Coldstream Pipe Band

Drummers settings

2012-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

Attention Drummers: click the links and access YouTube videos of CPB drum beats:

3/4
Shoals of Herring
Bloody Fields of Flanders
Dream Valley of Glendaruel
Castle Dangerous
Balmoral
Argyll's crossing the River Po

Shoals of Herring set
Massed bands set

4/4
Loch Ruan
Wings
Bonnie Lass o' Fyvie
Murdo's Wedding

Loch Ruan set

Spin the Golden Chanter

2012-01-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

The annual 'Golden Chanter' competition between Pipe Major's takes place on 11th February at Danderhall Miners Club.

This years event looks to be a belter with eight excellent Pipe Major's participating; watch our for Angus MacColl (Oban Pipe Band) and Gordon Walker (Mauchline Pipe Band) both gold medal winning pipers and leaders of up and coming bands.

A really great day, and cheap beer!

Battle of Skaithmuir

2012-01-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Next month is the anniversary of the Battle of Skaithmuir, February 1316. Fought during the wars of independence, the battle involved the interception of an Anglo-French squadron from Berwick Castle by a patrol of Scots cavalry led by Sir James Douglas (the Good Sir James or the Black Douglas depending on your point of view).

Reckoned by Douglas to be the hardest fight he ever had, and he was a good judge, the outnumbered Scots defeated the raiders and put them to flight.

Perhaps something for the 1513 Club to mull over.

HNY 2012

2012-01-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

A belated Happy New Year to all for 2012: we hope it's a good one for you and yours.

Some news to warm the cockles on a cold, wintery day: we're off to la belle France in August.

Message from Elspeth: the Pipe Band have been invited to Theirache in September this year to help the Orchestra Harmonie Municipal et Orignay, celebrate their 120th anniversary. The pipe Band extend this invitation to you as friends of the Pipe Band. We will leave by bus on Thursday 30th August (evening) and return on Thursday 6th September (early afternoon). The cost will be approximately £90 per person. It is a lovely area of France very near the Belgian border. Renee Lecler has emailed asking for names and numbers so if you could let me know yes or no by Friday, that would be excellent. The Band do hope as many of you as possible will join us.

Emails sent to the blog will be forwarded to Elspeth.

This month also sees the start of the 2012 Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. Highlights include the annual Gordon Duncan memorial recital and a concert from Lothian & Borders Police and the Spirit of Scotland pipe bands.

Practice nights have resumed, Monday's - school hall - 7.30

Window on Flodden

2011-12-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Flodden window, Middleton Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Rochdale, Lancashire.

The window depicts The Middleton Archers and their leader Sir Richard Asheton who helped the English to victory at Flodden. The church was built in 1524 by Sir Richard, in celebration of the knighthood granted to him by Henry VIII for his part in the battle.

The window is thought to be the oldest war memorial in the UK. It provides in detail the names of the archers, their leader Sir Richard and his wife. Following his safe return, Sir Richard hung his battle armour as well as the sword of Sir William Foreman, a Scots Knight he had captured. (Information from the Rochdale Company of Archers).

Piping music site

2011-12-13T07:08:00.001-08:00

A very useful website has been launched for those hard to get, Willie Kinghorn, style 6/8's: http://www.ceolsean.net/

It might have drumming music; if there is such a thing......

Flodden ride-out (2)

2011-08-17T03:18:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Grant Kinghorn, a sports, events and common ridings photographer based in Selkirk. We are grateful to him for supplying these images.

World Pipe Band Championships

2011-08-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

Several members, families and friends of the Band attended the World's in Glasgow this year. A great day out.

The Grade 1 Championships were won by the Field Marshall Montgomery from Northern Ireland.

Grade 4a was won by the Scottish Borders band, which contains players from Hawick and Stow. Many congratulations to them.

Flodden 2011

2011-08-15T01:03:00.001-07:00

The Flodden ride, 2011 version. It rained!

With many thanks to Linda Holmes for the pictures.

Report in the Berwickshire News. Other pictures are also available on the Civic Week web site and from photographer Grant Kinghorn.

Civic Week 2011

2011-08-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

This year's Civic Week was another great success for the Band. Good numbers meant that the Band was always well represented and the new look uniform won approval.

We were delighted and honoured to receive the Jim Patterson Memorial Rose Bowl. The award is made each year to an organisation active in the town.

Picture is of the Band from the Sunday Sashing Ceremony at the beginning of the week and the attached video is from the Monday evening return of the ride-out to Norham; it confirms many rumours!

