“In 1995, Walter George and Mark Cheevers, former secretaries of Governor Walker and Sons of Ulster respectively, decided to form their own flute band.
During the previous year, in which they had taken a break from the band season, they had discussed in depth what they thought the ideal set up would be. Rumours were rife that Governor Walker were close to folding so they approached what was left of the Governors membership and suggested a new band. This was readily accepted and the groundwork was then put under way for a new flute band.

During those first few years we tried to stick to military tunes, priding ourselves on our uniform, and the music and discipline that went with it, but if we wanted to jockey with the big bands, at the big contests, then something would have to give.

The new N.V.F came about with the change to a new uniform and with this new blue uniform came an increase in the numbers. The band went from strength to strength and carved a name for themselves throughout the province, winning a lot of trophies, but more importantly, a lot of friends, along the way and stood out in the twelfth celebrations in Newtownards 2002 when we walked with nine colour party, fourteen drums, three bass drummers and thirty six flutes. The band celebrated ten years in 2005, and 2004 saw the christening of our third and current uniform, black, with red and silver, on a wet but enjoyable 1st of July parade in Newtownards which brings us up to date.

June 2009 seen the band reveal their forth uniform, black with gold and blue, new white drums and new flutes.
The band christened their new uniforms at Ballynahinch with 10 colour party, 16 drummers, 3 bass drummers and 41 flutes.

We have come a long way since 1995 and only a few remain from those early days practising in a cold wet hut in South Street,Newtownards. Stevie, Dan, Sam, Moorzy, Andy, Billy, Aron and Bobby have proved to be great members who have helped us through thick and thin. Here’s to the future.”


Taken from the Newtownards Volunteer Website
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