| aughintober, northern ireland

The 2007 season saw latest news titles being poor puns or "'Year of the Bad Pun" as it became known, and the 2008 season saw one half of the APB web team decided to have a 'Year of the song'. So  this year (2008-09 Season) we've (well i've once again) decided to go even barmier - so all the latest news items posted below will of course have a movie related theme (hopefully)

Sunday 07th September finally brought an end to the Aughintober Pipe Band's calender of community events. The band led the local Royal Black Preceptory (RBP 83) to Aughintober Hall to attend their annual church service. The service was presided over by the Rev Clive Webster with music on the evening provided by Mrs Grace McClintock who delivered a number of beautiful pieces.

A number of band members & friends gathered together after the parade for a hearty meal of pizza and chinese. A suitable end to the evening.

Who Dares Wins : - the motto of the SAS, regarded as the most elite Special Force in the world & a 1982 film about the Iranian embassy siege.

The band at the parade were certainly an elite force of only 10 musicians. Rumour had it that the 18th birthday bar-b-q on the previous evening would have had a devestating effect on the band for the parade. Truth is, the majority of the band who attended the bar-b-q and party made it to the parade, putting the physical and mental torment to one side to join their comrades in the APB.

As you would expect, I shall be gracious this week and tell you the truth.

This report has gone through many guises and ideas on the format it should take. Should we go for bullet points, to keep it short and sweet, or should I write a fairytale, in order to spice the website up and give you a little take of intrigue? Should I revert to rhetoric, much like a politician does to ingratiate you?

See, i've noticed over the last FIVE (yes FIVE) years that this weekly report on the band's going's on has turned more into a blog than anything else. Normally, on a website like this you'll find a fairly bog-standard post which reads:

"Aughintober Pipe Band had the Honour of competing number 25 at the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green on Saturday, competing for the top prize in the Grade 3a Section. After a good performance, the band were Placed 5 out of a total of 29 competitors. Our Congratulations goes to Killen Pipe Band, also from Co. Tyrone who won the grade!"

Personally, that doesn't float my boat. Here, you get more than just facts, you get me rambling on for paragraphs about how much fun we had, and what REALLY went on behind the scenes! 

So, therefore let me tell you this. On Saturday I competed with one of the greatest sets of individuals I've ever had the pleasure of playing for. We went, we played, we had fun. Kyle managed to avoid the airport!

As for next week? End of the Season! Portrush Competition, Portrush Parade, and a (Well Deserved) break for all!

We would, though like to offer our congratulations (much as we did on Saturday) to Killen Pipe Band. A brilliant achievement becoming World Champions!

And yes, we're still Living the Dream. 

This year i've found myself in quite a different situation from the usual fayre. See, they've installed computers in our hotel, which is handy! I'd been asked several times this weekend if I had updated the band website, so I thought i'd take this quiet moment to sit down and write a few lines and let you know what's been happening since we got here.

 SO, Thursday was the usual craic, bus leaving Castlecaulfield at 8am sharp with everyone but the Drum Sergeant on board. Chris, our entripid DS was to be lifted a little further down the road...and the bus arrived perfectly on time, with no DS to be seen. 15 minutes and a few phone calls later, we FINALLY had Chris, and were on our way to the Worlds!

The boat was quite uneventful, the movie selection being that of 'Fools Gold'. The more exciting place to be, though was in the arcade, where the dream team of Ashley and Brian managed to complete Time Crisis II, AND get ourselves on the leader board. This achievement was well worth the effort, and made my day!

Back on the bus we had the 4th annual Aughintober Pipe Band World's Quiz! Reeling from their win last year, 'the Champions' were back in fine form, looking for that ever elusive 2 in a row, but alas it was not to be, with Chris and Noel taking the spoils - which leads us to believe that Chris was spending all that extra time cramming for the quiz!

 Now, it's important to note that Thursday night is 'Team Building' night for Team Aughintober. We get together, have a little fun, excitement and go back, having bonded with shared experiences. Kyle, who was so excited at how well the team building went managed to end up going to the airport instead of the hotel on his way home! £14 and a very red face later Kyle was back....AND he was stupid enough to tell me about it!

Friday, traditionally is a quieter afair, with bandsmen and women alike starting the mental preperation for the big one the next day, but with the extra added bonus team-building event of the China Buffet King (ALL YOU CAN EAT!). This, went as it usually does with everyone eating FAR too much, and a cake for Kylie (she's 19, and has had 'happy birthday' sung no fewer than 12 times to her today!).

So there you have it. currently i've been walking about in my tracksuit and socks, just taking it easy like the rest of the band. I'm off to bed now, so i'll wish you all sweet dreams!

This week it was with a sense of nostilga that the band landed on the field on Saturday, meeting in Newcastle at the VERY early time of 9.45am. That's right folks, 9.45am.

For myself it was with nostalgia, and without a band hat that I hit the field. The previous night I had searched my car, my uniform and had even phoned Mr. Predictions to have him search his car, but to no avail. Luckily, though the Pipe Major just happened to have a handy spare in his breast pocket!

So yes - back to the meeting up time. The band was playing early again, 11.47am to be exact, so Glenn wanted the band to meet at 9.45am....a time which only myself and Robert 'Mr. T' Irons happened to meet! Having gotten bored waiting, we went in search of the PM, and happened to find him, with the PS unpacking their car...we'll need to get him a watch!

So anyway, after the band FINALLY got together the tuning up regime started. Being on the foot of the mournes, as you can imagine it was cold, then warm, then wet and so on, and with the increased number of bands in the final tuning area it was certainly a challenge for all bands! But we got through it, and the band went into the ring, 2nd on as defending Ulster Champions. 

With over 6 hours to kill the band scattered to do various activities. Myself to help my sister's band, some to BBQ, some to the arcades, and some to a little house across the street serving refreshing beverages! The late afternoon, for most was taken up by the 7 Grade 1 bands present on the day in preparation for next week's World Championships, including the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band ( the United States of America), The Australian Highlanders Pipe Band (Austraila), Scottish Power Pipe Band (From Scotland), St. Laurence O'Toole (Republic of Ireland),  Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band (Northern Ireland), Cullybackey Pipe Band (Northern Ireland) and Ballycoan Pipe Band (Northern Ireland). 

The results this week took an unexpected format this week, with the usual reliable PA system on the blink (right in the middle of the march past), it was with a Karaoke system that Mervin 'The Quiet Man' Herron took to the font to announce the results. Having the best spot was the Drum Majors out front, with special dispensation given to the Pipe Majors to stand behind them to be able to hear how their various bands faired - and the rest of the bands huddling in behind to hear as best we could. 

For me, it was always gonna be a good finale, as when I put my hand in the pocket of my newly donned cape, what did I find but my Band Hat! I had wondered, the night before, why it was so hard to fold up!

With a near repeat of last years results, the band managed to successully defend their Ulster Title, coming first! We also managed to successfully defend the Pipe Corps prize, for the third year in a row! AND, just to add a cherry to the peverbial ice-cream sunday Mervin had just presented the band, we managed to take the Bass Prize too!

SO, on Thursday the band once again heads for the shores of Scotland to perform in the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday. HOPEFULLY, as I'm working after we get home on Sunday i'll have the report sitting waiting for you on Sunday Night!

 O, and Ben's Still awaiting his poke....

 P.S. On a non-competition note, it was a band BBQ at Gail and Ben's house on Saturday Night, and I havn't heard from anybody in attendence - so if anybody could check in with the Web team, we'd like to confirm we still have a band for Saturday!

It was with renewed enthusiasm and vigor that a somewhat layed back (well horizontal in some cases!) aughintober took to the field in Bangor for the North Down Championships on Saturday. What with having a break to parade, and then a break from everything it seemed that the band were glad to have a break from having a break! 

For the first time in quite a long time it was the Pipe Major and his good wife bringing up the rear in the band-arrival department...well maybe not as Kyle and myself had to give Roy a shout as he was still walking about in his shorts and t-shirt (weather certinly NOT permitting) at the time the band was supposed to meet. BUT we all finally got there, and got down to business. 

With the odd weather it was a very relaxed tune up, and the band hit the line in fine form, taking the big prize (1st) on the day, and adding the Best Pipe and Best Bass to the haul for the day. 

A short report for the day - but I assure you that it won't be the case next week, as it's the Band BBQ at Gail and Ben's (Ben - who is yet to receive his poke from Brian BTW) crib. Looking forward to it!

 O, and our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS! to Melvin Ferry,  who finally got up the curage to propose to Anna (who stupidly accepted!). We wish them all the best for the future.

 *EDIT - I just received a text message instructing me to congratulate Ben on his wonderful solo performance in the Grand Finale with the Drum Rolls!

So, the last report of the week (a long week), and it pretains to three events - firstly the All Ireland Championships, held on Saturday in Lisburn, secondly the Castlecaulfield District Parade, held in Castlecaulfield on Sunday, and thirdly the Aughintober lodge parade held in Aughintober on Sunday Night!

Being the main writer on the website, I am often accused of holding important, somewhat embarrassing information about myself back form you, the good readers. This, what I would call untrue accusation, I will quash right now, by telling you about one of the stupidest things I have ever done - which just so happened to happen on Saturday. 

So Saturday - I was up earlier than I would usually like because I had to go and pick my sister up from the City Airport and bring her to the contest. For those of you who don't know, my Sister is the Bass Drummer in Tullylagan, who just so happen to be in 4b, and play VERY early. So a bowl of porriage and a drive later, I find my self in one of those coffee joints enjoying a quite lovely Gingerbread Latte. My sister, eager to get to the contest and worrying about being late for practice had me RUN (yes, run) out of the airport and to the car, and aim it for Lisburn. 

NOW, what you might imagine at this point is me taking a series of  wrong turns, and ending up heading the wrong way down a one way street onto the now defunct SeaCat and us ending up in Iceland. But no, after some perfect driving we arrived at the contest 10 minutes before the Tullylagan 'meet up' time. 

