Annan Juvenile Pipes & Drums

It is hard to believe that after 2 years of hard work organising and fundraising we have been to America and back. We packed a lot into our time there.

As you know we met at the Annan Ex-Service Club on Tuesday evening where we made sure that all our cases were labelled and had a piece of tartan attached to help with identification. A note of how many pieces of equipment and luggage was taken again to help up at the airports.

The bus all loaded, we set off on time on the Wednesday morning and stopped at the services near Birmingham. Unfortunately when we got back on the bus it would not start. A mechanic was sent for and after a 2 hour delay we were on our way - no more stops till Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic Staff were waiting for us and we were directed to the check-in desks. We got through and made our way to the departure lounge. It did not seem too long before the flight was called. We all got settled on the plane ready for take off. We had a very good flight and arrived at Logan Airport, Boston, USA, on time. We got through customs in record time and met our travel agent Bruce who directed us to the big yellow bus. The bus did not have a place for the luggage but we expertly loaded our equipment, cases and personnel into the bus and off we set for Dover.

We all looked very smart in our fleeces that had been donated by The Edinburgh Woollen Mill. We presented one to Bruce and he wore it every day. It was amazing how many people stopped and spoke to us when we were out and about and showed interest in the trip.

We played three times at Dover High School. We did a concert by ourselves, did a concert with their wind band and played at half time at their football game. We presented Dover High School with a Quaich suitable engraved that had been given to us by Annan Chamber of Commerce, RBLS pennant, banner from Annan Academy and fridge magnets and key rings. Standing ovations were given. At the concerts Neil and David carried on the Saltier and RBLS Standard. They could not get enough of us.

We gave a concert at Lawrence School in Falmouth where we presented them with a Quaich, RBLS pennant and magnets and key rings. The Principal was full of praise for our performance. Before we left we laid a wreath at their War Memorial and the Principal was very touched by this gesture. He kindly let the younger members of the band plus Ian an Joyce attend the school on the Thursday morning before we left.

Word got out that we were in Falmouth and some members from the local pipe bands came to Maguire's Irish Pub to play for and with us. What an evening we had. They were amazed at the quality we produced and were full of praise. We presented them with a pennant, magnets and key rings. Pennants were also given to Maguire's and O'Brien's. Everywhere we played we were met with interest and appreciation. Comments were made on how well behaved and turned out the band was.

Over and above concerts our friend and agent Bruce took us in many excursions of educational and historic interest. Since returning we have has many emails including one of congratulations from Sir Alistair, Chairman of the RBLS.