An 'Instrument of War.'

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Oh no, not the Bagpipes!

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I know....some people love them, others loath them.

I don't mind them....as long as they come in small doses. A march passing by, that sort of thing. I couldn't sit and listen to a 'concert' or whatever they are called.

You don't have bagpipes in your collection do you Uncle B?

Well, no. But I do have a couple of nice practice chanters. You can blow these to your hearts content (and annoyance to the neighbours) without having to worry about squeezing the bag.

They don't let you loose on the Real McCoy until you have had a practice on one of these

I got them in a charity shop some years ago.

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I have opened one up to show the reeds (a pair back to back).

There is the Royal Coat of Arms on the one. Bagpipe Manufacturers to H M The Queen.

The origins of the bagpipe can be traced back to the most ancient civilizations. The bagpipe probably originated as a rustic instrument in many cultures because a herdsman had the necessary materials at hand: a goat or sheep skin and a reed pipe.

The Roman army used to march to bagpipe music. Some historians even suggest that Emperor Nero was a piper himself. The Romans introduced the bagpipes into Scotland. In those days Scotland was known as 'Caledonia'.

In 1745 the Highlanders were defeated during the battle of Culloden by their suppressors, the British. When a piper was arrested the British court decided that bagpipes should be considered as an 'instrument of war.'

A ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ perhaps?

Playing the pipes was therefore outlawed as well as wearing a kilt.

But not here in Bournville in the 1950's.

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Yes, we all did Country Dancing at school in those days.

And a close-up for Kath to "send a few pulses racing!" (I don't think)

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And don't ask.....I can't remember!

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