NORTH  BERWICK  PIPE  BAND

Although piping in the North Berwick area was probably in effect from an earlier date it can be traced back to the early 1700's. Records show that a Burgh Piper was employed to play through the town to waken townspeople first thing in the morning and again at curfew in the evening. The last recorded appearance of the Burgh Piper in North Berwick was in 1744, just before the banning of kilts and bagpipes following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden. The tradition was revived in 1979 when members of North Berwick Pipe Band played at the curfew hour of 8:00 p.m. on the harbour wall on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays during July and August. This continued for a period of three years.

It is perhaps a little surprising that North Berwick, situated at a distance from the centres of piping activity, can maintain an enthusiastic and active Pipe Band. While bagpipes have been with us for more than 2,000 years, it was only during Queen Victoria’s reign that the pipes and drums joined forces to become one unit. The Govan Burgh Police established the world’s first civilian pipe band on 1880. Although no record of the formation of the original North Berwick Pipe Band has been found, it should be pointed out that it was one of the earliest civilian bands to be formed in the country. It is rumoured that the band was formed in 1884 when local apprentices played together. The first firm evidence of the Band’s existence is at the turn of the century when Britain was engaged in the Boer War. Evidence of this is given by one of North Berwick’s oldest residents, Mr William Laing, of Lochbridge Road, who remembers when two local soldiers returned home. Mr Laing, a retired master painter, recalls: "The first thing I remember about the Band was back in 1903 at the time of the Boer War. The Band met Jim Herries and Alex McLaren at the west end of Dirleton Avenue and played them home." Despite the lack of official documentation, the North Berwick band certainly took part in local parades for the relief of Mafeking.

In 1902, they participated in the coronation celebrations of King Edward VII who was to visit the town in October of that year. The nature of the King’s visit was to convalesce from appendicitis and, while in North Berwick, three members of the original band were invited to play for him. Pipe Major William Hume and pipers Dave Slicer and Alex Laing performed before His Majesty at the house known as The Knoll, later to be renamed King’s Knoll, now occupied by the Red Cross as a holiday home. Older residents of the town recollect the Band playing home soldiers returning from the Boer War in 1903.

The pipes that Pipe Major Hume played remained in his family for a number of years until they were given to the present band. The pipes are still in use today. Pipe Major Hume was a well-known baker in the town and, together with president Andrew Aitken Senior, who ran a sweet shop, the Band continued playing at sports days and lifeboat processions until the Great War.

It was not until 14 years after the end of that war that the second generation of North Berwick Pipe Band emerged. It was about 1932 that the local Scout Troop, under Scout Master Rupert Chalmers-Watson, formed a pipe band for the forthcoming International Jamboree in Denmark. Members of the scout band included Bill Seaton, vice-president of the band in the early 1980’s, and his brother Andrew who played as a piper from 1932 until 1981. The family connection has continued with the band through Bill’s grandson Bruce Seaton who joined the band in 1981 and was tutored by his great uncle Andrew. Bruce left the Band around 1986.

The pipe tutor in 1932 was Captain J. B. Whitelaw of Nungate, North Berwick. A keen piper, he instructed the Rover Scouts for their trip to Denmark. The youngsters practised on chanters then graduated onto full pipes. But a scarlet fever scare almost scuppered the band’s hopes of representing their country at the World Jamboree. Seven scouts played in turn one set of bagpipes only for one of them to be admitted to hospital the following day with scarlet fever. Fortunately, none of the others contracted the illness and the band and troop successfully represented Scotland at Copenhagen in 1935. The Scout Band continued to take part in local parades, including the King’s Silver Jubilee in 1935 and the Coronation Parade in 1937, until the outbreak of World War Two.

The opportunity of attending another World Scout Jamboree at Fredericia, Denmark, in 1950 saw the reformation of the scout band. The Danes gave an enthusiastic welcome to the pipes and drums. This Scout Band continued until about 1954. One of the last appearances of this Scout Band was in the Coronation Parade in 1953.

It was in 1957 that the present North Berwick Pipe Band was formed, as an independent unit, from the remnants of the old Rover Scout band in order to lead the parade of North Berwick Scouts at their 50^th anniversary celebrations.

