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LERWICK
ROYAL
BRITISH
LEGION
PIPE
BAND
PIPING
AND DRUMMING
IN SHETLAND
FROM
THE UK'S
MOST
NORTHERLY
PIPE
BAND |
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Up
Helly Aa 2004, and an unusual request for the Lerwick Pipe Band...
Tuesday
27th January 2004 saw the Lerwick Pipe Band playing in the annual Up
Helly Aa celebrations for this years Guizer Jarl Stanley Manson and his
squad of Vikings, but an interesting addition to the event this year
came in the form of a request from the States!
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It all started in
November 2003, when Matt Steinberg of Portland, Maine, USA contacted the
Pipe Band via the website with an unusual request.
Matt explained that he and his wife, Amanda were taking a tour around Scotland
culminating in a visit to Shetland for Up Helly Aa. The day of the
festival coinciding with Amanda's Birthday. Matt emailed Steven
Guthrie of the Band, explaining that his wife was of Scots descent, and
asked if the band could play "Happy Birthday" for her.
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Steven discussed the request with members of the band at practice
shortly after, and plans were drawn up. Then, on Tuesday 27th,
after the daytime playing session was completed, members of the band
sprung the surprise by encircling Amanda and serenading her with the
tune as requested.
"It
brought tears to her eyes!" explained Matt in an email following
their return home. "The whole festival was great and the
island was beautiful. We were stranded for an extra four days because of
the blizzard, but it only added to the ambience. We will definitely be
back again."
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Asked what
she thought of her husbands scheming? Amanda added "I was
completely surprised, this was the best present I have ever received. It
reminded me of our wedding during which a Bagpiper serenaded us."
Pipe Major Aileen Cartney of the band commented "We were only too
pleased to do what we could to help out, and we are delighted that we
were able to add something special to their trip. We look forward
to hearing from the Steinbergs in the future."
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The final word on the event went to Matt Steinberg, who said "I
would just like to thank the Steven, Aileen and the rest of the band.
You guys were the highlight of our trip and truly symbolize the
wonderful hospitality and kindness of everyone we met on Shetland."
Previous news story
Part
two of this story (added 5th November 2004)
news
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Lerwick
Royal British Legion Pipe Band. Copyright © 2003,
2004, 2005.
All rights reserved.
Page Updated:
17 February 2005.
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