Saturday 2nd May
Lions Club May Fair – Saltash
Pipers: Nigel, Tom G, Chris, David C, Felicity, Keith L N (Guest Piper), Matt (Guest Pipers)
Drummers: Snare – Geoff, John R, Eleanor, Tenor: Andrew, Fred, Vic, Bass: Sue (Guest Drummer)
The day of the Saltash Lyons May Fair dawned as a foggy one but by the time the Band Members had assembled in the Fire Station by 10.30 hours the weather was heavy cloud and raining lightly. As usual the Band had been invited to use the parking area outside and facilities inside for changing and refreshments and this was very much appreciated by everyone.
There was a good turnout of 7 pipers and 7 drummers which included the welcome addition of two guest pipers and bass drummer. The dress code was No 2s with glengarries and capes as the rain seemed set for the morning at least. There were to be two sessions, each lasting half an hour, the first of which was 11.30 hours followed by an hour’s break and one at 13.00 hours.
The May Fair was already in full swing as the Band made their way down to the field. In spite of the weather there was a good attendance of locals and visitors and stalls, the latter displaying refreshments and commodities on sale. Some of the events to take place were Punch and Judy, Face Painting, Fairground rides, a fun run, Kernow Samba, Arrow Barrows Display Team, and a tent announcing Livewire Youth Music Project, to name but a few. The Saltash Fire Cadets were taking part in impressive demonstrations concerning hosepipes and jets of water. During the morning the rain was persistent though not heavy and after the lunch break there was just drizzle though the clouds still looked threatening. As the Arrow Barrows had already placed their wheelbarrows in the roped-off area in preparation for their turn after the Kernow Band in the afternoon, the Kernow Band counter marched up and down outside the arena whilst playing. The Pipe Major and the guest pipers played excellent solos and the youngest piper and Pipe Major played Amazing Grace as a duet which was emotive.
Tunes played during the day included: Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Collin’s Cattle/Shoals of Herring, Waters of Kylesku/Skye Boat/Morag of Dunvegan, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland, Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral.
It had been a good day, there had been enthusiastic support from onlookers and despite the dismal weather which had brightened up a little on the second session nothing had dampened the spirits of the Kernow Band Members who had played amazingly!
