On Wednesday 14th November, there will be another first for Ardee Concert Band when we travel to Omagh to take part in a Joint Concert with St. Eugenes Band. Also taking part is Omagh Community Youth Choir which is also conducted by Mike Reynolds, the conductor of St. Eugenes. The venue is the Strule Arts Centre (http://www.struleartscentre.co.uk/) which is the fabulous new arts centre serving Omagh and surrounding areas. This centre was officially opened in June 2007 and St. Eugenes Band played at the Gala Concert. Each of the three groups will play a short programme and then, they will all come together for an exciting finale.
Pat Flanagan RIP
The band played at the funeral mass of Pat Flanagan on Saturday 1st of September 2007. Pat was a stalwart member of the band committee for many many years and he was chairman for 5 years around the time that the band bought the Bohemian Centre. He worked very hard at the band Bingo for many years and he also di great work behind the scenes. He was National Treasurer of the Irish Association of Brass & Concert Bands for a number of years. His family has always been involved in the band, his father Terry was a lifelong member and his brother Tony and nephew David still play in the band. Deepest sympathy is extended to his family.
Carlingford Oyster Festival
The very first time that the band played in Carlingford was 1983 and we have played there virtually every year since. On 2nd September 2007, the recital was in the tennis courts in the centre of Carlingford and although the weather was not kind in the early part of the afternoon, the sun did break through to make the day worthwhile. Brian McKevitt of the organising committee told the band members that the festival would not be the same without the Ardee Band. Hopefully, we will play there for many a year in the future.
NIBA
The band have entered the Championship Concert Band Section of the North of Ireland Band Association Championships of Ireland which will be held in the Armagh Arts Centre on Saturday 20th October 2007.
Christmas Concert Thursday 6th December
This is a date for your diary, full details will appear on the website later.