Quick March

Photo from NY Times

Wanted to post this quick blurb about Bill Millin. Mr. Millin was the piper that played his pipes on the beaches during the D-Day invasion and is immortalized in the movie “The Longest Day”. The link to the article I found is here at the NY Times. Please click on this link and read the article there are some great quips about how and why he played and the best part of the article is the reason the Germans didn’t shoot him. I’ve always been amazed at the thought of the pipers leading the troops into battle. I mean you have pipes not a gun heading into battle. In the documentary film “Instrument of War” watching the pipers jump out of the trenches during WWI with nothing but pipes is absolutely amazing to me. I wouldn’t jump out of the trench in a tank much less carrying only a set of bagpipes.

Mr. Millin is literally a dying breed. A well deserved thank you and god speed to you Mr. Millin. The sacrifice you and your fellow servicemen made will not and can not be forgotten.

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One of the joys/privileges/honors of being a bagpiper is that you are often asked to be a part of the most intimate part of people’s lives. Be it playing at a wedding where the mood is upbeat and joyful or playing for a funeral where things are more solemn and mournful, pipers are often the soundtrack to that event and more often than not one of the things people tend to remember about the event. There are other events such as church services, memorials, birthday parties and such but weddings and funerals seem to be the biggies.

There have been instances where the entire band has played both weddings and funerals others where a single piper has been requested. In either case as members of SALPD we try to provide the proper look and tone from the band members in attendance. It has been said by certain crusty old Pipe Majors (and even crustier Drum Majors) that the pipes do two things remarkable well mourn the dead and rouse to battle. (That said I’ll let you draw your own references as to their place at weddings) As stated before it really is a privilege and honor to perform at these events and we want you and your guests to remember the piper/s for the right reasons not the wrong ones.

Pipe Major MacLeod recently piped at a funeral and the band was sent this email:

Tim…

Pat Robson
Ed’s big brother

Our condolences go out to Pat and the entire Robson family. No matter what the event or when it is please feel free to contact us for all your piping needs. You can book the band with the previous link. Thanks for all your support and we’ll see you all soon.

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Happy Father's Day

Wanted to take a quick second to say Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there. Thanks to all the Dad’s out there for everything you’ve done and will do.

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OK so it was like a million degrees today and what a better thing to do than march and play bagpipes. Today St. Andrew’s Legion led the Firetruck parade into the Farmers Market and helped support our local firefighters. Today was the second annual Burning Up the Bottom Firefighter Festival. There was food, music, beverages, games and good times. Sean Gregory from Halligan’s started this last year to raise money for local charities and honor the area fire and EMS. It’s a really great event that was bigger than last year.

I know from my family’s perspective it was a great time. My kids had a ball, wife was there to support not only my self but her brother’s band Crashing Reality. Not to mention that when we got there we found another face we knew up on stage performing in Scott Harris. I did my part to help out and signed up for a raffle ticket to win a Harley. I know I’ll disappoint some members of the band as I don’t remember what kind it was and won’t know what to do with it if I win it, but it was to help a local area firefighters family deal with his loss. Not to mention one of the best bowls of shrimp and grits I’ve ever had from Bistro 41.

After marching the three/three and a half blocks in and playing while all the fire apparatus and the Red Knights rolled in and set up we were done. Quick easy and to the point. Once the trucks were set up people could come up and look and them. The guys and gals in the fire department are always so friendly and entertaining with the kids, and over sized kids who come up to look at the trucks. There were many kind words about our performance and support for what we do. After a quick tour around Justin and I ducked in to Rosie’s for a pint in the cool air. Then it was back out to catch up with the family and cheer Eddie on as kept the beat for Crashing Reality.

Go ahead now and pencil next years Burning Up the Bottom in as I’m sure it will only get bigger and better. Not to mention is a great time for a great cause. If you couldn’t make it this year next time you see any fire or EMS folks make sure to thank them for the job they do. I’m going to start working on cooler weather for the next one and who knows maybe I’ll get to drive up on my new Harley. I wonder if you can carry bagpipes on one of those things.

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It’s been a while since our last post so here we go. Since the last post we have been working hard on learning new tunes and improving our marching. We have added some new members and they are jumping right in and even learning the marching right away. We even added a couple of members to the Regimental Band part. It’s been a while since we’ve had other instruments with us so it should prove interesting. In addition to the personal growth we also managed to perform at two of our more important events.

