History of the Band
History of the Band
HISTORY OF THE WINNIPEG HEATHER-BELLE LADIES' PIPE BAND
The Winnipeg Heather-Belle Ladies' Pipe Band are a unique, dedicated and talented group of pipers and drummers
founded in 1951 by the late Mr. John Service of Winnipeg. Mr. Service was assisted in his efforts at forming the
band by Mr. Harry McKane, a drumming instructor. The original band was comprised of 8 pipers, 4 side drummers,
and one bass drummer. Through the efforts of band members, family and friends, enough money was raised to purchase
a bass drum and 4 side drums, and to completely outfit the girls in their distinct blue tunics and kilts/plaids
of Red Hamilton tartan.
In April 1951, after practicing for several months in the home of Mr. & Mrs Service, the band was ready to present themselves in public. the presentation was attended by family, friends and the press, as well as the Premier of Manitoba and other local dignitaries.
Since its inception, the band has always been active on the community scene, their itinerary including public service engagements and assistance to various charitable functions. Their talents are always in demand.
The band has become well known and respected in international circles over the past 50+ years. They have traveled extensively, competing across Canada, the United States and Scotland and over the years have brought many awards and much praise back to Winnipeg. They have indeed been goodwill ambassadors for the Province of Manitoba.
The band has been proud to have had the expertise of many excellent instructors over the years. The late Mr.
Jack Reay continued with the band until the early 1980's, assisting at practice with the learning of tunes and
setting up of the band. Another man of distinction was the late Mr. Douglas Will, who passed away in 1988. Along
with his late wife, Margaret, they supplied many long hours of music composition, instruction and company to the
many girls in the band and their families. Mr. Bill Ramsay, a nephew of Mr. Will's, also a piping instructor and
currently Pipe Major of the Winnipeg ANA-VETS Pipe Band has continued to provide instruction and has assisted with
the band on a part time basis. Mrs. Mona Donald a member of the "original" Heather-Belles for many years
instructed the bass and tenor section creating unique "beats" for the drum corps. Mona is still associated
with the band as a member of the Heather-Belle alumni.
Over the last 50 years there have been many dedicated volunteers, family members, friends and supporters of The
Winnipeg Heather-Belle Ladies' Pipe Band including in most recent years our own band alumni. A tribute is owed
to those volunteers who coordinated band engagements, planned and conducted fund-raisers, maintained uniforms or
supported the band in so many ways. Our hats are off also to the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and
the local business community who over the years have provided financial support from time to time by way of grants
and funding to assist with the purchase of uniforms, instruments and equipment.
A long-time dream of the band was to go to Scotland and compete in the World Competition. This dream was finally realized when in 1968, they competed in the World Pipe Band Championships held that year at the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon. It was an exciting time as they received a second place in competition as well as a first place tie for dress & deportment. In 1982, 1985, and again in 1989, the band had the opportunity to compete in Scotland, placing in several competitions. Their expertise was well rewarded when in 1985, they won the Oban Town Council Rose Bowl. This accomplishment led to the presentation by the City of Winnipeg of an "Outstanding Achievement Award". In 1998 the band Scotland one more time to compete in the Worlds Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. While the band did not place in the Worlds they performed and competed all across Scotland with varying degrees of placement.
The band performed for many notable events as the Canadian Ladies; Curling Championships (The Scott Tournament of Hearts), the Canadian Brier, The Rose Bowl Parade (with the Massed Pipes and Drums of Winnipeg), The Worlds Fair in Spokane, the Easter Parade in Disney World, Sea World in Florida and various venues in Hawaii.
The most notable engagement to date, however, was the bands May 21, 1993 appearance with a legend in the music Industry, Mr. Paul McCartney. In his Winnipeg show (one of the only 2 Canadian performances). Paul performed Mull of Kintyre with the Heather Belle's providing the pipe band backup, just as he recorded it with Wings in 1977. The band's talent was evident not only in their ability to write the bagpipe and drum music on their own from the pre-recorded track, but in the comments from the McCartney organization: ".… They [Heather Belle] are one of the best-prepared pipe bands Paul has ever worked with...." (Keith Smith, backline crew).
The band also made an appearance with noted Canadian Tenor John MacDermott in June, 1995. The groups was requested to perform Flower of Scotland on stage as John sang to a predominantly Scottish crowd at Winnipeg's annual Red River Exhibition.
Although the band has received occasional grants from the City of Winnipeg and provincial governments, the group raises most of their own money to pay for replacement of worm uniforms, instruments, hall rentals for practicing, and traveling expenses. Many fund raising events are held each year.
The band remains active throughout the year in pipe band competitions as well. The group participates in three local Scottish gatherings (The Winnipeg Scottish Festival, The Scottish Heritage Festival at the Forks, and The Selkirk Highland Gathering) as well as traveling to the United States each spring. In each competition the band places at the top of their field, aiding to maintain the high standard they strive to achieve.
Motivation and loyalty as well as a strong dedication to Scottish culture are integral factors of the band's
strong structure. Many members have been participants of the group for over 15 years. This continuity is what makes
their unique pipe band so special.