FORMER Kiama Municipal Pipe Band member Ray Thorburn is hoping to drum up support to re-start the group.
After a long hiatus, Mr Thorburn was inspired to establish a new band by Kiama-Jamberoo RSL's David Munro, who suggested it would be good to have a local act perform as part of ANZAC marches.
Following the help of Kiama Rotary and Lions clubs a lot of the ground work was done and a small committee in place. A venue for weekly practices is needed to attract existing players of pipes and drums, as well as learners.
"The old band was a very active one," Mr Thorburn said.
"We had eight pipers, seven drummers and a Drum Major in the playing ranks, but unfortunately over a period of time with some key members moving away, the band could not sustain a playing complement and disbanded in 1987."
Mr Thorburn has almost a lifetime of involvement in the pipe band movement, and is still a dress and drill judge with the NSW Pipe Band Association.
He wrote the blueprint for the popular 'Bundanoon is Brigadoon' Scottish Gathering, held in April every year since 1978. He filled the role of the Chieftain of the Day in 1980. He has also been on the organising committee of the Berry Rotary Club's Celtic Festival since its inception seven years ago.
To date the response to forming a new Kiama Pipe Band has been encouraging, with both the Kiama Lions and Rotary clubs pledging their moral support.
He said the previous band account had enough money to get started, and now all they need is more members.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the new Kiama Pipe Band can contact Mr Thorburn on 4233 1442 for details.