Where are they now?

This photo was taken in November 1961 before the band's first parade. Notice that they were wearing long pants as they didn't have their kilts yet. To see a larger image, click on the photo. I didn't join the band until 1982 so I need some help to put first names to the band members in the picture below. if you can help me out, send me an email at blakemac@telus.net. To see a larger image click anywhere on the photo.

Front row from the left #1 is Cst. Deane, #2 is Cst. Angus, #3 is Sgt. Dick Javens, #4 is Det. Tom Phelan , #5 is Cst. Hobbs #6 is Cst. Jim Parks, #7 is  Sgt. Major Jimmy Rodger and # 8 is Cst. Bill Hanna.

Back row from the left #1 is Sgt. John Izatt , #2 is Cst. Knudslein, #3 is Sgt. Robertson, #4 is Fred Airth , #5 is Cst. Triplett, #6 is Cst. Ken Jackson and #7 is D'Cst. Len Crawford.

Recently I was contacted by one of the original band members, Ken Jackson (photo below). Ken was with the band for several years and then moved to the US where he worked as a police officer and continued to play in a pipe band. Ken sent the photo along and was interested in contacting any band members from the original group.

Here's part of Ken's email. "Just discovered and loved the webpage for the band. I was a member of the department (Reg. # 307) from 1956 to 1963 and during that time was a founding member of the band with then S/Sgt. Jimmy Rodger and Sgt. Johnny Izatt. The group picture was taken in the gym before we got our uniforms and before we ever appeared in public. I am #3 from the right in the back row. Paddy Bawn and I were close personal friends, both came from Northern Ireland, Paddy served under my father in RUC in Londonderry and at one time briefly dated my sister. Paddy "inherited" my band uniform when I resigned to go live in the USA. My last visit to Edmonton in 1991, Paddy arranged a get-together of several of the old band members including Jimmy Rodger and a couple of beers were enjoyed by all in the police station, something that couldn't have happened way back when the band was formed. I am no longer playing the pipes but was active until I retired in 1991 and was Pipe Sgt. in the Sierra Highlanders in Reno, NV. Thanks for the memories."

Here's a question from Ken Jackson that someone may be able to answer. Just email me and I'll put you in touch with Ken.

"Do you know of any ex-members of the band who joined other bands & if so do you have any pictures of them? I know that our lead drummer, Stan Dean, was playing in a band somewhere in B.C.  I am attaching a shot of myself in the Sierra Highlanders uniform. We were a grade 4 band & competed in many places in the Western USA. Two years ago they competed at the World Games in Scotland & I just heard that they are planning a second trip there. The band was once sponsored by the City of Sparks Police Dept. but finances there dried up."

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