TRUSTEES REPORT 2022-2023
Gary Hutchinson Band Master
In September we started the year with a trip to the Belfast International Tattoo where two of our members had the privilege to take part in this spectacular event, it also was the month that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away, a truly remarkable lady and an inspiration to us all. Some of our members attended the County Proclamation in the Palace Demesne, Armagh and signed the book of condolences on behalf of our band family, another momentous occasion. We also paid our own respects as a band family to our late queen with a short service and we laid an arrangement at the memorial stone in Markethill. Band practice got under way with more new members and some new marching tunes to keep us all on our toes. As part of our charity contributions this year we supported “Noeleens Helping Hands” in Markethill. This charity sends out family boxes filled with much needed essentials to families in Romania. Again our band went above and beyond bringing lots of items to band practice which were past onto George.
In December we took part in St Matthews Parish Church, Keady, Christmas Tree Festival. We designed a tree to represent “Away in a Manger” A fantastic array of uniquely decorated trees with all monies going towards Southern Area Hospice and Keady Church Roof Repair fund.
A new year and back at band practice after the Christmas break with our youngest member ever joining us for the night at just 3 months old where he made his claim on a rather large instrument, the bass drum.
In April we took part in “Mission Orange” a week-long event of evening services and praises held in Tandragee District Orange Hall, organised by CO Armagh Grand Orange Lodge. April also saw some of our members travel to Stormont in Belfast to take part in an aerial photograph organised by the Ulster-Scots Agency to recreate the official cypher of King Charles III which turned out to be an amazing visual display and tribute to His Majesty. In May the band had a BBQ and Fun Night to celebrate the Kings Coronation. There was plenty of fun and laughter and some were even brave enough to take on the sing-a-long with the karaoke. Our annual parade was also this month, this year saw us celebrating our 40[th] year. Thirty five bands joined us in Markethill to help us celebrate this special event. It was a brilliant night with fabulous weather and the atmosphere was amazing. A great amount was collected for our band funds.
One of the highlights in our parade calendar for our younger members is when we travel to Bangor with Kilbracks Junior Orange Lodge for the County Armagh demonstration, everyone always has a great day on the swans.
With over 40 parades, services, enrolments, concerts and charity events throughout the year we are always kept busy.