The Historical Newsletters page has been updated with the release of archival B.C. Pipers’ Newsletters from 1968 and 1969.
In March 1968, Ian Walker retired as the Newsletter Editor following the publication of Issue 87. It took about a year before his replacements volunteered to become editors: William “Bill” Elder and Robert “Bob” Gunn, assisted by their wives Sharyn Elder and Linda Gunn respectively.
Besides the regular news of competitions and results, BCPA Life Member Bill Elder has compiled the following interesting news of that year:
1968
- First publication of results of an individual Tenor Drumming competition (Vancouver Ladies Pipe Band Festival) – winner Chris Curr
- Some particular pipers (now prominent BCPA players and adjudicators) begin to appear as prize winners in the Novice grade (Jack Lee, Angus MacPherson)
- A collection of Ancient Piobaireached or Highland Pipe Music by Angus MacKay continued
- Article on the #655 Richmond Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets Pipe Band
- Article on the Richmond Junior Boys Pipe Band (which through various transitions would eventually become the core of the new SFU Pipe Band in 1981)
- Results of the 8th Annual Gathering (1939)
1969
- Newsletter circulation reaches 250 members and 150 subscribers. Annual General Meeting held in mid-April. Membership dues were raised to $5 for 1970
- Calum Kennedy highlights the White Heather Concert
- Vancouver night at the Vancouver Island Pipers’ Club in Victoria
- Results of the 1969 Annual Gathering, judge Alex McNeill
- Announcement of the formation of the Western Pipe Band Association by Fred Brodie
- P.M. Archie Cairns articles on improving judging and introducing Piping Teacher’s Certificates. Prominent Scottish pipers weigh in for and against the certificates.
- Five pipers (including now BCPA Life Member and BCPA Adjudicator James W. Troy) in a class of nine passed the Judges course and written and oral exams administered by PM Archie Cairns.
- Judges report on the Annual Gathering
- Editors start the “Piper of the Month” first interview Malcolm Nicholson, and continue with articles on Bruce Topp, P.M. Ed Esson, P.M. J.T. McHardy, John A. MacLeod, and P.M. James W Troy
- Editor Robert Gunn writes regular Editorials
- Vancouver’s tribute to Robert Burns
- 1968 & 1969 Coeur D’Alene Highland Games reports by Lt. John A. MacLellan
- Pipe tune Prince Edward Island by P.M. A.M. Cairns
- New Westminster Highland Games enforces entries closing date and rejects field entries. Complaints and Letters to the Editor ensue.
- Results of the 1969 Northern Meeting
- Article on Burnaby Ladies PB trip to (Caledonian Club of) San Francisco Highland Games
- Norma Nicholson Thompson wins the Pacific International Championship (now the Grand Aggregate Awards) for Professional Piping on the final event of the final highland games of the season
- Article on Vancouver Ladies PB trip to Scotland and the retirement of Rae-Marie (nee MacInnes) Macaulay as Pipe Major and appointment of Sherea Barwell as Pipe Major
- The inaugural BCPA Knock-Out competition begins
- Competitors list from 1931 Caledonian Games. Athletics, Tug of War, and Horse Shoe Pitching were part of the events
- Editorial on why Drummers and Pipe Bands should be permitted membership in the B.C. Pipers’ Association
- B.C. Pipers’ Rules and Regulations for Piping and Pipe Band competitions published