Kelso 23 July 2011

2011-07-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

Kelso Civic Week ended on Saturday 23rd July with the annual fancy dress parade. As ever, we joined the Kelso Pipe Band for a massed band into the Town Square.

Coldstream had a big band out - 10 pipers! A great blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm; well, that's one way of putting it!

Uniformity

2011-07-18T12:14:00.001-07:00

Interesting to see how the bands uniform has changed over the years:

Eyemouth

2011-07-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

The photograph of the Band taken in Eyemouth is next to the memorial to Scotland's worst fishing disaster, which affected many coastal communities in South East Coast Scotland, but which had a devastating effect on Eyemouth.

Eyemouth Herring Queen 2011

2011-07-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

We played on 17th July at the Eyemouth Herring Queen Festival.

As guests of the Berwick & Eyemouth Royal British Legion Band we performed in a massed bands with B&E RBL and the Kelso Band.

And the sun was shining and all was well with the world.

Eyemouth 17th July

2011-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

What could disturb a Band photo more than the search and rescue helicopter? Prince William driving it that's what! (Only joking)

2011 World's

2011-07-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

The 2011 World Pipe Band Championships take place later than usual this year on 13th August, which means that with Civic Week starting on 31st July we can go.

Ian is looking for numbers for what is a great day out, lots of good music and the added delights of Glasgow.

The 2010 World's were won by St Laurence O' Toole from Dublin and mighty fine they were.

Installation of the Coldstreamer 2011

2011-07-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Late news, but here is a video of the Band at the Installation of the Coldstreamer.

Bad Lot

2011-06-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

From 50 years ago in the Berwickshire News:

"WITHIN a month of being opened, the new Henderson Park has been the target for vandals, and at Tuesday’s meeting of Coldstream Town Council it was suggested the park might be put out of bounds to school children during their lunch break. Councillor W A Anderson said that children had been running over flower beds, destroying things. Councillor J M Davidson thought a ban on the use of the park by the children during their lunch break might help. Councillor I C Jack said that if this sort of action continued, they must consider taking serious action in the future."

Pipeline: BBC Radio Scotland

2011-06-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday 18th June

The always excellent Pipeline programme on Radio Scotland (7pm every Sunday) featured Chris Waite of Chirnside on the small pipes. More to come from Chris soon as a CD of young Border pipers is due to be released.

Listen again on BBC i-player.

80th Birthday weekend

2011-06-16T03:42:00.000-07:00

Celebrations of our 80th Birthday were a huge success; a packed Town Hall enjoyed the evening concert and we even packed the Parish Kirk on the Sunday!

Our friends from Wales, England and France thoroughly enjoyed themselves: pictures to come.

Parade of Colours; 18th June

2011-06-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

Next engagement for the Band are the Parade of Colours on 18th June and Chirnside Gala on the 19th.

The trusty Berwickshire has covered the preparation for the Parade of Colours.

Cameron kilts...found safe and well

2011-06-16T03:37:00.001-07:00

The missing kilts, which many of us rememebr well, have been found safe and reasonably well. As reported in the Berwickshire News.

Good news that small boys are being weighed down by heavy-duty kilts that have now been in existence almost as long as Bob Lillie!

Getting ready for our 80th Birthday

2011-06-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

The Berwickshire News ran a short piece on the Band's preparations for the 80th Birthday weekend.

The lost Cameron kilts

2011-06-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

Bob Lillie made the headlines in the Berwickshire back in April.

Were the kilts that were originally the band's uniform ever found?

80th Anniversary Concert

2011-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, the Band is planning a concert on 28th May in the Community Centre.

Invited guests will include the Brymbo Male Voice Choir, the band from Mondrepuis in France and the Old Coldstream Core of Drums.

More news as the Concert planning develops.

Burns Day 2011

2011-01-25T01:36:00.001-08:00

Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a' that)
That Sense and Worth, oe'r a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That Man to Man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that.

Go here for a new archive of the Bard's work

Big day out?

2011-01-18T02:37:00.000-08:00

1931 - 2011: 80 years of being awesome

2011-01-14T01:57:00.001-08:00

The band celebrates its 80th Birthday this year. Announcements will be forthcoming on how we will mark the occasion. We will try and keep the blog a bit more up to date is our New Year resolution.

Bennecourt (9-17 July): report from Ian Cockburn

2010-08-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

The party boarded the Glen Valley Tours bus outside the Besom on Friday night. The group were in high spirits for the first leg of the journey with refreshments flowing freely. We were entertained with a game of bingo, organised by Johnny Fulton, for the high stakes of a pound a book. Prizes were a pound for a line, three pounds for a full house.

