|
|
         
|
WHO WE ARE
Poyntzpass Silver Band 1988 Poyntzpass is a small village in Northern Ireland situated on the County boundary between Counties Down and Armagh positioned on the old Newry canal approximately 8 miles from Newry and 12 miles from Portadown. Part of the village exists in each county although the largest part is in County Armagh. Poyntzpass is a village of approximately 400 inhabitants and the membership of the band is drawn from the village and surrounding areas. There are strong family connections in the band and some members who now live outside the village due to work or other commitments have continued their connection with the band. Poyntzpass takes its name from Lieutenant Charles Poyntz who was granted lands in the area following a battle in the area in 1603. Charles Poyntz went on to be the High Sheriff of County Armagh and was knighted in 1636. There is a lot of information on the Poyntz family going back into the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries . There are geneological links to both Queen Elizabeth and the late Diana, former Princess of Wales, so the future King William the Fourth will be a descendant of the Poyntz's from both sides of the family. Another prominent historical fact regarding the village is that the first ever winner of a Victoria Cross was David Lucas from Poyntzpass. He lived at Druminargle House which still exists approximately one mile outside the village. He was only 20 years old when, as midshipman in the Royal Navy with the Baltic Fleet, he became the first recipient of the medal on 26th June1857 personally from Queen Victoria after bravely throwing a live shell with its fuse hissing into the sea where it exploded. He finished his career in the Royal Navy reaching the rank of Admiral. This historic event is recorded on a memorial tablet erected at Poyntzpass Royal British Legion Hall.
POYNTZPASS VILLAGE - CHURCH STREET We presently have a membership of approximately 35 including learners and have always encouraged young people to join the band. To further this aim we have built up a good relationship with the local primary school and have donated to them a number of surplus older instruments for use in the school band. This relationship is further developed by the continued involvement of the local school musicians and choir at the band's annual concert. The main officers in the band are: -
The band's present conductor is Mr Dessie Watson. Anyone who would like to join the band would be made most welcome and classes are organised for beginners who are welcome as are more experienced musicians. Practices are on Thursday nights and begin at 7.30pm for learners with the full band commencing at 8.00pm. The finishing time is 10.00pm . The band committee meets once a month to oversee the running of the band and to co-ordinate fund raising and other activities. The band operates all year round normally only taking a short break between Christmas and the new year and the last two weeks in July.
. |
