A PIPE band and “neeps and tatties” were the order of the day as a residential home put on a Scottish Day last week.
The event, at Bowes Lyons House, in Barnard Castle, was so popular that armed services charity SSAFA is planning another one for veterans.
The idea of hosting a Scottish Day came about when the home’s manager Julie Wilson saw resident, Malcolm Bonnett, coming home dressed in a kilt, having just from practice with Winston’s Vintage Pipes and Drums band.
The band agreed to perform free of charge and also got to enjoy the traditional Scottish lunch.
Also volunteering at the event was Ruth Wright, SSAFA’s district treasurer for the Bishop Auckland and Teesside region, who aplays for the Bishop Auckland Pipe Band.
She said: “It is good that they [Vintage Pipes and Drums) come to do an event like this.
“They have played some lovely tunes, war tunes and marching sets.”
She added that based on the success of the day SSAFA also wants to put on a Scottish event at the
home.
In addition, plans are afoot to create a new veterans’ group for the Bishop Auckland area, modelled on a similar group in Stockton.
The aim is to have it based at the Randolph Community Centre, in Evenwood.
She said: “We want something in the Bishop Auckland area. You need somewhere that has a building and parking, and the community centre is ideal. We are looking at that for the new year.”