We boarded the ferry at Dover early on Saturday morning; then back onto the bus at Calais for the four hour drive to Bennecourt. Johnny organised a quiz to test our knowledge of France for this leg of the journey, which was won by Rannock Daly.

We arrived in Bennecourt in the early afternoon and were introduced to our hosts. After a couple of hours rest, the Pipe Band were on parade to celebrate twenty years of twinning between Coldstream and Bennecourt. We were joined on the parade by a small party of Coldstream Guards, members of the local Fire Brigade, a detachment of the Garde Republicaine (now a unit of the French police but formerly part of the French army under Napoleon and therefore adversaries of the Coldstream Guards), loads of old Rolls Royce cars and Twinning enthusiasts from Bennecourt and Coldstream.

After the parade we had a quick rehearsal with the Philharmonie de Vernon before being fed in the village hall. Then, along to the football pitch where the Coldstream Guards and the Garde Republicaine were on parade and music was provided by the Philharmonie de Vernon and the Pipe Band, culminating in a spectacular joint rendition of Highland Cathedral. So popular that we had to do an encore (again, again was the call from the French!!). We finished about 11pm on Saturday night, approximately 28 hours after leaving the Besom, pleased that Sunday was a free day.

On Monday we visited the Benedictine Palace at Fecamp and sampled the famous licquer made at the Palace. The afternoon was spent at the seaside town of Etretat on the Normandy coast.

We went to St Germaine en Laye near Paris on the Tuesday for the shopping and expensive beer. The Band played outside the town hall in St Germaine that evening for some local VIP's. We then watched the Bastille Day fireworks at the castle.

Heavy rain on Wednesday morning could have cancelled the international football match between Scotland and France.We were, however, all disappointed to find out that the match would go ahead after all. Representing France was the Bennecourt second XI. Representing Coldstream were a group of overweight middle aged men supplemented with a Coldstream Guard (codename Middlesbrough), some youngsters from Coldstream and one Frenchman for added flair. The tactical genius behind the Coldstream team was Gerald Tait. Tactics were to kick the ball into the French goal as hard as possible, known as 'netting the leather' in football circles. Such tactics clearly unnerved the French with an early goal from Middlesbrough. A further stunning goal from man of the match Logan Parsons saw Coldstream 0-2 up at half time. French tactics were to rely on the continuing heavy rain and use football boots for added grip. Such shabby trickery allowing them to close the match strongly, eventually running out 3-2 winners.

Because of the rain the planned picninc on the banks of the Seine was moved to the village hall. The rain

In Seine

Falls mainly

On your head

However, with great food, wine and music the dancing began and the rain was forgotten.

The weather was much improved for the visit to Paris on Thursday. First stop ws a cafe near the Trocadero. 18 Euro a pint!! (and we had thought St Germaine expensive). We were kindly invited to a barbecue by the two Garde Republicaine who visited Coldstream in April (see previous blog entry). They put on a splendid feast washed down with lashings of beer and malt whiskey. However, the malt vanished early in the proceedings and was only spotted much later in the handbag of one of the Twinning ladies! We then returend to the city centre and managed to get a large beer near the Eiffel Tower for only 9 Euro (a bargain!).

Friday, the final day, was a day of rest. The farewell meal was held in the Village Hall, then it was back onto the bus for the journey home. Several hours of singing passed the time until Calais. The ferry sailed at 4.30am with many of the party devastated to find Duty Free closed - they should have bought their gifts in France. After some sleep on the bus, Johnny Fulton produced another quiz. A Scottish one this time, again won by Rannock. It appears that most of us know more about France than we do about Scotland.

We arrived back in Coldstream on Saturday afternoon tired, happy anbd glad to be home.

Bennecourt 4

2010-08-31T03:06:00.001-07:00

Bennecourt 3

2010-08-31T03:05:00.001-07:00

Bennecourt 2

2010-08-31T03:03:00.001-07:00

chirnside 2010_mpeg2video.mpg

2010-08-31T02:53:00.000-07:00

A video from YouTube of the Band at Chirnside.

Bennecourt, Ille de France 9th to 17th July

2010-07-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

In no particular order here are some images from this years trip to Bennecourt;

Peebles Beltane Festival, 26th June

2010-06-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

Peebles Beltane Week has occured annually since 1897 and this year ran from 20-26th June; rumours that Bob Lillie played at the first festival are, of course, true.

As has 'aye been', we played at the Fancy Dress Parade on Saturday 26th. Following on from Chirnside, another strong band of eight pipers, four sides, two tenor, bass and Drum Major played well.