Things were going well for me so far - I was on the field, dressed and wearing a new pair of band socks I had sorely needed since the middle of last season. At this point I decided to go and check out those fancy 'flat' blowpieces I had been hearing so much about. One purchase later and I found myself in my boot in my pipe-box discovering that the bore on the new blowpiece is too large to fit my pipes. THIS is where I fouled so very VERY badly my friends.

I happen to drive a Ford Fiesta. Brilliant car with a very interesting security feature. There is no handle on the boot to open it. If you happen to need access to the boot you need to either press the button on the dash, OR the button on the key. OPEN the boot with the rest of the car lock and close the boot down while the keys are in it, and you're in some bother. 

SO excited I was to go get my sparkly new blow piece changed this is just what I did. You can imagine my horror as I realised that not only was my cape in the car, but my bagpipes too! This right - I LOCKED MY KEYS IN MY CAR. And what an idiot I felt having to phone the house and admit what i'd done, so my dad could drive up with my spares. I'd just like to say that my Dad is a wonderful man to hasn't made much fun of me yet - but to give me the brilliant advice of KEEPING MY KEYS IN MY SPORRAN!.

So there you go - not even I'm exempt from long-winded embarrasing stories on the band website. So the band on the day was in good form, with Jason in the PM spot with Glenn off on Honeymoon, and managed to net 2nd, with Best Drums and Best Bass - a brilliant result!

As for the two parades - went well! (I've bored you enough with my own story!). Aughintober will be back out for the 12th of July, held in Coagh - and the usual 'Aughintober Survial Challenge' on the 13th!

The Official Aughintober Wedding of the century happened yesterday, creating the ultimate team of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ferry. SO happy this occasion was, an entire delegation was dispatched on the day to wish the happy couple the very best of luck. The setting was the Killyhevlin in Enniskillen - and a more perfect setting could not be found. Reports on the ground even suggest that the rain stayed off for the happy couple to get their photographs!

The only downside of this most happy occasion waas the fact that I, out of all the band members present was chosen to voice the band's opinion of the occasion of the video message....thanks guys!

So, a long week in the history of the website this has been - there will be another post about the contest tomorrow, and another about the parade on saturday! But there's nothing left to say but CONGRATULATIONS! :D

Wouldn't you know, that the ONE night I miss band practice this year, and it's the night the band finishes at 9pm, in order to give the Pipe-Major his pre-wedding doing...brilliant. I have no photo's to reference, just Robert's text which states

  "You missed the crack last night give glenn a doin band finshed at 9."

 I shall endevor to get a photo, or even a proper eye-witness account to share with you in my next report after the Wedding Party! In other news, after a phonecall from "Mr. Predictions" I discovered that the band were on radio Ulster last night in the 'Pipes and Drums' Programme's All Ireland build up. Our winning All Ireland performance was featured, and will be available online here 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00lg7h9/Pipes_and_Drums_28_06_2009/

for the next few days.

British Championships 2009, Lisburn Northern Ireland. This is one of the biggest competitions of the year, and the only major being held in Northern Ireland, so as you can imagine all band members showed up on that lovely Saturday afternoon ready to impress. 3.55 was our time - perfect to miss all the Grade 1 Competition, but just enough time for ourselves to impress. After a very relaxed warm-up, and MUCH talk about what the girls were wearing to Glenn's wedding party, the band hit the line in full force. At the end of the day, it was the Drummers who came away with the honours - winning the title of British Drum Corps Champions, with the band finishing thrid!

 Aughintober will be out again at an undisclosed location on Thursday night to celebrate the wedding of Pipe-Major Glenn Ferry! We would like to take this opportunity to wish Glenn and Sonia all the happyness in the world and a brilliant future together! 

O, and from the start of the season, Ben is still owed a poke...don't think he'll ever get it!

You'll all be happy to know that the Internet Pixies have given me no guff this week, and the report is being uploaded in usual time (on Monday, for those of you who keep track). After having a converstation with a few people, aparently the last report was thought to be funny - I can assure you that this was in no way my intention, and i'll be doing my best to make sure that dosn't happen again. Please accept my apologies! 

This week the band made the trip to Portadown for the 'Portadown and Craigavon' Championships (or whatever it was called). Yet another wet, cold day met us when we arrived, so much that I had to seek shelter with Gail and Ben in the Tullintrain Gazebo (thanks guys!). Thankfully, by the time we were getting ready to start, the Rain had all but stopped (but for a few small showers), and the people were out in force. And for me, it was even more special, as it was my Nephew's first chance to revel in the delights of the Pipe Band World (He's about 2 Weeks Old). In my family, we start them young - and i've already got a set of pipes ear-marked for him, and his spot picked in the band (Front Row, Centre should do - he'll be talented). Although I think my bother will have something to say about that. 

 ANYWAY - At the end of the day, the band obtained another 3rd Place, with the Drummers Winning both the Drumming and Bass Prizes....WELL DONE DRUMMERS! (We missed out on M&D Again! lol). 

Next week the band will be competing at Banbridge Rugby Club in the British Championships. And the week after that....GLENN'S GETTING MARRIED! 

 If anybody watched Top Gear Last night, you'll note that they unveiled the Stig....just so you know, we have no such plans to unveil our Tame Pen Scribbler - The Guest Writer!

O, and to my knowledge, Brian STILL owes Ben a Poke! 

This week, I've been asked not to mention Gail and Ben, as they seem to be mentioned every week - so I won't mention you Gail, see haven't mentioned you yet! lol :D

So onto this week's shenanigans - and the band's magical trip to the wonderful Kingdom of Cookstown - where the Leprechauns are a plenty, and you can get 2 cheese burgers and a tin of coke for the princely sum of £7. 

So, with the wet weather and everybody turning up on time we started...and then immediately stopped because of a very large rain shower...and then we started again (for real this time).

It has to be said (and everyone in the band knows this) that Cookstown is my fave contest - and always will be. Why, you ask - well it's because it's my home contest and the only contest held in Northern Ireland that I don't have to drive to. So it was even more special having the entire band there this year - walking on for the first time ever with 10 pipers is a wonderful feeling - something I'm glad we accomplished before the Worlds, which is usually the case!

So anyway - the band managed to stay in the prizes with a 3rd place, and nobody got taken away by the Leprechauns (or the Internet Pixies).

Next week we will by playing in  Portadown! :D

O, and Brian STILL owes Ben a Poke. 

*Please note things in this report may be made up to amuse myself.

One day, Two events. That was to be our fate on Saturday 6th of June. The First was the Contest in Carrickfergus. It was a cold, wet, miserable day - but as always the bandsmen of aughintober did themselves proud, never complaining (much), and getting on with the job at hand.

With Thermal's on, Ruth's magic hoodie, and Gail's crackin' gloves the band practiced through wet and the cold, and managed a brilliant 2nd Place, with the Drum AND Bass Corps becoming Co. Antrim Champions in the process (WELL DONE GUYS!). This leads us onto our second (and more important) event.

 The band had been asked by the one and only Brian Wilson to do an event for Cancer Research Loughgall I think about a month ago, to which we had all agreed. Once we saw how bad a day it was in Carrickfergus we decided to forgo the usual Grand Finale, in favour of giving band members a few hours off in the after noon to heat themselves up a bit!

NOW,  this is where I hang my head in shame and admit something I really shouldn't - but we in the aughintober web team always try and be honest with those who take the time to read our weekly ramblings, so i'll get it off my chest, and hope for redemption (it's not the first such admission this year).

I complained about doing this event all after noon , well all week actually. After standing out all afternoon in the cold I really couldn't be bothered dragging by pipes out once again to do an event I admittedly couldn't tell you what it was for. But I was wrong. Doing this event was the highlight of many of the bands day, and you'll know why when I tell you. 

 It turned out that the event was actually a 24 hour work in aid of Cancer Research UK. You heard me right, A 24 HOUR WALK. It turned out that the people doing it had started walking in a giant circle at 10am that morning, and were not due to stop until 10am the next. This was, I gather, done in teams - so somebody in your team is walking during that 24 hours, and you alternate walkers (kind of like the le-mans 24 hour race). 

To keep the walkers  enthused and to break the day up a bit, they had invited different people to come along and entertain them at different points in the day, and our slot was 8pm.

Now, believe me when I say that those doing the walk were special people, because they brought such a brilliant atmosphere to the place, cheering on the band, and the drum majors that were performing along with us (Brian Wilson, Ryan Ferry and Lynsey Hamilton).

Such a brilliant feeling this brought to the band that when we had finished performing, we decided to join the walkers for a lap, instruments and all (Thanks for this, I believe goes to Jason and Ben). I can't tell you exactly how long a lap is (band guesses come in anywhere between half a mile, and 6 Kilometers), but I can say that it took the time it takes to play Scotland the Brave and the Rowan Tree 6 times without stopping. (We have photographic evidence of this, and i'll get it up once I tack down Brian Wilson).

After this feat, the band was treated to some brilliant Craic, and all the tea/coffee, sandwiches and buns we could eat. So Impressed we were with the hospitality received, the band have decided (Well me, Jason and Ben so far) to enter a team if they run the event next year.

O, and incase anyone is wondering about the new header - Brian (jokingly or not, I'm not sure), named aughintober as the official Pipe Band of Cancer Research Loughgall. The band would invite you to help support this most worth wile cause. 

Ok, so first things first - the title. For those of you who don't know, it's a movie about a Field Ambulence in WW2 which has to cross a desert in Alexandria to escape the Nazi's, but like yesterday, we were a band playing in the scorching hot heat of Co. Fermanagh!. 

 The day started well enough, meeting up with Ben, Gail, Andy and Adrea - odly Andy dressed, and Ben still wearing he Liverpool top he was gifted as a child, and still wears at least once a week. Andy, meanwhile was starting to show his age, telling everyone to go for a wee 'mineral', and the talk quickly turned to ice-cream sodas (yum yum), but with the drought of ice-cream vans on the field at that point, we were unable to get that perveribal monkey off our backs right away (and i'm still waiting). 

