Isle of Wight Highland Gathering
Written by Louise Cameron Sunday, 04 September 2011 23:34
Highland Gathering on the Isle of Wight 21st August 2011
This was an unlikely venue for a Highland Gathering! The event was the brainchild of a local Isle of Wight doctor and piper and the purpose was a fundraising day for the Isle of Wight Hospice.
With an early start, leaving at 6 a.m., we had plenty of time to practice on the bus! It was a beautiful sunny day and after a cheerful road trip and ferry crossing, we arrived at The Robin Hill Country Park, a large country estate, given over for the day to the Highland Gathering.
The day was well organised and the Bristol City Pipes and Drums featured as one of four pipebands. Full formalities were observed and each band paraded into the area and all gathered before the local dignitary who manfully played the role of Chieftain of the Games and welcomed us and the public.
It was very interesting to meet other bands in an informal relaxed atmosphere and compare different equipment, drum beatings and sets. Despite a distraction of a spider climbing up my shoulder causing a slight scream during our practice, we played well.
In the afternoon, each band returned to the arena and performed their own repertoire. We received a very positive response from a very good natured audience and the excellent camaraderie amongst the participating bands was exemplified when we invited a drummer from the Rose and Thistle band to join our drum corps to play The Salute to Max Rayne. Their band had recently started learning it.
The mass band finale was an fantastic experience and our leading tip composed some beatings suitable for all levels of players while the pipers tuned and discovered what they could all play.
>After a long day in the hot sun and a visit to the beer tent, we felt we should play on the ferry crossing on the way home. This is of course common practice in Scotland following a Highland Games! It went down well with fellow passengers and we had a good laugh. Well, you've got to make the most of having designated drivers, cheers Ian, Adrian and Clive!
To sum up, the pipers played beautifully, the drummers kicked ass and Richard did some lovely twirling.
Thanks to Jim McMillan for his determined enthusiasm in getting us to attend. We all enjoyed it thoroughly and the Bristol City Pipes and Drums played a significant part in what was obviously a much enjoyed and successful fund raising event. As the Isle of Wight Highland games is becoming an annual event, we hope to return next year...
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