Council Vice Chair hosts reception to recognise the 80th Anniversary of Inver Flute Band.

Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Shirley Hawkes, hosted a reception on Tuesday 30 September at the Grange Council Offices, to acknowledge the 80th Anniversary of Inver Flute Band.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Shirley Hawkes said,

‘I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception to mark the 80th anniversary of Inver Flute Band.
Formed in January 1945 by a group of dedicated lodge members, the band’s first parade took place on the 8th May 1945 – VE Day. It has been recounted that as they marched, a thunderstorm rolled in but their spirit never faltered. With only three tunes in their repertoire, their enthusiasm lit the way, guided by flashes of lightning as they made their way back to Inver Hall.

Practice sessions were as much social gatherings as time for musical preparation, with football matches and even tug-of-war teams adding to the camaraderie. Over the decades, the band has grown in size and heart, participating in parades both far and wide. A recent highlight has been performing for Gortacharn nursing home residents, bringing both music and joy to their day.

The band initiated change in the 1970s by welcoming its first female member, May Leech, paving the way for a more forward-looking, inclusive vision. The band has been fortunate to have a faithful group of members who have consistently kept up the band’s spirit and strength during challenging times. Today, Inver Flute Band boasts a vibrant mix of generations, with younger members being mentored by longstanding members like Joseph Downey and William Egerton. From three tunes in 1945 to twenty-eight today, along with so many enthusiastic members, the future looks bright.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is protected and enhanced and showing our support to bands such as Inver Flute Band contributes to the achievement of this.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to commend each and every member of Inver Flute Band, past and present, for your commitment to practice and the remarkable talent you bring to the band. Here’s to 80 years of music, memories and friendship and to many more to come.’