 | |
CURRENT EVENTS
Poyntzpass Silver Band in their new concert Uniform
March 2002
Report on last engagement
On Sunday 11th May 2008 the band lead the
parade to the annual service at Jerrettspass Presbyterian Church. The band have
been engaged at this parade and service for over 50 years. It was a lovely
evening for the short parade to the church and the band had 23 members on
parade. The band's next engagment is on Thursday next, (15th May), at the school
concert in Tandragee Junior High School where the headmaster has asked the band
to participate in the concert in recognition of the number of school pupils who
are currently and have previously been in membership over the years. The band is
performing in the second half of the concert and members are asked to be at the
school at 8.30pm. As a number of members will be away to the Saddleworth Whit
Friday festival we would request that everyone available makes a special effort
to attend this concert.
Dates for your diary 2008
 | Committee Meetings will be held on the 1st Wednesday in each month
at 8.00pm unless notified otherwise. Next Committee - Meeting
Wednesday 4th June 2008 |
| Thursday 3rd January 2008 - Practices resume after Christmas break. |
| Fri 18th - Mon 21st January 2008 - Trip to Skegness to the Butlin's
Mineworkers Open Brass Band Contest |
| Saturday 2nd February 2008 - Black Dyke Band in concert in St
Patrick's Parish Centre, Strabane promoted by St Joseph's Brass Band.
Tickets from Band Secretary at Tel 0751 2727373 or (028) 7138 2883. |
| Saturday 2nd February 2008 - Annual Young members outing to
Dundonald Ice Bowl. |
| Wednesday 6th February 2008 - Annual Table Quiz in Acton Hall at
8.00pm |
| Friday 8th February 2008 - Kenny and Jeanette's wedding. The band
is to play at the evening reception at Dromore Rugby Club at 8.00pm.(Concert
Uniform) |
| Friday 8th & Saturday 9th February 2008 - Foden
Richardson band in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Tickets from Ivor
Stevenson Tel: 3752 6339 |
| Friday 15th February 2008 - Concert for Poyntzpass Presbyterian
Church. Meet at 7.30pm |
| Saturday 23rd February 2008 - Brass in Concert Championship in the
Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown. |
| Saturday 23rd February 2008 - Salvation Army International Staff
Band concert in the Spires, Belfast. Tickets From John Moore at Tel 028 9083
0418 |
| Friday 29th February 2008 - Concert in Rathfriland High School
Assembly Hall for St. John's Parish Church, Rathfriland. Band To meet at
7.30pm. |
| Thursday 13th March 2008 - Annual Band Concert in Poyntzpass RBL
Hall. |
| Saturday 12th April 2008 - Brass Band League Spring Festival in
Glengormley High School. |
| Thursday 17th April 2008 - South West Down Bands Association
Meeting in Acton - Band to provide a musical programme after the meeting. |
| Sunday 20th April 2008 - Church parade with Poyntzpass Scouts
to Acton Parish Church for 3.30pm service. |
| Sunday 27th April 2008 - South West Down Bands Association Annual
Charity Church parade and Service in Poyntzpass Presbyterian Church. Meet at
2.45pm. |
| Saturday 3rd May 2008 - Household troops Salvation Army Band in
Craigavon Civic Centre. Tickets from Barry Dawson Tel 3833 5141 |
| Sunday 11th May 2008 - Annual Jerettspass Church Parade. Meet at
6.30pm. |
| Thursday 15th May 2008 - Tandragee Junior High School Concert |
| Friday 23rd May 2008 - Annual Mavemacullen parade in Markethill. |
| Sunday 25th May 2008 - Scarva Bandstand 3.00pm - 4.00pm . Meet at
2.45pm. |
| Thursday 26th June 2008 - Veterans Day concert in Poyntzpass RBL
Hall. |
| Friday 27th June 2008 - Annual parade in Mountnorris. |
| Tuesday 1st July 2008 - Annual 1st July celebrations in
Poyntzpass. |
| Sunday 6th July 2008 - Scarva Bandstand 3.00pm - 4.00pm . Meet at
2.45pm |
| Monday 7th July 2008 - Concert programme in Tandragee as part of
the Pre 12th programme of events. |
| Wednesday 9th July 2008 - Annual parade in Hamiltonsbawn. |
| Saturday 12th July 2008 - Annual Demonstration in Tandragee. |
| Sunday 13th July 2008 - Scarva Orange Hall Anniversary
service. Parade from Banbridge Road and service in Orange Hall . Meet at
3.00pm |
| Monday 14th July 2008 - Annual Demonstration in Scarva. |
| Sunday 20th July 2008 - Scarva Bandstand 3.00pm - 4.00pm .
