Graham Kirkwood new L-D at Peel Police
The Grade 1 Peel Regional Police Pipe Band has moved quickly to replace Graham Brown, who was sacked on August 20th, appointing Graham Kirkwood to the position of leading-drummer. Kirkwood has been a member of the Peel Police for three years and has substantial experience playing in the top grade with the likes of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, Toronto Police and Clan MacFarlane.The band also announced that Ian Gibson will take over as bass-drummer, replacing Andrew Elliott, who had filled in after the resignation in June of Kyle Gorman. Gibson also has substantial experience in Grade 1, most recently with the Toronto Police Pipe Band.
Both drummers have a strong drumming pedigree. Kirkwood’s father was the long-time leading-drummer of Clan MacFarlane, and his cousin, John, was leading-drummer of the Strathclyde Police for many years under Pipe-Major Iain MacLellan. Graham Kirkwood is an active teacher, particularly to the Hamilton Police organization, and he is leading-drummer of the Hamilton Police Grade 4 band in an instructor capacity.
Gibson’s father is the late-Duncan Gibson, also a well know bass-drummer. Ian Gibson will also run Peel’s bass-section.
Pipe-Major John Cairns said, “There will be a number of new members who will be joining the band shortly,” but did not provide details.
As many as nine members of the Peel Police drum section reportedly left the band after Brown was dismissed.
I played with Jim, John and John Jr. At the time you were a litle child on the sidelines. Congradulations, you have come a long way.