In honour of their scout background and as it was the centenary of the birth of Lord Baden-Powell, the new Band was styled "North Berwick B-P Pipe Band". The name was adopted at the suggestion of Rupert Chalmers-Watson and George Gray of Smeaton, both long serving scout officers who took an active interest in the newly formed band. The majority of the members were ex-members of the Scout Band and the troop donated all their equipment to the new Band. As most of the kilts were of McKenzie (Seaforth) tartan, this was adopted as the standard tartan for the Band, and has remained so ever since. The "Seaforth" part of the tartan name comes from the fact that the pleating of the kilts is in the same style as that worn by the Seaforth Highlanders. This was also appropriate as one of the founders of this generation of the Band was Captain Donald Ross MacLennan, one time Pipe Major of the 3rd Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, and winner of the Gold Medals for piping at Oban and Inverness in 1956. The honorary president was Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple of Leuchie, North Berwick, whose son continues in this post to this day. Provost James Wishart was the first president. He contributed a great deal to the early development of the band until pressure of council work forced him to retire from the band after ten years.

New recruits for the band came from outwith the scout movement and one of the first was Peter Craig, tenor and bass drummer, who fulfilled that role until his death in 1997. At one time, Peter, his two sons, his son-in-law and his grandson all played in the same band.

In 1967 North Berwick Pipe band was still being reported as East Lothian’s only Pipe Band.

Under the leadership of Pipe Major Tony Patzchky, a former member of he scout band, North Berwick B-P Pipe Band first entered competitions in 1966 in the Grade IV division. During the next six years the band took part regularly in competitions organised by the Scottish Pipe Band Association. The band won several prizes in Grade IV competitions, until in 1970 the Band gained 1st prize in the Scottish Championship (Grade IV), 1st prize in the Lothian and Borders Championship, 2nd prize in the British Championship and 3rd prize in the Commonwealth Championship at the newly opened Meadowbank Stadium. These successes resulted in the Band being promoted to Grade III.

Having started on the competition circuit the natural progression was for the Pipe Band, together with non-playing members on its committees, to institute a contest in North Berwick. This Contest was to run most successfully for eight years under the chairmanship of town councillor George Darling, with Sir Hew Hamilton- Dalrymple as Chieftain. The contest started with an entry of 24 Bands in 1967 and, by its final year in 1974 had reached an entry of 54 bands. The grand parade through the town was a marvellous spectacle. This contest was somewhat unique in that it was organised totally by a competing Pipe Band. The North Berwick contest was responsible for a number of innovations in the pipe band world, including the fostering of medley selections that gradually replaced the previous March, Strathspey and Reel programme. Another innovation which proved most popular and resulted in lasting friendships was the Scotland v Ireland international drum major’s competition for the Aer Lingus Trophy.

The current North Berwick contest that started in 1996 is actually organised by the North Berwick Highland Games Association. Although there are four members of North Berwick Pipe Band on the Committee this Association is totally independent and has no link with the Pipe Band

The year 1972 saw the fruition of several other Tony Patzschky ideas. First was the purchase of a new, full dress, pipe band uniform – substantially paid for by two local benefactors. When funds were exhausted, with feather bonnets still to buy, the Band members decided to buy their own, and thus the uniform was completed. The total value of the uniforms and equipment, at that time, was in excess of £4,000. The Band was delighted to receive the Grade III trophy for Marching and Discipline at the 1972 World Championship at Hawick. Winners in Grades I and II were Edinburgh City Police and the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. Another of Tony’s ideas was the formation of a juvenile band. Around this time Tony stepped down and Tom Ferguson took over as Pipe Major. William Adams continued as Drum Major.

In 1973, George Darling, who became pipe band president in 1967, as well as chairman of the contest committee, was made honorary vice-president of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Scottish Pipe Band Association. This year was also the president’s 70^th birthday and this was celebrated with a "This is Your Life" tribute paid to him by the band together with invited guests from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In 1974 the Band was given permission by the Town Council to wear the Burgh Coat-of-Arms. This shows a ferry boat, representing the principal activity o the town in the middle ages, when Christian pilgrims sailed from North Berwick to Earlsferry in Fife on their way to worship the relics at St. Andrews. The badges were presented by the then Provost John B Macnair at a ceremony in North Berwick in May 1974. The cap badges were worn for the first time at the North Berwick Contest that same day.

Throughout the 1970's the Band continued to provide entertainment in the summer months for visitors and local supporters. In recent years these performances have been augmented visiting bands from the south of Scotland.

The 1973 calendar for example comprised all the usual contests, gala days and parades. There were also visits from overseas bands that featured in the summer programme and this fostered much friendship and international goodwill. The Band appeared on BBC's "It's a Knockout", and played to welcome US oil executives on behalf of the Scottish Tourist Board. The Band regularly played at local hotels for visitors and conferences. The Band were pleased to give their services for local organisations and charities, but as they were (and still are) totally independent and without sponsorship they also played in North Berwick during the summer months to collect for their funds.

By 1980 another generation of youngsters were ready to join the playing members and they helped to welcome guests to the Community Council's party to celebrate the Queen Mother's 80^th birthday.

The geographical area of the Band is broadening all the time with members from Gifford, Dunbar, East Linton, Haddington, Kingston, Athelstaneford, Dirleton, Gullane, Longniddry, Macmerry, Tranent and even North Berwick.

Lady pipers also feature in the band’s complement of playing members. The first of these were Dawn Valerio from North Berwick and Dorothy Taylor from Macmerry who joined the band in the early 1980’s.

Following the Band's 25th Anniversary in 1982, and to boost enthusiasm within the Band, Willie Adams, then President of the Band, proposed a tour to the USA to visit the town's namesake - North Berwick, Maine. This trip took place in 1984 and was such a success further trips followed

in 1990 and 1994. On these trips the Band has covered a fair distance playing in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York State and Vermont. They have also played at Quincy Market, Boston, the Fort Ticonderoga Tattoo and many 4th July Parades.

To this day the Band still play at local Galas, Fetes and other events during the summer months. They can also be seen and heard in the Lodge Grounds on Wednesday evenings during July and August.

Although it is many years since the present band was formed its objectives, as laid down in the 1957 constitution, still hold true today – namely, to encourage and further piping and drumming in North Berwick and district.

The current Office Bearers of the Band are:

President: John Starr           Vice-President: Derek Easton

Secretary: Derek Easton     Treasurer: Lyle Crawford

Pipe Major: Allan Angus     Leading Drummer: Derek Easton

The Band takes part in many events during each year. Some are regular and occur each year and some are one off celebrations. Detailed below are some of the events in which the Band has participated in recent years:

(1884)

Rumoured that local apprentices played together in North Berwick.

1902

Played at Coronation celebrations under Pipe Major William Hume.

President was Andrew Aitken, proprietor of local sweet shop.

P/M Hume, Dave Slicer and Alex Laing played for King Edward VII as he convalesced in North Berwick.

1935

Scout Pipe Band took part in World Jamboree at Copenhagen, Denmark

1950

Scout Pipe Band took part in World Jamboree at Fredicia, Denmark.

1953

Scout Band took part in the Coronation Parade in North Berwick

1957

Scout Band re-formed as North Berwick (Baden-Powell) Pipe Band. Capt. D.R. MacLennon was one of the founders.

President: Provost JR Wishart (was President for 10 years).

Hon President: Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple

Bass Drummer: Willie Adams

Lyle Crawford joined the Band at the age of 11

Played at the Scouts Golden Jubilee Parade

1962

President: Provost J.R. Wishart

Vice President: Andrew Seaton

Treasurer: D Roberts

Secretary: Edward Joyce

Pipe Major: I Russell

Pipe Sergeant: G Elliot

Drum Major: Willie Adams

Quartermaster: T Wilson

1966

Secretary: Edward Joyce

Tony Patzchky became Pipe Major.

Entered competitions for the first time:

Grade IV – Edinburgh (Scottish) – 3^rd.

Lanark – 3^rd.

Ayr – 4^th.

Renfrew (British) – 6^th.

1967

President: George Darling

Beat Group concert held to raise funds – Hits the papers when the Council bans the event then withdraws ban hours later.

North Berwick Pipe Band Contest started – 24 Bands take part, 4,000 spectators. Chieftain sir Hew Hamilton Dalrymple. This is the only contest run by a pipe band.

A concert is held with Jimmy Shand to raise money for the Contest.

Band takes part in the Burgh Regatta at the Harbour.

North Berwick is reported in the papers as East Lothian’s only pipe band.

Competition Results:

Grade IV – North Berwick – 1^st.

Renfrew (British) – 3^rd.

Lanark - ##

1968

Second Contest with 31 Bands taking part.

Competition Results:

Grade IV – North Berwick – 2^nd in confined.

1969

Competition Results:

Grade IV – North Berwick – 2^nd.

Renfrew (British) – 3^rd.

1970

North Berwick looking at starting a Juvenile Band.

Competition Results:

Grade IV – North Berwick – 1^st.

Edinburgh (Scottish) – 1^st.

Renfrew (British) – 2^nd.

Meadowbank – 3^rd.

1971

Tartan Fair

1972

Win Marching and Discipline in Grade III at Hawick (Worlds)

1973

George Darling made Honorary Vice President of the Northern Ireland Branch.

Tartan Fair – guest band Bilston Glen Pipe Band

Presentation to Denholm Craig on his 21^st birthday.

Sunday Lodge:

Guest band - Fredrikstad Guther Musiktogs

Rivers and District Pipe Band

Competition Results:

Grade III – Bathgate – 4^th.

Solo Piping - David Robertson (12) 2^nd at Linwood

Scott Murray (12) 2^nd at Knightswood

1974

"This is Your Life" dinner for George Darling’s 70^th birthday.

Tartan Fair - guest band Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band.

Old Folks Concert at the Harbour Pavilion.

Christmas Dance in the Legion Hall.

Competition Results:

Grade III – Bathgate – 1^st.

Musselburgh – 2^nd.

1975

Tartan Fair - guest band Dalkeith Pipe Band.

1979

Revival of the Burgh piper playing curfew Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays on the Harbour wall during July & August. This continues for three years.

Sundays in the Lodge with the following guest bands:

Bigger RBL Pipe Band

Bonnyrigg, Lasswade & District Pipe Band

Monktonhall Colliery Pipe Band (Tartan Fair)

16^th Edinburgh (Penicuik) Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band

Penston Brass Band

1982

Band’s 25^th Anniversary

George Darling dies

Willie Adams becomes President

1984

D.R. MacLennon dies – One of the founders of the Band in 1957.

First trip to the USA – Boston, North Andover, North Berwick, Camden, Standish and Biddeford

1985

Produce a joint tape with the North Berwick Junior Gaelic Choir.

1986

Memorial plaque unveiled for D. R. MacLennon who was involved with the founding of North Berwick Pipe Band in 1957 and tutoring pipers for many years following.

1990

Second USA trip – Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and Fort Ticonderoga - New York State.

1994

Drum Major Willie Adams dies. Willie was the driving force behind the USA tours.

Third trip to the USA– Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Fort Ticonderoga - New York State.

Ian Wilson Takes over as President.

1996

Burns 200th Anniversary, Dirleton Castle

1997

Visit from Vermont St Andrews Society, USA

1998

Beating Retreat, Haddington

SGU, Boys competition, Gullane

Beating Retreat, Gosford House

 

 

 

 

 

1999

Ian Wilson retires as President and Scott Turner is elected to the position.

Concert in aid of Kosovs at the Marine Hotel

Ladies Golf Union - Vagliano Trophy

Twinning Ceremony with Kerteminde

Torchlight Procession - N Berwick

2000

Seabird Centre Opening

Round Table Rally Dirleton Castle

MacMillan Cancer Gala - Lenoxlove

Millennium Pipes Parade, Edinburgh

2001

North Berwick Highland Games – 3^rd in Grade 4 Confined, 6^th in Grade 4 Open

South Queensferry Invitation Contest – 9^th

Paul McGinley retires as Pipe Major.

John Starr takes over as President

Jamie Starr takes over as Pipe Major

2002

         Jamie Starr retires as Pipe Major

        Allen Angus takes over as Pipe Major