Meet at 2.45pm. |
| Friday 25th July 2008 - Annual Parade and Sports for Tullyvallen
Silver Band |
| Monday 4th - Saturday 9th August 2008 - Annual Armagh Old Boys
Summer school with the Fodens team. No band practice on Thursday 7th August.
Members to attend the concert in the Music Centre in Armagh. |
| Friday 8th August 2008 - Adam and Lorraine's wedding. The band is
to play at the evening reception in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan. |
| Sunday 10th August 2008 - Scarva Bandstand 3.00pm - 4.00pm . Meet
at 2.45pm. |
| Sunday 24th August 2008 - Bessbrook Band Concert 3.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Saturday 30th August 2008 - Annual RBP Demonstration in Dromore
with Hillhall RBP. Meet Hillhall, Lisburn at ???? am. |
| Sunday 7th September 2008 -Concert in Lurgan Park for Craigavon
Borough Council. Meet at 2.45pm. |
| Sunday 14th September 2008 - Concert programme at Richhill Castle
for the European Open Day |
| Saturday 1st November 2008 - NIBA Irish Championship Contest in the
Market Place Theatre, Armagh. |
| Sunday 9th November 2008 - Annual Remembrance day parade and
service with Poyntzpass Royal British Legion Branch |
| Friday 21st November 2008 - Annual band dinner dance in Tandragee
Golf Club |
News 2008
| NOTE - Band Practices Note the practices begin each Thursday
at 8.00pm sharp. . Learners classes operating and anyone
interested should contact any band member. Learners classes each Thursday
night from 7.30pm |
| Graham Lunn our Trombone player who is currently studying at Oxford
University got a mention on the 4bars rest web site regarding him conducting
the combined Oxford and Cambridge University Brass band which will be taking
part in the Saddleworth Whit Friday band contest. Click here
for a link . |
| Brass Band League Contest 12th April 2008 - The band again took
part in the annual spring festival held this year in Glengormley High
School. We traveled down in two mini buses from Banbridge where 15 members
had met for an early breakfast at 7.30am. We had arranged a rehearsal in St
Bridgit's Church Hall and then travelled on to the school for the
competition. We were drawn to play No 3 (Last band) in the section and were
pleased with our performance of Eric Balls 'Young in Heart' The ajudicator
awarded us second place behind St Marks and ahead of Warrenpoint. A copy of
the Fivemiletown result. Then on to the Coast Road Hotel in Carrickfergus
for our meal which was very good and enjoyed by all. Some went back to hear
the Championship section and others travelled on home. |
| Annual Band Concert Thursday 13th March 2008 - The Royal British
Legion Hall in Poyntzpass was practically filled to capacity for the band's
annual concert this year. As always the Compere was Leonard Shields who is
enjoyed by the audience. The Poyntzpass Primary School choir and their
teacher Pauline Neill gave a delightful performance of 4 pieces all of which
were new and modern and performed with great confidence. The band provided
the bulk of the programme and really put on a great performance and had a
very good sound from a turn out of 31 plus conductor Dessie. A number of new
pieces were played at the concert for the first time and we also included
our cornet trio of Rebekah, Ryan and Gemma with Gemma also giving a great
performance of 'Concertio de Aranjuez' accompanied by the band. Gemma, her
Dad Wilbert and Aunt Hazel from the Tyrones Ditches Pipe band played the
pipes for the band's performance of 'Highland Cathedral'. Rebecca sang two
lovely solo items accompanied by Jamie on the piano and Ryan gave a great
piano solo of the 'Ashokan Farewell'. Rodney performed a lovely vocal solo
accompanied by the band. The Tonga LOL comic sketch performed by members
Kenny, Rodney, Ronnie and Cyril was very good and made a great start for the
Second half of the concert. Leslie also got a chance to dress up when he
made a guest appearance during the performance of 'I will follow Him'. A
