RCMP E. Division PB performs at Bagpipes on the Beach

RCMP E. Division Bagpipes by the Beach, June 18

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.

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.

Double Beats! Wrapping up our performance

participating. This is the middle of the competition season and for Greighlan Crossing and Triumph Street to take the time and provide entertainment, it says a lot about these bands. 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.

Bagpipes outside…finally, and On the Beach.

Bagpipes by the Beach

It’s been a record cold spring here in Vancouver (there always seems to be a record of something or another falling in this city) and this weekend of June 3rd is the first sunny weekend of the year. We’re supposed to wake up Saturday morning with sunshine and birds singing, and it’s supposed to be blue skies all day long. And it’s supposed to be warm. Imagine that?  Could our spring or early summer finally be arriving? We don’t get much snow in Vancouver, but we sure pay for it in sunshine. So tomorrow in the predicted sunshine and spring warmth, I’m off to my favourite practice spot, among the Garry and Scarlet Oaks of Coquitlam. I’m sure the trees can wait. It’s great to practice the nice sets that our band has put together and get ready to perform at Bagpipes at the Beach, at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, June 18.  The event brings together a number of the performance bands in the area, in an event organized by the West Vancouver Fire Department to raise funds for their charitable society. The evening is by donation. Bring the kids, a blanket, lawn chair, drinks for everyone, and sit back, listen and watch the sun set over Georgia Strait.  If it’s not raining, of course.