Pictures and video below:

Chirnside Civic Week: 20 June

2010-06-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

A beautiful summers day saw us at Chirnside for the crowning of the Chirnside Queen and the beginning of Chirnside's Civic Week.

A good band of eight pipers, four sides, tenor, bass and Drum Major made a solid sound. More to come in a few weeks at Kelso Civic Week, meantime more practice nights in the School Hall.

Chirnside is the home of legendary motor racing driver and Scottish sporting hero, Jim Clark and any number of philosophers, many of whom can be found in the bar of the Red Lion; but perhaps best known amongst them is David Hume.

Two young drummers

2010-06-14T02:39:00.000-07:00

Gordon Thompson sends this picture of Michael Hickman (left) and Richard Spence (right). Gordon comments that Mike Hickman went on to be Drum Major in 1st KOSB and still lives in Leet Street, while Richard Spence is Marion Marjoribanks brother.

11 June Cockburnspath Gala Day

2010-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

"I need a picture, they won't believe this in Miami".

Madam, we found it hard to believe in Co'path. Particularly at the Gala Day.

Twinning Association celebrates 20th Anniversary

2010-05-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

Pictures and story in the Berwickshire News of a big day for the Town and the Band.

Riding of Berwick Bounds

2010-05-13T02:08:00.000-07:00

Band before the Riding of Berwick's bounds. Full report in the Berwick Advertiser.

Boy done good

2010-03-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

As is so often the way a prophet is never recognised in his home town.

The French got their first, honouring Rob Bell, our Pipe Major, in 2009 by making him a Knight of the Brotherhood of Maroilles Cheese, see above pic taken during our trip to Brymbo, Wales.

In Scotland we get there, eventually, and this year Rob has been honoured with Coldstream's Citizen of the Year award. This is a most worthy recognition for someone who has put a great deal into the town and the band. It's good to see Rob given the recognition he deserves and a poignant moment for the band as the recipient of the honour is awarded the Alastair Brown-Scott quaich; in memory of our former colleauge.

The Berwickshire News covered the story in full.

Down at the station 2

2010-01-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

Opened in 1849 and closed in 1965, the line ran from Tweedmouth to Kelso with another line branching off, south of Cornhill to Alnwick via Wooler.

Little evidence of the station now, save the name of the housing estate which replaced it: Station Gardens.

Down at the Station

2010-01-14T05:37:00.001-08:00

Here's a pub-quiz question.

Q: Name the railway line that had a Scottish station in England and an English station in Scotland?

A: The Tweedmouth to Kelso line. Coldstream station was at Cornhill and Carham station was in Scotland.

Here are some pictures, more to follow, of Coldstream station from the very excellent Northumbrian Railways website at: http://www.northumbrian-railways.co.uk/index.php?page=kelso-branch

Mystery drummer assits Long March

2010-01-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

Apprentices at Rutherford's were frequently sent to the stores to ask for a long stand.

Ninety Coldstream Guardsmen of 7th Company are, however, now engaged in a long march to re-enact the foundation of the regiment when, in 1650, and taking the name of our town, they marched South to help King Charles II re-claim the throne, the fools.

Donations in recognition of the march can be made here: http://www.justgiving.com/coldstreammarch

The Guardsmen were led by the Core of Drums and a mystery bass drummer.

Old salts on parade

2009-12-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

This years Arimistice Parade marked the 50th year in the Band for Pipe Major Rob Bell and Piper Frank Mount.

08 November 1959 was the first parade where Frank and Rob played in the Band. Rob has made every parade since, other than 10th November 1973 when his nuptials got in the way. (He got married to Elspeth).

Frank and Rob marked the occaision in true style.

Piper in winching-interruptus scandal

2009-12-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Just a normal day in Coldstream.

Rob the piper is out looking for work; spots a potential business opporchancity, swoops and the deal is done.

Game, set and marriage made in heaven!

Drams all round..

The engagement of Christine Gray and Ben Halfpenny on 30/10/09. Rob recently played for Christine and Ben at their engagement on the Craw Green - the event made the Berwickshire News.

Yetholm Show

2009-10-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

Unlimited excitement!

New Baby for Pete and Tammi

2009-10-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Leighton Scott, arrived 28th September, 8lb 7.5oz. Flourishing!

Piper in knife attack shock....

2009-09-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

While proper members of the band were enduring the blazing 20c heat of Coldstream high street on Flodden Day, in a mountain-top village in Italy, whilst suffering the freezing 20c evening, an angry Italian was taking out his frustrations on one of the part-time members of the band.

Most of you will be pleased to know that Rimorchio the Clown missed the vital organs. He just cut me in the head, ha ha!

