|
On Burns’ Night, January 25th 1994 a small group of Police and Prison Officers got together to discuss the possibility of creating a Pipe Band within the Emergency Services in the East Midlands. It was soon realised that there were not enough Police Officers to form a big enough band and so an invitation was extended to all branches of the Emergency Services to include civilian and support staff and their families. The Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire allowed us to call ourselves ‘The Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band’.
The band motto amicitta aeterna, was adopted which, freely translated, means everlasting friendship.
The band is registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, 45 Washington Street, Glasgow and is governed by the rules of that Association. The band also has its own Constitution and Rules and we take great care and pride in the fact that we not only perform well but present ourselves as a well behaved and disciplined body who represent the name of the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire and the Senior Officers of other Emergency Services.
Quite a few of those present on 25th January 1994 could already play either the Great Highland Bagpipe or the drums and we set about creating a band which would be available for parades and marches in about 2 years (i.e. by 1996). There was also great interest from a number of personnel within the Emergency Services who wanted to learn to play. Only some 6 months later however the newly-formed Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band was asked to perform the grand opening of the annual Nottinghamshire Police Gala Day at the Nottinghamshire Police Training School grounds, Epperstone. Not only did the band successfully open the proceedings but we were actually told to stop performing as we were attracting visitors from other attractions at the event! (The Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band has performed at the annual gala day ever since.) It seemed that we were at last on our way.
We are not able to receive any form of funding from the Chief Constable, the Nottinghamshire Police Authority or from Nottingham City or County Councils. All our equipment (instruments, uniform, travel costs, etc.) are paid for by our own performances or personal donations from members and friends. In 1996, thanks to the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, the Band received a one-off grant with which we were able to obtain full No. 1 Dress Uniforms for all members at that time. The band has grown since then and maintaining the required standard of equipment remains a prime struggle for the Committee.
|