very well supported raffle really put the seal on a great night. Great
feedback after the event from everyone. Well done!!! Our next outing is at
the Brass Band League Contest in Glengormley High School on Saturday 12th
April. Full practices essential to prepare for this. |
| Saturday 22nd February 2008 The band attended the entertainment
contest in the Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown. We traveled down in cars and a
mini bus for an early warm up in Murley Silver's bandroom before our
competition slot at 12.30pm. The band played very well and indeed a special
mention for our soloist, Ryan who stepped up at short notice due to Gemma
having 4 No teeth removed during the week and having stitches inserted in
her gums. All credit also to Gemma who not only played with the band also
took part in the cornet trio with Ryan and Rebekah and again all three
performed very well. The band can also take good credit from this result as
St Marks band who came first were stepping down into our section from a
higher grade for this contest. The full result was 1st place St Marks118
points, 2nd place Poyntpass 113 points, 3rd place Dungannon 106 points. Best
March St Marks, Soloist Prize St.Marks |
| Saturday 9th February 2008 - A number of our young players took
part in the Saturday afternoon young soloist concert in the Market Place
Theatre in Armagh where they were accompanied by the Fodens Richardson Band.
Gemma McKee, Ryan Parks and Rebekah Denny performed the cornet trio 'The
Veterans' and were highly complimented . Gemma give a very good individual
performance this time on her Flugel, of the 'Concierto De Aranjuez'
while Ryan also did very well with his cornet solo 'The Swedish Hymn'. A
large contingent of our band members and friends attended the Fodens Band
concert in the Market Place Theatre on the Saturday night. A nice item then
was when Kenny and Jeanette were called up to the stage for a presentation
following their wedding the previous day. The Fodens band appropriately
played their theme tune 'If tomorrow never comes'. |
| Friday 8th February 2008 - the band played at the evening reception
in Dromore Rugby Club following the marriage of Kenny Morton, our 1st
baritone player, and Jeanette Shaw who plays Tenor horn with Wellington
Silver Band. We provided a 30 minute programme after which Wellington band
played for a similar period. A meal was served to all attending the evening
reception and at the end of the musical programmes both bands played one
piece together. Best wishes to Ken and Jeanette from everyone at Poyntzpass
Silver Band. |
| Annual Quiz Wednesday 6th February - 12 teams took part in this
years annual table quiz . The quiz master was Cyril Whiteside and the event
was won by the team. A raffle was held during the event which was well
supported. Supper was served to all at the close of the event. |
| Annual Young Peoples Outing - On Saturday 2nd February 25
members including a few family members traveled down to the Dundonald Ice
Bowl in two mini buses for the annual young members night out. Everyone
started their night with a time in the bowls and then into the Ice rink
where a few abstained but all of the young people had a go. After skating it
was back on the mini buses and a stop at the KFC where everyone had
something to eat. A good night and it was good to meet up with the Dungannon
Silver Band members who were down with their young people. |
| Saturday 19th January 2008 the death occurred of Mr.John Fegan, the
President of Poyntzpass Silver Band. John who was 94 years old was a former
playing member in the band and had played an Eb Bass from the formation of
the Silver Band in 1951 when the band changed over from flutes up until the
mid 1970s when he retired from playing. He always took a very keen interest
in the affairs of the band and supported all of the band events. The band
members all extend their sincere sympathy to his wife and family circle.
