Note and disclaimer: “No animals were harmed in any way during these events. The persons and events described, while non-fiction, bear no relationship to any person or persons living or otherwise.  Please advise of any errors or omissions, especially names and dates, the memory can be tricky at times. As a wag once said, “if you remember these events, you probably weren’t there.” - Allan Skalazub

1971

Pipers: Sandy Marshall, Angus MacPherson, Bob MacKenzie, Tim Noot, Drew MacKay, Allan Skalazub, Donald MacMillan, John Wright, Jimmy Leonard, Dave Anderson, Colin Abel

Drummers: Willie McErlean, Terry Leonard

The roots of Triumph Street were planted in the fall of 1971 when some of the former Kiwanis pipe band members joined the Anavets organization which was directed by Malcolm Nicholson.

Note from Allan MacLeod:

“In 1971/72 I didn't really know anyone in the Band and had never heard of the Anavets. I believe that it was the summer of 1971 when Hal made his famous “bike and pot of brown rice” trip to the Coeur d'Alene Piping School (remember the West Dalke Highlanders?).  He must have won the prestigious "Banner of the Mountains" that summer as I believe he soon thereafter made his way to Scotland where he "apprenticed" with Bob Hardie, an experience which no doubt provided the foundations of the Triumph Street sound he was instrumental in developing in the mid to late seventies. I remember the year only because it was the following summer of 1972 when I made my own way to Scotland after graduation and was fortunate enough to win the Gold Medal at Cowal in the Under 17 Piobaireachd.  In late August, or early September, I clearly remember sitting in a hall in Inverness with my friend Frank from Proctor, BC and listening to Hal playing Inveran by GS MacLennan twice through.  It was a stellar performance for which he was awarded first prize.” - Allan MacLeod.

1972

New Pipers: Hal Senyk

New Drummers: Jack Gallaher, Bob Jay, Susan Burgess, Jim MacLeod, Gord Beer.

In March of 1972, Angus placed an ad in the newsletter seeking pipers for a “senior men’s band” -  the “men’s” part was soon to change!

In the spring of 1972 the band, consisting mainly of pipers who had played together in the Vancouver Kiwanis Pipe Band and a drum section which totaled two members - side drummer, Willie McErlean, and Terry Leonard on bass, made its first appearance at the Indoor Meet as a group of slightly ragged looking young men clad in white shirts and mismatched kilts.

Jack Gallaher remembers: “...at 17 years old, watching TSPB play at the Indoor Meet with one side drummer, Willie, turning to Judi who was sitting beside me and asking her if she thought it would be OK if I asked to join.”  - Jack Gallaher

The main reason for the existence of the band was that the members enjoyed their music and wanted to produce the best band possible. Starting with practically no equipment and with a bankroll of about $30.00 contributed by members (in order to join the W.P.B.A.), the band made up its collective mind to appear at as many competitions as possible that summer and to keep the quality of the music as the number one priority.

After appearing at the Indoor Meet, the drum section was increased to three with the addition of Jack Gallaher and it was decided that a trip was in order - Trail being the first and most logical target. The Trail trip was a success in that nobody's car broke down (an unusual occurrence in our travelling history). However, the trip was not at all successful in the playing department. Angus and Colin reported on the highlights of the trip in the B.C. Pipers’ Newsletter:

Roving Reporter, this month, takes us to Trail, B.C. where a very enjoyable weekend of piping took place during the Victoria Day Holiday.  As this was the first official excursion of the Triumph Street Pipe Band, as well as the first venture past Chilliwack for two members, it proved to be a very interesting experience. Because we were under the impression that it would be too hot to travel during the day, we left Vancouver at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening in the designated Triumph Street Bus (Colin’s VW van). The first stop of the scenic 400-mile trip was the Hope slide and then Princeton, where Jackie Gallaher received a mosquito on his pickle free of charge from a local restaurant. However, after the odd deer sighting and reports of rattlesnakes, we rolled into Trail at 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Reluctantly, we woke the motel manager of the Glenwood where we stayed for a reasonable $4 each per night, although other bands were accommodated in large halls. Needless to say, we spent the most of the day sleeping and, early in the evening, our two other carloads of members arrived. 

Eating is a pleasant experience in Trail, especially if one visits the Kootenay Hotel where a smorgasbord of salad, chicken and spaghetti is well worth $2.50. Other popular eating spots were Mr. Mike's and Syd's Chicken for the late sleepers. 

The Tattoo was scheduled to commence at 8:30 p.m. In order to qualify for prize money at the Games, every band had to participate in this event - a good rule when you consider that ten bands turned out. The show was run very efficiently and a good crowd was on hand to view the Vancouver bands, McIntosh Girls from Vernon, McBain Scottish from Calgary, and the Trail Pipe Band, to name a few.  

On Sunday morning, we awoke to the sound of rain so the Games were switched from Butler Park to the Cominco Arena, site of the Tattoo. Most events started at 10:30 a.m. and the day wound up about 7:30 p.m.  After a full day's competition, a ceilidh was held at the Terra Nova Hotel commencing about 9:00 p.m. Continuing through to the wee hours of the morning it included singing, dancing, piping, and drumming, and was, undoubtedly, the success of the entire weekend. We left for home Monday morning after the ceilidh and arrived in Vancouver about 11:30 a.m. (exhausted).  All in all, a very enjoyable weekend of piping in Trail.    - Angus MacPherson, Colin Abel.

