weekly report 2003
weekly report 2004
weekly report 2005
weekly report 2006

Drumderg Diary

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	John Hunter accordion, Mountnorris
Date:	24/06/05
Comments:	Friday night was the turn of John Hunter Accordion to host their annual parade. We had to go on to Ballinahinch after as they had been down at our parade last week. It was all a bit of a rush. The bandmaster was back this week. We left Armagh at about 7.30 and arrived in Mountnorris at about 8. It was straight off the bus and into line with us having something like 15 drummers, 28 fluter, 3 bass-drummers, drum-major and 5-colour party. First tune was Proud history. We then went into the housing estate playing all the new tunes before parading to the finish. I saw Kilcluney at the start and Mullabrack but that’s all I saw as we got straight onto the bus and away to Ballinahinch. There was a disappointing crowd out but from what I hear they lifted Ł600 and had I good night. I thought the band was going alryt but the parade was a bit short to judge us properly so il see in Ballinahinch how we go. Sorry this is a short report but that’s all I can remember, and im getting behind and trying to do four reports to give to webmaster tonight at the 1st of July parade as my internet isn working!

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Portadown True Blues
Date:	17/06/05
Comments:	18/06/05 After a busy night last night it was of to Portadown. Tonight webmaster was in command as bandmaster was in France. We arrived early and intended to get away early so it wasn’t too long before we were ready to go with 14 drummers, 27 fluters, 2 bass-drummers, 5 colour-party and drum-major. I thought the band was going ok tonight but webmaster thinks the drumcore was a bit untidy. Round the back street I had to step out for a certain reason. The band went of without me on the rolls. At least I got to hear the band from the outside. The bass-drum was very loud and I cant say I have heard one much louder. There was a good bang of it. Anyway I got back into line and was too out of breath to flute the rest of the tune. We came back down the main street were at the top we passed neighbours Kilcluney but I couldn’t hear them cause we were in double time. There seemed to be a massive crowd out all the way along the town centre which was good to see. We played Last of the Mohicans and Strathspey in the big crowds I think. The new tunes are all brilliant I think. I always love passing other big bands so I was glad to see South Belfast coming near the end. I think we played the Lass going past them so it was straight in. Once again sparebass-drummer was calling the tunes doing another good job. We finished off playing Courtney. I think the band was good tonight and the colour party was as usual brilliant but they have been at me recently telling me I don’t give them a good enough report. I cant really see the colour-party much and I cant really say if they were going well but of what I do see the always seem to be brilliant!! I nearly forgot to say that new drummer Stuarty was out tonight for the second time (cus he was out last night too but I forgot to say that)!

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	DRUMDERG LOYALISTS, KEADY
Date:	17/06/05
Comments:	Tonight was our own turn to host our annual parade from Keady Orange hall to our own hall about a mile down the crossmore road. I arrived at around 7.30 to see already a lot of people parked on the side of the road. Everyone was busy sorting things out. Me and another fluter walked down the road to the car park entrance to collect money. It wasn’t long to the field started to fill up. Once a few more boys came down we walked out to the buses at the other end. The road was packed full of buses and cars. There was just not enough space to park all the buses. One of the buses got stuck on the grass and I don’t know how they got it out but they were at it for ages. The first band to parade was local band Pride of the Frontier, Drumhillery. They sounded very loud and were going very well. South Down Defenders were also going well when I passed them. After a while I got sick of waiting on the 3 buses that a police man told me were on their way, so I walked back up to see a few bands. East Belfast did there impressive drum solo beside the judges and seemed to have a big band out. Next band up was clogher and then Dunloy Accordian band. The bandmaster then told us to go and get our uniforms as we would be parading soon. On the way back up I saw Pride of the Hill and the impressive Donagahdee Fusiliers on up a bit. Behind them was the brilliant Ballyhalbert. They were down in numbers slightly but you could hear their flutes a mile a way and the bass-drummer was brilliant. Behind them was Portavogie, Red Hand Defenders also very loud. We soon got formed up ourselves with 14drummers, 32 fluters, 2 bass-drummers and drum-major. there was no colour-party out as they were working hard at the burger stand! Our other bass-drummer Pig was wandering about infront of the band in a yellow steward jacket so obviously he didn’t parade. I thought the band was going very well tonight and in our home-town of Keady. We finished of playing the National Anthem. The results were read out at the end of the night with Donagadee and Ballyhalbert featuring a lot in the Blood and Thunder section with Mourne, Ballinaran and Lisburn Young Defenders being the main 3 in the melody section. Bands came from all over the province. Ballyhalbert, Portavogie and Donaghadee all made the long trip down as did East Belfast, Carrickfergus Grenadiers, and a band I haven’t seen for a while Newtonards Volunteer Flute. All the local bands were in such as Cormeen, Kilcluney and a lot of accordian bands. There was also a large amount of spectators watching, the biggest crowd I have seen in a long time in Keady. In total we had 56 bands icuding ourselves on parade, the biggest parade in our history I think! In total Ł1.200 was collected in the tins which was brilliant. Unfortunately the route is not great but Keady is a 99% republican town so our parade cant go down the street, but we will maintain the route that we have and wont be moving elsewhere. The band would like to thank everyone who donated to us and to every band who atteneded to make this parade such a success and on of the biggest in the province. The band will do its best to return the favour to all bands who supported us but unfortunately with some bands having parades on the same night it may not be possible for us to attend both. NO SURRENDER

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Armagh True Blues
Date:	11/06/05
Comments:	After the warm up in Portadown I expected the band to play well in Armagh. Being Armagh I knew we would be brilliant anyway and I wasn’t disappointed. Think everyone was really up for this parade especially sparebass-drummer who gets over-excited sometimes. Once we got the army gathered up we were ready to go. I asked GG what had we now and he says 18 and 38. I just laughed and goes that’s mad. We eventually walked with 18 drummers, 35 fluters, 3 bass-drummers, drum major and colour-party. Sparebass-drummer was saying call Working Man by the rolls and I think that would have been good but of course symmie called something else! From the very start the band was amazing. We actually played 4 or 5 tunes before we got walking. We got up round the corner and away round the back road. Played Sons of Ulster and Last of the Mohicans going past the judge. They were brilliant! Hessy split his head (drum head that is!) so bandmaster took it off him and went and put in a new head and got some more spare sticks. Dicko M broke another stick. I would say so far this year he has broken more sticks himself than the whole drum-core put together! Coming down Barrack Hill we played Last of the Mohicans or Last of the Mohawks as symmie likes to call it! Would love to see some pictures of us coming down the hill, must have been some sight! Coming up to the Baladeer the bass-drummers were going mad! We played Strathspey and Old citizens I think. The sound was unbelievable! We moved on up to the centre of the town where the lead-tip swapped his drum for a low tension one. We walked into the crowd playing Sons of Ulster. We were flying and the low-tension drum just sent the crowd wild. They were jumping about and singing like mad. I think we played Last of the Mohicans again. I know that’s the 3rd time but the crowd just love it so what can you do! We moved off on the rolls. The bass-drum was like a bomb in the built up area of the town, was lethal. We walked down the hill and at the bottom bass-drummer 1 burst the head. That’s 1 for him and one for number 3 and none for pig! Think it’s really down to the luck of who is on it when it bursts, but they like to claim it as theirs anyway. We got another head in it and were ready to go when GG appears with his jacket opened! I don’t know what he was at, he must have thought we had finished lol! We got going again up the Mall where I tripped over a police cone cus I was checking my row was straight. Them cones would do your head in but pig usually boots them out of the way if they annoy him! We walked up to the top of the Mall right up to the corner. We wanted to go round again but some of the boys wanted away. The band was brilliant in every department tonight. It was an outstanding all round performance in my opinion. Once again I think the bass-drummers were excellent and you really couldn’t choose between them anymore as all 3 give it everything! Colour party was brilliant as was the leader. Drum-corps were really loud and played as one. It is not easy keeping 18 drums together but they did it no problem. Fluting was amazing and was really loud again. I didn’t really see any other bands except SBYC up the town who I thought were brilliant again. I think they don’t get the credit they deserve sometimes. I think South Belfast and Pride of Knockmore are under rated in my opinion. I think we got best local band and a 1 or 2 other mentions, but who needs trophies, we let our music do the talking! Next Saturday is Portadown True Blues annual parade. Friday night is our own parade in Keady. All bands and supporters are welcome to attend. So residents of Keady reinforce your windows cus Keady will be rockin all night long to the sound of flutes and drums and I hope it does your head in!!!! NO SURRENDER

