Band drums up support

Macclesfield town centre echoed to the sound of pipes and drums last Saturday, as the Manchester branch of the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association gave a public musical display in Market Place, outside the Town Hall, to raise much-needed funds for the vital work of the Macclesfield branch of ABF The Soldier’s Charity.

The Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Adam Schofield and local MP, David Rutley were present to support the memorable performance, which was made even more stirring thanks to the additional presence of the Greater Manchester Wing Band Royal Airforce Air Cadets. In spite of the weather, many local residents also attended to hear the forty-strong Pipes and Drums band, which soon celebrates its sixtieth birthday, play a range of military marches and drum salutes. The concert was followed by refreshments in the Town Hall.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity (formerly the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund) is the National Charity of the British Army. Founded in 1944, it supports soldiers and veterans, and their immediate families, when they are in need. The charity provides grants to individuals through their Regiments and Corps, and assists a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army ‘family’, both at home and around the world. The charity prides itself on providing support to its users throughout their lifetimes, whenever they need it.