Ipswich Piping Society

We had a great day playing at the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society open day yesterday.  A historic place, a good, well-attended day out – and some poignant reminders of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Thanks to the organisers for inviting us and we’ll hope to see you again next year.

We’re playing on Sunday September 11 at the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Open Day – always a fun occasion.  Check out their website for more details -http://www.mhas.org.uk/.  We’ll be here from 12.00 noon – and there are loads of activities for a good day out.  Come along and join us…….

No Monday meeting on August 29th because of the Bank Holiday……

Well it was a very damp day, but we had a good time….

Don’t miss our performance at Henley Summer Fair tomorrow, July 16th, from about 10.45!  We’re kicking off the day, which promises be great fun.  Hope to see you there…… Henley’s just north of Ipswich, the Community Centre is on Ashbocking Road.  Easy to find, listen out for the piping.

We were honoured to receive this photo, signed by the Duchess of Cornwall, as a memento of the Desert Rats Commemoration at Orwell Park School last November.

We raised more than £419 for Comic Relief in Woodbridge on Red Nose Day – great stuff!  Thanks to all who played and to all who contributed!

On Saturday 12th February at the Mudlark Piper’s Club in London was Donald MacPhee, prize-winning soloist and piper with 2007 World Pipe Band Champions Field Marshal Montgomery.  Donald is originally from Detroit, USA. He joined the band in 2006, having previously played with the Scottish Power Pipe Band, and  is one of the top solo players in the world today, having won the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd in Inverness along with a long list of other prizes at the highest level. Donald is a successful bagpipe reedmaker and lives in Alexandria, Scotland, with his wife Christine.
Donald spent time in the first half of the evening  talking to the audience about piping for dancing, and demonstrated the synergy between the piper, the music and Highland Dancer (with the support of a highly accomplished young dancer). Lots of dance music interspersed with many beautiful tunes.  The second half was just as fascinating with a special mixture of very high quality playing.  After the Piobaireachd, Donald concluded the evening with a fantastic bundle of tunes. Photo shows Alex Carruthers and Donald during the break saying hello.

Come and join us in Woodbridge on Friday March 18th from about 12 noon, where we’ll be playing to raise funds for Comic Relief!  It’s a great cause – we’ll be in the main Thoroughfare, outside Costa the coffee shop.  Bring all your loose change!!