| Parade & Concert Reports 2005 OMAGH TRUE BLUES FB OMAGH 22/04/06 Tonight was what We would probably regard as being the first of our local parades of the marching season. It was the 2nd Annual Parade hosted by the True Blues and it is hoped that after their successful 1st season under their belts, that this years will be just as successful for them. The first of the 3 Omagh Bands to hold their Parade and certainly the weather was with them for this one. A large crowd turned out to watch the Parade and it is certainly encouraging to see the people out in Omagh watching and supporting the Parades in strength again. It makes for a better atmosphere all round. I wasnt able to make this one myself, but Im told that the Parade was similar in size to last years. So that cant be all bad. The road works in the centre of town didnt help the flow of the Parade though. With traffic everywhere, you couldnt get a sood stride going, hence the Parade stopping and starting every so often. That doesnt help anyones cause. As for the SFLFB. Well Im glad I wasnt there now given the reports of our performance. A slightly better turnout than our outing a fortnight ago. Tonight We marched with 15 & 6, acceptable but just not good enough for a local Parade. Our performance through the 1st half of the route could only be described, Im told, as diabolical. But things came good for the latter half with everything coming together nicely. Things can only get better. I hope. The Parade was led by the East Bank PB FB from Londonderry and the Monotober FB from Cookstown put in an impressive performance as usual. Keep an eye on these young guys. They are making their mark on the FB scene. FIFES & DRUMS FB SHORE RD BELFAST 09/04/06 Probably the earliest start We have ever made to go to a parade on a Saturday night, but in order to get to Belfast for 8pm, it had to be done. Probably also the first time We have arrived at a Parade in Belfast before it was dark. It will probably never happen again. Tonight We were supporting our newly made friends from the Fifes & Drums FB based on the Shore RD in the city. Dont know if the Band ever marched here before. I dont know what We were expecting from this one, but I think dissapointment is what We came away with. Now having a strong membership in the Band, something We are enjoying greatly, and to travel to Belfast with only 13 fluters, it was agreat dissapointment. On top of that We played very poorly indeed. But things can only get better. Not a great night for a Parade given the cold and wet weather conditions We were experiencing. None the least, the crowds turned out and lined the streets of the short parade route. A fantastic local support for the Band. And the Bands turned out in force also, with at least 25 participating. Not sure of the correct figure. The Fifes & Drums must be well pleased with the turnout. As usual there were a few Bands that stood out from the rest. Mourne young Defenders, East Belfast Protestant Boys and the UVF Regimental FB all putting on fantastic performances. Nice to see the Sons of Ulster from the Shankill out and about. Watch out for these guys throughout the year as they prepare to hold their own annual parade on the Shankill Road. An enjoyable night for all. One of many to come We hope. CORMEEN FB KILLYLEAGH 17/03/05 The marching season is upon us once again, earlier than usual I might add. Expectations are high once again this year and a lot is expected from us as a Band. Progressing nicely in every way, morale is high and that feel good factor is again with us. Membership is up once again and everything seems to be on track for another successful year. For the first time in our Bands history We were out on the road on St. Patricks Day supporting our friends in the Cormeen FB based in Killyleagh.. With our new members in tow We put out 20 & 7, another first for the Band. We didnt expect too much from tonight but We were quite happy with our first outing. Our new members did exceptionaly well and special mention has to go to Emma in the Colour Party who was extremely nervous but nevertheless did really well for her first time on the road. If tonights performance is anything to go by, then I think we will be well pleased with our progress over the winter months. |
 |