1066 Pipes And Drums Make History

"We were the first non-military band in history to be allowed to play there," said Tricia, who is the band secretary and lives in Marlpits Lane.

Seventeen members of the band made the trip to Westminster to take part in the event, accompanied by their president Phil Scott.

They played a number of Scottish airs, including Scotland The Brave, Minstrel Boy and Rowan Tree.

Tricia commented: "It would be naff to say it was 'incredible' or 'fantastic' - but it really was outstanding, just because it was something that no-one had been allowed to do before."

After they played, the group visited MP Michael Foster in his chamber for food and drink, then eight of them whose names had been drawn out of a hat went to meet The Speaker himself, Michael Martin, and have their photograph taken.

Among them were 11 year old Ryan Jinks, a pupil of Hillcrest School in Hastings, who was accompanied by his father Dean.

Dean joined 1066 Pipes and Drums two and a half years ago as a learner piper, but gave up piping last year to become a drummer instead. Meanwhile his young son had started piping with the band and after two years is a novice piper himself.

Tricia said: "Though he can't yet play all the tunes he made a valiant effort on Wednesday and is to be commended for his staying-power in learning the instrument.

"They were both in the group that met The Speaker and Ryan had his photo taken on his own with Michael Martin - what a great story for years to come for him."

"It was a very big deal for him."

Members of the band travelled up to London by coach, stopping off on the way to make the finishing touches to the Number 1 Highland Dress they were wearing.

"We stopped off in a layby," said Tricia, "to the amusement of people in cars going by. There was much hooting and tooting as they drove past."