Additional Postponements and Cancellations due to COVID-19

Sunday March 29th, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve both locally and globally, the PPBSO is working closely with our highland games partners to ensure that the safety and health of our members is paramount while we support the games in ensuring the ongoing health of the games and festivals. As we get additional information, we will pass that on to you.

We have two event postponements to report. The first is the Western Branch Indoor games originally scheduled for May 2nd will be postponed until September with a date to be determined. The second is that the Cobourg Scottish Festival is postponing until Aug 29th. The PPBSO is going to work out the mechanics of our involvement, but our plan is to move the contest to that date. We will be reaching out to all those who have registered so far to confirm if they want to compete on that date. For those who don’t, refunds will be issued.

Below is a list of events that have been cancelled or postponed (updates are in bold). As more information becomes available, we will update our website and Facebook page.

• Glengarry Cup (April 4th) – postponed
• Toronto Indoor Games (April 11th) – cancelled
• Angew-Harrison / Big Jimmy’s Bass & Tenor Workshop (April 18) – cancelled
• Ottawa Branch PDQB Exams (April 25 & 26) – cancelled
• Western Branch Indoor Games (May 2) – postponed
• The Livingstone (May 9) – cancelled
• Ottawa Branch Indoor Games (May 9) – cancelled
• Cobourg Scottish Festival (June 20) – postponed until Aug 29

Updated: PPBSO Response to COVID-19

Sunday March 15th, 2020

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to tell all our members of the PPBSO’s current planning and status regarding COVID-19. Following the advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, all indoor gatherings of more than 250 are to be suspended. Although that is a fairly high bar, the PPBSO and its branches want to ensure the health and safety of all its members and competitors. As such, the various branches have announced the following cancellations and postponements:

• Niagara-Hamilton Amateur Contest (March 11th) – cancelled
• Glengarry Cup (April 4th) – postponed
• Toronto Indoor Games (April 11th) – cancelled
• Angew-Harrison / Big Jimmy’s Bass & Tenor Worksup (April 18) – cancelled
• Ottawa Branch PDQB Exams (April 25 & 26) – cancelled
• The Livingstone (May 9) – cancelled
• Ottawa Branch Indoor Games (May 9) – cancelled

Additionally, the PPBSO Adjudication Seminar that was originally scheduled for April has been postponed until the fall. More details about this postponement will be sent directly to the members of our adjudication panel.

The Western branch Indoor Games are currently proceeding as originally scheduled. Given that this is a rapidly evolving situation, the Board of Directors and the branches will be constantly reviewing their indoor events and following the recommendations of the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, and the local Boards of Health. Announcements regarding these events will be made closer to their dates.

Regarding our summer calendar of highland games, at this time it is our expectation that these events will be proceeding as planned and as per normal. We’ll be working closely with the organizing committees to ensure a safe event for both our members and the general public. Depending upon the extent to which this crisis unfolds over the next couple of months, should changes be necessary, the PPBSO work with the games committees to make those changes happen and we’ll make additional announcements to our members as needed.

Since the question has been raised a few times now, in the event of any contest cancellation, all entry fees will be refunded. Competitors can feel secure registering for any contest knowing that they are covered if the contest cannot proceed for any reason.

Finally, a note to all of our bands. We know that all bands are evaluating their practice schedule in light of recent developments. The PPBSO does not have any official guidance on whether bands should suspend their practices, but for those bands that are continuing to practice, we ask that you closely follow and monitor the recommendations of the local Boards of Health and follow safe practices – especially when it comes to the handling of reeds, chanters, and blowpipes. The health and safety of all is paramount in these times.

Additional information will be posted on our website over the course of the coming months. The Board of Directors will meet with the frequency required to address new developments, and the executive officers of the PPBSO will continue to work closely with the branch officers and our partners in the games committees to assist where possible with their upcoming events.

Chris Buchanan, President

K. Bruce MacDonald (1944 – 2020)

Thursday February 20th, 2020

It’s with regret and sadness that we report the passing of long time member and judge K. Bruce MacDonald on Tuesday. Details can be found on the funeral home’s website, but for reference we’ve included a copy of the obituary here.

Obituary of Bruce MacDonald

Dr. Kenneth ‘Bruce’ MacDonald of Culross Township, tragically passed away as a result of a motor vehicle accident, on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020, at the age of 75.

Bruce is the cherished husband, best friend, and loving companion of Deborah MacDonald (née Blair).

He is dearly missed by his children, Hugh and Peg MacDonald of Vancouver and Katherine MacDonald of Mississauga.