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	mini-twelfth in Portadown
Date:	11/06/05
Comments:	Tonight the band was doing the mini-twelfth in Portadown before going on to Armagh afterwards. Webmaster was moaning at me for being late. Some people don’t know what its like to work! Anyway we arrived in Portadown at about 6.20. 3 of us went for a game of pool first and then went on down to the starting point where there didn’t seem to be much action so we went back up to the chip shop. Just as we had ordered Webmaster rings looking to know where we were! I even threw half my burger away cus I thought they were ready to go! We went back up and they still hadn’t got into rows and weren’t near ready to go!! We got formed up with 16drummers, 32 fluters, 2 bass-drummers, drum-major and 5 colour party. This year the route was shortened a lot which I was glad to hear! Away we went, only to be told we were in front of the wrong lodge. The colour-party had to backstep so we could walk into a side road to let the others past. Finally we got into the right place! The band was going well in Portadown with the bass drum going well.There is some note of it now! Up the town was packed full of people which was good to see. Played all the new tunes all going brilliant. Glad to see Working Man being called more often as it’s a brilliant tune. Dicko J dropped one of his sticks 3 times! Up the town the band master twice told symmie to call Gertrude but he just ignored him and called Sons of Ulster and something else. When he has the whistle the power goes to his head sometimes lol! Also from what I hear Mr C***ys fluting isn’t too hot. We finished back at the starting point and headed to Armagh. On the way back to Armagh, for the second year in a row Webmaster tried to kill us in the very same spot doing the very same thing!! Just to warn band members if Webmaster offers you a lift…. WALK! it’s a lot safer

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Pride of the Hill, Rathfriland
Date:	10/06/05
Comments:	Friday was the turn of Pride of the Hill to host there annual parade. I always like parading here as theres a good crowd about the town in the square. As usual it was cold up on that hill! We met for 7 on the mall for the bus so it was about half past before we got moving. Tonight R had a new pair of DM boots because he left his other pair in Markethill! He has had a lot of trouble with boots lately!! We lifted a few boys in Markethill and that was us on our way to Rathfriland. We soon got formed up in the car park and ready to go. We had 32fluters, 16 drummers, 3 bass-drummers, drum-major and 5 colour party. First tune was Old citizens and then we stopped again. Mck****y was beside me and he asked me what do you think the next tune will be? We both agreed it would be King Billys Letter. Sure enough it was!! Beside the judge we played Sons of Ulster and The Mohicans. Both were played very well I thought. Anyway we walked past the square and down the hill where symmies tune calling was a bit strange!! He started to call all the old ones for some reason! Bass-drummer 3 was making smart comments as usual and he will be on the guestbook sometime soon with something smart to say. Wait and see! He doesn’t really know how to work a computer though so give him time! We stopped at the bottom of the hill on the other side to give the bass-drum a wee tighten. When bass-drummer 3 hit it going of on the rolls it was like a bomb going off! It made my ears ring it was so loud. Think it was brilliant the rest of the night! The band was great tonight. Everything was going pretty well. In the square I think we played Last of the Mohicans and the crowd really loved it. So that was us for the night. Drummers were back to normal again as two sticks were broken tonight! Got a chance to see other bands after we had paraded. Thought South Down DUP were going really well tonight as were South Belfast. East Belfast were going well again with a big turnout. Ballyhalbert were very loud, great band! After the national anthem was played the results were read out. Think we got a few seconds and won best Drum-corps. Got 3rd Blood and Thunder and think we got 3rd overall. Ballyhalbert got 2nd Blood and Thunder and East Belfast 1st. Mourne again got Best overall band. Think there were 54 bands on parade and well done to Pride of the Hill on a great parade!

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Pride of the Valley Broomhedge, Moira
Date:	04/06/05
Comments:	Saturday night saw us head to Moira for the annual parade of Pride of the valley. We were told to meet early tonight as some boys wanted away early so we were ready to go at about half 8 which wasn’t too bad. We were down in numbers tonight with a lot of boys away to the Northern Ireland match. Think we had 12 drummers, 24 fluters, 2 bass-drummers, drum-major and 4 colour-party. Cant remember exactly but it was something like that. We walked in rows of 4 tonight. Tonight sparebass-drummer was calling the tunes and I think he did a good job! Band was going well again even with us being a bit smaller. Once again the drummers didn’t break any sticks tonight which was a bit of a surprise! That’s two nights in a row! Played Last of the Mohicans and Strathspey in the crowd up the town a bit. There wasn’t a big crowd about really. Not much to say about this parade. You meet a few bands coming back down to the finish point so that adds a bit of excitement to it! Seen a few other bands after we finished. Pride of Knockmore going well as were East Belfast. Think there bass drum is brilliant. Local band Cormmen were once again in attendance. The two Portadown bands were there with the Defenders going well. Didn’t hear any results for this parade so cant comment. Thanks to one of the fluters for leaving me of in Dollingstown, even though I didn’t know where I was going. McK****y was doing some moaning! Next week Pride of the Hill, Rathriland, Portadown mini-Twelth and on to Armagh True Blues!

