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Runcorn Pied Pipers celebrate

The talented dancers of the Runcorn Pied Pipers majorettes are celebrating more competition success having twirled their way to the top of the Military Freestyle and Poms categories of the Great Britain Baton Twirling Association's Classic Championship.

The event, held in Oldham earlier this month (5th November), signalled the end of a very successful competitive year for the Pipers, who also raised the Association’s President’s Cup and All England Championship trophy, as well as awards in the Military Freestyle and Military Leader classes of its Great Britain Championships.

Launched in 1982 by Troupe Principal Lea Kirk, the Pipers host their own competition at The Heath Business & Technical Park every year. Welcoming around 20 troupes from Wales, Liverpool, Holyhead and beyond to the park, the June event raises funds to support the majorettes’ activities.

“The Classic Championship was a wonderful end to a fantastic season. Everyone works so hard in training and there is a lot of competition out there. Both Principal Leader Lea Kirk, who leads our training, and I are so proud of each individual that dances and it is amazing to see them get the recognition they deserve,” said Tracy Whitlow, Pied Pipers Troupe Leader and The Heath’s Conference Centre Manager.

“I love how the majorettes bring people together, and the happy little faces on the children when they win is what it’s all about for me,” says Tracy, who teaches a troupe of dancers aged ten to 15 years old. “It’s hard work but very rewarding.”

Now that the competitive season has closed, Tracy and the Runcorn Pied Pipers are recruiting new members and starting work on new routines for next year. They hold classes for everyone aged from two years old in their Baby troupe, all the way to Seniors, for anyone aged 15 or older.

“I have been dancing since I was nine. Now I’m 42, one of the older girls in the troupe, and have a lot of lifelong friends from my involvement with the majorettes. My own daughter is 12 and has been dancing from the moment she could walk, and my parents are also involved so it’s a big family and a very friendly environment,” says Tracy. “Joining the majorettes is a great way to stay active and build new friendships, while boosting kids’ confidence and enjoying some very long but fun days out!”

The recent wins build upon the dance group’s earlier accomplishments, including winning the World Championships in the Isle of Man in 1987.

Lesley Lunt, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Heath, said: “Everyone at The Heath would like to congratulate the Runcorn Pied Pipers on another incredible year. We have loved seeing their performances here over the years and wish them continued success in the future!”

Runcorn Pied Pipers, which welcomes girls and boys, train twice a week at Brookvale Community Centre, on Mondays from 7pm to 10pm, and on Thursdays, for younger children from 5pm until 8pm and older children from 8pm to 10pm. Anyone interested in joining the troupe is welcome to attend a training session.

About The Heath
The Heath Business and Technical Park is a phenomenal regeneration success story. Formed in 2000, its owner and operator, SOG Ltd, has transformed a once single occupancy corporate facility into a thriving independent business park. The Heath now provides office and laboratory accommodation for more than 120 individual organisations, ranging from business services and IT specialists to those at the cutting edge of science, research and advanced manufacturing. Around 2,000 people are employed at the site. For further information, telephone 01928 515988 or visit www.theheath.com

For more information, please see:
www.theheath.com

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
21st November 2017