Hills District Pipe Band
| Tartan | MacDonald Clanranald (pipers) and Argyll & Sutherland (drummers) |
| Secretary | Neil Reid, 33 Kiama Street, Greystanes NSW 2145 |
| Telephone | 02 9631 4394 or 0405 645 742 |
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| Website | www.hillsdistrictpipeband.com |
| Practice | Practice from 8pm Tuesdays at the Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill |
| Patron | Major General Gordon Maitland, AO, OBE, RFD, ED (Ret'd) was approached in 2007 to be the patron of the band. At his suggestion, the Patron's award was introduced. The award exists to reward the efforts of those who work hard to become better band members. It will also give any younger members something to strive towards. Major General Gordon Maitland officiates at the Annual Ball |
| Engagements |
The Band take part in a number of community events during each year, and also at a number of private engagements, such as weddings and birthday parties. Some of the memorable annual events are: • The Sydney ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place • The Sydney ANZAC Day Street March and Massed Bands • Glenorie RSL ANZAC Day Street March • Galston RSL ANZAC Day Service – normally the Sunday prior to ANZAC Day • Strathfield RSL ANZAC Day Service – normally the Sunday prior to ANZAC Day • Bundanoon Highland Gathering • Aberdeen Highland Games • Toukley Gathering of the Clans • Kenthurst Family Fair • Inala Fete • Anglican Retirement Village Fete • Galston Spring Fest • Gladesville Street March |
| History |
The Hills District Pipe Band was formed in early 1970, based at Castle Hill, from the remnants of the Toongabbie Pipe Band, and a number of significant new members who gave strength and direction to the band. The choice of the new band’s uniform underlines the origins of some of the key foundation members and the direction charted for the band. The Macdonald of Clanranald (Ancient) tartan was chosen for the pipers (on John Milne’s suggestion) both because of the attractiveness of the ancient colours and because the clan badge design was that of a castle. This was appropriate as the band saw its future clearly in the Hills District with its base in Castle Hill. The piper’s tartan was thought to be very distinctive making a clear break with the uniform of the Toongabbie Band and with that of any other band around at the time. One distinctive feature of the uniform then and still is the differing tartan worn by the drum corps, almost like two bands in one. Drummers wear the Argyll and Sutherland tartan (similar to the Black Watch tartan) in honour of Tom Parker, the foundation Drum Sergeant, an ex-Argyll and Sutherland drummer. Also, like the Argyll’s, pipers wore green jackets and drummers (originally) red jackets. Drummers also wore other aspects of their uniform identical to the Argylls, including red and white diced hose tops, white waist belts and “swinging six” sporrans. The Band sports both a full “winter” uniform (complete with plaid and feather bonnets), and a summer uniform of a long sleeved army khaki shirt, tartan tie and Glengarry bonnet. |
| Annual Ball |
Annual Ball – in September each year the Band host a ball in Castle Hill to both celebrate the year, and to showcase the band, how we look and how we sound. The ball is open to everyone who wants to come along. It is also a major fundraiser for the band during the year. |
