CITY OF NEWCASTLE RSL PIPE BAND
HISTORY
The City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band was formed in 1924 under the name of The Newcastle Pipe Band Association. In 1929 the Band was renamed the Newcastle City Pipe Band. It is therefore, the oldest Pipe Band in Newcastle, NSW Australia.
In those early days, the band was maintained by public subscriptions and members' band fees and from Scotland they purchased reject Gordon Tartan Kilts and White Buff Coats.
One of the band's earliest functions was at a "fun fair" in the City, every night except Sunday - for an amount of Two Pounds Two Shillings per night. The Band also played in the Newcastle Suburb of Hamilton where the various shops donated contributions ranging from one shilling to four shillings per week.
The Band came through the Depression years and the Second World War quite well, notwithstanding that on many, many occasions, times were very hard. When Newcastle, NSW, Australia gained City status, so too did the Band and it changed its name to The City of Newcastle Pipe Band. On 30th June 1969, the Band affiliated with the City of Newcastle RSL Club and then became known as The City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band, where, since that time, Anzac Day continues to be one of the Band's most important days.
Hardship was experienced following the Newcastle Earthquake in 1989, when the Newcastle RSL Club was destroyed and it was necessary to replace many items of uniforms and equipment due to loss. To this end, the Band was indebted to the Lord Mayor's Earthquake Appeal Committee.
The City of Newcastle RSL Band still proudly wears the tartan it adopted in 1929 - the Gordon Tartan. The Band continues to be well-managed and whilst still being affiliated with the Newcastle RSL Club, it plays at many engagements locally and at places far afield. It also moves around in the Pipe Band Competition arena.
In 1967 at Sydney, the Drum Corps of the Band was successful in winning the Australian Drum Corps Championships for Grade 2 Bands, repeating the feat again in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1972.
The Band has travelled far and wide, proudly bearing the City's name and that of the RSL, and continues to do so. It is regarded very highly in Pipe Band circles, is one of the best dressed Bands in the State and has enjoyed it's share of success at Pipe Band contests.
The members consider this Band to be a proud possession of the people of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia; a Band that is indeed very popular and who have supported the community by donating their time, effort and expense to provide entertainment for local functions. A number of engagements for deserving causes are performed free of charge, whilst the income derived from paid engagements is chanelled towards the purchase and maintenance of Uniforms and Equipment. The Band continues with its growth, which places a financial burden in the provision of Uniforms and Equipment. Included in this growth phase is the aim to nourish, encourage and promote youth to the Band.
1994 saw the granting of Charitable Fund Raising Status to the Band by the NSW Government Chief Secretary's Department. In 2014 , the Band celebrated 90 years of continuous service.
City of Newcastle RSL Sub Branch
On the 30th June 1969, the “Newcastle City Pipe Band” affiliated with the Newcastle Branch of the R.S.L. and from then became known as “The City of Newcastle R.S.L Pipe Band”.
This affiliation (being in the form of a “Gentleman’s Agreement”) was for monetary consideration over a period of two years, after which the agreement was to be reviewed.
We are very honoured that this agreement remains to this day and we are very proud to be an R.S.L. pipe band serving Newcastle, all affiliated on a handshake.
Thank you Newcastle RSL Sub Branch and all of your members , we are proud to be your band.