 With a day as hot as Saturday, the order of the day was certinly sun cream, and who better to apply it than the wonderful anna (pic when i have it). Melvin certinly made good use of her talents, not feeling the sun all day, and even leaving early to he could get more applied.

 So, we played, and at that point we would usually all divide off to go get dodgy burgers and 'minerals' for extortionate amounts of money, but not this day! Because this day we had the newly crowned 'legends of aughintober' Benjamin and Gailey! Single handedly they produced a disposable BBQ, and burgers enough for all, and on behalf of team apb, we thank you! I can honestly say it's the best burger i've had at a band contest for a VERY long time. 

 So, in the end Aughintober came 3rd, and just missed out on the M&D Prize (yea right!). This, along with the fact that we had a brilliant day, and we were centre bands and it didn't rain, made it a day to remember!

O, and if Brian Wilson's reading this (why would he not?!), you still owe Ben a poke. 

A small number of APB players performed in Castlecaulfield Methodist Church on Wednesday night 20th May. Glenn, Ryan (Pipes), Roy (snare), Vicki (tenor) were one of  a number of local musicians who took part. Other artists included soloists, flautists, accordion players and Dungannon silver band. The event was organised by the local church to raise funds for a team of workers who are going out to help build a church for the christian tamils in the south of Sri Lanka; an area that has unfortunately been in the news recently. We wish Ruth and all who are heading out the best of luck.

'I am Glenn Ferry. And I see a whole Band of my countrymen,
here in defiance of wrong notes! You have come to play as free men. And free men you are! What will you do without freedom? Will you play?"
"18 against hundreds?" - the veteran shouted. "No! We will
run - and not make any mistakes!"
"Yes!" Wallace shouted back. "play and you may make mistakes. Run and you won't for at least awhile. And dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance, to come back here as young men and tell other bands that they may take our pipes but they will never take our ability!'
  -  Pipe Major Glenn Ferry's Speech to the Troops,
                          Scottish Championships, Dumbarton, 2009

May 2009 - and the setting for Aughintober's first ever incursion of the Scottish Championships. The weekend started well, with the start being at an uncharacteristic 2.30pm (not 3 TB!), giving members time to pack that morning, or indeed do exams! (Good Luck Vikki & Cathy!). The first stumbling block, of a kind was that of Gail and Ben's - who's fault it is cannot be determined without putting them both in seperate cages and depriving them of sleep for 3 days to get a straight answer out of them, but as it stands, they forgot their Band Shoes (yes, band shoes, cause I don't think I can spell gaillie Broughes), and we were alreday half way to the boat (Andy also forgot his phone, but he didn't seem bothered, so he only gets a side note!). 

One frantic phonecall later, and Gail and Ben both are having their shoes flown into scotland the next day (along with Andy's mobile), thanks to the efforts of Andrea and Ballycoan Pipe Band (Thanks guys!).

Now, i've been texting things to the Band Twitter all weekend to give me notes to write this up with (twitter.com/aughintober), and I've got a note which I can't remember the story for, so i'll just post it:

1. News just in...andy doesn't have to touch the washing machine again!8:12 AM May 15th from txt

Now long trips like this, different things happen - and you often talk to different people about different things, so after Gail held Ben hostage with a mars-bar (because he didn't bring her anyting back from the shop), I settled down with some of our older members and heard about the old days - and boy do they have some stories! O, and if you were on the afternoon boat to Troon on Firday, and you're missing a newspaper - Ryan took it! If you can describe what your paper looks like and want it back, just email 'ilostmynewspaper@ryantookit.com' and it will be returned to you promptly. 

The other noteable things that happened that day, in a list:

1. Gail had the idea of painting everyone's burl fingers black (nail varnish), but it was abandoned after players said the extra weight on the finger could mess up their playing

2. Ryan is currently in 'Check' with Noel for being rude to Gail - that'll be fun when he gets home!

3. Robin (Bus Driver) gets style points for reversing onto the boat.

4. Glenn starts ordering band members to smile on command...it's actually quite funny!

5. Glenn orders everyone to get their kit off as soon as we get to the hotel...

6. We ordered a chinese takeaway into the hotel - don't order a no. 67 - the woman on the phone doesn't know what it is (Pinneapple duck), won't send it, and then will proceed to take 45 minutes to send it to you when you tell her.

7. Blissful sleep, with a rude awakening early the next morning.

So that was day 1. Day two was mainly taken up with playing - although for me I got to see my beautiful niece for the first time in 6 months, converted her to a McLaren Fan (to the annoyance to my 'Brawn GP' fan of a brother), and she also became aughintober's littlest supporter (at 9 months, that's pretty little). But anyway - the playing!

Chris turned up in his usual attire of 3 quarter lenghts and flip-flops for the pre-practice drummers practice, which is good to see, and makes pretty good photographs! This done, he got changed and the whole band started (Pipe Corps and all), which was the "hard yards" as there was a fierce wind blowing off the valley, but we perservered, and at 3.50 a very proud looking augintober stepped onto the line for our performance. Good Rolls, Good Drones, a perfect 'e', and we were off. Of course, I can't describe the performance  - because I just don't have the talent, and I never have, but the general concenses in the band is that it was a good run, and we were happy with how it went - so off to the big white cape we went to await our fate in style!

So, results time. 'Best Drum Corps 2009 - Auchintober!' - we all went wild (as you can imagine). And then the same thought suddenly went through the pipe corps minds 'If we havn't won, it's our fault - the drummers have done all they could!'. But we needn't have worried, as next came 'Grade 3a Scottish Champoins 2009 - Auchintober!' - we went MENTAL, Gail lost her hat, and Roy nearly killed me with his drum harness, but it was worth it. Our first ever Scottish Championship, and what a feeling!.

So that's where i'll leave it, as there was alot of sleep had on the way home - and the only other noteable thing was the VERY rough sailing!

As always our thanks go to those who travelled with us, our supporters and of course Robin and Lois!

aughintober will be missing the Newtownabbey contest, but we'll be back for Enniskillen!

o and...
HAPPY BITHDAY ANDY!

The first outdoor contest of the season - and man was it a wet one! The Weather had a recurring pattern to it - rain, cloud, rain, sun, rain, cloud, sun with rain, sun, rain, cloud, wind, and so on, so forth. So it was a challenging environment that met bands as they arrived at the field.

As is a new band tradition, the drummers had already the drums hooked on when I arrived, practicing away - although Chris for-went the flip-flops this weekend and was already suited and booted ready for action, although intelligence tells me he was very nearly with out a cape - an error which would have been regretted!

So, tuned up and ready to go, the band played and all went their seperate ways - some to hear other bands, and other to sample the all-to-familiar comforts laid on by Dungannon  Football Rugby Club.

So why, may you ask did I choose Groundhog day as today's movie title - well it's simple, aughintober came away with Best Band, Best Pipes AND best drumcorps from the Tyrone Championships - same as last week.

On a personal note - i'd like to apologise to Glenn for making fun of his thermals - they truely are the best thing since sliced bread :D

Victory! - that's the one word text message I received from the Pipe Major, to tell me we had came first at the Banbridge indoors! Little did I know what was to come - with frantic phone calls to band members still at the event I had learnt that we had won the drumming, and the contest....but there was a little suprise waiting for me when I tuned the laptop to the RSPBA, because little did I know, the band came away with an amazing 4 1's (that's first from both piping judges, the drumming judge, and the ensamble judge). 

 So, a fitting welcome to Robert, Gail, Chris, Ben and Andy to the ranks of aughintober - and a fine night will be had by all! :D

8 people, 7 days, 1 concert.

In a break from preparing for romancing the next night, aughintober was back in action on Friday night at Castlecaulfield Parish Hall at a concert in aid of the Castlecaulfield Black Preceptory. The Musical talents of Glenn, Melvin, Kylie, Ashley, Clifford, Kyle, Vikki & Mac were on show as they entertained the audience with such classics as 'Amazing Grace' and 'Scotland the Brave'. 

Taking advantage of being the first act on stage, the band made full advantage of tea and scone privliges, before escaping to 'Club D' for the somewhat enevitable warm down, while one member discreetly disappeared...

2008....what  can I say - it was a year, and what a year! Every year we're forced to say this was the most successful year in the bands history - one of the perks of never having competed before and being on our way up the ladder - but don't let that fool you, and amazing amount of work went into making this season as successful as is was.

3 wins doesn't sound like much, but when you take into account that it was the most competitive grade in competition this year (with no band taking the top prize 2 weeks in a row), and the champion of champions going down to the last competition I hope you see exactly how difficult this year was.

The year saw big changes in the band visually (with our sparkly new uniforms which we got at the end of the 2007 season, and our new ties and long-sleeved shirts which we got at the start of the 2008 season). Along with the marching expertise of the band's BB members, this helped the band amass 4 Marching and Deportment Trophies (Co. Antrim, Co. Down, Ballyclaire & All-Ireland Championships). We also started using the new band logo, with band members and supporters sporting Polo-shirts, Fleeces and Hoodies.

The pipe-corps had one addition to the ranks in the form of Miss. Kylie Beavers, and along with Tune additions and the return of Glenn in the PM spot and Melvin in the PS spot managed to amass 4 'Best Pipe Corps' 'Trophies (Antirm, Mid-Ulster, All-Ireland, and the retention of the Ulster Trophy).

The Back-end roster remaining the same (managing to win the best Drum Corps prize in Co. Down), it was up to the Bass Section to change it up. Along with the addition of Tenor and Bass Drums, they added Victoria McClure and Cathy Reid to the permanent staff, and along with Veteran players Kyle Murray (Head Tenor), Wayne 'Turkey' Burrows, and Clifford Ferry (Bass) and managed to win 2 'Best Bass Section' Trophies - receiving the Co. Down and the All-Ireland Titles.

