DAGENHAM GIRL PIPERS' ANNIVERSARY

Celebrations in the air yet again on 2 October with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the famous Dagenham Girl Pipers' Band. This famous band, known throughout the world, was started on 4 October 1930 by the Rev Joseph Waddington Graves.

Grace and Leon Simmonds and members of the Veteran Association greeted guests and current members of the band with their families and also veterans from past years. Lord Petre and the Mayor of Dagenham, Cllr J Gill and many other visitors were present. Wonderful party atmosphere, as you can see from the images, particularly when the pipers made their entrance playing their bagpipes and swirls of tartan. The band is successful even today, although now part-time. Near the top of the blog is our very own Lord Petre talking to Grace Simmonds who organised this memorable evening.