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Rockhampton Highlanders

( Rockhampton Pipe Band Inc.)
       

BAND HISTORY

Earliest photo of band
Origins of the band
History pictures
Obituary- Charlie Duncan

 

This is the earliest photograph of the Rockhampton Pipe Band taken in 1936, four years after the official beginning. Seen here is the originator to the Rockhampton Pipe Band , Pipe Major, Charles Duncan, also the Mayor Mr J.J. Jefferies, who was also trustee for the Rockhampton Pipe Band, (from 1943-1952) Mr R.W. Evans was Rockhamptons Mayor from 1936-1943.

Back Row: A.Bertram, J.MacMurtrie (Pipe Sergeant), T Harkness
Second Row: N. Duncan, J. Alexander, D. MacKay, M. Underhill, H.J. Bird, A. Menzies
Front Row: (standing) J.Harvey, (Sergt. drummer), T. Lee (Patron), J.J Jefferies (trustee), C. Duncan (Pipe Major), H.J. Bird
(President), J. Spence (Secretary), standing G. Fox
(Photo courtesy of the John Okley Library, Brisbane) 

 

ORIGINS of the Rockhampton Pipe Band

The origins of the Rockhampton Pipe Band Association date back to 1932, although the idea had been put forward much earlier than that, by the grand old man of piping in Rockhampton, Charlie Duncan. Long time piper with the Pipe Band, Cecil Gott, feels that without such men as Charlie Duncan, the Rockhampton Pipe Band would not be what it is today. Charlie Duncan was a dedicated piper and Pipe Major in the early years. He canvassed around many businessmen in Rockhampton , particularly men who had been associated with the old Rockhampton Scottish Association. According to Cecil Scott, it was Charlie Duncan's brainchild that the "new band" when formed was known as the Rockhampton Pipe Band Association. He thought if it was still associated with the defunct Rockhampton Scottish Association, people would think they could not join because they weren't Scottish. However it did attract people who had no Scottish blood at all, people with a deep love of the Pipe Band.

Early in 1932, Charlie Duncan canvassed businessmen such as Bob Burns of "Burns and Twigg" and John McFarlane from James Stewart and Company, and raised quite a lot of money by his own efforts. He started the instrument fund with these businessmen's help to purchase the pipes.

The first charter practices were held in the board room above the premises of J.J Kenna, directly opposite BCC in East St.

Norman Duncan, brother of Charlie Duncan, and Harry Bradbury were the Pipe Band's original drummers. The second rehearsal venue, Cec Scott recalls was a " big tin shed" in Quay St., owned by the Sheegog family, shortly after this the Pipe Band moved into a shed owned by the Livingstone Shire Council.

The band purchased some Henderson pipes, which were greatly favoured by the Highland regiments. They possessed a clear ringing tone and were very precise. Charlie Duncan raised money to purchase the pipes and drums, through raffles and holding dances and "shilling evenings". Shilling evenings were held at people's houses and involved sing alongs etc.

Uniforms were made by Bob Thompson of "Thompson and Graham", master tailors, who offered a choice of suitable tartans. The band settled on the McKenzie tartan. The Black watch military tartan wasn't favoured by the band and the Royal Stewart tartan was the Kings property and couldn't be used.

At that time the Rockhampton Pipe Band consisted of 12 pipers, 4 side drummers and a bass drum, also green tunics were selected. Before the official uniforms were made, normal suits were worn. Bessie Millar conducted shilling evenings and danced to raise money. Bessie was a great supporter of the band.

Charlie Duncan started off with such people as H.J. Bird, Joe Harrison, Bob Hartley, (Secretary) , Betty Ogilvie, Eva Wicks, Murtle Cruden, June Cortus, Bob McLeod, Bob Cousins, J.J. McCouley, Martin Ryan, Fred Wood and J.H. Wood. Charlie Duncan was the first Pipe Major; Bob White was the first Drum Major; Arthur Weiss, Hec McDonald were tennor drummers; Jim Thompson, Mr Butcher,bass drummers; Jim Morgan, Tom Finlayson, Jack Harvey, Sam Holy, some pipers some pipers and drummers, Len Wilson, Jim Alexander, Alec Bertram, Dave Cuden, Syd Bartlett, Jock McMurphy, Bill Boatwright, Manny Underhill, Roy Wicks, Stan Cortis, Andrew Millar, Alec McNeil, Jim Naylor, Frank Ryan, Don Russell, Hewbie Bird, Cecil Hoy, Con Harkness, Jack Proctor, John McCrimmen, Henery Prowce, Bob Fox, Cecil Gott. Some old pipers were Dot McKay, Scotty Aitken, Jim Forsych, Duncan Anderson, Andy Tait, who were members of the old Rockhampton Association.

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History Pictures

 


The Rockhampton Pipe Band, leading the procession for the Industrial Fair March.
Circa early 1940's, before 1945.


Rockhampton Pipe Band - Easter contest - Maryborough Qld- 1950

 


Rockhampton Pipe Band drummers - 1950's

Don Russell, Harry Nelson

 

 


Rockhampton Pipe Band - Official opening of the new bridge

 

 

Vic Barrett - 1961

 

Circa - 1957

 

ANZAC day - 1954

  
 
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OBITUARY - Charlie Duncan

(As written- Author Unknown)
(Reference- extract from " The Music History of Rockhampton")

MR C.H. Duncan With the death of Charles Hutcheon (Charlie) Duncan on November 23, Rockhampton has lost its best known Scottish entertainer. For over 40 years he had taken a leading part in all Scottish affairs in Rockhampton.