Last Monday we played at the Virginia War Memorial to help honor those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I swear the crowd gets bigger each year. Next year the event will be held in the new amphitheater they are currently constructing so hopefully there will be even more people. I am always blown away by the people who attend this event. It is really great to meet some of the men and women who have served our county. They are always grateful for our efforts on the day but I tell them thank you for having us. I know I am constantly saying it’s an honor and privilege here but it truly is just that. I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t been said or I’ve even said before but this part bears repeating. THANK YOU.

This was followed by the Virginia Fallen Firefighters ceremony this past Saturday. Members from our sister band, The Old Dominion Emerald Society, were there as well and led us in with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect at this type of event. Again it is an honor and privileged to participate in this event. The ceremony is always nice and pays great honor to those who gave their lives in protecting us. We were joined by a member of Tidewater Pipes and Drums who played with us last year as well. You could see and hear our hard work paying off and we we all in lock step and sounded very good.

The one thing that most people ask about this event is, “What do bagpipes have to do with firefighters/police?” This actually comes from the migration of Irish and Scottish to the states and the fact that no one would hire them for any jobs. During this time NINA (No Irish Need Apply) signs were everywhere. The only jobs they could get were the ones people didn’t want which were the firefighters and police. The custom of mourning the dead with the pipes came with them and as the department grew the pipes were carried forward. So there is the link to bagpipes for police and fire.

You should see a couple of rapid fire posts coming as I have some things to put up. July is pretty quiet for the band as we only have two gigs. Port Royal on July 3rd and the Brand Station parade on July 29th. Rest assured we’ll be hard at work trying to improve what we love doing. Just because we don’t play as much in the summer doesn’t mean the blog will be neglected I hope to post at least every other week. I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer and I hope we’ll see you soon. One last thing a big thank you to David Ramsey. He’s our resident camera guru who has the impossible task of trying to make us look good in photos and videos. In addition to blogs you should see some more of David’s hard work posted on our site and on youtube very soon. Thanks again.

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Great Job on the presentation to Henrico County Educators last night! The finale was spot on! The look of surprise on their faces said it all as the entire band came out of nowhere. They were under the impression through out my entire presentation and lecture I would be the only piper heard. We gave them one heck of a surprise.

Remember we have two more events within a week of each other. Easter Services and U of R Alumni. Pipers make sure you keep a daily check on your joints and pipe maintenance. The constant changing weather and temperatures play havoc on pipes more than some may realize. Just to give an example, I have re-hemped and swapped reeds at least 3 times in the last two weeks from playing in the elements.

Fay & Mike Hohman are doing fantastic in their new roles as Pipe Corporals, and along with Dennis Saidat as Pipe Sergeant. Along with Tom, Geoff, and Steve, I think we have one heck of a structure and group that will perform above and beyond. Now the band will be evenly positioned for when we split into two venues with a Pipe Major, Pipe Sergeant, and three Pipe Corporals, along with the rest of the Corps.

Keep your prayers and thoughts out for Don Raybold’s mother in Florida and Randy King (Fay’s husband). Don’s mom is ill with cancer and Randy is facing quadruple bypass surgery on his heart.

The rest of this blog is from my email to the band over a week ago after the Irish Festival. If anyone has video of the event, please send it to Doug or Dave Ramsey.

(originally written on 21 March)  I wanted to personally THANK all of you who performed, participated, and/or supported, that came out on behalf of the St. Andrew’s Legion this week at both Capitol Ale and at the 25th Annual Church Hill Irish Festival.

  At Capitol Ale, I was delighted to see people from the Irish American Society, Scottish Society, and St. Andrew’s Society there to support us.

   Many deserve special recognition and if I miss mentioning you, forgive me, but I want to thank Tom Shuff for leading you as Pipe Major mid day Saturday in my absence. Also, thanks to those who helped maintain the tent and handle Public Relations. I was also pleased to see Piping students such as Keith Porter and Daniel Ripley steadily working on chanters inside the tent. Not only were they honing skills, but giving the public a good idea of how becoming a Piper, starts off.

 We owe a big debt of gratitude to Mary Wallace & Chance Bell, along with Brian Erby for all their help over the last year teaching and improving our group. All of you have worked very hard and the improvements continue.