Reports that Rimorchio's brother Frageloni the Clown is about to sign a three-year deal as Hibs new goalkeeper are, of course, true.

Apologies for the video being at an angle. To view: tilt your head to the left, only after removing your Glengarry.

Don Costello in hoots mon shocker

2009-09-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

Don Costello, former Coldstream Guardsman and good friend of the band. Pictured in Inverness, noising up the locals.

Black Kilts Berlin

2009-09-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we hosted some players from Berlin's Black Kilts pipe band. We had a great night at the Besom, with food provided by Elspeth and great music from various band members and friends. Rebecca has placed a vidoe of the evening on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lqG9NP-qBc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lqG9NP-qBc.

More about the Black Kilts at http://www.blackkilts.de/gallery.html

Dorothy from the Besom presented Gordon with a cheque for £500 for the Band, from collections taken during Civic Week.

Civic Week on YouTube

2009-09-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Clicke here for some Civic Week 2009 memories http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh32akpWDrc

Video of Masssed Bands

2009-09-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Link here to the mighty YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxAlLWMGdW0 for 4 minutes of massed bands mayhem.....

Bad influences, good influences....

2009-09-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

James trying to bring order to chaos and get one band in particular to observe some kind of discipline. No names, no pack drill. Dib, dib, dob, dob...

Is Oomy the naughtiest boy in school or are some members of the band easily led? We think the latter. Peter sets an excellent example by drinking H2O, balanced by the fag.

Heard the one about.......

2009-09-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Something was said between these two photos. Answers will win a prize!

Massed bands pics from Mabel

2009-09-01T03:57:00.001-07:00

More pictures of Floors, this time sent in by Mabel.

Massed Bands: contribution from Agnes

2009-09-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

Agnes has sent in some pictures of the Massed Bands. Rob is looking mightily relieved at the end of the show:

Civic Week 2009

2009-09-01T02:42:00.001-07:00

A new set of pictures from Mabel of the band at Civic Week; beating retreat or on the Sunday?

Floors Castle Massed Bands

2009-08-31T02:58:00.001-07:00

To Floors Castle for the annual massed bands. Ho hum. Lots of people watching, which must have gladdened the heart of the Chookie Roxburgh who pays us to entertain the tourists while they tour the house, watch the other attractions, spend money, etc.

We were the lead band this year. A great turn-out saw us there in good numbers. (Pictures by Charlotte Lauder).

Over 180 pipers and drummers were on parade, with bands from a' the airts: Dalkeith, North Berwick, Melrose, Hawick, Berwick, Eyemouth, Duns and Kelso. The military band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland were also there to provide a bit of clarinet tootling.

Coldstream featured very strongly this year; we were the lead band for the day: Rob led the pipe majors and selected the tunes, Ian was lead drummer and led the drummers call, Peter played the Royal Salute on the bugle and James was lead drum major and kept the entire show on the road. No mean feat, which he delivered to a very high standard.

As ever, some of the playing was erratic, starts and stops were better this year than previously, but the volume still went up and down like the proverbial fiddlers elbow. The finale was a hilarious, free-jazz fusion of pick a tune, any tune, and play it in whatever order you want. Many thanks to the military band, who led with their own, unique, timing.

Otherwise, this was a good day out and brought to an end our summer season, which began back in June at Cockburnspath. Over the summer, the band has been out in great numbers and it is heartening to see how many young players, pipers and drummers, are now coming through the training programme and featuring regularly as members of the band. It is also good to see people returning to the band, Peter has returned after his service with the army and Graeme Tait, who is now an army recruiter, was also playing with us on Sunday.

More news as it comes, including various oppor-chancities of tours in Germany!

David Guthrie's civic week gallery

2009-08-21T04:16:00.001-07:00

DSC_0679 A5
Originally uploaded by GU3 PHOTOS

What a happy bunch!

Lots of great pictures of the band can be found at David Guthrie's gallery by clicking on the picture.

Coffee morning

2009-08-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

The coffee morning was very successful and raised £373.

Open mic' night

2009-08-21T03:50:00.001-07:00

Rob's open mic night continues to be a big success for the band and a good fund-raiser too, this year the raffle raised £500. Below is a video of two of the stars of the night!

Civic Week 2009

2009-08-21T02:01:00.001-07:00

The Band enjoyed a very successful Civic Week this year. Fair weather and good numbers maintained the band's high standing in the town and ensured every event had a sense of occaision.

The quality of our performances were excellent and brought many compliments from locals and visitors alike. Well done everybody.

The next Pipe band outing is at Floors Castle on 30th August. We are the leading band on the day so we will need a good turn out.

