President's Report - Spring 2025

PPBSO President’s Report – Spring 2025

Greetings PPBSO members!  We would like to congratulate our branches for a very successful winter indoor season and now - the outdoor competition season is almost upon us.

Your Board of Directors held its last regular monthly Board meeting before the summer season begins and we'd like to share with you some of what we've been discussing and doing since the AGM.

Our membership numbers are on par with 2024 and, as a result, our financial position is looking better than we anticipated at the outset of the year, and rather than incurring a $15,000 operating loss, it appears at this point, it will be closer to $5,000, which will easily be funded from our accumulated surplus.  The need to focus on Youth is our priority so there will be some ongoing developments in that area:

Youth Development

Our main initiative for this year is to increase youth participation in the activities of the Society. As previously announced, membership dues for under 16 years of age have be halved from 2025 onward.  In addition, the newly formed Youth Development Committee, led by Tyler Bridge, is laser focused on better serving the learning and performance needs of our youngest members.  The Ontario Youth Pipe Band is one of these undertakings.  We recently announced the planned activities of that group.

2024 Ontario Youth Pipe Band at the Awards Gala

Save the date - if you teach piping or drumming in any capacity - November 1st we will be holding our first teacher’s symposium.  It’s being sponsored by the PPBSO and it’s free.

Longer term plans include the PPBSO running a summer school/camp staffed by amazing teachers in a fun and positive environment.  If you’re interested in this kind of major project please consider joining the Youth Development Committee.

Other PPBSO Activities

We’re less than two weeks away from the seasons first outdoor contest – The Hamilton Gathering! We’re extremely excited about this new contest on the calendar featuring Grade 3, 4 & 5 bands and a full slate of amateur solos. This event will be held on the grounds of the Scottish Rite and surrounding Hess Village area with its many restaurants and pubs.

This is a joint venture with the PPBSO, the Scottish Rite, Hamilton Police PB and the Hess Village area Businesses and our hope is that this will lay the ground for an annual event and raise funds for youth development  activities.  Please come out and take in the first outdoor piping and drumming event of the year.

In support of initiatives and operations of The Society, we are also in the process of forming a Resource Committee for the purposes of increasing our revenues from sources other than membership dues and entry fees.  We believe there is opportunity to source funds through government grants as well as sponsorships.  Our hope is to acquire funds to allow us to expand and improve our services to the piping, drumming and pipe band community.  We’re seeking volunteers to join this effort.  If you are interested in helping with this important endeavour, please contact:  brad.davidson@ppbso.org.

Stewards Wanted

Any Highland Games Enthusiasts out there looking to help out at Highland Games? The PPBSO is always looking for contest stewards to help us ensure the smooth running of the competitions.

As you may know, the role of steward is crucial to the success of any PPBSO-administered Highland Games. From setting up the competitions to getting competitors in front of the judges, our stewards are responsible for managing the solo contests and keeping everything on schedule.

It's rewarding work and each steward receives a complimentary pass for entry into the games and a PPBSO Steward Polo Shirt.

Stewards are on the field by 8:15 am and prepared to administer competitions until mid-day. It is also important to note that Highland Dress is not required to work as a Steward.

If you or someone you know is interested, please send an email to stewards@ppbso.org.

Volunteers

We are always actively seeking volunteers to assist the Society in a variety of ways, in addition to working on committees.  For instance, we would like to build a group of assistant photographers / videographers. This might appeal to students who are working to complete their volunteer credits for school.  Please let us know if this is of interest by completing this volunteer form: https://forms.gle/BY3ZoYqfd3Qa4Gzx5

Your Society relies on volunteers to serve on The Board of Directors as well as the various committees that ensure the Society is well-run and our operations continue to be delivered to a high standard.  Without volunteers, there would be no PPBSO.  So, please, consider pitching in. 

All The Best!

Your Board of Directors and I hope that all of our members and all of our bands have a successful and enjoyable 2025 season.

Malkie Bow

President

PPBSO