© 2010 MBS

APRIL UPDATE

                                                                                                                                                                         

April has seen a period of preparation for a busy schedule in May; however, we also managed to fit in two engagements, the first of which was a surprise event to mark our Conductor’s retirement from his ‘day-time job’.  Unknown to Alasdair, over 20 members of the band had arrived at his home and set up to spring the surprise on his return.  Upon walking into the lounge the lights came on and the band struck up to play ‘Congratulations’ leaving him somewhat dumbstruck.  There followed an evening of music, jokes, storytelling and a delicious buffet – a truly memorable evening for all present.  The band’s thanks must go to Alasdair’s wife Jennifer and family for managing to stage such an event shrouded in secrecy.  

 

On Friday 24th April the band travelled to Kilmore Cathedral in Co. Cavan to play at a fundraising concert.  It was a first for us to play at this venue and an evening that we all certainly enjoyed.  

 

Our annual prize giving took place on Monday 27th following our weekly rehearsal.  To start proceedings Ian Kells delivered a résumé of the previous band year highlighting over 50 rehearsals and 30 plus events attended.  It was, he added, “only with the support and commitment of band members and families that so much could be undertaken by the band.” Our conductor Alasdair Cooke then took the floor to announce the awards.  Following a few words surrounding each category the presentations were made:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                 

                                 Best Attendance  - Maeve Livingstone / Lauren Hutchinson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           Best Senior  -   Shirley Nelson (Cornet)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                        Bandsperson of the year  -   Adam Cooke                                          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                        Best Junior  - Chloe Armstrong (Horn)

 

The final category was for that of Best Section in which a new Cup, which had earlier been presented by our Conductor, was awarded to the Horn section.  

 

The evening closed with some music provided by a small band ensemble. Our thanks for a successful event must extend to all those who provided refreshments and to the ladies who toiled in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  

                                                 

                                                      Best section of the year - The Horn Section

 

                                                                              -From left to right -

 

Mervyn Nelson (1st Horn) , Janine Stubbs (2nd Horn) , Chloe Armstrong (Solo Horn) , Matthew Kells (Flugelhorn) , Hannah Weir (2nd Horn) , Alasdair Cooke (Conductor)

 

 

St. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE (17TH MAR)

 

The 17th of March brought spring weather as we headed to Co. Cavan to assist in the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.  In glorious sunshine we paraded the thronged streets of Cavan town before heading to Coothill, an equally well-attended event, some 15 minutes away.  Both towns afforded us spontaneous applause on the arranged routes – giving the extra encouragement to keep playing even though this was our first ‘march out’ since November. All in all a very enjoyable day and thanks to those who brought catering for our ‘picnic’ in Cavan.

 

 

                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              A local Banshee takes time out to pose with Mervyn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      

 

 

                                                  Ruth, Robin and Rachel in cavan before parade         

 

 

VALLEY ENTERTAINMENTS CONTEST (21ST FEB)

 

A hectic period of rehearsal culminated in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown on Saturday 21st of February with the annual ‘Brass in concert’ entertainments contest.  This was our first appearance in the Grade 4 section of this competition, and being drawn to play 4th out of the five entrants in this local venue meant there wasn’t the usual very early start.  

 

A large audience was in attendance as we entered the arena to the cheers and applause of many locals who had turned out to support us.  Our programme opened with the march Death or Glory followed by an arrangement of the hymn Monks Gate. Following this came a new demand on our repertoire, as a soloist’s piece was one of the requirements for this section, however, our principal euphonium player Nigel Beacom ably delivered a highly praised version of Kid Shifter.

Our final piece was to be a real crowd pleaser as we rolled back the years to perform an arrangement of YMCA. During this piece we were joined by three suitably attired dancers who interacted with the audience to produce a sea of waving arms when it came to the appropriate sections.  

 

Having left the stage we felt satisfied with our performance and although not placed feel we certainly ran close those established Grade 4 bands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                          YMCA dancers Caroline, Amanda and Robyn with conductor Alasdair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                              

                                                             Elaine, Stephanie,  Janine and Chloe

 

BBL SOLOS AND QUARTETS  (14TH FEB)

 

Saturday the 14th of February saw most of our youth players accompanied by parents and senior band members make an early start to the Annual BBL solos and quartets, held this year at the Patton Halls in Balmoral. This year the competition had attracted a record number of entries and, with the senior sections being held in the same venue, a large crowd was in attendance.  There was also a first for Maguiresbridge in this competition as one of our senior members – Nigel Beacom – had entered the senior section ‘C’ Solos.  

 

With our youth having entries in every section, a long day was to await those members who were participating in the junior band section as it was scheduled to be the last event.  However, we did not have to wait long to have something to cheer about when news from the senior venue filtered across the corridor telling us that Nigel had won the ‘C’ solos.  A truly wonderful reward for our principal euphonium player in his first solo competition.  This set the scene for the rest of the day as all of our young performers were to taste success in the various sections.

