After 60 years of service to Auckland’s pipe band community, Eddie Eeles will now march to the beat of his own drum after hanging up his kilt.
Last weekend at the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships, was Eddie’s final time performing after being a drum major for an incredible six decades.
The 81-year-old says while it’s been “a great ride”, it was time to stop.
“I have mixed emotions about retiring and I was very sad on Saturday, but it was the right time for me.”
Eddie says his initial induction into the world of pipe bands came via his older brother.
“My brother was in a pipe band and I used to enjoy watching him perform.
“He eventually told me I should join so I did and we ended up playing together for about four years until he shifted to Wellington – then we had a decent rivalry between us.”
Eddie was a valued member of the Auckland and District Pipe Band, where he remained for 40 years.
“Then, 20 years ago there was an opportunity to join the Auckland Police Pipe Band so I jumped at it.
“It’s opened up many opportunities that you don’t get in a normal band.
“The band does a lot of good community work.
“It’s been an honour to lead the Auckland Police Pipe Band and be part of their community. It makes you realise how important their service is.”
And from being invited to tattoos in Basel, Edinburgh and Adelaide, to name a few, and to playing on the Great Wall of China – it’s taken Eddie all over the world.
“It’s been a blast.
“One highlight was also playing alongside my son and my granddaughter.”
Eddie says while he will no longer hold the title of drum major, his role as president of the Auckland Police Pipe Band will continue on.
“I intend to do some judging and help out with management.
“It will never be all over.”
Police Controlling Officer, Inspector Scott Webb, presented Eddie with a Life Membership to the band on the weekend.
“Eddie's passion, commitment and more than 60 years’ experience to the wider pipe band community will be missed.
“After the Street March on the weekend, our band along with members of Auckland and District Pipe Band and City Of Sails Pipe Band were proud to form a guard of honour to thank Eddie.
“The Auckland Police Pipe Band, along with the New Zealand Police, thank you for your service.”
In addition to attending regular Grade 3 competitions throughout the country, the band is involved in a large number of Police related parades, including Pay parades, medal and awards ceremonies, Police funerals, station openings and Police open days.
Although most of the current team are not constabulary members of the Police, the Band has the support of the Police and are a well thought of and integral part of the Police family and pipe band community.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
