Packenham Silver Band (1951 - )
The following history has been taken from the Band's 25th Anniversary Booklet from 1976.
FLUTE BAND 1890 - 1934
The Village of Crumlin for over the past 86 years has reverberated to the music of Flute, Accordion, and Silver.
Friday 24th September, 1976, heralds a year of nostalgia to the members of Pakenham Memorial Silver Band Crumlin, rewarding their efforts ln attaining their Silver Jubilee. Crumlin can proudly look back to around the year 1890 when first a group of young men gathered at Nixons General Store and Hardware Shop, now the Ulster Bank Ltd., or perhaps better known as the Bank Corner. It was there the foundation of bandsmanship in the village was born.
Gilbert Harkness a business man living in the vicinity, carrying on the business of Harkness and Company, Haulage Contractors, Belfast learned of their scheme. Gilbert was instrumental in providing the incentive for the formation of the First Flute Band in Crumlin. Their bandroom was an old vacant cottage at a place well known to older inhabitants, as Entwhistletown. Nearby was the site of a knackery, but the heat and smell of a summer's evening did not deter their music making.
Brothers Tim and Billy McKeen, their old homestead still exists near to the first bandroom, were members. It was Billy who undertook the task to teach and shape Crum1in's First Flute Band. In those far of! days when you made your own entertainment, band night was a social occasion. Many young, eager lads awaited their turn to have a toot on the flute. Indeed, many an hour was lost in the popular music of the day.
Unlike to-days band with over 100 music scores, count-less hymn tunes and marches, their tunes were easily remembered. Sometime in the early 19th century the band was called Crumlin Conservative Flute Band. W. Gray was the Drum Major, his pole was topped by a bible sue-mounted by a crown, the only unifom was a type of skull cap decorated with gold brand around the edges and a design on top, a small black peak completed the headless. Amount twenty members made up the band.
At the turn of 1908, the band moved to practise in what was known as 471 lodge Rodin. This is now the restaurant connected to the Cobweb Bar. Entrance was from the Main Street by a stairway, now the entrance to Colin McCluney's Hairdressing Salon. If this old building could only speak of band night and social evening activities, where one could hear the whoops of Lassies and Lads as they danced the Lancers. Two Steps, and many other square sets to the sound of fiddle and melodion ending at 6.00 am in the morning. Such was life then against the ear shattering Hi-Fi amplification of to-days groups, twisting, gyrating dancers.
The earliest record of Flute Band days recalls the election of Officers on the 18th August., 1909.
President James Gilmore
Secretary Joseph Campbell
Treasurer Harrison Robinson
The working committee consisted of Messrs Thomas Gray, Thomas H. Doyle, Matthew Glover, Henry Courtney, and Alex Meeklejohn. In that year 37 members made up the band, their attendance record showed a 100% attendance. The dues being 3d per Week and the bandmaster received the sum of 3/9d or 19 new pence. The years trading showed the band to be in the red by a few shillings; perhaps the most interesting was the cost a new flute a mere 3/6, On one such occasion the band stood the lads a round of drink, beer in those days cost 2d per pint.
It was around the latter end of 1909, that Tom Ewing Belfast, was appointed bandmaster, a post he held for over 10 years. Tom’s method of teaching the band to march and play, was to get off the train at Glenavy, and there meet the band. Off they would set to march to Crumlin playing.
The band flourished, taking part in all parades. Little did they know that on 12th July, 1914 the sound of many happy hours of music would soon be silent. The call to arms was great and many of the band members answered the call to duty.
Not all lived to return home to their village. Perhaps if like to-day records of the first flute band had been preserved, a more interesting perhaps could have been written. Alas, sad to say, only one of the original bandsmen's with us now and that is Harry Robinson, Grandfather of Winston Robinson, Chairman of the present band.
November 11th, 1918, saw the end of the war. Soldiers returned to their homes and victory behind them. Early In1919 the first flute band reformed again, but changes soon took place. First flutes gave way to part music, seven parts in all.
