BUA Flute Band

In February 2005, the British Ulster Alliance undertook a new venture - to form its own flute band. Whilst previous functions had been successful with the hiring of bands to perform, it was beginning to become a financial and emotional burden as some bands failed to appear on particular nights, letting both us and our supporters down. It was time to bring things 'in house' and put the money to better use - assisting the communities of Northern Ireland. We were approached by some experienced musicians who were more than willing in taking on the challenge of teaching some of our members to play the flute and the drum.

Once we had the core members of the band arranged, acquiring instruments was our next priority. It would be the people of the White City in North Belfast that would first come to our aid. The Whitewell Defenders F.B presented the BUA with a bass drum. A very sentimental moment for both parties, as the drum has the wording 'In Memory of Thomas McDonald' displayed on it. A young lad whose family both groups have supported since his death in 2001. We would also like to thank our loyal friends in Renfrew for helping us acquire 6 side drums.

 
 
 
 
Loyalist Day of Action 2005
B.U.A.F.B. debut
After 6 months of preparation, and a lot of hard work, the evening function after the British Ulster Alliance's visit to Downing Street on 1st October 2005, was the setting for the much anticipated debut of the British Ulster Alliance Flute Band. The logistical problems of forming a band with members spread out all over the country, had, to be honest tested everyone's resolve in making this long term project work - so much so that the obvious 'first night nerves' turned to a sense of relief as the tunes started to be played, as we realised that we had actually successfully achieved our goal.
The band played 2 sets during the evening, with a wide range of tunes covering all aspects of all loyalism. From the outset, the band have ensured that no divisions in loyalism will be portrayed through our music.

The audience were amazed at the progess the band had made, particular as many in attendance have known the band members for many years without knowing the musical talents hidden within their friends!

The band have since gone on to play at another function for Interface Action in Birmingham and look forward to developing over the coming months.

 
Fountain Estate Fundraiser
January 2006
After the band's successful debut in London, and appearance at another function in Birmingham, a fundraising event in Mansfield was used as a benchmark to see how the band had developed. And what better test than in front of a packed crowd, all in attendance to raise money for the Fountain Estate, a tiny Loyalist enclave on Londonderry's west bank.

We were delighted that a second young drummer had joined our ranks and some of our fluters had worked their way up the learning curve to be able to perform with the band on the night. Two sets of eight tunes were performed on the night, with several of the newer tunes having only been rehearsed for the first time literally hours before we made the stage.

With the band heading the evenings entertainment alongside BUA members who are currently producing a CD full of original music telling the story of the modern day problems facing Ulster a fantastic evening was had by all.

The band are currently in the process of acquiring a band uniform which involves a huge financial burden. Several band members were honoured to attend a function in Rathcoole laid on jointly by the CYC and Whitewell Defenders Flute Bands in December 2005, where after a fantastic nights entertainment a cheque for £1000 was given to the BUA FB to help fund the uniforms. We would like to thank both bands and the local people for the support they have given the band. The band would also like to thank the Sandy Road FB, Govan & Renfrew Apprentice Boys and Loyalists from the Glasgow / West of Scotland areas for their donations to our uniform fund.

 

Thomas McDonald Memorial Parade, 2006
BUA Flute Band debut on the road
Saturday 16th September 2006 saw the British Ulster Alliance Flute Band make their much awaited debut on the road, taking part in the Thomas McDonald Memorial Parade. Final preparations had been going on over the past few weeks, but nothing had prepared the band members for the sense of anticipation as we met up prior to the parade, the band were immaculately dressed in the new uniforms, our band banner and the rest of the flags held by our colour party looked superb but the realisation that we were about to take part in a parade of such magnitude meant that there was a lot of nerves present.

We were one of the first bands to marshall up for the parade and a huge crowd of other bands and spectators had gathered to witness our entrance into the parade. We began marching and soon we were into our first tune of the day - "hands across the water" - not a bad note was played and we were suddenly a marching flute band, the nerves virtually disappeared as we worked our way around the White City Estate.

We soon came to the flowers on the Whitewell Road where Thomas's life was taken from him. The band came to a halt and a wreathe was laid by a BUA member in memory of Thomas McDonald, before we carried on with the remainder of the parade, making our way to the memorial garden within the tiny White City Estate. A BUA member would lay a second wreathe before the band played it's final tune of the parade - "16 years" - a tune written by the BUA in memory of Thomas, which was followed by a band member playing the last post on the bugle before we paid our respects with a minutes silence. It was an emotional end to what had been a very successful debut for the BUA FB.

Later on in the evening the band played once more at a function in Rathcoole. The good spirit shown by the other bands that played on the night and the crowds that had gathered from the other bands during the day towards us was fantastic and was very much appreciated by all of us - thank you very much.
BUA Flute Band on their debut parade, September 2006.

Despite the success, we are still looking to improve and build the band in size so any person who feels they have something to offer the band - even if it is just the determination to learn to play an instrument then please contact us.