When a crowd at a parade, or an audience at a concert, sees the Delta Police Pipe Band, it views a mass of colour and the distinctive ancient Smith tartan, worn in tribute to chief Mervyn Smith, the founder of the band in 1971.
The drum major strides out in front, resplendent in his uniform and sash, carrying the regimental mace. In the front rank of the band, leading the pipers, marches the pipe major. These two members are the guiding lights of the band in deportment and musicality, respectively.
The Tsawwassen Sun Festival parade on Monday was the final parade for Colin Abel in the role of pipe major, one he has held for a decade. Accepting the appointment in 2001 on a three-month "temporary" basis, he has helped guide the band to the prominent position it holds in the non-competitive pipe band world.
In that decade, the Delta Police Pipe Band has performed with distinction at international military tattoos and other events throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the prestigious Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo this spring.
The band's travels are not ended though, with further invitations to tattoos in Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, Australia and return requests to Nova Scotia and Switzerland.
Not content to roam the world, the band is steadfastly committed to many performances in Delta as well as events throughout the province. To help fund its activities, the band produces its annual Robbie Burns dinners, which are believed to sell more tickets than anywhere else in the entire pipe band world, and its own bi-annual Celtic Gala.
Abel is not leaving the band, just moving back a few ranks, and taking it easy after the responsibilities of the last few years, which have been very satisfying to him. He feels it has been an honour for him to be the leader of a great group of people and he knows the band's success will continue for many years to come.
"I just want to emphasize that a lot of people other than myself have contributed to making this band a success over the past decade," says Abel.
"The support of the police department, chief Jim Cessford, the mayor's office (with Lois Jackson being our most renowned band groupie!), the municipality and the two local Legions have been instrumental to our success.
"The people of Delta should be proud of this organization which represents them not only globally but also strives to be an important part of the entire community of Delta throughout the year. My thanks to everyone."