The bandsmen of 1919 believed in quality: 24 of the best Hawks AZ flutes were purchased. The bandroom echoed again to older members instructing the youngsters. Slowly but surely headway was achieved. In the latter end of 1919 Tom Ewing was forced to resign owing to transport difficulties but his drive and determination got the band on the road, headed by their Drum Major W. Gray, with such names as McMullen, McQuillan, Greys, Dobbins, Morrisons, Lindsays Glovers, Palmers, Lewis’, Doyles, and many others of younger years.
A Great Uncle of the author, a John Bamford, came to reside in Mill Road Crumlin during 1920. Needless to say his services were much appreciated by the lads. In no time the band was striding out to such tunes as Punjab, Belphfager, Light of Foot, and many other stirring light airs. The order of the day was dark suits, band caps, and patent music bags, which was progress indeed from the First Flute Band cloth and cap stage.
Perhaps it was John Bamford's strict military bearing that led the bandsmen to give of their best on parade etc., but it also had many amusing incidents. John was taking a learner's drumming class, four lads around an old table beating out “MA DA MA DA MA DA “ in time to the melody, but the lads were less enthusiastic, so he asked them to whistle the tune. Naturally the lads could not for laughing. John roared "GET OUT"and chassed them down the stairs and up towards the hill. Another day John, walked up to the Bank Corner where Peter McMartln and John Lindsay were standing and without warning grabbed the boys by the scruff of the neck and landed them up to the bandroom for extra practice. Dare any bandsman forget to have his boots shlning like a new sixpence when on parade? Once neglected never forgotten!
During the middle twenties the ravages of age claimed some of the founder members, but unlike today, recruits were in plentiful supply to carry on the tradition. It was around this period their efforts took them to the concert platform, as well as playing at fetes, election campaigns, Sunday School outings, and parades. The laying of the foundation stone and opening of the Orange Hall, Crumlin, in 1927/1928 found the bam leading the Praise and taking part in the ceremony. Oldstone, Muckamore, and Ballinderry were entertained to their part music.
Wilson’s of Pakenham Arms Hotel, supplied the motivating power in the form of a horse-drawn brake. What a wonderful sight it must have been to seen driver with whip held high, bandsmen seated each aide of the brake and those bandsmen with bicycles, following behind.
Gilbert Harkness did not neglect the boys on special occasions as he entertained the lads to a meat tea and liquid refreshments in the Hotel. One such occasion was the opening of the Diamond Orange Hall, after marching there and back. The bandsmen of the 1920's had stamina, they thought nothing of leading the lodge on a "Twelth" day to the field in Antrim and beck.
During the penod 1921 to 1926 the aftermath of war made itself felt in the great depression and trouble of Home Rule in Ireland. The band had many ups and downs, but somehow managed bo carry bravely on. May 1921 saw James Craig, later Lord Craigavon, elected Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1921 - 1941 arrive at the Manse Corner on a Victory Parade through Crumlin. The plan was for Craig to travel on a float supplied by the Ulster Woollen Mills. Craig, however, had other plans, and instead took his place at the head of the band and set of t on his tour. Another incident was on a very hot summer's day during 1924. Someof the bandsmen on returning to the Ulster Woollen Mill after lunch break, were a trifle late and were locked out. It was a strict rule that on the stroke of half-past one, the second horn gave a toot,the main gates were then closed, and you had to gain entrance by a side door and also loose 15 minutes pay. The story goes that on this particular occasion the lads locked out made their way to the bandroom, picked up their instruments and proceeded to march around the square, ending in front of the Mill gates, where they gave a short concert. Their ingenuity perhaps could put the present day generation to shame. When they wanted to march and practice on a dark night this was easily overcome by placing a tin containing fuel with a wick, on top of a pole, which each man carried, giving enough light to read and play the music.
In 1932 John Bamford and family moved to work Belfast, as work in the country was scarce, but John returned every Saturday night to put the boys through their paces for a few months until an up and coming bandsman, Tommy Morrison, a well known figure in the jewellery and watch business, took over control. I’m sure, had there been a Flute Band contests in those days the Crumlin lads would have been in their first three places, if not indeed first, as their playing and marching was superb.
