THE Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums band is recognised as the most isolated town pipe band in Australia – but that hasn’t stopped this dedicated group from competing against the best in New South Wales and Queensland in recent months.

THE Celtic spirit in Moree is alive and well, and going from strength to strength, with Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums busy collecting medals and fulfilling public commitments across the black-soil plains – and beyond.

Pipe major Tim Tesoriero said isolation means plenty of long drives for band members.

“We have worked out we are Australia’s most isolated, regional competing pipe band – quite possibly the most isolated in the world – but have represented Moree at multiple competitions in New South Wales and Interstate,” Tim said.

To help offset the cost of travelling to compete, Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums will soon launch a huge pie drive in Moree.

“We are looking at ways to fund the band, as we are struggling somewhat financially,” Tim said.

However, isolation and a tight budget hasn’t stopped Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums from matching it with the best.

“The band is having a busy year. We’ve played at town events such as Australia Day and ANZAC Day as well as travelled to compete,” Tim said.

In recent weeks, Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums represented Moree at state level on both sides of the border.

Earlier this month, the band collected first place in open pipe night Quintets at the Aberdeen Highland Games Festival in the Hunter Valley.

Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums members at the Ipswich Pipe Band Championships in May, where they collected three bronze (Image Supplied).

In June, Moree pipers competed at the Queensland State Pipe Band Championships at Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong – part of Tartan Spectacular celebrations – and collected second in the 4B-Novice Juvenile B Medley to Wynnum RSL Pipe Band, and third in Grade 4A behind City of Ipswich Pipe Band and Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.

The band plans to compete at the Warwick Celtic Festival in October, and the New South Wales State Championships at Maitland in November.

“We believe this is a big achievement for the band, given we’re from a small, regional town and being competitive against some big city bands and exclusive school bands, with unlimited resources, tuition and funding at their fingertips,” Tim said.

The band currently has 21 playing members and also offers free music lessons to people of all ages. There are currently seven children and three adults learning pipes and drums.

“We are always looking for new members,” Tim said.

“Nine of our members are not Moree locals, but have been drawn to join due to our standard and success, and travel to Moree to support the band at all our local engagements.

“Over the last 15 years we have taken more than 30 beginners to competition level and provided 50 per cent scholarships for private education to many children whose families haven’t had the means to do so otherwise.

“At the moment, five of our children learning instruments have all performed for the first time this year competitively,” he said.

Tim said band running costs, including the expense of travelling across New South Wales and Queensland to represent Moree at state and regional level, hang heavily – hence the pie drive.

“We are the only pipe band in Australia that I know of that doesn’t have its own hall and council funding,” Tim said.

“The band is also the only organisation I’m aware of outside of sport, and recently dance, that represents Moree away from the shire.”

Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums have more information on their Facebook page.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/moreepipeband to support one of Moree’s greatest ambassadorial teams.

Pies can also be ordered here Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums Pie Ordering Sheet.

For more details about ordering pies and how to contribute, email [email protected].