The band also took in another 'Major' Competition in Birmingham - the British Championships, which was recently voted the highlight of the year. The Band managed a very credible 6th place, being only one of a few Northern Irish bands on the field and Ryan became the first Drum-Major to be promoted to the Senior and win a Major Championship in his first year. We even managed to come away from the Saturday night with a cow-boy hat (wherever that came from) and some of the members got to meet Ringo Starr in the hotel lobby (Who was Welsh by the way, and upon retrospect may NOT have been Ringo Starr...)

The annual worlds trip came and went, with as much fun being had by all - especially on the Thursday night as it was both exam results night AND Kylie's 18th Birthday (whatever happened to that cake Ruth?!).

Uncle Davy was back in usual form - supporting the band whenever he could and making his usual appearance at the World Champoinship Weekend - and took on the mantle of 'Spiritual Advisor', although other titles are being decided upon for him (Band mentor as an example).

The Photo's this year were taken by the one and only Brian 'Legend' Millar. Brian was just Brian until the All-Ireland in Ennis, when he received his 'Legend' status by proving that he could handle the capebag, 6 jackets, and most of the bands capes while walking around and taking photos! We look forward to Brian returning in 2009 (after the Dungannon Swifts Season is over) as Band Photographer for the second year.

Also worthy of mention is Aughintober's 'First and Second Familys' - Namely Band Chairman Brian Murray & His wife (and band Secretary) Carol Murray, and Deputy Chair Trevor Burrows ('TB') and wife Valerie - who supported the band at every turn, and avoided giving speeches whenever they could!

All-in-all it's been a pretty eventful year in the life of aughintober. We only ever get to skim the surface of events within the band as it would be a full-time job to mention everything! I know there's probably an absolute TON of stuff left out from over the year which have been mentioned in other posts (below), and again next year we'll skim the surface of the goings-on, and hopefuly keep you entertained along the way, and well as informed!

Next year we have a bunch of new venues to look forward to, we've once again signed onto the Scarva Endurance Challange, and of course there's the annual un-veiling of the band profiles (which will be wackier than usual! Due to be unveiled around the 8th of May - that's right i'm gonna keep you waiting!). And of course the band graphics will change whenever the notion takes me.

O and the Guest-Writer....WILL BE BACK!

I know it's customary for sites like ours to do a review of the year round about now...but it's Christmas Morning, and i'm excited to see if e-Santa came! 

 Merry Christmas from everyone at aughintober! 

Here we are again - the official end of 2008 activities and the commencement of 2009. I'm referring, of course, to the Aughintober Dinner! With everyone dressed to kill, and a much slimmer Turkey back from his 'studies' in Scotland the evening started where else but 'Club D' in the Metropolitan Oasis of Castlecaulfield. As always the craic was mighty and everyone started catching up on events that had happened since Monday, when we all saw each other at band practice! All too soon it was time to board our respective modes of transport (I gotta say Clifford riding an Elephant was the highlight) and converge on Corrick House - the chosen venue for this year's event.

Of course the craic was just as good when we got to Corrick House, and we were soon all seated the meal began - which was lovely by the way! After this it was time for the speeches - step up Mr. Glenn Ferry ('Tha Boss'). 

I'll not bore you with the entire 40 minute address given on the band over the last season, but I'll tell you one interesting fact - Aughintober between Parades and Contests was on the road 16 weeks over the summer, out every weekend. If anyone knows of a hobbie that's easier, please email aughintober@hotmail.co.uk with your suggestions! lol

Of course after this formality there were 2 other things to attend to. Firstly was the presentation of the All-Ireland and Ulster Championship medals, each set into a bottle green box with a small plaque below it, giving the person's name, band and the title. (Pic on Left). Lovely as they both were, a quick straw pole of members present indicated that in fact the Ulster medal was nicer to look at, but that they were both equally brilliant to win!

The other formality was the George Cuddy Cup. Given to the band member who is deemed to have done a lot for the band in the season past. There were 4 contenders this year, all equally deserving: -

1) Kylie Beavers - for her humanitarian efforts in Glasgow, giving a room to 2 homeless locals

2) The Bass Section (Clifford, Kyle, Wayne, Victoria & Cathy) - for lifting the Best Bass prize at the All-Ireland Championships.

3) Ryan Ferry - For his efforts in Drum-Majoring, specifically becoming the first ever person to win a Major Title (British Championships) the year after being promoted to the Senior Grade.

4) Glenn Ferry - For his countless contributions to the band over the season, too many to be told, and for his great leadership in bringing the band so much success, including our first ever All-Ireland Title

And the winner is - GLENN FERRY! Everyone agreed that Glenn really deserved this and he accepted it gladly! 

After this the night continued to the musical sounds of Rumours, and we all danced the night away!

PHOTOS WILL BE UP WHEN I CAN FIND MY CAMERA!

Our Many Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Darrell Braiden on their joyful union yesterday! Reports from the field suggest it was a brilliant day all round!

Yes so - Weddings!  I refer to the Wedding Crashers because as with anything to do with augintober - some of us looked like we belonged, and others...well - wore jeans!  (I told you guys i'd work that in there somewhere!).

 If you look at the picture on the right it's a copy of the piece given to Darrell and Sarah from the band. Just another crackpot idea from a couple of the members of the band! (they say you have to be at least a little barmy to be in a pipe band, and i never understood until now!)

The night occasion was an auspicious affair - with the cream De la cream of the aughintober brigade, led by the deputy pimp himself (as put in charge by Uncle Davy) turning up in their glad-rags to make the occasion, if not a memorable one then certainly an infamous one, and a barometer of things to come, if the band ever gets invited to another wedding!

Surrounded by the finest Essex girls and rugby players to ever grace the shores of this fine country the aughintober clan distinguished themselves on the dance floor (to the beats and goings-ons of the majestic Remo!), and sat and chatted at the table about all things - even Sat-Nav!

And that, as they say - is pretty much it! On a more personal note, my hats off to anyone who had to get up for work this morning - it's a hard ole station, but someone has to do it!

* ahem* - Busy Books out class....

Saturday night saw aughintober delve into the art of Horse-racing at our 'Night at the Races!'. And although I can't tell you first hand how much of a success it was (My brother was 30, I hope you understand!) I'm told that Club D in Castlecaulfield was packed to the rafters, and a brilliant time was had by all!

As you arrived there you will have seen a Panic-stricken Secretary hastily trying to make sure all the arrangements had been covered (Brilliant job Carol by the way!), Jason trying to look after the sponsors (were they women?!), and it seems Mel doing is best to take over the title of Head Pimp, parading around with is lovely ladies getting bets for the horses!

Thanks to all who supported the band on Saturday night, and to all those who helped! I'm sure as soon as we have a fund-raising total we'll get it up!

On a small, housekeeping note we're all back to band, but there's none next week (27th October) as we shall all be attending the Wedding Party of our very own Darrell Braiden (See 'who's in it?' section for more details!).Watch this space for pics and a report from the day!

 vive somnium (live the dream)  

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800328/

Ok, so yes - MOVIES! Don't ask me why, don't ask me how - it just seemed like a good idea, ok? O and thanks to all those out there who've been giving us favourable comments about the website - it's good to know what people are looking at it, and that it's enjoyed!

Last night saw aughintober's official start to the 2009 season with the band AGM. After a month off it was nice to see everybody survived the break - even though Mel nearly didn't, breaking his arm in spactacular style playing rugby! The Band was in their usual boystrous form, electing the same officers as last year, and adding a Trophy Officer to the collection, in the form of Ruth Arnold! 

Office Bearers are as follows:

Chairman: Brian Murray (Head Pimp)
Deputy Chair: Trevor Burrows (TB)
Secretary: Carol Murray (The First Lady)
Treasurer: Melvin Ferry (Mr. Numbers)
Uniform Officer: Alan Ferry (You don't have my number!)
Trophy Officer: Ruth Arnold (Betty)

As well as this wonderful set of people, the web-team would like to announce an addition, who popped up once last year, and has been decided that she should pop up in the 'latest news' section more often....

'Some say she taught Jim Kilpatrick everything he knows, others say she can drink Drumlough under the table - all I know is, she's called The Guest Writer!'

That's right, the guest writer - our very own version of 'The Stig' has consented to coming on-board the crazieness that is the APB Webteam....Brilliant.

 vive somnium (live the dream) 

aughintoberpipeband presents:
A NIGHT AT THE RACES!

Sure to be a night you won't forget! So come along to 'Club D' (that's Davison's Bar, Castlecaulfield) on Saturday 18th October at 8pm and join in the criac - and who knows, you could walk away with a 2 night break in Glasgow! Speak to any band member for further details!

SPECIAL END-OF-SEASON GUEST WRITER....

The final competition of the season arrived rather quickly for Aughintober who were still recovering from the Worlds antics. It was back to the medley madness for Portrush and as the band met up for practice, the main thought on the minds of the players was to enjoy the final time in the ring for 2008. As practice began, the sun was shining. As practice continued the sun did a disappearing act and threw down some rain..which didnt stop. The grade had already began so we knew it would soon be our time. Tuning the drones proved no difficulty as TB provided us with his umbrella and the other supporters were handing around towels. Cheers guys for Portrush and all your help in the other contests. Pipe Major Glenn was concerned as always asking the pipe core "Are any of you's cold?" As we stood shivering with blue hands and lips, looking like Jack out of Titanic, and nodding our heads so he could see how we were all suffering, he said "Well Im not." and continued to tune. 14.30 was getting nearer and as we paraded to the final tuning area in the rain, many of us could not feel our hands. But the mood was good and as we walked to the line cracking jokes, we knew we would enjoy it whatever way it went. In the ring, although Ryan's hands were turning bluer and we all looked like drownded rats, everything went according to plan. After marching off Glenn, the ever caring pipe major, told us that if we had put our thermals on we wouldnt have been cold. As he had put his thermals on, he was boiling, the man thought he was in Cyprus. Many of us wish we had taken his advice in the text message received at the Worlds: ...

16/08/08 - 10.07 AM

Weather Conditions r v.Cold.
Don't be afraid to put on a
thermal/t-shirt under ur shirt
to stay warm. We got caught
out at banbridge with the cold.
Do what makes u feel
comfortable. Glenn

... And not laughed at him or called him thermal man but he was stating the obvious to be fair - we had all looked out our bedroom windows that morning and I cannot think of anyone in the band who would be afraid to put on an extra layer incase Glenn was cross.

