New Year's Eve Schedule

Hi everybody,

Please meet no later than 7.00 pm at the Westerhope Excelsior (NE5 5HQ)!!!

From there, the band will go to Slatyford Tenants (NE5 2SS), Benwell Hill Cricket Club (NE15 7EU), Blucher Club (NE15 9SN), Crawcrook Club (NE40 4NB), Innisfree Club (NE12 8TY) and, finally, Byker Middle Club (NE6 2EH).

For a couple of places, we'll be split into two groups...but we'll start together and we'll finish together!

Looking forward to seeing all available members of the band!!!

Yet again Tom and Niall busting some moves....

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Merry Xmas everybody

Best wishes to everybody - hope you all have a happy and prosperous New Year

The Majors for 2011 are.........

Dates hot off the press... get them in your diaries

Scottish Champioships - Dumbarton - Sat 21st May 2011
British Champioships - Annan - Sat 25th June 2011
European Championships - Belfast - Sat 30th July 2011
Worlds - Glasgow - Sat 13th August 2011
Cowal - Dunoon - Sat 27th August 2011

Give me cake

Happy birthday Matthew and Ellen. After waiting for three years we eventually get cake ----- and it was lovely. Jim had two pieces. Happy Birthday to the both of you from all at the band.

Sunderland 2011 Competitions

Sunderland 2011 competition dates have been announced:
- Solo Piping Contest on Saturday, 5th February 2011
- Trio Piping Contest on Saturday, 5th March 2011
- Solo Drumming Contest on Saturday, 2nd April 2011
- Mini Band Contest on Saturday, 2nd April 2011.

Please notify us by Tuesday, 11th January so that all paperwork can be completed and submitted by the deadline!

Another web site for free music!

Hi everybody,

As people want to hear some Breton tunes during social events, we asked a member of our Breton bagad (Bagad Nozeganed Bro Porh-Loeiz) if any sheet music was available. It appears that most Breton music is composed for multiple instruments which makes it difficult to find a complete stand-alone song for just one instrument, like the bagpipe.

But, he suggested checking out this web site for free music to download: http://www.kelt-partitions.com/ It contains downloadable sheet music for some Scottish, Irish and Breton songs. You just need to create an User ID and password to access this music for your own viewing pleasure; you don't need the Bagpipe Player or any specific software. Certain songs also have a midi file in order to hear a brief excerpt of the tune.

Happy browsing!

Ashley dead.......

Jubilation in Newcastle - Panic in Sunderland - Has Ashley's cover been blown?

Don't worry it's Status Quo - Girder takes out wrong Ashley - Corrie fans are now stunned!

No practice tonight (Tuesday, 7th December)

Side roads are still too slippery so NO pipe band practice tonight! For now, Thursday's practice is still on...

Hughton sacked

In the essence of fairness (I hasten to add - and couldn't miss this opportunity for the world). Just thought the Sunderland fans in the band should have something to crow about! Following on from the ritual humiliation on Halloween - this happens - talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

Agent Ashley your mission is nearly complete! Good luck against Liverpool with Quasimodo in charge.

Can't wait to see you all at practice - wear your helmets!

Help us Raising money for the Pipeband!

If you notice there is now a section to help raising money for the band. It's really easy to use - all you need to do is click on the link and browse away - if you purchase anything using this link a small donation is made towards the band.

Thanks

Annual General Meeting

Minutes are now available on the Band Member page - if you would like to access them or have forgotten your password get in touch with me

Just to remind everyone - end of season bash

We've got a Ceilidh going on!

End of season/Pre-christmas bash. With an eye on raising some funds for next year.

Date is  27th November 7pm-11pm.The venue is to be The Concert hall (upstairs) at the Byker Middle Club - Tickets are going to be £5 a pop.

We've secured the services of the excellent ceilidh band Maximum Pastry - you can visit their website on Maximum Pastry

You'll have to get in sharp if you want tickets as they are going to be limited!

Pipe Band regradings for 2011

Just click on the following link for the Official RSPBA regradings - Regrades 

Inspirational point from our perspective we did beat Portlethen and Lochmaben last year in a few competitions. I have to say on a personal note well done to Cullen - I saw them a few times last year and they seemed to have a nice sound - well the judges must have thought so in any case!

