Long-serving bagpiper honoured

In 1974, Mataura Kilties Pipe Band member Paul Bruce took part in his first Anzac Day service at Balfour.

Yesterday he was surprised with a cake and the presentation of a silver quaich, a Scottish drinking vessel, to mark the occasion.

He had missed very few Anzac Day services over the years.

Mr Bruce is now a member of the Hokonui Pipe Band which formed after the Mataura Kilties and Gore pipe bands merged in 2014.

He was about 13 when he came to Balfour to play at the Anzac Day service, Mr Bruce said.

"My father (Hugh) played."

Playing at Anzac Days was a way of remembering those who served their country, he said.

"It has been a pleasure coming up."

Balfour RSA president Murray McKeown (left) celebrates with Hokonui Celtic Pipe Band member Paul...
Balfour RSA president Murray McKeown (left) celebrates with Hokonui Celtic Pipe Band member Paul Bruce (centre) who was presented with a quaich, a Scottish drinking vessel, by band president Jeff Shanks to mark the 50 years since Mr Bruce first started playing the bagpipes at the Balfour RSA Anzac service. PHOTO: SANDY EGGLESTON
Four generations of his family had played at Balfour, with his son Jasper and great nephew Fletcher Duff (9) also following the family tradition.

He was pleased to have received the quaich and drank some soft drink out of it to celebrate.

"It"s an honour."

Bagpipes had been part of his life for as long as he could remember, he said.

"My father used to play them up the passage and I would go to sleep at night with him playing."

There was also a social side to playing the bagpipes which he enjoyed.

Hokonui Pipe Band president Jeff Shanks said he did not know of many pipers who had played for as long as Mr Bruce had.

"It"s quite an achievement, really."

sandy.eggleston@odt.co.nz

 

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