IN PICTURES: 50 years of Cloughmills Accordion Band

It was a night of celebration and reflection for a band which enjoys a good standing amongst its counterparts in North Antrim and further afield.

The band’s attachment to the Lodge (715) means it takes part in all the traditional and local demonstrations including the Twelfth of July, Church Services and in support of other bands at fundraising parades.

There have been many stalwarts down the years but none more so than the late Willie Rock who maintained a strong presence with the band throughout his lifetime.

Willie, who was an ever present from the beginning, was a highly regarded figure and his contribution as bandmaster and musician was remembered by those attending the dinner including his wife Frances and children.

Originally, the village had a pipe band but accordions took over from pipes and in the years that followed Cloughmills have established themselves as one of the most melodious bands around.