Annual General Meeting

The Band's AGM will take place on Tuesday 9th November at 7pm (Update) at the Byker Middle Club - If you have any agenda items you would like to have raised please contact a member of the committee prior to the meeting

Festival of Rememberance

Just to remind everyone we are playing at the Dunston Fed (The Lancastrian Suite) on Friday 5th November - everyone has to meet at 6.30pm

For directions to the venue click on this link  - The Lancastrian Suite

Newcastle victorious

Sunderland AFC: The Official History 1879-2000

Might aswell get it over with publically - what a performance by the lads in red and white -  well and truly slaughtered. I know it's not over, I have the ignimony of going to work in Newcastle tomorrow so more to come.

But just a word of warning - gan canny or I'm sure your reed will come under close scrutiny. If you're a drummer we'll set Alan on to you!!!

It's the Bay Horse

Just to forewarn everyone practice won't be at the Middle club on Thursday it's going to be at the Bay Horse in Whickham - practice times as per normal

Directions to the bay horse - just click on this link The Bay Horse

Come they told me pa-rup-pum-pum.......................

Good luck to Thomas who is competing at the prestigious World Solo Drumming competition. It takes place at Glasgow Caledonia University on Saturday 23rd October.

Everyone is rooting for you - when we hear you in practice we can't believe how much you've come on in the last year!

Good luck lad! And remember if it doesn't go very well I always bring a spare chanter to practice

Do you remember chalk hearts melting on a playground wall? Do you remember dawn escapes from moon-washed college hall?

It's a Kayleigh - My favourite Marillion song!

Apologies - We've got a Ceilidh going on!

End of season/Pre-christmas bash. With an eye on raising some funds for next year.

Date is going to be 27th November 7pm-11pm.The venue is to be The Concert hall (upstairs) at the Byker Middle Club - Tickets are going to be £5 a pop.

We've secured the services of the excellent ceilidh band Maximum Pastry - you can visit their website on Maximum Pastry

You'll have to get in sharp if you want tickets as they are going to be limited!

We don't need another Hero!!!

Just as the government announce another rise in the price of petrol - I have to say Billy T has been taking this a bit too seriously. He's told us, from now on he wants to be known as Mild Max.

Fearing the breakdown of society and the possibility of chaos ruling he's decided not to shave, he's dusted off his old leather jacket, polished his sawn-off shotgun and started running young hooligans off the road in his................................. Audi!!!

Pipe Gig Overload

Bit of a dilemma here - Three potentials planned for the same weekend in 2011

The Celtic Festival of Wales (Cwlwm Celtaidd) or as it's properly known The Porthcawl Interceltic Festival is on from 4th - 6th March also the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra have invited us to play on the 5th March at the Sage in Gateshead and wait for it ......... Bailleul is on at the same time! Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

This is like going into that old fashioned sweet shop in Dunoon - too many to choose from but you can't have them all.

I gave it a good try though - How else do you think I maintain my physique?

Stanhope Show - the Gnome

Good turn out for the band on Sunday with 9 pipers and (errhmm) a smallish drum section. However 2 bass drums - so watch out Shotts and Dykehead!

Davey momentarily was the lonely side until Thomas late entrance - we know you were getting some extra chanter practice in!

As such the gnome award momentarily goes to Thomas Barnes (nearly awarded to Mick Barnes for needing a sub off his Dad!)

New gadget

If you have a look to the right we now have the ability to have stand alone pages - I'm going to add a guest book so that people can make comments about the band feel free to contribute

Stanhope Show

Just to remind everyone the band will be performing at The Stanhope Show this Sunday 12th Sept. Meeting up at 1.30pm for performance just after 2pm

For those who want to know where it's at - It's at the strangely named Unthank Park, just off the A689 between Stanhope and St John's Chapel.

Lets hope the weather holds out!

Images from the Glendale Show

Now that's clever! - When I used to give me mate a croggy on my bike I used to ask him to sit behind me!

