ENTHUSIASTS from as far as Rockhampton descended on Terang to blow the dust out of their bagpipes for a reunion of what was once one of the largest bands in Victoria.
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A two-day reunion last weekend at Noorat showgrounds brought former members of the Terang and District Pipe Band together to rekindle old friendships and enjoy jam sessions over a few beers and barbecues.
Organiser Don Drysdale of the Sunshine Coast said it inspired some former enthusiasts to tune up their instruments and get back into regular performances. “In the 1960s through to the ’80s we had a very big band comprising mostly youth with up to 43 members,” Mr Drysdale recalled.
“We were all kitted out in kilts, drums and pipes and travelled everywhere for performances including gymkhanas, homestead tea parties and street marches.
“The Victorian police band regularly travelled down to help our members and compete in the Terang highland gatherings.
“They were good days with enthusiastic members travelling to various places every weekend.
“Nowadays people seem to have other interests.”
The weekend jam sessions featured Warrnambool pipe major Donald Blair, the son of first Terang pipe major Jim Blair and a leader after the band’s formation in 1928.
Donald Blair, now in his 70s, still tutors five days a week and is credited with teaching hundreds of students during his long career.
“We had 18 pipers and seven side drummers join in at the weekend — some of the bags had perished because the instruments hadn’t been played for a while,” Mr Drysdale said.
“Three people ordered new bags and will get back into regular performances for Anzac Day at Mortlake and Terang.”
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au