After a year of meeting informally, the first official meeting of the band was held on February 14, 2006, where office bearers were elected and the group resolved to become incorporated.

Band member Heather Martin said it was expected that players from Tamworth and Armidale Pipe Bands would attend the event.

“Local people who have had associations with the band over the years are invited to come along and share the memories,” she said.

Mrs Martin said the first Gunnedah pipe band was functioning from around 1930 until the outbreak of World War II. Items from this period, many hand-made, are housed in the Water Tower Museum.

The Plains Pipes and Drums’s members wear Modern Red Fraser tartan and the kilts are made in Ipswich, Queensland.

Over the years, the band has performed at the Aberdeen Highland Games, Glen Innes Celtic Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival Cavalcade and many local events including Presbyterian Flower Show and Anzac Day at Gunnedah and Somerton.

Pipers provide solo services for funerals, weddings, commemorations, Anzac Day Dawn Services and other smaller events.

Mrs Martin said numbers in the band often fluctuated and drumming numbers were often down.

The band’s drum major is Wayne Holloway, the pipe major is Ross Beasley and the patron is Don McDonagh.

The anniversary event will be held in the outdoor area of Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, with RSVPs needed by Monday, February 8 for the lunch.

Those who don’t wish to attend the lunch can drop in during the afternoon to join in the celebrations.

Enquiries and expressions of interest can be made to Heather Martin on 0428 437 854 or Wayne Holloway 0427 421 816.