Peebles Pipe Band Contest 2009

SEXTET OF PRIZES AT PEEBLES CONTEST FOR TWEEDVALE PIPE BAND!!

Tweedvale Pipe Band’s contest season was brought to a close with a rousing rendition of “Scotland the Brave” and “On St Ronan’s” as the band paraded along Peebles High Street at the end of the Peebles Highland Games last Sunday. Held back in its traditional venue of Hay Lodge Park, the Peebles Highland Games enjoyed some spectacular September sunshine which made all the difference to the quality of performances that all bands were able to offer. It also ensured large crowds came out to enjoy the day. Tweedvale took part in both the Grade 3 and Grade 2 contests playing their medley selection in both. The band enjoyed a good run in both grades and put in a very musical performance of their set. The ears of the adjudicators were taken with the performances and they offered positive comments on both. When the results were announced, Tweedvale Pipe Band was been placed 4th in Grade 3 winning the Crossburn Caravans Shield. The Grade 3 contest was won by George Watson’s College Juvenile Pipe Band. Tweedvale were placed 5th in Grade 2 with that event being won by Boghall and Bathgate Juvenile Pipe Band. Being the last contest of the year, Peebles is also the venue where the winners of the RSPBA Lothian & Borders Branch Champion of Champions titles are announced. This is a points based competition run over the six local contests for bands based in the Lothian & Borders area. Tweedvale Pipe Band was announced winners of the Grade 3 Champion of Champions titles for both band and drum corps. Not to be outdone by the band, Tweedvale’s Drum Major Andy Lyon took 4th place in the adult drum majors event and also took the Champion of Champions title for Adult drum majors which meant the band had a trio of trophies to parade as they joined the procession of band marching into Peebles from Hay Lodge Park. The bands winning ways on Sunday did not end there however as after the street parade was concluded, it was announced that Tweedvale Pipe Band had also been awarded the prize for best band along the street rounding off the day in fine style.

Speaking about the results of the Peebles contest, Tweedvale’s Pipe Major Bruce Gillie said, “The band had a very successful day at Peebles which I’m very pleased with. I thought we put in two good performances of our medley selection. I’m also very pleased that the band lifted the RSPBA Lothian & Borders Branch Champion of Champions band title in Grade 3 for the third successive year, and congratulations are due to our drum corps who regained the drumming title. I’d like to thank all the band members for their efforts over the season and everyone who has helped the band with its 2009 season.”

Tweedvale Pipe Band now faces a long hard winter’s practice in preparation for next year’s contest season which commences next April with indoor mini-band contests. Tweedvale Pipe Band is also on the look-out for new members. If anyone is interested in joining a Grade 3 competition band they are invited to get in touch with the band by turning up at one of the regularly scheduled band practices, on Monday nights in the Vale Club Innerleithen and on Wednesday nights in the Burgh Hall Peebles or by surfing to the bands website at www.tweedvalepipeband.com for further information. All are welcome, whether experienced musician or complete beginner.