The Pride of Murray Pipe Band

I used to play with Speedbird under the leadership of Pipe Major John Rogers from 1974 to 1978. Although I did the SPBA piping course to Intermediate stage, I always suffered from stage fright in competitions but appeared at all the usual band turnouts.

I was the Band Secretary for a couple of years and in the name of "Flying the Flag" we were sent all over the world as solo pipers. I personally went to Tanzania (twice), Addis Abbaba, Cannes and all over Britain with the Band. I stopped playing about five years ago and sold my pipes (arthritis in the hands).

As Speedbird, we had very close ties to Pride of Murray, even sharing practice venues at one stage. I think we even "borrowed" pipers and drummers for various gigs.

Great site. My father played regularly for the Pride all those years ago. Makes me so proud and it's good to see your site keeping up the tradition.

 Thanks and very well done!

 Simon.

I played as a drummer with the Pride of Murray in 1971/72. The lead tip was George Robertson and also Alan Dawes. I Remember the Band members, and supporters with fond memories, especially Jim amd Maureen Barnard, Dave King. and John Haynes of the 'Cockney Jock' fame.

I went on to play the pipes which I was taugtht here in Canadan were I have lived for the past 35 years. Now retired from pipe bands and spent the last 25 years with the Delta Police Pipe Band.

Best Regardss

Doug Grant

I was a side drummer in the "Pride" in the early to mid 70's. The leading drummer was Alan Dawes and the P.M. was Jim McGinn. I had many a good time with the band. I was in the R.A.F. at the time and used to travel into London at weekends for practises and stay with Jim Barnard (Barney) for the weekend. If anyone there is old enough to remember me, please get in touch. I was in my early 20's then and had ginger hair if that jogs anyone's memory. Hope to hear from someone soon. Other drummers I remember are Andrew McBride and Fraser someone. Thanks.

George Duncan.

I now live in the south of France and remain grateful for being taught the pipes by one of your members. It is rewarding to hear a band with which you have had an assiociation. My memory fails me in remembering the pipers name. We used to practice in Shoreham Sussex in th 90's  Good luck for the future

All the best John Mclaren  Bartlett

Hello all,

  Although ive been unable to continue playing for sometime, i have been following the bands progress through the compitition season and your trip to Bethune this year. Brilliant as ever!

  For those who havent seen, if you type 'Pride of Murray 2009' into the youtube search bar theres a good couple of videos from this year, along with a great one of Scotland the brave, Black Bear and Amazing Grace in Bethune somewhere.

 Hope to return to practice sometime in future after the move.

Best Regards,

Martin Sleight

Hello to all! 

So nice to keep up with the comings and goings of the Pride, of which I have many, many happy memories from so long ago!! (1979-1980) And what a fantastic web site! We've all come a long way!So nice seeing Graham again, after all these years, albeit under sad circumstances. Derek was so happy to have you there... I know there must be some extra beautiful piping going on in heaven now...My love to all! Hope to see you in Paris in March!!??Jeannie  

As a coach driver about 25 years ago I took the pride to a competition in Peterborough .I had a great day but I can't remember whether you won or not . The wife and I were touring Scotland in our motorhome in  July this year and spent the day at the Highland Games at ''Forres'' reminded me a lot of that day in Peterborough .

Roger .

Old enough to know better , but thats boring .

Fantastic to hear you are doing so well.

I am a past bass section member from 1998, with Paula and Steve if memory serves me well.

Now in NZ playing for the City of Wellington as a side drummer.

Just a short note to wish you all the "very best of luck" at the Worlds. Will be thinking of you this weekend. Easy on the brew.

Good luck

Ian

Thanks for accepting me as a member. It´s nice to keep track of events, specially as my son Douglas is participating. Good luck at the Worlds.

Hi Guys,

Well done on all the success so far this year, keep it up!

Very sad to hear the passing of Derek Smith, I remember him well.

Anyone interetaed in an old set of MaCraes? 

Best

Tina