Co Antrim Brass & Brass and Reed Bands

  • Years active: January 1865 - 
  • References:  Newspapers (Belfast Morning News, Newsletter)
Limited information about this band.  The Belfast Newsletter indicates that it was formed in January 1865 under the leadership of Mr Ballard from Belfast.  The Master of the House, Mr French provided additional guidance and instruments were provided by T. M. H. Jones Esq J.P.  The newspaper suggests that this was the only workhouse band of its kind in Ireland and other institutions would do well to following its lead.  Mr Ballard is also know to have been involved in a similar banding venture in the Belfast Workhouse.  

There is a further reference to the band two years later with details provided of an excursion to visit the Lisburn Road Workhouse, Belfast (1867) as reported below in the Newry Examiner and Louth Advertiser:

The Juvenile brass band of the Ballymena Workhouse were treated on Tuesday to an excursion to Belfast.  When they reached town they proceeded to the workhouse on the Lisburn Road and played several airs during the meeting of the board.  The guardians ordered them to be supplied with dinner; and in the afternoon the little fellows played some selections in good style for the amusement of the inmates.
Referring to the same trip, the Belfast Morning News notes the progress made by the band under the leadership of Mr Dornan and the support of Northern Countries Railway Company which provided free passes for the band.