10/22/2025
Hamilton Police Pipe Band Coin v.2
Constable Gordon MacFarlane, a piper of some renown, conceived the idea of a pipe band for the Hamilton Police Department. He gathered together a group of interested policemen, the majority of whom never had any previous band experience and they immediately went to work.
Many months of practice followed, under the guidance of Pipe Major Gordon MacFarlane and his two competent civilian instructors, Pipe Major Thomas Nimmo and Drum Sergeant Art Bennett, whose untiring effort and time freely given contributed greatly to the ultimate success of the organization.
The Band’s First Parade
It was felt that by Remembrance Day, November 11th, 1961, the men were ready to participate in their first parade. Dressed in their police service uniforms, they confidently marched out of the Armouries, leading the Hamilton Police War Veterans’ Association to the cenotaph. Not long afterward, the entire band was outfitted in traditional Highland dress, using the Prince Charles Edward Tartan, showing up in striking contrast to the appearance they made on their initial parade.
Over the years, Hamilton Police Pipe Band has been successful in producing competition bands in Grades 5, 4, 3 and 2, winning many titles including North American Championship, Canadian Championship, Atlantic Championship and Nova Scotia Championship.
The Hamilton Police Pipe Band Coin features a 3D image of its founder, Constable Gordon MacFarlane set against a backdrop of the Prince Charles Edward Tartan - the official Tartan used by the Hamilton Police Service. The reverse side features the Regimental badge of the HPS bearing the Kings Crown. The coin is encircled by a Heraldic Garter that ends with a Cinquefoil, the flower of the Clan of Hamilton- connecting it the City Coat of arms and flag as well as the HPS Regimental Badge. The coin is dedicated to past and current members who represent the Police Service at many important events.
Coins are $23 each.
