Quick March

Well now! I do say I believe Doug hit on just about all and everything pertaining to the Richmond Highland Games. I will mention one particular young man out loud for sure. Drum Major Ben Hohman made me so proud Drum Majoring this weekend. For my fellow Armed Forces vets out there, you know what it’s like when the guy doing the Drill has that “flow going”. Young Ben had it this weekend. When that young man did that “Right Obique”, I felt the entire band shift in proper step. Awesome! The senior Drum Major for the Games (Dave Rickless) recommended TJ and Ben to some schools up north and wants to see them continue the good job. I did feel for the “Dog”. I could tell it was killin’ him to be stuck in the tent and not on the field, with his injuries. I could see his pride in TJ and Ben stepping up to the plate.

Congratulations to the Virginia Scot Guards appearing for their first time as a pipe band at the RHGCF.

Thank goodness the long awaited Ross reeds made it in time. Quite surprisingly, no serious issues took place with any of the chanters or drones this year. Saturday was touch and go, with the rain and temperature changing every five minutes, but we kept steady. I think our mentors over at GRPD may have been pleased observing us implimenting what they have shown us over the last year on tuning techniques. It bites that it had to pour right at the moment grade 5 GRPD went on the field and stopped just as they finished, allowing the next band a better condition to play.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of Life could be just one big Highland Festival. For me, though it’s a lot of work within itself, it’s a great escape from everyday life and pressures. So much transpired over the weekend and so much fun was had. When the Old Dominion Firefighters Emerald Society escorted the Irish American Society on both days, I pulled a Mike McCann and said “Dim there my boys!” LOL. Thank you ODFES for the wonderful gift too. I was also tickled to see my cousin, W.M. Troy Heck, come down from West Virginia with his wife, for the Games and wearing his Badenoch/ Batten of Argyll kilt. Getting to see all our kinsmen & women in the MacLeod, Donald, Gordon, Davidson and Keith tents was great. So much good stuff for two days, is hard to mention it all.

 My only complaint is……………….. This band needs a Kilt/Steam Press!!!!!! If you think pressing a knife pleated kilt is fun, try getting box pleats back in order……Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

St. Kilda extends its’ appreciation for circling up this weekend around the tent. We really helped bring in onlookers, who became customers for Ralph. As I discussed with limitations with you in the Legion already, I will be travelling abroad overseas quite a bit this coming year for short stints off and on. With that in mind, I know Tom Shuff will do a brilliant job as the co- Pipe Major. This is not something that just came out of the blue, rather I had discussed my intentions a long time ago with Tom and I’m glad he’ll be there when I’m not. No! I’m not leaving SALPD- LOL. All of you within the Legion who are administrative and ranking field officers are doing a fabulous job. If it wasn’t so, I wouldn’t be loosening the reins as I am doing now, so keep up the good work. I also see a lot of potential leaders in all the new people who have recently joined and speaking of of new people……… I was in bloody shock to see the full house we had last night for practice!!! As a rule and from years of past observation, a pipe band practice right after a big Highland Game looks more like a gathering of the few, but you all surprised me last night showing up in mass.

It’s not beddie time yet boys & girls, we still have 2 fire graduations for “Details” and next weekend is when those going down with me to do the Fire Marshall Ceremony and USMC Ball (both on Friday, 7 November, then next day, the 8th, is Urbanna. Then later in November is the EMS gig, Ashland Holiday Parade, I think something for George Hobbs sometime this month. Good thing there’s a Secretary to call me and remind me where we have to be each day. Somebody call after 3PM and remind me where I’m supposed to be at.

Again, excellent job this weekend to everyone in the St. Andrew’s Legion and the Old Dominion Firefighters Emerald Society.

Dracula’s crawling in the box and going to bed.

Pipie

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Now that I have some time and am actually awake I’d like to take a little closer look at the games this weekend. There are a lot who need to be commended for their efforts this weekend. First (something I neglected to mention yesterday) is the great job TJ did stepping in for the injured Mad Dog. TJ made sure we were all properly uniformed and took command and led massed bands with style and grace. Ben Hohman should be commended as well. He looked just as good out there leading Greater Richmond off the field and helping with the drum major duties. Additionally Tim did his usual great job of leading us and making sure we were where we were supposed to be. Tom and Mike get a big thumbs up for all the tuning and tweaking and making sure we sounded the best we could as well. Dave Taylor gets a big thanks for the Rusty Nails. (They really helped on Saturday)

There were a lot of firsts with Katie, Bill, and George marching in their first games. Great job by all you’re now veterans of the games. Good to have old friends like Dave MacDougall back with us and new ones like Tom Armstrong who was in town from Canada and played with us as well. We missed Fay on Sunday but the good news is Randy is now home and doing better.