Post Cowal

Well, the results didn't go our way - qualifying for the final and 12th in the final itself. Well done to everyone that competed the conditions weren't brilliant. I think I can speak on behalf of most that attended to say overall it was a cracking weekend. The venue for the competition was spot on - although someone forgot to book the weather!

The march down the main street was absolutely mental - with it's fair share of mentalists joining in - who was that nugget that marched in front of the band half way down the street? I thought everyone felt slightly deflated by the overall competition result but this was soon rectified by the amber nectar and a few renditions of 500 miles!

Other highlights of the weekend involved Tom forgetting where the toilet was (and Terry redirecting him!), Davey's tangle with the wrong type of Gillette and a visit by none other than the worshipful Pope-ness!

Oh and how could I forget Thomas claiming he'd rather be a mackem than a Chanter!!!! Priceless.

Bottom line we are booked up for next year!

Davey mixes the cans up again!!!!!

Aaaargh me eye!!!!!!!!

Gillette the best a man can get!

Who is Sylvester McCoy?

Answers on a postcard.....

Well it's off to Cowal pretty soon - looks like there's going to be a pretty good turn out from the band yet again. Got to hand it to us with the exception of Dunbar (that place would still be cold and foggy if the whole area was lifted and dropped on Egypt!) we have had very good turn outs this year - long may it continue.

Seems as though there will be a few more piping additions stengthening the band - welcome to Darren, Graham (bit of a trickster here - I noticed last night not really playing the band tunes but a whizz at the jigs!! - Anyhow he's signed up with us now and I'm sure we'll get to see the real side of him!!).

Also, little Thomas is now in the huff cos he didn't see Jim Kilpatrick's impromptu drum salute at the Worlds (I did!) and he's now thrown his drumsticks in the bin and swapped it for a chanter!!!

Anyhow there's 34 of us off to Cowal as it stands - all of the rooms are allocated and I've asked the Hotel to ensure they have plenty of Beer and Horlicks for Billy Ince.

This could be hard reed moment but what the hell....Has anyone seen Niall since the Worlds by the way or is he in hiding? When he gets back I dare the whole band to play an early E when we strike up the competition set - Joking aside I suppose this can happen to the best of us - I listened to the set and they sounded fantastic! (creeping now).

Sylvester McCoy by the way pictured above who used to be Doctor Who (and a poor one at that - not in the league of Christopher Ecclestone or David Tennant) He's the cheiftan at Cowal next week -

KNOWLEDGE!

Post Worlds.....

Well - A bit disappointing in terms of the result. Fifth in the heat when we needed fourth to go into the final - It was a good performance by the band all round so it was hard to take the result. It seems like coming 5th is worse than being last (quote by Darren)....so close but no cigar!

And another thing why did we have to wait a ridiculous amount of time to find out the qualifier results (smells a bit!) and why don't the organisers use the big screens to announce qualifiers. It looked spectacular so why not use it to inform the lower grade bands - gives them a bit of boost as well as informing the crowd - sounds too easy to be true!

Well after the dust settled - nice speech by Tom and Davey to rally everyone on the bus (before popping off to top up the ethanol levels!).

Knew it would happen eventually (revealed on the bus going home caught playing chanter!)....

SHOCK BREAKING NEWS ******THOMAS BARNES LOVES THE BAGPIPES*******

(Thomas read this line 100 times each night before you go to bed!!)



In conclusion all I can say is

'Father Abraham had seven sons, Seven sons had Father Abraham.............'

The Worlds

Looking forward to The Worlds this weekend - a bus has been provided to take everyone up! Mick Barnes has the details - As far as I know the pick up will be at about 6am with a late return with the obligatory stop at Brampton planned - (Thomas and Morgan's pocket money???). Good luck to everyone competing.

I have had contact with the owners of the hotel at Cowal and I'll need to give firmer booking details probably next week - I have the room plan and these need to be allocated so please get your confirmations to Billy or myself as soon as possible

Rothbury Solos

Well done to Thomas and little Thomas in the drumming solos - 1st and 2nd I believe!

