Pipe Major James Gray

Pipe Sergeants: John Bowen & Kenneth Waller

Drum Sergeants: Carl Dolan & James Gray (Snr)

THE HISTORY OF THE BAND

The seeds were sown for the formation of the band by the late Stan Morris who as Branch Secretary and founder member, was a guest at the Welsh Guards Association, North of England Branch, Annual Dinner in 1958 where he met John Bowen and discovered that they had both played pipes in their youth.

Stan invited John to join the Manchester Branch Scots Guards Association. They bought themselves secondhand pipes and together with other branch members who were ex Regimental Drummers and John Gordon (ex Regimental Piper) they practiced wherever they could - in country lanes, in the Wellington Inn after Branch Meetings, in a chicken farmers barn - until finally, by devious means, obtaining permission to use the local TA Drill Hall, where the they have been ever since.

By now they had acquired, quite cheaply, a set of old rope tensioned side drums and a bass drum. Their enthusiasm was shared and encouraged by Capt. John Elliot whose faith was such that he went to Regimental Headquarters and managed to get official blessing and agreement to supply uniforms for the "Band". the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding authorized an initial issue for 6 Pipers and 4 Drummers and the uniform was such that it would not be confused with the Battalion Pipes and Drums.

In those days the RQMS was Gordon Mitchell, who came to Manchester to measure the band members for their uniforms. The uniforms were made by up by the Regimental Tailors, and the cost of these was reimbursed to the Regiment from proceeds of engagements in less than twelve months.

John Bowen was appointed Pipe Major, Roy Gorton was appointed Drum Sergeant and the first public appearance of the band was at a charity concert at the Lightbowne Hotel, Manchester, in October 1960. The late Angus MacDonald MBE, then Pipe Sergeant of the 1st Battalion also performed as a solo Piper at the concert.

The band then consisted of:

Pipe Major John Bowen (Welsh Guards)

Pipers John Gordon (Scots Guards )

Stan Morris (Scots Guards)

Danny McGregor (Scots Guards)

Willie Mahady (Black Watch)

Hayden Bowen (Royal Artillery)

Drum Sergeant Roy Gorton (Scots Guards)

Bass Drummer Frank Rogers (Scots Guards)

Side Drummers Harry Walker (Scots Guards)

Don Swirles (Manchester Regt)

In 1969 John Bowen succeeded in persuading the late Bob Lyle to take over as Pipe Major, a position which Bob had graced with skill, patience, loyalty and great leadership until his untimely death in 2006. During the years until 1969 Dennis Richardson, Kenny Ross, the late Duncan Cameron and Derek Parker had each served as Pipe Major with John Bowen as "caretaker" between each appointment.

Until he moved away from the area Capt John Elliot was a very loyal and proud Band President, attending most practices and many engagements. The high spots of each year, then and now, the annual Branch Dinners.

Over the years the standard of playing has varied from time to time but the Pipers and Drummers have always been well turned out, conducted themselves with dignity and have been a credit to the Branch and the Regiment.

In 1984 the Band joined the RSPBA and entered the competition field and, as a competition band , have enjoyed some success in Grade 4 and Grade 3 mini band competitions. And there is a strong feeling in the band that greater success is not too far away.

In 1989 a Subscription Fund was started with the object of making available modest sums as and when required for ongoing band expenses. Each member pays £1 at every weekly practice he attends. An account was opened with a Building Society and this fund is kept entirely separate from the band's bank account into which all engagements fees are paid. It has been so successful that we were able to purchase new drums, leather sporrans, reeds and various other items. In recent years, the band numbers have increased and it became impossible to kit all the Pipers out in our "Number One" dress (doublet, plaid, cross belt, hair sporran, spats, etc.) so a decision was made to change to "Day Wear" (Argyll jacket, white shirt, Brigade tie, leather sporran and ghillie brogues) for most occasions. Every member has purchased his own jacket, hose and brogues.

The Band Today

When the band was formed 70% were ex Guardsmen and we have always tried to keep a high proportion as such, but it has not always been possible to rely entirely on Guardsmen for our strength. At present the band boasts 25 Pipers and 11 Drummers, whilst most are ex servicemen, some from famous Scottish Regiments, we have several very good players with no military experience at all, however most have family connections with the Scots Guards or other regiments and branches of the armed forces.

The Band has performed at a great variety of events including the annual Scots Guards Gatherings, frequently playing together with the Scots Guards Regimental Band. In 1999 and 2003 the Gatherings were in the presence of the Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards.

More recently the Band played along with the Greater Manchester Police Band at Manchester Cathedral, on the 2nd January 2000 they led the Lord Mayor's Millennium Parade through the City. In May that year the Band performed in concert at the Royal Northern College of Music for the 40th Manchester Scots Night.

Since then the Band has taken part in the Manchester Military Tattoo's in 2002/03/04/05/06 and has been invited to once again perform in the 2007 Military Tattoo. They have also taken part in other Tattoo's at Liverpool, Sheffield and on stage at the Manchester Palace Theatre in the stage production of 'The Masacre of Glencoe'. They have attended Gatherings in Scotland and Yorkshire performing at Brechin Castle, Ripley Castle and Ceremonies at The Guards Memorial, London when they led the Scots Guards Association Branches, marching from Wellington Barracks in the annual Black Sunday Parade.

Over the years the band has been indebted to many people, friends too numerous to mention here, who have contributed something to its welfare, especially wives and girlfriends for their patience and forbearance. Under the leadership of James Gray, with loyal support the band will continue to thrive.

Now in it's 47th year, the band is strong in numbers and ability but it's outstanding quality is its superb spirit of comradeship.        

- a truly happy Band -

The Band is available as a Full Band or if required as a Mini Band. 

Solo Pipers can also be provided whatever the occasion