CITY OF BRISTOL PIPES & DRUMS
History
This Page is still developing, as the history of the band is still developing.
The band is a living breathing entity through its membership, and whilst the members are still in existence, the band's history continues to grow!
Formation of the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums.
Having arrived in Bristol in 1997, Jimmie McQueen got permission to use a back room at the Bear Pub in Hotwells, to play his pipes.
Also arriving in Bristol around the same time was Pipe Major Brian MacRae, Gordon Highlanders and personal Piper to Her Majesty the Queen for 16yrs.
P.M. MacRae had work duties for periods of time in Bristol, being personal Clerk to Circuit Judge Sir Cluny MacPherson.
Jimmie already knew several local Pipers in the area and organised for them to meet at the Bear Pub, where they were tutored by P.M. MacRae. Tragically P.M. MacRae died.
The group of Pipers continued until 1999, when an Army Bass Drummer John Morrison came to the City and a band started to develop.
Pipers Bill Gass and Julian Smart, two exceptionally good Pipers joined, and that prompted others to arrive at practice nights.
Tom Patterson a very competent Drumming Tutor arrived with Drummer James Cowley.
The situation got to the point whereby they had to find alternative premises to practice. The T.A. Centre at Horfield was secured, and on moving there the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums was legally constituted and affiliated to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Donald Cameron of Cameron Balloons, Bristol, accepted the position of President.
The first engagement for the Band was leading the Remembrance Day Parade at the City Centre, Which it still does every year.
Since that time the band has broadened its horizons playing at many major events in the U.K, including the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on a regular basis, and more recently playing at a number of events across Europe.