1835 - 2005

This year marks the 170th Anniversary of the Churchill Flute Band. The Band is the longest established marching band still in existence today having been formed in 1835, the band was originally known as 'Milltown Flute Band', but eventually became known as the Churchill flute band because of the Church hill area of Glendermott were they were formed. The band practiced in a small hall at the entrance of Drumahoe. This hall later became the property of the Free Presbyterian Church. The Churchill Flute band are now based in the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall, inside the Maiden City's historic city walls, where they practice every Tuesday night.

Originally a melody flute band, members were taught to read music by a local church organist and later became a part flute band in the early 1900's and still are to this day. The band still encompasses the tradition of marching to this day, as this was after all the basis on which the band was formed, but is also known today as much for their concert work for various historic and commemorative organisations throughout Northern Ireland. During the late 1960's the band became involved in the World Championship Competitions, along with other flute bands throughout Northern Ireland to great success and acclaim. They were successful in both indoor and outdoor competitions held in Northern Ireland. The band held the prestigious Monaghan Chamber of Commerce Cup for three years in succession.

It wasn't just in the 1960's that the band won contests, The drum Majors' Mace carried at the head of the band has been on parade since 1935, when it was won at a Style and Appearance Contest held in the Brandywell that year. Most recently the band has been taking part in various contests, concerts and parades in the Isle of Man, Limerick, Belgium and the Somme to great acclaim.

The Churchill flute Band is also seen as a trend setter. Originally an all male band, Freda Nicholl became the first female member in 1968 breaking new ground in flute band circles. The band was also the first to have their own uniform in the Northwest and in 1965 were the first in the area to break away from the traditional 'Naval' style of uniform to the new black uniforms. In 1971 probably the most risky change was made when the band, at a cost of £3000, converted to the new silver Boehm system of concert pitch flute. But this was to prove a great success!

Many families have had a long association with the band, with the Mitchell's, Nicholl's and Nutt's to name a few, providing members from the very early days. Under the conduction and enthusiasm of Mr. Drew Porter, somewhat of an institution in Londonderry himself, the band goes on from strength to strength. (Some would say he is old enough to remember the formation of the band!!)

In 2003, the band departed from the recognisable black uniform to a new and striking scarlet uniform, which was worn on the trip to belgium and the Somme. So impressive and professional were the band at the Somme commemorations that the officers organising the day's events mistook them for the official military band!!

Finally as we celebrate our 170th Anniversary, all the Churchill Flute Band members would like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who has helped and supported the band in various ways throughout the years, and hope for their continued support for the next 170 years...........

2005 Onwards:

The band has not stopped since the anniversary and are already looking forward to planning a bigger celebration for the 175th anniversary. In 2005 the band was back to winning ways winning the set piece concet of the NIBA in the Ulster Hall, Belfast. The band came 1st and won Conductors and Interpretation Prizes.

In 2006 the band once again made their way with the Apprentice Boys to the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres to take part in the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. In blistering heat the band did themselves proud and made a lot of friends who commented on the style and appearance of the band. Some could not believe we were a not a military band!

Since then we have started the long overdue work in producing a CD. This CD will show what the band is really about, showing what we play, why we play it and how we have been around for over 170 years. This is putting our thanks back in to the people who have stuck by us over the years, and we thank you all.

In 2008 the band are taking their next part of their 'world tour' to Germany and Holland. Here we will play a series of concerts and show what our culture and history is about. This will be an exciting and eductaional trip. We hope to do the city of Londonderry proud.