BALLYCLARE VICTORIA FLUTE BAND Ian Moore tells the colourful story of the band  When Robert McFarlane and James Simms formed Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band in 1919 just after the First World War they could never have dreamed of the future achievements that the band would secure in the years to come. In the early years McFarlane's Band as it was affectionately known, having been taught the basic rudiments of music, and then some simple marches, took part in leading local parades and very often played at community outings such as Sunday-School picnics and Mill Sports Days. The band in the early years would have been relatively unambitious. After the rigours and torment of the great-war, the townspeople just wanted to enjoy more leisurely pursuits such as music or sport, thereby taking their mind off the horrors of the last few years. The modest role of the community band continued until 1931 when a few of the younger members, keen to engage in competitive playing, decided that the outfit should join the North of Ireland Bands Association. It was readily accepted into the association and at the same time a new conductor, Robert Meharg,was appointed. Under his tutelage Ballyclare Victoria scored minor successes in the Junior Second Grade and First Grade Flute sections at the N.I.B.A. contests. The band's ambition however eventually took them into the higher grades of competition within the world of part flute performing. To those who may wonder what part flute means, a brief explanation is required.The flute band, which is intrinsically part of our musical heritage and culture in this corner of Ireland, is structured into sections, each section playing independent musical parts. In addition the types of flute also differ from section to section i.e. G Treble's and Piccolo, Concert, Alto or Bass and Double Bass and Percussion. The band of today is basically the same in structure as of yesteryear, but with one notable exception, that being the tonal depth of the contra-bass flute. So after three unsuccessful years in the Intermediate Grade under the baton of Harry Gillespie, Ballyclare Victoria finally reached the Senior Flute or Championship Section in 1950. Perhaps it should also be noted that during their time spent in the Intermediate Section a fierce rivalry existed with the neighbouring band from the village of Ballyeaston. Indeed it was the village band that reigned supreme. They won the intermediate championship consecutively from 1947-1949. Many of the current squad of senior members would be of the opinion that these years helped establish the competitive spirit that exists in the band today. But now the Vic's were in the same company as the elite of the flute band world. Outfits like Ravenhill, Ulster Amateurs, Argyle and 39th Old Boys all Belfast bands, scored successes at various periods in the 50's and 60's. Ravenhill for instance during the Fifties, won the title and championship, by now recognised as World Championship status, no fewer than nine consecutive times, from 1949 to 1957. This was a record that in most peoples minds no band would or could ever equal, never mind breaking. The Sixties was a period that was not dominated by any band in particular, except it was then that Ballyclare's presence began to be felt. In 1960 the band won their first World Championship, under the guidance of Mr. Billy Harris and then they repeated this feat in 1964. Apart from Billy Harris, the men who probably were most instrumental in helping the band achieve these notable successes were their charismatic Solo G Treble player Arthur (Artie) Fleming, and another member at that time who played a particularly dominant role in the bands development, James Beggs. Most members considered James Beggs to be the Boss. Affectionately known as Beggs he was a model bandsman through and through. He taught most of the younger members the rudiments although he was not a founding member but had joined the band in the early years. The band was his abiding passion and he instilled this spirit and ethos in almost all of his pupils, including Artie Fleming, who was later to become a legend in his own right. It was under the baton of Arthur Fleming that Ballyclare Victoria became kingpins. From 1971 to 1990, a period of 20 years. Ballyclare's record is Sixteen outright World Championship victories, and they were runners up on the other four occasions. This includes 10 consecutive successes from 1975 to 1984. Ravenhill's record was no more. During this period the band also scored many other successes both at home and further afield. The band is currently made up of members from all walks of life, but the largest single groups are children and students, who in reality are the band's life blood. It was a young Ballyclare man who to replace Arthur Fleming upon his retirement in 1989. Colin Irvine took up the challenge and after a period of reconstruction Colin Irvine became the youngest conductor ever to win the coveted World Championship title in1995. Unfortunately Colin was compelled to step down shortly after this success due to work commitments. He is now a professional musician and both tutors and performs to great acclaim. Maybe it is also appropriate at this juncture to highlight the fact that the current principal flautist in the world-renowned and highly respected Ulster Orchestra is Colin Fleming, the son of Arthur Fleming. Beggs taught Colin Fleming the rudiments. So it is evident just how dedicated and spirited Ballyclare Victoria is in terms of taking their music seriously! They have in their own distinctive way contributed so much to the history of the province's musical culture both as an amateur band of distinction from whose ranks professional have emerged. The band in the Twenty First Century is under the very capable care of David Heaney, another former member. David has another very important talent, that of musical arranger, which he has actively been doing as past 30 years. David's classical arrangements have often been selected by the N.I.B.A. as test pieces for the prestigious World Championship grade. His ability to cover the entire spectrum of music such as sacred and gospel, classical, contemporary and of course pop has added quite a dimension to the bands overall performance and has shaped their unmistakable identity as musical ambassadors for the town and borough of Newtownabbey. A very hard working team of individuals manage the band's affairs. It was therefore with their great endeavour and foresight that the band received a substantial grant from the National Lottery in 1997, the purposes of which was to assist in the purchase of much needed new and innovative instrumentation. The band purchased two Contra Bass flutes adding a new musical dimension to the band. The members and management committee are very conscious of the assistance of the Arts Council in this respect. With its humble beginnings as a community band it still retains this role in Ballyclare. Without the tangible support of the people of the town and surrounding district the band could not exist. The local council has been of enormous help and it has always been with great pride that the Ballyclare Victoria has acted as cultural ambassadors for the town and the borough. Now as we embark on a new century the challenges facing the band are both demanding and exciting. These music makers will continue to make their distinctive form of music. However the memories and achievements of the past must never be forgotten, but cherished and fondly remembered with distinction and pride. Ballyclare Male Choir Return to Main Page