 The last two days were fun, and I’m still hurting on my right side from laughing so much when we had those comical moments of cheer and camaraderie, especially hanging out with the gang from GRPD.

 I can’t count how many time people kept coming up and commenting the two bands and I most enjoyed Sunday, when we did the Ragland Road/ Dawning of the Day set with Greater Richmond. The crowd roared at the effect.

  I strongly recommend that if you have the weekend free that Fair Hill Games are taking place, please go! Greater Richmond will be competing and they will be having the Grade 1 Competitions, which will include Oran Mor Pipes & Drums, whom Chance has strong ties with, City of Washington P&Ds (whom Mary will be playing with), and the Frasers from Canada.

 We can expect a flow of new students showing up over the next few weeks, so we need to prepare. At this time I will unleash more great news that the majority does not yet know about. Clyde Childress contacted me this weekend and he has asked us to once again, come out to his estate in Powhatan to perform for the Wounded Warriors Foundation. Two Country Music Artist have already signed contracts to perform along with us. Believe it or not, we’re playing in between sets with Willie Nelson and Montgomery-Gentry on 11 September 2010.

Good Job this past week and keep it going.

Aye! Tim MacLeod- President SALPD

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The Polar Plunge is an event we’ve done for several years now and it’s one of my favorite. We get to help Special Olympics and be a part of a truly unique event. Even if you can’t be a part of this unique event please help out by making a donation to Special Olympics. You can send a check to the address below or stop in at your local Wawa and make a donation there. Please help support Special Olympics. What follows is an email from Andy Mooney who is our contact for the event it will give you some history of the event and tell you were you can donate if you can. Check out the Polar Plunge site as well. Hopefully the weather will hold off as snow storm part II looks to be on the way. Don’t know that it will stop the plungers but it may stop the band from traveling down there. Stay tuned for more info.

Va Beach 1/30/10

Today the beach front air temperature is 29 degrees and the sand was covered with snow! It would have been a great day for the Polar Plunge. Let’s hope the weather is wonderful on Saturday, February 6, as we jump into the Atlantic Ocean. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is dropping. It runs between a chilly 37 degrees and a hot 43 degrees! Can our luck hold out until Saturday, February 6 , when we take the Special Olympics POLAR PLUNGE? It is a lot more fun to plunge when the water is cold. The long range forecast calls for high temperatures of 44 degrees and sunny, perfect conditions to jump in the ocean!

The origin of the Polar Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics Virginia goes back to 1993. That first plunge, held at the Clarion hotel, featured all of about 34 plungers and raised almost $8,000. In comparison, last year, the 17th annual Polar Plunge raised more than $800,000 for Special Olympics Virginia and more than 3,700 chilled souls took the plunge. Because of this generous support, Special Olympics Virginia is able to provide year-round training and sports programs for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the state of Virginia.

All of the funds collected go directly to the Special Olympics. It takes a lot of money to run the programs all year long. Our special athletes and their families need your support. Please review your budget and see if you can spare any amount.

We know that a cold and sunny, windy day will make the 18th POLAR PLUNGE a fun event. Please plan on joining TEAM MOONEY at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach on Saturday the 6th of February in front of the 7th street Ramada Inn. We will have our parade down the boardwalk, once again being lead by the St. Andrews Legion Pipes and Drums from Richmond, Virginia . There is no better way than to storm the beach with bagpipes playing Scotland the Brave! Will you be there?

If you can’t take the PLUNGE please send a contribution.
Make your checks payable: Special Olympics of Virginia
Mail your checks to
Andy Mooney
1338 Laurel Ridge Lane
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
USA
Or make your donation electronically at: http://www.firstgiving.com/teammooney

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All I can say from a non politico type person’s point of view: How the government gets anything done is beyond me.

Here is how this went down. When we told about the parade, we were told we’d receive a follow up document with instructions and times. Let’s just say the document was lengthy. Where to meet, where to form up, where to meet our National Guard escort, rules, blah blah blah rules. Things got off to a rough start when the local police officer in charge of stopping and allowing people to stage wouldn’t let any passenger vehicles down Franklin street to the staging area. (even though the previously mentioned manual said we’d be let down there to park and form up) If it were not for a certain piper in our ranks who has connections we’d have had to walk at least a mile just to form up and an additional mile after the parade. After said piper made two calls the Governor elect himself found out about the situation and things remarkable cleared up for us. At this point we were all ready to vote Brad as honorary Pipe Major for the day. Things got better from here but there were still some glitches here and there such as not accounting for all the room needed to line up, not putting all the horses behind the other marching units. The horse unit in front of us had issues with the flags from the high school band and with the loudness of the pipes, not to mention the one horse who had um… bowel issues the entire parade. (and I thought my spats were bad after the Richmond games.)

