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Mullaghy Flute Band
 
 

The band was formed in the late 1800's in the townland of Mullaghy, two miles outside Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. When the local orange hall at Gransha was opened in 1923, the band started using it for their practises and soon introduced 2nd and F flute parts which were still in used only the early 1990's.

 

The part music band required a bit more skill and the services of Mr Thomas Maxwell of Enniskillen were acquired to come to the hall on a regular basis and train the band, which became better through practise and at one time was one of the best bands in the county.  About 1930 Mr Ted Baker was appointed trainer and the band continued in strength, drawing members from a wide area. At this time the two local lodges purchased a new set of drums costing £32 which was quite a lot of money in 1931.

 

After the war the band continued and a lot of fine local musicians helped to make an excellent band able to play any of the more difficult marches. When Mr Blake retired the band continued under the leadership of Mr George Fawcett, giving tuition to the fluters while his brother Charlie trained the drummers.  When these men retired the band went into a period of decline, due mainly to lack of interest and competition from other forms of entertainment, TV, etc.

 

In 1975 it was decided something would have to be done and a recruiting campaign began which brought the membership up to over 30 people and brought in some girls for the first time. Until this time the only uniforms the band had was a cap and music bag. In 1976 a uniform was purchased for the first time. At this time Mr Sam McDonald and Mr Victor Phair of Brookeborough came to help with the training, they were followed by Mr Geroge Forde of Florencecourt who came for a couple of years. Then came Mr William Douglas of Boveva, Co. Londonderry and finally Mr Donald Swain, local Education Flute tutor.

 

The earliest known bandmaster was Mr Tom Sanders of Mullaghy, then came Mr Bob McBride of the Five Points, who led it for a long number of years during the 1930's and 40's. In the 1950's, Mr A Vaughan was bandmaster, his daughter Mrs Kathleen Hartley from Cambridge made a very generous donation to the band in his memory and the band master staff is inscribed with his name.  He was followed by Mr Robert Forde of Mullaghy who led the band from 1975-1990.

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