Video: Pleasley’s Seaforth Highlanders pipe and drum band

The Seaforth Highlanders’ Nottinghamshire branch has been based at the village’s Verney Institute since 1965.

And a cacophony of drums and pipes comes crashing out the building every Thursday between 7.30-9.30pm.

The pipe and drum band of the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment in Nottinghamshire has grown its membership over the years from a humble four to its current 20.

One of them was George Priest who, when he retired, was Corporal of the Second Battalion Seaforth Highlanders Regiment.

The regiment’s proud military history, which goes all the way back to 1778, is celebrated and cherished by all members but most see the band as a musical family.

Piper Dave Abbott, who has played with the band for ten years now, said: “Although I have been a musician for most of my life I have always been extremely isolated.

“But since discovering the bagpipes, this band and these people, I have found a whole new pride in myself and in the band itself.

“I love the music and being part of it. I am reminded of all the people who have gone before me when we play, and we have played up and down the country, doing everything from weddings to armistice days.

“We do whatever we can to get the music out there.”

Among the membership are musicians like Pipe Major Bob Orridge, who have been playing for more than 40 years and some who are in their 80s.

But potential new recruits should not be put off, as the band has members as young as 16, and they will be given first-class tuition by its enthusiastic and warm-hearted members.

Said Dave: “You can play the pipes without any skill in reading music - you can still be a really good piper.

“There is nobody here strutting around with a £700 set of bagpipes. Nobody forces you to do anything you do not want to do.

“As long as you play the music and enjoy practicing - it is really relaxed.”

If you are interested in joining the Seaforth Highlanders, membership costs just £1.50 per week.

For more information visit www.seaforthhighlandersnottsbranch.co.uk.

Or, if you would like to book them for an event phone Stuart Gullen on 01623 650359.

To watch a video about the band visit www.chad.co.uk.