History
In the late fall of 1972 a group interested in the development of piping and drumming in Lindsay and area came together to create a band to be known as The Pipes and Drums of Lindsay.
An executive committee was formed with Ken Grace as President. lan Watt was appointed Pipe Major and John Lethbridge Drum Instructor.
An instruction class was organized and tutorials begun during the winter at Parkview Public School. There were no shortage of recruits and with gathering momentum the band was able to make their first public appearance on April 30th. They played at Victoria Manor, in Lindsay, Ontario.
Members provided their own kilts so there were many tartans in evidence for the early appearances of the band. Gradually equipment was purchased and the band was completely dressed in the Ancient Lindsay tartan.
During 1973 and 1974 the band took part in a total of 70 parades, fairs, and competitions. In 1974 the first Tattoo was held in Lindsay at the Lindsay Central Exhibition Grounds. In 1975 the band participated in the Scottish World Festival Tattoo at the C.N.E. Exhibition in Toronto.
Over the past few years, the Pipes and Drums of Lindsay have expanded their performing area to include most of Ontario and parts of New York State.
A major milestone for the band was its participation in the official opening of the Juno Beach Centre, the new memorial to Canada's Armed Forces in Normandy, France. During that tour the band was also privileged to play in honour of Canadians killed during the Liberation of Holland and buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, Netherlands.
There have been only five Pipe Majors leading the band:
Ian Watt - 1972 to 1978 John Hunter - 1978 to 1990
Ken Grace - 1990 to 1999 Al Harding,C.D. - 1999 to 2009
Colin Hill - 2009 to present
See the band members page for a complete list of current members.