Did you know that Kemptville has a pipe band? Some people still don’t know that, despite the fact that we’re loud enough that we’re hard to miss. The Kemptville Legion Pipes & Drums officially became a band for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 212, Kemptville on March 22, 1959. This makes us one of the longest standing (continuous) Legion bands in Canada. Our first Pipe Major was Ralph Munro, and when the Munro tartan was suggested for our kilts, special permission had to be requested by the Chief of Clan Munro in Scotland. We were approved and to this day, we are the only pipe band in the world authorised to wear the Munro tartan.
We have evolved quite a bit in almost 65 years, but we’re still playing. We can regularly be found at Legion events, in country fair parades, Canada Day parades, and the ever festive Santa Claus parades across eastern Ontario. When the weather permits in the summer, we practice outside, and we always appreciate those who walk their dogs by, or stop and listen to us. In 2024, we might pop up in a local park here in Kemptville, Merrickville, or even Winchester for our Sunday practices.
Speaking of practices – we are always looking for new members, whether you know how to play the pipes and drums or not! Some of our members started learning as kids, some not until they were well into their 40s. If you have the desire to learn, we have talented members willing to teach you. Have you recently moved to Kemptville, used to play in Ottawa, and don’t feel like driving back into the City? We would love to have you join us!
For more information, please contact our Pipe Major Hugh Metcalfe at hughmetcalfe@yahoo.ca or at 613-794-0190. Or drop by the Kemptville Legion at 100 Reuben Crescent on New Year’s Day for our annual Levee. The band will be playing between noon and 1:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome!
Best regards,
Fiona Plunkett
Member of the Kemptville Legion Pipes & Drums;
2nd Vice President, PRO, and Band Liaison Kemptville Legion, Branch 212