Council Chair hosts reception for Lisnaskea Silver Band

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, recently hosted a reception in the Townhall Enniskillen for members of the long established Lisnaskea Silver Band. The full text of Councillor Thompson’s address at the reception is below.

“Distinguished guests, Councillors, Ladies and gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I would like to welcome you all here this evening to The Townhall for this reception to recognise Lisnaskea Silver Band.

I understand Lisnaskea Silver Band was formed on 6 June 1906 with Band practice taking place in the townland of Glassdrummond and I believe some of you live in that area. The Band continued until 1916 when it broke up just prior to the First World War, however, with the musical interest and commitment in the community, the band reformed in 1948 and has been going strong since.

Silver and Brass Bands were traditionally formed with connections to industries, however, later they were established by local communities and they play an important role at the heart of them.  They can be regarded as the epitome of communities with many generations of families joining having watched their elders learn the skills and parade.

As well as teaching musical skills, being in a band also teaches you a variety of other valuable skills including teamwork and better communication whilst at the same time building confidence and having fun.

Music is created by a variety of notes coming together in harmony and similarly a band relies on various members coming together and depending on each other each time you go on parade and perform.

Being part of a band also gives you the opportunity to make lifelong friends and memories, therefore, I would encourage you to continue playing together and encourage other young people to join to ensure the long history of Lisnaskea Silver Band can continue and the culture and heritage is maintained.

Ella Fitzgerald once said “Music is a universal language…it brings people closer together”.  Music is what has brought many generations of the community in Lisnaskea together and the length of time the band has been in existence demonstrates the strength and special bond of that togetherness.

I would like to take the opportunity to commend all the members, past and present, for your commitment and dedication which has enabled Lisnaskea Silver Band to continue for over 100 years. Each of you can be proud of the history of the band and the part that you have played in it.”

In closing I wish to congratulate you all and wish you every success for the future so the band can continue to grow from strength to strength.”