Key Dates
1967 The band came together as an amalgamation of the RAF Scampton and RAF Waddington pipe bands, which had formed independently in September 1965.
In September 1967 the RAF Finningley pipe band was absorbed into the 1Group band. That first summer the band carried out over 30 engagements and parades, the climax of the 1967 season was leading the march past at the Nijmegen festival in front of the Dutch Royal Family and an audience of millions.
1968 The band became No 1 Group (Strike Command) Pipe Band and performed in the USA, Canada, the Far East and Europe. With the demise of the Vulcan fleet the station changed roles and left 1 Group, with the band renamed and became the RAF Waddington Pipe Band. Aircraft and personnel changed as part of 2 Group but the band played on.
1986 Pipe Major Alex Stewart was appointed by the MOD to become a full time instructor to the Waddington band, raising the standards of piping and drumming to a new high across the whole of the RAF.
2004 The Band’s current Pipe Major, Finlay (Hammer Fingers) MacGhee was appointed, to take on the baton following Major Stewart’s death in 2003.