I started playing pipes at the age of 7 and was competing by the age of 9.
My teachers were Joe Swarbrick and the late George Walkingshaw,
brother of Bob Walkingshaw, the founding Pipe Major of Chorley Pipe Band.

Alan_Gagan
I have been a competition bagpiper in Chorley Pipe Band since the age of 9 which has meant travelling the length and breadth of England and Scotland taking part in various contests, including all the major championships like the World Championship in Glasgow and the Dunoon Cowal Championship.

Winning the Juvenile Solo Piping cup at the RSPBA NW England Branch annual competition.
Playing on stage with Anthony Draper, another member of the Juvenile band at that time.

April 2008. Competing at the annual Trio Piping Competition held by the North West England Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.
April 2008. Taking part in a pipe band workshop run by Pipe Major Robert Mathieson of Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band.

RSPBA NW England Branch Solo Piping contest, 2002
1st prize in Medley, 6/8 March, Adult March Selection and Hornpipe & Jig