After the weekend, Terry wrote a letter thanking the Vancouver Kiwanis and Vancouver Ladies for loaning us their drums, poor drumless band that we were!

New Westminster was next on our list and this presented yet another obstacle. This competition was a full band competition. However, Triumph Street was lacking (in numbers only) in the drum section. Jack Gallaher had joined the corps after the Indoor and  Bob Jay, a friend of Willie's, became the third side drummer and Jim MacLeod, a long retired bass drummer, enthusiastically agreed to end his retirement and become our tenor drummer. The band was ready. Jim MacLeod took a day off to begin his comeback, only the weather would not cooperate. Much to the chagrin of Triumph Street, the band competition was cancelled as a result of inclement weather and we had yet to make our first appearance outdoors with a full band.

At Bellingham, this first appearance was finally realized and, despite the threatening clouds, the weather relented and allowed us to play. Our first appearance as a band also marked our first victory, as Triumph Street captured first place in the Grade Two competition. This was indeed a big moment for us as it seemed to affirm our philosophy of "playing no matter what" and our "music first" priority.

The next games were the B.C. Highland Games, where we again won our grade. The importance of this date in our history stems from the fact that it was the occasion of our first ceilidh. After the games, we held a dance at Norquay Hall - a small, slightly rundown but very friendly hall. The hot weather made it the perfect night for a party.  A lot of beer and pudgee pies disappeared and a lot of dancing, singing and piping was done by the 120 people who packed the hall.

That first summer also included trips to Portland (this was when the cars began breaking down,) Coeur d'Alene and Seattle.

A note from Terry: “Ponytails at the Empire Stadium Games; we lost deportment.  I wonder why. No uniforms, hell, no drums!  Jack G and I with the first Hard Corps T-shirts at Coeur d’Alene. Willie and Therese’s car gets cooked outside of Coeur d’Alene. Jack and I hitch several rides home. Explaining to Canada Customs why we were walking in the vehicle lane.”  - Terry Leonard

Coeur d'Alene and Seattle were important because these were the beginnings of Hal Senyk's connection with the band. After playing with us in Coeur d'Alene and Seattle, Hal returned to Scotland. However, there were strong indications that he would return to Canada in the fall and perhaps play with us. Seattle was perhaps our most satisfying appearance from a playing standpoint because although we were short one piper and had no chance of winning, we played only for the mark sheets and the result was the best performance of our brief career.

The next event on our schedule was the P.N.E. and the B.C. Championships. The band took part in the "100 Pipers" display at the P.N.E. and competed at the Championships. At the Championships we took first in Grade Two. However, this was a rather hollow victory as our chief competitors - the Vancouver Ladies - were not present. (Note: Check the Photo section for the photo from that event. Pipers, front rank: Sandy Marshall, John Wright, Tim Noot. Second rank: Jimmy Leonard, Allan Skalazub. Back rank: Colin Abel, Don MacMillan, Angus Macpherson. Bass: Terry Leonard Tenor: Jim MacLeod. Side Drummers: Willie McErlean, Sue Burgess, Jack Gallaher)

The Championships marked the first appearance of Sue Burgess with our band. This was rather a big step for what had previously been a men's band. However, once again,our "music first" philosophy was the deciding factor and it was established that future membership would be based mainly on one criterion - the ability of the person in question. As a result of the prize monies and the financial success of our first dance and with a big assist from Bob Straghan, we appeared at the Championships with our own drums. This was no small accomplishment for a band which started the season with $30.00. After the Championships, we held our second ceilidh which was once again crowded and successful and which was highlighted by the attendance of the Innes Tartan Pipe Band.

Our first summer was behind us and we were amazed at the number of times we had managed to compete. The winter ahead looked rather unpromising, with no band competitions until long after Christmas. This lack of winter competitions for bands gave us another idea - to hold our own competition. The plans were drawn up, the competition was to include events for bands and individual drummers. We were once again determined to put music first and attempted to place emphasis on such things as the "playing" of the tenor drum. We also had deportment completely divorced from the band competition and awarded a separate prize for this department. Much to the amazement of critics of this plan, no one appeared in coveralls. The competition was successful beyond our wildest dreams. The dance which followed the competition capped an exhilarating day for everyone connected with Triumph Street.

By this time in our history (December, 1972), Hal had been playing with us for a couple of months. He came to the band with a wealth of knowledge, a lot of very good tunes and, as Pipe Major, he soon gave direction to the potential in our pipe section. We were determined to move up to Grade I next season and began practicing towards this goal.

1973

New Pipers: Rob Menzies, Robyn Palmer, Allan MacLeod, Jean Laurie, Cindy Chambers

New Drummer: Scott Robertson

New Entertainer: DeeDee Lamarr

1973 was the beginning of the Harald Senyk era as he inspired our pipe section and attracted many new players. Band practice was always Monday nights at the Hastings School on Franklin Street in East Vancouver.

The big controversy in the local pipe band scene was over dress and deportment. Many letter writers to the BC Pipers’ magazine weighed in with their views on this topic. Terry McHardy wrote the memorable letter in which he suggested that without standards some “donkey” would show up in overalls. The Western Pipe Band Association, run by Jimmy Lang and Garnet Snow in those days passed a rule mandating uniforms be identical except in “minor details”. This was an important topic in those bygone days as deportment marks were part of the band contest. There was no doubt as to which side we were on!

After competing at the Ladies' Festival, the band made its second major purchase - a set of chanters. It was only then, after acquiring drums and chanters, that we began considering upgrading our non-existent uniforms. By the time of the Indoor Meet, we had come up with jackets and matched hose and admittedly felt better in our "new look". You had to love those first jackets - they were black blazers from the fire department acquired by Jim MacLeod. We had them cut down by Gastaldo Tailors on Commercial Drive to make short jackets we could wear with kilts.

Later that spring we returned to Trail, by bus this time. Chris Waddell (Kelm) remembers: “I was on the bus trip to Trail in 1973.  The kicker was that I was 10 years old, away by myself for the first time, and my parents decided to send me to Trail on a bus with the TSPB. I don't remember a whole lot about the trip, but three things stand out in my memory. When the bus was leaving Allan Skalazub started with the microphone and was the "flight attendant" for the trip.  I remember him saying we would be flying at an altitude of approximately 4 feet. I thought this man was hilarious; what a quick wit!  In later years I would come to know that I was correct about that. Nothing but good memories; I choose not to remember any others.”  - Chris Kelm (Waddell)

In the month of June we competed again at New Westminster and Bellingham. Bellingham Games was at the old Civic Field in those days and was sponsored by Olympia Beer - what a great choice of sponsor! That summer we moved our practices to Begbie School outside. Rob remembers: “I joined the band in the summer of 1973. Scott and I joined about the same time. I remember the practices as Begbie School in East Van. One of my first duties was to go to the local corner store to buy a box of Kotex and tape so that Terry could eliminate the ringing sound from the bass drum. Hal with his long hair and beard, beads and robe.” - Rob Menzies

In July we played at B.C. Highland Games and “officially” sponsored the ceilidh at good old Norquay Hall. I remember it as a very hot night, sweating on the dance floor.  This was the debut of our first theme song “I’m So Free” with a verse about the Trail jail (with apologies to Lou Reed). The dance at Norquay was a financial success for us - we made a couple of hundred dollars - big money for us in those days.  Also, it was a night of Pudgee Pies - a toasted sandwich creation served up by a friend of Willie. July also featured a trip to Nanaimo, a visit to the Portland Games and a stay at the Roosevelt Hotel and a great road trip to Coeur d’Alene. In Coeur d’Alene we met up with Jack McGilvary and Blue Heron Bay. Thus began a long and enjoyable association with the Portland area pipers and drummers. And they wore these nifty vests...hmm...this could be a cool uniform idea! 

The bank ledger in August shows prize money from Seattle and the BC Championships. The Seattle Games in 1973 were held at the Fort Lewis Army Base. The games were organized and run with military precision. We were housed in barracks and in the evening following the games the ceilidh was held at the Officers’ Mess.  Along with the highland games people there actually were a number of officers and their wives in their best bib and tucker anticipating a lovely evening of Scottish culture. There was the usual 70’s music and dancing and then the Scottish entertainment began. First a performance by the guest band, that put on a lovely show of piping and drumming. Not to be outdone, we decided to add an impromptu performance. When I came out with the microphone with a wide row of band members behind me, the officers and their wives looked on expectantly. What was this motley crew going to do? A song perhaps? The next few words set the scene: “Ladies and gentlemen, live from the Club New Delhi - Miss DEEDEE LAMARR! The chorus line began their high kicks, the tune of “The Stripper” wafted over the dance floor. The officers and their wives stared in shocked disbelief. The crowd went wild!! Another Triumph Street legend was born - what a night!

The bank ledger records a November $200 for the Export A stakes at the PNE race track. December was our second contest and we brought Jimmy Yardley in to judge. 1974 was just around the corner and 1974 meant that just like Picasso, TSPB would have a “Blue Period”.

1974

New Pipers: Duncan Fraser, Dave Rutherford, Steve Ramsden, Brian Carse, Ian Whitelaw, Jamie Wright

New Drummers: Jeff Crowter, Jan Laurie

The 1974 competition year started in the usual way with the Vancouver Ladies contest in February and the Indoor in North Vancouver, in what Rob remembers as that “ringing gymnasium.” May featured another trip to Trail and, starting in June, the band made regular appearances at the Whitecaps games. 1974 was also the beginning of Triumph House - 1222 East 13th Street. In 1973 Hal had been the first to move in to the great house with three suites upstairs. The house was later occupied by Jan Laurie, Ian Whitelaw and Allan MacLeod and Allan Skalazub. For several years all three suites were home to Tiriumph Street players and many fine times were had. It was amazingly cheap, looking back. As I recall, rent started at $85 per month and by 1978 had risen to the princely sum of $135. Those were the days!

The summer games circuit featured trips to the usual spots and a second visit to Fort Lewis for the Seattle Games. The memorable trip of that year was during the Labour Day weekend when we made our first trip to the Nelson Games. This trip was the beginning of several nicknames for Hal, whose name came out in the program as “Hail Fenwick”. So of course, as we drove around the field, whenever we spotted Hal we would jump out of the van, prostrate ourselves chanting “Hail, Fenwick!”.

Duncan remembers: “In September ‘74 I join the band – Jeff talks me into coming out and giving it a try,  At the first practice, I was  scared.  I remember coming home with a huge sheaf of music (I think I’ve just about got them all memorized!).  I remember telling Allan Skalazub that I had to leave for home because I had to go to school the next morning.  His standard response was “Go to school? Sit down, I’ve got to TEACH SCHOOL tomorrow !” As the winter progressed, I got familiar with the musical style of the band and we discussed plans for a record, a trip to Mecca and eventually a trip to the World’s. I realized that this band was on the way to doing some very special things.”  - Duncan Fraser

That December we held our third contest and the bank ledger shows an entry for $630 for blue shirts and vests from Columbus 5 tailors - the blue era had begun. We had started to attract some new young talent from the White Spot and other local pipe bands. Ian Whitelaw had blown into town and our eyes started to turn towards the east, to Mecca. The future looked very exciting indeed!

1975

New Pipers: Graham Davidson, Jack McGillvary,

New Drummer: Jonathan Moore

1975 was shaping up to be an exciting year. We had a solid drum corps and were playing 13 pipers at contests - big numbers for the times. We looked smart in our unmatched kilts, blue tams, blue shirts and flashy navy vests from Commercial Drive. Steve Ramsden once remarked that, if it wasn’t for the vests, he wouldn’t have had anything to wear in the 70’s.

Apart from the usual early contests there was one new indoor in March that year - the Portland Ladies. This involved yet another trip down the I-5 in a crummy rental van with a breakfast stop at VIP’s for pancakes.

That spring there was a special contest in Victoria. This was to decide who would represent B.C. at the Interprovincial Championships in Ottawa that June. We lost the contest to City of Victoria Pipe Band, but in the end, it was decided that we would share the prize money and both go. Victoria would play in the Interprovincial contest, and we would both play in the open contest.

This, for us, was a trip to Mecca - the promised land of pipe bands in Canada as preached to us by Ian Whitelaw.  He told many tales of wondrous sights and great bands.

There were, in those days, something like 10 Grade I bands in the Ontario region while we had three in the lower mainland - Triumph Street, City of Victoria and Port Moody. So this was to be our first big test against outside competition. The “big” band was the Clan MacFarlane, led by Ken Eller. Our T-shirts for the trip read “We Eat Clan Chowder”. Other notable bands included St. Thomas, Caber Feidh (from Toronto) and one of Ian’s former bands the Erskine Highlanders, fondly referred to as the Foreskin Fusiliers. Our flight to Ottawa featured the first performance of the kazoo band - much to the “delight” of the other passengers. As for our performance, we came second in the open Grade I contest - Clan MacFarlane was first.  It was a big result for us in our first big test. Rob remembers: “The one thing that does stick out was the amazing sound we got in the tune up park at the contest in Ottawa. I think it was the first time we somehow managed to get that crackerjack sound. We didn't quite hold on to it as we marched on, but it gave us that taste of what to strive for.”  - Rob Menzies.

We began to feel we were a serious contender. Duncan remembers: “The trip to Mecca, playing in 110 degree heat (and tons of humidity) at Lansdowne Field. Sounding great as we came around from the back of the stadium. Seeing  the Clan for the first time – awesome! Playing and coming in second to the Clan in the Open Contest – Wow!” - Duncan Fraser.

In those days the SFU Pipe Band was actually a band of students from SFU. Donald Ross Jr. was P/M and those of us who were students at SFU played for SFU at football games and the like. In November of 1975, Dennis Roberts from SFU planned an appearance by the band in the Grey Cup Parade in Calgary. The band was augmented by Triumph Streeters who donned green sweaters and jumped on the plane to Calgary. A parade in Calgary in November is not for the faint at heart. It was cold! So much so that after a few minutes our chanter reeds had iced over and our bags frozen full of air. Playing was not really an option in those conditions, so we kind of marched along and some rode on the float in front of us.

Duncan remembers: “Closing out 1975 at Willie and Therese’s fantastic New Year’s eve party. The highlight of which was watching the Montreal Canadiens tie the Russian Red Army team 3-3 in what may have been the greatest hockey game ever!” - Duncan Fraser

As 1975 drew to a close there were big plans afoot for Triumph Street as we set our sights on recording a record and crossing the water to Scotland in 1976.

1976

New Pipers: Mike MacInnes, Ian Putz

New Drummers: Jim Inglis, Bob Gorman

In 1976, The City of Port Moody Pipe Band folded, meaning that for the next few years it would be us against Victoria at the local games. This also meant we would gain some pipers from their ranks in the next two years.

Early in 1976 we spent some time at Little Mountain Sound laying down the tracks for our classic burgundy album. The cover was designed to be different, as Hal and Willie would have nothing to do with the traditional “band photo” album cover. We spent some time with Ken Nelson, a talented artist who played with Port Moody, and he came up with the piper logo which became our trademark from that day on. I was always struck by the similarity of our piper to the “keep on trucking” character of that legendary west coast cartoonist R. Crumb. A trivia note: in the credits on the liner notes is written “Lights by Ernie”. Ernie was the custodian at Hastings school where we practised most Mondays. Ernie literally turned on the lights for us each week.

