Any Questions?; How Miners' Pipe Band Turned into a Triumph

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Byline: Keith Draper

Q WHEN was the Standard Pipe Band formed, and does it still exist?

A SCOTTISH miners came down to Coventry in the years between the wars seeking work at the Binley Pit, and two of them, Jim Cosgrave and Harry Grey, formed a pipe band in 1936. They called it the Binley Village Pipe Band.

During the war many moved into local factories, and some miners, including band members, went to the Standard shadow factory at Banner Lane to work on aero engines. When peace came, and with Jack Grey as pipe major, the band moved to Standard's Canley factory.

It was here that they became involved with the work of the British Legion, and Standard's boss Captain John Black kitted the …