Also well done to Tom for a 3rd in the piping solo

Practice venue

Just to remind everyone as of tonight practice will be held at Byker Middle Club - It's been suggested that if the weather's fine we may do some outdooor practice on the Town Moor

Draw for the Worlds

World Championships at Glasgow Green on 14th August - draw has been made and we are competing at 11.13 (first round)

Phenomenal entry of 60 bands in our grade - 3 sections of 20 bands - first four qualify for final. We are in the third stream band number 60 and last to play in our section!!!

Holiday in Haltwhistle!

Just to remind everyone band performing in Haltwhistle Show this Sunday - we will be partaking of the street parade and a performance in the main ring!

Just to remind everyone to assemble at the Fire and Rescue station in Haltwhistle at 11am - the parade is due off at 12

Happy Birthday Tompa

Many happy returns from everyone at the band!

Cake was nice - Just for your diary Matthew's birthday is on 16th December - I have heard Costco do some nice big cakes!!

Another Trophy!!

What can you say - brilliant result and well done to everone that competed - I don't know whether this was technically Thomas Hamilton's first competition - Any how well done. Playing with 11 pipers - the sound was good. Not the biggest of turn outs - probably due to the proximity of the British Championships. Morgan seems to be becoming a lucky charm - three competitions, three trophies.

In seriousness, I think I can safely say that performance should be dedicated to Tom and his family - yesterday must have been a difficult and emotional day due to the sad loss of his father. All of the band's thoughts are with you.

Annan again this weekend

Just to let everyone know transport has been arranged for this weekend - same pick up time, same place, same bus. The Band are playing at 14.55 before playing in the massed bands at about 18.00.

Good luck to everyone for this weekend lets hope we can repeat, or better, last weeks performance.

On a different note just to give you a heads up - the band is playing on Sunday 11th at the Haltwhistle Show - there's a street parade followed by a performance in the show ring - more details will be released closer to the time.

We have also been asked to perform at the Quayside market on Sunday 18th and 25th (with some other dates in August and potentially September). Good chance to get some outdoor practice in and raise some much needed funds along the way.

6th Place at the British

Well done to everyone for yesterdays performance - 6th out of 19! I bet there are a few sore heads this morning!

Special mention to Matthew - I do believe this was his first competition with the band. Did we get an award for having the youngest drum major?

Well done to Dumfries and Galloway for their first place - I'm glad to see that all of that work I did with Niall on Ellan Vannin paid off.

Also congratulations to Rob and Scottish Power for their 4th place.

I'm sure everyone is going to be looking forward to next week and going back to Annan for the Riding of the Marches.

Off to the British Championships!

Good luck to everyone competing this Saturday at the British Championships - Annan we are competing at 14.44.

Transport is being provided and the bus will be picking us up at 09.30 at West Denton Association with a planned return for midnight - To break up the long journey on the way back we'll be stopping at Brampton for some light refreshment!

Another landmark

Many Happy returns to Billy Ince 59 years young! - From all accounts Billy was a bit worse for wear after his celebrations yesterday - home at 8 O'clock - just in time for Horlicks!

Best Wishes from all at the band!

Second Place

Well done to everyone who competed this weekend - Especially well done to Morgan and Thomas - first competitions!

It was nice to see so many people from the region at one venue - on a personal note it was nice to see so many friends from Houghton. By the way they have given an open invite to anyone who wants to play with them at the Durham Miners Gala on 10th July - everyone welcome!

It was nice to see that the weather hold out aswell - in fact so nice the celebrities turned out to honour the occasion. If anyone wants Crocodile Dundee's autograph please get in touch with Peter!

Haggerston Castle competition

Just to update you the draw has been made - competition starts at 1pm with Finale at approx 4pm

We are on first with draw for grade 4 as follows

1. City of Newcastle Pipeband
2. Houghton le Spring
3. Greater manchester Fire and rescue
4. Hawick
5. Newtongrange

Competition is to be held in car park at Haggerston Castle - Tom has asked that those going meet at West Denton Association at 10.15 to get to the venue for 11.45 to tune up.

Haggerston Castle

The band will be competing at this competition at haggerston castle caravan park this weekend. Saturday 5th June - the competition is a minor competition with grade 3 and 4 Bands competing - Hope the weather holds out!

