RESULTS - 2005 - BAND COMPETITION SEASON

Daylesford - 2nd Placing. The band perfomed well and welcomed into the ranks three new members. Brenton Earl, Lori Roberts and Jock McCallum.

Berwick - 3rd Placing. This is always a long day but for the Bodey family they had the added pressure of their first trip with their new baby 'Eleanor Grace'.

Ballarat- 1st Placing. With a very cold breeze blowing off Lake Wendouree the competition on the foreshore was hot! All our members are to be congratulated for their hard work and effort over the last couple of weeks - it certainly paid off by securing the win.

New Zealand - Ist Placing. Winning the South Pacific Championship Grade 3 was the best reward! All members were elated that they performed to their best on the day. Under very stressful, cold, wet conditions our band strode out with confidence in their ability to produce the goods on the day. To take out all three elements was fantastic.

Geelong - 1st Placing Victorian Championship. Our Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant were confident in our members, although still a little jet lagged, James and Tim were sure that the challenge of winning back to back Victorian Championships would make each member dig deep and find that something extra to perform at their best. We won and the smiles could not be wiped off fhe faces of all our members.

Ringwood - 2nd Placing. This was a great day and we worked hard - the past few weeks have been huge and very draining on all the playing members. Both Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant were very happy with the band performance.

FROM THE NEWSLETTER:

Starting the bagpipes at the age of nine, James is a fourth generation bagpiper. Throughout his early piping career, James was tutored by Ross Campbell of Scotch College. This tuition prepared him to compete in many solo competitions and achieve high standards as a solo bagpiper, winning competitions at both intermediate level and also competing in open. James was fortunate to compete with the Hawthorn City Pipe Band in Grade 1 for six years. Over the past six years, James has worked with the University of Ballarat Pipe Band. He was Pipe Sergeant for two years before he took on the challenge of Pipe Major. As Pipe Major, he follows many talented bagpipers in leading our band. James has successfully completed the musical exams for the advanced certificate.

DRUM SERGEANT - TIM BODEY

Under the tuition of John Brew, Tim's drumming career began back in 1986. After finishing his first season at the 1988 Australian Championships in Sydney, Tim was introduced to his mentor and long-time friend, Phil Nichols. After winning many Drum Corps Trophies, Tim was appointed Drum Sergeant in 1996.

Tim is always striving to improve his playing ability and has been invited to be a guest player of several bands. Tim has played at the Edinburgh Tattoo, the World Championship, competing in Grade 1 with the Queensland Police Pipe Band, and recently returned from New Zealand Championships where he competed with the Nunawading Pipe Band.