It was during this year that the band moved to the Orange Hall for its rehearsals. William Glover, their secretary for twelve years, recalls that many nights of discussion took place. The younger element wanted a change to the more versatile accordion, whilst the older hands opposed the change. A vote was eventually taken and those for change to accordions won. After forty years of Flute Band music in Crumlin, the era of the Flute was over.
Accordion Band 1934 – 1951
In August, 1934 the band committee placed an order with Charles Rollins, and Son, Donegall Street, Belfast for twelve, three voice, four, four voice Black Dot Double Ray Hohner accordions, complete with bass and four side drums, total cost £175, Rollins taking in part exchange their flutes. All that Rollins could allow was a mere £16 credit on the transaction, no doubt disappointing the committee. The bargain had been struck, Crumlin was not alone, flutes were ten a penny. Undaunted, the members set to with a will and held a series of very successful Saturday night hops, in the Orange Hall, at the just right price of Ladies Sixpence and Gents ninepence. This dance attracted considerable patrons from around the district. Royal Air Force, Aldergrove, Airmen and staff took advantage of a good dance floor, good music, and a cheap night’s dancing. Success was assured with W. Glover as Master of Ceremonies; Miller Moore and Price as door men, while other bandsmen saw to it that all had an enjoyable night. The Saturday Hop proved such a success that soon the band was debt free. Such was the driving force and tenacity of its members.
Some of the old flute band members left, but there was a plentiful supply of eager lads awaiting the arrival of the accordion.
George Moore, a flute man, took over the task of teaching and conducting. Practice night found many young and eager lads hoping for the chance of a vacant accordion. Eagerness usually paid off in the end. Once the instrument had been mastered you would hear some of the members attempting to play some of the popular tunes of the day.
Indeed, a proud day in 1935 saw the band take the road, decked out in dark suits with white covered band caps and black leather satchels, remnants of flute band days. George’s hard work and patience had paid off. Drum Major James Price led the newly formed accordion band on its first village parade, naturally followed by the local small boys.
The next few years saw the band playing its part in the usual parades, Sunday school fete’s etc. rather an uneventful period of band history. As yet the band officially had not got around to giving itself a name, but was called Crumlin Accordion Band. It was in 1937 that the committee decided to write to Col. Pakenham, asking for his permission to name the band after the Pakenham family, owners of the large estate at Langford Lodge, as well as a greater part of Crumlin, if not all. Permission was duly received, with a donation, but for some obscure reason this was never carried out.
During 1937 the Spanish Civil War broke out. Col. O’Duffy’s volunteers were formed in Ireland to help the Spanish Nationals, better known as the blue shirts. Gracie Fields opened the Ritz Cinema in Belfast, newspapers cost one penny, times were hard, jobs hard to come by. Few then realised, that within two years the serenity of the village life would be disturbed. Great Britain and Germany would be at war. The build up to September, 1939, saw many bandsmen leave to join the Forces. The Second Great War of 1939/1945 was upon us.
The band disbanded in 1939 for the duration of the war and instruments stored. Sad to relate, many former bandsmen made the supreme sacrifice to crush the ruthless enemy.
May 8th, saw VE day and August 8th 1945 saw VJ day celebrations left behind. Again some band members returned to carry on the tradition with spaces left by former members, who would never return to their native village.
I, like many other lads of the Village, attended a band meeting and there decided to join the ranks of bandsmanship. Before we could do anything, the accordions stored during the war, all had to be overhauled before the band got under way again.
George Moore again took up the reigns and many hours’ hard work passed before we were ready to head the Victory Parade in Crumlin to the Park in May 1946, headed by Drum major Fred Curry, complete with new band pole. We stepped out to the tune, "Moore Street", our repertoire wasn’t large. A few march tunes sufficed to carry us through the event. The remainder of the year we all buckled down to the task of rehearsing more march and hymn tunes. It was at this time band elections were held.
The following were elected and held their posts until the start of the Silver Band:
Chairman – William Millar
Secretary – David Price
Treasurer and Conductor – George Moore
Perhaps, I, as a raw youth learned under the guiding hands of older members, that the post of secretary had many pitfalls. The band depended on one’s ability to perform the many tasks imposed, but we all learn by our mistakes and soon progress was made. In 1947 saw the band performing the usual parades. In those days it was hard slog. The Sunday before the "Twelfth" the usual parade to Glenavy. We all marched from the Orange Hall, Crumlin, to Glenavy, and paraded to church and marched home again by the Ballytromery Road to the Hall. Heat and flies added to the discomfort of the march.
