History of the Club

This organization was conceived on September 4, 1968, when the founding members agreed that a piping club needed to be created and it would be officially named the Vancouver Island Pipers Club. The inaugural meeting was held at the home of Pipe Major Lillian Grant Davis, former Pipe Major for the CWAC Pipe Band of Pacific Command. Present at the meeting were the following: Pipe Major Davis and her husband, Mr. John Davis, Pipe Major Archie Cairns and his wife, Pipe Major Ian Duncan and his wife, Adeline Duncan, Pipe Major Frank Knight, Pipe Sergeant Harold Senyk, Mr. and Mrs. Peter George, Mr and Mrs. Jock Low and Pipe Major James W. Troy.

Although it was decided to keep the meetings as informal as possible and to keep the business proceedings to a minimum, there were four officer positions assigned. The first officers of the Vancouver Island Pipers Club were:

• President - P/M Archie Cairns
• Vice President - P/M Frank E. Knight
• Secretary - P/M Lillian Grant Davis
• Treasurer - Peter George

The initial meeting of the VIPC took place at 8pm on October 5, 1968, in the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess at the Bay Street Armoury. P/M Frank Knight was the serving Pipe Major of the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums and the Club was granted use of the Mess with permission of both the PMC and the Commanding Officer at that time, LCol G.M. Urquhart, CD.

Ever since then, the Club has had a strong relationship with the Mess and still continues to hold the meetings there to this day.

Purpose of the Club

The Vancouver Island Pipers Club meets in the Mess on a monthly basis, generally from October to May, with an aim of providing quality Scottish bagpiping and drumming entertainment for all, ex and aspiring pipers and drummers as well as those that genuinely enjoy the music. Every effort is made to eliminate a competitive atmosphere so all feel welcome, comfortable and encouraged.

The entertainment varies from meeting to meeting with a focus on showcasing local talent from in and around the Island. Another objective of the Club is to feature up and coming musicians and to serve as a vehicle for youth to partake without feeling as though a competitive standard must apply. Each meeting fosters an environment which provides great entertainment, the enjoyment of piping, drumming and Scottish music, the cultivation of local musicians and good fellowship.