IT was with great pleasure that members of the Stratford and District Scottish Society presented John Campbell with a life membership award recently. A special presentation ceremony was held at the Pioneer Village on July 19, and was attended by friends, colleauges and well wishers; all eager to congratulate John onover 30 years of service to the Scottish Society and the Stratford and District Pipe Band. John started with the Eltham Pipe Band, before joining the pipe band in Stratford and records show that John first attended the annual meeting of the Scottish Society in 1978. At this meeting, he was elected as a Chieftain and Stratford's representative for the Taranaki region. These positions he still holds today, as well as that of treasurer – a role he first took on in 1991. He also held the position of Scottish Society representative on the committee of Stratford's old Community Centre - where the band used to practice. He took up a similar position on the Scout Den Committee, after the band relocated there and he continues to enjoy representing them there today. The celebrations on the night of July 19 saw John being thanked for his tireless devotion to the Scottish Society and pipe band, with special note being made of his instrumental role in securing many of the grants and donations that have enabled the society to continue to exist over the years. John was presented with a special certificate and commemorative badge, acknowledging the loyalty and generosity he has continued to display in his long association with the society. John has found his association with the society extremely rewarding, and if any member of the public is interested in learning more about the society, or is keen to take up the bagpipes, phone Brian Alexander on 765 5518 for further details.
