Collaboration and Recruitment

Since the winter of 2013, Paul Wright has been playing with 101 Northumbrian Regiment Pipe Band. The 101 under the leadership of Craig Noble initially re-formed  with G4A in mind, but soon realised that with the talent recruited to the pipe corps it would be necessary to register as G3B. After the first RSPBA contest in the North West of England the officials re-graded the band to G3A. With the pipe corps winning or coming joint first in all 5 major contests of the season, it didn’t come as too much of a surprise to be upgraded to G2 for 2015, where Paul continues to compete.

In May 2015 two pipers from Scunthorpe and District Pipe Band approached Beverley and District Pipe Band about the possibility of competing with the band for the 2015 competition season. Having players from other bands “guesting” with the band is something new to Beverley and District, but the arrangement for Paul with 101 has generated some fantastic experiences and proved how beneficial such arrangements can be for all involved. At the time Beverley and District had already resigned themselves to not competing in 2015 due to pipers leaving the area for University or to launch their careers. Unexpectedly however the band had recruited two pipers from the Bridlington Pipe Band over the winter months, but the decision had already been made, and the wheels were not in motion. Not wanting to set an unrealistic target, the decision was then made just to work towards the contest at Chatsworth Country Fair, in September, at the end of the season. This also provides an opportunity for the young pipers at 101 to compete, who have been taught by Craig. Despite 101 drawing its membership from far and wide, both north and south of the boarder, Craig has always maintained his desire to invest in piping and drumming in the North East of England, so until he establishes a feeder band, Beverley and District is happy to provide an outlet for his home grown talent.

In June 2015, the City of Hull Pipe Band approached Beverley and District Pipe Band about the possibility of joining forces, to provide one strong pipe band in the area. Following a number of introductions and discussions, a decision was made in July meeting the requirements of all involved. City of Hull Pipe Band was formed way back in the 1970’s so has no doubt been a difficult decision to make for the remaining members. That said, rather than dwell on the past, everyone involved is looking to the future and making these difficult decisions to provide the best opportunities for pipers and drummers in East Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

All in all it’s an exciting time at Beverley and District Pipe Band. Paul’s experience in G2 is helping to develop the sound within the Pipe Corps. There’s a rekindled desire to learn amongst everyone in the band but notably, amongst those returning to the band, the youngsters in the mid section and the pipers joining from the Bridlington Pipe Band. It has been great to welcome the pipers from Scunthorpe and District Pipe Band and getting to know them. We look forward to getting to know the people that have joined from City of Hull Pipe Band in the coming weeks too and those that join us for Chatsworth from 101 in September.