Harpenden Highland Gathering - 2014

[Chas]

The day started at 05:00 - misty, moisty and wet. Final packing of the car and away.

The weather got worse. The steady drizzle became rain, which became a downpour. If I had not been in the car, I would surely have drowned. Visibility got so bad that I was driving at less than 20 mph and I could hardly see the steering wheel that was in my hands.

But as I got closer to Harpenden, the weather started to ease. I arrived and started to set up the tent. The ground was dry - they had had no rain for two days! A good omen.

So without further ado, some pictures -

The tent, next to the stick and chromach maker.



Next to him was Paul Henry



Then Clan Donnachaidh Society, David Hinwood and various craft stalls.

Some nice empty shots of the park before they let in the public -



On the left the covered stage, on the right the bar for the 'heavies'.



Then they let the people in!

Unfortunately, because I was manning the tent, my area to photograph in was limited. But here are a few to give a taste of what was going on.

These are the Wight Hot Pipes on the stage. Like the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The pipes do lend themselves to rock so readily. The audience were standing, dancing and stomping within minutes.



Hiel' and Toe put on an exhibition of Scottish Dancing -



This is all of them together - all in time - all in sync with each other. In this dance they were dancing backwards, off the back of the stage, running round the sides and entering again - all in perfect timing!



Next up were the Gay Gordons giving an exhibition of Scottish Country Dancing. The bearded gentleman in the centre is profoundly deaf and dances by counting the beats and feeling the vibrations of the eight beats to the bar - you would never know.



There was a couple of gents walking around advertising a local paint-ball venue, but their camouflage was so good and they blended in so well, that I never got a picture of them -



That's it for the first instalment - more to come - The Bands and The Kilts!

My thanks to Ali of Paul Henry Kilts for permission to use some of his pictures.

[Chas]

This year there were 5 Pipe bands:

Harpenden Pipe Band,
Bedford Pipe Band,
British Airways Pipe Band,
Epping Forest Pipe Band and
Milton Keynes Pipeband.

Each of the bands marched into the arena separately and then when all were gathered performed a piece, before the official opening and march off. You will notice how relatively few people there were at that time.













Who was who, first, last, I don't know. If it helps Harpenden wear Ancient MacInnes and Bedford wear Red Robertson.

For your viewing comfort and safety, The Bands have been split into parts.

Parts 2 and 3 to come.

[Chas]

Each of the bands performed in the Band Circle.

Two pictures each of the bands -





Bedford (I think)





British Airways (I think)





Epping Forest - This lot were really animated! Most bands stand in a circle and play. This lot marched forward and back, left and right, up and down and then round and round the circle. They also do a nice thing where 'retired' members march at the back and escort the banner. Honours them for their active service to the band and at the same time 'bulks' up the show for the public.





Milton Keynes (I know this one. (I read the drum))





Part 3 to come. Also The Athletics and The Kilts

[Chas]

Not a lot to say here, except for, note the piper in army combat uniform. He was still in Afghanistan, this time last week.

















As they marched out, the route was lined by Army Cadets, Air Force Cadets, Scouts and Guides. As the bands passed, each member in turn paid compliments - very respectful and a very impressive show for the public. Pity the poor No. 2 Pipe Major though, who had to return compliments all the way down to the dismiss area!



Next up - The Athletics, before we get to The Kilts.

[Chas]

Harpenden Gathering has never been known for the high standard of athletics - it is just too far from Scotland and all the people who do it for a hobby.

This year was no exception - but with a twist. This year, athletes from other disciplines were invited to have a go under the watchful eye of experienced athletes. It was entertaining to watch as some were seeing and doing for the first time. The crowd were right behind their efforts and some showed improvements as they received instruction. The caber, you will notice is quite light weight, so that novices could handle it.

The athlete in the Royal Stewart kilt is in fact a female tri-athlete (running, swimming, cycling).



















The announcer was extremely good. It would have been so easy to laugh at the failures of the athletes, but his skill won everybody round. He got everybody cheering and clapping and win, lose, or draw each of the athletes felt like a victor.

Next part - The Kilts!

[Chas]

In no particular order - men (and some ladies) wearing kilts - uniform, semi-formal, casual and the guy at the end.

Wearing Robertson













The youngest piper with the British Airways Band







The Koolest Kilted Daddy representing Kool Britannia



One last part to come.

[Chas]

Carrying straight on, without even pausing for breath -









A member of the Metropolitan Police Pipe Band (London Police). The jacket is a current police tunic that is cut down to be worn with the kilt.











And finally, one of the biggest smiles of the day. As he and his mum walked away with their ice cream cones I heard him say "See, Mum, that's how I'm going to be famous!"




I must also mention compaqguy, who was on call from work. A quick hello and he had to dash off again.

And also Flag Folder all the way from Southern California in the US of A! Actually, he was on holiday visiting the stickmaker in the next tent and discovered us by accident. But still, an XMarker from 6,000 miles away.

All in all, a tiring but very enjoyable day - the planning has started for next year already!

As Porky Pig has often said - "That's All Folks!"

[tpa]

Well done Chas, brilliant selection. Are you going to be at Ashbourne next weekend?

[California Highlander]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like a grand time!

[cck]

A great collection of photos. Thanks.