RCMP Pipe Band members open 2011 Jack Webster Awards Ceremony

MIke Chisholm, Julie Guillemin, Cameron Ballard, Rob Smith, Jack Webster Awards, 2011

Twenty five years ago, the Vancouver Police Pipe Band marched in to open the first ever journalism awards ceremony for British Columbia. Today, to celebrate the past quarter century of journalism, the now named Jack Webster Awards ceremony was opened by a quartet of pipers and drummers from the RCMP E. Division Pipe Band. The mini-band marched in head-table guests, lifetime achievement award recipients and other honored guests. It was a fitting tribute to Jack Webster who was well known to celebrate his Scottish heritage.

Bagpipes by the Beach photo

RCMP E. Division Pipe Band play as the sun shines. Photo by: Russ Samson, for North Shore News

The Bagpipes By The Beach Pipe Band Festival, held June 18 at West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park. Presented by the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1525 (West Vancouver), the event featured performances by a number of pipe bands, as well as the West Vancouver Youth Band. The event raised approximately $15,000,  supporting the West Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society. (North Shore News)

The perils of pipe band practice…and pepper spray?

Was it tear-gas, pepper spray…or bear spray.  We may never know.

Every Tuesday, the band members of the RCMP E. Division Pipe Band gather at our usual spot to practice. The Justice Institute of British Columbia  is in an ideal, central location in New Westminster but you often must expect the unexpected.

Justice Institute of B.C.

The JI teaches public safety. This is where fire, corrections, traffic and police officers receive training and certifications. Throughout the day, various courses take place, including practice in dealing with offenders.  And subduing offenders can require practicing the use of non-lethal force – like pepper spray.  On Tuesday, there must have been a “pepper-spray” practice session in the gym.  Pipe Major Hugh Peden issued new chanter reeds to all band members, and