Bagpipes by the Beach; great music & friends

RCMP E. Division Pipe Band, West Vancouver, June 18, 2011

A usual this spring, we woke up to a cloudy day with rain threatening on the morning of June 18. And as usual, it cleared off somewhat by late afternoon. As the RCMP E. Division Pipe Band marched onto the field at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on Saturday, however, the sun was finally out. The crowd was large and appreciative of the pipe bands which showed up to perform for the West Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society “Bagpipes by the Beach” event.

Along with the RCMP E. Division Pipe Band, those bands included JP Fell Pipe Band, the Seaforth Highlanders Regimental Pipes and Drums, the West Vancouver Youth Band,  Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band and the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band.

As a strictly performance event, it was very nice for two local competitive bands to participate.

Double Taps

This is the middle of the pipe band competition season and for Greighlan Crossing and Triumph Street to take the time and provide entertainment, it says a lot about these bands and their leadership. Speaking with DTSPB  PM Dave Hilder and he mentioned this was an opportunity for the band to give back to the community. I believe I also heard he cancelled Sunday practice, so having a Saturday night to spend with other musicians while enjoying the hospitality of the West Van fire fighters no doubt made for a great late evening.  I had bedtime stories on my late night dance card. Maybe next year.

Many thanks to the West Van Fire Fighters volunteers who did a great job taking care of the bands, friends and families and to the organizers for a well run, fun event. I know we all look forward to participating in the event again next year.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *