George is tuning up for piping spectacular
ENSURING one of the largest musical events ever held in Belfast goes without a hitch is just part of a day's work for one Co Antrim farmer.
Ballinderry man, George Ussher, in his other role as president of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) will oversee all logistical aspects of the coveted European championships, which commence inside the grounds of the Stormont estate this morning.
Watched by an expected crowd of over 20,000 people, 127 bands from all over Europe, including representatives from Ulster's large band fraternity, are due to compete for the title of European champion.
Today's competition marks the first of three consecutive years the skirl of the bagpipes and the beat of the drum will reverberate around the city, as the showpiece contest will also be held in Belfast next year and in 2012.
Mr Ussher, also chair of the Northern branch of the RSPBA, was yesterday making final arrangements and attended his final site meeting prior to the first band entering the centre stage of the Civil Service sports grounds this morning.
After a year's preparation, the 62-year-old is confident local administrators have chosen a suitable location for the bands to showcase their skills.
"It is appropriate given the closeness of Stormont Castle and the contests that have went on there that now we are moving a more musical contest into the grounds beside it," Mr Ussher said.
"The Civil Service grounds seem to offer everything and the best package - be it car parking, coach parking, suitable space for the competition and the crowds.
"A number of bands come in coaches, so it is important in that regard. It often becomes a base for the band as it is somewhere to take their instruments and somewhere to sit down and have a rest."
Officials will be responsible for five competition arenas, involving six adult grades, two juvenile grades and a drum major competition.
Usually attending up to 15 pipe band contests on an annual basis, Mr Ussher is well experienced when it comes to such events and runs a tight ship.
"It does take a fair bit of work but I believe we have a fairly slick operation. We don't allow bands to run too far behind but if a band doesn't turn up at its arena on time, they are immediately disqualified."
As a former bass drummer himself, George is well aware of the commitment as well as the musical talent required to excel on the highest stage.
"They practice two nights a week to prepare themselves for this championship and others they compete in all year round. It is more than just the music, there is a whole social side to the band scene as well."
He also paid tribute to the long-standing cross-community nature of pipe band music.
"Through the Troubles we have managed to keep going and keep both sides together in the bands' scene. It has been difficult at times but sectarianism doesn’t exist in bands as far as we can keep it away.”
Despite his important duties, the band official has an excuse to keep a particularly close eye on the grade two contest, as his children, Neill and Joanne, are both drummers with Ravara Pipe Band.
“I always make the point of going down to see them play. Joanne is in Spain at the moment, but I have to ring her as soon as the results are known.”
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
