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John Anthony (Tony) MacDonaldWe regret to inform Members and Friends of the SPSL, that Tony MacDonald, a former Pipe-Major of the Society, passed away after a long illness on Monday 1st April in Glasgow. He was aged 75. Tony, a native of Roy Bridge, Inverness-shire, spent much of his adult life in the South of England. After service with the Scots Guards (Parachute Company), he entered civilian life in London and was an active member of the Scottish Piping Society of London and served as the society's Pipe Major for a period. He was a member of the British Caledonian Airways Pipe Band during its glory years under the leadership of Bob Richardson and for many years pipe major of the British Airways (Clubs) Pipes & Drums. He was also piper to the Highlands & Islands Society and will be remembered by many for his regular performances at dances and ceilidhs. His playing of hornpipes and jigs was spectacular. Although not a regular solo competitor, he was a player of the highest standard in both piobaireachd and light music and an excellent teacher. Notable amongst his pupils in the south are Alasdair and John Angus Smith. He continued teaching and was much in demand for tuition after he moved north to Dumfriesshire some years ago. In his 'retirement' he experimented with the manufacture of pipes with some success and at one stage owned the brand name of RG Lawrie and had a dream of returning this name to the highest level of bagpipe quality. It was through the influence of Tony, that the SPSL instituted the Gaelic Air and Jig event for young pipers at the annual competition each November. The funeral will be held at St Margaret's RC Church, Roy Bridge, Inverness-shire PH31 4AE on Saturday 6th April at 1400 hours. Allan BeatonWe regret to inform members and friends of the Society that, following a long illness, Allan Beaton, former president of the Scottish Piping Society of London, passed away on 30th January in Portree Hospital, Isle of Skye. Allan, a native of Waternish, Skye, came to London with his work in the late nineteen fifties and quickly became immersed in the Society's activities. He was also a member of the City of London (Blue Bonnets) Pipe Band under Pipe Major Gordon Spiers. He took over as president of the SPSL in the mid-sixties, a post which held for over twenty years before retiring to Skye in 1986. During this period he was largely responsible for the growth of the society, and in particular the London Competition, into the present structure. He also guided the society through the process of becoming a registered charity. Patrick McClure 1931 - 2012We 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. More Articles... |