During the latter end of the year we ventured to the Ulster Hall platform. Needless to say, it was for the experience as our chances of winning were pretty slim. Xmas approached and we serenaded the villagers with our carols, assisted by the ladies as collectors and songsters.
In 1948 the local lodge and the band could not agree terms for the "twelfth" parade, so we advertised and got an engagement with a Belfast Lodge on the Antrim Road, near Carlisle Circus. That year will forever stick in the minds of bandsmen participating in the parade. As we marched, Fred was grumbling about the square sets and tram lines since leaving Carlisle Circus. All went well passing the City Hall I grand style and up to Shaftesbury Square. As we were about to enter the Lisburn Road, It happened!.. Fred thumped the Pole down and there its stayed, firmly wedged in the tram line points. We marched on as if nothing had happened, at the same time splitting our sides laughing, poor Fred struggled and heaved, but nothing happened. On we marched, minus our leader. It was about the City Hospital that Fred caught up with us, nursing a badly damaged band pole. More titters and laughter, and Fred never lived that one down.
Like our predecessors we ran Saturday night dances and engaged a dance instructor from Belfast to give dancing lessons. To those of us who thought we could dance it was a revelation under John’s expert tuition of slow, slow, quick, quick, slow, and the records of Victor Silvester we cast aside our basic steps and started again. All had great fun while it lasted, but like everything else the novelty wore off after we had completed the course. Robin McCord and the band provided the music for our dances which were well patronised. Sales of work, Jumble sales, in fact anything to raise cash to purchase band uniform, were organised. We had in the back of our minds for some time, the idea of forming our own dance band. In September 1948, we took the plunge and purchased a drum kit and Alto saxophone, J.McMullan, violin, D. Christie on drums and myself on piano, not a superb dance band, but we had a good beat and seemingly, the dancers enjoyed the music produced. Some months later we added a tenor saxophone, played by W. Miller completing the group. Soon, we were getting plenty of engagements and certainly a very hectic time. Playing Thursday, Friday and Saturday, left the members exhausted. We overcame the problem of playing at halls without a piano by purchasing a piano keyed accordion. Like all good things, it had to come to an end. Our girlfriends were making strong objections, and one after the other made his way up the aisle and eventually folded up. Another page In the history of the Silver Crescent Dance band.
1949 was an uneventful year. More trouble with the accordions, more repairs, and we talked over what we should do. Either scrub the accordions, change to other instruments or carry on as best we could. The decision, after lengthy discussion was postponed for the time being. Just the usual parades and the November contest. We had set our hearts to prove our worth with many nights extra practice. The big day duly arrived. We all stood around with abated breath, listening to the results. We had gained second place, and naturally this put us on top of the world. It had been worth the effort.
1950 was to be the turning point in the accordions career. The local Black Preceptory had engaged us for their parade at Doagh, a day never to be forgotten. The morning was dull and overcast with promise of bright intervals. Few had brought their overcoats. On the way to Doagh it started to rain. The procession assembled and marched off to the field, it was still raining. To cut a long story short, it rained and rained and rained, the field was like a quagmire, shelter was nil and we stored the accordions under the lodge banner. Time to go home and thankfully we all were. Then it happened; as we prepared for our first tune, no sound, only squeaks from limp, lifeless accordions. We made our way back to the bus by the sound and beat of a very slack side drum. Playing was impossible, still it rained. Crumlin was reached and a bunch of dejected, soggy and drenched men marched in silence to the hall, and home for a change of clothing. The dye from our suits had penetrated our underclothing, the rain still pelted down. When reminiscing with those who were at Doagh on that day the same old cliché still comes through.
"Ever at Doagh on a wet day?"
As far as repairing the instruments was concerned the cost was out of the question. We patched them up as best we could. A full committee meeting was called, including the eight lady committee members. After all the pro’s and cons were discussed the decision was reached. We would change to Silver.