Band practice will resume on Monday night at the school at 7-pm. Can all the drummers please be at band practice at 7pm so we can go through the drummers call for Floors Castle.

Coldstream Civic Week

2009-08-19T03:59:00.001-07:00

Coldstream Civic Week
Originally uploaded by marcela_bagarollo

Civic Week and the excitement is getting to everyone: particularly Duncan!

Picture courtesy of Marcela Bagarollo, presumably on holiday.

Civic Week

2009-08-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Rebecca of this year's civic week. More images to come in the future.

Civic Week 2008

2009-07-29T03:34:00.001-07:00

DSC_0771
Originally uploaded by GU3 PHOTOS

David Guthrie is Coldstream's resident photograhpic genius. Click on this picture to enter some of his files of the 2007 and 2008 Civic Week's.

Just how wet was the '08 week?

May 2003

2009-07-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

The photo-sharing website at http://www.flickr.com/ often turns up the odd picture of the band and a few minutes searching it can be interesting. It is uncanny how many pictures there are of the bridge over the Tweed and of Coldstream; evidence of the number of people who pass through and stay.

These pictures are from May 2003. The daisies are in full bloom and we are beating a retreat. We've clearly been effective because hardly anyone is watching.

Alastair is playing and some of the Kelso Band are in there too. Who is that playing Bass Drum? I also think that Mr & Mrs Morgan are watching on the bench (top photo), that or a lost pre credit-crunch London City Banker has done a Reggie Perrin and is hiding out in Henderson Park.

This final picture is of the last parade of 1st KOSB through Kelso. Led by a familiar face.

Montbrison memories

2009-07-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

The link here should take you to a video of the band in Montbrison 2007. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3ery7_ecossais-de-coldstream

Civic Week memories

2009-07-28T04:05:00.000-07:00

Some things about civic week never change; we march up the High Street for the rideouts, we dodge horse manure and we beat retreat; however, the size and colour of the band has changed over the years.

As these pictures show there are a steady core of players who have been at the heart of the band for many years.

1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's

1990's

Message from Ian

2009-07-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hello

The Pipe Band coffee morning is on Saturday 1st August. We will need some volunteers to help out at the coffee morning and some raffle prizes. Can anyone who can come along and help please let me know.

Civic Week isn't far away so here is a list of the events we will be playing at.
Sunday 2nd :- Sashing ceremony. Meet at the Eildon 1:15pm
Monday 3rd :- Norham Ride. Meet at the Eildon at 8:00pmThursday 6th :- Flodden rideout. Meet at the Castle car park at 11:00am.
Thursday 6th Flodden return. Meet at the Besom at 5:00pm.
Friday 7th :- Torchlight. Meet at the Top of Home park at 9:30pm
Saturday 8th :- Fancy dress. Meet at the Top of Home park at 4:00pm.
Saturday 8th :- Unsashing ceremony. Meet at the Besom at 7:00pm.
Can everyone please let me know if they are playing or not.

On Wednesday 5th Rob is putting on an open mic night in the Stable bar at the Besom. There will be a big raffle and all the proceeds will go to the Pipe Band.

The Pipe Band blog has been updated by John Lauder. If anyone wants anything put on the blog please let John or me know. http://coldstreampipeband.blogspot.com/

Cheers.

Quentin Tarantino: I ken't his faither!

2009-07-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Proof; as if it was required, of what a bunch of posers we are. Flodden Day 2007.

Kelso civic week

2009-07-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

P1000513
Originally uploaded by Girlypie

New piccy from the finale of the Fancy Dress parade.

Bookings 2009

2009-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

The remaining gigs this year are:

Civic Week: 2nd-8th August 2009

Massed Bands: Floors Castle: 30th August

Remembrance Day: 8th November

Practice nights continue!

Kelso Civic Week (2)

2009-07-19T11:47:00.001-07:00

It rained a bit!

Kelsae civic week

2009-07-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

We played for the annual finale of Kelso's week; the fancy dress parade.

Here we are tuning-up at the Tait Hall.

Kelso Civic Week

2009-07-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

Message from Ian:

The band will be playing on Saturday evening at Kelso.

Please note this is the 18th not the 17th.

We will be leaving Coldstrream at 5:30 pm from the Eildon. If anyone is going straight to Kelso please be there for 6 pm.

You will find us at the Tait Hall or the Wagon.

Can everyone please let me know if you are coming or not.

Could you also let me know if you are going straight to Kelso. We don't want to be hanging around waiting on someone who isn't coming.

Kelso Civic Week

2009-07-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

Next engagement is 18th July for the evening fancy dress parade in Kelso.

Camera, lights, action

2009-07-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

Parading with the Normandy Highlanders: filmed by Elspeth 'DeMille' Bell;

Bennecourt 2009: a report from the Drummie

2009-07-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

The band gathered at the Besom on the evening of Friday the 26th June, for Coldstream Twinning Association’s trip to Bennecourt in France. There was an air of excitement as we loaded the Glen Valley Tour’s bus, and had a last pint before heading south.

After a long night we arrived at Dover, sailing on a Sea France ferry. One thing - the French canny cook an English breakfast! On the other side we had one stop and arrived at Bennecourt at 1.30pm.

After meeting all our friends again and back to our hosts for a quick shower, the band gathered to play in Mantes la Jolie Celtic Festival, which was a late, but financially rewarding, engagement.

Some of the band travelled by host’s car while others were in the community mini bus. We arrived at a square in Mantes, which is a sprawling urban town. There was another pipe band and a Breton pipe band there from Normandy, tuning up. As usual it was organised chaos, but we eventually played our set in front of an appreciative crowd.

The parade started with the Normandy Highlanders Pipe Band following two Police on horses. Coldstream followed, Ged proudly carrying the 1513 club flag, with the Breton band bringing up the rear. We found that we were marching a short distance then stopping with the Normandy Band starting as we were still playing. Not very good at all so, at the next pit stop, James asked the Normandy PM if he would like both our bands to play together. After a quick chat with Rob about which tunes we could all play together, we set off as a mini massed band. After about three times round the same streets, and a chance meeting with the little Italian from International Show Parade, we eventually arrived at the festival site. After a couple of beers, we bid farewell to our new friends from NH pipe band and back to Bennecourt for the welcome meal.

On Sunday we played on the banks of the Seine at a picnic and boy was it hot. The band really appreciated our new polo shirts.

Our next engagement was to play at an outdoor concert on Tuesday evening. Again the band performed well in the somewhat cooler conditions. That was the last official engagement, though the pipes could be heard in Bennecourt every night, sometimes very late.

On Thursday evening a short service was held for former pipe band member Stuart Tait who died on the day we left Coldstream. Peter played last post and reveille, while James lowered the 1513 club saltire, then Rob played Over the Sea to Skye, which was one of Stuart’s favourite tunes.

All in all it was another good trip for the band and we are expected back next year around the second week in July, for Bastille Day.

Meat is Murder!

2009-07-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

But no-one has told the French!

Bennecourt 7

2009-07-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

Paris

2009-07-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

Cockburn's and Moffat's invade Paris, no arrests reported!

Bennecourt 6

2009-07-09T03:11:00.001-07:00

Evening jamming-sessions are a big part of the touring experience:

Bennecourt 5

2009-07-09T03:07:00.001-07:00

The heat has a certain effect on Drummers:

Drummers getting ready:

Drummers are ready:

Bennecourt 4

2009-07-09T03:01:00.001-07:00

Smartly up the street during the Bennecourt Tour:

Joint bands ootside the bakers:

Lance Armstrong beware!

2009-07-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

Lance Armstrong not the only former champion making a return to the Tour de France!

Bennecourt (3)

2009-07-07T03:38:00.001-07:00

Bennecourt (2)

2009-07-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

Trip to Bennecourt

2009-07-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

Gig in Coldstream: 11th July

2009-07-07T03:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday 11th July:
The antidote to hot summer nights is here! One seriously chilled night of music is coming to Coldstream Community Centre!
Folky blues, duets and foot-tapping soul will get you in the mood for the weekend, and ranging from Neil Young to Ella Fitzgerald there will be tunes to suit all manner of tastes, not forgetting the fabulous line-up, including Tamsin Hughes Davidson, Anna Emmins and Lizzie Bell with the full band (including Rachel Cross on fiddle), plus Bobby Hanlon ready to join the gals in roof-raising song.
The bar will be open and the lights will be low so shake yourselves up to come to Coldstream Saturday July 11th.
Doors open 7:30
£5 Entry
Look out for details in local press.
Tickets can be bought in advance by calling 01890 882211 or emailing bellelspeth@yahoo.co.uk.

Stuart Tait

2009-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

It is with great regret that the Band marks the passing of Stuart Tait, who died on Friday 26th June.
Stuart was a stalwart of the Boys Brigade band in the 1960's and a founder member of the re-constituted band in the 1970's.
Stuart will be greatly missed by his many friends. Our thoughts are with his family.

La belle France

2009-06-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday (26th) the Band sets off on a trip to Coldstream's twin town, Bennecourt, France. Situated on the border between Normandy and Ille de France, on the banks of the River Seine, it is a lovely place.

