Omagh brass and reed band ‘delighted’ with award

A POPULAR brass and reed band which has been entertaining generations of people in Omagh and the surrounding areas has been honoured for its outstanding voluntary work.

St Eugene’s Band, based on Tamlaght Road, is to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Mike Reynolds, St Eugene’s Band musical director, said, “The members of St Eugene’s Band are absolutely delighted to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Service.

“The award gives recognition to the hard work and commitment undertaken by band members to provide a musical presence in our community.

“We also recognise the support given by our families and the wider community which allows the band to perform throughout Omagh district, Tyrone and the bordering counties.”

Since its foundation in 1884, St Eugene’s Band has provided Omagh and district with music at public events, concerts, fun nights, church services and other social gatherings.

Its membership is drawn from individuals who are willing to share their time and musical talents at weekly rehearsals and the many public concerts performed at annually.

The band represents the diverse community within Northern Ireland, coming from different backgrounds, faiths, nationalities and age groups, while still enjoying each other’s company and sharing their enjoyment at making music.

Representatives of St Eugene’s Band will receive the award from Robert Scott, Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone, later this summer.

Two lucky volunteers from the band will then attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Recipients of the Queen’s Award are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

The 2020 award winners included a community shop in Cornwall, an environmental group in Swansea, a group working with refugees and vulnerable people in Stirling and a thriving community arts centre in County Down.

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