It’s been a great year for POTOAB

Over the last year the band has worked very hard trying to build up the membership and can now boast having nearly 70 members on the books.

During the course of the season the band bought new uniforms at huge expense, but without the support of local people this would not have been possible and they have thanked those who made donations and helped in any way with fundraising.

This year’s annual parade was the biggest ever seen in Newbuildings, with 40 bands attending, which bore testament to the hard work of POTOAB members in attending over 50 parades this year. In addition, the band also took home a number of trophies.

Aware that there is a lack of knowledge about the band’s culture and heritage, the POTPOAB are developing a programme of events that will see young people being taken on visits to learn and understand about their culture. The first event of this type took place on August 9, during the Maiden City Festival week, when members organised a culture day for younger members and were met by the Mayor Maurice Devenney at the Guildhall for a tour and presented the young visitors with gifts. This was followed by a tour of the City Walls, St Columb’s Cathedral and the ABOD Memorial Hall museum, and afterwards the young folk were treated to a McDonalds.

A new learners class has begun recruiting members for both flute and drum lessons. These are open to all, and suitable for both experienced and non experienced. Lessons take place at the band room in the community centre on Monday and Thursdays nights at 7pm.

The band has thanked the community for their continued support and look forward to another successful year next year.