The Village of Crumlin for over the past 86 years has reverberated to the music of Flute, Accordion, and Silver.
Friday 24th September, 1976, heralds a year of nostalgia to the members of Pakenham Memorial Silver Band Crumlin, rewarding their efforts ln attaining their Silver Jubilee. Crumlin can proudly look back to around the year 1890 when first a group of young men gathered at Nixons General Store and Hardware Shop, now the Ulster Bank Ltd., or perhaps better known as the Bank Corner. It was there the foundation of bandsmanship in the village was born.
Gilbert Harkness a business man living in the vicinity, carrying on the business of Harkness and Company, Haulage Contractors, Belfast learned of their scheme. Gilbert was instrumental in providing the incentive for the formation of the First Flute Band in Crumlin. Their bandroom was an old vacant cottage at a place well known to older inhabitants, as Entwhistletown. Nearby was the site of a knackery, but the heat and smell of a summer's evening did not deter their music making.
Brothers Tim and Billy McKeen, their old homestead still exists near to the first bandroom, were members. It was Billy who undertook the task to teach and shape Crum1in's First Flute Band. In those far of! days when you made your own entertainment, band night was a social occasion. Many young, eager lads awaited their turn to have a toot on the flute. Indeed, many an hour was lost in the popular music of the day.
Unlike to-days band with over 100 music scores, count-less hymn tunes and marches, their tunes were easily remembered. Sometime in the early 19th century the band was called Crumlin Conservative Flute Band. W. Gray was the Drum Major, his pole was topped by a bible sue-mounted by a crown, the only unifom was a type of skull cap decorated with gold brand around the edges and a design on top, a small black peak completed the headless. Amount twenty members made up the band.
At the turn of 1908, the band moved to practise in what was known as 471 lodge Rodin. This is now the restaurant connected to the Cobweb Bar. Entrance was from the Main Street by a stairway, now the entrance to Colin McCluney's Hairdressing Salon. If this old building could only speak of band night and social evening activities, where one could hear the whoops of Lassies and Lads as they danced the Lancers. Two Steps, and many other square sets to the sound of fiddle and melodion ending at 6.00 am in the morning. Such was life then against the ear shattering Hi-Fi amplification of to-days groups, twisting, gyrating dancers.
The earliest record of Flute Band days recalls the election of Officers on the 18th August., 1909.
President James Gilmore
Secretary Joseph Campbell
Treasurer Harrison Robinson
The working committee consisted of Messrs Thomas Gray, Thomas H. Doyle, Matthew Glover, Henry Courtney, and Alex Meeklejohn. In that year 37 members made up the band, their attendance record showed a 100% attendance. The dues being 3d per Week and the bandmaster received the sum of 3/9d or 19 new pence. The years trading showed the band to be in the red by a few shillings; perhaps the most interesting was the cost a new flute a mere 3/6, On one such occasion the band stood the lads a round of drink, beer in those days cost 2d per pint.
It was around the latter end of 1909, that Tom Ewing Belfast, was appointed bandmaster, a post he held for over 10 years. Tom’s method of teaching the band to march and play, was to get off the train at Glenavy, and there meet the band. Off they would set to march to Crumlin playing.
The band flourished, taking part in all parades. Little did they know that on 12th July, 1914 the sound of many happy hours of music would soon be silent. The call to arms was great and many of the band members answered the call to duty.
Not all lived to return home to their village. Perhaps if like to-day records of the first flute band had been preserved, a more interesting perhaps could have been written. Alas, sad to say, only one of the original bandsmen's with us now and that is Harry Robinson, Grandfather of Winston Robinson, Chairman of the present band.
November 11th, 1918, saw the end of the war. Soldiers returned to their homes and victory behind them. Early In1919 the first flute band reformed again, but changes soon took place. First flutes gave way to part music, seven parts in all.
