This is Dr Charles.
A Northgate local of 66 years, he grew up two doors from where he resides today. Charles loves Northgate as it’s comfortable, he knows the history, and his neighbours are accustomed to his bagpipes.
His godfather Jim was a piper and, when Charles was 12, Jim gifted him a practice set of bagpipes from England. The deal was that if Charles could play a March, a Strathspey, a Reel and a Jig, he would be rewarded with an upgrade to a full set of pipes.
Two years later, Charles sent a tape back to England and the rest is history. Charles has never stopped playing as it makes him feel great, especially when the pipes are in tune! In his teens, the pipes used to score him invites to the pub where he’d be shouted beers.
Charles joined the City of Brisbane Pipe Band at age 16, until a regional posting as a GP took him away. 30 years later Charles returned to Northgate and rejoined the band. The pipes have seen him invited to play and compete overseas, and he’s marched for ANZAC day.
He loves the sense of community and friendships that the band provides, not to mention the joy of donning his kilt and performing on stage.
Charles tells me that there’s no need to be the best, enjoyment is the goal.
What’s your Project focuses on inspiring locals, interviewed and photographed by local contributor Gaylia Lee. Read more of Gaylia’s contributions here.
