Benvarden Flute Band
Over a Century of History
'Benvarden Flute Band' was formed as a 'Lodge Band' in 1907 with lambeg drums.
Within a few years, flutes were added.
The initial band members came from Benvarden and the surrounding area.
Their surnames were generally those of well known local families - Rainey, Taggart, Warke, Stewart, Carson and McLean.
One band member, a young teenager by the name of James McKeeman, joined the 36th Ulster Division and lost his life at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
In 1920, a special flag was presented to Benvarden Flute Band, depicting the famous Montgomery Family of Benvarden Estate - with Mr Montgomery on one side and his wife on the other. This important artefact was rediscovered some years ago and is now preserved in the Archives of Benvarden Lodge.
Now almost 120 years old, the band is in excellent condition. It has a healthy mixture of older and younger members. One stalwart, Bro Mervyn Calvin, has notched up over 58 years of unbroken service - which means that he has been with the band for over half of its entire history.
Benvarden Flute Band is always looking for new members. To join the band or request further information, please call 075 1472 9545. You can also get in touch by clicking here or visiting Benvarden Flute Band's Facebook Page.
Within a few years, flutes were added.
The initial band members came from Benvarden and the surrounding area.
Their surnames were generally those of well known local families - Rainey, Taggart, Warke, Stewart, Carson and McLean.
One band member, a young teenager by the name of James McKeeman, joined the 36th Ulster Division and lost his life at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
In 1920, a special flag was presented to Benvarden Flute Band, depicting the famous Montgomery Family of Benvarden Estate - with Mr Montgomery on one side and his wife on the other. This important artefact was rediscovered some years ago and is now preserved in the Archives of Benvarden Lodge.
Now almost 120 years old, the band is in excellent condition. It has a healthy mixture of older and younger members. One stalwart, Bro Mervyn Calvin, has notched up over 58 years of unbroken service - which means that he has been with the band for over half of its entire history.
Benvarden Flute Band is always looking for new members. To join the band or request further information, please call 075 1472 9545. You can also get in touch by clicking here or visiting Benvarden Flute Band's Facebook Page.
Click Here to Visit Benvarden Flute Band's Facebook Page.
|