When the album came out it was accompanied by a write-up in the newsletter listing the price as $6.50 and concluding with “quantities are limited so act fast.” Willie must wonder about that statement as he still has a case of the records in his basement. In any event, the album was the first issued by the then current crop of west coast bands and gained a fair amount of attention. Duncan remembers pretending we were real cool when we had our ‘sessions’ at the recording studio. Packing around those white boxes filled with albums we were continually flogging at every games, ceilidh, pub crawl, garage sale we could possibly attend.  And flog them we did. Some of us rented a car and drove overnight to the Trail games to sell them the weekend they were released and came home with $300 or so for the kitty. We packed boxes of the records as luggage on plane trips we took for the next few years. We made a handsome profit for our efforts and the money raised went a long way towards funding our first trip to Scotland that summer.

That summer featured a new addition to the games circuit: Athena, Oregon. The games fell on the weekend between Portland and Coeur d’Alene during the summer school and I well remember making the long hot drive from Coeur d’Alene to Athena. 

Later that summer we took our mixed kilts across the water to Scotland. Rob remembers: “The Scotland trip... from a very indulgent flight on Wardair to the hot train journey north during the year of the drought. The early morning chanter practices, the great performance at Hawick, the moonscape of Shotts and the good result there. The many pictures I took that eventually made it into the first slide show for the 10 year reunion.” - Rob Menzies.

Our headquarters were in university residences in Glasgow - fairly spartan. From there we chartered busses to the various games. Our first contest, as luck or bad scheduling would have it - was the World’s. In those days the World’s was not held every year in Glasgow, but rather in various cities around Britain. In 1976, the contest was in Hawick (pronounced hoik) - a small town near the border with England. It was a hot day. We were virtual unknowns, although Bob Hardie had judged us that summer in Richmond. Nevertheless, in the big picture, we were nobody from nowhere to the big Scottish bands. In those days the top band was Strathclyde Police. Muirhead was winning prizes, as was Dysart and DunDonald. On that hot day in Hawick we found a shady spot to practice. Pretty soon we had a good crowd of spectators and there was a bit of a buzz about us. Unfortunately, we were first on. Talk about out of it! An unknown band, never competed in Scotland, playing in their first contest - at the World’s - and first on!! Nevertheless, we turned in a strong performance.

Hal reported on the rest of the trip, as written up in the newsletter: “Come and visit sunny Scotland? Usually not the driest, Scotland was indeed bright and hot for the Triumph Street and the Richmond (CP Air) Pipe Bands this August during our three-week trip to the “auld sod". Both bands travelled with funds raised over many months of hard work, and set out to conquer the best in Scotland, with CP Air competing in Grade II and Triumph Street in Grade I.  The World's Championships in Hawick were quite a disappointment for the two bands, however, with both placing well down the prize list in their respective grades. The Strathclyde (Glasgow) Police won the World's with a good, strong performance in Grade I, and Ballycoan won the Grade II. Although playing very well, our Canadian bands learned very quickly the unfortunate truth of having to "serve one's time" in the ranks before being awarded recognition. But at Cowal the following week, CP Air made their mark by placing a well-deserved first. Triumph Street was once more well down the Grade I list, but, undaunted, played again the following day in Edinburgh and claimed a second prize, with CP Air third in Grade II. The European Championships at Shotts during the last week were the most successful all round, with Triumph Street placing 4th against the top Grade I bands, and CP Air again winning the Grade II title. With the Triumph Street band on their way to London to fly home, CP Air claimed one more prize at Peebles the next day, then flew home from Prestwick.  The time had gone quickly during our stay, with the bands involved in hard practices, trips around the country on days off, plus, of course, the occasional and inevitable get-togethers with the ever-hospitable pipers and drummers of Scotland. The bands returned with many good memories as well as prizes, and are looking forward to a return trip.” - Hal Senyk.

The Scotland trip was also a landmark in the uniform department. We picked a tartan - MacDonald of Clanranald, designed the band tie, and ordered black leather sporrans. When we got home we added new black jackets, and it was the end of an era. No more mixed kilts - it was time for the Blue Army!

1977

New Pipers: Jack Cairney, Bill Stockler

New Drummers: Robbie Collins, Katie Forsyth, Kennedy Cranswick, Sally Brewer. 

Drum Major: Archie Walker

 

In 1977, the Western Pipe Band Association was becoming very active. I served on the board along with Jeff, Terry and Scott. In May of that year the first WPBA Poco May Day parade and contest was held. At that event, a “marriage” of an unusual nature was consummated. The members of the Richmond Pipe Band joined forces with the drum corps of the defunct Port Moody Pipe Band. This new amalgamation was to be called the City of Port Moody Pipe Band - but not for long...

That summer we went back to Ontario for the second time. Here is my report on the trip from the WPBA newsletter: “The Triumph Street Pipe Band had an extremely successful summer which included trips to Ontario and California. The band travelled to Ontario for the purpose of competing in the Intercontinenal Pipe Band Championships.  In order to defray some or the costs of the trip, the band also took part in the Scottish World Festival Tattoo at the CNE.

One week prior to the Intercontinental, the band competed at the Cambridge, Ontario Highland Games.  Triumph Street placed first in Grade I in a class of 11 pipe bands.  For their victory, the band earned $1500 prize money and $200 appearance money.