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Kilcluney
Date:	03/06/05
Comments:	For the second week in a row we were in Markethill for Kilcluney’s annual parade. The streets are usually packed and a massive amount of bands in attendance from all over the province. This year was no exception. I arrived at 8:00 ‘cause we were supposed to be parading early but I knew that it would 9 or so before everyone arrived. At least you could watch the bands for a while. The parade was already in full flow when I arrived. So off I went down the street to the starting point where I was met halfway down by the friendly girls looking money! Anyway walked on down to see McK****y standing smiling. This was his first parade this year as he didn’t know whether he was coming or going but he’s finally back. Was standing talking to him when some boy came over and started looking at the badge on my jacket. “Yous are from Keady, boy yous have got balls,” he says!! Tonight was full of surprises as I saw GG standing with his hat on and the hair shaved tight to his head. I thought he had just done the sides but he took of his hat and to my surprise he had done it all over. Anyway, word had it that we had an army out tonight and it was true. Once we got formed up we had 16 drummers, 35 flutes, 5-colour-party, 3 bass-drummers and drum-major. It was some sight and I hope to see some pictures of us. Bass-drummer was shouting at symmie fix ur hat u look like a sailor. Think the hair has something to do with it. If we get any bigger we’ll soon have to use mobile phones to talk to the fluters at the back lol! First tune was My Old Man on the rolls but we had to wait for a bit to get out onto the road. Away we went out round the back road. Weren’t that hot really onto we came back up Newry street. Once again webmaster was running about with super-flute and tonight he had his very own super-flute. (He made me put this on) I think he had got his name engraved on it or something but I didn’t really know what he was on about! Coming back up Newry Street we saw Clogher coming. In my opinion that’s when the fluting picked up because we knew we had to. Think we really took off then as I was talking to one of my mates after who was walking on the other side of Clogher and he says he could hear our flutes over theirs even on their side! Stopped outside the bar at the bottom of the street and played Last of the Mohicans and I think it was Strathspey and Sons of Ulster but I can’t remember. Really helps when the crowd get behind you and by now we were really flying. Just lethal!!! Anyway we moved off on up the street and were really rocking. About halfway up the street Bass-drummer 3 burst a head (which he will be pleased about!) so we got off the road to sort it out. Bass-Drum was really good tonight again and its all thanks to R I believe!!! He wanted a mention on here he told me at the end!! Once again a brilliant performance from our 3 bass-drummers. Couldn’t separate them, each one was outstanding. I really do rate our bass-drummers and as I have said before and I’ll say it again, they are the best about I think. Even walking past I could hear people saying, “They are some bass-drummers.” Fluting wasn’t really that good to we came back up Newry Street but was good after that. Drum-core was brilliant tonight as always. Colour-party was once again outstanding and was good to have a good size of one out. Our drum-major was brilliant with plenty of tricks. The thing that amazed me tonight was that the drummers didn’t break any sticks. When there’s a big crowd about some of our drummers lift there sticks way up to there head which actually looks a bit stupid but theres usually sticks flying everywhere but they managed to hit the drums tonight! Up at the top of the street we played Dark Island which was played really well. Think we played Old Citizens as well before moving of to the finish point. Band played really well tonight once we got going. Was great to see the amount of people just coming up to me and saying how good they thought we were. Even when we had stopped up the main street one or two came over and said. Tonight I got a chance to see a lot of other bands on show. The bands who impressed were Pride of Knockmore from Lisburn who are a great band and very strong. I thought South Belfast were brilliant so I followed them round most of the route! Mourne Young Defenders and Balliniran were both impressive in the melody section and were hard to separate. Tonight was an opportunity for the local bands to get a bit of practice in before the 12th. All the local accordion bands and pipe bands were in attendance as well as a number of flute bands such as the more active Cormeen and Drumhillery. Bessbrook seemed to have picked up in numbers and were going well as were South Down Defenders. The night ended with Kilcluney parading up the street and most of the crowd following them. They finished by playing the National Anthem. There was an unbelievable number of spectators about which was great to see. The street was packed full from top to bottom. In all there was 96 bands in attendance from all over the province including Portavogie, Pride of the Lagan Valley, Portadown Defenders, Pride of the Hill, Rathriland and Carnmoney. Was a great parade so well done to Kilcluney for the effort they put into it. At the end the trophies were given out. Once again most of the Big Guns were in attendance. Independent judges judged the parade. Mourne walked away with most of the 1sts in the Melody section with Ballinaran coming a close second. In Small Blood and Thunder under, 16 flutes, Pride of the Hill, Carnmoney were place first with Lambeg Orange and Blue also getting a mention. As for us the colour party came second which is a brilliant achievement and shows how good they really are. All the elite colour partys were out tonight such as the Grenadiers, Pride of the Hill, Clogher, EBPB, Mourne and Balliniran. To come second is brilliant. We also got second Blood and Thunder Style and Appearance, Best local band, Best Blood and Thunder Drum-Corps and 2nd in the Best overall category with Mourne winning it. But once again we lifted the Best Blood and Thunder award. Out of 96 bands to come 1st in Blood and Thunder shows just how well the band is going at the minute. Think pride of Knockmore got 3rd but I cant remember who was 2nd. Once again the psni managed to cause unnecessary trouble. I'm not sure of the full story but I think at one stage according to Webmaster they had some boy on the front of cheesie’s car! Seen a girl being hit in the face with a baton for no reason and some boy getting stuff sprayed in his eyes also for no reason. This is the 3rd time I have seen the psni causing trouble. We really don’t need baton happy and heavy-handed police at our parades because they are the reason trouble starts. Nearly forgot but at the end GG came over and shook my hand with a big smile on his face and says that’s what happens when you’ve a musician in the band!! Oh and some boy came running down the street after me at the end shouting “Mr Keady what did yous win”? I see on our guestbook someone does not like what I write in these reports. Guess what I DON’T CARE!!!!!!!!!

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Ballytyrone Accordion, Richill
Date:	30/05/05
Comments:	Monday night saw us make the short trip over to Richill for the annual parade of Ballytyrone Accordion band. We were told to meet for 8 but as usual it was round 8:30/40 before we were ready to go. Webmaster was running around with what he claims to be ‘super flute’ and apparently its very expensive! Yea ryt in a bottle like that, I don’t think so! More like fairy liquid and water! Also Mr C arrived late just about hanging together. This is the boy whos always moaning about style and appearance like! We had 15 drummers, 27 fluter, 2 bass-drummers, 3 colour-party and a drum-major. Great turnout for a Monday night parade which leaves me to ask the question- why cant they all come to band practise on a Monday night???? Almost straight away a drummer broke a stick. This drummer is a regular in the stick-breaking department!! He broke a least one on Saturday. Shud try hitting the head instead of the side of the drum. Anyway of went webmaster to get spare sticks cus I forgot to bring the 2 I was given with me. About 5 minutes later it clicks with one of the other fluters that someone has broken a stick and what does he do only pull one out of his pocket. Webmaster came back looking less than impressed when he seen the spare stick! Not long before the drummer beside the other one broke a stick. We wer only in Richill like, nothing to get excited about, and here is the drummers breaking sticks left, right and centre. Anyway band going ok tonight. Drumming ok and fluting was alryt but it isn’t easy to compete with 15 side drums. Think we still played well. Bass-drum once again going well as was colour-party just could do with a few more. Our wee leader was brilliant to-night in his home town. New tunes all going great. Played Strathspey going into the square and then Sons of Ulster. Last tune was Last of the Mohicans again going great and got some applause from the crowd. Was in school today and everybody was whistling Last of the Mohicans!!! Started to do my head in! There was also one boy whistling Gunrunners. So I asked him what he was whistling that for and he goes “that’s a class tune- Last of the Mohicans”. I said no that’s Gunrunners. “Ooh ryt, well what does Last of the Mohicans go like?” he says. So I showed him and he whistled it all day!! Not really a big crowd about but it wasn’t bad. Seemed to be a good turnout of bands with Kilcluney parading first. Other bands were Derrylee, South Down DUP, Ballyrea, Cormeen and our neighbours Pride of the Frontier, Drumhillery. I know I always go on about them but I think theyre getting better everytime I see them and from what I hear have a few new members to go out. The Night finished with Ballytyrone playing a few tunes and then the Queen. Next weekend is Kilcluney on Friday night and Pride of the Valley, Moria. Want to see a better turnout in Moria than last year and big turnout in Markethill on Friday night please!! NO SURRENDER

