Town Band to serenade New Year arrival

The band are busy practicing a selection of carols which they will play at the local nursing homes throughout the month of December, in preparation for them ringing in the New Year at St, Michaels Square from 11:30 pm to 00:30 am on Dec 31st.

A very well attended and enjoyable table quiz took place in Gullanes Hotel on Thursday 20th October as one of its fundraising ventures. Niall Clarke proved to be a very entertaining quizmaster as he delivered the challenging questions prepared by Kevin Duffy.

The band hosted a touring group of young and accomplished French harpists called ‘Harp in Bag’, who played an entertaining selection of tunes and songs. Local harp instructor Lizzie Alfoffer, a French native residing in Ballinasloe, joined the ensemble along with two of her own talented students, with the Town Band joining forces at the end of the concert to deliver a beautiful rendition of the Parting Glass in the Band Hall.

It was with a great degree of sadness that the band learnt of the passing of one of its senior and much-loved band members, John Flynn. John joined the band after he had retired from active practice as a consultant in Portiuncula Hospital when his wife kindly presented him with a trumpet. He was instrumental in driving the committee to purchase their own home. He loved to see the skill of the kids and marveled at the speed in which they picked up pieces. He will be missed by young and old alike and will hold a special place in the hearts of the trumpet section where he was happiest in the band. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Don’t forget our Annual  Christmas Craft & Food  Fair in the Band Hall on Saturday 3rd December from 11 am to 4 pm. A large selection of Christmas gift ideas on sale by local artisans along with mouthwatering hot crepes, delicious baked goods, mulled wine and teas and coffees to wash it all down. Entertainment will be provided hourly by the Music Matters Quartet, Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association, and the Town Band. This is a major fundraising event to help the band meet its running costs and your support would be gratefully appreciated. Drop in to have a look and indulge in the selection of goods on display.

Follow the band on Facebook to find out more!