On Sunday, August 19 the CNE stadium was the scene for what has become perhaps the most prestigious pipe band contest in the world - the Intercontinental Pipe Band Championships.  This contest is considered by many to be the true World Championship because of the excellent representation from both Scotland and North America. On this particular occasion the Grade I competition included 24 pipe bands, the top 15 bands from the British Isles and the best North American Pipe Bands.

The results of the contest  were:

1st : Strathclyde (Glasgow) Police

2nd: Muirhead and Sons

3rd: Shotts and Dykehead

4th: Triumph Street

5th: Toronto and District Caledonia

6th: Lothian and Borders (Edinburgh) Police

In addition to placing fourth overall, Triumph Street received the Cutty Sark award as the best Canadian Pipe Band. It may interest readers to know that while there was a 5 point spread between first and second place, Triumph Street was only 1/4 point out of third place and 3/4 point out of second place. Triumph Street members proudly point out that Glasgow Police is now the only band they have not beaten in competition.

The City of Victoria Pipe Band also competed in the Intercontinental and placed a disappointing 8th, although they did place ahead of Dysart and Dundonald, this year's World Champions. From all reports, the City of Victoria turned in a strong performance and should have been placed higher in the results.

Triumph Street finished their extremely successful summer by traveling to Santa Rosa, California on the Labour Day weekend. At the Santa Rosa Games the band continued on their winning streak by capturing first prize in all three Grade I band events.”

Rob remembers: “The great performance by the band - dubbed the blue army. Personally my favourite performance.” - Rob Menzies

1978

New Pipers: Christine Waddell, Owen Reid, Jill Laurie

The year 1978 was marked by the addition of some new “young blood” in our pipe section. Our uniforms were also enhanced with the purchase of our first “official” jackets.

This year could have been called the year of Cutty Sark as we continued our association and friendship with Alec MacLeish. We played several gigs under the name The Pipes and Drums of Cutty Sark. One gig was a trip to Victoria to hobnob with politicians at the Empress. We also played in the Sea Festival Parade and at a golf tournament in Victoria. We were always well treated and Alec loved marching around in front of the band. Our happy and fortunate connection with Cutty Sark was cut short the next year by the sudden passing of Alec by a heart attack.

In the fall, if memory serves, both Ian and Allan were off to Alberta. Allan to Calgary to school and Ian to Edmonton to apprentice as a welder. There was a bit of a sense of the changing of the guard and a building year as we worked new personnel into our line-up and raised funds for 1979 and our second assault on Scotland!

1979

New Pipers: Rod Bellamy , Rich Nichol

New Drummers: Stewart MacPherson

For Triumph Street, 1979 was all about our second trip to Scotland. That spring we were involved in a number of fundraising schemes including dances, pub crawls and a giant garage sale held at Collingwood Hall on Victoria Drive. Later in the spring, Jeff began discussions with the people at Grouse Mountain with a view to organizing a new contest there.

In June of 1979, Hal was teaching at BYU in Salt Lake City. There were Highland Games scheduled for June 23 and we were invited to bring a mini band. I don’t recall all of the members of that mini band but I do remember flying down on a Friday with Owen, Ian Putz and Bill Stockler. We were met at the airport by a member of the organizing committee who took us to a wonderful Scottish themed restaurant which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. It was all somewhat surreal.

The trip to Scotland was the subject of many great stories. We flew from Vancouver on August 9 to London and from there by bus to Nottingham.  After the contest, on Sunday, we had a couple of free days and regrouped in Edinburgh on Wednesday at our digs at Heriot-Watt University. On August 18 we went to Rothesay, site of the legendary "Animal Days".  August 25 was Cowal and the next day, Sunday, we played a small contest in Edinburgh. From August 28 - September 2 we stayed in Glasgow at Strathclyde University and on September 1 we played at Shotts. Most returned home the next day, Sunday, September 2nd.

Some trivia: We played 14th at the World's (of 17.) Our accommodation in Edinburgh, bed and breakfast, cost the princely sum of four pounds per night. Our four buses in Scotland cost 380 pounds including the ferry to Rothesay. Those were the days!

Here is my report on the trip from the WPBA Journal... “The winners of the World's Championship were the Strathclyde Police; however, both Victoria and Triumph Street were on the prize list with Triumph Street placing 5th and Victoria 6th. In addition, the drum corps of Triumph Street, under the leadership of Willie McErlean, was awarded the World's Championship for drum corps.”

Although both bands were pleased to be on the prize list I think there was a feeling that perhaps we should have done somewhat better. Allow me to quote Pipe Sergeant Angus MacLellan: "In the practice field all the enthusiasts were going around listening to the various bands and asking the same questions - would Dysart and Dundonald hold onto the title? Would the Shotts and Dykehead come back with a bang? Or was it the year for one of the two police bands? What about the challenge from overseas? In Grade I it was obvious that the two Canadian bands were a big threat. Everyone was impressed by them and when they played in the competition there were thoughts that the World Championship could leave Scotland for the first time."  But it was not to be. After the World's, both bands felt they would do as well if not better at the contests to come...but neither band was able to crack the prize lists at the following championships - despite turning in good performances.