After promising ourselves that next year - we would have thermals we went our seperate ways - some for a quick pint, others to dry off. Soon it was the Finale and it was still raining. But Mervyn the 'Mic Man' quickly got to our grade where we came a brilliant second place and also won Champion of Champions for Grade 3A. A very pleasing result for the weather conditions and a great way to end the year. So its all over and we are already planning next year wherever it decides to take us, so in the words of Cast -

We don't know where we're goin'
But we know where we've been - so
lets continue to 'live the dream.'

This one's for Emma Maxwell, firstly cause she's in 'the biz' and I didn't know it, and secondly cause this post is late, and she was complaining about that on Saturday Night!

 Firstly a bit of house keeping from the annual quiz - the president of Russia:-

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+president+of+russia&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Glenn and Sonia - I'd like my point back please! I told you i'd prove I was right, and there's your link!

So the Worlds 2008. Not the trip everyone was expecting. But it's the trip we got, and for me it answered a lot of questions. Don't get me wrong, we left Castlecaulfield - had a great time, and came back. Ryan was 3rd, and the Band was 7th. Nobody got seriously injured, and we all bonded! In many ways a complete success! Ryan did very well in his first ever year in the Seniors, and the band retained their top 10 position on the worlds title.

 But for me, it answered a question myself and Clifford have been mulling over all season. Why do we do this? Looking in from the outside most people wonder it. 2 practices a week, which is 2 nights out of your schedule, and a competition nearly every Saturday during the Summer, for most people it takes up a lot more time, and a lot more money than a hobby really should.

  So again we ask why?! But if you look at it, there's something there that's more than love of the music, and much more than getting together with your mates every Saturday for a bit of Craic. Glenn once talked about building players. Teaching someone to blow steady and play tunes is only the start - but teaching that person to integrate to a band setting, and play with others is building a player. 

But i've thought about this, and it's not about building players - It's about growing PEOPLE. I know it sounds stuipd, silly, and you all think i'm off my rocker, but it's true. I've seen people during seasons with the band go from having vertually no confidence and always saying 'no, I can't do that!', to  saying 'Yes - I Can do this!'. 

Pipe Bands - It grows your personality, helps you interact with people - and it's a dam good time!

 Ok - that's what I was gonna talk about next week - but thought it was ponient this week, so Portrush's gonna be fun!

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I pipe here
If I just pipe here
Would you pipe with me and just forget the world?

First of all i'd like to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ruth Arnold - a big 22!!!

After a 2 year gap, Aughintober returned to the Sunny shores of Bangor to compete in the 57th Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships. Ward Park was the venue, and a wet one at that when we arrived in my trademark shorts - somewhat of a joke at the start of the season, and more of an institution these days! Soon the rain dried up, and it was time to get back to business. It was a hard week's band practice, and everyone was determined not to let it go to waste.

Perfect Rolls - good, drones in - excellent, and the mighty sound of Aughintober's E - perfection. 

With the BBC and a arena of people watching Aughintober put in their best performance of the year - topping it off with a mighty performance for the Drum Majors! With the worlds a week away thecapebagproject, using this as a dry run for next week quickly dispersed for 'refreshments'  at one of Bangor's fine establishments, while everyone did their thing.

And onto the results. After having performed well, this can be torture. The band got off to a great start, with Ryan winning 2nd place!! As Mervin 'Mic Man' Herron went up the grades the nerves grew, waiting for what was to come. But Mervin wasn't to disappoint, announcing that Aughintober had won the Ulster Championships in G3A, a title they had come close to the year before on Glenn's return to the pipe band scene. Just to seal the deal, Mervin then went on to announce that Aughintober also had won the Pipe-Corps competition!!! This is the title we were defending, having narrowly won it last year. 

With 2 trophies and a lot of pride Aughintober walked off the field, First the All Ireland Champions, and now Ulster Champions as well - we didn't need any of the LSD the mayor was offering in his speech - we're high on life! 

So onwards it is to the Annual Aughintober Worlds Trip - the best trip of the year, this year cleverly entitled 'who's stupid idea was this again??!'. Why the cleaver title you ask? Well to be honest I have a lot of time on my hands, and this is a question we've been asking all year. (It's Usually Tim's by the way).

Sorry for the late post again guys, been up to my eyes! So Saturday, and the splendor of Ballyclare High School. Nice part of the country, even if you do need a map, some hiking boots, and an airdrop of supplies just to find the toilet! 

After another rainy/sunny day (Aughintober were centre-band after all - we've come to expect a soaking in the fanale!) the band ended up a very credible 3rd (Just piped out of second place by the Howard on Ensamble preference, well done lads by the way!) and Ryan ended up 2nd, after having the band play for him in the Senior Final, I believe yet another first for the band! (Although 6 and a half lengths, and 4 and a half 6/8's later I think most of the band wish we'd kept that first for another while!). O, and we won M&D!!! :-D

 After an eventful day, which did include - for some - bangers and mash!, a quick get-away was not an option. The truck-and-trailer team of Clifford and Ashley once again used their brains to effectively get out of the car-park - Clifford blocking in his Jeep, and Ashley Running behind. These skills havn't been displayed since Moira last year, and seem to have improved over time. Although the lads would like to apologise to the guy in the Silver Peugeot who didn't look too happy with their plan!

Aughintober will be fighting to retain their Ulster Piping Title on Saturday in Bangor, in the new venue of Warde Park!

That's right - Custard Creams. Probably not the words you would think of when describing the European Championships, held in Lisburn on Saturday past - but they are the words I've chosen, so you'll have to live with it!

Anyway, on with the report - Among the throngs of visitors and the sickly sweet perfume of both the chlorine from the Swimming Pool and the Popcorn from the Omniplex the Championships were held. So crowded was the Final tuning area in this vast arena it was hard to hear exactly how the band was going at points. Over 119 bands in attendance, and it showed! 

After a decent performance the band was once again placed 6th. (That's 4 in a row at a major, for anyone who's keeping count!). After a long slog at the MSR it's back to 'Medley Madness' for Ballyclare, and then we're on the home straight for the World Championships, with the Ulsters in Bangor, and then the big one itself!

O - I should really explain the Custard Cream thing - without going into too much detail, we were the only band on the field to have a custard cream break! Real trend setters we are!

THE VETERANS GUIDE TO PARADING - 12th & Scarva Edition

Parading in itself is not a hard task. You walk, you play and then usually you go home. But the 12th and Scarva parades are a different breed - they require much more stamina and are not for the light hearted - especially when playing a set of bagpipes, or carrying a drum. So here are a few tips from the last few days to help you along.

1. PREPARATION IS KEY. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, as they say. Make sure you have a plan to protect your instruments - change out any good reeds, and make sure the good bass doesn't go anywhere near the road (just in case a running guy falls trying to catch a small child, and goes into it head first). Uniform is also a priority - make sure things like hats are packed (Ruth!)

2. MENTAL PREPARATION. There's no sense in going out thinking it's gonna be a walk in the park. Prepare yourself mentally for the worst day possible - then maybe when it's through you'll be surprised it's over, and happy that it wasn't as bad as you thought!

3. KNOW YOUR STAFF. Before you leave make sure everyone is there - do a head count if necessary.

4. PLAYING IS KEY. Play at every opportunity. After all - this will build stamina and make tuning up easier for the rest of the season.

5. DON'T PLAY IN THE GRASS. Nuff said.

6. TAKE A BREAK. An hour sitting down between parades can be heaven after a  long day's parading. Take this gift and run with it. 

7. FOOD IS GOOD. At the end of it all, enjoy your onion gravy and your bread.

8. RELAX. Know that you've survived, and that you don't have to do it again until next year! Feel that sense of achievement - this must be why people run marathons.

24 Hours. That's 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds. That's roughly how long it takes to go win not one All Ireland Championship, but 4!

At 3am I woke - much like most of the band (apart from Ruth, who just doesn't sleep). Breakfast, getting ready, picking people up and going to the bus for 5am. 4 and half hours through the driving rain (give or take) to travel down town to Co. Clare, more specifically Ennis which played host to this year's All Ireland Championships. 

At 3.05pm, after 2 hours of tuning up a sleep deprived Aughintober stepped up to the line, last in the grade. Good start, perfect drones, good rolls and the mighty right hand of bass man Clifford Ferry gave the start to Aughintober's first ever All Ireland Championship! The band coming away with Best Band, Best Pipe Corps, Best Bass Section and Best M&D. I'm sure the mighty cheer that went up was heard all the way in Benburb, where Aughintober will be playing next week at the annual 12th of July celebrations.

Ryan, after getting into another Senior Final came a brilliant 3rd, bringing Aughintober's trophy total for the day to 5. 

The trip back was a massacre. One by one, band members and supporters fell to the lure of sleep, leaving 9 to hold the vigil, cracking jokes and talking nonsense all the way back to the Motherland. 

Why Great Weather for Ducks you might ask? Well it truly was. The only equipment needed for an All Ireland Championship in Ennis is your instrument and your cape. 

Aughintober will be back out tonight at 7pm, playing for the annual Orange Church Service at the hall, and won't be back in competition to  26th July where they will be looking forward to playing in the European Championships, hosted this year in Lisburn.

Aughintober will then be playing at the 12th in Benburb, and are looking forward to once again competing in the 'Aughintober Endurance Challenge' which will be held on the 14th this year in Scarva.

AUGHINTOBER FIRST AIRBORNE (AFA)
REPORT FROM THE FIELD - AIRDROP INTO BIRMINGHAM, 2008

The mission started, at least for me with 3 words...."Are you still alive?". leaving the house at 6am for the air drop, the plan was to get up at 5am and have some time to prepare myself for the mental rigours of the day, which thanks to a dodgy alarm clock didn't happen. So a fabulous mission start - Bravo Squad was already late - arriving at the airport at 7am, being the last in the AFA to arrive. 

