From the Editor’s desk

Welcome to the first revised edition of the Highland Havers, the  news letter of the Highlands Pipes & Drums. I was going through some band documents prior to them being archived and came across a copy of the Highland Havers dated 27 February 2003. I spoke with the original editor Brian Miller and from that conversation it was decided to recommence the news letter.  I did contemplate changing the name of the newsletter but decided to stick with the original name. I was curious as to the meaning of the word Havers, having never heard it before, so I checked it in the dictionary and found that it comes from Scottish and Northern English dialect and means to talk nonsense or babble.  I will endeavour  to provide sensible news, articles and information of interest to you the members of the HP&D. However I will also rely on you to assist me by providing items or photos of interest to members. The news letter will be posted on the band’s website and issued to members on a quarterly basis.

Ken Buck

Alfie was born in Fyvie, Scotland, near Fyvie Castle, on 23rd May 1922. Fyvie Castle is situated on the left bank of the river Ythan and its history goes back to the year 1211.
In 1972 Alfie and Jessie came to Australia to live and Alfie  told me it’s the best move he has made and he has never looked back.

 The rain stayed away for the day although it was rather cool. This year the street march was introduced and the route was along the Princess Highway for two blocks and then on to the showground. The general thoughts are that the march is too long, and most of the crowd were in the first two blocks. We were joined on the day by Frances and Kevin from the Shoalhaven Pipes & Drums. When it came to our turn to perform on the oval Kevin Metcalf and Rob McMasters exchanged the saffron kilt for the McDuff tartan and played with the band.  A good day was had by all.

On Saturday 15th May  band members supported the Camp Quality Bike Ride at Twin Falls Bush Cottages, Fitzroy Falls. We played a bracket of tunes at the completion of the presentation of prizes for the days events. Band members present were Chris, Karen. Robin, Rob McMasters on pipes and on drums were Deb, James Bodie, Andrew and Ken.

On the weekend of 24.25.26 September 2010 the Canberra College of Piping & Drumming are holding a workshop at the Canberra Burns Club. For the pipers workshops will be run by Richard Hawke, Jori Chisholm and Greg Wilson and for drummers workshops will be run by Jim Kilpatrick, James Laughlin and Tyler Fry. This will be a very constructive weekend and we recommend all players attend if they can. The band will pay the workshop fee of $200 for the three days for all playing members who attend. Registration forms have been e-mailed to playing members but if you have not received one Robin will have some at band practice