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COWAL HIGHLAND GAMES – DUNOON

Travelled to Dunoon for the last of the Major competitions, Cowal Games. Had made arrangements for Paul to stay with the Band over the weekend and got a call from him whilst he was on the boat and nipped down to collect him and take him to his ‘digs’. He grabbed an optimum spot and laid out his stuff.  We were a bit early for the Band so we decided to wait for them………in the pub! After about an hour they all started to filter in and were wearing the Champions caps that Paul had extremely kindly gifted the Band – pleased were they? I should say so! After a few libations I had to leave as I had to be at the park for 08:00 – murder!  Paul stayed………and wished he hadn’t as he looked shell shocked in the morning! Didn’t get an awful lot of sleep did Paul! I think I might have forgotten to warn him! Oops!

The day was a typical Cowal Games day – wet and miserable. It amazes me the numbers of people that attend come rain or shine. Did the Drum Majors this time and was in plenty of time to hear both the Denny Bands in their respective Grades. They both played exceptionally well. The Grade 4 Band just get better each time they compete – they’re amazing. The big Band hit the judges there as they had at the Worlds. A small hiccup but the judges missed it! Down to the Beer Tent (well SOMEONE has to!) to be met by the Band – beers in hand! Paul was there again looking tired but happy!

On to the park for the March Past and then the results. Oh aye! And Cowal bit again! The heavens opened just as the last band went into place. Standing nervously now! We’re in line for the Champion of Champions award. Mathematically we should be safe but this is Cowal – predict at your peril. Had to tell them we were okay and that they had played enough to get the CoC award – wasn’t believed – too nervous.  Grade 4B………In 5th place…………..Denny & Dunipace!!! Amazing! Second year competing and lifting a prize at Major!!! Outstanding!

Through the Grades and thence to Grade 3A.  ‘Grade 3A……Best Drum Corps………..Denny & Dunipace! Away we all went again! Dafties every one! We missed out on first place being beaten by another Band. Now we were REALLY getting nervous! To get the CoC award we had to be within two places of that particular Band. Grade 3A….in second place…………….De…….we went berserk! Another prize at a Major and Champion of Champions to boot! What a season! And, I’m positive Paul will agree with me…..what a Band! From relatively nowhere at the beginning of the season to best band in the World and the most consistent in the world!  Then came the street parade……… just about the best bit of the day! Biggest street parade of Pipe Bands in the world and the most fun! Paul had been told (by me!) that he was to carry one of the trophies down the street as small recognition of his support for the Band – think he was a bit chuffed! (read on!)  We had a ball going down the street, playing to the crowd – even dropping the mace didn’t faze anyone – picked it up and threw it again – who cares? We’re the best in the world!!  About half way down the road Paul turned to me and asked how much further? Same again my boy! Same again! He turned a rather attractive shade of puce at this!  He made it to the end though and then had the nightmare (for all of us) of the walk back to the hall. Not one of the best bits! By the time you get to the end of the parade, and the adrenalin wears off, you suddenly remember you’re getting older and the hill gets harder!  Back to the hall for tea and grub – much need and appreciated by all the Band……Paul fell in the door! That was me! Back to where I was staying and a few drinks with my wife and daughter to celebrate another brilliant day……………to be met in the bar by friends from another Pipe Band who cheered us for our win! Nice touch!

Two more contests and then the Band has a short break before starting practising for next season. Grade 2 will be a whole different story. Only hard work, some additional players and dedication will propel us up through that Grade. It is an extremely tough Grade in which to compete so wish us well.  In closing I want to say a huge thank you to Paul and his Company for their friendship and support of the Band. It has been very much appreciated and we’re glad to call Paul a friend of the Band.  Also, I’d like to thank the Supporters Club. The Band were astounded that this had been formed and then came delight. You are all very much appreciated by Denny & Dunipace Pipe Band Association and we look forward to meeting and, and all, of you in the future. Thanks from the Band.

Finally may I say…………….C’moan the Denny!!!!!!!

above row: Junior Drum Major with the power men! Local school bands are great!  Keep playing ...  lower row: well what can we say?  Our boys getting awards!  Do they look happy? erm ... just a little.

PAUL'S DIARY OF THE GATHERING:  Well, the journey started with me heading in the wrong direction – Edinburgh. Friday ‘twas when I left Broughty Ferry for Edinburgh, first to collect the newly made caps for the band – world champions! Then a chin wag and a drink with an old pal (well, he’s older than me!) Alex Beaton, who was on tour here in Scotland. I’ve know Alec for some years now, we first met in USA at some games or another, can’t remember that long back! From then until now we meet up at a games somewhere in USA to chat, share a drink and maybe heckle him while performing. To give him his due, being a Rangers fan so he is, he always sings Fields of Athenrye for me on stage, good man. Anyhow I ‘m getting side tracked here. We met up in the Roxburghe Hotel Edinburgh. I will be meeting up with him again in October at the Atlanta games in USA – some more heckling! Funniest thing ever – I was waiting for my taxi at the door of the Roxburghe, dressed in ma kilt – whole kit and caboodle – in the space of 15 minutes I had received 3 tips, 2 sets of keys and assisted two people with luggage!

Then it was away across country via the motorway past Glasgee – huge hold up on the motorway in the rain - and on to Gourock for the ferry. Kilt, caps and whisky with me, with the extras I needed for this trip, not normal for me: sleeping bag and sponge bed! I am sleeping with the band (well, not with the band, but in the same place) in a Scout hut! Oh God! Got there at the ferry side of Dunoon, Andy and Victoria (daughter) met me at the pier and guided me up to the Scout hut, enough said, I am more used to hotels than Scouts. BUT – I would like to say the welcome I got, the band were great and so too all the followers! Just now I want to say a huge THANKS to the two girls who fed me and gave me drinks, they did a cooked breakfast, made mince and tatties for lunch and rolls and cakes for tea! Thanks girls, you made the Scouts hut seem like 4 star! You know who you are. FRIDAY night we hit the Lorne pub around the corner, it was heavin! A good night and one lemonade too many methinks. Had a ragin’ heed on me in the morning when some kind soul, put all the lights on a 7.30! Thanks for that.
 

Saturday – the band were up and getting ready, they marched up to the arena – Grade 4 – we all went with them, it was the start of a really brilliant day! By the time we marched up with the Grade 3 band it was raining again. To cut a long story short (er) Grade 4 came 5th which everyone was over the moon with, the Grade 3 won Champions of Champions and two more trophies. After the rain threw it on us standing there on the grass getting trophies, the whole damn lot of bands marched down Dunoon Argyll Street, by the time we got to the end it was back of 10 o’ clock. Andy gave a huge honour, I carried one of the shield trophies in front of the band. To say it was fun and enjoyable, would not do it justice at all. I had a smile – no a big grin on my face the whole time, I have never experienced anything like it, even Andy dropping his mace could not make it more funnier – which he did 3 times, away on big man! WELL DONE TO ALL THE BAND and thanks for the invite, see you at Pitlochy in a few weeks again!



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