The Black Watch Association Pipe Band was formed in 1968 mainly from ex-servicemen of the 1st and 6th Battalions the Black Watch. Todays bandsmen come from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to supporting The Black Watch Association (Stoke-on-Trent) Midlands Branch at its various functions throughout the year, the band also plays at events ranging from fetes and carnivals to special musical events.
The band's most recent engagement was to play at the 2018 Bagnall Village Fete. The band led the Bagnall Chestnut Queen, Miss Emily Dawson and her Retinue, from the church, where she was crowned by her sister, Miss Georgia Dawson, through the village, stopping at the "Millennium Horse Trough", and at the "Celtic Cross" on the Chestnut Tree Green to Bagnall (Moorlands) Village Hall on School Road, where the fete was formally declared open. The band was well looked after with the provision of a free drink and burger which were most appreciated.
Earlier in June the band played for one of their younger members when he attended his year 11 Prom at Keele Old Hall. The band marched from the Student's Union building along Keele Hall Road and into the square of Keele Old Hall where a selection of tunes were played.
In May the band was honoured to play for the Monte Cassino Society's 2018 Act of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas in Staffordshire. The band led the procession to the memorial for the short service which was led by the Reverend Victor M Van Den Bergh. After the service the band entertained the crowd with a short selection of tunes before parading back to the marquee for refreshments.
Earlier in the year, in January, the band played at The West End Village in Stoke for their 2018 Burns Night celebrations. After the haggis was piped in and the Address recited, the band marched in to the centre and gave a 20 minute programme for the residents and guests. Members of the band were then treated to a drink and a haggis supper topped off with a fine selection of afters.
Members of the band were privileged to perform with Andre Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra on his tour when he played at the Genting Arena at the NEC in December 2017. Members of the Black Watch Association Pipe Band joined up with members of the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, Standard Triumph Pipe Band and Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums. During the second half of the concert the joint band marched through the audience and onto the stage playing Scotland the Brave. The band then played Highland Cathedral together with the orchestra's own resident piper Manoe Konings. During the encore, the band returned to the stage to play Amazing Grace together with Manoe and the orchestra.
In November the band played for the St. Andrew's Night Amateur Boxing Association Gala Dinner Show held at Bar Sports in Cannock. The band played a selection of tunes to open the proceedings prior to the 5 course meal and ten bouts of Amateur England versus Scotland boxing.
In November the band was privileged to lead the 2017 Newcastle-under-Lyme Remembrance Day Parade. The band led the parade from the Civic Offices in Merrial street to St. Giles' Church via the Ironmarket and the High Street. Following the Act of Remembrance, the band led the parade back to the civic offices for the salute.
In October the band took part in the wedding celebrations for Janzeel Maqsood and Noshi Javid in Blythe Bridge. The band played as the couple and their guests met and set off for their Walimah banquet.
Earlier in July the band played for two St. Thomas Feast Day events (Dukhrana). On the 1st July the band led the St. Chad's and All Saints church procession in Sedgley. The band played with the congregation as they processed around St. Chad's church. On the 2nd July, the band played for the Syro Malabar Catholic Chaplaincy who held their Dukhrana at The Stoke-on-Trent Co-operative Academy in Tunstall. The band played at around 2.00 p.m. on the arrival of the Bishop and for the flag raising ceremony and again at around 4.30 p.m. for the witness procession around the grounds of the Academy.
Please take a moment to look at the Gallery to see a range of the types of events we have supported over the years.