© 2010 MBS
MARCHING SEASON IS UPON US
Following a quiet April when we continued weekly rehearsals in readiness for the Summer, May heralded the start of the ‘season’ with our attendance at Derryclavin Pipe Band’s annual parade in Lisbellaw. As if by arrangement the weather was fine and a great introduction to our marching season was enjoyed.
Two days later on Sunday the 9th we were on the march again – this time at the annual Co. Fermanagh Scout and Guide church parade to St. Macartan’s Cathedral. With large crowds along the length of the route it was another good opportunity to play to appreciative spectators.
Our next outing is to play for visitors to Irvinestown Presbyterian Church flower festival on the 29th May – which will be an opportunity for us to perform various arrangements we have learned over the Winter period. Following that, as you will note from our list of forthcoming events, we will get into our stride for the numerous Summer outings.
At our usual rehearsal on Monday the 17th we stopped playing early to hold the annual
presentation of prizes and awards. After being amply supplied with supper by Sandra
Hutchinson, Linda and Janine Stubbs, Ian Kells took the floor to express his thanks
to all – with a special word for the Committee -
Our conductor, Alasdair Cooke then took the floor, and after expressing his thanks
and appreciation for the support and dedication given by all went on to announce
the remainder of the awards which were as follows:-
Best senior player – Lloyd McWilliams
Best junior player – Rachael Duncan
Bandsperson of the year – Ian Kells
Best section – Repiano, 2nd and 3rd cornets
SPRING UPDATE
Spring has finally arrived and we now look forward to our busiest time of the year. Having said that, we were kept occupied during February and March – firstly in February with the Annual BBL Solos and Quartet competitions, and then in March with the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The solos and quartets competition held in Belfast was a long day but very worthwhile with our entrants achieving some excellent results. This competition continues to grow with the organisers almost overwhelmed with the record number of entries. A new section of 10 years and under was introduced and our two newest recruits, Rebecca and Kelly Beacom, gave excellent performances in their first ever public appearance.
With entries in every other section, our supporters and pianist (the ever reliable Barbara Mckeown ), had a hectic few hours being in the right place for each performance.
All of our entries gave excellent an account of themselves and those who were placed
are as follows:-
17 and Under Solo
3rd Ryan Kells
4th Chloe Armstrong
17 and Under Ensemble
2nd place
12 and Under Ensemble
4th place
In the senior section Nigel Beacom was our sole entry and his ever reliable performance earned him 3rd spot.
The highlight for our young performers was the junior band section and with six entries the competition was intense. With the adjudication given we were placed 3rd behind the junior bands of two championship bands – a truly creditable performance. All in all a long but successful day.
The 17th of March saw us head for Co Cavan to take part in two festival parades. The first saw us in Cavan town where, in fine Spring weather, we were applauded by the large crowds throughout the length of the route. Following this we headed for Cootehill where again the gathered spectators were very appreciative of our turnout and performance.
We now return to the rehearsal mode for the forthcoming marching and festival season which, if last years schedule is anything to go by, will be quite demanding.
James with our new recruits
JANUARY 2010
The past two months have been somewhat quieter on the engagement front but nonetheless still busy as we finished off 2009 with several Christmas engagements before entering 2010 and undertaking a selection of new music to rehearse.
On December 11th we attended a community event in Maguiresbridge Village when the Christmas lights were switched before going to the Annual District Orange Carol Service where we led the praise by playing the carols. A selection of other artists helped make the seasonal evening a success with the substantial collection being donated by the District to patient care at the Erne Hospital.
The following weekend was particularly busy with three engagements. On Friday night we went to Maguiresbridge Methodist Church for the annual carols by candlelight service while on Sunday we led the praise in Aghavea Parish Church in the traditional service of nine lessons and carols. Both congregations made generous contributions to our band funds which are greatly appreciated.
On Saturday, In between our two carol services, an ensemble of the band took up an invitation to travel to Ballinamallard to assist Roulston’s Foodstore in their efforts to raise money for Action Cancer. In traditional fashion we played a selection of carols in the shop while customers availed of hot drinks and mince pies. We were pleased to be able to attend and help to raise just over £400 for a very worthy cause.
Monday brought our final practise of 2009. In a fairly relaxed atmosphere we played
some music before a surprise guest in a red suit and white beard made an entrance!
With band practise suspended we all enjoyed the fun and games and availed of refreshments
ably prepared by our ever-
With Christmas festivities over for another year we returned to practise on the 4th of January aware of a hectic period of rehearsal and preparation for two annual competitions in February – BBL Solos and quartets on the 13th and the valley Entertainments contest on the 20th.
James with our new recruits
SUMMER ARRIVES
As we approach the annual twelfth parades we embark upon what is traditionally our busiest time. On Saturday 29th of May we travelled to Irvinestown Presbyterian Church to play for visitors to their festival of Flowers. The weather started off fine and the spectators were treated to a mix of traditional marches and concert pieces. A passing blustery shower didn’t dampen enthusiasm – although we had some ‘fun’ with the rainwater that gathered in the overhead canvas!!
On Sunday the 20th June afternoon we made our annual visit to Wattlebridge for their
open-
The weekend of the 25th and 26th June brought two evenings of marching which is certainly good preparation for the longer parades to come! On Friday we attended the Somme Commemoration parade in Lisnaskea and on Saturday paraded in our home town. The Maguiresbridge parade was preceded by the dedication of a new District Bannerette which was then proudly carried behind our band on the traditional route. The fine warm evening brought large crowds to the street to watch the dozen bands.
Congratulations to our three newest recruits – Sophie Knox, Kelly and Rebecca Beacom who joined us for their first parade.
Following the parade most band members adjourned to a local establishment to help Harold Hunter celebrate his sixty something birthday. An evening of jokes, fun and laughter followed with Mo Moore keeping us all entertained with some enlightening conversation!!
The next two weeks bring our busiest but most enjoyable period – lets hope that the recent fine weather continues.
JULY UPDATE
The Annual Twelfth celebrations and associated parades are now over and what a busy time we had!!
July opened with us turning out to support our neighbours Bellisle Flute Band at their parade in Carrybridge on Saturday the 3rd. The next evening we led the parade to Maguiresbridge Church of Ireland where LOL 1524 had their annual service.
Four days later on Thursday evening we headed to Brookborough where the local District
Lodge had organised a ‘pre-
The day started in glorious weather as we made our way to the demonstration field
with the large crowds lining the final stages of the route very receptive to our
turn-
The twelfth finally arrived and yet again we enjoyed fantastic weather as we marched through Maguiresbridge prior to the short journey to Brookborough. Unfortunately the bus that had been booked did not turn up, so we all piled into the available cars to make sure we would be there to enjoy the whole day.
The parade moved off with us well down the line, although this afforded us plenty of time to watch the dignified, colourful demonstration. Through packed streets we reached the field with just enough time to grab a quick bite prior to leading the praise in the religious service. At the end of the service the large crowd who had gathered on the hill overlooking our sitting position heard the County Grand Master –Norman Johnston – add one further item as he wished our conductor Alasdair Cooke a happy 50th birthday. Nigel Beacom then played the music as all present sang ‘happy birthday’. A truly memorable day for Alasdair.
We didn’t have long to wait before the return journey after which we headed for Maguiresbridge – almost beating the rain as the parade was dismissed outside the Orange Hall.
We now have a quiet few weeks before the next series of outings – some will say a well earned rest!!
