Committee Login
Donald MacPherson, 1922-2012: The Passing of a Legend
Yesterday, the 21st April 2012, the piping world lost a master player and teacher who was also, arguably, the most successful competitive piper ever to step onto the competition platform.
His nine Clasps at Inverness and fifteen wins in the Senior Piobaireachd at the Argyllshire Gathering, the former winners MSR twice at Oban and four times at Inverness attest to his stature as a formidable and consistently successful competitor.
He was successful here, at London too, with three wins in the Bratach Gorm (1951, 1964 and 1965) and three in the Open Piobaireachd (1979, 1985 and 1986).
Setting aside his considerable achievements, he was also one of Nature's gentlemen; always approachable and one of the nicest and most modest men you could wish to meet.
Today, the piping world is a poorer place without him.
The thoughts of Society members everywhere are with his wife and family at this sad time.
Patrick McClure 1931 - 2012
We have received the sad news that Patrick McClure, long time SPSL member and supporter (always named as a contributor to the 'prize fund' in the 70s and 80s) passed away in the past few days. He was in his 91st year. The funeral is to be held at Randalls Park Crematorium (Near Leatherhead), postcode KT22 0AG, on Thursday 26 January, at 2 pm. The lament will be played by Society member, Bob Ash.
Ann Speedy
The death occurred in August 2011 of one of the members longest associated with the SPSL, Ann Speedy. She was ninety years of age.
Russell & Muriel Clayton
2011 has seen the passing of two of the most dedicated members that the SPSL has witnessed in it's long and illustrious history. For nearly thirty years, 'the Clayton's' could be described as the glue that held the piping society together. Russell, a native of Derbyshire, and Muriel, a Londoner met in the nineteen fifties and during their early years together attended piping classes under the late P/M George MacRae, ex-Royal Scots.
