Rasharkin celebrate 80th

Rasharkin Pipe Band reached another mile stone in their History when on Friday night (14th October) they celebrated their 80th Anniversary with a well-attended dinner in the Royal British Legion Hall in Ballmoney.
Foundation Members in 1936. Back row  to R  James Watson, John Torrington, John McClean, Bertie Reid, William McAleese, David Cairns
Second Row  L to R  Sammy Waide, Pipe Major William McCloy, John Harvey, Sam Cairns, William Cairns, Johhny Mitchell.
Front Row  L to R  Miss E Kennedy, Drum Sergeant William Harvey, Richard Boyle, Herbert Scott, Bobby Glass, Sam McIntyre, James Beverland, Wilson Reid, Miss Margaret Cairns.Foundation Members in 1936. Back row  to R  James Watson, John Torrington, John McClean, Bertie Reid, William McAleese, David Cairns
Second Row  L to R  Sammy Waide, Pipe Major William McCloy, John Harvey, Sam Cairns, William Cairns, Johhny Mitchell.
Front Row  L to R  Miss E Kennedy, Drum Sergeant William Harvey, Richard Boyle, Herbert Scott, Bobby Glass, Sam McIntyre, James Beverland, Wilson Reid, Miss Margaret Cairns.
Foundation Members in 1936. Back row to R James Watson, John Torrington, John McClean, Bertie Reid, William McAleese, David Cairns Second Row L to R Sammy Waide, Pipe Major William McCloy, John Harvey, Sam Cairns, William Cairns, Johhny Mitchell. Front Row L to R Miss E Kennedy, Drum Sergeant William Harvey, Richard Boyle, Herbert Scott, Bobby Glass, Sam McIntyre, James Beverland, Wilson Reid, Miss Margaret Cairns.

Present and former members and friends enjoyed the occasion The Pipe Band was formed in 1936 evolving from a flute band, many of the members coming from one to the other.

In spite of several changes of uniform over the years the Royal Stewart Tartan is still proudly worn.

The Band has taken part in many parades and special events over the years and has tasted success in Competitions run in earlier days by the Northern Ireland Bands Association and latterly by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

In Ballymoney on the 12th August 1947.In Ballymoney on the 12th August 1947.
In Ballymoney on the 12th August 1947.

One of the earlier records shows the Band being awarded 3rd Prize at a Competition in the Ulster Hall in 1949, playing a March, Strathspey and Reel.

Many other successes were achieved over the years.

2006 was an outstanding year when the Band won the All Ireland Championship in Grade 4B and the Champion of Champions Drum Core Trophy. Second prize in the Ulster Championships was also achieved.

Other successes that year was 3rd at Portrush, 3rd at European, 2nd at Bangor, 3rd at Cookstown, 3rd at Ballymena, 1st at Enniskillen, 5th at Banbridge, and 7th at The World Championships.

The Band has had a few quiet years but at present has six new members learning the pipes and drums, so the future looks good.

The evening ended with musical entertainment .

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