Bagpipes, goose and snare drums at Inner Wheel

Lexie Monks on goose, Natasha Senior (pipes), Holly Monks (lead snare), Judah and Ash Tanner (snares), Malissa Nielsen (rear).

At its last meeting Inner Wheel Club was very privileged to welcome five members of the Fern and Thistle Pipe Band who spoke and played.

The band made an impressive entry in their Maclean Hunting tartan kilts and were accompanied by Malissa Nielsen, “uniform custodian.”

Her husband’s father, Les Nielsen, was one Wairarapa’s first drummers, so the band is a third-generation family activity, she noted with a twinkle: “I’m great at supporting and breeding players!”

Established in the early 1960s, the band won C-grade Nationals at Timaru in 1965. Since then it has hosted and competed in Masterton National competitions attended by around 50 bands, including some from Australia. 

“These were a big deal… including a street march,” Malissa said, adding street marches are not held in Scotland. The Band is starting to compete again with a renewed philosophy and a “top class learner programme creating a fun place for the whole band family.” 

From 13 members in 2022 numbers have grown to 28, something which continues to create problems of supply and funds for uniforms and instruments. 

The band kits out each player with a uniform, drums and harnesses while the players provide clothes, Gillie Brogues (shoes) and Pipers their own pipes. The cheapest set of pipes costs $1,500.

“Just seeing, let alone hearing, a fully kitted-out band of 28 players is truly impressive:  approximately $100,000 marching past,” she said. While not expecting anything in return for the band playing for Festivals, Christmas Parades, Anzac services and Rest Homes, any koha is very welcome. 

As part of its repertoire the band played Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave, and eaned much applause!

“We joke that these guys are our big problem, however we love that problem and love having them with us in the band. The public are wowed by their ability … most importantly, they are only going to get better,” said Malissa Nielsen.