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Junior Orange , Bangor
Date:	28/05/05
Comments:	County Armagh Junior Orange Demonstration, Bangor An early start for the band this morning to take Keady JLOL 196 to Bangor. The local lodges from Newtownhamilton, Markethill, Keady and Armagh all parade Armagh in the Morning before going to bangor. 8.30 on the mall we were told, so arrived around 9 with nobody looking like they were going anywhere for another while. Snezzy looked like he was still half asleep, so no change there! We had 22 fluters, 10 drummers, 2 bass-drummers, 5 colour party and a drum-major. So back to rows of 4. Band was going well in Armagh, bass sounding well. Not really anything to say. No-one really watching and a bit of drizzle. I also noticed a peeler walking between the colour party and drummers so someone shud have smacked him. Good to see Knocknanin Accordion band from near Newtownhamiton out on the road. Other bands were Tannagh-Hill and Enagh and I think Mullabrack were there too but I cant really remember. So onto the bus and on to Bangor. Good crac on the bus down picking up the clown himself Mr C*y. By the way if u stole his washing of his line, I think he wants it back now lol. Two new t-shirts as well like. He washes them before he wears them he says, had to laugh at that. He seems to think Sparebass-drummer has something to do with it?! Anyway he keeps everyone in crac. New member Stuarty was down with us too. Bass drummer 3 was telling me he sent him down to the hardware shop to get him a 2 pound glass hammer one day. Think he tried 3 shops too!! Anyway arrived in Bangor and it wasn’t long before we were ready to parade with 12 drummers, 28 fluters, a leader and 5 colour party. Back to rows of 5 with us picking up a few fluters on the way and GG and R met us there. Thought Hessy was meant to come with the other drummer who met us there. Knowing Hessy he probably tried to take a boat over from kilkeel and ended up in England! Band was going really well in Bangor. Heard someone comment that they had never heard flutes coming out over the drums as well before. The bass was flying again today. A lot of credit must go to the bass-drummers too. I think we have the best set of bass-drummers about as every one of them are outstanding. No-one hits it harder than the pig. There was a good crowd about the town. Colour party on top form today with a good turnout. Portadown defenders had a good turnout which was good to see. South Down DUP were also in attendance. Good turnout of juniors with our own lodge having 15 out. Great to have a big junior orange lodge in such a republican dumphole they call Keady. The behaviour of the juniors is immaculate and a credit to there superintendents. It’s a pity that some older ones who were in the crowd could not behave as well because yesterday some of the things that went on where an absolute disgrace. Someone “shouted who are yas” I dont no if he is blind or cant read but it says clearly on the bass-drum DRUMDERG LOYALISTS, SOUTH ARMAGH, KEADY who many reckon are THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD. Not many people don’t know who we are so he obviously needs to get out more. I will just take this opportunity to say if anyone wants to slabber about our band then say it too our faces and not to others. Weather wasn’t too bad a bit of sun. At least it didn’t rain. I don’t know what it is about us but at one stage we had about 5 people with video cameras on us. We must be good or something! All the new tunes are going really well. Think the front row was a bit of a mess cus webmaster likes to think hes in the drum-corps at times, then again sometimes it’s the back row of fluters, or on the footpath spectating or if hes been misplaced on the side passing bands then he might even decide to join them. Only joking mate!! Its really the bass-drummers moaning about not having enough room(even though they are the ones who cause it to move up) so when you move back a bit GG is trying to walking over the top of you lol!! Its not his fault cus the bass drummers try to walk in front of me sometimes causing me to have to stay back a bit or else il be walking over the top of him. Also C*y seems to swap rows when he feels like it. At one stage he was in my row leaving a gap in the row behind. Why he does this il never know!! He makes the band look untidy anyway with that beard of his so its better to hide him in the middle! The band was really flying today so apart from that theres not much else more im allowed to say. After the return parade we got on the bus and headed for Armagh. Once again we were down to rows of 4 with 22 fluter and 10 or 11 drums I think. We formed up outside the Armstrong School and moved of. Up round the town some stupid wee fenian came walking along wearing a celtic top. Just remember we are the champions! Think he got a bit of abuse and how the peelers let him walk down past a loyalist parade is beyond belief. That is just asking for trouble. It shows just how useless they really are its just pure stupidity and I reckon they were probably looking for trouble so they could lift a few prods. I hear they didn’t handle the situation in Lurgan last night too well, knocking down a bandsman and nearly causing a roit walking through a band. When a band member complained to a high ranking officer he was told to clear off(using slightly different language) before he was lifted. I mean that is just totally out of order and I hope a complaint is made. Anyway back to Armagh. The band was just lethal. As I said last night I would like to see Armagh Brigade brought back and New Orange Wings relearned so we can play it on special occasions!! Going along the top of the mall the noise was unbelievable don’t know why but we seemed to just take off. We finished on the Mall playing the Queen. All in all a great parade and a day that the band looks forward to every year. DLK- SIMPLY THE BEST, NO SURRENDER

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Kinallen, Dromore
Date:	27/05/05
Comments:	After the warm up in Markethill we arrived in Dromore where a big turnout of bands was predicted. Sure enough the bands were in full flow and with us arriving late we were the second last band. We had 12 or 13 drummers, 30 fluters (maybe 29 can’t remember if R was there) but GG met us in Dromore, 4 colour party and no leader. GG was in Dromore at 20 past 7 for whatever reason I don’t know lol, but there seemed to be bands going from pretty early on anyway. First tune was King Billy’s Letter, moving off on the rolls. After moving off Bass-drummer 3 decides to give me his phone (but its more like a brick) to carry. So that was me out of step and I hate the way he just wanders along sometimes, in and out of step. Also for the first time in 2 years Mr H****** was wearing boots like every1 else. Just a quick word on the Champions League final, LIVERPOOL ARE CELTIC IN DISGUISE!!! The band was going good tonight but I think maybe we played the wrong tune past the judges. Glad to see Working Man called again cus it’s a great tune and I would like to see Armagh Brigade brought back. Good crowd about the square. This route was different from the other one with the bands starting at the other end of the town, coming down past the square and going out round a back road and back round into the square. We met Ballyhalbert but unfortunately our tune ended before we got right into them. Would have been interesting to see as they have grown and improved a lot since last year. A very loud flute core. Think the bass drum is brilliant and once again all 3 bass-drummers were excellent and in my opinion the best about at the minute. New tunes are all going brilliant. Out round the backroad on the way back into the square we decided to take up the full of the road so bass-drummer 3 started throwing police cones out off the middle of the road!! The psni didn’t look too happy and had to set them back after but who cares about them. Surprised they were still about cus most chip shops close at 11 and we know that eating is the most work they seem to do. Proud History is coming on well and the other 3 are just lethal now. Think we played Dark Island going round the back of the square but can’t remember. We played Sons of Ulster going into the square and then Strathspey in it. Think the way the drummers do a short roll, then a short pause and into the double 40’s is lethal and sounds really well. It’s the tune I like best as well as Last of the Mohicans. Once again a great reception from the crowd in the square and a good atmosphere. Seen a few other bands with Donaghadee going well and being the pick of the bands on show. Ballyhalbert as I said are ever improving and I love watching them. Thought South Fermanagh put in a tight performance, very good fluting for a small band. After the last band the trophies were given out. Think we got a few mentions with best visiting band and 3rd overall being 2 I can remember. Great night with 49 bands on show. Monday night is Ballytyrone in Richill where I want to see an army out. Also next week is KVFB so another massive turnout please. Webmaster will probably moan about some of the crap I write on this but since I write the weekly I can write whatever I want and I have to talk bout something to fill up the page a bit. I nearly forgot but it was one of our colour party’s birthday 2day and she wanted me 2 put a poem on here for her. Where she thinks im gonna get a poem from I don’t know! She calls herself princess on the band forum so sorry no poem but, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Mullabrack
Date:	27/05/05
Comments:	Friday night Markethill was once again the venue for Mullabrack’s annual parade. Again like a few weeks ago we were going on to Dromore after. We met at about 8 to get away early. As always there is one who is late. There we were formed up and ready to go except we had no bass drum and who had it, the bass-drummer that was late. So he sets out the drum with new 2 heads. I don’t know what he tightened it with but there was some ding off it, so it had to be loosened a wee bit. The bandmaster reckoned it would come out of it alright after the heads were beat in a bit and sure enough it did. I think we had 12 drummers and 28 fluters, 3 bass-drummers, 4-colour party and drum-major. Band was going ok in Markethill not much to say really. Bass drum was going well once the dingyness came out of it. We passed Kilcluney but they didn’t start up. Also passed South Down Defenders with them going well. Great wee band. Also on parade were local outfit Drumhillery who continue to improve. Others on show were Ballyrea, The Birches, and other local bands. Our standard carrier was parading tonight with her old band Drumbanagher (don’t know how to spell it). Not really much of a crowd in Markethill tonight but I’m sure that will be different next week with it being Kilcluney’s parade. So on the bus and over to Dromore.

