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Forres and District Pipe Band travelled to Forres’ twin town of Goslar, Germany to perform during its 1100th anniversary celebrations


By Garry McCartney

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The band in Goslar.
The band in Goslar.

FORRES and District Pipe Band made a triumphant return home to play at the town’s Highland Games following a weekend of heralded performances in Europe.

A total of 24 players aged from 13 to 69-years-old, including committee members and parents, travelled to Forres’ twin town of Goslar, Germany to celebrate its 1100th anniversary.

Band spokeswoman, Sharon Carmichael, confirmed the tour was part-funded by a £3625 grant from the Berry Burn Community Fund, as well as a fundraising coffee morning at Forres Town Hall supported by Forres and District-Vienenburg and Goslar Twinning Association.

Cora Meechan prior to performing at the Imperial Palace.
Cora Meechan prior to performing at the Imperial Palace.

She said: “Some of the younger members had never travelled with the band before.

“On the Saturday morning in Goslar, the band were treated to a fabulous tour accompanied by the mayor.

“They opened the anniversary show by marching onto the field in front of the Imperial Palace.

“A large audience watched the evening’s entertainment featuring a second performance.”

Cora Meechan during the performance.
Cora Meechan during the performance.

Part way through, Forres quine, Cora Meechan, passed her pipes to the pipe major, took centre stage and did some highland dancing while the rest of the band played.

“Once she returned to her position, the band completed their set to rapturous applause.

“The finale of the evening was the band accompanied by a police orchestra playing ‘Highland Cathedral’.

“Pipe Major Johnathon Scott piped alone accompanied by lead snare drummer Kirsty McCallum before the rest of the band and the orchestra joined in.

“It was an emotional performance, felt by the band, our supporters, members of the twinning committee and the large crowd watching.”

Drum Major Mike Munro.
Drum Major Mike Munro.

Twinning Association chairman, David MacFarquhar, was witness to the “magnificent” display.

He said: “Despite the relative youth of the band, they rose to the occasion on a huge floodlit stage and were greatly appreciated by a large crowd sitting on the grass in front of the Kaiserpfalz.

“Cora’s spectacular Highland dance drew sustained applause.

“Highland Cathedral was a fitting climax to an occasion which will live long in the memory of all the band and members of the Twinning Association who were overcome with emotion."

Lily Carmichael, Lewis Mcnish and Pipe Major Johnathan Scott during the performance.
Lily Carmichael, Lewis Mcnish and Pipe Major Johnathan Scott during the performance.

The following morning the band entertained a large audience at the Goslar Marketpatz in hot conditions.

This was followed by a short bus journey to nearby Vienenburg to perform at the oldest train station in Germany in front of another large crowd.

Following this final performance, the remainder of the Sunday was free for the band to explore the beautiful sights of Goslar in the sun.

David finished: “It was fitting that the show should end in Vienenburg as this town - about the same size as Forres - is where the soul of our now 38-year-old partnership resides.

“As everyone reflected on the success of the event, thoughts turned to the late John Channon who did so much to promote the band, to encourage young people to take up pipes and drums, and to be able to perform to such a high standard on such an important and formidable occasion.”

On the Monday morning, Forres Pipe Band made a six hour journey to Rotterdam for the overnight ferry to Newcastle where a coach waited to transport everyone back to Scotland.

Pipe Sergeant Emma Lawrence, Lily Carmichael, Cora Meechan and Sarah Mcnally.
Pipe Sergeant Emma Lawrence, Lily Carmichael, Cora Meechan and Sarah Mcnally.
Angus Robertson, Alex Chetwynd and William Chetwynd.
Angus Robertson, Alex Chetwynd and William Chetwynd.
Pipe Major Johnathan Scott, William Young, DrumMajor Mike Munro and Tyler Smith in Goslar.
Pipe Major Johnathan Scott, William Young, DrumMajor Mike Munro and Tyler Smith in Goslar.
Eva Robertson and Erina Inbadas.
Eva Robertson and Erina Inbadas.


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