The pipers and drummers, along with Pipe Majors Murel Gibson and Gordon Black, of Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band came away from the 2008 World Pipe Band Competitions in Glasgow, Scotland as the number two 4B band in the world. They marched onto Glasgow Green on August 16 with their green and blue tartan kilts before a crowd estimated at 30,000. Over 50 pipe bands were in the 4B competitions. The local band members were thrilled to be among the 12 finalists in the competition … and when the winners of the final round were announced the Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band members, with family and friends present, were ecstatic and anxious to celebrate … but most of the musicians were too exhausted and were ready for bed. Only the Stockbridge band was judged to be better.

The Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band members had just completed a grueling two weeks. They had competed in the 2008 North American championships at Maxville (near Ottawa) winning that to be crowned the Best (Category 5) Best Pipe Band in North America. Then a few days later, just before embarking for Scotland the local band played at Ivor Wynn Stadium in Hamilton at the half-time show for an estimated 25,000 Hamilton Tiger Cats fans. Then the flight overseas, followed by a week of practices … every day in the morning, afternoon and evening. Pipe Major Gordon Black told the Maple Leaf, "on their one day off for free time most of the musicians went to hear other pipe bands play."

Pipe Major Murel Gibson of Paris has been with the Paris-Port Dover Pipe band for four years. Gordon Black asked her two years ago to accept the pipe major position of the category 5 section of the band (that category is known as 4B in Scotland). "She took command of the band," Pipe Major Black stated, "and over the winter she worked really hard with them and now they are number two in all the world."

Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band began eight years ago. Gordon Black commented, "we have gone from nothing to second best in the world." For the band’s tenth anniversary thought is being given to an August trip to Holland and France, to accept a standing invitation to play at Dieppe, the site of a World War II battle. Mr. Black noted that 90% of the pipers who went to the World championships this month were taught under his tutelage, "and one piper only began last summer!" he exclaimed. The oldest drummer in the championship band is 69-year-old Chuck Eckensviller of Hagersville. Mr. Black said "Chuck never dreamed he would be going to Scotland at his age to play in the world championships and come back home a winner."