The bandsmen of 1919 believed in quality: 24 of the best Hawks AZ flutes were purchased. The bandroom echoed again to older members instructing the youngsters. Slowly but surely headway was achieved. In the latter end of 1919 Tom Ewing was forced to resign owing to transport difficulties but his drive and determination got the band on the road, headed by their Drum Major W. Gray, with such names as McMullen, McQuillan, Greys, Dobbins, Morrisons, Lindsays Glovers, Palmers, Lewis’, Doyles, and many others of younger years.
A Great Uncle of the author, a John Bamford, came to reside in Mill Road Crumlin during 1920. Needless to say his services were much appreciated by the lads. In no time the band was striding out to such tunes as Punjab, Belphfager, Light of Foot, and many other stirring light airs. The order of the day was dark suits, band caps, and patent music bags, which was progress indeed from the First Flute Band cloth and cap stage.
Perhaps it was John Bamford's strict military bearing that led the bandsmen to give of their best on parade etc., but it also had many amusing incidents. John was taking a learner's drumming class, four lads around an old table beating out “MA DA MA DA MA DA “ in time to the melody, but the lads were less enthusiastic, so he asked them to whistle the tune. Naturally the lads could not for laughing. John roared "GET OUT"and chassed them down the stairs and up towards the hill. Another day John, walked up to the Bank Corner where Peter McMartln and John Lindsay were standing and without warning grabbed the boys by the scruff of the neck and landed them up to the bandroom for extra practice. Dare any bandsman forget to have his boots shlning like a new sixpence when on parade? Once neglected never forgotten!
During the middle twenties the ravages of age claimed some of the founder members, but unlike today, recruits were in plentiful supply to carry on the tradition. It was around this period their efforts took them to the concert platform, as well as playing at fetes, election campaigns, Sunday School outings, and parades. The laying of the foundation stone and opening of the Orange Hall, Crumlin, in 1927/1928 found the bam leading the Praise and taking part in the ceremony. Oldstone, Muckamore, and Ballinderry were entertained to their part music.
Wilson’s of Pakenham Arms Hotel, supplied the motivating power in the form of a horse-drawn brake. What a wonderful sight it must have been to seen driver with whip held high, bandsmen seated each aide of the brake and those bandsmen with bicycles, following behind.
Gilbert Harkness did not neglect the boys on special occasions as he entertained the lads to a meat tea and liquid refreshments in the Hotel. One such occasion was the opening of the Diamond Orange Hall, after marching there and back. The bandsmen of the 1920's had stamina, they thought nothing of leading the lodge on a "Twelth" day to the field in Antrim and beck.
During the penod 1921 to 1926 the aftermath of war made itself felt in the great depression and trouble of Home Rule in Ireland. The band had many ups and downs, but somehow managed bo carry bravely on. May 1921 saw James Craig, later Lord Craigavon, elected Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1921 - 1941 arrive at the Manse Corner on a Victory Parade through Crumlin. The plan was for Craig to travel on a float supplied by the Ulster Woollen Mills. Craig, however, had other plans, and instead took his place at the head of the band and set of t on his tour. Another incident was on a very hot summer's day during 1924. Someof the bandsmen on returning to the Ulster Woollen Mill after lunch break, were a trifle late and were locked out. It was a strict rule that on the stroke of half-past one, the second horn gave a toot,the main gates were then closed, and you had to gain entrance by a side door and also loose 15 minutes pay. The story goes that on this particular occasion the lads locked out made their way to the bandroom, picked up their instruments and proceeded to march around the square, ending in front of the Mill gates, where they gave a short concert. Their ingenuity perhaps could put the present day generation to shame. When they wanted to march and practice on a dark night this was easily overcome by placing a tin containing fuel with a wick, on top of a pole, which each man carried, giving enough light to read and play the music.
In 1932 John Bamford and family moved to work Belfast, as work in the country was scarce, but John returned every Saturday night to put the boys through their paces for a few months until an up and coming bandsman, Tommy Morrison, a well known figure in the jewellery and watch business, took over control. I’m sure, had there been a Flute Band contests in those days the Crumlin lads would have been in their first three places, if not indeed first, as their playing and marching was superb.
It was during this year that the band moved to the Orange Hall for its rehearsals. William Glover, their secretary for twelve years, recalls that many nights of discussion took place. The younger element wanted a change to the more versatile accordion, whilst the older hands opposed the change. A vote was eventually taken and those for change to accordions won. After forty years of Flute Band music in Crumlin, the era of the Flute was over.
