Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums band players honoured with Life Membership

COFFS Coast Pipes and Drums have awarded Life Membership to three long-serving band members.

Dale Rogers, Robert Partridge and Cathy Suley were honoured at the band’s Annual General Meeting on 22 July.

Dale Rogers has been part of the band family since 1996, when her daughter took up tenor drumming and her husband, Geoff, joined as a piper.

“In 2006, Dale was convinced to join the band herself as a tenor drummer, and she has since become an integral part of its success,” Pipe Major Geoff Rogers told News Of The Area.

For many years she has served as events coordinator and publicity officer, organising and promoting fundraising activities ranging from Robbie Burns suppers to Celtic ceilidhs.

Robert Partridge, born in Coffs Harbour, first took up the bagpipes at the age of 12.

After a break from the band while he was part-owner of the local Mazda dealership and raising a family, Rob rejoined in 2006.

“Since then, he has been a wonderful contributor, supporting both fundraising efforts and the many community performances that help keep pipe band music alive on the Coffs Coast,” he said

Cathy Suley, originally from Canada, began learning the bagpipes in 2000 and moved to Coffs Harbour in 2013. Cathy has served as the band’s treasurer for 12 years and has been active in seeking grant opportunities that have helped the band thrive.

“She is also well-known as the catering queen of the band’s fundraising functions, serving a variety of Scottish foods, including the traditional haggis.”

Dale and Cathy have also extended their piping and drumming journeys through participation in the composite band, the NSW Highlanders, which brings together players from across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

This experience has allowed them to further develop their skills and compete at major events including the NSW Championships, Queensland Championships, New Zealand Pipe Band Championships and, on the biggest stage of all, the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland – the home of pipe bands.

“Both Dale and Cathy also recently took part in the World Record for Ladies in Pipe Bands in Melbourne, another proud achievement in their musical lives.”

Life Membership is the highest honour a community organisation can bestow.

“In recognising Dale, Rob and Cathy, Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums celebrate not only their years of service, but also their generosity, commitment and passion for sharing Scottish music and culture with the wider community.

“These three members have helped shape the band into the vibrant community group it is today, and their Life Memberships are richly deserved,” Mr Rogers said.

Coffs Pipe band was formed in 1957 and today’s members will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2027.

“We are interested in contacting previous members throughout the area.”

The pipe band is always interested in hearing from anyone who would like to learn the pipes, snare drum or tenor drum.

For more information, please contact Pipe Major Geoff Rogers on 0416 233 882.

By Andrea FERRARI