Big thanks to Robin Hale-Cooper for his design of the tent and work getting that together. This was phase one as he (as well as others he drafts into service) will continue to work on and tweak the tent for future events. Massive kudos are also given to Jim Bandelean at the IAS. He did an amazing job with the recruiting sign and the awesome banner that was hanging in the tent. Dave Irvin gets a big thanks for his work on the actual sandwich board. Thanks to Dennis for lugging all the tents and equipment up there as well. Mad Dog may have been out of action on the field but he more than made up for it by helping to man the tent. Also doing an amazing job of helping out at the tent were Keith Porter, Brad Trimble and Mac McClendon. Hopefully they won’t be able to help out as much next year due to the fact that they’ll be playing. Another huge thanks goes to the Rayboulds who also helped man the tent as well as take video and pictures on Sunday. (Did you notice the gear they were wearing from the cafepress.com store… hint, hint) David Ramsey was there on Saturday doing his thing as well with the photos. (Can’t wait to see what David and Don have as far as video and photos go) Also helping out at the tent were the Scotts (Tricia, Shawn, and Kelly) as well as Nathan Riehl. It is really great that all these new guys and gals who aren’t up on the pipes or drums yet have jumped in and are contributing like they are. When you think about all the help and support we get it’s amazing how much it takes to actually get us up and running. I haven’t even mentioned family yet. They are so supportive to let us do what we do not to mention coming up and helping man the tent as well. I’m sure I left someone out unintentionally so my apologies and our heart felt thanks if I didn’t mention you by name.

In talking to those who were working the tent as well as my time helping out up there we seem to have made quite the impression on folks this weekend. We had several generous donations as well as selling lots of CDs, shirts and challenge coins. We had several people interested in joining up and taking lessons. Lot’s of cards, website addresses and directions given out at any rate, now we’ll sit back and see who is truly interested in joining our merry little band. Emerald Society guys did a good job as well and hopefully grew their ranks too boot. I know I saw people stopping and chatting with them all weekend. I didn’t get a wrap up from one of them but will check with them tonight. By the way I saw a picture of the Emerald society guys as color guard at the closing ceremonies and WOW. We’ve always known what a color guard does for SALPD and the photo of the Emerald Society as color guard just hammers that home.

As previously mentioned as nasty as it was Saturday it was just as glorious on Sunday. I had a couple of great conversations with a couple of people that I’ll talk about more in depth about either in another post or the newsletter but the two topics where 1) Is there something hard wired in your genes if you have Celtic ancestry that predisposes someone to the pipes and things Celtic and 2) Kilts and what constitutes one. The best line in that conversation was “If it’s not plaid it’s a skirt.” (I had to disagree as I love my Utilikilt) All in all it was just a picture book day.

I know the IAS and SSR both had a good weekend in drawing new members and the IAS in particular with the big win for best tent. All in all a great time was had by all. Old friendships were renewed new ones made and lots of future plans made. I did take the time to stop and look at the scenery and take in the trees in all their fall splendor yesterday just to try and remember the fair grounds and what the Richmond Games have meant to me over the years. We’ll enjoy a well earned break this weekend as we are back at it the following weekend in Urbana. Thanks again to everyone who contributed and made these games a great success.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Much like yesterday just a brief wrap up of the events of today at the highland games. The weather was the complete opposite of yesterday. Sun shining blue skies and of course pipes and drums. I’ve never had any trouble with my pipes other than operator error until today. I’m personally hoping once I get my pipes all good and dried out they’ll return to normal behavior. Good to see everyone at the games today they were packed. People were still streaming in at 2:00.

We had great participation again sounded good and had fun. Does it get better than than that? Thanks to all the family and friends that helped out and made the day run smoothly. My wife and kids came up today and I spent some time with them riding ponies, getting faces painted and doing our best to kick start the economy. Once again looks and sounds like we picked up several potential new members. Now we have to see who follows through.

A big congratulations to the IAS for best tent I know Jim and everyone there worked really hard. Another big shout out to the Old Dominion Emerald Society guys. You looked great and represented themselves great. Next year we’ll have some of you guys playing with us. There are lots more people to thank and mention for their support and doing great jobs today but I’ll do that later as well as I’m sure Pipie will. Time for me to crash and get ready for that annoying thing called work. See everyone next year in Caroline County at the Meadows.

PS keep an eye out on the site for photos and video to come. If you have photos to add please send them to webmaster@salpd.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Just a quick wrap up of day one of the Richmond Games. First rain and lots of it. On the plus side I got to use the Inverness Cape I’ve had for three years and never used. It’s one thing I guess if you are used to that but man how do they play the pipes in Scotland? My hat’s off to the competition guys. How you tune keep tone and compete when it’s raining is beyond me. GRPD grade V took second and grade IV took first. Way to go guys. Lot’s of conversing with the folk in the IAS and Scottish Society. Had my fair share of sips from the flask as well. Some more rain, Seven Nations, more nips from the flask, have I mentioned rain. On a totally non pipe related story I got to meet one of my sisters for the first time. Very cool and surreal as well as a long story but that’s for another time. I’m looking forward to getting to know Melaney in the coming weeks. Massed bands, rain, more nips of whiskey and when it’s over and we are ready to go home one of the most amazing rainbows I’ve ever seen. I never see a rainbow with such bright vibrant colors and a “double” rainbow to boot.

Last but not least some kudos and thanks. Way to go for Katie for her goal of playing in massed bands at Richmond. High five to Bill for marching and playing in his first event playing the pipes. Thanks to everyone who worked on the tent and helped man it. Looks like we might have picked up at least five to six new students/members. I know I’ve talked about Nathan before but that is one talented dude. He’s been with us two weeks and has made amazing progress on the chanter. Today he picked up my pipes and just wailed. I think all he need to work on really is making his high hand notes more full and blowing steady tone. Congratulations to everyone for a fun if not damp day.

Spats are washed and drying, pipes have been broken down and dried off and the kilt is hung to dry. What say we try this again tomorrow with a little more sun and a couple thousand of our closest friends.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Scottish Scoiety of Richmond

Well after a batch of tough luck that started on Saturday things look to be headed back up again. I had to miss Pumpkinpalooza and Alex’s bash as well due to the studio opening up for my wife and no available sitter for the girls. (Not a terrible thing as I have two great girls to hang and play with) Not to mention both my cell phone and home phone were out most of the day. (Lots of messages from Tim and Scott wondering where I was) To top it off I got hung up at work late on Monday and didn’t have time to get ready so I had to sit out playing at the Scottish Society as well. I was there though and all I can say is what a blast.

This was the kick off for the Richmond Games by the Scottish Society of Richmond and they did it up right. First we played for them for about 10 to 15 minuets to robust applause after each tune, by the time we ended with Set 1 (Scotland the Brave, Rowan Tree, Wings) and Shenandoah they were standing and clapping along. The pipes always move people and we are appreciated when ever we play but playing for a group of Celts is always special and you know how much they appreciate it.

The Old Dominion guys looked great. They’ve worked really hard and have come a long way. They are still a ways away from actually marching and playing but when they are ready look out. (It should be something to see both groups together as that is the plan for most events) Next, talk about a spread! When we were done playing we were invited in by the Society to help celebrate the kick off to the games. They had such a table of food: scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, short bread, sticky pudding, scones, haggis, brown bread, etc. Talk about hospitality Margaret Duckworth actually waited on a few of the guys who were slow to step up to the buffet.

To top the evening off Dan Simpson the president of the Scottish Society appointed me to a spot on the Board. I graciously accepted as it is truly a privilege to serve. I’ve talked about it before but I really enjoy my membership in both the Scottish Society or Richmond and the Irish American Society. What ever I can do to help out I’m am there to serve. Both societies are full of great people and people who belong to both groups as well. Take a second to visit each site and consider joining www.richmondscots.org and www.richmondias.org

Here’s hoping the rain stays away Saturday for the Richmond Games. Doesn’t look like it will but what’s rain to the Scots and Irish but liquid sunshine. Again it’s the last games at RIR. Next year they’ll be at the new fair grounds in New Kent. Make sure you stop by the tent and visit us.

On a serious note please keep Randy King (Fay’s husband) as well as Tim in your thoughts and prayers. Randy had surgery on his kidney for a tumor. He’s doing better and will hopefully be home soon. Tim’s troubles with the spider bite are documented here on the blog. To think I joked about the spider getting the worst end of the deal. Hopefully both will make a speedy recovery.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Some of us, such as Doug, Scott, Geoff,  and myself in the SALPD share a common clan, the Clan Chattan. The Clan Chattan was a confederation of several clans that consisted of theClans  Davidson, MacPherson, MacGillvary, Shaw, MacLeans, MacIntyre, MacThomas and MacKintosh/MacIntosh chiefs being at the head. Most but not all, of the clans also shared a common symbol in their crest, a Scottish Wildcat and variations of the wording ” Touch not the Catt bot a glove”.  If you’ve ever seen a Scottish Wildcat, you will understand why Highlanders looked upon them as a strong symbol.

It was the Scottish Wildcat that these Highlanders identified with; fierce, to themselves, elusive, and free. The wildcat once populated all of Europe and all of Britain, but with the constant battle with mans expansion into its’ natural domains, the Wildcat by the mid 18th and 19th centuries was only to be found left in the Highlands of Scotland. I had the privilege of visiting the Cairgorms National Park in Badenoch, back in 2000 before it was being declared officially as a Park and there was talk of an exhibit being constructed for the wildcats to help nuture injured animals. I plan on returning this coming year to see how it has come along. At a glimpse the Scottish Wildcat may appear like the typical Tabby Cat, but they are much larger and the markings are a wee bit bolder, plus there’s no petting to be tolerated by these lads. If cornered, they’d tear a grown man to shreds before you could scream “here kitty kitty”.

Today, sad to say, there is only estimated to be 400 of the animals left wild in Scotland. Their biggest adversary, next to man, is the encroachment of domesticated cats, which they are now inter breeding with and producing fertile hybrids. Along with diminishing inter-breeding, feline Leukemia is passed on from their domestic cousins into the population. Please follow the link I’ve added. Maybe you would like a copy of the DVD that’s come out on the website I’ve listed, or even maybe contribute to the wildlife fund on their site to help. Those who believe in preserving Scotland’s natural treasures would surely agree.

http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Another weekend of numerous events on our slate has already passed, and yet more to come. Friday, a funeral, Saturday, the Pumpkinpalooza for the fight against autism, then a wedding and finally joining up with Alex McGrath at his neighborhood in Brandermill for a joint performance from SALPD and GRPD members. Thank God more Ross reeds are on the way after dealing with the drastic climate change on reeds that have been played throughout the warm summer days that are now tiring out. I get the lowest pitch award from Brian Erby who still wondering how do you take a super hard gut buster Ross reed in a Nail chanter and hit 437 on the meter-LOL. If the weather forecast for the RHGCF is anything like this weekend, my heart goes out to the competition field. Pitch can change in minutes with those crazy temp variations. Sunday was yet another wedding and today (Monday) ended up as a double header with a group of us doing a funeral for the former Episcopal Arch Bishop of Arizona out in Charles City, then it was a race back to Richmond to set up for our presentation for the Scottish Society of Richmond.

At the Scottish Societies’ dinner, Professor Margaret Duckworth, Daniel Simpson and Judy Moore-Garret were awarded the Order of the Cross & Thistle, along with same award being presented posthumously to the late Dr. Duckworth and Christopher Garrett. It was an emotional time for all, and it was dear to me since I was a Piper to both men at their funerals. A photo of Chris and I still remains in my office of he and I hugging at the Irish Festival one year.

Speaking of Irish, some of the Irish American Society folks at the dinner that night got bragging rights that they are the first to behold the members of the Old Dominion Firefighters Emerald Society in their new sharp uniforms. Seven are already outfitted and four of them acted as Colour Party escort for tonight’s performance. All of these men and women are professional firefighters from various departments in the Richmond area and deserve a round of applause for their bold endeavors to form and eventually step out with their own Pipes & Drums unit. These guys are so great! I want to thank Ralph Neilson (my boss at St. Kilda) and Christine Lawler in helping outfit these guys. If you’re a firefighter, Irish or just plain down right want to affiliate to them, stop on in their tent this weekend at the games. I’ve included in this write up some pictures of the lads.

Last, I want to thank all of you who have called and voiced your concern about my recent medical condition. It’s a battle but I look back at my mother. At the age of 11, I watched her go through the same ordeal and her stubborn Scots blood is what carried her through the rest of life on one leg. I’m bound and determine to keep mine, but I have accepted that if the inevitable happens, I’ll pray that I’m as strong as she was. I head back to the doctors tomorrow, and hopefully, they can come up with something to stop the infection and deterioration. Of my battles, no man, gun or knife took me down. Who would have thought a dang spider would. Enough about me, here’s the pic of me buds oer’ in the Emerald Society……

Lee Edwards, Bill Riddell, RC Stevens, Tim ButlerOld Dominion Firefighters Emerald Society

Bookmark It

Hide Sites