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Promoting the Bagpipe Revival since 1986

The Bagpipe Society

Grace Notes

Firstly, I must address some of the problems experienced with the last edition of Chanter. Several UK members reported that they had been charged extra postage for receiving their journal. This was particularly frustrating as the total weight was definitely below the 100g limit for standard postage. I knew it was a close call but my local Post Office had randomly selected a selection from the pile to double check the weight and had approved the postage rate.

As it is the sending office that is meant to be the one that verifies that the correct postage has been charged, the manager was particularly annoyed when I reported what had happened. A few persistent members complained and managed to get the extra charge rescinded as their local PO confirmed the weight was under 100g.

Many apologies to those affected and I can assure you I won’t take it so close to the limit again.

EU members have experienced a different issue and that is to do with customs charges. All documentation over and above a normal ‘letter’, including magazines, now needs to have an individually written customs declaration on it and is therefore potentially subject to import duty. Despite ticking the box “documentation” and declaring the contents to be a journal worth only £5.00 some zealous EU customs/postal services deemed it worthy of slamming on duty and one local office in Belgium tried to levy an 18€ customs bill on one member’s Chanter! (He refused to accept the package.) However, it seems that duty is not charged if I classify the package as a “gift”. So, this is what I will do in future and sincerely hope that everyone, wherever they are, continues to receive their editions of Chanter seamlessly and without extra levies. If anyone experiences a problem, let me know. Please remember though that pdf copies are available online for all members to download and read. Please note the new members’ password (on the inside rear cover) as you will need this for accessing the full Chanter archive and members section of the website.

From time to time, Chanter carries one, perhaps two, CD reviews but in this edition, I am pleased to publish a total of four. Each one very different from the other, each reflecting a particular culture, period or style. It is so good to see so many top quality recordings being produced and the selection here shows just how diverse the world of bagpipes is – and that it’s still flourishing. Please support all these artists!

The rest of Chanter is the usual eclectic mix which I hope will keep all members happy. Through reading Cassandra Balasso Bardin’s article, I have now discovered yet another ‘must go to’ festival and Michael Vereno tells a fascinating story about the history of pipes and a very special reunion. The last few editions have featured modern making techniques and experimentation with 3D printing and this edition contains experiences of printing 3D boha, one of my favourite sounding pipes. Thanks to Patrick for his generosity in the sharing of his drawings. Finally, my joint loves of history and literature are satiated with William Marshall’s exploration of The Miller from The Canterbury Tales.

The world is definitely opening up again and there are three events this year that I will be attending – firstly the IBO/NPS Conference and Festival in Newcastle which will be taking place just as this edition of Chanter hits your doormats. https://www.internationalbagpipeorganisation.com/ Then in June there is the Blowout! This is the landmark event in the Bagpipe Society calendar and we hope as many members as possible can make the pilgrimage to Polesworth. There’s plenty on offer and I urge you to look at the line-up noted both here and on the website and hope that as many as can, will come along and support it. http://www.bagpipesociety.org.uk/blowout/2022/

Finally, my own personal highlight of the year is Le Son Continu and I have felt quite bereft the last few years due to its absence. http://www.lesoncontinu.fr/ My ferry ticket is booked and although, as an exhibitor, the stall may be rather bare due to new Brexit/customs arrangements, I will be there and I am looking forward to the buzz with eager anticipation.

Finally, a big thank you to all those who responded to my appeal for contributions and ideas for future editions. They were really appreciated and some appear in this edition – please keep them coming and all suggestions and submissions are welcomed.