The Official Newsletter of the Ingersoll Pipe Band

January 2010

First thing I need to do in this newsletter is to apologize for the lack of newsletters last year. Somehow time just got away and before I knew it the year was over. Time really does fly!!

The band was busy last year, as usual. I will try to recap some of it below. Thanks to all our members for another year well done.

Members
We were very sad to lose a valued member and mentor of the pipe band. As you are aware, Pipe Major Bob Collins passed away on December 4th. We saluted Bob at our Band Banquet and told some stories of Bob’s time in the band. This would have been Bob’s 70th year in the band. The band attended the visitation and was honoured to play at Bob’s funeral on December 9th. Bob’s son Doug read a poem at the funeral that, I think, sums things up quite well. It was a poem written by Neil Muterer (Jim’s dad) when Bob’s dad Pipe Major Alex Collins passed away, and Doug adapted it slightly to include both important men.

Death of Pipe Major Collins
He will not play again, the songs
That Scotsmen hold so dear
But when the pipes begin to play
I’m sure that he will hear.
And when the band is on parade
And walks with martial tread,
The men who loved them,
They will know that Alex and Bob walk ahead.

After the funeral we gathered back at the Band hall and toasted Bob with a drink of scotch and celebrated his life. It was great to see all the past members that attended. Bob touched a lot of lives and will forever be part of the Ingersoll Pipe Band as will Helen and their entire family.

Over Christmas, we were again presented with some sad news. Another valuable member of the band passed away. Iain MacRobbie had been fighting a number of health issues the last few years and had most recently suffered a stroke. Unfortunately Iain was unable to recover from this, and passed away on December 24th. We were all glad that we had been able to talk with Iain and Rosemary at the Embro St. Andrew’s night and at our Band Banquet. Iain had also attended Bob’s funeral before his stroke. On December 29th many band members attended the visitation for Iain. Iain’s funeral was held the next day with a number of members, past and present, in attendance. During the service it was pointed out to all that Iain and Bob and Woody Lambe had all passed away recently. Just think of all the music they are making! Following the funeral we gathered at the Moose Lodge in Woodstock to celebrate Iain’s life. On display was the gift we had presented to Iain a few years ago to celebrate his 50 years in the band. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rosemary and the entire MacRobbie family.

Ross Dunn and our Pipe Major Jim Muterer have both had to endure a number of health problems in 2009. Here is hoping 2010 is better for both.

For some good news, Adam and Paula Quarrie welcomed a daughter on October 10th. Faith was a little late but a healthy 9lbs 8oz. Congratulations to your family Adam and Paula.

We welcomed some new members last year. John Lynes and Claude Roach joined us on parade in the summer and also became members of the Shrine Band. They can’t get enough!! Another Ingersoll/Shriner is Terry Derbyshire. Terry joined our band for a couple of Santa Claus parades this past winter. Welcome to the Ingersoll Pipe Band everyone. The IPB and Shrine band have always had a close friendship and a sharing of pipers and drummers. It is nice to see that this continues. We are also always happy when past members rejoin the band. Welcome back to Kevin MacKay.

Anniversary Year
The bass drum head is going to be repainted this year to commemorate our anniversary. We are also thinking of other ways to show off our 100 years – carrying the anniversary banner, flags, etc.

We have a number of parades already booked for our anniversary year. More info will follow. We are also busy making special anniversary plans. Below are listed some preliminary plans and dates. Please make sure you book the following dates on your calendar:

July 30 – Fish fry and Ceilidh – open to the general public. We will need to sell tickets and work at the event – Held at the Arena

July 31 – Afternoon Tattoo – In a park in town – Followed by a pig roast at the band hall for participants and their families. We will need help with set up, clean up and the running of events

August 1 – Sunday Morning Brunch – For the weekend participants that have come from out of town, those who can’t get enough, and band members. Help is required with set up, cooking, serving and cleanup. Hopefully Indy band will join us for the weekend celebrations.

August 2 – Civic Holiday–Now you can rest!!!

September 4 – Reunion Day – All the past and present members are invited to attend.

– Afternoon of visiting and music at the band hall – pictures, memorabilia and lots of stories. Help is needed for afternoon and evening events.
– Evening dinner and more music and lots more stories!

September 5 – Brunch – for all those from out of town and for all those who can’t get enough stories. Help is needed with set up, cooking, serving and clean up. You should be good at this by now!!!

In the more immediate future, don’t forget Robbie Burns Night on January 23 – we need your help

Your Band Hall
Before all of the events kick off we will be having a cleaning blitz. Things should be polished and cleaned till they shine. Some areas will also need to be painted. I am sure we can count on everyone’shelp in this area and in all that we have planned this year!!!!!! 

Mary Ellen Muterer