Bruce is loved by Deborah’s children, Jason Rouse and Kristy Rouse of Guelph and is proud “Grandpa Mac” to Ella and Jagger Rouse. He is remembered fondly by Deborah’s family including Eleanor Lane, Ernie and Linda Blair, Lynne Blair, Mark and Beatrice Blair, Margaret and Les Sherratt, Laura Lane and Gordon Lane.

Bruce touched the lives of many nieces and nephews, cousins, colleagues, neighbours, friends, and his fellow pipeband members and students.

Bruce is predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Hazel (née Wolfe), father-in-law John Lane, brother-in-law Kevin Lane and cousin Henry Jaques.

There are many words to describe Bruce: Professor, soil scientist, consultant, farmer, cook extraordinaire and curler. He was gardener, woodworker, and gracious host to family and friends. He was a gifted piper and pipe major that played across the world. He judged hundreds of piping events, taught many students who learned from one of the best. Bruce never failed to amaze everyone who he met.

Visitation will be held at the Tiffin Funeral Home, Teeswater, Ontario on Friday February 21st from 6 pm to 9pm.

The funeral service to honour Bruce’s life will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Teeswater on Saturday February 22nd, 2020 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Owen Kim officiating.

Reception will follow at the Teeswater Community Centre.

Spring interment at the Culross-Teeswater Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, University of Guelph OAC, or Knox Presbyterian Church will be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Bob Allen (1931 – 2019)

Tuesday August 27th, 2019

It is with profound sadness that the PPBSO notes the passing of Lifetime Member and former President Bob Allen. Bob was a friend to many in our community both in and outside of Ontario, and he will be missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family.

The full funeral details can be found here, but there will be two visitations this Thursday, August 29^th at Erb & Good Funeral Home in Waterloo, Ontario from 2 – 4 PM and again from 7 – 9. The memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 30^th at 10 AM Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Waterloo.

Maxville Notes

Monday July 22nd, 2019

A couple of important announcements regarding Maxville. The first is a reminder that the band meeting for the Grade 5 bands at Maxville will be on Friday, August 2^nd at 11:00.The band meeting for all other grades will be on Saturday, August 3^rd at 11:00.

As well, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind our members (and our guests) of some of the requirements regarding solo events:

• Please report to the stewards before the beginning of the event. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
  
• A competitor shall play at his or her assigned or adjusted time or position, or when required to play by the Steward for the event.
  
• For pipers, if there is a conflict between your playing times for your light music and your piobaireachd events, let the stewards know right away. The piobaireachd event will usually take priority over the light music (since light music events are shorter), but this is up the discretion of the steward.
  
• Again for pipers, tuning time is limited to three (3) minutes for light music and five (5) minutes for piobaireachd. Exceeding your tuning time may result in disqualification.
  
• Please check in with the stewards regularly to ensure that you know when your turn to play will be.
  

If all competitors can keep these rules in mind, the events will go much more smoothly and will be to the benefit of all involved.

Kincardine Band Meeting

Thursday July 4th, 2019

The band meeting for Kincardine this Saturday, July 6^th will be held at 10:00. The exact parade time is TDB but it’s expected to start between 10:45 and 11:00

Georgetown Announcements

Saturday June 1st, 2019

Georgetown is only one week away and we have several exciting announcements. We’re always looking for additional Drum Majors to assist us during the games. Having your Drum Major at the games helps with the organization of the massed bands and makes everything run more smoothly. We understand that not all band Drum Majors may be comfortable in a massed bands environment, so we pleased to announce that Drum Major Shannon Brooks will be offering a seminar during the afternoon for all Drum Majors. This is a great opportunity for all the Drum Majors out there to develop their drill skills, discuss strategies, and work commanding both a single band and a wave. This will be the first of several seminars (including at both Cambridge and Fergus). All interested Drum Majors should attend the band meeting at 11:00, and a discussion about the seminar will follow.

We’re also pleased to announce that in conjunction with the Georgetown Highland Games, we’ll be offering a Dress and Deportment prize. This prize is completely separate from the musical competitions throughout the day, and will be awarded to the best band across all grades who demonstrate the best dress and field discipline during massed bands. The winning band will be awarded a cash prize. The full details of the prize and the evaluation criteria will be discussed during the band meeting.

Finally, we have a full list of competitors for our CPA graded contests on Friday night at 7:00. In our Silver Medal qualifier, we have 10 highly skilled competitors playing for a spot in the Silver Medal contests. All are encouraged to come and watch. The full orders of play and location details can be found on our contest page.

See everyone at Georgetown next weekend!

2019 Band Passes

Tuesday May 28th, 2019

Band passes for all games except Maxville are now being sent out. Please consult the list to see if and when passes for your band were mailed out. This list will be updated periodically.
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