We’ve had a great summer. Our online season of “games”, with almost 1800 competitive performances, was a real success. Many of our members, too, enjoyed our “Up Yer Game” 9-part seminar series. And for those who were able, revelled in a shimmering bright Cobourg Highland Games. The day was perfect and, I think, a tonic for anyone who was lucky enough to attend the park on the shores of Lake Ontario. Just to play outside, I think, felt like winning. And, so, Cobourg was a glorious season-capper. Again, a special thanks to games president, George Cackette and his team of driven optimists.
We’re now shifting to another season: all the many PPBSO activities that we enjoy in the non-summer months. A reminder to take note of your local branch’s Annual General Meeting. They’ll be coming up in the days and weeks ahead and you’ll likely want to turn up and contribute as you can. To show-up is a solid mark of support, to my mind. And now, especially, support of any kind – to organizations and people – is a welcome and much-valued thing.
On that brief summary I am very happy to announce that the PPBSO has been approved for a grant from the Government of Ontario’s Trillium Foundation in the Community Building – Operating Stream category in the amount of $49,100. This grant category is a new one and was developed to “support community arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation organizations, that are experiencing significant financial pressures due to the pandemic.” Having lost two outdoor seasons and, as a result, over 40% of paid annual memberships, the PPBSO is beyond grateful for the Government of Ontario’s Trillium Foundation grant.
The grant will allow us to sustain our financial viability while upgrading office technology (e.g. laptop, printers, filing space) update our online presence, support the development of our history and archives initiative and, well, just give us breathing space that will allow us to dig in our brogues and continue to find ways to work developing piping and drumming in Ontario.
A preliminary announcement to advise that the PPBSO will be holding another AGM this year. Our last was January 30, 2021. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 1:00 pm. The meeting will again be entirely online. You can expect more information closer to the date.
See you then, if not before.
Sincerely, Michael Grey, President, The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario
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