Compared to some twin town arrangements, this one is spot on; both towns are agricultural, relatively close to big cities and close enough to less prosperous towns to remind the residents how lucky they are - Bennecourt has Bonniere-sur-Seine and we have Duns. (before Huttonian takes grave offence, that gag works both ways).

Close by Bennecourt is Giverny, home to Claud Monet and his famous garden. http://giverny.org/monet/welcome.htm

And if you fall in the river at Bennecourt you really are in-seine! Ha ha! (copyright Spike Milligan).

Here are some memories from past trips to Bennecourt.

Booking list

2009-06-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

A reminder of the bookings remaining this year:

June
26th: Bennecourt trip (France)

July
18th: Kelso Civic Week

August
2nd: Civic Week Opening Ceremony
3rd: Norham Ride
6th: Flodden Day
7th: Torchlight
8th: Fancy Dress, Beating Retreat

30th
Massed Bands, Floors Castle

November
8th: Remembrance Day

Hawick Highland Games

2009-06-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

The most fun seen at Mansfield Park this season: the Massed Bands led by James!

Peebles Beltane Festival

2009-06-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

The past weekend was a busy one for the band with the Peebles Beltane Parade on Saturday and Hawick Highland Games on Sunday.

The Beltane fancy dress parade has been an annual fixture in the band's roster for any number of years and, 'incidents' with fire extinguishers apart, has always been a quiet and reflective event. More about the Beltane here: http://www.returntotheridings.co.uk/peebles.html

Check out the band playing up the High Street of Peebles: the camera-person seems very focused on the Drum Major! The drummers are clear winners of the Dress & Deportment award.

Jim Clark Rally

2009-06-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

This years rally ran from 22-24 May. The Band was asked to play in Duns for the finale of the event and were more than happy to do so. Info about the rally here: http://www.jimclarkrally.com/

Trip to Brymbo - the truth at last!

2009-06-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

This report of the trip to Wales from Ian Cockburn;

I hope you all enjoyed Coldstream Pipe Band’s first trip to Wales last Weekend.
The concert performance on Saturday night was excellent. All that practicing on Monday nights certainly paid off. This should also set us up for the rest of the year.
Ged took a video of the concert and lots of photos so we will try to arrange a showing of the video and photos sometime in the future. This will probably be after the trip to France so we can cover both trips on the same night.
For those of you who couldn’t make it to Wales this is a brief summary of what went on.
The band played on Saturday afternoon in Wrexham along with the French band from that came to Coldstream, the Corps of drums and the Welsh choir. The Mayor of Wrexham was present at this event. James presented a bottle of Whisky to the Mayor on behalf of the Pipe Band.
The main event of the weekend was the concert in Brymbo. The Pipe Band opened the concert and were followed by the Corps of drums, the French band and the Welsh choir. The grand finale featured all of the acts together.
The concert was certainly the highlight of the weekend but the most bizarre event was when the Pipe Major (along with a couple of Welsh guys) was declared to be A Knight of the Brotherhood of the Maroilles cheese. Four officials from the Brotherhood had made the trip from France to bestow this great honour upon the Pipe Major (who shall now be known as Sir Cheesy). Sir Cheesy was presented with a certificate and a medal (which he wore for the rest of the weekend).
Someone left a cushion behind when we got off the bus. The cushion is in the Besom (having a pint!!!) and can be collected there.

After the trip we received this message from Alwena Hughes:

Hi James

Hope you all arrived home fairly sober but I very much doubt it,

We would like to thank you once again for the part you all played in helping to make the weekend

so brilliant , it was even better than we had even imagined.

Also would you pass on our thanks to the Guards for the part they played, we hope that the choir will be able

to meet again for another performance some time again.

Keep in touch

Best Wishes
Alwena

Parade in Wrexham

2009-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Wrexham is a small village near Brymbo. It is a quiet place, with welcoming pubs and hostelries that cater to all tastes!

Evening Concert in Brymbo

2009-06-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

The evening concert in Brymbo was a great success. Lots of hard work on practice nights paid off with the band giving a performance that was a real crowd pleaser. The whole night was entertaining and diverse; the Brymbo male voice choir were on great form, the Brigade of Guards Corps of Drums were rousing and our French guests also entertaining.

Rob Bell 'Le grande fromage'

2009-06-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

As if to prove he is a big cheese, Rob Bell was created a Captain of the Honourable Enthusiasts for Drinking, Dancing and Rooting (CHEDDAR) and a Brother of the Order of Ancient Cheesy Komestibles (BOACK) during the evening concert we gave in Brymbo.