๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฃ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ค๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐๐๐
The Branch Executive Committee of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch is deeply saddened and sorry to hear today of the passing of Drum Major Gloria Aicken. Her strength and spirit, courage and determination have been unwavering throughout this past year during her battle with cancer.
Mr Andrew Graham, Branch Chairperson said:
“Gloria leaves an indelible mark on, not just our drum majors, but on our whole Branch community. Her loss will be felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of knowing her during her younger years competing locally, and throughout her time as a highly respected Drum Major Adjudicator. Her dedication to pipe bands and drum majors has been steadfast and she was a true champion of the tradition”
We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to Gloriaโs husband Brian, mother May, sisters Deborah and Denise, sister-in-law Olga and nephews, Alex and Noah. Our deepest love and thoughts go especially to Gloriaโs brother โour past Branch Chairman, DM Alastair Patterson.
As we all reflect on Gloriaโs life in the coming days, and in the months ahead, we remember her not only for her achievements, and service to the Branch and Association, but for the kindness she showed to everyone and the friendships she built and shared with so many across our pipe band family. She will be deeply missed by all of us.
May her memory continue to lead us all forward, by the right!
Stand at ease, Drum Major Aicken.
The Mid Ulster Section also paid tribute to DM Gloria Aiken following the announcement of her passing.
Cllr Trevor Wilson, Chair of the Mid Ulster Section penned:
“Gloria served as Secretary of the Section for many years until she moved to Belfast. During her tenure, she was an exemplary officer, continuing her Drum Major Adjudicator duties alongside her secretarial role. She never shied away from getting down to business and delivering for bands across Mid Ulster; everyone who knew her held her in the highest regard.After competing alongside her brother, DM Alastair Patterson, for many years, it was natural that they would both go on to serve together on the Section Committee โwith Alastair taking up the role of Vice Chair. They were a great force together and served everyone with dedicationEven after Gloria stepped down from the Section Committee, she maintained her friendships with everyone, always offering a lovely smile regardless of the weather. She always enjoyed the contest held in Cookstown, whether as a competitor, Adjudicator, or member of the organising team.The Section is indebted to Gloria for her service, compassion, and longโheld friendship. She will be fondly remembered and missed by us all. Our deepest sympathy goes to her husband, and the entire family circle at this very sad time.ย We pray for strength and comfort in the days ahead, sustained by the memories we shared.”
