One for All and All for One
The motto of the Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums (YSPD) immediately shows what matters most: friendship and team spirit.
About the Band
YSPD is a young pipe and drum band from Ypres. Although they do not compete, their quality is undeniable. Weekly rehearsals keep the band sharp, and on two weekends out of four, a performance is scheduled.
The band brings Scottish music to many occasions. They play at concerts, march in parades, and perform at cultural events. Moreover, since 2011, lively strathspeys have enriched the repertoire. Scottish friends from Dundee enthusiastically support YSPD as teachers.
Music is not the only highlight. Under guidance of our Pipe majors: Els Vandooren, Gil Vermeulen and Eric Remy, the band performs with great energy and visual flair. In addition, since 2013, YSPD has its own Highland dancers. Guided by Linda, they add a dynamic visual element to every show. Ypres Surrey Highland dancers
Origins
The story began with four people and a chanter at the Ypres fire station. In March 2007, this small group became “Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums.” Eric Remy, a firefighter at the time, was the driving force. Through the buglers of the Last Post Association, he played under the Menin Gate and later became their official piper.
Ypres, with its world‑famous Menin Gate, proved the perfect place for a pipe and drum band. Many locals wanted to learn, and as a result, the band grew quickly into a fully‑fledged ensemble.
Values and Training
YSPD values friendship and social principles above all. They welcome anyone willing to commit and make music. While not competitively minded, they strive to deliver the best possible sound together. To maintain their level, instructors from Scotland visit every year.
Thanks to a clear teaching method, pipers are trained within two years and drummers within one. Therefore, anyone interested in learning is invited to attend rehearsals or contact the band directly.
Uniform and Identity
On 10 November 2007, Eric received the official uniform of the Surrey Fire Brigade. With approval from both Ypres and Surrey councils, this became the band’s uniform. Their logo proudly displays the coats of arms of both cities.
The band also wears a badge from the Surrey Fire Brigade on the left sleeve, symbolizing their connection. Out of gratitude, YSPD accompanies the brigade every year at the Menin Gate ceremony.
Their kilt uses the MacMillan Modern Hunting tartan, woven with Belgian colors. Its motto, “I learn to come to the aid of the unfortunate,” reflects the band’s spirit.
Gratitude
The dedication of every member is visible in performances and projects. Therefore, YSPD thanks all supporters and audiences who contribute to their success. Together, they live by their motto: One for all and all for one.
If you want to learn pipe & drums in an enjoyable and playful way, feel free to come to one of our rehearsals. Thanks to a well-thought-out teaching method, we succeed in training pipers in 2 years and drummers in just 1 year.
You can contact us through our contact form, or drop by one of our weekly rehearsals at De Fenix or Sint-Maartenskring in Ypres. Contact us
Projects
In addition to their own shows, YSPD collaborates with other groups. One of their biggest projects are the Canadian Marshes, Taptoes and The Great War remembered Concert.