The Prince William’s Young Defenders Flute Band, formed on 15th Jan
2001 by a group of like minded people who were determined to
establish a new band, primarily to parade with the member lodges of
House of Hanover, No. 18 District, Loyal Orange Lodge. In the
ensuing 5 months the members of the band worked extremely hard and
along with the support of the members of 18 district raised the
funds to buy the equipment and uniforms which enabled the band to
lead 18 district at the annual Boyne celebration parade, on 7th July
2001 in Renfrew.
The first instruments the band used were Miller Browne bb Flutes and
Premier HTS 200 Side Drums; We would like at this time to thank the
Imperial Blues Flute Band Paisley, for assisting us by selling us
their old uniforms on a “pay us when you have got the money” which
was a great help to the PWYD and didn’t put us under any pressure.
“Thanks Lads”.
After the Renfrew parade the band decided that they would purchase
brand new uniforms and instruments, and each member gave their all
in the fundraising activities and events. In March 2002 the PWYD
produced their first CD, selling over 500 copies and we would like
to thank Mr. Brian Black for producing this CD for the band and also
every other venture that Brian has helped us with, also we would
like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that purchased a
copy of our CD.
In June 2002 the band received their new uniforms from Victor
Stewart-of Victor Stewart Enterprises, 13 Queen St. Lurgan, the new
uniforms were Derry Crimson with Blue cuffs, collars and trouser
stripe. The band would like to thank Victor and John for all their
assistance with the uniforms. We also purchased new crosset bb
Flutes at this time. The PWYD wore their new uniforms for the first
time at a historic event, the first ever Orange parade to be held in
Argyll in the town of Dunoon, to a rapturous welcome by the people.
The band was cordially invited over to parade in Ulster on the 12th
July, 2002 with Port Ballintrae True Blues, LOL 1142 in Cloughmills.
They were extremely happy with the bands performance and immediately
invited us back to perform for them at this year’s 12th July
celebrations in Rasharkin.
was a great help to the PWYD and didn’t put us under any pressure.