RAF Pipes and Drums in the World Championships

RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums, the reigning All England Champions for the last two years have for this season combined with RAF Halton Pipes and Drums and once again swept the board at the All England Championship in Ashbourne Derbyshire.

Both of the bands have been so successful that they are now the highest graded of all the UK military pipe band units. With the two units being based south of the border in England, this year it made sense to rationalise costs as well as administration and send a combined top flight band to compete against the best of the best in both the English and World Pipe Band Championships.

Over the winter season the combined band ( already nicknamed the “Waltons”) has put in a great amount of hard practice meeting in the middle at RAF Wittering on a weekly basis. Speaking after their latest triumph, Pipe Major Finlay MacGhee of RAF Waddington, commented: “ The results so far this year have been outstanding and we are very thankful to the Station Commander and staff at RAF Wittering for providing an excellent centrally based practice venue. The very high standard of playing reflects the effort and determination of all the bandsmen.”

Pipe Major Lenny Browne of RAF Halton added: “Having won all five of our English based competitions this year, it gives us great confidence as we head north to the World Pipe Contest being held at Glasgow Green in August. This is where the best bands from all over the world battle it out to see who rules the roost in piping and drumming. The opposition could not be stronger and we are all looking forward to representing The Royal Air Force and engaging with the publicat this prestigious event”.