Chairmans Report 2023
It is my pleasure to report on another successful year for Ballygowan Concert Flute Band. The band took
part in a number of contests during the course of the year and I'm glad to report that we were
successful in each contest.
Entertainment-The entertainment contest was held in Bangor academy and was well supported by a
st
number of bands. Ballygowan placed I, in the March section and l in performance. We also picked up
the percussion prize and best new arrangement. Thanks and congratulations go to Martin Wall for his
expert tuition in this contest.
NIBA- Armagh was once again the venue for the NIBA Championship of Ireland Bands contest. A small
field saw Ballygowan pick up a clean sweep of prizes including I, place, best percussion, best piccolo,
best interpretation and best solo alto prize. Thanks again to Martin Wall for leading us through this
contest.
Londonderry- A few short weeks later and it was on to Londonderry for Churchill's entertainment
contest where the band placed I, in Grade I, collecting the percussion prize and bast band overall.
Thanks to Richard Douglas MBE for his expert tuition and guidance in this contest.
Own Choice- A return to Lisburn for the own choice contest resulted in wins again for the band, picking
up I, place in the championship section and the interpretation prize. The band also won overall
performance. Thanks to Philip Ferguson for conducting the band at this contest.
Solo's and Quartets- lastly the solo's and quartets where we had many entrants competing, some for
the first time. I'd like to congratulate Josh Gourley, Jessica Gibson, Rebecca Gourley, Harry Douglas,
Matthew Gourley, The under 16 quartet of Scarlett Dowson, Jessica Gourley, George Craig and Rebecca
Gourley, Harry and Mark in the duet section and the senior trio to octet. It is encouraging to see so
many competitors in so many different sections doing so well and I must add that the last time we had
an under 16 quartet, Victoria and I were in it. I must add a thanks to Philip Gaw for taking the learners
class. It is now up to us to encourage these young musicians through to full members as this is where
the future of our band lies.
The band also participated in a few community engagements and it was great to be out playing music
around Ballygowan again.
The renovation of the hall has been largely completed after the funding was secured and I hope
everyone here is impressed with the progress so far. Again thanks to the members of the committee for
giving their time to complete the online course and thanks to Victoria for overseeing and completing the
funding process. Thanks go to LOL 1181 and RPB 213 for their assistance in the renovation of
downstairs. I'd also like to place on record my thanks to Graham Mccaw and Joel Brown for any
plumbing/electrical works, Bailie Thompson who completed a wonderful job of the outside of the
bandroom and Colin Boyce. As most of you may know, Colin has been central to all renovation works
over the years, he always makes time for us and completes the job to the highest spec.
A final thanks goes to the committee and members of the flute band. The committee here works
tirelessly to maintain and improve the standards of the band, none more than Sarah and Victoria. A lot

of their work goes unseen but is essential to the running of the band and to them l am truly indebted. To
Mark for his arrangements and to Andrew for guiding and preparing us before our guest conductors
comes to prepare us for a contest. It makes my Job easier when music is available and there is someone
willing to conduct! To the members, we wouldn't have a band without you, I'd like to place on record
my thanks to you for giving your time to the band, for rehearsing either here or at home and for being
enthusiastic members of the band. We are approaching our 150 anniversary only because of your
dedication I
This ends the Chairmans report for 2022-23