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Donaghadee Fusiliers
Date:	20/05/05
Comments:	Friday night saw us make the long journey down to Donaghadee. I arrived at about 7 so I was on time for once. No bus and not many others so me and our drum-major and a future fluter went for a walk over to the shop coming back about 7.30. At least the bus had arrived but we sat there for another bit before leaving. There’s always one coming late!! About an hour and a half took us to Donaghadee so it didn’t take as long as I had expected. We got off the bus and headed over to the starting point. With the North-West being this weekend we had a lot of members away so we were down in numbers but still had a good size of 13 drummers, 26 flutes, 2 bass-drummers, 4 colour party and drum-major. Spare bass-drummer was once again on the bass as two others were away including bass-drummer 3 who has disappeared again. By the way spare bass-drummer, the Arsenal beat Man Utd in case you didn’t know, leaving them trophy less again for the season!! To-night GG was calling the tunes for the first time in the Band. Have to say he’s good at it, just strange with the Scottish accent lol!! After last week’s super-charged performance another good one was expected. Thought we played ok, but maybe after last week we expected us to be as good but it would be hard to match, and with not much of an atmosphere it was hard to get going. The crowds seemed to think different with us once again getting a brilliant reception and even a few followers again. Once again our colour party was excellent as was our leader. He was showing me one of his new tricks before we started and it was impressive stuff. Think the bass-drum didn’t sound great tonight but its nothing to do with the drummers! Spare-bass-drummer was back to his best and the other one was as usual brilliant. Drum-corps solid enough and the fluting was good too. New tunes all going brilliant and the drum-solo was played a couple of times for the first time on the road. Hopefully it will be ready for the crowds soon. At the end we played the new tune Proud History, which was going well. Unfortunately we didn’t get to play Strathspey as intended ‘cause we weren’t allowed as there were still a lot of bands behind us. Before we started I got a chance to see some other bands. Ballyhalbert have grown massively over the winter and had a huge band out. This was the first time I had seen them this year. Last year they were very loud when small but now the noise is unreal. The fluting is really loud. Next up was East Belfast who didn’t disappoint. Bass-drum sounds excellent and great bass-drummers. Newtownards P.B, a massive band out and sounded well. The other band to impress me on the night was Dunamoney. They were going very well and were very loud, just a pity we don’t get to see them much down this end of the country. At the end the prizes were given out. Once again all the big-guns were in attendance and this was the first time this year we had came up against East Belfast so like last week the Blood and Thunder category would be interesting. Once again the South Armagh band came out on top winning Best Blood and Thunder band. It just shows that we can win even with a smaller band out. I think we got mentioned in a few other places too but I can’t remember. Well done to Donaghadee on a great parade with around 42 bands in attendance. Next week on Friday night is Markethill, and then on to Dromore. Saturday is the County Armagh Junior Orange annual demonstration in Bangor.

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	East Belfast Protestant Boys,
Date:	14/05/05
Comments:	Saturday night was our first big parade, and the one everybody was looking forward to. I arrived at the slightly earlier time of 7:15 tonight thinking that after last night I better not keep the bus waiting. 20 to 8 we were still on the mall. Finally we left for East Belfast at around quarter to eight. The bus was completely packed full. About an hour took us up to the East picking up a few boys in Portadown and Belfast on the way. We arrived at quarter to nine and off the bus where the bandmaster told us to wait for something. First it was McDonald’s vouchers (which I’ll tell you about later) and the webmaster running around with a bottle of soap and water, spraying it into all the flutes, for what reason I don’t know but I’m sure there was some point in it. We then walked to the starting point to get in the queue of bands that was very long. Anyway, this is where we stood for the next hour before we got moving a bit. At sometime after 10 we got going. Out past the by now closed McDonalds. The McDonalds we had vouchers for. Useful!! Anyway, out onto the Newtownards Road packed full of spectators. We had 16 drummers, 32 fluters, 3 bass drummers, 4 colour party and a drum-major. Once we had played a tune or two we soon got going. The route is brilliant and quite long but I’ve no complaints. There are people out watching all the way around the route so there’s no let-up and you have to play all your best tunes. The atmosphere is just unbelievable and you’ll not get any better than here. A crowd had gathered along side and behind us singing and cheering which is good to have, the whole way round the route. We were the last band round and the reception we got from the crowds was un-real. You would have thought we were the hometown band. The band was just brilliant to night, the best we have played all year. The fluting was loud and clear, as was the drumming. To have 16 drums drumming as one is not easy but with the quality we have they pulled it of no problem. The bass-drum was the best I’ve heard it for a long time. The heads were well beat in from last night so that helped and I didn’t think it would last the whole route but it did. It won’t last another parade so it will be interesting to see who bursts it. Special mention to the 3 bass drummers who I thought were brilliant to night. The colour party was brilliant and our leader was very impressive to night. The new tunes are superb and were played in the crowds last night. Strathspey is a cracker of a tune. Last of the Mohicans was brilliant and the crowds just think it’s lethal. The other two are going just as well but I really like the two I have mentioned. Going up the final straight on the Newtownards Road after Freedom Corner was unreal. The street is packed even so late at night. We seem to draw the crowds ‘cause I noticed some boys who were getting something to eat running out once they saw us coming. At the finish point outside the Union Jack we played one of the new tunes Dark Island and got a huge applause when we finished. The trophies were given out in the social-club at the end. Most of us waited around outside for the results. This was the first time this year all the big-guns had been in attendance at the same parade so it would be interesting to see who came out on top of the Blood and Thunder category. A while later one of our members told us the results. We got 1st Blood and Thunder, 1st Bass-Drum, 1st drum-major who deserved it after a brilliant performance, 3rd colour party, which is great ‘cause all the top colour-parties were out tonight and to get third was brilliant. I think we got 2nd drum-corps and won something else but we got the one we had played so well for. Best Blood and Thunder band. It was well deserved after a super-charged performance. Well done to East Belfast for a brilliant parade with over 50 bands in attendance. Great route and an unbelievable atmosphere.

