BALLYGOWAN FLUTE BAND

A moments relaxation between hymns as the band performs at the platform on 12 July 2010 in Ballygowan

13th 2006 July in Scarva

From left: Lord & Lady Dixon Park (Belfast 2007),  Trophies from Scotland 2009, 12th July 2008 (Ballygowan), 

Ulster Hall Belfast World Championship 2003

February 2000

1990 Photos from the Lord Mayor's Parade, Belfast

12th July 1985 in Comber (Centre - Bob McMurray, left - John Dawson, right - the late Harry Carse)

Strictly a family matter - Bob McMurray with his daughter Barbara and son Robert

The late Harry Carse and Marty McMinn (both awarded a 50 year medal in 1982)

NIBA Contest 1989. Conductor Brian Houston guides Ballygowan to their second successive second place. Brian conducted his first rehearsal in Ballygowan on 01.09.83, and the band's first engagement under his baton was a Bandsman's Service on 25.09.83. It is no secret that the band was in the lower rungs of the Flute Band League's senior section when Brian arrived. When he moved on, the band was in the top three - including wins in Scottish Own Choice (1989) and in the Flute Band League Own Choice Championship (1990).

Late 1980s

Above (from left):
Seated: J. McKnight, J. Houston, S. Denvir, J. Burke, K. McDonald, C. Strain, B. Houston (Conductor), A. Spratt, L. Dawson, B. McMurray, M. Houston, I. McBride
2nd row: L. Gourley, A. Davidson, G. Gourley, R. Gourley, J. Gourley, R. McMurray, J. Gourley, R. Gibson, J. Dawson, H. Carse, J. Gourley
Back row: N. Denvir, J. Presho, J. Douglas, M. Douglas, R. McMurray, D. Gourley, B. Kerr, R. Mannis, D. Denvir, A. Robinson

From left

Seated: L. Gourley, A. Denvir, B. McMurray, J. Gourley, K. McDonald, P. Nellin, S. Denvir, M. Houston

Standing: G. Gourley, R. Gourley, J. Presho, R. Gibson, J. Dawson, J. Douglas, R. McMurray, H. Carse, R. Mannis, B. Houston, N. Denvir, J. Gourley, R. McMurray, G. Gourley, A. Davidson, J. Gourley, M. Douglas, A. Robinson, D. Denvir

12th July 1987 in Castlewellan

The Young Musician of the Year trophy was presented to the band in 1987 by Derek Denvir, and John Dawson added the roll of honour certificate. We don't know where these are!!

Isle of Man 1984

Isle of Man 1984 Star of Burma of Parade

April 1984 leading the Youth Organisations to their annual church service

The Bandroom's first central heating system was switched on for the first time on 02.02.84

Photograph taken in Ballygowan (probably early 1970s)

Drum Major: D. Gourley, Bass Drum: H. Moore
Side drums: (from left) J. Presho, R. Gibson, B. Mannis, K. Rodney 
Flutes from left and front
R. Carse, D. Denvir, R. Gourley, J. Strain : : J. Canmore, W. Ross, S. Evans, G. Douglas : : D. Carse, H. Carse, T. Ellison, B. Davidson : : R. Douglas, N. Denvir,  J. Douglas, D. Douglas : : M. McMinn, B. Strain, J. Gourley, J. Watson

Another photo taken in Ballygowan (early 1970s)

Ballygowan F.B. invited to play for Royalty at a Garden party in Hillsborough Castle. Representing the Royal Family that day were H.R.H. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Conductor Dr. Windsor Hylands and James Gourley are the ones in conversation with Charles.

Photos
We are also on FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballygowan-Concert-Flute-Band

Musical Director Windsor Hylands’ retirement party photos - see Band News page (thankfully we are still enjoying his services from time to time)

Photos (from top left):
Windsor and Isobel Hylands, Laura McBride & Sarah Bass, Windsor & Isobel Hylands, Sadie Strain (President) & Dougie Gourley (Chairman), Jane & Joanne Gourley, Sharon Gourley & Heather McCracken, Leeanne & Brian Kerr, John Presho & Bob McMurray, Sylvia Presho & Jim Gourley, John & Jenny Dawson and Jean Browne, Sadie McMurray, Margaret and Rosaline Gourley, Stephen Gourley & Tom Gourley, Rod Kerr & James Gourley.

Centenary year 1976

Late 1980s

In April 2006 the Ballygowan Flute Band was invited to play at Rotary International’s UK-wide Conference in the Odyssey Arena , Belfast. This was the first and only time that Northern Ireland had hosted the event, and the purpose of our invitation was to give the delegates a flavour of Northern Ireland’s cultural talent. The band “played in” the Colour Party and then gave a 20-minute concert - which went down very well indeed with the Rotarians and their guests.

Tuning up before playing at the 2011 World Flute Band Championship

Playing in Ormeau Park, Belfast. James Gourly is conducting - you can listen to John Phillip Sousa’s March Stars and Stripes Forever featuring Andrew Douglas on the piccolo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cnvmSnwqUA

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The Dinner Party at the 2011 NIBA Presentation of prizes.