Pipe Band reunion big success

Submitted

By Mayvis MacLellan

The Rivers & District Pipe Band planning committee is pleased to proclaim the Band’s 50th anniversary reunion of its trip to Scotland a huge success.

Once again, the sounds of pipes and drums resounded through the streets of Rivers as former band members played along with Brandon’s 26th Field Regiment Pipe Band to lead last week’s parade. Those who weren’t playing marched behind the band in fine form, innately recalling their training by esteemed drill instructor, Scotty McIntosh. It was wonderful to note that two members of Rivers first pipe band (1961) participated throughout the entire parade route. Don Taylor played his pipes, and Jim Madder marched.

A significant site was the pipe band’s former bus that is now owned by Don Werschler of Winnipeg. Werschler cheerfully complied to a request to return the old bus to Rivers for the occasion. It was very much a part of the Rivers and District Pipe Band’s glory!

After the parade, former members, parents, chaperones, and many others mingled in Redfern Hall where friendships were renewed and great memories recalled. Attendees delighted in browsing the display of history and stories from the Band’s past, video footage of performances, and many photos from times past.

A group of pipers and drummers thrilled the crowd with familiar tunes. A stellar demonstration of drumming by Blair Brown, and highland dancing performed by Ava Acevedo were also highlights of the afternoon.

A touching moment was when Brent Chamberlain, announced the names of former instructors (one of whom was his father, drum instructor, Bub Chamberlain) and members who have passed away. Attendees were encouraged to raise a glass to their memory. Noteworthy attendees included Ray and Nancy Bayne, who were very instrumental in the running of the pipe band. Former RDPB drummer, Mark Humphrey, who now hails from Pittsburgh, PA, presented the couple with his handcrafted Celtic pens. It was also great to see parent chaperones, Doreen Bate, Joyce Espey and Lorna Greer.

We are certain that Don Mitchell, the founder of the Rivers Boys Pipe Band in 1959, and its compelling leader through the decades to the Band’s end, would be proud of his legacy of “boys” and “girls”.

Back row - Wenda Best (Head Leader), Shannon Basaraba (Assistant Leader), Karas Munz, Austyn Peters, Aklen Abey, Nathan Hillis, Chase Airey, Shawn Airey (Assistant Leader). Middle row - Shayden Manz, Kinley Peters, Tarron Basaraba, Maverick Peters. Front row - Jorja Manz, Madison Hillis, Weston Manz (Pee Wee), Blake Airey, Brody Basaraba.

Overall champion showman winner Aklen Abey, sponsored by Rivers Home Hardware. Overall reserve showman winner Austyn Peters, sponsored by Rivers Legion.

Market Steer Class. Top three class winners sponsored by Kroeger Backhoe Services. Two classes, top three steers selected from each class will return for championship class. Champion steer winner Brody Basaraba, sponsored by Westoba Credit Union. Reserve steer winner Blake Airey, sponsored by Raven Trucking(Derek and Meaghan Froese and Family).

Best homegrown steer winner Blake Airey, sponsored by Dennis and Beth Wilcox. Highest gaining steers, Nathan Hillis at 3.74lb/day and Maverick Peters at 2.97lb/day, sponsored by Rivers and District 4-H Beef.

ADG Prediction winner Blake Airey, guessed 2.45lb/day (actual was 2.5lb/day), sponsored by Melody Acres. Digger award winner Shayden Manz, sponsored by HTA Charolais. Rising star award winner Karas Munz, sponsored by Clay Hills Livestock.

Breed Association Awards: Manitoba Angus Association – Nathan & Madison Hillis, Aklen Abey, Tarron Basaraba; Manitoba Charolais Association – Chase & Blake Airey, Shayden & Jorja Manz, Brody Basaraba; Manitoba Hereford Association – Brody Basaraba; Manitoba Simmental Association – Karas Munz, Austyn,

Kinley & Maverick Peters; Best kept record books: Cloverbud Madison Hillis, Junior Blake Airey, Intermediate Chase Airey, Senior Austyn Peters. Sponsored by Daly Repair.

Stall sign competition: Cloverbud Madison Hillis, Junior Brody Basaraba, Intermediate Nathan Hillis, Senior Austyn Peters. Sponsored by Heritage Co-op.

Congratulations to Trevor Peters and Quinn Sawchuk for winning the 50/50 draw. Supper was served at 5:30pm, delicious beef on a bun. Sponsored by MNP Ltd. The sales auction started at 7pm sharp with Robin Hill as the Auctioneer. A great time was had by all.

Front row L-R: Laura Lyne (Bate) Turner, Judy (Greer) Tidlund, Lesley (Shamray) McFadden, Shelley (Esplin) Meakin, Carol (McDonald) Fortune, Heather Bayne, Sharon McIntosh, Don Taylor. 2nd row L-R: Kathie Shanks, Diane (Ross) Dvorak, Cathy (Cole) Horn, Terry Lynne (Cole) Balcaen, Mary Lou (Bate) Hunter, Carolyn (Heise) Somerville, Sandra (Heise) Armitage, Joanne (Weins) Davis, Eileen (English) Harrison, Elaine (McIntosh) Camacho, Linda Hillier, Dianne (Hastings) Fotheringham, Diane Shamray. 3rd row L-R: Doug Angus, Don Anderson, Jamie McFadden, Jim Madder, Brian English, Terry Smith, Bruce Shamray, Mark Humphrey, Brent Chamberlain, Blair Brown, Colleen Dunn, Rob Trott, Donna (Madder) Falkevitch.