Nine members of the band ably conducted by Jeanette played in
Poyntzpass Presbyterian Church at the funeral service. |
News 2007
| Congratulations to 2nd Tenor Horn player Rachel Vogan who
has passed her Grade 1 Tenor Horn Exam with a distinction. Rachel is a pupil
at Tandragee Primary school and also played a very prominent part in the
school Christmas concert when she performed two carol solos and also at the
Tandragee Girls Brigade concert when she repeated this. Well done Rachel. |
| On Friday 23rd November 2007 the band again had its Annual Dinner
Dance in Tandragee Golf Club. The event was well supported with
approximately 120 people attending. This included a large number of
friends, families and supporters of the band and a good night was had by
all. The four course Turkey and Ham dinner was served and this was followed
by dancing to the group 'Perfect Remedy'. A very successful raffle and
auction were also held during the evening when considerable amounts were
raised for band funds |
| AGM Report - On Wednesday 24th October the band held its
Annual General Meeting in Acton Hall. A good turn out of members attended to
hear the reports from the secretary and treasurer and for the election of
the new committee etc. At the meeting the proceeds from the charity event in
aid of the Clarke Clinic (RVH) where Barry Dawson's son, Jack, had been
treated for his hole in the heart operations was handed over. A total of
£1,735 was handed over of which £1,365 was from the band sponsored walk to
the 'Big Stone' and £400 which Leslie had collected at his home on the 13th
July. This was the most money raised for any charity which the band has
supported to date. Read the item from 4barsrest.com
website |
| On Saturday 13th October the band took part in the annual NIBA
Irish Championship contest held this year in the Market Place Theatre in
Armagh. We had met early at Acton to have a short rehearsal and then
traveled over to Armagh where we arrived in good time for the contest. The
band was drawn to play No 2 in the section and we had 35 members plus Dessie
on stage for the test piece performance. Unfortunately the adjudicator,
Derek Broadbent, decided that the other band, H.F.C. Brass from New Ross
County Wexford was the better and awarded them the win on a one point
margin. However the band did play well and we did not disgrace ourselves as
the test piece was a difficult piece which made demands on all sections of
the band. Well done to everyone for the hard work which was put in over the
recent weeks. A special thanks to Robert, Peter and Sarah Mercer from Comber
band and to Jeanette, Patricia, Rachel and Davy from Wellington for their
generous assistance with our preparations for the contest. After playing the
band enjoyed a meal which had been booked in the St. Patrick's Trian
restaurant beside the theatre. A good day all round and everyone was very
impressed with the venue. The facilities are much superior to the Ulster
Hall and this all added to the days enjoyment |
| On Friday 5th October the band took part in the workshops and pre
concert activities organised by Dungannon Silver Band in connection with the
visit of the Cory Band under their conductor Dr Bob Childs. The Friday
evening activities started at 6.30 pm when a young peoples band has put
together and Dr Childs put the band through a number of pieces. We had
organised a mini bus to take a number of our young people down to Dungannon
and they were picked up at 5.30 pm on the Friday afternoon. At 7.30 pm our
full band assembled in Dungannon at the band hall and Dr Childs took us
through the contest piece. This was a great experience for us all and an
opportunity that we were very grateful to Dungannon band to have been given.
We had approximately one hour with Bob Childs before an all comers
band assembled to finish out the evening. Approximately 50 musicians took
part in the finale which was the march ' The Army of the Nile'. The 8 other
visiting members of the Cory Band also took a very active part in the
evening both sitting in on all sessions and helping with their experience
and musical knowledge. A presentation was made by band Chairman, Richard
Whiteside, to Dr Childs for his assistance. He suitably replied and wished
the band every success for the forthcoming contest. |
| Saturday 15th September 2007- Best wishes to cornet player, Stephen
Posnett on his marriage today to Nuala. They are heading to Cuba for their
honeymoon so we can expect some cigars and rum when they return. This is the
first of three weddings coming up in the near future involving band members. |
| On Saturday 25th August 2007 the band accompanied Hillhall RBP 1074
to the Annual last Saturday in August Black demonstration in Bangor. It was
an early start for everyone with the mini bus picking up the first of the
band members in Poyntzpass at 7.00am. We had to meet at Hillhall in Lisburn
for 8.00am and at approx 8.20am after playing 'Abide With Me' outside the
hall we proceeded to parade through Lisburn out to Lisnagarvey High School
where we boarded the buses. From there it was on to the 2nd Comber
Presbyterian Church Hall where the Preceptory had organised a full Roast
beef dinner for everyone . At 10.30am we had main course, sweet and tea /
coffee and shortbread before boarding the buses again for Bangor. Due to
delays with traffic on the road into Newtownards we were only into Bangor as
the main parade was coming out of the assembly field. We watched a good part
of the parade leaving the assembly field before we joined in. The band was
excellent and had a total of 39 on parade. We were the best Silver band in
the parade which unfortunately now has only 7 silver bands taking part.
