Golden City Pipe Band Bendigo, Australia

"The Sound of 'The City'" -- A History of Golden City Pipe Band

News Flash

"The Sound of 'The City'" -- A History of Golden City Pipe Band (1951 - 2001) by Ann Scott is now available.

Golden City Pipe Band recently celebrated the launch of its history "The Sound of 'The City'", written by Ann Scott, at a special ceremony held at the Strathfieldsaye Sports Club band rooms.

The history has been six years in the making. It was completed and ready for publication in 2001 in order to coincide with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Golden City Pipe Band. However, due to unexpected last minute costs the project had to be shelved.

Government assistance made the whole project become a reality. After successfully applying for a Victorian Government Local History Grant of $4000, presented by the Honourable Mr John Thwaites the Minister for Victorian Communities in December 2004, the project has now come to fruition.

The band was particularly delighted to have Mr John McLean, CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo and his wife Claudia as the guests of honour, along with Mr Lyle Blake, one of the original members of Golden City Pipe Band and Drum Major and Secretary for many years.

Mr Daniel Pianto, Pipe Major of the band piped in the official party with a stirring rendition of a selection of 6/8 marches. Mr John McLean spoke very highly of the book noting that "It's a great story. The passion for the music and the participation in the band and its activities whether as players or supporters really comes through in the book which tells the personal stories, the culture and key events in the band's history rather than a dry historical account."

He also highlighted some important aspects of the memories and recollections of the participants such as the sense of community building: "The stories of the home based involvement - around the kitchen table - really demonstrate the feel of building a community"; the importance of women: "Women have played a key role in the success of "The City" through the Ladies Committee with its fundraising activities and not just in playing the pipes and drums, but in the leading roles such of Pipe Major, Drum Major and Drum Sergeant and as President"; and the deep respect for the band's characters: "The book lovingly pays tribute to Fred and Val Roberts, "legends in their own time", with delightful stories of their Cobden Street home and the open house policy with tales of the meetings, social events and of course the teaching around the kitchen table."

Mr Mclean finally launched the history with the words, "It is the personal stories that really make this a great read. The shaping values of acceptance of different people, striving for excellence, the sense of family and the embracing of change continue today and are the core of the strength of this band and its community."

Mr Lyle Blake welcomed all the older band members who had made a special effort to be there. Mr Henry White was particularly honoured, being 91 on the day! The current band then played a number of tunes followed by afternoon tea where band's people from many eras caught up and chatted.

Orders

"The Sound of 'The City'", is available from the Bendigo Tourist Information Centre in Pall Mall, Collins bookshop in Bendigo or the "Days of Yore" bookshop in Kerang. It can also be obtained directly from band members in person, or you can order by post (from within Australia) by sending a cheque or money order for AU$30 (P&P inclusive) to:

Golden City Pipe Band (Bendigo) Inc
PO Box 42
California Gully   Vic   3556
Australia

Don't forget to include a note (with your return address) mentioning that you are purchasing a copy of the history, and whether or not you want it signed by the author.

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