can have their say. I can assure you that the team are working tirelessly to provide a full calendar of events for our members and we will continue to update you over the days ahead.
