Pipe Band

This plaque is located at the SES clubrooms, Silvester St.

“Cobden Pipe Band is another decided asset to the town. It is called upon to play at all functions in the town and district, also at neighbouring towns and at Port Campbell during the summer season. It has now reached a very high standard with Pipe-Major A Bryans in command.“ (Kay Thornton)

While there was a brass band in Cobden during the 1880- 90s, a pipe band emerged in the mid-1920s. Members included Angus Mackay, Lionel Stevenson, Fred Hutchinson, Ida, George and Jim Moore, Joe Gordon, Sam Phillips, Clarrie Shenfield and Mick Adams.

Unfortunately, the band folded sometime around 1935/1936 but, after World War 2, Alex Bryans thought there was enough interest locally to form another pipe band. This was achieved at a meeting in the old tin dressing sheds at the footy ground in 1946.

he people who attended this first practice were Alex Bryans (elected Pipe Major), Mick Adams, Ron Hunter, Sam Phillips, Jim and Doug Moore.

Many people moved through the band during its existence.
Apart from those shown in the photos, other members included the Savage family – Max, Lynette and Shirley – George Millard, John Savage, Ron French, Alma Wilson, Bob Nicol, two Scouller boys from Camperdown, Max Stratton, Max Allan, Jack Holland, Neville Holland, Lee Wright, Les Dean, Pam Savage, Stewart Gass, Judith Gribble, Rob Howlett, John Blake, Roy Adams, Sam New, Charlie Rutter, Kerry Mackieson and Margaret Wilson.

The band’s original Royal Stewart tartan kilts were made by Mrs Pat Roberts and Mrs Jim Moore. Members wore ex-Army disposal khaki lumber jackets for a start and later got proper doublets and plaids.

Although having its ups-and-downs, this band certainly was a real asset. It functioned until the mid-1980s before finally fading into oblivion. A huge loss to the town and all who had been involved.

Its home was here at the Oddfellows Hall which later became the base for Cobden’s SES Unit