Accordion Band 1934 – 1951
In August, 1934 the band committee placed an order with Charles Rollins, and Son, Donegall Street, Belfast for twelve, three voice, four, four voice Black Dot Double Ray Hohner accordions, complete with bass and four side drums, total cost £175, Rollins taking in part exchange their flutes. All that Rollins could allow was a mere £16 credit on the transaction, no doubt disappointing the committee. The bargain had been struck, Crumlin was not alone, flutes were ten a penny. Undaunted, the members set to with a will and held a series of very successful Saturday night hops, in the Orange Hall, at the just right price of Ladies Sixpence and Gents ninepence. This dance attracted considerable patrons from around the district. Royal Air Force, Aldergrove, Airmen and staff took advantage of a good dance floor, good music, and a cheap night’s dancing. Success was assured with W. Glover as Master of Ceremonies; Miller Moore and Price as door men, while other bandsmen saw to it that all had an enjoyable night. The Saturday Hop proved such a success that soon the band was debt free. Such was the driving force and tenacity of its members.
Some of the old flute band members left, but there was a plentiful supply of eager lads awaiting the arrival of the accordion.
George Moore, a flute man, took over the task of teaching and conducting. Practice night found many young and eager lads hoping for the chance of a vacant accordion. Eagerness usually paid off in the end. Once the instrument had been mastered you would hear some of the members attempting to play some of the popular tunes of the day.
Indeed, a proud day in 1935 saw the band take the road, decked out in dark suits with white covered band caps and black leather satchels, remnants of flute band days. George’s hard work and patience had paid off. Drum Major James Price led the newly formed accordion band on its first village parade, naturally followed by the local small boys.
The next few years saw the band playing its part in the usual parades, Sunday school fete’s etc. rather an uneventful period of band history. As yet the band officially had not got around to giving itself a name, but was called Crumlin Accordion Band. It was in 1937 that the committee decided to write to Col. Pakenham, asking for his permission to name the band after the Pakenham family, owners of the large estate at Langford Lodge, as well as a greater part of Crumlin, if not all. Permission was duly received, with a donation, but for some obscure reason this was never carried out.
During 1937 the Spanish Civil War broke out. Col. O’Duffy’s volunteers were formed in Ireland to help the Spanish Nationals, better known as the blue shirts. Gracie Fields opened the Ritz Cinema in Belfast, newspapers cost one penny, times were hard, jobs hard to come by. Few then realised, that within two years the serenity of the village life would be disturbed. Great Britain and Germany would be at war. The build up to September, 1939, saw many bandsmen leave to join the Forces. The Second Great War of 1939/1945 was upon us.
The band disbanded in 1939 for the duration of the war and instruments stored. Sad to relate, many former bandsmen made the supreme sacrifice to crush the ruthless enemy.
May 8th, saw VE day and August 8th 1945 saw VJ day celebrations left behind. Again some band members returned to carry on the tradition with spaces left by former members, who would never return to their native village.
I, like many other lads of the Village, attended a band meeting and there decided to join the ranks of bandsmanship. Before we could do anything, the accordions stored during the war, all had to be overhauled before the band got under way again.
George Moore again took up the reigns and many hours’ hard work passed before we were ready to head the Victory Parade in Crumlin to the Park in May 1946, headed by Drum major Fred Curry, complete with new band pole. We stepped out to the tune, "Moore Street", our repertoire wasn’t large. A few march tunes sufficed to carry us through the event. The remainder of the year we all buckled down to the task of rehearsing more march and hymn tunes. It was at this time band elections were held.
The following were elected and held their posts until the start of the Silver Band:
Chairman – William Millar
Secretary – David Price
Treasurer and Conductor – George Moore
Perhaps, I, as a raw youth learned under the guiding hands of older members, that the post of secretary had many pitfalls. The band depended on one’s ability to perform the many tasks imposed, but we all learn by our mistakes and soon progress was made. In 1947 saw the band performing the usual parades. In those days it was hard slog. The Sunday before the "Twelfth" the usual parade to Glenavy. We all marched from the Orange Hall, Crumlin, to Glenavy, and paraded to church and marched home again by the Ballytromery Road to the Hall. Heat and flies added to the discomfort of the march.
