Chapter Chat: Booklets tell positive stories of Northern Ireland's bands community
Members of the Northern Ireland bands community have been sharing their personal stories – and giving an insight into the people behind the uniforms – in the latest volume in the series of 'Marching On' booklets.
In a foreword to the new edition, the Rev Nigel Reid, minister of Tullyallen and Mountnorris Presbyterian Congregations, applauded the “quality of music, (and) the style and appearance” of the local bands, which “improves year on year”.
Rev Reid, a senior member of the Royal Black Institution, said: “This is something that we should be greatly proud of.
“Marching bands are a great gift to our local community and we should be encouraging our young people to get involved with a local band.”
Adding that the camaraderie of membership is “great for mental and physical wellbeing”, he went on to praise the leaders in the bands community for their “dedication and hard work throughout the year”.
Sharing her story in the booklet is Vikki Moorhead, a member of Star of David Accordion Band, from Portadown, and a mother of four – two boys and two girls – who all play in the band.
A leader in the St Columba’s Church GFS, she said: “Growing up in the Christian faith within church has helped me instil values and morals in my four children, which I know they bring to the band.”
Rev Captain Isaac Hanna recalls joining Aughnahoory Heroes Pipe Band, in Kilkeel, at the age of 11 in 1981.
He said: “I knew I was stepping into something far greater than myself.
“The haunting melodies of the pipes, the rhythmic beat of the drums, and the camaraderie of the band created a world of discipline, tradition and belonging.
“This was not just about music; it was about family, teamwork, and shared experiences that would shape the course of my life – and, in time, become one of the ways God drew me closer to Him.”
The ‘Marching On’ booklets are published under the auspices of the Zacchaeus Outreach Project, with the Royal Black Institution providing the funds for printing.
The project is headed by Church Army evangelist Valerie Thom, who led the initiative to seek and publish the personal reflections of band members.
Asked why it was important for them to tell their stories, she said it was a way to create an understanding of the band scene to those in the media and other communities who may have negative views.
She said: “By telling their stories, they will inform and give people a view of the real people behind the uniforms. It also encourages others to tell their stories in their own words and gives them a sense of belonging.”
Sister Thom believes some sections of the media do not understand, or aren’t interested in, the amount of work the bands do for young people.
She points to “training in music, commitment, friendship, and times away from social media – not to mention the amount of money they raise for charity, partnering with schools and mental health education”.
She believes that “good news is not always newsworthy” but concedes that “the bands are not good at telling their positive stories”.
Sister Thom said: “The band community is very much family-based, with a lot of bands containing members of the one family.
“They hold family events, they hold community events, the bands take part in charity concerts, usually free of charge. All building community spirit.”
She said that bands “teach life skills which are transferrable to a working environment”, with membership bringing benefits such as improved mental health, fellowship in isolated rural areas, and an economic uplift for local businesses on parade days.
Sister Thom’s café bus is a familiar sight at band parades. It is a joint venture between the Church Army and the Church of Ireland Diocese of Armagh, and “only attends parades to which it has been invited”.
Its first outing this year will be to Armagh on St Patrick’s Day, when Cormeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band’s annual parade is taking place.
The Zacchaeus Project was started as a way of bringing the Christian message to the bands community, and Sister Thom believes that mission is being accomplished in many ways.
“For example, this Easter we are making novelty Lamb Easter Eggs, with a gospel note on them.
“Last year, we gave away over 8,000 packets of Haribo, each one bearing a Bible verse.
“Also, there are Bibles and children’s books available on the bus, where we pray with and chat to people about the Christian faith.”
The Zacchaeus Outreach Project can be contacted about booklets – email: [email protected]