There was a very large crowd in Bangor to watch and our band must have been
seen by thousands of people. There were quite a few other good bands taking
part in the parade with a good show of Senior Flutes, some good pipe bands
and a sprinkling of good accordion bands. There was al lot of Blood and
Thunder type flute bands there and some good melody flute bands but overall
a good parade to watch and even better, it stayed dry and warm for the
entire day, except for a very light shower on the way back to the buses.
Then back to Lisburn where we did a short parade from the new library back
to the hall where we all were entertained to another fine meal. Well done
everyone!!! |
| Examinations 2007 - A big congratulations to all of the band
members who this year were sitting important exams on success all round.
David has been successful with his A levels and next year will be studying
at Queens University. Also to Jamie with his AS levels and a very well done
to Sandra, Victoria, Cathy, Gemma, and Craig on their GCSE results. |
| Armagh Summer School 6th -11th August 2007 Again we had a good
representation at the annual summer school organised by the Armagh Old Boys
Band. This is a great week for all involved and is looked forward to by
many. Unfortunately due to holidays or summer jobs some had to pass up the
opportunity to attend but hopefully next year we can increase our numbers
taking part. Dessie and Arnold supervised and had the use of a mini bus to
transport those participating. The Thursday night concert was a special
event with Rebecca singing and Gemma, Ryan and Rebekah performing 'The
Veterans' as a trio. The band won the trophy for the band with the best
attendance over the week and Dessie was also in the prize list winning the
best endeavour award. Also congratulations to Rachel for winning the best
youth player trophy. Ryan was the principal cornet for the combined band at
the Saturday night concert and both Ryan, Jamie, Rebecca and Simon all were
singled out for special praise at the awards ceremony. Those taking part in
the week of the summer school were Dessie, Arnold, Jamie, Ryan, Claire,
Sharon, Gemma, Rebekah, Rebecca, Simon, Rachel, Colin and Rachel. The Grand
Concert on the Saturday night was held in the Music Centre due to the
weather but it was a fantastic concert and a entertaining programme at a
high standard was delivered by the combined bands to an appreciative
audience. Our band had a good attendance of supporters at the Saturday night
event to cheer on those taking part and this was generally the case for the
entire week. Well done everyone. |
| Friday 13th July 2007- the band accompanied the local Poyntzpass
RBP to Scarva. We paraded Poyntzpass at 9.00am before travelling to Scarva
where we were the first band and RBP to parade to the assembly field. After
generous hospitality at Leslie, our Drum Major's home in Scarva, we took
part in the Demonstration through Scarva to the field. We were only into the
field when the rain came on and this time it persisted and indeed got
heavier. The field turned into a mess and a lot of people there having
watched the parade arriving left before the parade made its return back
through the village. We paraded the return journey in constant rain and also
suffered the same in Poyntzpass. The band did very well though in very bad
conditions. We had 42 on parade including 7 guests. There were a number of
good bands in Scarva and we were definitely among them. Scarva is a very
difficult venue for bands to parade in particularly so for the larger bands.