During the latter end of the year we ventured to the Ulster Hall platform. Needless to say, it was for the experience as our chances of winning were pretty slim. Xmas approached and we serenaded the villagers with our carols, assisted by the ladies as collectors and songsters.
In 1948 the local lodge and the band could not agree terms for the "twelfth" parade, so we advertised and got an engagement with a Belfast Lodge on the Antrim Road, near Carlisle Circus. That year will forever stick in the minds of bandsmen participating in the parade. As we marched, Fred was grumbling about the square sets and tram lines since leaving Carlisle Circus. All went well passing the City Hall I grand style and up to Shaftesbury Square. As we were about to enter the Lisburn Road, It happened!.. Fred thumped the Pole down and there its stayed, firmly wedged in the tram line points. We marched on as if nothing had happened, at the same time splitting our sides laughing, poor Fred struggled and heaved, but nothing happened. On we marched, minus our leader. It was about the City Hospital that Fred caught up with us, nursing a badly damaged band pole. More titters and laughter, and Fred never lived that one down.
Like our predecessors we ran Saturday night dances and engaged a dance instructor from Belfast to give dancing lessons. To those of us who thought we could dance it was a revelation under John’s expert tuition of slow, slow, quick, quick, slow, and the records of Victor Silvester we cast aside our basic steps and started again. All had great fun while it lasted, but like everything else the novelty wore off after we had completed the course. Robin McCord and the band provided the music for our dances which were well patronised. Sales of work, Jumble sales, in fact anything to raise cash to purchase band uniform, were organised. We had in the back of our minds for some time, the idea of forming our own dance band. In September 1948, we took the plunge and purchased a drum kit and Alto saxophone, J.McMullan, violin, D. Christie on drums and myself on piano, not a superb dance band, but we had a good beat and seemingly, the dancers enjoyed the music produced. Some months later we added a tenor saxophone, played by W. Miller completing the group. Soon, we were getting plenty of engagements and certainly a very hectic time. Playing Thursday, Friday and Saturday, left the members exhausted. We overcame the problem of playing at halls without a piano by purchasing a piano keyed accordion. Like all good things, it had to come to an end. Our girlfriends were making strong objections, and one after the other made his way up the aisle and eventually folded up. Another page In the history of the Silver Crescent Dance band.
1949 was an uneventful year. More trouble with the accordions, more repairs, and we talked over what we should do. Either scrub the accordions, change to other instruments or carry on as best we could. The decision, after lengthy discussion was postponed for the time being. Just the usual parades and the November contest. We had set our hearts to prove our worth with many nights extra practice. The big day duly arrived. We all stood around with abated breath, listening to the results. We had gained second place, and naturally this put us on top of the world. It had been worth the effort.
1950 was to be the turning point in the accordions career. The local Black Preceptory had engaged us for their parade at Doagh, a day never to be forgotten. The morning was dull and overcast with promise of bright intervals. Few had brought their overcoats. On the way to Doagh it started to rain. The procession assembled and marched off to the field, it was still raining. To cut a long story short, it rained and rained and rained, the field was like a quagmire, shelter was nil and we stored the accordions under the lodge banner. Time to go home and thankfully we all were. Then it happened; as we prepared for our first tune, no sound, only squeaks from limp, lifeless accordions. We made our way back to the bus by the sound and beat of a very slack side drum. Playing was impossible, still it rained. Crumlin was reached and a bunch of dejected, soggy and drenched men marched in silence to the hall, and home for a change of clothing. The dye from our suits had penetrated our underclothing, the rain still pelted down. When reminiscing with those who were at Doagh on that day the same old cliché still comes through.
"Ever at Doagh on a wet day?"
As far as repairing the instruments was concerned the cost was out of the question. We patched them up as best we could. A full committee meeting was called, including the eight lady committee members. After all the pro’s and cons were discussed the decision was reached. We would change to Silver.
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