How it all began...

With the recent passing of JK McAllister(http://www.pipesdrums.com/Contents.aspx?M=News&AT=News&AID=16485 and Tom Jr. in 2001, I can't help but reflect on how the whole JWT thing happened....
My association with the McAllisters goes back to the early 1970's when they first started J&W&T McAllister reeds. I was looking for a good, consistant supply of reeds for the City of Victoria Pipe Band and on P/M Ken Eller's suggestion, I contacted JK about being on the "list". I wound up as #3 behind P/M Ian McLellan and Ken.
In 1997, JP was playing in Peel and Jacquie was playing with Abbotsford at the Worlds. Louise and I decided to go over to support the family. On the Wednesday, SFU was playing the 'before the Worlds' concert (still in Motherwell at the time), so I went through on the Peel bus to take in the concert. While there, I talked with JK and Tom about the possibility of buying J&W&T. JK said 'Give us X amount of pounds and you can take everything when you go home". On the Monday after the Worlds, JP and I went through to Shotts and were grilled by all 3 brothers for some time. In the end an agreement had been reached. Bill was the one that cinched the deal. We then came home and I arranged the financing and went back to Shotts in January 1998. JP and I spent the month learning all the secrets of the trade. We then packed all the equipment and sent it all to Victoria.
Spending time with the McAllisters in their downtown shop in Shotts was extremely invaluable. Not only learning how and why the McAllister reeds are the way they are but being able to spend time with three legendary people. So much history there. Tom Jr. would give you the shirt off his back. JK, with an abrupt first impression, revealed a passion for piping, its traditions and for life in general. Bill, also caring and passionate, is still in Shotts and is as vibrant sounding as ever. All three, with their father Tom Sr., played an equal part in the business, developing and producing a fine product consistently. I am honoured to have been able to carry this tradition of quality reedmaking on with my son. As Bill said, "It was fate" - with my initials being JWT and the McAllisters all starting with J, W and T....
It's been 11 years and counting!
-James W.