The Demesne road is very narrow and the spectators are all seated or
standing too close to the parade. The demesne really needs crowd control
barriers positioned along both sides of the road for the entire length. This
is a constant problem year on year which needs to be addressed. |
| Thursday 12th July 2007- the band accompanied the local Acton &
Poyntzpass lodges to Loughgall for the Annual demonstration. We met in Acton
at 8.00am and paraded Acton at 8.30am before all travelled by coach, first
to Poyntzpass where we did a full parade of the village with the two
lodge, and then on to Tandragee for the District parade. We got off
the coach on the Poyntzpass Road in Tandragee and paraded through Tandragee
to the War Memorial in the town centre where we provided the music for the
short service before the entire District lodges did a full parade down the
main street and back up again and then out to the buses on the Portadown
Road. This was when the rain came on, just as we got on the bus, but by the
time we had reached Loughgall it had stopped and it was warm and sunny for
the rest of the day. We paraded through Loughall to the Demonstration field
which was soft and wet in places . Then later back through Loughgall
on the return parade to the buses . Further parades in both Poyntzpass and
Acton completed our day with us back home for 7.30pm for our tea. The band
did very well all day with 34 on parade (2 guests). We were the best band
there. |
| Monday 2nd July 2007 the band held its annual parade in Poyntzpass
. The weather was really bad with heavy rain falling up to about 30 minutes
before the parade started. However the rain cleared and although it was
overcast it stayed away for the remainder of the evening. We had a good
selection of bands on the night and what we lack in quantity is more than
made up for in the quality of the bands attending. We had 5 silver bands, 2
pipe bands, 3 accordion bands and 1 part flute band and everyone really
enjoyed all of their performances. The silver bands all massed and played
round the village and also played hymn tunes together in the square as they
have done for a number of years. Our own band led the parade off and we had
38 on parade (2 guest players), the best turn out yet by the band this year. |
| Brass Band League Spring Festival 31st March 2007.- Some of the
band met at 7.00am in Banbridge for an early morning breakfast before we all
headed off to Carrickfergus in the 2 mini buses. We had arranged for a
rehearsal in Carrickfergus Salvation Army Hall and everyone was there for
8.45am. After a short run through and a good warm up we were down to the
Town Hall and setting up to open the contest as the first band to play
in the first section of the days competition. The band played very well and
we were all delighted to win the section, which coming on top of our NIBA
win in October past and our 2nd place in Fivemiletown really shows the band
making progress. Then the entire band moved up to Dobbins Hotel for our
lunch which we had pre-booked. A good meal and some encouraging speeches
before the minibuses loaded again to return home. More celebrations in
Banbridge and indeed later back in Poyntzpass finished of a good day. Well
done everyone!!! |
| Poyntzpass Silver members at Saddleworth - On the Whit Friday
weekend (1st June) Kenneth Morton and Dessie Watson again took themselves
across to the Saddleworth Band contest in England. They were both playing
with the Clogher Valley Brass made up of players mainly from the Mid/West
Ulster area. From reports a great time was had by all even if they didn't
make it on to the prize lists. Some photos on the Murley
Silver Band site. The band paraded in Uppermill on the Friday
morning at one of the traditional Whit Friday walks and took part in the
contests around the Saddleworth villages playing at five contests. They also
performed at a concert in the Uppermill village hall on the Saturday night
before traveling home on the Sunday evening. A busy weekend by all accounts |
| Interesting Links - Saturday in August Demonstration in
Newtownards in 2005. Click on the link
to view. Also some other interesting photos from Scarva 2005. Click 1
& 2
& 3.
Other links - The band in Scarva
2006 , The BBC
Your Place & Mine Programme now broadcast twice in June 2005 and
January 2006. See Poyntzpass
Silver Band on parade in Saintfield on the last Saturday in August
2006. Click on the link
to see photos of Dessie and Kenny at the 2006 Whit Friday in
Saddleworth with Armagh Old Boys Band. Click on this link
to see the band on stage in the Ulster Hall with their Grade 4 winning
performance 28th October 2006. To see some photographs
of the band concerts in Bessbrook click on this link to the Bessbrook
Website.Click on the link to see some photos of the band at
their first Carol service of the year in Kilmore
Parish Church on Sunday 25th November 2007 |
Top
of Page
|
