Anniversary congrats to Murley Silver Band

WELL done to Murley Silver Band, who I hear recently started their great 100th anniversary celebrations with a full house concert and CD release at the Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown. The concert and release of the CD (‘A Centenary Celebration’) marked what will be a series of celebratory events for the band throughout the year.

Led by conductor Stephen Crooks, the history of the band was recalled by former band member Beverley Weir as the band played musical selections from the decades, while plenty of memorabilia on show (including band uniforms, programmes from their European tours, and a vast array of scrapbooks and cuttings collated for over 60 years by former President and Chairman, William Lyons) added to the remarkable legacy of the acclaimed band.

Murley Silver Band have delighted listeners at an innumerable amount of events down the years, with its current and former members having together created an enviable legacy.

The special centenary CD release marks the fourth recording that has been made by the band throughout its 100-year history, and I see that – under conductor David Hawthorne – it comprises 14 timeless classics and contemporary melodies that showcase the band and the musical finesse of their soloists. The CDS are available to purchase from Ballylurgan Hardware Store, Fivemiletown; from all band members or through the Murley Facebook page, for a very reasonable £15.

Pictured are four members who have been players in all four recordings – Valerie Mckeown, Alanagh Fleming, Mark Bloomfield and Stephen Bloomfield – well done, folks, to you and all the marvellous Murley Silver Band musicians!