This section of the mission was under Mission Commander C. Murray, having personally decided many of the Mission details, along with Commander G. Ferry of the expedition team. After a short delay we were off, on board a BMI Baby flight for our official air drop into Birmingham.

Once safely on the ground though, Ground Command reverted from Commander Murray to Commander Hassin, for the trip across land for the actual invasion itself. One mono-rail, one train ticket, and 1 stop later the AFA had successfully breached the city, deciding to divide up the forces into small insurgency groups, in order to take the place by surprise, and to better mask our presence there. The rendezvous was set for the AFA Barracks at 14.00.

 After a 'forced march' Command Squad 1, comprising of Commander Hassin, Navigator Maxwell, Major Murray, and Privates Beavers and Ferry arrived at barracks first, ahead of schedule. A celebratory meal was taken at the Mess across the street, and after experimenting with the local culture of 'shopping', the rest of the AFA promptly arrived, being greated by members of Command Squad 1, and the Expedition Team, who had arrived earlier that morning. 

After finding our relative bunks in the barracks, and a short band practice the AFA were granted one nights leave, to be enjoyed however they thought fit, and were promptly dismissed, to report for duty in full uniform the next afternoon, and a field in the city. 

The next morning was spent packing the van for the invasion of the park. Packed with bagpipes, snare drums, tenor drums, a bass drum, uniforms, a mace, and a very famous 'capebag', the Expedition Team's van set off, with several 'commando units' stealthily hidden in order to hide their presence. Once in the park, the Commando's were hastily dispatched to scout the area, and to fuel up for the day.

After a long day, lots of practice and some time in the ring, the AFA managed a very credible 6th in the ensuing competition, but it was one Commando Unit, known for his unusual levels of skill and discipline who took the day, winning his first Major Competition at the Top Level of Drum Majoring and gaining the title of British Champion Drum Major - our very own Ryan Ferry!

 After this win, a night of Fun and Frolics for everyone in the AFA, and the Expedition unit ensued, involving a game called 'Kings' and a hat which no body seems to remember getting.

One again, after getting everyone back to the airport safely Mission Command reverted back to Commander C. Murray, and everyone arrived back to base - albeit a little worse for wear in some cases!

We are currently waiting on news from the Expedition team, who set off before the AFA, but we trust they completed their swim as skilfully as Ever.

 REPORT ENDS.

The Aughintober Expedition Team of Alan and Glenn Ferry

Another first in the life of Aughintober is happening this weekend - the first time the band has played in England! 98% of the band, and the supporters are flying out in the morning (Friday 27th), but for Glenn and Alan it's a trip down to Belfast tonight with a van full of kit, and then driving to Birmingham to meet up with the rest of the band who fly out at 8.30am!

We should hopefully have a great trip, and we'll update you when we get back!

Banbridge Academy, a seat of learning in Co.Down and the location of today's contest (21 June 2008). For the academics and farmers who visit this site, you will be aware that the 21st June is the longest day of the year. For pipers, drummers, spectators and drum Majors, it surely felt like it at times !

The APB opened up the 3A contest at 1310 in cold but dry (at times) conditions. How we missed the sunshine of Larne ! The conditions were far from perfect but remained constant for all the bands in the grade. We were lucky ! Late on, the heavens didn't just open, they sprung a fairly significant leak which did not end. Just as the grade 2 contest was getting into its stride the weather changed from cold & miserable to wet, cold & miserable. The resultant downpour caused the cancellation of the grand finale, something that the webmaster had not experienced before. It was a rapid run through the prizes by Mervyn and the APB picked up a few in the rush to get home.

The band ended up in 4th place,  but picked up best drums, best bass section and best M & D. Our man in the middle or I mean the front Ryan made the final and picked up 5th place.

It was a historic day, as it was the band's first Drum Corp and Bass section prize in grade 3A, so all credit goes to the back end. 

But why the "Power of four" I here you ask?

• Band ended up 4th
• We brought home 4 trophies
• Ryan made his 4th senior final. 
• It felt like the temperature was about 4 degrees.
• There was 4 inches of rain in a couple of hours (guesstimate).
• There was 4 people in my car on the way home !
  

Let's dance to Joy Division
And celebrate the irony,
Everything is going wrong,
But we're so happy
Let's dance to Joy Division,
And raise our glass to the ceiling,
Cause this could all go so wrong,
But we're just so happy, yeah we're so happy,

Cookstown, home of the Mid-Ulster Championships and as close to a home contest as Aughintober will probably get for a long time (although the PM has joked he may arrange one out at Aughintober, with just us playing...). After everything that could go wrong going wrong, including the Bass harness breaking Aughintober once again came 2nd in Cookstown (That's 4 in-a-row by my count) and also came away with the piping prize. Ryan also came away with second place in the Drum-Majors.

A little space
A little time
See what it can do
A little faith
Peace of mind
See what passes through

The sun will shine on you again
A bell will ring inside your head
And all will be brand new

Location? Larne.
Time? 7th June 2008
Weather? "Brown Stuff" Hot

That's that the background information on the latest RSPBA NI competition where the sun shone brightly on all in attendance, at a vast arena just yards from the Irish Sea.

Having sat down to write some small spiel about the competition, it suddenly became apparent (via a text) that this was a historic day in the history of the APB. Today, was the first time the band had won Grade 3A!

The prize giving got off to a great start with Ryan continuing his rich vain of form in his debut year in the senior grade by achieving 1st place, another outstanding achievement for a talented Drum Major, piper and Batista impersonator.

As Mervyn "Mic Man" Herron delivered the results, he announced Aughintober as Grade 3A winners! If that wasn't enough, he continued to smooth some icing on that 3A cake by announcing that we had won best pipes! At this stage, the band was in some form of strange hormone/sugar fueled frenzy, with members feeling a strong urge to hug and shakes hands with each other. Then Mervyn placed a little cherry on that smoothly iced 3A cake by announcing we had won M&D! I think somewhere among the hormones and the trophies a band member actually passed out with the excitement!

The day ended with the band having collected 4 trophies.

Incidentally, while Ryan was competing in Larne he was voted the "Arts & Entertainment" winner  at the Alpha Newspapers Pride Awards 2008 so a BIG THANK YOU to all who voted for him!

So its off to Cookstown next week for " Medley Madness".

Note
The authors are permitted to use  as much artistic license as they see fit

I had a dream last night...(The night before the contest)...I dreamed that we played that badly that the PM stopped us half way through the performance and had us march out....Lucky that was just a dream!

In the sun-drenched beauty of Fermanagh, Aughintober took to the field for their first competition of the year.

A new first for the band was the honour of being a centre duty band, along with 3 of the other bands from our grade (Namely Killen, Cottown and Drumlough). So much of an honour it was, that you could see Aughintober pipers practicing well into the afternoon after they had played on practice chanters.

The finale was a different story though....torrential downpours! Our hats off to our fellow bandsmen from Drumlough to stayed with us to the bitter end (we were playing the Queen), just to, in their words "Give us the Cheer at the End".

After a long day, Aughintober ended up 2nd over all, with the Best Pipe Corps, and Ryan Was third...all in all not a bad day at the office! 

And a Big Welcome to Neil Bicker and Kylie Beavers, who had their first contest with the band today, and to Brian Millar, the new APB Photographer! Video online in the Video section.

On the heels of the 'Dirty Dozen' 2 years ago, the 'Fantastic 4' of Ryan, Tim, Alan and Ashley headed, albeit by separate means, to Dumbarton to sample the competition for the season ahead. By Boat, Car and by plane they headed, and a wonderful day was had by all. What made it even more special was Ryan winning 3rd place in his first ever Senior Drum Major's Competition, another wonderful achievement from this very talented person. WELL DONE RYAN!

This weekend also presented a first for the band - A piper busking in Edinburgh. Ashley took the opportunity to take the pipes for a few tunes, making around 32p!

Aughintober will be taking the field next week in Enniskillen with their medley selection, with Ryan competing in the Senior Drum Major Competition.

So there you have it folks. The first contest is over, and due to circumstances beyond our control, Aughintober wasn't there as a band...but the 'hard corps' were out in force for a wee bit of a listen...harder than you might think watching bands perform!

 And of course Ryan was out, competing in his first seniour competition on these shores, and in the words of Glenn....

VICTORY!

So on behalf of the band, we'd love to say a massive well done! To Ryan on a good day at the office! His next contest will be the Scottish in Dumbarton next week, and the bands will be Enniskillen the week after that.

ALSO everyone who reads the Courier will know that Ryan is up for an award in the arts & entertainment section of their 'Pride Awards'. Go on...give him your vote! 

That's right folks, after the thrill of meeting Miss. Poland at the end of last year, Glenn and Ashley have ticked off another country on the list, Miss Sweden! This time they shared the experience with Mac, which as you can see from the picture, he appreciated it! Once again the lads invited the gorgeous Miss Sweden to band practice, but unfortunately she had to decline, due to an early flight back home on Saturday.

Friday 25th April was a special night for the band for many reasons.

First, was the introduction to the band of 2 new playing members who joined over the winter. They were Kylie Beavers (Pipe Corps) and Neil Bicker (Bass Section). Both have fitted in well with the band, and learned why nobody in the band buttons the bottom button of their waistcoat!

Secondly, this was the first public use of our new tenor drums. The tenor section certainly looked the part!

Thirdly, the concert was for a cause close to the bands heart. The concert was in aid of providing funds for Leukaemia patients. The PM was diagnosed with leukaemia last year, and thankfully came through. It was nice for the band to give a little something back.

Saturday 12th April was another very important day in the life of Aughintober Pipe Band. The reason being that 3 of the up and coming brigade made their début performances at the solos in Cullybackey High School. The talented team of Nathan McCammon, Heather & Ruth Hall played in the practice chanter competitions, and although it was a nerve wrecking experience they performed remarkably well, with the results as follows.

