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As part of the history of
the Royal Burgh Of Annan Pipe Band, we will bring you the full story of
the band's creation from start to finish. It is with this in mind,
here is the full story of a quite remarkable period in 2004 which culminated in
the creation of the Royal Burgh Of Annan Pipe Band.
Thursday 18th March
2004
Annan Ex-Service Club Pipe Band hold a meeting to discuss the
possibility of merging with MacLean of Annan Pipe Band to form a united
Annan band, having discovered the previous week that both bands would be
unable to compete in the upcoming 2004 season due to a lack of
numbers. The decision is made to make contact and request a
meeting.
Friday 19th March 2004
Pipe Majors Chris Shearer & David McCracken discuss the idea
of forming a combined Annan band and decide to set a meeting for the following
Monday with senior members of both bands.
Monday 22nd March 2004
The band's meet for the first time at the Annan Ex-Service Club
to discuss various matters surrounding the formation of a new
band. The decision is made to dissolve the Annan Ex-Service Club
and MacLean of Annan Pipe Bands and form a new band, which is yet to be
titled. A full band meeting is set for the following Tuesday so
that all members can air their opinions.
Tuesday 23rd March
2004
MacLean of Annan Pipe Band hold a band meeting to brief members
of the points raised at the previous evenings meeting. The members
agree with what was said and support the formation of a new band.
Tuesday 30th March
2004
The two bands meet at the Annan Anglers Club to discuss details
for the bands structure. The band is officially formed and office
bearers are appointed. David McCracken takes the Pipe Majors
position, while Chris Shearer takes the role of Pipe Sergeant.
Scott Smith is appointed Leading Drummer. Tim Schoolar is named as
Chairman, Marie Livingstone is appointed Secretary and Donald Robson
accepts the role of Treasurer. Colin Walker, Les Holliday, Fergie
Bell & Gary Duignan make up the rest of the committee which will act
as a steering group and will run the band up until the Annual General
Meeting in September, where band members will annually vote for office
bearers. The band would like to be known as the Royal Burgh Of
Annan Pipe Band. The Chairman will make contact with the Annan
Town Council to seek permission to use the name. A meeting of the
new steering group is set for the following Thursday at the Annan
Anglers Club to discuss finer points of the bands financial and musical
set-up. The first band practice is set for the following Tuesday
at the Annan Anglers Club, until the Annan Ex-Service Club committee can
be contacted. Practices are to take place on Tuesday &
Thursday nights at 7.30pm prompt.
Thursday 1st April
2004
The steering group meet to discuss funding, practice structures,
band conduct, uniforms, engagement and competition list etc. The
secretary also sends a letter to Annan & District Ex-Service Club to
request a meeting with their committee to discuss possible sponsorship
in the hope of retaining the Ex-Service Club as a practice venue.
Monday 5th April 2004
The steering group meet with the Annan Ex-Service Club committee
and state their case. After much discussion, the club committee
decide to grant permission to the band to use the Ex-Service Club as the
band's headquarters and practice facility. The club committee will
hold further discussion with regards to sponsoring the new band.
Work commences on the design of the bands new website.
Tuesday 6th April 2004
The first band practice takes place at the Annan Anglers Club,
the Pipe Major & Pipe Sergeant quickly decide on a competition
March, Strathspey & Reel and Medley Selection. Music is to be
made available for the next practice. The band play together for
the first time and already make progress with the competition repertoire.
Thursday 8th April
2004
The band practice at the Annan Ex-Service Club for the first
time. All members are presented with the full competition repertoire.
The Annandale Observer is contacted and interviews are conducted with
the Chairman, Secretary, Pipe Major & Pipe Sergeant. The band
hope to release a press release to be published in the April 16th
edition of the Annandale Observer. Friday
16th April 2004
The band break the news to the public via a press release in the
Annandale Observer, stating the band's new direction and making thanks
to those who had supported the two former bands over the years. Saturday
29th April 2004
The Annan & District Ex-Service Club committee hold a
special members meeting to discuss whether or not to financially support
the Royal Burgh Of Annan Pipe Band. After much debate, the club
decide to contribute to the new band financially. Sunday
30th May 2004
Following several weeks of hard practice, the band make their
first public appearance at Newington Social Club as part of the St.
Andrew's Lodge Fete. Saturday
5th May 2004
The band make their surprise competition debut at the Hawick
Highland Games. The band were initially aiming to compete for the
first time at Annan Riding of the Marches. The band's hard work
over the past month pays off with two prizes for second place in Grade 2
& 3. And so begins a rollercoaster first season on the RSPBA
circuit for the new Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band.
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