City of Bristol Pipes and Drums

An introduction and history of the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums band

Written by Administrator Monday, 02 May 2011 13:37

The back room of the Bear Pub in Hotwells was the place where it all began in 1997. Jimmie McQueen, a piper of some distinction, had not long arrived in Bristol and used this room to play his pipes. He knew several local pipers and they gathered together to play and be tutored by Pipe Major Brian McRae.

Within a few years, these pipers were joined by Army Bass Drummer John Morrison and drumming tutor Tom Patterson and two exceptionally good pipers Bill Gass and Julian Smart.

The City of Bristol Pipes and Drums band was officially constituted and affiliated to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. The first engagement of the Band was to lead the Remembrance Day Parade in Bristol City. The now much enlarged band meets each Wednesday evening to practice at the TA centre in Horfield.