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Hills District Pipe Band Peter Todd is recognised as a Life Member |
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14-10-2005 | ||||
Since that time it has been a custom of the Band and its Committee, to formally acknowledge the commitment and contribution made by a number of its outstanding members. The greatest recognition to be accorded is that of ‘Life Member’. It was my privilege this year to announce the appointment of Peter Todd as the Bands seventh life member. Peter has been a member of the band for more than 25 years and has been Treasurer for approximately 20 of those years. A staunch and reliable member, Peter can be relied upon for his contribution in the performing and social aspects of the Band, not to mention his accounting skills.
It is always a challenge to satisfy the seemingly infinite requirements of the Band in terms of uniforms and equipment and balance these against finite financial resources. This task is not made any easier when one considers the many and varied options for investment and the numerous stakeholders concerned. Peter has managed successfully to ignore the plaintiff cries from the masses over the years, and help steer the Band into the financially stable position that it currently enjoys today. An unfortunate accident some years ago resulted in Peter requiring a lengthy period of convalescence for a badly injured leg. Despite this, Peter attended all Band engagements including the arduous ANZAC Day commitments of the 3.00am Dawn Service and Parades in Sydney and Glenorie. I am also reminded of a situation last year, at the Highland Gathering in Aberdeen NSW when a couple of band members had left components of their winter uniform back in Sydney, some three or four hours away. Feeling a little out of sorts, Peter generously offered to loan his gear to them. As I witnessed Peter disrobing, I could not help but concern myself the looming specter of Peter Todd performing with the MassBands in the afternoon, wearing only what he had left, his jacket, spats and sporran! An observation made by one of our newer members at this years Ball after the Life Members presentation was made, was for him to be acknowledged as a Life Member based on length of service alone, he would have to remain an active member of the Band well into his 70’s. I think this puts the merit of this award and the gratitude shown to those who receive it, into its true perspective! Peter Moroney |
