At a variable weathered Paisley, Lochgelly High School have won the 214BB Ex Members trophy for 1st place at the British Championships today.

The 214th GCBB may have technically ceased in 1994, but the 214 name continues to impact on the piping world in various guises.

Having provided a first class tuition to boys over the years, not only has the 214 produced players, who have gone on to play at the top level with an enormous amount of Pipe Bands, but also Solo players, Judges & Instructors.

Today the 214 can announce it is continuing to “put something back” at grass roots level.

We have been privileged enough to be able to provide two new trophies for the newly formed  RSPBA – Novice Juvenile B grade.

The first one is the Band trophy for 1st place at the British Championships, which is being held this Saturday 21st May 2016 at Paisley.

Click here to read about the new British Championship

The second trophy is for 1st place in Drumming at The UK Championships which is being held on Saturday 11th June 2016 in Belfast.

I look forward to showing you the winners in due course.

A new video has been added to the Media Video Files section.

This is video clip 4 which shows the 214 bb in various activities in the park in 1964.

(Note 3 still being worked on at the moment)

I’m sure it will bring back many memories… click here to have a look.

Joe Noble one of our Ex Members who as an RSPBA judge was recently over judging the New Zealand National Championships.

Joe sent me a couple of emails, (which I have made into a News item) and I would like to share with you all.

“Hi, Alan

The New Zealand Championship ran over two days (11th and 12th March 2016). These were held in Feilding, which is outside Palmerston North in the southern part of the
North Island.  (Click here to read about Feilding)

Part of the contest involves a Street March with all the bands participating, and all the judges standing at regular intervals along the parade route.  Thankfully, I was judging their playing and not their marching.  A winner is chosen from each of the Grades.

 (Joe doing his stuff.)

As for the main Contest itself, the winner of Grade One was Canterbury
Caledonian Society – their fifth win in a row since 2012. Followed by New Zealand Police and Manawatu. 

They all performed to a high standard and I was particularly pleased to again see that New Zealand has a vibrant Juvenile grade, which was won by St Andrews College Christchurch.  I was judging Ensemble on both days.

(This was also Canterbury’s 5th consecutive drumming title – winning the Alex Duthart Trophy. I have attached the winning performances below)

Medley

MSR

While there I met up with Bobby Turner in Auckland and Stewart Gorle in Tauranga.

 
As you can see from the photos they are both reasonably fit and well.

Stewart gave me an old photo which you may already have but, if not, I’ve
scanned it and attached it here.

Photo (712)

This would have been the 214BB drum corps circa 1954/55 and, from left to
right, the members are:

Ronnie Kinloch,  Robin Hunter, Andy Hosie, George Seymour, George Robertson & Stewart Gorle

I don’t know where this was taken or what the trophy is, perhaps someone will be able to fill in the gaps?

Best wishes,

Joe”

Thanks for that Joe, good to see that 214 skills are still being put to the test.

(I would like to thank yourself, Stewart Gorle & the others who were at this years reunion who kindly made donations to our funds.)

Well can anyone answer Joe’s question?

Alan

I have received an email from Ian regarding funeral details:-

“Hi Alan,

Many  thanks for your condolences from the 214 BB Ex members Association.
This is to let you know of May’s funeral arrangements.

The funeral is on Thursday 5th May 2016. 

The service will be held in

All Saints Episcopal Church, Bearsden, at 12.30pm,

 (Click picture to view)

then to Clydebank Crematorium, for 1.30pm.

(Dalnottar) – click here to see map

Thanks again for your sincere sympathies.

Regards
Ian “

(I imagine both venues will very busy.)

I am sorry to report that Ian McLellan’s wife May, passed away yesterday.

May was a well kent face amongst the pipe band world.

I am sure all the Ex Members you would join me in sending our condolences to Ian and the whole family.

We have no details regarding the funeral arrangements at the moment, I will publish details once known.

Click here to read Robert Wallace’s blog from yesterday regarding May.

I received this email from Stuart and Ally.

Dear Alan
On behalf of Felicity and Robins family, we  would very much like to thank all the Ex- members who came along on Thursday 10th March to the Church Service in Killearn Parish Church. It was lovely to see all the” weel kent” faces and it was appreciated that there were many BB ties in evidence.
The beautiful weather and such an excellent turn out helped make the very sad day somewhat easier for the family.
Thank you all again.

Stuart and Alistair

Hi Alan

Robin’s funeral will be on Thursday 10th March at Killearn Church of Scotland at 12 noon.

He will be cremated earlier in the day in a small family service,  at Felicity’s request,  but we would be delighted if any members  would like to attend the church and they will be made very welcome.

Regards
Ally

Ally and Stuart Hunter have both been in touch with me, sadly advising that Robin passed away suddenly this morning at the hospice.

Robin had been quite alert to date and had been joking with the nurses shortly before he died.

Once arrangements have been confirmed I will update the website regarding the funeral.

Robin is pictured below in the centre flanked by his younger brothers Ally and Stuart at the reunion in 2009.

I am sure I speak for us all when I say our condolences go out to Robin’s wife Felicity and the “Hunter Clan” at this sad time.

Sure & Steadfast

This year the Association is holding our 67th Annual Reunion at

Victoria Park Bowling Club, Whiteinch on Friday 4th March 2016.

All the email invitations have been sent out twice already.

If you have replied I thank you,  I am still awaiting replies from 47 members who are on email.

We currently have 23 confirmed as attending.

Paper invitations will be going out early this week, so to allow us to save on postage can I urge you to reply to your email if you haven’t done so already?

Many Thanks