2024 News

At a recent concert in the North Kirk, Penicuik there was a triple surprise for three of the performers. The event was a joint concert held between Penicuik Silver Band and their guests St David’s Brass, together with their combined youth bands.

It was during St David’s performance that the three players, all from the cornet section, were both surprised and delighted to be awarded their life membership of SBBA from Stuart Dickson, Chair and Principal Cornet of St David’s.

It was an appropriate venue for the first recipient, Tony Laidlaw, as he started his playing career with Penicuik Silver Band in 1971 on both tenor horn and cornet. After some 37 years here, he moved to St David’s where he has been soprano cornet for the last 15 years.  Tony also plays horn and sometimes French horn (the instrument he took up at school) for concerts and ensemble work. For the last 12 years Tony has performed at various formal occasions as State Trumpeter.

Morag Carrie was next to receive her medal. Morag began her playing career with Long Melford Silver Band in 1983 where she played cornet. Following this, she played with Alva Band and later with Barnoldswick Town, Otley Town, Peebles Burgh Band, before a short period at Penicuik Silver band.  Since 2013, Morag has been a stalwart of the cornet section at St David’s.

Fiona Dickson started her banding career with Kirkintilloch Silver Band in the early 1970s on percussion. Fiona has also played at the top level of banding with Kinneil, Whitburn, and Scottish Co-op - all as a percussionist. In 2011 Fiona opted to join the rest of her family and move to St David’s, first on percussion, but latterly as a cornet player where she sits beside her grandchildren.

It was our turn to join Penicuik Silver Band at their concert this time… the North Kirk was a great venue and we were delighted to join you!

A huge well done to all who played especially our soloists: Phil Terras on Trombone and Stuart Dickson on Cornet – brilliant performances from both – wow!

We’re enjoying being a regular feature at the Fisherrow Festival … and even when the sun isn’t fully out to play, we don’t mind at all – thanks again for having us!

In January this year, three of our band members took part in the East of Scotland Solo Competition, held in the Salvation Army Hall in Gorgie Road, Edinburgh. 

Phil, our trombonist, played in the senior section with our two youngest members competing in the under 12 age group. They were all congratulated on their excellent performances, with the youths receiving gold and silver awards. 

Later, on 23 March at Bellshill Salvation Army Hall, the two youngsters, Mila and Bailey performed in the SBBA Scottish Solo Finals and were awarded silver and gold certificates. Well done to both of them, especially as it was their first attempt at such an event. 

Our youngest player, Bailey playing cornet, made his debut in these Championships and to make it an even more memorable occasion, he celebrated his 9th birthday on the same day!

Triptych by Philip Sparke was our challenge for the Scottish Championships in Perth this year … we didn’t get the result we hoped for this time. However there was still reason to celebrate as our youngest member of the Dickson family completed his first Scottish Championship performance – and also on his birthday.

Happy birthday Bailey and well done!