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Sons of William, Rathriland
Date:	13/05/05
Comments:	About half an hour took us over to Rathriland where it was quite a bit colder than in Markethill. Probably cause we were at the very top of the hill! Anyway it was of the bus and into the short queue of bands to get parading. While all this was going on bass-drummer 3 was moaning about having cramp in his ankle or somewhere. Not used to all this walking I suppose after spending last weekend watching motorbike racing. Hardly exciting stuff like blink and youve missed it but anyway. Of we went once the all had arrived with us having 14 drummers, 28 fluters, 3 bass drummers, 4 colour party and drum-major. We lost 2 fluters and gained 2 drummers and also 1 of the colour party. We started off with Roll out the barrels which we don’t play that much so it was a bit unusual but I thought we played it well and it is a good wee tune. On up the street we came into the square area where most of the crowd had gathered. We played Dark Island going past the square cause it’s a good loud tune and there was a band in the square, don’t know who the band was but didn’t trouble us anyway. Once past the square it was off down the hill. Nothing exciting down there so il just fast-forward to going up the other side. As I was saying before bass-drummer 3 was moaning about his leg and reckoned he wouldn’t make it up the hill. Unluckily for him it was his turn right on the hill, then he asked for a wee handy tune! He made it ok. At the top of the hill we played Strathspey. Brilliant tune and I think the drum settings to it are brilliant. In the square we played Last of the Mohicans. Its just brilliant and gets better every time we play it and the crowd certainly love it. After that we played Sons of Ulster another brilliant tune. The whole band was brilliant tonight, the warn-up in Markethill probably helped. Again the bass was going very well and I think bass-drummer 3 has really come on since last year. He is hitting it much harder and will only get better in my opinion. As we were the last band I didn’t get to see many other bands. Pride of the Hill parading in their home town were impressive, and I like that tune Air-Force Blue that they played. Again Cormeen and Drumhillery had travelled up which is good to see. Ballinaran were also brilliant but Melody isn’t really my thing. At the end the prizes were awarded with Us winning Bass-drum, style and appearance( not sure bout that one) Drum-corps and Best Overall Band. Again another successful night for the band but we do not go out just to win trophies. If we win something it is a bonus. The band and bandmaster especially have worked hard to get the band to the top. If judging is sometimes not in our favour, then so be it, because prizes is not what our band is about. PRIDE NOT PRIZES

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Mavemacullen Accordian, Markethill
Date:	13/05/05
Comments:	Friday night was another two parades in one night for us. Believing that the bus would not leave the mall to 7.30 I turned up at that time thinking I would probably be early. To my surprise I got a phone call from the bandmaster wanting to know where I was. So when I got there, a member of the colour-party told me I had kept them waiting. On the way we picked up a few more members. We arrived in Markethill about 7.45 and paraded almost immediately. We had 12 drummers, 30 fluters, 3 bass drummers, 5 colour party and drum-major. To night also saw the return of bass-drummer 3 but il say no more on that. Band was ok in Markethill, everything going fine. The new tunes are all going very well. We paraded down the town, down Newry street turning and going back up the town. Wasn’t much of a crowd about really and mostly local bands on show. Again Cormeen and Drumhillery were out with Drumhillery going very well. Other bands on parade were Ballyrea, South Down Defenders, Ballytyrone accordian being a few. The bass drum sounded well, I think the Belfast boys had took it home last week to sort it out (I could be wrong). Once we had paraded it was back on the bus for Rathriland.

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Skeogh Melody Flute, Dromore
Date:	06/05/05
Comments:	Skeogh Melody Flute, Dromore 06/05/05 We arrived in dromore shortly after parading Gilford as its just up the road a bit. I expected the band to play well in Dromore as we got a warm up in Gilford (or a cool down depending which way u look at it seeing we got soaked!). We now had 14 drummers, 29 fluters, 2 bass drummers, drum major and 4 colour party with 2 fluters meeting us in Dromore. We formed up at the filling station and moved of on the beat. The band as I had expected was playing execellent with the flutes being very loud but I still think they could be a bit louder. The drum-corps were as always brilliant and so was our leader even with the new stick. I thought the base drum sounded well with both drummers playing well but symmie was very impressive (spare bass-drummer watch yer back). Our colour party was brilliant as usual and will only get better. I got a special request during the week from one of our colour party to mention them on here and cause your brilliant ive did it for ya! The route seems to have been shortened so u sort of go past the square about 5 times before you actually get in! It’s definitely a better route and there wasn’t many stoppages as there usually is. The new tunes are going brilliant and they were all played in the crowds. Strathspey is a cracker and was excellent. Proud History is good too and I think Dark Island is brilliant. As I said the band was on top form tonight with all areas being great. We waited for a minute or two until the band in front had finished playing in the square before we went in playing old citizens. There was a good crowd about, the square was packed and there was a great atmosphere as we marched in to the chants of D, D, DUP. In the square we played Last of the Mohicans. It was brilliant and the crowd loved it. The bandmaster dismissed us and of I went in search of our bus.It was sort of a case of the blind leading the blind, as no one knew were the bus was so I just followed the bass-drummers. By the time we found it we had paraded dromore twice! After that I walked back down to the square to hear the results. I got to only one or two bands with Mourne Young defenders impressing. South Down DUP were loud and the wee corbet were worth watching. I also watched Armagh True Blues young lead tip who is very impressive and is worth looking out for. The trophies were given out after the last band played the national anthem. Once again it was a good night for us winning Bass-drum, drum-corps, style and appearance (I think) and Best Blood and Thunder and also 2nd overall with MYD winning it as they are hard to beat on their night but we got the one that mattered. Our leader got joint second as did our colour party who would get more if they had a couple more members but from wat I here there is a few on the way. South Down DUP got a few seconds with the man giving them out commenting that it was the only time today that the DUP had came 2nd. Everytime they got something a Jeffrey Donaldson election poster appeared above the crowd! It looks like my last report did the trick! With the DUP taking a massive 9 seats in the Westminster election. Its also byby to David Trimble but that’s what you get for trying to sell out Ulster. The UUP’s election slogan was, “decent people vote UUP.” Well the decent people of Ulster have spoken and said they wanted DUP. Also well done to those who jeered conor Murphy in Banbridge cause hes a provo scumbag. The psni had to escort him to safety with one DUP supporter shouting “ your glad to have the psni now.” Then once escorted to safety he turned and threw his arms up in the air trying to provoke a reaction obviously. Typical fenian scumbag. Anyway well done to Skeogh on a great parade and I hope they gain a few new members to help their numbers. Next week is Markethill and on to Sons of William, Rathriland on Friday night. On Saturday Night is East Belfast and I would like to see an army out so full attendance please!

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Pride of Stramore, Gilford
Date:	06/05/05
Comments:	Pride of Stramore, Gilford 06/05/05 Friday night say the band head to Gilford for Pride of Stramore`s annual parade. As we were also going on to dromore after the band was to parade early. We were told to meet on the mall at 7 so I got there about quarter past and went to the shop. It looks like Ulsterbus have caught on that meet at 7 means nobody turns up to about half-past, as the bus didn’t appear to that time. On way we collected a few members and then went to Gilford. As we were going to dromore we got formed up straight away with 14 drummers, 27 fluters, 2 bass drummers, drum major and 4 colour party. I heard that our leader had to make a new stick before he came out of the house cause his wee brother broke the other one and hid it behind a chair so he wouldn’t find it! We also had symmie on the base tonight as once again only one regular bass drummer was there but it was a different one than last week but still no sign of the other one. I heard he was watching racing or something stupid but I will be expecting to see him in the east next week cause missing 4 or 5 parades in a row isn’t good enough!! But anyway symmie was brilliant and is hitting it much harder than last year and is certainly one to look out for in the future. Thought the band was going well in Gilford the only problem was we got soaked and it rained most of the route but it helps the flutes. The new tunes are going well but il comment on them later. I like this parade because you get to meet bands all the way but there we didn’t meet anyone to give us any trouble because the other big guns were not in attendance. We finished parading and got straight back on the bus for dromore.

