Govan Fair, SPA KO, Markinch

Iain MacDonald, Regina, has passed on this interesting pic and caption re my last post. Thanks for that Iain. It reads: The Govan Fair Procession, led by the Govan Police Pipe Band, on Langlands Road, perhaps 1940s or 1950s. The famous sheep's (more accurately, ram's) head is borne aloft behind the band. The Govan Fair appears to have originated at the end of the 15th century. The Govan weavers revived the annual festival in 1757 and the procession on the first Friday of June became one of the most popular events of the year. It continued until 1881 when, with the traditional weaving trade in terminal decline and the old village swamped with newcomers seeking work in Govan's engineering and shipbuilding industries, the celebrations ended through lack of support. Members of the Old Govan Club revived the Fair in 1920. It is now organised by the Govan Fair Association, which donates all proceeds to charity..... Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums. The caption is clearly wrong as the band would have been the City of Glasgow Police Pipe Band by then and I'm not sure it is actually the police. It's all of interest though. It seems there was a 40 year gap in the Fair so my 123 years attendance by the police band is somewhat awry. No matter - still pretty vindictive of the force to ban them.      Incidentally I hear that despite earlier security fears both Strathclyde and Lothian and Borders will be attending the British at Banbridge. Don't know about D&G'way, Central Scot, Fife or Grampian. I can't quite understand what all the fuss is about. Bands continued to travel and play in Ulster all through the worst of the Troubles and things are clearly a lot better now.

**

The latest heat of the SPA KO is this Friday at the CoP. Pipers are Douglas Murray and Donald MacPhee so a very high standard of playing can be expected. I hope to record proceedings for CoP Radio. John Mulhearn got pretty miffed when he was broadcast last month. I forgot to get clearance from him to use his performance on air. So, apologies again John. That said I do think it important to reiterate that no one made any money out of the show and it is good publicity for the SPA. It helps with the all important backsides on seats and thus helps the promoters fund the event and pass on substantial prizes to the pipers. John got through so he'll be in line for a decent cheque. All rights regarding performance and material remain with the piper. Everyone wins really. 

**

I hear that there was a good standard of performance at Markinch yesterday with Gavin Walker continuing his recent good run. Gavin is one of the top pipers with Strathclyde Police and pleasing to see that he is able to maintain his focus despite the doubts over the band's future. Young Keith Bowes is keeping up the momentum too, taking 2nd in the ceol mor. I think he was well placed at Blair Atholl, or maybe it was Bathgate. I judged Keith a year or so ago at the Highlands and Islands and was critical of his fingering  -- too pipe bandish. He clearly has taken my advice (and no doubt that of others) to heart and come out fighting. No one wants to score points by taking cheap shots at young players. Most, shall we say, mature individuals in the piping game proffer advice in the hope that it will be taken positively and acted upon. Good on you Keith for doing just that.

**

I hope readers are not put off by the few ads peppering this page. Google suggested that I allow them on in return for some payment. I suppose if these ramblings can earn a few bob for the College then its no bad thing.