The band was formed in 1988 as a non profit organisation, George Sands (piper) and his son Robert (drummer) put together the band known as the “Northfield Caledonia Pipes and Drums“. It has basically got its name from the area in which it is based and “Caledonia” being Scottish.
Hiring a room at the Austin British Legion Club in Birmingham, England, George encouraged several learners to play the pipes and Robert a couple of potential drummers to learn the drums. Sadly each of the learners gave up in turn. Not giving up themselves George and Robert continued to seek learners. After hard and long commitment several candidates made it to become playing members and gratefully pipers from a disbanded group joined, some of whom are still with us. With little and self funding the members scraped enough money to buy instruments and partial uniforms. Starting on a local Remembrance Day parade the band began to form a functional role. All of the major effort that had gone into practicing was beginning to pay off. (Ok a few mistakes were made but nothing major or embarrassing).
As we never intended to be a competition band we have no grading and all of our members enjoy the functions because we are not under competition pressure. The band is respected for its displays although most of our parades have been in closed venues. Events include many corporate events abroad, Germany, Ireland, the I.C.C in Birmingham, several major carnivals and many weddings in and around the West Midlands county, that along with a few birthday parties.
Our member list is not big by far, but we are growing. There have been three generations of the Sands family in the Band the youngest who attended his first parade in full dress (not playing) at the age of three.
He now plays a full set of pipes (very well) and although he migrated to France will lead the band on his visits.
The Northfield Caledonia Pipe band has established its name around the country and has very good ties with other Pipe bands in and around the area.
In 1996 the band relocated its base To the Austin Sports and Social Club in Longbridge, Birmingham, England, of which we have become a section of. Here we have full access to the function rooms which give us more than adequate space for practicing our marching routines.
All of the monies that the band makes through fundraising and functions is used for equipment and uniforms.
We pride ourselves on discipline and appearance for all of our functions.
The band practices every Wednesday evening and Sunday Morning, more details can be
found on our Location page.