A well-known Co. Armagh pipe band is set to re-launch this week following a period of time off the road.
Markethill Pipe Band had been a mainstay in the town since its formation in 1930 but ceased activity in recent years.
However, a group of former members decided the time was right to re-form the band, with an information night organised for Thursday, September 26, in Markethill Orange Hall at 7.30pm.
The re-launch is spearheaded by a small team led by Stephen Warnock, who’s great uncle, a Mr J Gardiner, was a previous pipe major of the band.
Stephen joined in the band in 1986 to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Adam Gardiner, who was also a previous member.
The band hopes there will be interest from members of the local community, experienced and inexperienced, to help bring Markethill Pipe Band back onto the streets.
Their aim is to be back on the road in early 2025.
Judith McCombe, a spokesperson for the band, says they have been approached by people “eager to join”.
She said: “Covid has also shown us the importance of people interacting together and the band is an extended family.
“There is great interest from previous members whom now have children eager to join. Anyone interested in learning to play the bagpipes or drums will be made most welcome – regardless of experience.”
Markethill Pipe Band was first formed at a meeting on May 5, 1930. Part of the business of that meeting was to discuss the purchase of uniforms, which cost in the region of £45 for sixteen members.
This was funded by sending ‘collecting cards’ throughout the country.
Since the bands formation in 1930 there have only been four pipe majors – Mr W Stewart, Mr J Gardiner, Mr T Alexander and Mr P Alexander.
Owing to WWII, the band held no meetings from 1941 to 1948.
In November 1940, there had been an emergency meeting to discuss where practices could be held due to the army taking control of the premises for the war effort.
Another fascinating anecdote from the old minutes recalls the band winning a cup at a contest in Banbridge.
A social night was arranged to celebrate the win on Friday, June 1, 1951, in the Army Cadet Hall.
The minutes state that ‘the cup was filled with champagne and twice with whiskey.’
Judith also paid tribute to May Quinn, a “very special lady” who has helped run the band over the years.
“It is through her diligence and care that the original records are still available,” she said. “May was band secretary from the late 1950’s and is still helping the band today.
“May also kept exceptional records of all things uniform and supplies and has record books of who received what items which belonged to the band.”