When we got home we were feted at the PNE by Don Bellamy who arranged to have the reader board sign outside the grounds read:  “Triumph Street Pipe Band returns in Triumph - World Champions."

The next weekend was the Grouse Mountain games. It was a great venue and a great idea but rotten weather - it almost snowed! Culloden Moor came to town as the guest band and most of them stayed with Gayle and me - camped out in one bedroom at our house on Pandora Street. The day of the games was also the day of soccer bowl and the "village" of Vancouver made it to prime time when the Whitecaps won. On Sunday they came home to a victory parade down Granville Street. We got kilted up and went down to unofficially greet them. We ended up playing on cars with the players and piping them into Robson Square - one of our best spontaneous gigs. What follows are some of your memories of 1979.

Owen remembers: “For me, it all started in the fall of ‘78.  What really hit me hard (besides the two-2/4’s strapped together called a chanter reed) was the powerful sound of the band – it sometimes looked like Graham’s neck was going to explode. Scotland was a whole other world.  That first year in TSPB was amazing.  I was part of a cult that had too much fun.  It was the best of times.” - Owen Reid   

Drew remembers: “One of my fondest memories of any year was during 1979: having warmed up for the Nottingham contest I remember the wink and nod to the band from Hal and we played along the treed roadway up to the line. We played Kilworth Hills, of course, and it still gives me goose bumps thinking of it. I don't remember much from the contest that day but I sure remember coming up to play.” - Drew MacKay

Willie remembers the World’s: “When they announced the Grade I drumming prize I thought it was best overseas band. I was up at the podium and some lady was handing out prizes. I said, “Can I ask you a question? Is this the main drumming prize?” She said - “wait.” Over came a wee man from the RSPBA who asked what the problem was. I explained my question. He said, “Son, you won the lot, what more do you want?” Happy days! I do wish the band had won the World’s, it would have been nice for all of us!”  - Willie McErlean

Rob remembers “the trip to Scotland and the performance at the Worlds. The performance, of course, was great as was the Vindaloo Curry that evening. I remember the Vancouver Whitecaps Victory, the incredible parade where we walked shoulder to shoulder down Burrard Street as the overflow crowds took up the rest of the space. I also remember piping Phil Parkes and Willie Johnson down the tunnel from the Robson Square Media Center (Playing “White is the Colour.”)” - Rob Menzies

Graham remembers “being in Nottingham (for the World’s) and poor Rob getting in late after we had all arrived. He ended up in one of the last rooms which had to be right beside the Shotts Drum Corps. I don't think he got any sleep that night.” - Graham Davidson

Ian remembers “my first trip with TSPB up to Trail, where Kennedy Cranswick and I failed to make the performance with the band, so we stayed outside and flogged as many albums as we could - I think we accosted every innocent individual trying to make their way into the arena!  I remember well the trip to Toronto and staying at York University. I was walking over to dinner with Hal and heard the Glasgow Police warming up and practicing in a square...stunning. I had never heard a sound like it; that single moment transformed what I believed a pipe band could sound like. Beautiful.  I felt so fortunate to join such a talented band playing at its peak. The trip to Santa Rosa was the culmination of a hugely successful year - we seemed to be winning everything.” - Ian Putz

1979 was a wonderful year for TSPB!

1980

On May 18, 1980, we competed at the Victoria Games. That particular Sunday was memorable as it was the day that Mount St. Helen’s erupted. I can remember hearing several eruptions (not from the pipe section) at the park that day.

On the June 28th weekend we travelled, with Victoria PB, to Alberta to compete in the Interprovincial Championships and at games at Ellerslie. We divided the prizes and over $7000 in prize money that weekend!  We won the Interprovincial in Red Deer, and Victoria placed second. In Ellerslie the results were reversed.

That summer the Vancouver Ladies went to Scotland. It was a TSPB memory because Angus was running the band and Terry and Scott were instructing the drum corps. The Ladies won their first contest - the World’s in Grade III. Shotts took Grade I that year. The Ladies also took several other prizes in Grade III and Grade II while in Scotland. Remember the slide show when they returned? It was held at SFU and the Queen recording of “We are the Champions” still echoes in my memory.

On the Labour Day weekend we made the inevitable trip to Santa Rosa. In 1980, there were 24 bands in competition including Transcona from Manitoba, Erskine from Ontario and Innes Tartan from New Zealand. We won both Grade I events and the championship event which was a payoff between the top two Grade I bands.

In December of 1980, we held our 9th contest, this time at the Marpole Community Centre. Another great year in the annals of TSPB had passed.

 

1982

1982 was the 10th anniversary of the band. A commemorative T-shirt was created and we assembled on a Saturday evening in a hall on Main Street to celebrate the decade. We tried to put everyone on the T-shirt - even those who may have only played once. Here are the names from that 1982 T-shirt:  Colin Abel, Janet Abel, Dave Anderson, Gord Beer, Rod Bellamy, Sally Brewer, Murray Budden, Susan Burgess, Jack Cairney, Brian Carse, Cindy Chambers, Dave Coleman, Robbie Collins, Kennedy Cranswick, Jeff Crowter, Graham Davidson, Katie Forsyth, Duncan Fraser, Jack Gallaher, Bob Gorman, Gord Gunderson, Rick Gunderson, Jim Inglis, Bob Jay, Jan Laurie, Jean Laurie, Jill Laurie, Jim Leonard, Terry Leonard, Mike MacInnes, Jocelyn MacKenzie, Allan MacLeod, Jim MacLeod, Don MacMillan, Angus MacPherson, Stewart MacPherson, Sandy Marshall, Willie McErlean, Jack McGilvary, Rob Menzies, Jon Moore, Rich Nichol, Drew Noot (MacKay), Tim Noot, Robyn Palmer, Rick Purdy, Ian Putz, Steve Ramsden, Owen Reid, Scott Robertson, Bill Russell, Dave Rutherford, Hal Senyk, Jan Senyk, Valery Senyk, Allan Skalazub, Bill Stockler, Heather Upton, Christine Waddell, Archie Walker, Ian Whiltelaw, Jamie Wright, John Wright.