 

In the 12 and under section there were a record 51 entries and Simon Hutchinson produced a flawless rendition of ‘The last rose of Summer’ to claim a well-deserved second place.  Immediately following this section James Cooke, our youth tutor, led his young charges to second place in the 12 and under ensemble – an excellent result given it was the first time they had performed together.  

 

The 15 and under solos followed next and again there was more success with Jayne Moffitt claiming 3rd spot and Lauren Hutchinson the top prize.  Another outstanding result in a field of 32 entrants.  The 17 and under solos were next, and in a class of some outstanding performances, Stephanie Cooke was unlucky to finish just outside the top three.   Following this, our 17 and under ensemble claimed runners-up position with an excellent delivery of ‘The Drunken Sailor’.  

 

The final class of the day was that of junior band and with a record entry of six bands making sure there was stiff competition.  Drawn second, our young musicians delivered a highly praised performance of Music Box to claim the top spot.  After the cheering had died down the adjudicator for the day, Mr Barry Gordon added the icing to our many performances by awarding the Patton shield for the best performance of the day to Lauren Hutchinson.

 

One special word of thanks must go to Barbara McKeown our piano accompanist whose faultless playing for all our soloists complimented a great day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                Barbara is presented with her flowers by Lauren

 

 

The journey home was somewhat noisier than the morning trip with everyone upbeat following well-deserved success!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

              Maguiresbridge silver band juniors who took part in the BBL solos and quartets

 

 

 

 

JANUARY UPDATE

 

Christmas saw a hectic schedule of engagements in our local community.  Early December saw the official switching on of Maguiresbridge village lights where we played some well-known seasonal music.  Later in the month we participated in three carol services and, as usual, silver band music went down well with the congregations.

 

Our thanks must go to the congregations of Maguiresbridge Methodist Church and Aghavea Parish Church for their very generous donations to band funds.  

 

After a short holiday break, full rehearsals resumed on the 5th of January.  The next few weeks will be extremely busy with preparations for the NIBA solos and ensembles on the 14th february and ‘Brass in the Valley’ entertainment contest the following week.                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAY UPDATE

 

During May we enjoyed attending a wide range of events in a month that saw us out on six occasions.

 

The first parade of the ‘marching season’ took us to Lisbellaw to support our neighbours Derryclavin Pipe band.  It is always good to get back ‘on the road’ early as it helps prepare our marching discipline for the Summer ahead.  The following weekend brought the annual Scout parade in Enniskillen.  A large contingent of the Scouting family assembled at the Lakeland Forum before parading to St. Macartin’s Cathedral.  On Tuesday of the same week two ensemble sections of the band headed to Lisnaskea High school to support their music department in a fundraising concert.  The concert was themed on music from the movies with our contribution including music from ‘The Great Escape’ and ‘Finding Nemo’.

 

Sunday the 17th brought us back to Enniskillen where we were privileged to head a parade of the Regimental Association of the RIR to St. Macartin’s Cathedral for the dedication of a standard.  During this parade we were delighted to join with the pipes and drums of the association to play the well known ‘Killaloe’ for the salute.  

 

The next weekend brought two events with the first on Friday being cause for celebration.  One of our members, Derek Nelson, tied the knot with his fiancée Jackie in Christ Church, Maguiresbridge with the band providing some music during the signing of the register. The band family wish Derek and Jackie a long and happy life together.  

 

Two days later the band gathered again, this time at the Share Centre in Lisnaskea where and international ‘fly-in’ was taking place.  In glorious weather we occupied a position adjacent to the hub of the day’s activities and played a range of easy listening pieces and marches for the large crowd who had gathered to witness the seaplanes come and go.  It was indeed a unique occasion enjoyed by all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

 

June brought another busy month with seven engagements attended.  

 

Our month opened on the 12th when we were privileged to play at the 90th birthday party of Johnny Dalton – one of the founder members of our band.  At a social event held in the Orange Hall, family, friends and neighbours gathered to enjoy a meal and evening of fun.  The band felt honoured to have been asked to part of the occasion and have agreed to return in 10 years when we will play one of the first marches learned by Johnny – Sussex by the Sea!

 

Sunday the 14th brought us to Enniskillen where we joined two other local bands and hundreds of Orangemen and women to parade through the town to Broadmeadow.  Here, a religious service to dedicate a bannerette commemorating murdered security force members who had been members of the Loyal Orange Institution was held.  It was indeed a very poignant occasion but the dedication of the bannerette – embroidered with the names of the 31 Fermanagh brethren – will ensure their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

 

On Saturday the 20th we made the short journey to support our neighbours in Bellisle at their annual parade in Carry Bridge.  It was a big night for our most recent recruit, Robert Weir, who was on his first parade and our appreciation must go to both Robert and his tutor James Cooke for all their hard work to prepare him for the marching season.  Hopefully it will be the start of a very long-playing career for Robert.  The next day we headed for Wattle Bridge to play at the annual Orange parade where clement weather ensured the service could be held outside.  

