PBNews wishes all those in the piping and pipe band fraternities Seasons Greetings. 2010 is expected to be a big year for New Zealand Piping, with the National Championships in Masterton expected to be the most competitive in years.The Easter Highland Games in Hastings is expected to draw several pipers to the New Zealand Championships, with the Gold Medal, New Zealand Championship and North Island Championship Piobaireachd all on the same day. The Gold Medal and Clasp are now all own choice, which reportedly has enticed many retired players to come back and compete.

The World Championships will see two New Zealand Bands in the Qualifier – The Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band under the new direction of Richard Hawke and James Laughlin, and the Auckland and Districts Pipe Band under Martin Frewen and Glenn Millar. Both bands will vie for one of the top spots.

January 2010 will also see PBNews review the Decade that Was, and announce their picks – with help from several notable names – for the best bands, solo players, and events of the decade.

From everyone who has contributed to PBNews this year, we wish everyone in the piping and pipe band community a happy New Year, and an excellent 2010.