The Canterbury Caledonian Society Grade 1 Pipe Band began the 2011/12 season strongly, with a win at Victoria Square Day in both the Set and Medley, also winning the drumming and ensemble. Several new members of the band had their first real outing with the band and performed strongly. Congratulations to Dougie MacDonald, Angus Hawke, Courtney Williamson, George Stick, Ben Murray, Hannah Park, Jake Broadhurst and Hamish Peterson for all making their debuts with the band.

The band went north the next weekend and competed at the annual Highland Square Day in Palmerston North. The only contest outside of the Nationals where all 4 Grade 1 bands attend gives rise to a serious weekend of competing. This year, Pipe Band Club from Australia also joined in an made for a strong contest. Canterbury was runner-up in the set and won the Medley; a fantastic achievement considering the strength of the contest this year. The drummers won the Medley drumming.

It was also the first weekend where the drum corps played their new HTS-800 Premier Drums, as part of the sponsorship deal with Premier. The Band is proud to be a Premier Endorsee and is proud to play Premier Drums.

The Band looks forward to a rest for the next few weeks over the holiday period, and looks forward to getting back into it in early 2012.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Canterbury Caledonian Society Grade 1 Pipe Band.