Bain’s dedication, hours devoted to pipes recognised

Joining a pipe band might have been a dream come true but the band was equally fortunate when Ken Bain turned up for practice at the Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band for the first time.

This month Mr Bain was made a life member of the band, recognising his dedication and countless hours devoted to the pipes.

Mr Bain, of Millers Flat, began playing the pipes as a young lad growing up in the Teviot Valley.

In 1954, neighbour Arthur Frame, of Dumbarton, brought then 13-year-old Ken a silver-and-ivory mounted set of pipes from a trip to Scotland.

Tutoring from Charlie Sutherland, at Ettrick, and then Alan Porteous while attending Otago Boys’ High School set him on his musical path.

However, farming and raising a family meant the pipes were put away for many years. It was not until Mr Bain and his late wife, Dawn, retired from their farm to Millers Flat that he began playing again.

After tutoring from Roxburgh’s kilted pharmacist, Alistair Forbes, who plays outside his shop every Friday afternoon, Mr Bain joined the Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band in 2002.

"It was a dream come true," he said.

For the next 23 years Mr Bain drove to Alexandra every week for band practice and spent many more hours travelling to perform.

"I wore out a car with the travel," he quipped.

Taking up the pipes again was hard as it was more difficult to memorise the music when he was older, he said.

Presenting the life membership, pipe band secretary Barbara Blackler said Mr Bain was always ready with a joke or funny yarn.

He was an enthusiastic member and always keen to put up his hand and be involved in a performance whether for the blossom festival, Anzac parades, fundraising or community events.

Nominated drum major in 2021, a position he still holds, Mr Bain was also president in 2009-11.

Mr Bain had always been very supportive of new members and had a vision for the future of the band, especially involving young people, Mrs Blackler said.

He was also responsible for her holding the role as secretary.

After so many years of driving an hour and a-half every week for practice Mr Bain now heads up the road every second week.

"I’ve never been a great piper but I love it."