(As written- Author Unknown)
(Reference- extract from " The Music History of Rockhampton")
OBITUARY - continued from History page 4
IN CONTESTS
In 1949 a pipe band contest was held in Rockhampton under the
auspices of the Rockhampton Agricultural Society. It was the first held here since 1930. Maryborough was the successful band. Rockhampton being defeated by one point. Charlie Duncan was the Drum Major, a position he held
for over fourteen (14) years. He was with the band when it won the B Grade championship
of Queensland in 1938 and again in 1939 when it was placed fourth
to the Brisbane Caledonian Band.
In 1950, another contest was held and Charlie Duncan watched
it from the grandstand of the showgrounds. At that time his health was not the best and it was the
first piping contest in which he had been a spectator and not
a contestant.
Charlie Duncan loved the pipes and he piped for many young dancers
in Scottish dances at various functions. In eisteddfod competitions
he acted many times as piping accompanist.
He was initiated into the Douglas Masonic Lodge in August 1922
and throughout the years he was prominent in the festive board
harmony. For many
years he piped the WM and officers to their places, not only
those of his mother lodge but also those of Mt Chalmers. Both these lodges had been formed under the Scottish
constitution and they still retain many of their Scottish customs.
For his many services to Freemasons he was made a life governor
of the Aged Masons Widows and Orphans Institution.
HELP ANY CAUSE
Charlie Duncan did not confine his work to Scottish organisations. Any cause that needed assistance could always be sure
of his support. He
was just as happy leading the Pipe Band in a St Patrick’s Day
procession as he was rendering an item at a 12th of July concert. No
matter at what function he appeared he was always given a great
reception.
He joined the Flying Squadron Orchestra and Concert Company
in 1914 and travelled with it to raise funds for the patriotic
fund during the First World War. There were 17 artists in the company and its tour comprised
visits to Yeppoon, Emu Park, Stanwell, Westwood, Alton Downs,
Ridgelands, Etna Creek, The Caves, Mt Chalmers, Lakes Creek,
Mt Morgan in addition to a number of concerts in Rockhampton. Besides Charlie Duncan other great favourites were Will Franks,
Bert Clarke and Ben Goodson.
Charlie Duncan was a member of the old Caledonian Association.
It went into recess and when resurrected he was among the first
to join its ranks. Though not a bowler he had on many occasions
provided items at bowling club functions. He also assisted the
Boy Scouts.
At the funeral service in St Andrews Presbyterian Church on
Saturday last tribute was paid to Charlie Duncan by Rev R.W.
Glasgow Denning who said that the large attendance a the service
was a glowing testimony of the esteem in which Char
lie
Duncan was held. He
was a man of simple tasks and it was said of him that he did
not know what it was to growl. Charlie Duncan believed in communicating
happiness and he was thereby happy himself.
The cortege was draped with the Scottish standard. Piper A. Tait played a Scottish lament as the funeral
moved off.
The pallbearers were Messrs R.N.B. Graham (Caledonian Association),
J.H.K. McLeod and J Green (Douglas Masonic Lodge), N. Macpherson
(Pipe Band Association) and two old friends (Messrs J. Harrison
and L. Lawson). At the cremation, Wor. Bro. Green read
the Masonic burial service and Mr A. Tait piped the final lament.
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