From the meeting last night

Just to confirm the intention of the band is to compete at the following

Haggerston Castle Saturday 5th June

Annan British Championships 26th June

Annan Riding of the Marches 3rd July

Worlds Glasgow Green 14th August

Cowal Highland Games 28th August

We also have other engagements

Haltwhistle Carnival - Sunday 11th July

Glendale Show - 30th August

Consideration is being made for the potential to have overnight accommodation prior to the Worlds and Cowal

Update to Extraordinary Meeting

Just to give you an update the extraordinary meeting has been postponed until next Tuesday 25th May at 7.30pm (West Denton Association) - all members attendance is required

Dunbar - Hayley joins the drum corps!

Well the result at Dunbar was really disappointing! Moving swiftly on at least the sun got out eventually!

On the upside Hayley was well and truly initated into the Drum corps - Flood warnings have just been lifted in the Hexham and Ashington areas!

Rompa Stompa Tompa Wins!!!!

Well done Thomas lad, from everyone at the band - First prize - you've set the standard now.

If I was you I'd live it up cos when you get back to practice it'll be back down to earth.

Did you know that anyone that wins first has to buy a celebratory bottle of whisky for the band to share your victory!!!!

Pick up for Dunbar 8th May

Just to forewarn you the pick up is 6am for Dunbar at the West Denton Association. The competition starts at 9.15 and we are on 4th so sorry for the early start

For those making their own way the competition is at the Hallhill Centre on Kellie Road

Thomas told to get his drumkit ready for the weekend!

Little Thomas is competing in the drum solos this weekend at Sunderland - Good Luck from everyone at the Band!

Niall just shakes his head at Jim!!

Competition confirmations

Just to confirm we are competing at Dunbar on 8th May and Dumbarton on 22nd May.

Transport is going to be provided for both events - due to the early kick off in Dunbar the pick up is going to be about 6ish - so you'll have to be prompt!

The performance time for Dumbarton is kinder and hopefully we are looking at a pick up at about 8am - I'll confirm the times closer to the dates

Get the practice in - sounded good on Thursday!

WHY ARE ALL OF THE AIRPORTS CLOSED?

Apparently a git big dust cloud has caused all the disruption!!!

(Wait for it!!)
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The fella that dusts Newcastle United's trophy cabinet has just been arrested in connection with the incident!

Compare the meerkat

looking for new band members - Compare the meerkat.com

Practice on Thursday Night

JUST TO REMIND EVERYONE PRACTICE ON THURSDAY IS NOW AT BYKER MIDDLE CLUB - IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS - GET IN TOUCH SOMEONE WILL DIRECT YOU!

Another date for your Diary

Sunday July 11th - Haltwhistle Carnival

The perfomance will include a street March and performances on the show field

Langley Castle - POSTPONED

Just to update everyone - the band job for Sunday 18th has been camcelled - due to a waterlogged pitch!

Another reminder practice this Thursday is at Byker Middle club!

Band Practice 1st April

Just a reminder to you all - practice is NOT at West Denton tonight - it's at Byker Middle Club at 7.30pm

Langley Castle

The band will be performing on Sunday 18th April at Langley Castle - Performance is at 2.40pm so we probably need to be there f0r 2pm. We need as many people there as possible. It's only a 15 minute slot - Beating the retreat.

Another band job in April

Just to give you a heads up about another job upcoming on Sunday 18th April at Langley Castle 2.30pm - It's only a 15 minute job but the job needs as many people to turn out as possible - the fella organising it wants a full band to be present - I'll post more details as we get them

Dates for your diary - competitions this year

It's finally here - the proposed competitions for this year - plan is Four of the Majors with a few inbetween. Proposed competitions:-

Dunbar - 8th May
Scottish Championships - (Dumbarton) - 22nd May
British Championships - (Annan) - 26th June
Annan - (Riding of the Marches) - 3rd July
Worlds - (Glasgow Green, Glasgow) - 14th August
Cowal - (Dunnon) - 28th August

There may be others to add in between so I'll keep you posted.

Also confirmed are performance for the British Legion on St Georges Day and the Glendale Show (30th August - Bank Holiday Monday)

Gig Friday Night

Just to remind everyone to meet up at Crawcrook club 7.30pm Friday Night - for a St Patricks day performance

More Pics of the band from Wales

Top - The band on stage with Mabon giving it six -nowt!

Above - Evening performance by the band and Tom giving his spiel about helping the local economy (of the local pubs) or has he just remembered where he left his mobile phone!

Davey's fungal Tash

Do you recognise this lot - didn't have a shave all weekend!

Do you think they'd notice!

Fixio - no problemo!

Cwlwm Celtaidd - Lets get it out of the way!

Just thought I would post this at my earliest opportunity just so that the story does not get warped by malicious conjecture.

There was a slight altercation involving our van (driven by me) and a BMW. I just thought I should clear up the situation and explain why it happened....

I was driving under duress at the time and had a lot to think about whilst driving my prime concerns were for everyone else in the band and as follows.....

1. Whether Tom was OK after nearly electricuting himself with the Toaster and only managing to blow the lights out
2. That Catherine wasn't missing her dad too much
3. That Bill had taken his tablets on time and that his phone wasn't going to alarm every 9 minutes to remind him
4. That Davey's moustache was neatly groomed
5. That Jordan was going to get enough eggs and black pudding for his breakfast
6. That Billy was going to get his kebab.
7. That Malcolm had put his tie in it's original plastic cover and put it away with his Sunday Sport magazine
8. That Nikki was going to get enough Vodka and Red Bull that night
9. That Sarah was going to be able to feed her tapeworm
And even though they weren't there yet (I was still thinking of them)..
10. That Terry wasn't going to be accosted by random strangers
11. That Jimmy was going be able to carry out his Tommy Cooper impersonation to perfection (jar- spoon,spoon-jar,jar-jar- spoon, spoon-spoon jar!).

So you can understand the mental strain! I'd just like to say Thanks for the overwhelming sympathy particularly from the Drum corps! and Sarah for describing in detail the damage done and making sure i knew that it was a BMW!!!

Anyhow, despite this what a fantastic weekend! - the band was well received at the schools, the street parade, the pavillion and when they played with Mabon on Saturday. Personally I haven't laughed as much in my life, except for the incident with the Beamer - I fear this is not the end of the band's continued support.

I HATE BMW's

LOST IN FRANCE!

WANTED - TENOR DRUMMER LAST SEEN IN BAILLEUL!
ANSWERS TO BILLY - FOND OF PILCHARDS!

He's a winner!

Well done to Matthew for getting first in the solo competition on the weekend - you've set the bar now. Congratulations.

Well done to Malcolm and Jim aswell for competing - the comments received were very positive. The judge on the day was John Nevins who was well received by the competitors. I hope he was entertained!

Word has it that Malcolm did receive a commendation for having the straightest tie and Jim was a contender in the cheesy joke section. He even tried the 'I'm tired of this' comment regarding 'The Weary Maid' on Tuesday night.

solo's

Any results from the w/ends solo comps please?

Solo's competition

Solo competiton at Sunningdale school in Sunderland this weekend - Good luck to Jim, Malcolm and Matthew - play well

Burns Supper

Just to remind everyone there is a band job on Saturday 30th - at the masonic lodge meet up at 8.30pm- The lodge is just up from Newcastle College

Celtic festival of Wales

Please visit the website for details of this years festival http://www.cwlwmceltaidd.com/index.html. Date of festival is 5th - 7th March 2010. They have pictures from last year - none of the band though!

Money Raised

Just to let you know the band raised £1017 on New Years Eve and £156 at the Metro Centre - Well done to everyone that performed - Big thank you to those who collected aswell!

New Years Eve was well received even though Tom had to go home early (Probably too much Diet Coke')

Cannot leave this blog without mentioning Matthews swan dive at the Blucher - apparently he's in training for the 2012 Olympics - he scored 5.9 for his double axel with pike - he'd have scored a perfect 6 if he'd kept his feet together on landing!

Happy New Year