IT was a milestone occasion for the Alexandra Pipe Band, but bittersweet.
After taking part in eight Anzac Day services around Central Otago in the morning, band members saved a special performance until last.
They gathered at the Alexandra Cemetery for a tribute to band stalwart Peter Grayland. Mr Grayland (52), who died in early September, was the band president and bass drummer.
As a fundraising idea, he suggested a 10km march from Clyde to Alexandra and the band did the trek in his honour in November, raising about $16,000 in the process. New drum kits were bought with the money and they were used in public for the first time on Saturday.
The band formed a circle around Mr Grayland's grave to play two songs and then the Last Post rang out.
Band supporters and Mr Grayland's family were moved to tears by the musical tribute.
Band president Andy Wagstaff said he was grateful for the community's support of the group's fundraising efforts.
Pipe-major Alex Joyce said said the graveside performance showed the esteem in which Mr Grayland was held.
