Our History

Origins - 1914

Our band was originally formed in 1914 by the Bradford Volunteers Force (Bradford Pals) as a bugle and drum recruitment band, and called the “Sports Battalion Band”, under the leadership of Mr Robert (Bob) Mansfield who was Bandmaster and Drill Sergeant.

Accomplished piper, Major William Hazley from the Royal Scots became the Recruiting Officer for Bradford. Impressed with the quality of the band, he supplied six sets of bagpipes to the band in 1917 and taught some of the members to play them. He and his wife then kitted out the new pipers with Hunting Stewart kilts, plaids and other items of uniform with their own money.

Hazley Memorial Band - 1919

Unfortunately the first time they got to play as a full Highland band was at Major Hazley’s funeral in 1919 and the band was renamed the “Hazley Memorial Band” as a mark of respect and Eddie Tolson became Pipe Major.

By 1923 Walter Ingham was appointed Pipe Major at just 18 years of age; and full highland uniform had been adopted. The band became known locally as “Bradford Kilties”.

The band continued as a Pipe, Bugle and drum band for many years and in 1946 female dancers were introduced.

In recognition of the retirement of founding member, Bob Mansfield, the Band changed its name again in 1947 to “Hazley-Mansfield Pipe Band”. Walt Ingham stepped down as Pipe Major the following year after holding the position for 25 years and Stanley Fox took up the position.

Not long later, in 1953 bugles were sold off and the band continued as a fully equipped Highland pipe band with Brian McGrath as Pipe Major.

Stanley Fox resumed the Pipe Major position again in 1958 for a short period before the title moved in quick succession to Bev Blaymires then to Brian Waterhouse in 1961.

City of Bradford Pipe Band - 1962

After the death of Robert Mansfield in 1962, the band’s name was changed for a third and final time to the present day “City of Bradford Pipe Band”.

In 1965 John Gilchrist was appointed Pipe Major and the band began competing. Just one year later in 1966 the band achieved the title of All England Champions grade IV at a national competition organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. The next 15 years, up to John’s retirement in 1980, the band competed in competitions all over the country and were successful in winning the All England Championship three times, the European Championship, the World Drumming and the All England Drumming, besides other numerous minor competitions, grade III and IV.

Our teams of Highland Dancers also have a long record of medals and trophies won at competitions organised by the Scottish Board of Highland Dancing.

Walter Ingham who had continued his service as piping instructor passed away in 1979, just a few months before his 60th year with the band could be commemorated.

Competition years & anniversaries

A young Craig McIntosh was next to become Pipe Major. After leaving a couple of years later, he was succeeded by Victor (Vic) Clague. In this time the band had a few successful years at competitions but didn’t win any major championships.

The Band celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 1984.

Sadly, Vic passed away in 1988 after a short illness and Drum Major, William (Bill) Balmforth assumed temporary Pipe Major position.

Bass Drummer Harry Jagger celebrated his 50th year with the Band in 1991. The same year James McGowan was drafted in as Pipe Major however this was short lived and James left later the same year.

Sebastian Shead took on the Pipe Major’s job, he too only lasted a year and was succeeded by Robert (Bob) Jenkins in 1993. Bob is still in the position today and holds the record of being our longest serving Pipe Major ever.

After more than 50 years with the Band Drum Major, Bill Balmforth sadly passed away in 1999 aged 72. Not only was he Drum Major he played the pipes too. He was a well-known figure in the Pipe band world and a founder member of the West Yorkshire Highland Gathering. Ian Hodgson became Drum Major.

Recent decades

In 2009 Band members spent 2 days filming at Odsal Stadium in sub-zero temperatures for the production of the academy award winning box office hit The King’s Speech. After all that only the spats on their feet made an appearance in the opening scenes of the movie.

After the resignation of Ian Hodgson as Drum Major in 2010, the position went to the band’s Highland Dance teacher, Stacey Jenkins.

Side Drummer, Brian Slack who joined the Band in the early 1950s, retired from drumming and stepped down as Secretary in 2013 after holding the position for over 40 years. The position then passed to another Side Drummer, Rob Newton.

In 2014 Brian was honoured for his service as we celebrated our Centenary with an event for current and former members, friends and families. The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire and Lord Mayor of Bradford were also in attendance. A new logo was designed to mark the occasion and used to make new cap badges.

Rob Newton was replaced as Secretary in 2019 by yet another Side Drummer, Rob Batty.

Also in 2019, we sadly lost Stephen Jagger, our longest standing Drum Sergeant (Lead Tip). Steve started drumming when he was just 8 years old and like his father Harry, had dedicated over 50 years to the Band.

Another long serving member, Jim Leddy who joined in the 60s stepped in to the Drum Sergeant role and has held the position ever since. Jim is also our current Chairman.

Lynn Jagger who joined the band in the mid 70s, retired as Tenor Drummer upon her husband Steve’s passing and relinquished the position of Treasurer after over 40 years service in 2026 to former Highland Dancer, Hannah Swift.

Rob Batty stepped down as Secretary in 2026 also, passing the role to Drum Major and Dance teacher, Stacey Jenkins.