The stop start pace of the parade was a little irksome as well. We didn’t really march proper until we entered the gates of the Capital. Prior to that they held us a while because Thomas Jefferson was supposed to speak and then once we started again they were giving us the hurry up sign. (I’m sorry but we only have one speed) The parade route it’s self was short enough and we were wondering where the people were as really only the two blocks prior to the mansion were crowded. That question was answered as soon as we turned the corner to the back side of the capital. The risers and the people there were something to see. Don’t know if was the fact that there was a pause in the parade while Mr. Jefferson spoke or the band in general but man that was a loud reception we received upon arriving at the back to parade in front of the Governor. Once through back around the capital and a left turn the parade was basically over with the exception of getting back to our cars. Luckily for us we parked right next to Penny Lane Pub where we inevitably fell out to for a pint.

Something that never amazes me is the reaction we get from people. I do know that we do this because it’s something we love to do and we like to give back to the community, but how grateful folks are and the enthusiasm we are greeted with is beyond compare. Someone could get a big head with all the nice comments. (Either that or Celts are just a loud bunch) You can go to the Governor’s page to see photos of us. (Don’t ask Geoff what happened. Let’s just say the Flux Capacitor has been invented) Hopefully we’ll have some more photos up on our site soon and possibly some video. Figures I chose the wrong station to record. Channel 12 cut off but Channel 23 showed the whole thing and we apparently looked rather sharp from comments we have been receiving.

Lastly we’d like to thank Governor McDonnell for having us and wish him the best for his upcoming term. It’s not often you can say you were invited to march in an inauguration parade. This was the first parade held in the capital city in four years as the previous governor held his ceremony in Williamsburg. We’d also like to thanks those that have supported us and helped us get where we are. Hopefully this is the start of a great year for SALPD. We have big news coming, more events and new pipers stepping up. We hope we’ll see you at our next event in Virginia Beach the Polar Plunge. Don’t forget that St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner as well as the Richmond Irish Festival.

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St. Andrew’s Legion is proud to have been asked to participate in the Inauguration Day Parade for Governor Elect Bob McDonnell. We have had various members of our group participate in Governor McDonnell’s election campaign and as you can imagine are thrilled that we are participating in this event. We’ll have more information as things are firmed up. The parade starts at 12:45 PM right after he is sworn in. For more information please visit http://mcdonnellinaugural.com Even though we are now an Scots/Italian Pipe Band since we are led by the Dons (Drum Majors Don Milligan and Don Raybould) I think it safe to say there will be no wink/nod in the Governor’s direction.

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David R. Ross 1958 - 2010

I received the email below from Tim who is a good friend of Davids and who’s daughter contacted Tim with the news today. I know in my dealings with David he was a larger than life presence. Always quick with a joke, very humble and truly appreciative to be doing what he was doing. Doing what he loved. He loved Scotland and every thing Scottish. He was a true ambassador to and for Scotland. Not only did we in St. Andrew’s Legion lose an ambassador and true Scottish Patriot we lost a friend.

Some of you may have already heard, but then again, some of you may have not have heard, but Sir David R Ross has left us. He passed away Saturday night after a severe heart attack back in Scotland. David was my dear friend, I am still trying to cope with the loss. He was the embodiment of all that is Scotland. I honestly believe that he and William Wallace are gazing down through Caledonia Skies smiling upon all of us who hold Alba so dear in our hearts.

The following video clip was from back in 2005 when David made his historic trek south from Robroyston to trace the footsteps of William Wallace’s march to his execution in London. In the video, you will also see another familiar face if you are a member of the Les Eccosais Royalle. After David’s speech, Ted Christopher, another dear friend sings Caledonia Skies. The song always brought a stir in me, and now it takes yet another more solemn meaning for me. If one drop of Scottish blood runs through your veins, best you set back and have a wee dram by your side, and salute this True Son of Scotland.

Walk for Wallace

I miss you David

Tim MacLeod

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