Groaning trenchers will be filled this New England Festival, Saturday, March 16, as the Servies Club dishes out their bill o' fare to pipe bands from around the region.
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Servies CEO Scott Sullivan donated $2000 to Mike Creagan, Armidale Pipe Band drum-major and committee member, on Thursday morning,
The money will pay for lunch at the Servies for 100 people: 60 or 70 playing musicians (numbers to be confirmed), and their helpers, from as far as Newcastle and the coast.
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Festival organisers in other towns, Mr Creagan said, provide bands with lunch and refreshment. Up to a decade ago, Armidale pipers used to be given a voucher for a can of drink and a sausage, but, other than that, people have to go and find their own lunch.
The pipe band approached Mr Sullivan in October; "he came back with this generous donation," Mr Creagan said.
No longer will the pipers walk around trying to grab a sandwich or a counter lunch, Mr Creagan said. Having lunch in the same spot would also foster a sense of camaraderie.
No word whether haggis will be on the menu, though.
"The Servies is proud to be on board with the donation to bring all these pipe bands to the festival," Mr Sullivan said. "They've traditionally come, and sometimes they don't get the hospitality they deserve. It's another way the Servies can give back to the community."
The Servies also donated five bottles of Scotch for the quintet competition, featuring three pipers and two drummers, outside the post office.
The club will provide the venue for the Australian Army Concert Band in the evening, from 7pm; the pipe band will play for half an hour at 6.30pm as a prelude to the concert. Tickets cost $25, and all money raised goes to drought relief for local farmers. The concert is expected to sell out; those wishing to attend should book on-line.
"We're delighted that the Services club are making a big commitment to stand behind the festival," Mr Creagan said.
Bands will probably choose the Services Club for other functions during the year, he said.
