scarva

We are now into our third day, and although tiredness is beginning to creep in, we once again find ourselves out on parade. This time we're off to Banbridge in County Down, to accompany Royal Black Preceptory No: 435 to the annual parade and "Sham Fights" in Scarva.

If you are in Ulster for the 12th, you should try and get to Scarva to watch this parade, as you will never see a more eclectic mix of bands on show at a Loyalist parade anywhere in the UK. There are pipe bands, brass bands, accordion bands and flute bands, and even the flute bands themselves are a mixture of Blood & Thunder and Counter- Melody style. Something for everyone here, methinks.

The local parade kicks off in Banbridge with approx: 6 bands accompanying as many Preceptories around the town centre before boarding buses and heading for Scarva for the main parade. The crowds are like the parade itself (eclectic) with a mix of young and old, native and tourist. It's like a big family day out as the crowds line the streets, as well as all the way through the park, until you reach the field where the "Sham Fights" take place.

The "Sham Fights" are simply a re-enactment of King William's army against King James' army and, needless to say, King William wins year on year. It's just a pity that Ladbrokes won't give any odds for it !!!

As the "Sham Fights" take place, we are joined by a few of our good friends from LOL 134, who graciously supply us with some hot snacks and liquid refreshments, to tide us over until we go for a meal at the end of the parade. Now, this meal is a humdinger, beautifully prepared and served in a local church hall by the wives of the members of Whitehill RBP 435, and for this we are always extremely grateful, as those ladies put a lot of time and effort into feeding our band members and guests.

After being fed and watered, we indulge in some chit chat with the members of RBP 435, before heading back to Belfast to put our feet up and relax. Some guys will go "down the east" for a quiet drink, and some will just chill in the hotel, thinking about the next trip to Ulster for "Derry Day" in August. The machine rolls on......