The History of the E.S.F.B.A.

The East of Scotland Flute Band Association was formed in the late 80's when the old First Flute Band Association split into four. At the time this was viewed by most bands as a way to weaken our position with the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The bands from the East however soon realised with this new association we had more of a say in our affairs. 

In the beginning the association was controlled by the  bands of the West and Central Lothian area. The rules and regulations were adopted from the old S.F.F.B.A. During this time the association was going through the same stages that the old association had gone through years earlier (bands arguing about members contracts, disputes with the main marching bodies ect). It is widely felt by the members that our association was not living up to it's true aims, the promotion of our British Loyalist culture.

In the mid 90's the Association changed it's trustees and installed a new Chairman & secretary with this came a new a new attitude, rules and commitment from the member bands. This new attitude saw the bands looking at the bigger picture of the band scene. No longer did our bands look at things in a singular fashion. They started to work for and support each other, this was no mean feat as some bands rivalries run deep. It has been a long hall for our members but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Since then we have run pool competitions, quiz days and a band learners day, all have been supported by most of the bands. We have a better sense of helping & supporting each other, with bands holding functions and contests. We may still have a long way to go but we are trying to make all the bands stronger.

The Scottish First Flute Band Association

  The S.F.F.B.A. was formed in the early 80's when the Grand Lodge of Scotland decided that the bands should have some sort of organisation to speak for them as a group. Although the association was representing all first flute bands in Scotland, the voting in the meetings was mostly done on a regional basis i.e. if an East of Scotland band proposed something it was mainly supported by east bands ect. This was mirrored in the main positions being controlled by the Glasgow bands. In the late 80's there was a meeting to split the association into four. 

 

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