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In 1981 after the demise of Banbridge Young Defenders
F.B. in the late seventies, and with the Protestant Boys F.B. it was felt
there would become a vacuum left where young men in Banbridge had no bands
to belong to and be active members in. After much discussion, between some
Banbridge based members of Blackscull Orange and Blue, Portadown Defenders
and some of the Protestant Boys it was decided that they would try and
form a new band in the town
In the autumn, after formal discussions with the Downshire Guiding LOL
123, it was decided that a band be formed, to be linked with the lodge and
to take the same name as the lodge. Some of the main lodge members
responsible for helping in the starting of the band were Bros. J. Russell,
and the late Bros. Cecil Magill and Johnnie Hanna.
At the first practise only 4 drummers and 12 flutters attended but with
many members coming from the former bands and many new learners joining
membership soon increased. Fundraising became the main priority as drums,
flutes and uniforms had to be purchased. The band paraded around the
housing estates in the town to collect money, which the locals donated
readily. Raffles and a sponsored walk also brought much needed funds to
the band.
By March of 1982 the band was in a position to buy their first uniform of
red jackets and navy trousers tailored by Herrons of Dromore. With drums
having been signed over from the Protestant Boys, new flutes soon followed
after and by April the band was ready for there first parade. The first
band master was David Orr with the first lead drummer being Paul Craig.
Easter Monday in Rathfriland was to be the first parade, heading the
Banbridge Apprentice Boys of Derry Branch Club. The band was to form close
links with this club with many band members joining the club. The band was
to win their first trophy this year at Ulster Young Loyalists parade in
Castlewellan, on the same night Northern Ireland beat Spain in the World
Cup!
Over the coming years the band was to go from strength to strength
becoming one of the leading Blood and Thunder style bands, winning
trophies at band parades all over the province as well as taking part in
all the major Orange, Black and Apprentice Boys demonstrations. The band
was also to travel to Scotland each year to take part in the Orange
Demonstration with Falls of Clyde Covenanters LOL 405 from 1984. From the
band started they have taken part in over 1000 parades all over the
country.
By 1987 new uniforms were purchased, made by Marquis Tailoring in Belfast,
for the ever growing membership while in 1988 and 1989 new flutes and
drums were also acquired. 1988 was to be one of the most successful years
for the band, winning over 100 prizes that year, with the greatest prize
winning Best Overall at Pride of the Maines parade were there were almost
100 bands in attendance.
The early 1990’s saw the band continue in the same form being at the top
Blood and Thunder bands. Their first flags and bannerette were purchased
in 1992 and were dedicated to the late Johnnie Hanna who had died in 1987;
he had been one of the most influential men in the formation of the band.
Another uniform was also purchased.
In 1995, after a drought of new members joining the band, an emergency
meeting was called to discuss the future of the band. It was decided the
band was to “soldier on” in the hope new members would join up. This
decision was to prove right as by the following year numbers in the ranks
had swelled once again. New uniforms were also purchased in 1996 along
with flutes and drums.
The band continued to be successful in an ever competitive band scene
right into the millennium with another new uniform ordered in 2002.
Over the years the Downshire has contributed greatly to local charities
including the Gateway Club, Action MS, Cancer Research and Action MS to
name but a few. Last year money was donated to two local girls heading to
Kenya to help rebuild a school with the Church of Ireland as well as a
charity football which raised over £1500.
Our own parade has become one of the highlights of the band calendar, with
bands travelling from all over the province to take part. From the first
year the parade has steadily increased in numbers with it now being one of
the best attended parades by both bands and spectators. The largest
turnout was in 2003 when 73 bands turned out. The parade takes place on
the second Friday of September each year.
With the help of the Arts Council funding from the National Lottery the
band was able to purchase new instruments in 2004. New uniforms were again
purchased and the uniforms alone set the members back over £20,000.
As the band heads toward its 25 anniversary year it once again is finding
it hard to recruit members to the band, with local sports clubs, a vibrant
nightlife in Banbridge and more especially other bands attracting more and
more young people away from the Downshire. Many members are now from
outside the district with some travelling as far as Dungannon and
Cookstown to be in the band. This year the band has also joined up with
the Ulster Bands Association who will no doubt help all bands, not just
the Downshire, to move forward into the future.
In 2005 with the band scene getting ever bigger, the band hopes to
continue to try and attend as many parades as possible in all parts of the
province as well as try and get the band back up to the heights it enjoyed
in the 80’s and early 90’s. With a hardcore membership the Downshire
Guiding Star will continue to improve and keep alive the Marching Band
tradition in Banbridge.
Anyone wishing to join the band can come to practise on any Tuesday night
in Banbridge Orange Hall or approach any band member for details.
N. Wills
Downshire Guiding Star
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