NOTES FROM PIPEY'S CORNER

Volume IX Number 6

SUMMER IS ICUMEN IN

OK, so the column's late, mea culpa and Summer is almost here.

There is little to report other than the death of my brother on June 23. There will be more on this and other news in next month's column.

BLACK PART SPEAKS:

Well, Costa Mesa has come and gone.  Congratulations to all the bands, and the solo competitiors.  Special congrats to the United Scottish Society of Southern California for a well run festival.

A couple of "glitches" were evident, but both were worked out by the WUSPBA and no major incidents resulted. Good Show! The first "glitche" was over a certain entry that kept getting returned because there was a dispute over the $20.00 Piobaireachd deposit. Seems that last year's deposit had not been returned, and the competitor wondered why one was still required this year. Kevin Blandford took care of this "glitche" though and the matter was resolved, but not without a "casualty" within the USS of SC.  In any event, absent the "casualty", there were even field entries this year, and as a result there were more competitors in the professional ranks, which is always a good thing. 

The second "gliche" involved grievances, and a protest turned in by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Pipe Band, (or what's left of them), against a member of the Los Angeles Police Pipe Band, and against the LAP Pipe Band itself. Neither the grievances, nor the protest were upheld by the WUSPBA. The committees that reviewed these actions were obviously not focused on the intent of the WUSPBA Contest Rules. They focused more on possible "exemptions" ('loop holes' was the actual word used) to avoid taking the appropriate actions. But, as the band leader from Modesto says, "Now that all possible remedies through the WUSPBA have been exhausted, remedies with the legal system will be pursued with a clear conscience."

AWOL was the WUSPBA table and tent. Although the WUSPBA did have officials on hand, there was no visible  WUSPBA display. Why not? If the WUSPBA is to be a credible association it must maintain visibility before the public. In years past there has nearly always been a table, sometimes a tent, at the contests.  New members could sign up on the spot. Band roosters could be reviewed. Bylaws and Contest Rules were available. But not this year at Costa Mesa. Time to get out the whips and chains, Kevin. Get those elected and appointed officials out in the open. The members might bark at them, but they won't bite. What? No volunteers? I'll volunteer! Black Part at the WUSPBA tent, actually helping out!!! That would be really something wouldn't it!!!!

Can I bring my sword and pistols, and wear my black eye patch? Huh? CanIcanIcanI PLEEZE?

Black Part  AKA John Eric Partanen, PhD WUSPBA member # 0193PP