BALLYLONE Concert Flute Band celebrated eleven decades of music making, with a dinner at Temple Golf Club on Saturday night.
The band has seven flute sections — piccolo, trebles, concerts, altos, basses, contra bass, and sub-contra bass, as well as percussion.
The conductor since 2003 has been Philip Walton, who is also deputy conductor of the Ulster Orchestra, and the arranger is Alan Trimble. Craig McAllister has succeeded his father, David, as Drum Major.
Competing since 1947, the band became Flute Band 1 champions in 1997, 2013 and 2014, and World Senior Flute Band champions in 2002, 2007, 2008, 2015 and 2016.
On Saturday night Mr Walton was kept busy handing out a large number of long service awards. Looking to the future, members of the young learners’ class received their certificates from the Royal Schools of Music.
The band was formed in 1908 from local families in Ballylone townland. This family basis continues to the present day, with additional talent drawn from farther afield. ‘Family’ means extended family, with fathers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives all taking part.
This year has been special for one Ballylone family, with the passing of band veteran Ainsley Harrison. Ainsley’s father, Bill, was a founder member, who served 62 years as secretary. Four of his grandchildren and seven of his great grandchildren play in today’s band. His sons, Sam and Ainsley, joined the band, naturally.
During WW2 band practice was suspended for three years and the instruments were stored on the Harrison farm. Young Ainsley took the opportunity to become proficient on every variety of flute. He eventually served for 60 years as flautist and was appointed band president on retirement from playing.
On his death his children requested that memorial donations in lieu be given for the band’s benefit. They then purchased a new Trevor James alto flute, and presented it in Ainsley’s memory. This flute is now played on parades by his daughter, Sandra.
David Burrows, from another Ballylone family, received a clock in appreciation of his 64 years’ service. His wife recently retired from the band and three daughters and two of his grandchildren are members. He and Ainsley were instrumental in the rebuilding of Ballylone Hall in 1990.
Saturday night’s dinner was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion, celebrating the band’s past and looking forward to its future. The Brokers’ Wedding Band group — a different kind of musical ensemble — struck up at 10pm with a ladies’ request and dancing continued until 12.30.