The Twelfth of July can stir up many emotions in people. For a number of individuals on parade this year, the outstanding one may be some form of nostalgia as they mark significant anniversaries.

Brian Graham, of Teemore Accordion Band, first joined the band at its formation, 50 years ago in late 1983 when he was 14. He remembers the first Twelfth it took part in, in 1984, in Brookeborough – and he still has a clipping from this very newspaper to prove it.

“I would see it as the most precious thing to my heart; I live for the band,” he told The Impartial Reporter.

“We have 30 members at the moment. Since we are 50 years old, we had a celebration in October, and an exhibition in March, which brought us eight new members, and some of the older members who played 25 years ago.”

Mr. Graham has rarely missed a parade with the band. “I have only missed two days playing; my father was buried on a Twelfth, and my mother was buried on a Black Saturday.

“I am not playing today, because I am carrying this [the standard] as one of the members who is 50 years in the band.

“This was donated this year by another long-standing member.”

Mr. Graham would like to see more young members, but acknowledges times have changed.

“When I was young, you went to school,  you went to badminton, you went to everything in your local hall, and it has changed now today.

“When it started then, the big accordion was £18, the small accordion was £14, and today it is £850 for an accordion!

“I would never want to leave the band unless I am not fit. I have been training them for the last 25 years.”

Mr. Graham has a great pride in his association with the Loyal Orders.

“I am a member of my own private lodge, LOL 349, 45 years. I am 42 years a member of the Royal Black Preceptory, RBL 132, and I have joined the Apprentice Boys in Leitrim, as they were losing  [members] and wanted somebody, so I became a member to help them.”

Also marking a significant anniversary this year was the Irvinestown-based Drumharvey Pipe Band, led on parade by Drum Major Ivan Barrett, who marked 90 years since their formation.

And what better place to celebrate a Twelfth of July than on home turf?

Mr. Barrett said: “I am delighted that the band has made it this length, and to keep it going for 90 years. We have about 25 people out on parade today, which is great.

“We have had a fantastic day to celebrate, and have a fantastic crowd.”

Ardess Accordion Band is marking its 60th anniversary, and many members will be feeling a mixture of pride and sadness following the death earlier this year of its Band Mistress, Viola Loane.

Secretary Leona Simpson said that many within the band feel that it now serves as Mrs. Loane’s legacy.

She is featured prominently on the drum head/skin commissioned to mark the 60th anniversary of the band.

Her son, Aaron, is now following in her footsteps as the Band Master.

When Secretary of State Hilary Benn met with several individuals prior to events beginning, he met with Mr. Loane, and sympathised with him on the loss of his mother, Viola.

In addition, Mr. Benn met with the oldest member of the band and expressed a keen interest in him and the other individuals assembled.

Elsewhere, there was some excitement for lodges as they prepared to unveil their new banners with Tedd LOL 355, Glassmullagh LOL 446, and Pettigo LOL 321 all parading at the Twelfth for the first time with their new banners.