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Enagh Accordion, Markethill
Date:	31/04/05
Comments:	Saturday night the turn of Enagh Accordion to hold there annual parade in the neighbouring town of Markethill. The band met at 7:30 so as usual it was 8:30 before we were ready to hit the road. The bandmaster was on the flute tonight again and we had 2 of the regular bass drummers out again. STILL NO SIGN OF THE OTHER 1!! But Ive already had a rant on the last report so im not goin to have another one or I might get the sack from Webmaster. (im surprised he didn’t sensor or edit some of it lol). We had 14 drummers, 29 fluters, 2 bass-drummers, l leader and 3 colour party. I just hope we can have consistent numbers out the whole year. The band went better tonight than last night with GG commenting that the fluting was louder. I also heard a spectator saying that the drummers drums were not level so drummers sort it out, its no big job (and it was no-one associated with the band) As I said the band was going well and I thought there was a better bang of the bass drum. There wasn’t a big crowd about but it was ok. Maybe because of the parade in carnmoney also on it may have had something to do with it. There were around 15 bands with mostly local bands such as KVFB and ATB. Well done to bessbrook for parading with small numbers and still sounding well. Other bands that impressed were South Down Defenders, Newry and Local outfit Drumhillery who continue to improve. The rest were mostly local accordion bands. I no nothing about accordion bands and will usually just walk past but I thought Pride of the Birches were very impressive. Well done to Enagh on a great wee parade and I hope they lifted plenty of money. Next week(Fiday night) is Pride of Stramore, Gilford (PARADING EARLY) and on to Skeogh in Dromore. Sunday is the annual church parade in Lurgan and a big turnout is expected.

Name:	Mr Wolf
Parade:	Dollingstown
Date:	29/04.05
Comments:	Friday night saw the band head to Lurgan for Dollingstown, Star of the North parade. I think this was the first time the band had attended this parade for a few years. It’s a great wee parade since you pass bands all along the route which I love doing. I noticed that they have got new uniforms which look very well. For once we were actually ready to parade quite early. We had another good turnout of 14drummers, 31 flutes, 2 base-drummers, leader and 3 colour party. Once again sparebassdrummer was on the bass tonight, as the other two haven’t appeared for the last couple of parades!! First tune was old-citizens coming out of the car park. We turned left and paraded down the town a bit then turned and came back up passing a few bands on the way. About halfway up the town we came to the judges and played okay. As we got up to the top of the town we were stopped by a parade marshal until we finished the tune as bands are not allowed to play round the bit where you turn to go back up the town. Like last week in Newry, Lurgan is full of sinnfein/ira scum and because of them we cannot play round this bit. I think the parade used to get on down the street more but like many other parades they have been re-routed by the republican biased parades commission. The lower half of Lurgan is covered in sinnfein/ira election posters as well as the posters of provisional ira man gerry-“I was never in the ira”- adams. This man is responsible for the murders of many innocent Protestants. This man and his murdering comrades must never be allowed into government in Ulster. Only one party can stop this happening. The DUP. On May 5th 2005 vote DUP for a better Ulster without sinnfein/ira. It is good to see a loyalist parade in Lurgan and in the next few weeks we will be back to annoy them again. Anyway since you cant play round this bit just to wind them up all the drums keep time beating with both sticks and the bassdrummer does it as well which sounds class. The band played okay tonight but it should be better. The drum-corps are as always very good but the fluting could be better. The only way to sort this out is if boys come to band practice. The bandmaster is there every week and spends a lot of time during the week sorting out the band for the parades at the weekend so it would be nice if those who do not bother could at least show their face every other week at practice. YOU KNOW WHO U ARE!! Also some band dues would be nice as the buses and other stuff has to be paid for!! The colour party was good but could do with a few more members so if you’re interested contact the bandmaster or any band member and they’ll get you sorted. Our leader continues to impress and has plenty of tricks to show-of. It was a good parade with a good turnout of bands and a good crowd out again. Again Cormeen were present as were Kilcluney, ATB, Clogher P.B, South Down DUP and Downshire and a lot more. The only band that impressed me on the night was Pride of Knockmore who had a big turnout and were very loud and sound well from a distance. The last band finished by playing the Queen. The prizes were then given out. Again the band cleaned up winning most entertaining band, drum-corps, Best overall band the big one Best Blood and Thunder band and leader being most of them. I was glad to see our leader winning as I have said already he is brilliant and will win many more. So another good night for the band. Tomorrow night is Markethill. All I have left to say is VOTE DUP.

Name:	Mr. Wolf
Parade:	Loyal Sons of Benagh, Newry
Date:	22/04/05
Comments:	Loyal Sons of Benagh, Newry 22/04/05 Friday night saw us head for Newry to Loyal Sons of Benagh`s parade. There was no bus this week as it is a local parade so we travelled in cars. On the way we lifted the Webmaster who decided he wanted to buy batteries for his camera in the shop and it had to be a certain shop as they were on special offer. He came back out with just a normal packet as they had all gone. After the parade he was still moaning cause the batteries he bought ran out already. That’s what you get for being a cheapo; he went and bought the cheapest ones in the shop. Anyway back to the parade. We were told to meet at 8.00 so we got there at about half past and were ready to parade at around 9.00 I think. Once the bandmaster got the army gathered up we were ready to go with 14 drummers, 28fluters, 2 base drummers, drum major and 4 colour party. The Newry bands are in the same sort of situation as ourselves with there being a lot of restrictions on the parades and getting shoved out a wee road outside the town. There’s not much about Newry except fenians and er, more fenians so the parade route isn’t that long. But credit to them for standing there ground and having 2 great bands in the town. There was just one taig giving abuse I was probably the only one that noticed her. I think she managed to offend no one by sticking up the finger at us and she was half cut anyway. Typical fenian. The band wasn’t brilliant tonight just okay. The bass drum is sounding brilliant and the drum core was solid enough just think the fluting could improve but its early days yet. We played well up the main part of the route. Spare-basedrummer was on the bass tonight as two of the others were missing. He’s a handy man to have about, just throws on the drum and away he goes. Tonight he wasn’t on form (a bit like Portadown F.C a the minute) but as he said you cant be brilliant every night but he usually is when he is needed. We didn’t really get a chance to play the new tunes tonight but we played Last of the Mohicans away up round the back and then again at the end in the crowd. Its a brilliant tune and is going really well. I got to see some other bands with Mourne again having an impressive colour party out. Pride of the Hill were good and their bass drum was brilliant. Pride of Knockmore, Lisburn had a big turnout and sounded well. I also see my mate doing lead tip for South Down Defenders and he is impressive for only a young lad. At the end of the night the prizes were given out. Corbet got best accordian, Mourne got style and appearance and Clogher got Drum Major. As for us we cleaned up again winning Best Bass-Drum, Best Lead tip, Best Overall Band and the one we wanted most Best Blood and Thunder. Im surprised our colour party haven’t got a mention yet because I thought they were impressive but im sure they’ll get something soon.Next weekend is Star of the North, Dollingstown, Lurgan on Friday night and then Enagh Accordian, Markethill on Saturday night.

