Ashbourne Highland Gathering - 2011

[Chas]

Still some randoms.

These competitors have just finished the hill race.



Not in a band.



Band members waiting for the next band to compete.



Members of the Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band. Note that from the waist up is police uniform.



There are five Royal Air Force Pipe Bands. The uniforms differ slightly as to hose and flashes, but this is the new kilt pin. I must have one of these!!!



More to come.

Regards

Chas

[Chas]

There were a lot of kiltwearers there - easily counted in the hundreds. But as you might have noticed, we are not seeing many kilts. The vast majority were wearing a piper's Inverness cape or the type that Mr Anthony sells. The pipers cape folds up quite small and can be worn on a belt when not in use. The Mr Anthony variety goes with the 'tank' - it too is bomb-proof. It is far, far superior, totally wind and waterproof. But I reliably informed by those wearing them there that you can't fold them up when you take them off - the most you can do is drape them over an arm. Not good if you are using both arms for piping!

By now the rain is coming down steadily and making life very uncomfortable.

This is the Massed Bands entering the field to salute the Chieftain of the Games.

Preparation



Almost ready - Look at all the capes!



Finally!



Marching off:



A sea of pipers:



Drummers and drummers:





Entering the field - where are all the kilts?



Heading back:



Halting, ready for the dismiss.



This was the time when we said that we could not take much more of this pleasure. So reluctantly we called a halt and all went our separate ways.

When we all met up at the control point, I spoke to the organisers and told them about XMarks. The good news is that we have been invited to have the same set-up as we do at Harpenden. So at least next year there will be somewhere out of the rain to meet!

That's All.

Regards

Chas

[Standard]

Great pictures Chas, looks like a rather soggy day for the games.

[Galician]

Great photos, Chas. I really felt as if I had been there.

But what's with all the jackets? I know it was raining, but it's July!! We are getting temperatures here in the 60'sC.

An open question to those familiar with Highland Dancing: I was pleased to see a young boy in the competition. I see that so rarely that I am wondering if there are any different steps or pieces reserved for them, or would they learn exactly what the girls do? Btw, I have done some dancing at various ceildlhs, so I know that men bow, while women courtesy.

[cessna152towser]

Super pics, Chas, its always interesting to see what goes on at other games.

[Hamish]

Thank you Chas for the wonderful selection of images from the event. Like you, I have never made it to Ashbourne (no day trip from Storrington, I fear!), but considering the weather and the costs of entry, etc. I am content not to have made it again this year!

By the way, I am seeing only about 50% of your photos. Almost every other one comes to me as a wee red cross and no amount of 'clicking' will bring them up. Has anyone else had this problem, or is it just me (and my computer)?

Take care,
Ham.

[McClef]

Great photos Chas thanks for sharing them.

Pity about the weather though!

I can see all the pictures Hamish.

[kilted scholar]

Great pictures, Chas; it was the next best thing to being there. It was unfortunate about the rain - I was at Cambridge all last week where there were huge cracks in the ground on the farm where I stayed, so dry has it been. Maybe they should move it eastwards

[English Bloke]

Couldn't make it to this one either. Maybe next year.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Thank you for sharing these.


Best,

Robert