19 bands register with the Association for the year. The Iona Pipe Band, which has disbanded, offers a trophy in honour of Danny MacIntyre. An ambitious Phase I of the development program is implemented. Twelve regional workshops are held during the year with one major workshop held in Antigonish. The co-ordinators for the regional sessions are Bev Ollerton, Theresa Buchanan and Doug Bonang. Altogether, 111 pipers and drummers enroll for the series.

The Dartmouth Festival of Piping moves across the harbour and becomes the Metro Highland Games. Roy Stanley Chisholm donates a plaque to the Association and it is awarded annually for Dress and Deportment. Mr. Chisholm is commended for his continued support of the Association's activities. Scott Williams is asked by the Antigonish Diocese to organize a 100 member massed pipe band which performs during the Papal Visit in September. It is a wonderful experience for all involved despite the terrible rain and high winds.

Drumming instructor and judge, Neil McKenna, is ordained to the priesthood. The Association does not believe him when he says he is laying down his drumsticks for ever. He does continue in a much reduced capacity instructing in the industrial Cape Bret on area where he is posted.

The Past Presidents of the Association are honoured at the Annual General Meeting in Antigonish. Ann Robinson is named Pipe Major of the Year for 1984.

The AGM is a lively one as Walter Tucker shocks the members with a statement that the Festival of the Tartans Committee refuses to be pushed around by the Association any more. Heated debate follows and a meeting is suggested between the Association Executive and the Festival Committee. Mr. Tucker agrees to set it up.

The meeting ends with a notice of motion to sanction only events held within the province of Nova Scotia. The vote will take place at the general meeting next May to give everyone time to think seriously about it.