Name:	Webmster
Parade:	R.S.V - kilkeel
Date:	16th- April
Comments:	It looks like it's up to me to write this report; Mr. Wolf was not at band practice so I didn't get a chance to ask him to write it. Here goes. Saturday started off a very busy day for the band-master and I, we had still ten or so flutes to tuned that we didn't manage to do during the week. There were also some uniforms to be sorted out. One of our lads is getting married next Friday but hope to get to the parade on Saturday night, but found it was impossible for him to go (too much to do). So we needed his uniform for one of our new boys, so it was left to me to go and get it which did take me about an hour and a half. He is the second one this year to get married, number 14 fluter was married two weeks ago on Thursday past, congratulations to him and to (P) on Friday. We met on the mall for seven and I think we managed to get away for half seven, couple of quick stops on the way and it was off to kilkeel. The band-master give out most of the flutes on the way of to the parade, but there were some of the boys had went by car, and it was left to me to sort them out with their flutes at the parade. Talk about a job, if some would remember what the number of their flute was it would be and easy job, but no! That would make life to easy for us (idiots, you know who you are). With the result I never got to see any of the bands before we started to parade ourselfs. We were just about to make a move, and were all getting in to our ranks when one of the boys who traveled up in the bus announced (where is my flute). I'm sure band-masters all over the country have somebody in their band like this. I’ll just say the band-master was not pleased for he had to run to the bus and get it for him. The new flutes are sounding well but I think we will need a bit more time to blow them in. I think our flute core played very well on Saturday night, especially all the new lads who put some of our old boys to shame. I think we are down 4 fluters from last year, but we have gained 5 new and experienced fluters over the winter months. Plus I have a few learners myself to be put out over the next few months The drum corps are at it again ( breaking sticks), I was handed two spare on Saturday night just in case they manage to break some, and they didn’t disappoint us. We I just turned off the main street when the first stick was broke, this drummer is a regular in the stick breaking department. The second stick was broke on the very last tune, apart from that, the drum corps was playing very well, picking up a 1ST on the night. So far we have lost 2 drummers this year but I think we have one new drummer coming on. There is also a number of fluters that can drum, and some are learning as well. Colour party this year, are more or less a completely different one. Out of the five on parade on the night, there was only one from last year, and the band-masters wife was also on parade on Saturday night for he first time in years, so we did have a couple with some experience. The two girls have worked very hard to bring the color party on this year, and were awarded a second on the night. I nearly forgot to mention, that the band-master tried his best to spoil it for the girls by leaving the standard in Armagh (only joking) but he did leave the standard in Armagh. All is forgiven; he has a big job on his hands with the band, if only they had an idea. We have a new drum major this year, and from what I see he’s very good. From what I hear he has been taught a few tricks of the trade by someone I consider to be very good, so hopefully he will be able to bring that to the street. The turnout included: 34 fluters, 15 drummers, 3 big drummers, 5 flags and 1 drum major

Name:	Mr wolf
Parade:	Cormeen Rising Sons of William, Killylea
Date:	17/03/05
Comments:	So the parading season is here once again. It seems like it was only a few weeks ago I was writing last reports for last season. Thursday night (St Patricks Day) Killylea was the venue for our first parade of the season. The band had been asked to lead the parade so we were told to meet at 7.30. I arrived at bout 7.40 no that we were never gonna start at 7.30 and as usual it was about 8.10 before the bandmaster got the boys and girls gathered up and ready to go. We had 26 flutes, 14 drummers, 2 bass-drummers, drum major and I think 5 colour party. We had a lot of new members out tonight- a few fluters, a new leader and a almost completely new colour party.So we headed of to our usual starting point and off we went with our spare bassdrummer (who slags me off 4 supporting newcastle and then i find out hez a portadown supporter, like exactly who r portadown aneone ever heard of them???? their crap and thatz putting it nicely) standing in for the other two who were missing. First tune was Old citizens I think. We were also parading for the first time with our new lower pitched flutes. They’re definitely a big improvement from our last ones. I heard a few people commenting that you could hear us coming from a distance better than with the higher pitch flutes. Once we got away from the crowds the bandmaster called a few of the new tunes. They went alright but need a lot more practice. Last of the Mohicans was the one that went best I thought and will be a cracker of a tune once we get it right. Once we got to the top of the street were a large crowd had gathered we stopped to play a couple of tunes with Sons of Ulster going well. We then moved on down the street to the finish point. The band was going just ok tonight, not bad considering it was the first parade of the season. The fluting needs to improved because it was crap and the drumming was as usual pretty decent I thought but I wasn’t really listening to it so I could be wrong. Our new leader is very impressive with plenty of tricks to please the crowd and will be a hit with the judges as well. But the night belonged to our nearly new colour party. I know one of the girls in particular was telling me she was very nervous about parading with us for the first time (and this was 2 or 3 weeks before the parade). From wat I saw they have been very very well trained and a lot of spectators were also very impressed with them. For their efforts they were rewarded with 3rd place overall. Not bad for a their first parade! Aswell as colour party the band pretty much cleaned up in the other categories winning Best overall, Bass Drummer and Blood and Thunder. The parade was attended by 14 bands which was good since it was held so early in the year. Most of them were local bands with a few more from farther afield with South Fermanagh Loyalists , Craigavon P.B , SOTN Dollingstown and Tamnamore being among them. South Fermanagh were going well as was our neighbours Pride of the Frontier, Drumhillery who for a small never fail to impress and it was good to see their numbers back up.The night ended with Cormeen parading to the finish point were there was to be a fireworks display. The display was spectacular and I think everyone enjoyed them. A lot of money was spent to make the night such a success and I would like to congratulate Cormeen on organising such great night. It was by far a better event than the one the taigs organised in Armagh. No fireworks, no decent music and wee tramps running round in gaelic tops with tricolours round them. Their parade was a complete joke. I can safely say that we have reclaimed St Patricks Day so a big well done to Cormeen and I cant wait for the next parade

Name:

Mr wolf (KT)

Comments:

On new years night the band held a social in Armagh Orange Hall. I arrived at about 8:45 so I was early for once. I went in and as I suspected the bandmaster had a job lined up for me. I was instructed to stand at the door with the Webmaster and check that evry1 had got stamps. The hall soon started to fill up and it was about 9.30 or so when things kicked off. The hall was well filled.

I was stuck at the door for most of the night so I didn’t see much but I noticed 3or 4 members of the band (who were supposed to be doing the tuck-shop) sitting behind the table like the judges of x-factor probably judging the ‘talent’ on show. Me and the webmaster were also discussing who was the best looking out of girls aloud and came to the conclusion that Cheryl Tweedy completely outshines the rest of them. I don’t know how this got into the conversation but I think one night the Webmaster accused me of having “a fenian” on my phone but when I took it out at the social he said it was Cheryl Tweedy so I reckon he has been looking at pics of her on the Internet.

Anyway back to the social. The dj or what eva u wana call him played some music and got a few games going. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was freezing standing outside the door and in my opinion a waste of my time but the webmaster maintained that I was wrong and looked very pleased with himself when he caught 4 people without stamps. Halfway through the nite you knew who had and who hadn got stamps cause they kept goin in an out every 5mins and the webmaster insisted on checkin their stamps every time. At about 11:30 the bandmaster relieved us of our duties so we went in for the rest of the night. When it was near midnight the dj put on a re-mix of the Sash and Derry’s Walls to end the night. Everyone joined in and was jumpin about so it was good fun. I think everyone enjoyed the night.

To end I would just like to thank all our loyal supporters from Armagh and every one else who came to support the band and also wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

Name:	Webmaster
Comments:	The new year has come and gone and we have started to get ready for the new year, but we are always looking for new recruits, if you have considered joining a flute Band, why not try us. All you need to do, is ask one of the members of the band and they will direct you to one of our officers, who are really very friendly and helpful (well most of them). Happy new year

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