“On behalf of the officers and members of the Whiterock flute band we would like to thank all our past members, families, loyal orders and community for your support.”

“A brief history: On the 21st February 1962 there was a new flute band established. This band was to be named the Whiterock flute band. It all began during the monthly meeting of Whiterock Temperance LOL 974 when Brother Andrew Johnston (Snr) backed by Bro. Jack King proposed that a junior band be formed. Little did they know that the band would be celebrating 50 glorious years in 2012.

The band’s first chairperson was Andrew Johnston (Snr), the role which has been filled by many after him. The original committee members were Billy Simpson and Joe Proctor. The initial band membership came mainly from the mixed area of the Upper Springfield Road namely New Barnsley, Moyard and the adjoining Highfield area. However over the years the ranks of the Whiterock have been filled with folk from all over Belfast. With a new band comes the need for instruments, the ‘John Brown’ flutes were purchased for a small fee of thirty bob (£1.50) whilst the side drums were kindly donated by the Springfield Methodist church and accompanying bands associated with the church obtained through Jimmy McClean.

With practices taking place in Whiterock Orange Hall and the band building a repertoire of music containing Blackboard of my Heart, Abide with Me and the national anthem all they needed now was a parade to get the show on the road. The first parade for the band was on the 29th June 1962 accompanying the Whiterock Temperance LOL 974 on their annual Whiterock parade, a parade which today still plays a large part in the band’s activities.

Two years later in 1964, the band was well establish and looked towards a uniform re-design; they opted for bright orange sashes, white shirts and the Balmoral Hat with the distinctive orange plume. The hat is still part of the Whiterock uniform today and in fact has become somewhat a trade mark of the band.

As well as the uniform, the band instruments also changed slightly in that they obtained ‘Big Bertha’ which is a half Lambeg rope drum and is still beaten by the band today, alongside this they began purchasing the Hawkes and Sons Crown AZ Bb flute which is also still played by the band. The Crown AZ flutes are a highly sought after instrument and are a lot more expensive than the John Browns purchased for £1.50.

The band had engaged with many organisations throughout their history, some of which have maintained long term relationships. On the band’s 50th anniversary 2012, we enjoyed the company of Ulster Convention LOL 242 for (37 years), alongside Britannia Junior LOL 32 (36 years). Other notable relationships are Beaconsfield RBP 224 (34 years) and ABOD Campsie Club (12 years) all presently engaged to date 2014.

Membership of the band remains consistent with many members having an impressive number of years service under their belt, in particular Alex Thompson (AT), who has a staggering 50 years marked in 2013. Looking towards the future, the band will stay committed to providing opportunities for our younger generations, to participate in the art of flute and drum, therefore keeping our glorious tradition alive.”

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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