Bendigo contest supervisor’s report

Well we have had challenges over the years with contest’s rain, hail or shine & we all adapt with whatever is dished up; Bendigo was no exception and to all who participated my personal thanks. The Street March I thought was brilliant, View Street is a lovely street with big shady trees. Bands were all on time and ready with a large crowd enjoying the music as bands marched down the hill to Rosalind  Park the crowd followed.

The weather forecast was for 40 plus we managed Grade 1, 2, and 3 before lunch where we had a discussion with Promoter & Executive to decide on cancelling Massed Bands at the end of the day, common sense prevailed and all agreed it would be too hot to even consider as the heat policy was in vogue.

Moorabbin did not manage the march off as they were too wide & long for a small area we had allocated; they drew number 2 MSR music on the line.  Hawthorn played Adam Fleming & Thomas Perry (Scotch College) duel registration trial rule.

Unfortunately we had four bands withdraw : Scotch College, Haileybury Pipes & Drums, Old Scotch Pipes & Drums (due to School’s heat policy), Watsonia RSL (members living in bushfire prone area) .

The Solo Drumming program was also cancelled due to the excessive heat we had several withdraw before the day as the forecast was to be hot.

No band broke any rules, we allowed a player from Federation Uni. to play in socks, with the heat & sore feet and was the humane thing to do.

Thanks to the Judges who endured the heat .  Promoter Chris Earl supplied loads for cold water, Iron Bru and a lovely lunch for officials. Chris did a wonderful job with all his participants & stalls on the day.

Margaret Johnstone OAM
Contest Supervisor.