When you meet Val McEwan, you can tell he is a man full of stories and, with a winning grin on his face, he’d tell you them all if he had time.
However, one of the 91-year-old’s favourite memories happened 75 years ago when he, alongside his brother Jock and father Dave, took to the streets of Belmont as a pipe band to celebrate the end of World War II.
It was Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day and, after hearing a radio announcement declaring the end of war, the Clan McEwan Pipe Band and Dancers was born.
“It was Jock, [dad] and myself and about six others and we started the band because the war was finished,” Val says.
“We turned around and we played here [at our home in Belmont South] and we went for a march up to Belmont after the radio announcement.
“But we didn’t really need the announcement, [because] a lady down the back came racing down our street swinging her arms in the air [shouting] ‘the war is over, the war is over.’”
Val, who is the band’s patron and the only surviving original member, played the bagpipes and bass drum.
The former baker says music has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.
“My father came out from Scotland and he brought his bagpipes with him in 1911 and they built a two-storey house [on our block],” Val says.
“The passageway went right down to the back there and Jock used to practice up and down that passageway.”
Val says it is hard to pick a favourite moment “because they’ve all been special”.
Today, Saturday 15 August, the Clan McEwan Pipe Band will mark the milestone with a small gathering.
Pipe Major and daughter-in-law to Jock, Annette McEwan, says that, while COVID-19 cancelled their initial plans, they still celebrated and plan to host a larger event “when the world settles down again”.
“All we [wanted] to do was mark the occasion,” she says.
“Val really enjoyed the day and we all felt a sense of pride and joy about being part of the band.
“We did have a little bit of a sad moment though, missing Jock – he would have been so proud.”
The band, including four out of the five generations, gathered at the original family home on Saturday, had a photo shoot, and played a brief 15-minute set for Val.
To be extra safe, Annette made McEwan tartan face masks, and the photos taken will serve as a reminder of this time in their history.
The band members make regular appearances at Anzac Day ceremonies and other celebrations.
Moving forward, Annette is hopeful about the band’s future.
“Our family will always be playing instruments,” she says.
“We’re not looking like we’ll finish anytime soon.”
Visit the Clan McEwan Pipe Band and Dancers Facebook group for more information.
Gallery Photos: Kirsten Wordforth Photography and supplied.
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