| The New Westminster Police is proud of its connection and history as the Maple Ridge Pipe Band and hopes to build on the accomplishments of the band. From
its humble beginnings as a group of only three pipers and five
drummers, the Maple Ridge Pipe Band has evolved into a community
fixture of the Pacific Northwest, entertaining audiences with
its enchanting pipe and drum melodies for 59 years. Founded in
1948, the band originally practiced its tunes in the cow fields
of Maple Ridge, in British Columbia's scenic Fraser Valley! And
right from the beginning, the band has been a changing mix of
pipers and drummers. Indeed, one of its inaugural members in 1948
was Major Willie Campbell, retired piper to her Majesty Queen
Victoria. Until his death in the 1960's, Major Campbell was known
as the band's honorary Pipe Major. Over the years, the Maple Ridge
Pipe Band has competed at competitions throughout British Columbia,
Washington State and California. Many of the band's pipers and
drummers have won several individual trophies and awards. In addition
to competing, the Maple Ridge Pipe Band has also performed at
innumerable parades, weddings and other social events. One of
the band's more popular functions has been its own annual Robbie
Burns dinner, now heading into its 60th year of celebration.
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