Applications for the 2020 Peter Cook Scholarship to assist in the encouragement and advancement of pipers will close next Tuesday 30 June.

The scholarship was established last year with the bequest from Peter’s estate and is jointly administered by Pipe Bands Australia and Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association. Awards totalling up to $2000 being made over at least the next 10 years.

Peter Cook tragically lost his life in a car accident just days before the 2014 Australian Pipe Band Championships. He had been secretary of Pipe Bands Victoria for more than a decade at the time of his death and had been recognised with life membership of Pipe Bands Australia through the branch.

He had a lifelong passion for piping and pipe bands, but in particular, solo piping and was heavily involved with the former Pipers’ Club of Victoria as an executive member.

His passion for piping and bands was unwavering, and he dedicated much time to the function of every organisation promoting piping with which he was involved.

Peter bequeathed a sum of money for the advancement of solo piping, and his family have elected to establish the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship in his honour and perpetually acknowledge Peter’s love of bagpipes.

Donations to extend the life of the scholarship fund are to be made by branches, bands, kindred organisations and individuals with a keen interest in supporting the advancement of pipers in Australia.

Applications for the 2020 scholarships are now open and will close on 30 June 2020 and are to be made on the official form, emailed to scholarship@pipebands.asn.au