Under 14 Practice Chanter
Nathan (10)  4th & Gold Award
Heather (13) Bronze Award

Under 16 Practice Chanter
Ruth (15) 2nd & Gold Award

Well done ! 

BANG! Aughintober 2008 Player Profiles now online, this year including the very important backroom staff! ENJOY!

Aughintober Pipe Band will be performing in the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, Cookstown at a charity event on the 25th April. The event will be compered by William Caulfield and will feature a range of championship bands including Aughintober Pipe Band, Dunloy Accordion Band and the Sons of William melody Flute band. In addition the "Hounds of Ulster" will also be performing.

Aughintober played a concert on the 14th March in Castlecaulfield. After a long stint in the practice hall it was nice to get out and play some of our new pieces to the adoring masses. Unveiled at this event were our new Strathspey from the MSR, Maggie Cameron, and our new closing reel for the medley, and tune called Rory's Hat (We don't know who Rory is, but we certinly like his hat!), a personal faveourate of Mel's.

The story of the night, though was the Bass Drummer's (Clifford's) son. The night before while Clifford was at band young William, all of 4, set himself on his career path - Painting! Armed with a tin of emlushion, and a 4 inch brush young William started painting his room, and what a job he did!

So if you need any painting done - no job too big, no job to small - Mirrors and floors painted for free, give young William a Call!

Band members were out Wednesday 13 March as they provided the entertainment for the Mid-Ulster Alzheimers Society Annual General Meeting. Ryan, Andrew & Glenn played some new material and old favourites to the dedicated band of workers at the Alzheimers Society. 

Band Member on Sky Sports Soccer Am ! 

As we sat watching our favourite TV show "Soccer AM" with the Lovely Helen Chamberlain (No I wasn't with her, she was presenting) little did we realise what was coming up in the show !

For those who don't watch Soccer AM, your missing out, it is the show of all shows and what an honour it would be to get onto it ! 

Soccer AM's best bit is the "Soccerette"(fit ladies dressed up in a football top and a pair of skimpy shorts) but if you can't get your girlfriend onto it then, the 3rd Eye is a worthy substitute.  As we watched the 3rd Eye segment where viewers send in great spots of ongoings out of the main camera shot, we were excited as there was a Bonus One ! Not only had we a bonus one but it was sent in by Darrell Braiden from Northern Ireland! We couldn't believe it as Helen uttered the immortal words of "We loved this one in the office, Darrell's Third Eye is superb"(or something like that)

Well done Darrell, winning the Worlds with the band is a great achievement but making it onto Soccer AM,......... that's a bit special !

SPECIAL GUEST ENTRY BY RUTH ARNOLD....

For all those eagle eyes out there, I've taken down the 'Who's in it' section of the website, to give me a chance to update them for 2008 with shiny new pictures, and after 2 years, new questions to boot. Expect that section back before the season begins!

O and for those of you who think the title of this post is a bit funny, well it is! Last year during the season I had a 'Year of the Bad Pun' going on with the web posts just to liven things up a bit, so this year i've decided to have a 'year of the song'. With any luck i'll not forget, and just to prove i'm not making them up the band who sung it, and the year it was released will be put beside it...it should be an interesting year!

2007, and what a year it's been. 

Ryan had his unprecedented run in the prizes (winning all but one), the band came under new leadership for most of the contests and flourished, and there was a lot - and by this i mean A LOT of rain!

So here's looking forward to the 2008 campaign, who knows what it'll bring, but we'd like to wish everyone the very best of luck, and we'll see you in the field!

In a special performance in the Glenavon, Cookstown last night bandsmen Glenn Ferry and Ashley Hassin certainly gave polish visitors something to talk about. Never had the visitors, from Cookstown's twinned town of Wronki seen such a thing, showing their enthusiasm and love of the lad's playing with clapping, stamping feet and even dancing to their playing. When asked would anyone like to have a go at blowing the pipes, they were inundated with volunteers, both old and young!!

The highlight of the night, though was Miss Poland. Our cheeky chappies even invited her up to band on Monday night - but sorry lads, she's washing' her hair!

The Royal Hotel, Friday 23rd November 2007, and there's one word on everybody's lips....PRETTY BOY

That's right, this was to be no normal Aughintober Dinner. Voting had been taking place on-line over the last 4 Months, and there were two main contenders - Jason Ferry and Kyle Murray. It could go either way, and the only person who knew the result was the Pipe-Major.

After a lovely dinner there were a few presentations to be made. The first was the George Cuddy Memorial Cup, which is presented to a different band member each year, who have proven themselves worthy in one way or another. This year's winner was Jason Ferry, for 'Stepping up to the mark when asked'. This was in reference to him filling in this year as pipe-major for Glenn, and doing a Brilliant Job of it!

The second presentation was from the band to Ryan Ferry. This was to celebrate his brilliant season at the Drum-Majors. Not only winning the Worlds, but taking home the Scottish, British, Irish, European, Northern Ireland and Scottish Champion of Champion Titles. Not to Mention only failing to win 1 Domestic Championship....What a season!

Then was the time everyone was waiting for - Pretty Boy Time! Over 500 votes were cast (and our web-stats went though the roof!), and with 126 votes the winner was none other than Kyle Murray! For winning Kyle gets the 'Aughintober's Prettiest Boy' title for a year, a certificate signed my many prestigious 'Pretty Boy's including Sir Elton John, and a 'Pretty Boy Goodie Bag'. Well done kyle, we know you'll serve the office of Pretty Boy with Distinction!

So that was Aughintober's social event of the Season over for another year. Again the Royal Hotel was left in relatively one piece, although I think John was trying to Bankrupt them with the amount of Lemons he was putting in his drink! WE'LL SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR!

Check out the video section for some clips of the evening

We have seen many things in the history of Aughintober, but what occurred last night was beyond anyone's ability to predict. Two sisters, both with blonde hair and a great love of the colour pink, walked off with the million pound recording contract and the even more prestigious 'Stars of the North' Title.

It seemed neither the Blues Brothers, The Billy Boys, or even Girls Aloud could quell the overwhelming support for these two beauties who were on stage first with their rendition of 'Barbie Girl'.

Next up was the 'Blues Brothers', Elwood and Jake with 'Rawhide' - Picked because of the concerts rural setting. And certainly the plan worked, with the crowd dancing and clapping the whole way through!

After this was 'Girls Aloud'' chance to wow the audience with 'The Sound of the Underground'. And WHAT STUNNERS THEY WERE. With their meticulous dance routine both their good looks and vocal ability got the job done.

The final act of the night was 'The Billy Boys' with 'Big John'' (or some such!). An excellent tune, its not since 'Cotton Eyed Joe' has so much denim and Straw appeared on the stage, and what a performance it was.

But as always, it was the Judges who had the last say, and the title, and the contract went to Sam and Amanda, previous contestants in Big Brother.

When asked to comment, their No.1 Fan, none other than our own Noel Ferry said:
"Every act was absolutely excellent, but I think we have two deserving winners"

Aughintober Pipe Band would like to thank everyone who performed, worked behind the stage and who turned up to make this concert the success it was!

Portrush....and it was rainin, just for a change! Aughintober had a great run today, leaving them second behind Robert Malcom Memorial, a band hailing from Canada! This was a real achievement for the band, finishing with a row of 2's in the points, giving the band a real boost for next season! (and yes, it's never too early to start thinking about 2008!).

Ryan also had another great run, leaving him 1st (once more!). Ryan also recieved his Champion of Champions award for his great season today!

So for Aughintober that's 2007 season, our first in 3a done and dusted, and for those of you out at the Cowal next week, a few cheers for Ryan who will be competing would be great!

From everone in the band we would just like to thank those people who have helped the band out over this season, especially those supporters who travelled to the contests to cheer us on, we couldn't do it without you!

Great Season, See you next year...Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!

In 2007 a crack unit of musicians was sent to Glasgow for a competition. These musicians promptly came together, and today they survive as players of fortune. If you need some music, and no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the apb team.

7.30a.m. Castlecaulfield. Under a hazy sky the players and supporters of Aughintober Pipe Band set off on another Glasgow adventure. With the tunes pumping from the speakers at the back it was no time until we reached the boat (lucky this time the bus didn't hit the pillar on the way out of the Church Hall!). When we reached the other side the annual Aughintober Table Quiz got underway, under the leadership of Quiz-Master Glenn.
For the second year running the winners came from the front of the bus - This time our two newest recruits, Philip Murdock and Jason Winters! And as always the back row was accused of cheating! (Lies I tell ya, I was just fixing the spelling mistakes!).

Arrival at the hotel is always a nice thing, giving time to have a rest after a days travelling, its wonderful! After band practice it was the usual free-for-all, people heading out for food, back to the rooms, or in most cases out to one of the local watering establishments!

Friday is a subdued affair, band not being on to late afternoon/early evening giving people time to recover from the previous nights antics, and to go shopping! The real highlight of Friday night is the China Buffet King - All you can eat! :) Around 50 supporters and members made the trip for the chinese, which was, as usual, good food, and even better company!

Saturday is the real day for effort. The band reported at reception at 9am, fully kitted out in their new uniform! So with everybody looking sharp, we donned capes to cover it all up and headed off to the green! It was such a wet affair that 'Auntie' Flo resorted to going to Argos to get a gazebo to keep the band and supporters dry! And from everybody at Aughintober, Flo - your a real star! :)

Aughintober had to make their way through a qualifying round of 12 bands, only 6 to make it through, so after a decent run on the green at 11.30 it was a nervey wait until 1.30 until we got our results. Although this gave Ryan time to concentrate on the drum majors, where he would be challenging for the Juvenile Championship.

1.30 came, and Aughintober Qualified! :) Thankfully our name was called 3rd, so as to spare us the agonising wait of having it called out towards the end, or even not at all! We were to play in the final at 4.00pm, the last slot. So with renewed confidence Aughintober met up again and started back into tuning up. As the weather had subsided a bit, we were to show off our new waistcoats in the ring this time. So looking very sharp, this time not covered by capes the band hit the line, and after a decent performance that was it all over for another year!

