The City of Bradford Pipe Band sounds plea for new members

For 109 years, the City of Bradford Pipe Band has wowed crowds at countless events with pipes, drums and dancers.

Now, the band is calling for new members young and old so the the long-standing musical tradition can continue.

The band's members are a friendly bunch (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)

Stacey Jenkins, who has been part of the band since she was a youngster, described it as "really special".

She said: "Not only do you learn new skills but you make new friends of all ages and get to visit new places. 

"It's great for kids for building confidence - they learn so many social skills, commitment and discipline.

"The members are a real friendly bunch of people - in fact, we're more like extended family to each other."

The band was originally formed in 1914 (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)
 
The band has three sections -  pipes, drums and dancers. 

Currently it has no more than 14 performing members and two young learner dancers. 

Stacey added: "Unfortunately we have been gently declining in numbers over the few years due to age, ill health and other reasons such as other interests taking priority and work commitments.

A group picture of the wonderful band (Image: Submitted)

"We also struggle to attract new members, especially youngsters, and I think there are a few factors for this.

"Firstly, it's not seen as a 'cool' hobby to do. 

"Secondly, it takes dedication and commitment to learn an instrument and attend weekly practice and subsequent engagements.

Are you looking for a new hobby in 2024? Why not consider joining the band (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)

"Thirdly, we don't have the exposure in Bradford centre that we used to do. 

"I don't think there are many in the city who even realise that Bradford has one of the oldest civilian pipe bands in the whole of England because we don't get invited to play for important events in the city - or if we have been invited we may not have had the numbers to take the booking or another engagement. 

"It’s a catch-22 situation."

Long may the City of Bradford Pipe Band continue (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)

Stacey said the "real concern" was the pipe section
 
"A healthy band would usually have no less than six to eight pipers," she added. 

"We only have four pipers, meaning that we struggle to accept engagements. 

"It would be ideal if we could attract experienced bagpipe players - however we will teach anyone who wishes to join the band. 

"We also supply all instruments, uniform and any other equipment."

People who are interested can contact the band's secretary Rob Batty by emailing cobpipeband@gmail.com or calling 07872832244, or by contacting Stacey on 07788165055.