THE DUCKADAN DAIRIES

MARCH 2003.

Hi to all those who have attended the Retreats held at Camp Duckadan and a welcome to those who are planning attending future Retreats. The reason the Retreats came into being was because of a lack of assistance and help offered to country bands by OUR Assn. the APBA QLD. Branch.
I know when we were trying to get the Lockyer Valley Celtic Pipe Band started we asked for any help only to be advised of the costs to join and what we could do when we got the band going. We were not happy with this response and as the band grew and we got out and met other country bands we found they were having similar problems and as bands persons tend to do a grumbling sessions over a few beers led to talks on ways to help ourselves.
We came up with the idea of the retreats to further friendships and assist other bands in similar positions as well as meeting people and exchanging ideas. We were fortunate enough to have access to the sort of people we felt could offer the best to suit the needs of all attending the retreats and by staying independent of any group or association have had the ability to invite tutors that we feel can offer the best results.

The first Retreat was held in July 2002 at a very cold an icy Camp Duckadan, the venue was found to be perfect for what we required and a decision was taken that we keep the venue for further Retreats. The camp is the perfect spot and has the added bonus of a setting where those who wish can bring their families to just enjoy a weekend away and we now plan to hold retreats during the warmer months twice a year.
Members attended the first Retreat from Lockyer Valley, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Toowoomba and Warwick and all aspects of piping, drumming and dress and drill were covered with the emphasis placed on maintenance and innovations, the bands persons who attended were amazed at the products that were around today to help both piping and drumming. Tom McGirr assisted by Andrew Johns presented a clear and concise weekend of piping instruction.
Drumming tutors were "Buzz" Ennis, Mark Kindness and John Ledger and from all reports the weekend was a total success with a lot learnt but more importantly taken in by those who attended and taken back to the respective bands.
Dress and Drill, the part of Pipe Bands that is always overlooked and forgotten by a lot of bands was ably covered by David Booth and it was very pleasing to see everyone listening and taking heed of what David had to say.
The other most gratifying part of the weekend was the friendships that were made and just the fact that there were people out there just like us willing to learn as well enjoy piping and drumming.

The recent Retreat held in February was another success, we decided to arrive Friday evening to try and get an earlier start Saturday morning, well, didn't that backfire, someone forgot to close the bar, that lesson has been learnt and in future Friday evenings the bar will close at 11.pm. Everyone got into the spirit and wether it was the enjoyment of meeting old friends or a consequence of the drought a few people partied on into the early hours to the detriment of their health.

Saturday got off to a slow start, unfortunately M&M needed a little extra time to get their presentations together. Fortunately we had David Booth and was able to step into the slot

and present a very informed talk on Dress and the importance it means to every band, proving just how invaluable a good Drum Major can be to any band.
Pipers and drummers then went their own ways and by all the discussion I have heard the weekend was informative and full of many useful ideas and tips for the future.
Saturday evening was again informal and it was great to hear the various bands attending as well as a very good recital by Mark. One of the most pleasing things that happens at these evenings is every one who gets up and plays wether a good piper the likes of Kerry or Ross to the learner just on pipes or drums, the enthusiasm and encouragement from everyone is great to see, we can only proper from this.
Saturday night was a lot earlier than the previous with I think John Ledger the only person not to make it to his own bed, that Toyota of yours must be comfortable.

Sunday David was back into us and to everyone's surprise had us all marching the Competition circuit, he and the other tutors did well and it was gratifying to see learners and experienced bands persons marching and playing very well.
Unfortunately like anything that is enjoyable Sunday lunch came around and it was time to farewell all the members from Bundaberg, after thanking every one for attending, the tutors, the Camp staff for the excellent meals, the bar staff for running the best bar around and for their pleasant and often too prompt service I forgot to thank the most important person there. Without Lorraine there wouldn't be a Retreat, I had a stupid thought and mentioned it to Lorraine, she said lets go with it and we haven't looked back. She puts in lots of hours liasing with Duckadan, tutors and the inquiries from people who attend, nothing seems to be a problem and it's thanks mainly to her that the Retreats run so smoothly.

As for the future, plans were already being made before we left and ideas thrown around on how to improve and make September better and more fun.
A draught plan for September has been sent to all tutors for their approval, amendments and ideas and it is hoped that within the next few weeks we will be able to get a programme out to all bands for the up- coming Retreat.
It is also planned to have a Trio Competition on the Saturday evening (2 pipers, 1 Drummer) to get more involved and playing, judged by the tutors and un-graded so anyone no matter what expertise has a chance to win.
We enjoy reading your comments after each Retreat and it is these ideas that help us to improve and make the weekends more enjoyable for all. So if you have any ideas or thoughts you think may be of benefit to you, your band or every-one let us know and we will do our best to make it happen.

I plan to send out at least one more Newsletter before September so if you have any news or anything you may want mentioned feel free to send it to us and we will include it.

To finish,
An Atheist was spending quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when from out of nowhere his boat is attacked by the Loch Ness monster. The monster flips him and his boat into the air and just as the monster is about to swallow him he calls "Oh my God please help me."
At once the scene freezes and a loud booming voice is heard to say " I THOUGHT YOU DIDN'T BELIEVE IN ME."
"Come on God," to man screams, "two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either."

Cheers all till next time.