‘Old Boys’ sought for 40th anniversary of flute band

One of these notable anniversaries will be the celebration of the 40th year since the formation of the East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band. Formed in April 1973, with their first outing in 1974, the Irish Street based musical outfit the band was originally known as the Sons of Ulster. To mark the 40th anniversary the band are calling on former members to come together again to take part in a series of performances this summer. Whilst 40 ‘old boys’ have already signed up for the event the plan is to accumulate around 90 for members. The process of getting new shirts and a consignment of flutes is already under way, so organisers of the upcoming celebrations are appealing for as many ex-band members to come forward as soon as possible. Already former bandsmen from as far away as Australia, England and Scotland have committed to making a return to Londonderry to take part this summer and rehearsals for the planned performances are due to start very soon. As well as this, a celebratory night in the British Legion is planned for mid-June and the day after that the band will travel to Ballymoney to perform in honour of the very first outing of the band all those years ago. Lifelong associate of the East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band, and current bandmaster Tommy Lynch said: “To celebrate the 40th anniversary we intend to have a full weekend of events the highlight of which will be the present band plus at least 50 past members marching once again as one huge band. As you can appreciate there is more to this than turning up on the night and marching and playing. We intend to make this a full weekend including a reunion evening, an anniversary booklet launch and a family fun day all leading up to the main event-the band marching. “Hopefully we will have hundreds of past members, family and friends taking part over the weekend. Even if you aren’t marching you can still take part. “We intend to meet in Irish Street Community Centre on Monday, February 25 at 7.30pm to discuss and to listen to ideas for the celebrations and parade and all past members are more than welcome to attend. “The band is also putting on a production of the play ‘Home for Christmas’ under the direction of Jonathan Burgess. “The play tells the story of local lads who went off to fight in WW1 thinking they would be home for Christmas. The play will run for three nights in the Waterside theatre in late June.” Anyone wishing to take part in the anniversary celebrations of the East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band should contact Tommy Lynch on 07593838557 or email t.lynch@btinternet.com for further information.