Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS)

Rockwood Unit 303 Pipes and Drums

The ANAVETS Unit 303 Pipes and Drums has been in existence since the early 1900s and may be the longest extant pipe band in Manitoba. The Band has performed for many VIPs over the years, including five Presidents of Iceland during the annual Islendingadagurrin, Mother Teresa of Calcutta during her visit to Winnipeg to receive a Humanitarian Award from the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, and several members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

From its inception to the present, the Band has always been a street parade band, rarely entering competitions. This has fostered camaraderie, friendship, and a focus on producing the best sound possible while ensuring participation remains enjoyable for all members.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The following history is adapted from “Through the Mists of Time,” written by Pipe Major Emeritus Bill Ramsay, with editing by long‑time member Keith Burr.

Early Beginnings (1918–1940)

The Band began between 1918 and 1920 as the Elmwood Legion Pipe Band under Pipe Major Lachlin Ferguson and Pipe Sergeant David Henry. Members were residents of Elmwood and West Kildonan and included a lady piper, Christine Masson.

The Band continued under this name until the Second World War, when it reorganized in 1940 as the Veterans Guard Band under Pipe Major R. A. MacDonald, who recruited many First World War veterans.

Post‑War Development

After World War Two, the Band became affiliated with the General McNaughton Legion under Pipe Majors Donald Gunn and later Jock Falconer. It later moved to new quarters and became the St. John’s Orange Lodge Pipe Band, remaining there until 1966.

Tartan and Identity

Before 1954, members wore their own tartans. Band Manager James Kidd, a former member of the Imperial Seaforth Highlanders, obtained permission for the Band to wear the McKenzie of Seaforth tartan and the stag’s head badge. This tartan remains the Band’s official dress today.

Affiliation with ANAVETS

In 1967, under Pipe Major Lyle Little, the Band moved to the ANAVETS Unit 60 Hall on Garry Street and became the Fort Garry Unit 60 Pipe Band.

In the early 2000s, after Unit 60 moved to a smaller facility, the Band affiliated with the Rockwood ANAVETS Unit 303, where it continues to operate.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

The Band has participated in many major events, including:

• Opening ceremonies of the Pan‑American Games (1967 and 1999)

• Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena (1973, 1974, 1976, and members again in 2024)

• World’s Fair, Spokane (1974)

• American Bicentennial Celebrations, La Crosse, Wisconsin (1976)

• Silver Broom World Curling Championship, Karistadt, Sweden (1977)

• World Curling Cup, Winnipeg (1991)

Manitoba Events

The Band has performed in numerous fairs and parades across the province, including Stonewall, Gimli, Dominion City, Crystal City, Beausejour, Portage la Prairie, Anola, St. Pierre, Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Woodlands, and Kleefeld.

The Band also supported the Winnipeg MS Super City Walk for nearly a decade and performed at the Scottish Pavilion during Folklorama whenever possible.

MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In the late 1990s, the Band welcomed Ian Conn, whose experience with the Shotts and Dykehead Band in Scotland and several Winnipeg bands significantly improved both piping and drumming standards. Under his leadership as Pipe Major, the Band competed twice in the Winnipeg Highland Festival.

LEADERSHIP

Drum Majors

• Sandy Lockhart (1960s–1980s)

• Gordon Riach (1993–2010)

Lead Drummer

• Erwin Schiller (1980s–present)

Recent Pipe Majors

• Lyle Little (1963–1979)

• Bill Ramsay (1979–1991)

• Kirby Haines (1991–1994)

• Bill Ramsay (1994–2001)

• Ian Conn (2001–2008)

• Dave Morran (2008–2010)

• Robyn McCombe (2010–2019)

• Diane Kotelko (2020–present)