 

The final weekend in the month saw us out three times.  On the Friday we travelled to Lisnaskea for the annual parade and took the opportunity to form a massed band with Lisnaskea Silver in the parade through the town. The next evening we attended the annual Maguiresbridge district parade followed by a social gathering to help Harold celebrate his sixty-something birthday. It was an evening of fun and laughter enjoyed by all there!

 

Sunday took us to the annual Orange service at Ballindarragh. This year it was coupled with the re-opening of Ballindarragh Union hall and the dedication of a Tablet to The Ulster Special Constabulary.  It is indeed a credit to all those involved who have worked so hard to bring the hall up to such a standard.  Following the service we paraded to the local orange hall where supper was provided.  This parade also brought another first parade for a new member.  Alan Knox, whose dad Andrew has been a faithful member for quite a few years took up the vacant position of cymbal player and we wish him a long and enjoyable career in our percussion section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

 

July finally arrived and all the preparations for the Annual 12th celebrations were put in place.  Our month opened on Sunday 5th with the District parade and service to Maguiresbridge Presbyterian Church.  Despite a threatened downpour all went well in what was good preparation for the following week.

 

The following Saturday we made what is now our annual visit to the 12th demonstration in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal.  Unfortunately the weather forecast was unfavourable but as it turned out rain didn’t arrive until the homeward parade ensuring a great day was had by all.  Helping to make the day especially successful were Iris Wickens and Jennifer Cooke, who, early in the morning had set off with a car packed full of food and refreshments.  Upon our arrival at the ‘field’ all headed for the picnic and a couple of hours of fun and banter.  The band members would like to express thanks to Iris and Jennifer for all their hard work.

 

With the 12th falling on a Sunday the main demonstrations this year were held on the 13th, so on Monday morning we all gathered in Maguiresbridge.  Following the parade through our home village we headed for Lisbellaw where we paraded through the town to the assembly field.  Once again the weathermen had predicted heavy showers but thankfully these didn’t arrive until later in the day ensuring all were able to enjoy the proceedings whilst staying dry.  Our parade home was however conducted through a downpour, but our spirits weren’t dampened as we played continuously through the town to finish the day.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTINGS IN AUGUST

 

August, the last ‘Summer’ month came and went without much sign of good weather, however, all our outings were lucky enough to miss most of the seemingly never-ending rain.  The month for us started on the 1st with a fundraising BBQ and social evening at the home of Mr and Mrs Roy Kells.  We were only too pleased to be asked to play at this event organised to raise funds for the local Church of Ireland renovation fund.  

 

The following day was the annual Church Parade of Maguiresbridge RBP to the local Methodist Church where we also led the praise by playing the hymns.

 

Saturday the 8th brought the Annual Co Fermanagh RBP celebrations to our home town.  In fine weather large crowds gathered to partake and spectate, although band members and family had a particularly busy day helping to raise much needed funds by operating a ‘burger’ stall in the Assembly Field.  It was very successful venture and our thanks go to all who assisted and supported our efforts.  

 

The following Saturday saw dozens of Vintage Cars take to the roads in Fermanagh for the local Vintage Car Club annual weekend.  Having been invited to provide music whilst the participants had lunch in Trillick (Co. Tyrone) we set up in the local sports centre where we played for just over an hour.  Our selection of music was very well received by those attending and following our performance we all enjoyed lunch kindly provided by the Vintage club.

 

The last Saturday in August brought us to Killylea in Co Armagh for the final day of the marching season.  Although cool we stayed dry for most of the day to enjoy our parade and the spectacle of some of Northern Irelands finest marching bands.  Our thanks and appreciation go once again to our generous hosts Fivemiletown Link and Chain RBP 272.  

 

Even though the busy summer period is over, Maguiresbridge will still be attending a few important events throughout the autumn. (Click here for more info.)  None more so than the NIBA contest on the 31st of October in which the band will be competing in grade 4.  Check back soon to see how the band’s preparations are coming along!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTUMN UPDATE (23RD OCTOBER)

 

The past few weeks have seen a hectic period of rehearsal for the forthcoming NIBA championships coupled with two local parades.

 

The first of these was the annual Apprentice Boys parade and service in Brookeborough on Sunday the 13th September.  In pleasant late summer weather we marched the usual route to the local orange hall where the religious service was held.  Following the return march refreshments were provided for all back in the hall.

 

Sunday the 27th September brought a first for Co.Fermanagh when Queens University LOL 1845 brought their annual parade and service to Maguiresbridge. Following the dedication of the new bannerette the parade formed up and marched to Christ Church COI.  After the return parade refreshments were provided in our hall.  

 

As was mentioned the band have been engaged in a demanding schedule of rehearsal in preparation for the 31st of October and we are all optimistic of delivering a fine performance on the day.  Regardless of the adjudicator’s decision a great deal has been achieved in the learning process for all our members with improvement in individual, section and full band performances.