Council Chair hosts a reception for Ardess Accordion Band and LOL 522 Ardess Chosen Few
30th May 2025
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Ardess Accordion Band and the 75th anniversary of LOL 522 Ardess Chosen Few Banner.
The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception which was held in the Townhall, Enniskillen:
Good evening Councillors, Worshipful Master, Ladies and Gentlemen
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am honoured to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Ardess Accordion Band and the 75th anniversary of the Ardess Chosen Few LOL 522 banner.
Ardess Accordion Band was founded in 1964, replacing the Silver Band which had previously been in the area.
The Band was founded by local residents including Bobby and Bertie Law, Eric and Oliver Walmsley and Wilson Henry to name a few. It is great to see that some of their children and grandchildren are now in the band today continuing the legacy.
The longest serving member is Thomas Armstrong. Thomas you joined the Band in 1971 aged 17 and you remain an active member today which is remarkable.
Over the years there have been five Band Masters – Bertie Law, Roy Maxwell, Davey Kearns, the late Viola Loane and I am pleased that Viola’s son Aaron has now taken up the position.
At his juncture, I would just like to pay tribute to Viola who was a truly remarkable person, Member and Band Master. Viola was dedicated to the Band from she joined in 1979 aged 14 until she sadly passed away on 12 January 2024.
Viola trained the majority of the members in the Band today and she had an infectious personality which, I believe, played a significant part in attracting such numbers to the Band.
It is often said that a Band is like a family and his has never been so true as for Ardess Band. Viola’s own family have been involved in the Band from a vey young age, however, she treated everyone in the Band like a member of her family. She provided support, and encouragement to each and every member and this is evident with the high calibre of the Band today, the commitment by all members and the friendships which have been formed.
I know that you will all agreed that Viola’s exceptional commitment and passion for the Band has contributed to achieving this significant milestone. She was truly inspirational, not only within the Band Scene but in so many ways and she has certainly left a lasting legacy.
The Band continues to go from strength to strength and participates in a variety of parades, events and concerts throughout Northern Ireland every year. It is great to see some former members returning to the Band in recent years and a number of younger members which will help to ensure the Band continues for many years to come.
Ardess Chosen LOL 522 was first mentioned in the Grand Orange Lodge records in 1828. It is remarkable that in just 3 years time the Lodge will be celebrating its 200th anniversary.
The warrant for the Lodge was renewed in 1835 and this was given to J Gray Atthill of Ardess. The Lodge has continued ever since and currently has 30 Members. I am honoured to be a Member, following in the footsteps of my late father, Cauldwell.
Prior to 1938, the Lodge met in an Old School and from 1938 to the present day you meet in the RBP Hall at Ardess.
The Lodge unfurled a new banner in May 1950 and this is the banner which continues to be used today, 75 years later. On Saturday 10 May 2025, a special service was held to recognise the 75th anniversary.
Bands and Lodges are a part of history and heritage as well as being a social and cultural framework and providing a sense of identity and belonging. For this reason it is important to celebrate their milestone anniversaries and ensure that they are preserved for generations to come.
Being part of a Band and Lodge requires dedication, particularly in the Band with weekly practice nights. I would like to commend each and every member of the Band and Lodge for your commitment because without this they would not be able to go out on parade or achieve such significant milestones.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Ardess Accordion Band on its 60th anniversary and Ardess Chosen Few LOL 522 on the 75th anniversary of your Banner. I extend my best wishes to both the Band and the Lodge for the future.
Thank you.