A little piece of Scottish culture survived in Oxford, thanks to a lively bunch of Sassenachs!

The Oxford Caledonian Pipe Band had become well known, delighting audiences on their bagpipes and drums in their smart tartan uniforms.

However, in 1978 when the picture above was taken, the band leaders were forced to admit – most of those in the band were English!

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George (Jock) Weston, non-playing chairman of the band committee, said that without them, the band would not have survived.

So why, he was asked, were the English so mad about the pipes?

“They’re keen because they’re proud to wear the tartan. Marches, jigs, reels have magic in them. There’s something about the band that stirs them.”

The band at that time was in great demand at summer fetes and galas, and in winter, of course, at New Year festivities.

Among those performing were the Gordon family from Tree Lane, Iffley – mum Dorothy, her Scottish lorry driver husband Jim, who performed on the drums, and two of their three daughters.

Mrs Gordon told Oxford Mail writer Noreen Lynch: “I decided it was a case of – if you can’t beat them, join them.”

This is Oxfordshire: Every Friday, come hail or shine, she was at the band hall at Littlemore rehearsing. “It became a family affair with us – and it’s great fun.”

The band’s youngest member in 1978 was 11-year-old Louise Taylor, of Williamson Way, Rose Hill. Other youngsters were queuing up to join the 22-strong band.

They included nine-year-old Tara Jewell, of Cleveland Drive, Cowley, who was learning to play the pipes under the tuition of pipe major Charles Elliott, a 59-year-old Scot, of Chestnut Road, Botley.

He said: “Standards are high, so children have got to show determination and dedication. The bagpipes are one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

“When you’re on the march, you can’t have music in front of you – it all has to be carried in your head.”

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It was not always plain sailing for the band – in the early 1970s, it collapsed when Mr Elliott stepped down to concentrate on decorating his new home.

However, a year later, he returned, brought the musicians back together and they went on to enjoy much success, with its junior section coming fifth in 1977 in the Southern Area Championships.

The band also spent £3,000 on new Red Hamilton kilts and jackets, chosen in honour of its president, Dr William Hamilton, chest consultant at the Churchill Hospital and a former piper.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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