1986

This was the year of the third trip to Scotland. Thanks to Jim Wright for forwarding a back copy of the BC Pipers' Newsletter with this report by Cheryl Taylor: After traveling through four countries, Triumph Street and company finally made their way to Leonard Horner Hall in Edinburgh. Our first week's stay brought many memories.  I suppose those most memorable were the moisture problems with the bagpipes, being kicked out of practice spots (no one likes bagpipes in Edinburgh,) tinker pipers and, of course, the Scottish Championships in Glenrothes.  The Championships were an education to those of us who had not competed in Scotland before.  After the initial shock at the number of bands competing and being followed because we were "a Canadian Grade I band," we went forth to hear some of the contestants.  Out of the first seven I listened to, Strathclyde had by far the best show.  Unfortunately, we were tuning through the winning performance of Boghall and Bathgate. Listening after to the tape, their overall show was excellent.  For Triumph Street, moisture problems led to chanter squeaks in the performance.  However, the experience gained from this Championship was valuable in preparing us for the World Championships.

The band took a rest on Sunday and got back to work on Monday. Weather became a bit more tolerable for the duration or our stay in Edinburgh.  Tuesday evening our group attended the Edinburgh tattoo.  The band was invited to the officers' mess after the Tattoo festivities.  On Wednesday, Triumph Street changed residences and moved to Reith Hall, Glasgow.  Weather again played a major role in practice plans.  On Thursday, with the arrival of Hal Senyk, Kim Chisholm and Rod Booth, the pipes seemed far better settled and we had a good practice. That evening, many of us travelled to the Blackburn academy in West Lothian to attend Boghall and Bathgate's practise.  Friday we practiced again and some players attended a British Caledonian practice, then retired early to prepare for the World's the next day.

We awoke early Saturday morning to the sound of rain and wind.  When we arrived at Bellahouston Park the rain had subsided but the wind was quite strong. Our MSR performance was quite solid.  The cold definitely was a factor.  Again, squeaks during the selection.  However, overall it was a good solid outing.  Weather played a major factor for the first eight bands.  After that, conditions improved. The afternoon brought better weather and, with it, superior sound.  Because of our draw we missed several good performances.

After a long day the results were

1. Strathclyde 

2. 78th Fraser Highlanders 

3. Boghall & Bathgate 

4. SFU 

5. Polkemmet 

6. British Caledonian Airways.

- Cheryl Taylor

Scott remembers: “We were staying in the dorms and we had worked out an arrangement for the showers. The girls’ shower was on the 3rd floor and the guys’ shower on the 4th. It worked well until a busload of French girls arrived. No one told them about the arrangement. Graham was taking a shower (on the 4th floor). When he emerged dripping wet a girl came out of the shower next to him and began screaming at him in French. Graham calmly replied, “You must be one of the French girls.” - Scott Robertson

1992

This was the year of the 20th anniversary reunion. The event was held in Coquitlam and a commemorative poster was designed and produced by Gwyn MacGregor, bearing the names of members of the band (and some supporters,) as a souvenir for band members.  Note that some names had changed due to marriage, etc. Here are the additional names not appearing above in the 1982 T-shirt list: Kathleen Bratten, Mike Bratten, Kim Chisholm, Mark Christy, Leigh Collins, Chris Curr, Corey Dalziel, Mr. & Mrs. Davidson, Eric Froese, John Ginn, Helen Gladden, Fred & Laurel Hansford, Alan Kenney, Jocelyn Laveck, Brenda Lowden, Gwyn MacGregor, Lesley MacKay, Colin McGee, Heather McAuley, Carol McDonald, Donny McInnes, Bruce McPhee, Beth McTaggart, Denine Morgan, Dougal Morrison, Paul Nailen, Randy Noble, Ken Painter, Craig Phelps, Jon Quigg, Steve Raymer, Mona Robertson, Karen Rosequist, Katie Ryan, Bill Saul, Leah Sinclair, Todd Sinclair, Rob Smith, Cheryl Taylor, Sandy Tucker, Glen Walker, Charlene Wallis, Alan Walters, Kim Walsh, Geordie Young.

2007

There was a large gathering of Triumph Street Pipe Band Members - old and new - at The Cellar Nightclub on March 18th for a fundraising concert and commemoration of this being the band’s 35th Anniversary year.  Now, if we only had written down everyone’s name!

Please help us fill in the blanks. 

Let us know what Triumph Street Pipe Band has meant to you!

Triumph Street Pipe Band

History Project (1971-1992)