PBV Projects for 2014
I wish to inform you of a number of PBV (Pipe Bands Victoria) projects planned for 2014.
1. PBV Strategic Directions Statement 2014-2016
At its December 2013 meeting, VHPBA approved its strategy for development over the next three years. Thank you to all those who participated in the consultation process. Many valuable suggestions were made and these will assist in the development of a strategy action plan. Our Strategic Directions Statement is now available on our PBV website.
2. Strategy Workshop
The next step in the strategy process is to transform the strategic direction statement into a strategic action plan. May I therefore extend an invitation to any individual from any of our member bands to participate in a strategy workshop on 25 May 2014, 11.00am-2.00pm. The purpose of this workshop is to determine how we will achieve our strategic priorities, as well as to invite individuals and groups to volunteer to take responsibility for implementing actions within the strategy. Please register your intent to participate in the strategy workshop via email to
3. Workshop for Band Committees of Management
In order to support the Committees of Management of our members bands, PBV would like to offer a special workshop on 20 July 2014, 11.00am-2.00pm. The key elements of this workshop includes – committee organisation; marketing and promoting your band in your local community; and developing your band’s website. You may confirm your attendance at this workshop, as well as forward any other suggested topics for discussion, by email
4. Massed Band for November 2014
2014 is turning out to be a significant year for the Scottish community of Melbourne. In June our pipe band association will celebrate 90 years of existence, and in November a special exhibition celebrating the arrival of Scots into Victoria will open at the Immigration Museum. In the recent consultation process to develop our PBV strategy, there was a strong view from many that our pipe bands must be prepared to initiate promotional activities to raise community awareness of our music and tradition. In essence, to take the lead in raising our PBV profile.
I would therefore invite every band to participate in a special massed band performance in the city to celebrate the opening of the Scots exhibition at Immigration Museum on 16 November 2014. We will march from Fed Square to Immigration Museum, then break off into three groups to offer a 30min performance – one to Southbank, one to City Square in Collins St, and one back to Fed Square. Please mark this date in your calendars with more details to follow.
5. Victorian Youth Pipe Band (VYPB) Managers & Tutors
The process for the appointment of officers for the Victorian Youth Pipe Band (VYPB) is now complete. Appointees include:
Manager: Don Walkley (Williamstown RSL Pipe Band)
Assistant Manager :Peter Moir (Warrnambool & District P & D)
Piping Tutor: Katherine Belcher (City of Melb Highland Pipe Band)
Drumming Tutor: Andrew Womersley (PLC Pipes & Drums)
VYPB will endeavour to maintain regular communication with all member bands in regards to the progress in establishing this exciting initiative of PBV.
6. Dates and venues for 2014 PBV Council meetings
Our PBV Council meeting dates, and other special meetings, have now been finalised for the year ahead. In order to enable more member bands to attend, we will convene a PBV Council meeting in both Geelong and Bendigo. The schedule and location of meetings is now available on our PBV website in the Calendar section.
7. PBV 90th Birthday Celebration
2014 marks a significant milestone for our Association – the 90th anniversary of establishment. This will be an important occasion to recognise all those who have gone before us who have worked tirelessly and unselfishly to to ensure our Association provided the best possible support to our members. To acknowledge this milestone, a special dinner will be held mid 2014. More details to follow.
With best wishes
Tim McLeod
President
VHPBA, Pipe Bands Australia (Victoria Branch)
