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Committee:
A Bradley, J Browne,T Harte, T Lennox,R Leslie, W Johnston.
On
Saturday 29th January 1927, the newly formed band made its first
appearance when it appeared around the village under the leadership of Mr
George McGrath.
On
the 5th & 6th February 1927 a Bazaar in aid of bands funds for the Prince
of Orange Part Music Flute Band was held on Friday and Saturday in the
Protestant Hall. Prior to the opening ceremony the band paraded the
streets of the town playing popular airs. Mr S.G. Davidson J.P. was
Chairman on Friday and after praise by Rev. A.P. Chamberlain M.A. the
Chairman explained the object of the sale. The band had been in existence
for upwards of 50 years and for the last 25 years had been under the
guidance of Alexander Bradley (to the local people it was known as Alex’s
Band) They practised in the war memorial Hall, which was built in 1929 by
the people of the town. In the hall is a war tablet displaying the names
of all the local people who fought in the 1914 War.
In
late years the Band became known as Castledawson Amateur Flute Band, and
in the 1960’s they purchased their first uniforms, along with new side
drums and bass drum. In the 1980’s the band purchased its second and
present uniform of navy blue jackets and trousers with royal blue and
yellow trim.
In
the 1990’s the Band decided to bring in ladies and have went from strength
to strength and now has a membership ranging from all ages of
approximately 40. In the late 1990's the Band also joined the Ulster Band
Association.
Last
Year the band received new flutes and drums with a grant from the Arts
Council.
The
band takes its own Lodge LOL 96 on the 12th. It also takes Castledawson
Branch of the ABOD to Londonderry. The Band has also in the past lead
Maghera RBP on the Last Saturday in August. The Band has been privileged
in the past to lead Castledawson District to the Tercentenary Parade in
Belfast, the 12th in Rossnowlagh and the Bicentenary in Loughall. The band
also takes part in many parades held by other bands throughout the
province.
This
year will see our 10th Annual Band Parade in June 2005.
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