Whit Friday Weekend (cont'd):

Next morning, Saturday 25th May 2002, we were up early again for a relaxing day. Firstly we boarded our coach and headed for Manchester where some 'Red Devils' fans went on a tour of the 'Theatre of Dreams,' Old Trafford. Everyone else went to the famous 'Trafford Centre,' a huge shopping centre near the grounds of Old Trafford. After this we were taken to the village of Holmfirth where the famous T.V. series, 'Last of the Summer Wine,' is filmed. Everyone enjoyed seeing the familiar scenes including Nora Batty's Tea House. After yet another lovely meal we arrived back at our hotel to prepare for the concert in Uppermill Town Hall.

The Band performed in the first half of the concert both singing and playing. We sang our Centenary Song written by Philip Williamson and his wife Elaine to the tune of 'Killaloe.' The entire performance went down a treat and was a great way to round off a fantastic weekend. The audience were magnificient and we were asked immediately if we would return to take part again in 2003! Some of our members were called up on stage to take part in the act of the world famous 'Oompah Band,' the 'Frankfurters and Lana Clough.' They all excelled themselves and more or less took over the show. Well done lads!!

When we received the adjudicators remarks we were indeed very encouraged. The Band had performed very well in all villages having received the 'Upper Mossley Tony Ogden Memorial Cup,' for the band which travelled furthest to take part, and the 'Micklehurst Shield,' won for best deportment.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, and especially the conductor, Mr. Kenneth McAree who worked extremely hard in preparing the band for this event.

Sunday morning, 26th May 2002, was time for home and return to reality as we returned to Liverpool Airport, said our farewells to the Champion Brass Tour Guides, and travelled back to Dungannon, very tired, but a weekend never to be forgotten. We will return!!

William's Fairy Band Concert:

Another special event for the Band took place on Saturday 21st September 2002 when we hosted a concert by the world famous William's Fairey Band. We met the Band at Belfast City Airport at 8:00am on Saturday morning and brought them by coach to the Cohannon Inn where they had a good breakfast and were all checked in. After this they travelled to Dungannon Leisure Centre where they held a workshop with Dungannon Silver Band, both senior players and the Youth Band. When the workshop was over both bands joined to play a few pieces together; Music Box, Chopin's Dream, and, of course, Killaloe. The William's Fairey Band really enjoyed playing Killaloe and for the members of Dungannon Silver Band to be playing alongside these world class musicians was a very special experience. We all then made our way to Dungannon Council Offices where the William's Fairey Band were given a civic reception and buffet. The Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council, Mr. Jim Cavanagh gave the Fairey Band a very warm welcome and also congratulated Dungannon Silver Band on reaching 100 years of music.

At around 6:00pm, both bands enjoyed a meal in Reah's Restaurant, Dungannon, before making their way to the Leisure Centre to prepare for the concert. A truly brilliant performance was given by the William's Fairey Band to an almost full-house. People from all over Ireland came to see the performance, a night to remember.

Sunday morning, the William's Fairey Band were taken to Belfast City airport where, after the farewells were said, they returned home. Many new friends were made that weekend between the two bands and will definitely be keeping in touch.

The event was so popular last year that the band has decided to host another concert this year on Saturday 27th September 2003, again in Dungannon Leisure Centre. We are looking forward to yet another excellent performance from the Fairey Band. Ticket details will be released shortly so keep an eye on the website.

Centenary Thanksgiving Service:

On Sunday 27th October 2002, a Centenary Thanksgiving Service was held in St. Anne's Parish Church in Dungannon. There was a very good congregation attendance with many ex band members, family and friends of the band. The band played all the hymns during the service and also played some sacred items from their current programme. Canon D. Swann gave a very inspiring address and the Band Chairman, Eric McAree, read a lesson. A collection was taken and the proceeds from this donated to the NACC (National Association for Colitis and Crohns Disease).

Again, this was a very moving and memorable ocassion and our sincere thanks go to Canon Swann and the Select Vestry of St. Anne's Church for the help and co-operation we received in organising this service.

Centenary Dinner:

The final Centenary event of the year was a Centenary Dinner which was held on Friday 8th November 2002 in Sally's Restaurant, Aughnacloy. This was a night out for all band members and their families. Around 60 people attended the event. All enjoyed the meal after which were some games and dancing to the music of popular local band 'Perfect Remedy,' who are namely band members Keith and Kenneth McAree, and Richard McCreery.

This ended what was a very busy but enjoyable and memorable year. Here's to the next 100!

Our grateful thanks to all who helped and supported the band and have made this year a success. Also a special thanks to Keith Chambers who maintains and updates our newly established website. Keep watching.

Eric McAree (Band Chairman)