At this time, the once a year bar called the 'cape bag' opened once again for business. Owned and operated by Clive and Ashley this little venture is a success every year, and didn't fail to impress once again.

After a long day it was finally results time, but not before a grand band switch-around, with Drummers becoming Pipers and Vice-Versa. Proudly the band once again marched into the Grand Fanalie to find out their fate.

The first prize for the band came in the Drum Majors for Ryan...1st Place and World Champion! The deserving World Champion proudly marched up to the front and was even shown on the big screen while collecting his prize!

In grade 3a Arklow proudly picked up 1st place, with Annsborough winning the drumming. Aughintober managed to pick up 6th place, which is a brilliant achievement for the first year in the Grade!

Job done, it was time to get back to the hotel for another night of antics! Because of this the trip home was a rather subdued affair, with many of the Members taking the time to catch up on sleep, and for Uncle Davy to tell anyone willing "if their not quiet that they would be taken outside and asked to defend themselves!"

Aughintober Pipe Band would like to thank everyone involved for making this year's trip such as resounding success, and especially Glenn for arranging the whole thing!

And as the man says - "I love it when a plan comes together"

Today was a wonderful day all round where Aughintober was concerned. Firstly was the long-awaited return to the competition scene of none other than Mr. Glenn Ferry himself. It was nice for the band, as I'm sure it was for himself to have that all important 9th man back in the pipe corps.

Secondly the band was kitted out with new kilts and sporrans for the occasion, greatly boosting the bands confidence (the looked quite tasty too!).

The band hit the line at 12.25 in fine form, going on to become Ulster Pipe Corps Champions ahead of Annsborough, and gaining a 4th in the Drumming! This was a well deserved win for Pipe Major Jason Ferry, made all the sweeter by the return of Glenn.

Ryan also had another successful day at the office, winning second place, keeping his prize streak alive, and an amazing 11th trophy this season, WELL DONE RYAN!

Aughintober's next contest will be next week in Glasgow at the World Pipe Band Championships, hitting the line at 11.30am!

Drum Major Ryan Ferry - Scottish Champion, British Champion, All Ireland Champion and most recently today crowned European Champion for 2007!

Ryan showed up on the green in Inverness in fine form this morning with all the concentration and dedication he has shown all year. In fine style he showed off the silky skills he has utilised so effectively all year, giving him an amazing 10th win in a row!

The Aughintober 'massive' would once more like to congratulate Ryan on his most recent victory, but would remind him that he requires a note of excuse for missing band practice!

Both Ryan and Aughintober will be back on the field next week in Moira Demesne where the Ulster Championships will be held.

Year two of the 'Aughintober Endurance Challenge' was held in Scarva again yesterday, with a total of 20 entrants from the band. After the success of last year's challenge another good year was anticipated, but from the off things didn't go as expected in pre-training.

As the 'Endurance Challenge' is annualy an event for the contest band, the 'junior members' were omitted from perceedings, and Piper Philip Murdock was drafted in as a fresh man for the Pipe Corps, and Daryll Braiden was drafted in to the Drum Corps.

This Event is annually divided up into 5 stages -

Stage 1 - The Hall to The Bus
Stage 2 (Part 1) - The Bus - Tandragee Centre.
Stage 2 (Part 2) - Tandragee Centre - The Bus
Stage 3 (Part 1) - Scarva (Field 1 - Field 2)
Stage 3 (Part 2) - Scarva (Field 2 - Field 1)
Stage 4 (Part 1) - Tandragee
Stage 4 (Part 2) - Tandragee
Stage 5 - The Bus to The Hall

The first retirement of the day was at the Start/Finish line. Tenor Drummer Wayne Burrows was the first man to fall before the first note was played, requiring an ambulance to take him away. Wayne has recovered well, and is again at fighting fitness. This forced the second retirement of the day, Noel Ferry who retired on compassionate grounds, going to look after Wayne.

Stage one went off with no further retirements. Stage 2 (part one) showed the band's eagerness, narrowly passing a flute band for position on parade to Stage 2 (Part 2). After this a short break ensued for the band to regain the energy needed for Stage 2 (part 2) and Stage Three (Part 1).

At the halfway point in Stage 3 (Part 1) things got even more difficult when it started to rain, but the band persevered, showing what they are made of and marched on regardless, without capes to the end of the Stage. There is another break after Stage 3 (Part 1), again for the band to look after any injuries, and to regain energy. The smart members of the band spent this time in the Tea-Tent, drinking tea to regain vital sugars, and staying dry!

The rest of stage 3 went off without any hitch, albeit a bit wet. The next two retirements came in quick Succession, Namely after Stage 4 (Part 1) from Wendy Ferry and Darrell Braiden, retiring due to lack of Match Fitness.

The band, two down, marched on, the last retirement coming 50 yards from the finish line, being Pipe Major Jason Ferry, who retired due to blow-stick failure, forcing Ryan Ferry to take the top spot for the run to the finish line.

We would like to thank everyone who has taken part this year, and especially those who finished. A great day was had by all!

Final Results

The 12th of July Celebrations were held in Dungannon yesterday and was a great day for Aughintober, fielding 11 pipers, 6 Tenors, 5 Snares and a Bass - The biggest band in Aughintober's history to take the lodge on the 12th. Previously called 'learners' - the now 'Junior Bandspersons' proved themselves greatly, never faulting once and giving the band that lovely 'big' sound!

After the main demonstration in Dungannon, the band and lodge then paraded Castlecaulfield with the district, and then - reinitating a new tradition paraded back to the hall from just up the road, everyone going for that great goal of the Barbeque!!

The band would just like to say WELL DONE! all our 'Junior Bandspersons' for putting in such great effort over the last year, and to say KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

The rain that has been relentlessly battering Northern Ireland recently finally stopped yesterday, just in time for Drum Major Ryan Ferry to recieve his 8th consecutive win of the season. This one was even more special as it made him All Ireland Champion!!!

The band also had a good run yesterday in the ring, coming out 3rd. An amazing achievement for everyone involved when you consider the two bands above us (Annsbourough (1st) and Arklow (2nd)) were already in the grade at the start of the season.

The next major is The World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August. Aughintber have been placed in Heat 1 for the qualifiying and will be hitting the line at 11.20am.

So now it's off to parade season to 'relax'!! Aughintober's next contest will be Moira, The week before the World Championships. SEE YOU IN THE FIELD

A wet day was had by all at the British Championships in Ballymena yesterday. Playing in a grade of 21 bands Aughintober stepped up to the line at 1pm. A good performance was had by the band, especially as the rain had just started before we went into the arena. The band came away with 6th place on the day, an excellent place to have in our 1st year in this grade. Commenting on the playing conditions, one drummer who shall remain nameless was overheard saying that "there was so much rain on the drum in the arena that there was trout swimming about in it!". Indeed, there was alot of rain. 

Ryan, once again, showed what he was made of in the Juvenile section of the Drum Majors, coming away with not only a British Championship to add to his collection, but his amazing seventh win in a row! WELL DONE RYAN!

A very damp day was had by all yesterday as the Aughintober Faithful decended on Banbridge. The competition was to be ferce, with 11 in the grade with this being many bands 1st or 2nd contest, there was everything to win, and everything to loose.

After an interesting performance Aughintober came 4th in Grade 3a, managing to get the M&D prize as well.

The real winner of yesterday though was Drum Major Ryan Ferry, who not only stood in as Pipe-Sergent in the band, but went on to recieve his 6th straight victory in a row...WELL DONE RYAN!!!

Great weather and great craic was had at the Mid-Ulster Championships yesterday in Cookstown. With the sun shining on their backs Aughintober hit the line in great form, taking 2nd place - sealing the tradition of receiving 2nd in Cookstown (2005, Grade 4a and 2006, Grade 3b both second places in Cookstown). This is a great achievement for the band, only having joined the grade this year.

Ryan also was on great form, getting his 5th victory in a row! The band would like to Congratulate Ryan on this, a brilliant achievement!

The Cookstown contest was also a very special day for Piper Alan Ferry, who was given the honour of being Chiefton for the day, and he did a brilliant job, even keeping his speech nice and short! It was also nice for both Jason and Ryan to recieve the prizes from their Auntie Flo!

Another week, another really bad pun! It was under the rain clouds of Co. Antrim yesterday that ryan got his fourth straight win of the season, and four contests in, that's Great!

Aughintober wasn't on the field yesterday - instead opting to put in an extra practice. We would also like to tell Ryan that, as he won yesterday we will forgive him for not being present, and he'll have to put in extra practice today to make up for it!

It was a cloudy ole day in Co. Fermanagh yesterday, with the pipe band scene descending on the new venue of the Lakeland Forum, which made for a much better enjoyed contest.

With the absence of Cottown and Arklow in Grade 3a, it was between Aughintober, in their first domestic 3a contest ever, and Annsborough, who were well established in this grade. Aughintober never let themselves down in the ring and even though we came second overall, we managed to come neck and neck with Annsborough in the piping, which the band feels is a great achievement for only our second contest in the grade.

The real hero of the day however was Drum-Major Ryan Ferry, who once again showed exactly what he can do, becoming the Co. Fermanagh Juvenille Champion of 2007 - WELL DONE RYAN!!

Next week will show the band descending on the Co. Antrim Championships, which should hopefully make for a good day!

Drum Major Ryan Ferry showed exactly what Northern-Irish Drum-Majors are made of, and what they can do as he put in a thrilling performance yesterday in Dumbarton to become the 2007 Juvenille Scottish Champion!

Due to player commitments, and exams, Aughintober didn't compete in 3a yesterday, but you can see Ryan, and indeed the rest of Aughintober back on the green next week in Eniskillen!

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Go to the tunes section to hear part of the APB medley

January 2006
2006 sees the launch of our brand new website: www.aughintober.com.  If your reading this then you already know, and we thank you for surfing in. We hope to keep the site live and dynamic with regular updates on band members, latest news and events. So enjoy your visit and feel free to leave a message on our guestbook.  Thanks again.

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