Traditionally ANZAC day is a very big day for Albury Wodonga Pipes and Drums. This year was no different. Band members assist with other bands, and so AWPD members played not only in Albury and Wodonga, but also Howlong, Leeton, Wagga, Tumbarumba and Batlow to name but a few places. Of the members in Albury and Wodonga:

• Pipe Major Angus Beath played the lament for the Albury Dawn Service
• Piper Doug McRae and Drum Sargeant Milton Mann played at the Wodonga Dawn Service
• Piper Andrew Dye played at the Howlong Dawn Service

The full band played at both the Albury and Wodonga Street Marches, events that are growing each year.

AWPD stepping out at the Albury Street March – photo from the Border Mail newspaper – http://www.bordermail.com.au

AWPD on the march at the Wodonga ANZAC Day March – photo courtesy of Radio 2AY http://www.2ay.com.au

Following the street marches, the band then went to perform at one of our major sponsors – the SS&A Club Albury. We were very grateful for a drink or two provided by the staff and then it was onto our next major sponsor – the Commercial Club Albury where the band performed again and then finished the day out. Thanks also the Commercial Club staff for their hospitality. While at the Commercial Club, the band was able to present former President George Brown with a Life Membership tie pin, and our profound thanks for his many years of service. George was instrumental in the many improvements the band has attained over the last few years. It has often been remarked that every band needs a George Brown in it.

Retired President George Brown accepts his Life Membership from a disheveled Pipe Major Angus Beath

While most of the band were resting gratefully after a long day, Andrew Dye, Elyse Cowan and Fiona Shields travelled to Myrtleford to play for the O&M Football ANZAC Day Clash.

The busy schedule was not completed though. The band travelled today to Mt Beauty for the Music Festival.

An initial performance for the residents at the local hospital followed by a march around the market whetted the appetite of the patrons and a large crowd followed the band as we moved through the fair. It was only to be a teaser though, with the band retiring for lunch before the drummers lit the stage on fire (figuratively speaking) with a Drummer’s Salute. The full band then moved out under the guidance of Drum Major Barry Prater to play in the park. The performance was very well received with people appearing from everywhere to listen. After completing the finale set, the band retired for the trip home.

Come and see us next week on Saturday at the Scots o’ the Murray event in Rutherglen, with a street march down the main street to open proceedings at 6:30.