RVR Pipes and Drums Association

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=5/6RVR Pipes and Drums


caption=Cap badge of 5th Bn, The Victorian Scottish Regiment
dates=1898-1960 and perpetuated by 5/6 Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment (RVR)
country=Australia
branch=Army
type=Infantry
role=Light Infantry
size=One battalion
command_structure=Royal Australian Infantry Corps
current_commander=
garrison=5th Battalion - Hawthorn and others
ceremonial_chief=HM The Queen
(Australian Infantry Corps)
ceremonial_chief_label=Colonel-in-Chief
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname=
motto=
colors=
colors_label=
identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=Unit Colour Patch
identification_symbol_2= [http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/gordon.htm Gordon]
identification_symbol_2_label=Tartan
march=5th/6th Battalion - "Cock of the North"
mascot=
battles=
notable_commanders=
anniversaries=Formed in 1899 as part of the Victorian Scottish Regiment, the 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums is now the sole musical support for all battalions of the Royal Victoria Regiment. These days the 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums must operate as a "commity of practice" in order to assemble sufficient pipers and drummers to form an appropriate performing group.

Community of Practice

5/6RVR Pipes and Drums is a "community of practice" that brings pipers and drummers from various places together for training and rehearsals and to form a functioning pipes and drums. Some members of 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums are serving Army Reservists from 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment, but more than half are either from other Army Reserve units, from other parts of the Australian Defence Force, are veterans or have never served in the Australian Defence Force.

RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated

Initially formed in 1999 to suppliment funding to enable 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums participation in the 2000 Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated also supports retired and civilian pipers and drummers. Donations to the Association are tax deductible. Distinctive uniforms are provided for retired and civilian members; rather than wearing 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums insignia, retired and civilian members wear insignia of The Victorian Scottish Regiment. Retired and civilian members are also covered by insurance that is paid for by the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated.

Veterans and Civilians

Traditionally, pipers and drummers of 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums have been members of the 5th Battalion, The Victorian Scottish Regiment and later 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. However, as well as soldiers, it is now necessary to involve veterans and civilians in the Pipes and Drums. To that end, the Victorian Scottish Regiment Memorial Pipes and Drums have been formed and kitted out in non-current military style uniforms. Apart from coverage of expenses by the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated, veterans and civilians are not paid for any tuition, rehearsal or performances.

erving Army Reserve Soldiers

It is preferred that pipers and drummers with 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums are serving army reserve members of 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment Pipers and drummers who are members of the Australian Army Reserve wear current Australian Army uniforms are paid to learn, rehearse and perform. Learners are provided paid tuition and those who are members of the Army Reserve are able to attend four progressive six-week paid courses conducted by the Defence Force School of Music. However, they are still supported by the Association.

Officers of The Association

*Patron: Major General Greg Garde AO RFD QC
*Chairman: WO2 Colin Hughes-Smith
*Deputy Chairman: LTCOL ret Bill Kirkham RFD ED
*Treasurer: CAPT ret Ben Tosseto RFD
*Secretary: LTCOL ret Ed Hawkes RFD
*Committee Members: CAPT Lionel Boxer CD, MAJ Ron Stepnell, John Connard, LTCOL ret Don Blanksby RFD

Past Patrons/Chairmen

*Past Patrons: LTCOL Sir Rupert Hamer KCMG ED (1999-2003)
*Past Chairman: CAPT Lionel Boxer CD (1999-2001)

Alliances

*GBR - The Gordon Highlanders
*CAN - The Toronto Scottish Regiment - via Gordon Alliance
*CAN - 48th Highlanders of Canada - via Gordon Alliance
*RSA - Cape Town Highlanders Regiment - via Gordon Alliance

ee also

* The Victorian Scottish Regiment (1898 to 1960)
* Royal Victoria Regiment (1960 to present)
* 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment (amalgamaged from 5th Bn and 6th Bn in 1982)
* Australian Army Reserve
* List of pipe bands around the world

External links

* [http://www.army.gov.au/hq4bde/index.htm Official website of 4 Brigade]
* [http://intergon.net/rvrpd 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums]
* [http://www.myspace.com/rvrpd http://www.myspace.com/rvrpd]