Publishied in the Ulster Bandsman, July 1946

 

Originally the band of the 4th Company Boys' Brigade (Argyle Presbyterian Church) this combination functioned until the brigade age limit almost led to its extinction. The Company officer to prevent this, decided to continue the band as a temperance organisation and having obtained permission from Argyle Church Committee to continue to associate the band with the church in 1897, Argyle Temperance Flute Band came into existance, with Mr Thomas Speers as its first president.

 

In 1898 Mr J. Murdie was appointed conductor a position he still occupies, under his capable direction the band made consider progress, winning several prizes in competition, chief amongest these being the Ulster Championship in the year 1904.

 

What is now known as "The New Instrumentation," the addition of E flat Piccolo, E flat and B flat bass flutes was introduced in 1909 by Mr Murdie, this proved a successful innovation, as in the following year Argyle won the All-Ireland Championship, defeating the famous St. Mary's Amateur Band, who had never been beaten before by a Belfast band.

 

The Boehm System (Guards Model) Flutes, manufactured by Messrs. Rudall, Carte and Co., London, were purchased and Argyle was the first Irish Band to be equipped with these splendid Instruments.

 

Success followed success from 1911 to 1914, the most outstanding year being 1913, when four first prizes were won.

 

Band competitions were abandoned during World War 1, and it was not until 1920 that the championship contests were resumed. Premier awards were won by Argyle in the year and again in 1921 and in 1924. In the latter years two championship contests took place, and the band was successful in both - A record.

 

The instrumentation was again augmented, this time by the addition of F.F. and E.E. flat basses, which had been made to Mr J. Murdie's specification by Messrs. Rudall, Carte and Co.

 

In May, 1939, Argyle realised a long cherished ambition - a bandroom of their own.  In this month a hall, which had cost over £500, was officially opened by Mrs W. Wilton, situated in Lawnbrook Avenue, it is one of the finest bandrooms in Ulster.

 

On two occasions, Argyle have visited Glasgow to take part in parades and each time received a splendid reception. They also have been to London to record for Decca Co.

 

An idea of the numerous prizes won by the band is shown by this list: 22 1st prizes, 14 2nd prizes and 8 3rd prizes, the championship of Ireland on 12 occasions (four consecutive), including the present year. All the honours have been gained under the direction and inspired leadership of Mr John Murdie.

 

At present a complete new set of low pitch Boehm System Flutes (Guards Model), valued at over £2,000 are used by Argyle, who are the only combination in the British Isles so equipped.

 

The Secretary of the band, Mr Thomas McMillen has occupied this position for quite a few years, and no organisation possesses a more capable or conscientious offical than "Tom".