Remembrance Day 2024 saw the end of an institution that has been in place for almost 95 years. The Dagenham Girl Pipers were the creation of the Reverend Joseph Groves whose unlikely idea of forming a female pipe band took root in 1930. There were a number of reasons why the idea was unlikely to succeed.
The pipes had, throughout history, been a male dominated activity. And the idea of pipers in tartan was connected to Scotland, while Groves' idea was that his female band would be formed in the then Essex town of Dagenham.
However unlikely the idea seemed; local girls, looking for something to do, flocked to join.
The girls' first performance was for their families, but the idea was so unusual that it attracted a much larger audience which included not only the local press but a film crew from the newsreels. The fame of this somewhat unusual group spread quickly.
Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av Best of British.
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Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av Best of British.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114
