Allen announces retirement

Bob Allen, president of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO), has revealed that he will not complete his fourth two-year term, and will retire from the post as of the organization’s annual general meeting on November 6th in Kingston, Ontario. Allen would have had one more year left in his term.

It is not known how the organization will fill the presidency, as the vice-president position is up for election at the PPBSO’s AGM. It is thought that a special election for president is likely.

“I have enjoyed my seven years as president of the PPBSO immensely,” Allen said. “Nothing worth doing ever comes easy and, even though there have many challenging times, I hope that the PPBSO membership agrees that we are a stronger association. I will do everything that I can to make the transition to the next president a smooth one.”

Under Allen’s direction since 1996, the PPBSO has undergone significant change, most notably its move to operate more as a business. Allen has managed to balance the organization’s budget, and has brought in the books in the black over the last several years.

He has also been instrumental in establishing the PPBSO’s headquarters in Milton, Ontario, where most organization meetings, seminars, and judging examinations are now held. In the past year the PPBSO has gained official not-for-profit status, a crucial development that will make government grants and corporate sponsorships far more likely.

It is not known who will ultimately run for president of the organization, but Willie Connell, Sharon Duthart, Charlie MacDonald, and Ed Neigh’s names have been mentioned as possible candidates.

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