The origins of the Rockhampton Pipe Band Association date back to 1932, although the idea had been put forward much earlier than that, by the grand old man of piping in Rockhampton, Charlie Duncan. Long time piper with the Pipe Band, Cecil Gott, feels that without such men as Charlie Duncan, the Rockhampton Pipe Band would not be what it is today. Charlie Duncan was a dedicated piper and Pipe Major in the early years. He canvassed around many businessmen in Rockhampton , particularly men who had been associated with the old Rockhampton Scottish Association. According to Cecil Scott, it was Charlie Duncan's brainchild that the "new band" when formed was known as the Rockhampton Pipe Band Association. He thought if it was still associated with the defunct Rockhampton Scottish Association, people would think they could not join because they weren't Scottish. However it did attract people who had no Scottish blood at all, people with a deep love of the Pipe Band. Early in 1932, Charlie Duncan canvassed businessmen such as Bob Burns of "Burns and Twigg" and John McFarlane from James Stewart and Company, and raised quite a lot of money by his own efforts. He started the instrument fund with these businessmen's help to purchase the pipes. The first charter practices were held in the board room above the premises of J.J Kenna, directly opposite BCC in East St. Norman Duncan, brother of Charlie Duncan, and Harry Bradbury were the Pipe Band's original drummers. The second rehearsal venue, Cec Scott recalls was a " big tin shed" in Quay St., owned by the Sheegog family, shortly after this the Pipe Band moved into a shed owned by the Livingstone Shire Council. The band purchased some Henderson pipes, which were greatly favoured by the Highland regiments. They possessed a clear ringing tone and were very precise. Charlie Duncan raised money to purchase the pipes and drums, through raffles and holding dances and "shilling evenings". Shilling evenings were held at people's houses and involved sing alongs etc. Uniforms were made by Bob Thompson of "Thompson and Graham", master tailors, who offered a choice of suitable tartans. The band settled on the McKenzie tartan. The Black watch military tartan wasn't favoured by the band and the Royal Stewart tartan was the Kings property and couldn't be used. At that time the Rockhampton Pipe Band consisted of 12 pipers, 4 side drummers and a bass drum, also green tunics were selected. Before the official uniforms were made, normal suits were worn. Bessie Millar conducted shilling evenings and danced to raise money. Bessie was a great supporter of the band. Charlie Duncan started off with such people as H.J. Bird, Joe Harrison, Bob Hartley, (Secretary) , Betty Ogilvie, Eva Wicks, Murtle Cruden, June Cortus, Bob McLeod, Bob Cousins, J.J. McCouley, Martin Ryan, Fred Wood and J.H. Wood. Charlie Duncan was the first Pipe Major; Bob White was the first Drum Major; Arthur Weiss, Hec McDonald were tennor drummers; Jim Thompson, Mr Butcher,bass drummers; Jim Morgan, Tom Finlayson, Jack Harvey, Sam Holy, some pipers some pipers and drummers, Len Wilson, Jim Alexander, Alec Bertram, Dave Cuden, Syd Bartlett, Jock McMurphy, Bill Boatwright, Manny Underhill, Roy Wicks, Stan Cortis, Andrew Millar, Alec McNeil, Jim Naylor, Frank Ryan, Don Russell, Hewbie Bird, Cecil Hoy, Con Harkness, Jack Proctor, John McCrimmen, Henery Prowce, Bob Fox, Cecil Gott. Some old pipers were Dot McKay, Scotty Aitken, Jim Forsych, Duncan Anderson, Andy Tait, who were members of the old Rockhampton Association. (edited 14/7/08) Previous Page |
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