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Stewartstown Amateur Flute Band

Formed at Mullantean in 1894 as a principal flute band, the late Thomas Harpur was their first instructor. The following year the band their debut in public when they accompanied Kennedy's True Blues L.O.L. No.142 to Dungannon Park for the Twelfth of July demonstration. It was a "red letter" day for the lodge as it saw the unfurling of their new banner which was the first in the Stewartstown district.

In those days the "Big Drum" was in full glory and acclaimed by many. Consequently the band received a mixed reception even though they played "The Sash" and their favourite march "Lisnagade".

In 1900 they accompanied Aughalarne R.B.P. No.231 to Dungannon to take part in what is believed to have been the first Royal Black Chapter demonstration to be held in County Tyrone.

As the years passed the band grew in popularity and encouraged by this the members aspried to greater heights. In 1906 George Wollesley of Dungannon, was appointed to teach them "part-music" and they had their first outing as a part music band the following year at the opening of Aughalargue Orange Hall. However, after four years they reverted back to principal flute largely through the endeavours of the late Thomas G. Brown and Robert T. Abernethy. One of the mbers the late Thomas Dunne took over as instructor and since then the band have never had to go outside their own ranks for an instructor. Mr Dunne taught the band for 43 years and during that time - 1920 to be exact - they again became "part-music" and have so remained. On his retirement in 1953 the baton was taken up by Samuel Brown.

During their 100 years the band have attended many historical events including Sir Edward Carson's visit to Omagh in 1913 at which they headed a contingent of Stewartstown Platoon of the Ulster Volunteer Force and aughalargue R.B.P. No.231. Their bandroom has been under many roofs. Practices were held in Aughalargue Orange Hall, Donaghendry School and even in the home of the late Hugh Henry Hunter before they finally settled in Chambre's Orange Hall.

Events look forward to in the pre-War days were the annual children's sports held at Drumcarine Estate where they provided the music, and accompanying the Sunday School children on their excursion to Portrush each year. Another novelty was travelling with the "B" Specials in the "crossley" to their numerous church parades. They also lead the parade on Armistice Day with the Stewartstown branch of the Royal British Legion.

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