THE PRESENT

On Monday May 5, 2003 the membership voted to change the name of the band. By unanimous vote it was agreed to change our name from The Whalley Pipe Band to "The Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band". With the band now more than a year old, our numbers are growing ... it's been a struggle, but after our first year of operation we have seen people come and go already. We now have six pipers and two drummers, material for kilts and some uniform items.

Sponsorship to get the band into uniform has come from several different groups, companies and individuals in the community. Donations have been received from the Whalley Legion Branch #229, the Dowco Group of Companies at Dowco.com, Rite-Way Metals Ltd and the City of Surrey.

THE FUTURE

Things are going to start happening fast now that we have a place to practice on a regular basis. Two areas will be the focus for the next year, fund raising and membership. Currently we have a membership of about six Pipers and Drummers, we are looking for individuals of all ages to join the ranks and make this a strong Pipe Band. Fund Raising, the main area of our focus. We are looking to raise $15,000 dollars to get the Pipe Band fully outfitted in Highland dress. Donations or fundraising events are gravely needed to get the band into uniform as soon as possible. The Pipe Band will be performing at many events of the year and is available for all booking at all events or occasions. If you are looking to book the Pipe Band for your event, please contact the Pipe Major of the band through the contact page to make arrangements. Long range goals for the Pipe Band would be a trip to the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland to see the Worlds best competing. We would also like to be involved in Local and International competitions in Canada, U.S.A, and Scotland.

OUR HISTORY

Members of the Whalley Legion have been talking over the years about the possibility of having a Pipe Band formed to represent and play for the Legion in the community and surrounding area.

In 1999 the Legion began sponsoring the 767 Dearman Air Cadet Squadron Pipe Band. Through this youth support, it was brought to the executive to have a Legion Pipe Band formed to give the youth room to grow and join the Senior Pipe Band and become members of the Legion in the future if desired.

The Pipe Band was in the concept stage for almost a year. With several members of the Legion, led by Gord Fergus and Garth Newlands with help from others in campaigning to have the band formed. On February 18th 2002, the Pipe Band received final approval for backing from the membership and executive of the Whalley Legion to be able to call the Legion home for our base of operations.

THE KILT

The tartan that is being worn by both the Air Cadet Pipe Band and the Whalley Pipe Band is the same. The setting worn by the Air Cadets is the known as the "Dress setting", a more formal style, with the "Military setting" being worn by the Whalley Pipe Band. The “Clan Newlands” tartan is the choice of the Air Cadets to honor a former member of the Squadron, Colin Newlands who had passed away suddenly in 1996 and was known as the Squadron Piper. Colin had played as the lone Piper on Remembrance Day for more than 10 years along with many other functions for both the Air Cadet’s and the Legion during that time. One of the Clan Chief’s, William Newlands of Lauriston gave the official approval of the Clan for both bands to use the Newlands tartan for their choice of uniform.