New instruments and outfits for Pollee Band

To celebrate their anniversary, band members applied for and successfully obtained a grant from the Arts Council for Northern Ireland’s ‘Musical Instruments for Bands Scheme’.

To compliment the new instruments, the band also ordered new uniforms, co-funded by Pollee Temperance Orange Lodge No 841.

And a parade will be staged by the band later this year at which both uniforms and instruments will be dedicated and to which other bands will be welcome to participate.

It was in 1981 that the band held its first parade when its instruments were dedicated.

Their uniform then consisted of hats, white shirts, jersey, bow ties and trousers or skirts. - In later years, coats and ties were added, and the jerseys and bow ties were discarded.

To assist in the funding of new uniforms, and instruments, band members have held various fundraising events with the latest of these being a Gospel Concert.

This will be held on Saturday, February 12, in Second Broughshane Church Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets, which are now available, cost £7 including light refreshments.

The band has extended thanks to all the people who have supported them so loyally over the past 30 years and also paid tribute to its members who dedicate so much time to practices and parades.New members are always welcome.