Ladies’ Pipe Bands – A History Part 5

By Jeannie Campbell The Clan Stewart Ladies Pipe Band (above) was founded in Glasgow in 1947 under Pipe Major Miss Annie MacNeill and band secretary Miss May Knox. At the first meeting it was decided that the ladies themselves would be wholly responsible for the administration of the unit, and this was continued during the future years. P/M John Weatherston BEM [Red Hackle] and Mr Ian McNair were responsible for…

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PP Ed’s Blog: Lawrie Pipes/ Shotts Contest/ John’s Service/ RU Brown Tune/ Pipe Practice/ Tom Dingwall

A set of old Lawrie silver and ivory pipes is offered for sale today on Piping Press. The pipes are pictured above. Get more details and pictures from our Online Advertising Service here. This service is available to all readers for only £25 per ad. Got something to sell? Use this service to reach thousands of pipers and pipe bands worldwide. I read at the weekend that yet another minor…

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Piping & Drumming in Schools – One Band’s Fight for Survival

By Alister Rae, Secretary, West Fife Schools Pipe Band In response to the article entitled ‘Music Teaching in Scotland – Is New Ruling More Hot Air or a Wake Up Call’, I thought I’d enlighten Piping Press readers about the situation in West Fife.  There are very few opportunities in West Fife to learn piping or drumming in schools. My understanding is that St Columba’s High School in Dunfermline and Lochgelly…

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Ladies’ Pipe Bands – A History Part 4

By Jeannie Campbell The City of Christchurch Ladies Band in New Zealand (pictured above in 1969) was formed in 1941 by Mr Joe Patterson from Tapanui in the South Island. He had been a piper from an early age and was taught by Alex Duncan and Albert MacIntyre. The band had to compete against the men but were regular winners of the trophy presented for the best Ladies’ band.  The…

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