Born in Dundee in July 1887, Charlie Duncan left Scotland with his parents when he was nine years of age. The family came direct to Rockhampton.  Charlie attended the Lakes Creek State School until he was 14 years of age and then entered the saddlery trade working for Mr John Edgar.  He stayed for 11 years at that trade then joined his uncle, the late Mr Colin Hutcheon as a painter.  On the death of Mr Hutcheon, Charlie Duncan went into the painting trade, as a contractor and continued until four years ago when he secured employment at the Wintergarden and Earl’s Court Theatres on maintenance work.

Mr Duncan was married in 1919 to Miss Flora McDonald of Rockhampton by the Rev Whyte at the John Knox Presbyterian Church.

In 1907 Charlie decided to become a piper and the following year joined the Pipe Band.  From that time on he took a keen interest in all band affairs.  Besides being president of the Pipe Band Association for some years he had occupied every position in the band, from drummer to drum major, and it is in the last named position that he was conspicuous in the last few years.

In 1914 the band was in need of uniforms.  A list was made of the people to approach for subscriptions.  The late Mr James Stewart was one who was called on.  He gave authority to visit Mr J.W. Jones, who was a tailor in East Street, and be measured, Mr Stewart paid the bill.  This incident was one that Charlie Duncan liked to recall as it saved a lot of work in calling upon people.

During the war years the band had a lean time particularly in 1915.  However, in 1916 it was revived.  Charlie Duncan was the main worker in organising the revival.  He was able to muster six (6) pipers and three (3) drummers.  There was no change in the numbers until 1930.  In that year a pipe band contest was held in Rockhampton – three bands competing, Mackay, Warwick and Bundaberg.  Though the Rockhampton band did not compete, its members took part in the welcome to the visiting bandsmen.  Charlie Duncan took part in the entertainment.


PUBLIC RESPONSE
The omission of Rockhampton at the contest caused a deal of comment among citizens of Scottish descent.  The mayor at that time was Mr T.J. Lee and he was prevailed upon to call a public meeting.  About 60 people attended and it was decided to reform the band.  Fifteen pipers were secured and Charlie Duncan devoted three (3) nights a week for five (5) years to teach players.

Some years ago when the band looked like going into recess it was Charlie Duncan again, who pulled it together.  New uniforms were needed.  Organisation was set in motion.  Functions were held in the city and at many country centres.  Charlie Duncan was the pivot around which the organisation moved.

The result exceeded all expectations £800 ($1,600) being raised.  The band was re-equipped.

Though he was unfit for active service in 1914-18 war, he piped troops in and out of camps during the conscription call-up.  When the Second World War broke out he piped again.  He led the lads from the Red Cross rooms to the railway station on the first stage of their journey to southern camps.  Sometimes he had assistance but on a number of occasions he was a lone piper in the lead of the contingent.

IN CONTESTS
In 1949 a pipe band contest was held in Rockhampton under the auspices of the Rockhampton Agricultural Society.  It was the first held here since 1930.  Maryborough was the successful band.  Rockhampton being defeated by one point.  Charlie Duncan was the Drum Major, a position he held for over fourteen (14) years.  He was with the band when it won the B Grade championship of Queensland in 1938 and again in 1939 when it was placed fourth to the Brisbane Caledonian Band.

In 1950, another contest was held and Charlie Duncan watched it from the grandstand of the showgrounds.  At that time his health was not the best and it was the first piping contest in which he had been a spectator and not a contestant.

Charlie Duncan loved the pipes and he piped for many young dancers in Scottish dances at various functions. In eisteddfod competitions he acted many times as piping accompanist.

He was initiated into the Douglas Masonic Lodge in August 1922 and throughout the years he was prominent in the festive board harmony.  For many years he piped the WM and officers to their places, not only those of his mother lodge but also those of Mt Chalmers.  Both these lodges had been formed under the Scottish constitution and they still retain many of their Scottish customs.

For his many services to Freemasons he was made a life governor of the Aged Masons Widows and Orphans Institution.

HELP ANY CAUSE
Charlie Duncan did not confine his work to Scottish organisations.  Any cause that needed assistance could always be sure of his support.  He was just as happy leading the Pipe Band in a St Patrick’s Day procession as he was rendering an item at a 12th of July concert.  No matter at what function he appeared he was always given a great reception.

He joined the Flying Squadron Orchestra and Concert Company in 1914 and travelled with it to raise funds for the patriotic fund during the First World War.  There were 17 artists in the company and its tour comprised visits to Yeppoon, Emu Park, Stanwell, Westwood, Alton Downs, Ridgelands, Etna Creek, The Caves, Mt Chalmers, Lakes Creek, Mt Morgan in addition to a number of concerts in Rockhampton.  Besides Charlie Duncan other great favourites were Will Franks, Bert Clarke and Ben Goodson.

Charlie Duncan was a member of the old Caledonian Association. It went into recess and when resurrected he was among the first to join its ranks. Though not a bowler he had on many occasions provided items at bowling club functions. He also assisted the Boy Scouts.

At the funeral service in St Andrews Presbyterian Church on Saturday last tribute was paid to Charlie Duncan by Rev R.W. Glasgow Denning who said that the large attendance a the service was a glowing testimony of the esteem in which Char lie Duncan was held.  He was a man of simple tasks and it was said of him that he did not know what it was to growl. Charlie Duncan believed in communicating happiness and he was thereby happy himself.

The cortege was draped with the Scottish standard.  Piper A. Tait played a Scottish lament as the funeral moved off.

The pallbearers were Messrs R.N.B. Graham (Caledonian Association), J.H.K. McLeod and J Green (Douglas Masonic Lodge), N. Macpherson (Pipe Band Association) and two old friends (Messrs J. Harrison and L. Lawson).  At the cremation, Wor. Bro. Green read the Masonic burial service and Mr A. Tait piped the final lament.

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History pictures

 
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