CHRISTMAS FUNCTION AND 2023 REPORT CARD
On Sunday the 19th of November the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums embarked on their last, and possibly their biggest performance of 2023. Teaming up with the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch (Veterans), the band was asked to provide entertainment for the annual sub-Branch Christmas Function. The three (3) hour event was attended by over 160 veterans and their families.
The event commenced in a tradition way, with the band marched into position by our Drum Major (Dave Tyler). Behind him were three pipe / drum trainees who freely gave their time to carry various flags including the precious Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums Tartan. Thank you to the three members for assisting. Behind the flag bearers were 8 pipers led by our pipe Major Andrew Iverson and Pipe SGT Mark Spooner, followed by 8 member drum corps who were mentored by Dean Muller from Liverpool Catholic Club Pipes and Drums on the day. The band wheeled around numerous tables playing Rose of Allandale before coming to a halt and performing numerous tunes including Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree,The Badge of Scotland,Wings, The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie to name a few before marching off to Waltzing Matilda. At this point I would like to thank two more trainee band members who volunteered their time to open and close doors, take pictures and videos and who freely assisted the band with all the little things on the day. So Thank you to Jolly and Dave Gear for your assistance.
On completion of the above, our Pipe Major immediately went into a second performance, piping numerous dancing tunes for approximately ten (10) members from the Penrith RSL Highland Dance Studio. The dancers spread themselves around the room and took very little time to win over the crowd with their superior dance skills and general “cuteness”. The young brother and sister will definitely be a talking point for some time to come. The entire team did a fantastic job and as always, it was a complete pleasure to work with Julie Thomas (President) and the attending team. We appreciate your on going support to our events and of course, your friendship.
On completion of the dancers, members of the band appeared again, but this time not with pipes or drums but with guitars and piano’s where they set about to entertain guests with Christmas and pop music for approximately one (1) hour. A big thanks go out to Dan Beamer and China on the guitars and Ash Moon for playing the piano and for her outstanding vocals. This part of the entertainment concluded with a stirring version of “Travelling Soldier” by the Dixie Tricks. The team started playing guitars and piano’s as per previous songs but were quickly joined by Ceilidh Iverson on drums and John Phelp, normally a piper, on violin. It was an amazing way to finish this most successful event where we sounded great and showed immense versatility.
REPORT CARD
2023 has been amazing for the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums. As we are all aware, the band relocated in late 2022 from Smithfield RSL to Penrith RSL. At the time, due to COVID, we only had around four (4) or five (5) active members. In the last twelve (12) months the band has grown beyond expectations and we now have approximately thirty (30) members. That is a 500% increase in numbers which is great and an achievement we can all be justifiably proud of. We may have even picked up a new piper and a new drummer from the Christmas Party which highlights the professionalism and fun we as a group are projecting to potential members.
Obviously it will take us time as a team to all come up to competiton standard that we are aiming for but we are definately moving in the right direction. This can be accredited to Andrew and Mark (pipes) who make sure we all practice and master the basics (embellishments) every session to ensure we get the small 1% things right. And of course Dean (drums) for concentrating on the basics and who is brining our drum corps up to international drumming standards.
Improvement in the band over the last twelve (12) months can be measured by increased overall numbers within the band, by the number of performers qualifying to play at events and by the comments by Penrith RSL board members and members of the public who have told us they loved our performances and how much better we are sounding. Overall, our collective goal and aim remains on track. That being to be at a standard to trial and be accepted to play at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2028.
Holding all this together is the band glue, that being Sheena. Sheena is the treasurer, secretary and uniform officer and is the one (1) person who can coordinate all the moving parts. She arranged the grant from the Penrith RSL, fund raising at Harvey Norman, Bundanoon and Berry Highland Gatherings, the St Mary Spring Festival, ANZAC and Remembrance Day events, coordinated the monthly general meeting (GM) and annual general meetings (AGM). And on top of this, she was the key person in obtaining the new class 1 uniform. Thank you so much for everything Sheena.
If you or a family member want to help Sheena, please nominate at the December AGM.
A special Mention to Terry (events officer) and Dan for all their efforts and tireless work moving equipment around the country side. Thanks guys.
To everyone else in the team not mentioned, your efforts have not gone un-noticed. Thank you for all your efforts, keep up the good work and we look forward to an even bigger 2024.
Merry Christmas to you all and your families.
Please feel free to check out the new videos on the band YouTube Channel - Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums