“I piped in the Taranaki Ladies Pipe Band from 1964. They disbanded in the early 1970s. I started piping again with the Eltham Pipe Band at the end of 2004 with Winston Kerr as the pipe major. In 2013, with only the two of us left, we joined the Stratford Pipe Band.”
Since then Marjorie has helped to tutor new pipers. She was awarded life membership in 2021. She says an exciting change since she started was the wearing of two distinct tartans.
“The drummers wear the Stratford band Sinclair tartan and the pipers wear the Seaforth McKenzie tartan worn by the disbanded Eltham Pipe Band. Because of the use of the two different clan tartans, it was decided to make a change to our glengarry badges and have our own designed and produced locally in Stratford. It now features Mt Taranaki as viewed from the Stratford side so it can be worn by both clans.”
She says the Stratford Pipe Band performs at a number of events around the Taranaki region, including Christmas parades, Anzac parades and community events.
“The band as a whole, as well as individual pipers, have been a presence at various funerals, birthday celebrations and events by schools and small community groups.”
The Details:
What: Stratford Pipe Band.
Where: Mary Alice Hall, Regan St, Stratford.
When: Lessons begin at 5pm. Band meets at 7pm. The band meets on a Thursday.
Cost: First term $150 to cover cost of practice chanter for piping or drumstick and pad for drummers. Following fees are $75 a term. For members not receiving tuition, the annual subscription is $40.
To find out more go to the Stratford Pipe Band on a Thursday evening or email: support@stratfordpipeband.co.nz
