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Old Boys ready to parade again
IT will be a case of back to the future for one Londonderry band taking part in this year's Twelfth celebrations.
Although only formed within the last year and although marching on the Twelfth for the first time in their current incarnation, the 40 member strong Pride of the Orange and Blue Old Boys will be one of the most experienced bands on show in Coleraine.
Comprised entirely of former members of the Newbuildings based Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute Band (POTABFB), the Old Boys will lead the Victoria LOL 1087 lodge during the celebrations.
Bass drummer Kenny McFarland said the Old boys band had been talked about for some time before becoming a reality.
"It had been talked about for a while and with next year being the 30th anniversary of POTABFB we decided to do it," he said.
"We ve been practicising at least one night a week in the community centre over the winter and have marched twice so far. But this Saturday will be our first Twelfth."
He said many old friendships had been rekindled since the Old Boys was formed. Members have travelled from across Northern Ireland and even from England to rejoin former colleagues.
"We are really looking forward to Saturday, for many it will be their first Twelfth in years," Kenny said. "Everybody has put a lot of work and effort in and we have been really well supported. We know we have the name and high standard of the band to keep up."
The participation of the Old Boys, along side the current POTABFB line up means for the first time the village of Newbuildings will have two bands marching at the Twelfth.
Both bands hope to join together when they return to the village from Coleraine.
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Weather for Londonderry
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
