Farewell performance of the Dagenham Girl Pipers
After 94 years since their formation, the Pipers have found it hard to attract new, younger members and they decided to bow out on Remembrance Sunday (10 November 2024), with a final farewell performance.
The Band was founded in 1930 in Dagenham by the Reverend Joseph Graves. Queen singer, the late Freddie Mercury, booked them for his 40th birthday party and they have also performed in front of Elvis Presley. They played at Wembley with Sir Rod Stewart and performed on 10 occasions at the Royal Variety Performance. Sheila Hatcher, the Pipe Major, joined the Pipers in 1958 and states it was a very glamorous life.
In their heyday, the Pipers performed across the world. They have performed on many occasions for the Barking & Dagenham Witten Club and even in Witten at the Onion Festival. Sheila states interest has waned and with only 12 current members, they called it a day. Their last ever appearance was on Remembrance Sunday alongside the Royal Naval Association, fittingly it took place in Dagenham, where it all began.
Photos from the last performance:
