Introduction to Pride of the Park Flute Band

 

It is not known for certain when Armoy Flute Band was officially formed however it is believed to have its origins in the late nineteenth century, somewhere around 1897. What we do know is that the band attended a parade in Dunaghy in 1904. Details of this period are very hazy but history shows the park hall was going strong and as such was the focal point in the local community. The Ulster Covenant was signed in the hall in 1912 as the following extract shows.

Currently this is where the trial ends, as little is known for this period in the bands life however hopefully someone will be able to update us. The pictures show the band in the 50's and the 60's.

Along came the 70's and the band was still going strong, it was towards the late 70's when the band got its first official uniform change with the introduction of blue jumpers to accompany the traditionally white shirts and red tie.

By the early 80's the style of bands were changing and Armoy was no exception with the purchase of new light blue jacket with orange trimming and matching hats, also came a name change to Armoy Young Loyalists which was also reflecting the blood and thunder style of the band at this time.

In 1985 the band purchased new drums and flutes, which was also a cause of celebration.

The uniform stood us well however by the winter of 1987 it was in need of updating and with increased membership, the people of the surrounding area were asked to give generously and by the spring of 1988 the band purchased 40 dark blue uniforms with red trimming and matching hats, the traditional white shirts were still in fashion so remained part of the uniform.
Also that year saw the introduction of a 4-man colour party and 2 band deacons. This new uniform also saw the band ‘s name change again to Armoy Loyal Sons of Ulster, (some of the young loyalists were now getting older!!!)

The band was marching all over Northern Ireland and membership remained healthy, we were lucky enough to be invited to take part in the Scottish twelfth and for three years we lead a ladies lodge from Coatbridge.

In the early 90's a number of older members left the band and their commitment to the band is eternally grateful. The drums, which had been previously purchased in 1985, were all replaced during the winter of 91.

In the summer of 1992 it was agreed that the band needed another uniform, the white shirts were not fashionable anymore and the uniform was starting to show its age thus, the fundraising started again.

By the new marching season of 93 we had a new all- buttoned air force blue jacket with red and silver trims and matching trousers and hat (some would say grey, but officially it was still blue), The white shirts and ties were no more, horrah!!!!!

The band had changed its name a number of times in the past and again to compliment the new uniform, a new name. Pride of the Park was chosen because the band was always known as ‘The Park' regardless to what was wrote on the uniforms or big drum. We believed we were keeping with our history of the band, as the band hall was always known, as the ‘Park Hall' due it is the geographical location in Armoy.

Band member numbers at the time had fallen and this was seen as a positive step to encourage the youth of the area to join. It seemed to have done the trick and over the next few years' membership started to increase with a large number of learners coming through the ranks.

By the winter of 1996 membership had increased significantly so we were faced with the dilemma of buying uniforms for these members and younger members had outgrown their original uniform, eventually it was decided that the best solution would be new uniforms for the whole band so by 1997 the band had another new uniform. This one was greeted with some interest because for the first time since the 1970's the band decided on black with silver and tartan trimming, NO BLUE, well not strictly true, there was a very small amount in the tartan chosen but very insignificant to all the other uniforms we have had in the past. The jackets were short with tartan flaps as the pictures show.

In the spring of 2000, the band joined the Ulster Bands Association to help promote a united stand for loyalist bands so we would be stronger with one collective voice. Our commitment to the Association remains strong and we are very proud to be members of the organisation.

Our code of conduct and constitution are in keeping with all current legislation as is our equal opportunity policy, which came about with the help and advice from the association.

In 2001, we purchased 5 new drums and the first official band t-shirts were launched. Later that year, we introduced red t-shirts for our supporters, while band members were black. Work started this year on our new band hall, which had taken a number of years of fundraising before it could become a reality. Without Tommy and Betty Brennan this reality would never have happened and the band sincerely thanks them.

By 2002, the uniforms were starting to show there age as a few had seen better days and the style of jacket had changed again, so it was out with the collections and Christmas fundraisers for a new uniform. Black again, but long jacket with red and silver trimming, trousers and new hats to match. A new big drum was also purchased this year. These new uniforms were dedicated and their first outing was the official opening of the new ‘Park Hall'. This had taken over a year to complete but now with a fitted kitchen, toilets, stage and oil heating all included in the design we would be able to hold function as it met all legislations. The old hall was very different with no toilets or heating, ask any member and they will tell you how cold it was in the winter!!!!

 

 

In 2003, the band attended over 30 parades and for the first time took part in the Black Saturday parade. We led Stranocum, as we don't have our own black lodge. This year also saw us having a more carnival atmosphere at our annual parade with face painting, bouncy castle, treasure hunt, cartoon characters and a BBQ added to the evening. Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side that night and it was a bit of a washout, well there's always another year. The disco after the parade was well supported and we thank all those bands that stayed. It's also the year in which the band website was launched!!!!

At Christmas the band was saddened with the death of Mark Hargy, a devoted member and excellent drummer who braved his illness for as long as he could.

In 2004, the season started in April with the band parading in Ahoghill and we finished at the end of August in Ballymoney.  During the season we attended 28 parades and a few concerts in the winter.  Our own parade was blessed with good weather and attracted 23 bands.   During the year the band played well and made steady progress in improving our musical ability.  2004 also saw the new band and supporters t-shirts being revealed with white being reserved for band members only. 

2005 saw the band purchase a new big drum and 5 side drums before the start of the new season.  During the year we attended 30 parades and 26 bands supported us at our annual parade in June.  We thank all bands for their continued support especially Maghera S.O.W FB for leading it.  This year also saw the route of our parade being changed (by the band) to help ease the flow of bands and reduce congestion in parts of the village.  Overall the night was a great success and the new route worked well.  We also had praise from the PSNI in relation to the new route, which ensured that the parade finished before the required time, and from fellow bands who preferred the continuous circuit of the village.  During the year, Ulsterbus stopped offering buses to all bands in the North Antrim area so we used private bus companies to get around the province.   Some funny nights and experiences had in their coaches/ minibuses, but we managed to attend all parades, which we set out to do.  Unfortunately this year also saw our orange hall being the target of paint bombs, which were quickly cleaned off.

In 2006 the band was going from strength to strength.  This resulted in much praise throughout the year on various websites and newspapers for our musical ability. The hard work before the start of the season seemed to have paid off and we also had managed to increase our membership within the band.  During the year we attended over 30 parades and had 32 bands at our annual parade.  Again a great success on the night and we thank all bands for their support.  To Drumaheagles FB a special thanks for leading the parade.  During 2006 we also had the privilege to be asked to walk in Black Saturday by one of the lodges from Ballymena.  It was the first time since 2003 that the band had taken part in this parade and it proved to be one of the best days of the year.  The band was in fine tune and an outstanding performance by all members resulted in a very memorable day.  During the year an additional flag (orange standard) was purchased for the colour party taking their total to 5.  Also we were back to using Ulsterbus as they had changed their policy on bands and private hire.

So as we begin 2007 who knows what is ahead for the band,  what I can say is it is the bands turn to parade at the district orange service in May and our annual parade will be on Friday 29^th June.