Like nowadays a band had to be together a few years before being granted permission to walk in Airdrie, so they started off as a competition band, winning competitions and qualifying at grade 3 amateur level.

When they were finally given permission to walk they started off with parades in Glasgow and Prestonpans gaining popularity all the time, then a bit closer to home with parades in Calderbank. Almost four decades on this band is more popular than ever with the public and never fail to be noticed while on parade.

Nearly forty years later three of the founder members have went on to different things. Unfortunately I am sorry to say Jimmy McQuarrie passed away a number of years ago. Though his grandson Stuart is a current member of the band and his daughter Isa, Stuart's Mum, regularly goes with the band to the nights out. Jim Aitchison is living a quiet life with his family in Airdrie. Willie Marshall is now in charge of the Glenmavis Social Club just outside Airdrie and regularly invites the band to play at functions in the club.

Lastly there is "Jake Dempsey" this man deserves a paragraph to himself he is in no uncertain terms "Mr WhiNhall True Blues". His name may sound unfamiliar but if you have seen Whinhall parade then you've probably heard him or heard of him. He is known as the "Mon The Haw Man", Jake is a regular attender at most of our functions. He is always there to pick you up when you're tired at a parade by shouting himself hoarse with cries of "MON THE HAW"(short for come on the Whinhall). This cry is known all over the country and if nothing else is a conversation starter with other bandsmen. Nowadays Jakes sons Shug and John are the Secretary and Band Sergeant and do a lot of work in the running the band. They have came through the ranks along with other brother Rab who left the band a few years ago, through work commitments. Rab now prefers to walk at the side and strike up a crazy duet with dad Jake.

Back in the beginning the band started of with blazers and trousers. They then went between jumpers and trousers and shirts and trousers. Nowadays Whinhall parade in full uniform, some of the last unifroms can be seen in the 

BAND PHOTO ALBUM

We currently have around 30 members consisting of 6 side drummers, 3 bass drummers, 4 cymbal players and around 16 fluters. These figures vary during the year especially before and after parade season. A lot of these people dont realise the band can be just as active throughout the rest of the year.

You may also notice that back in the beginning the band was called Whinhall Flute Band whereas we are now known as Whinhall True Blues Flute Band this came about one night at band practice when a few were just joking around with changing the name of the band. The next week the bass drum appeared repainted with the name changed from W.F.B to W.T.B.F.B and since then the name has stuck.

We have band practice in Airdrie Orange Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm and everyone band practice during September we hold our AGM. This starts off with the reading of the year befores minutes then the office bearers in the band being elected in a vote. Then we discuss the band finances for the previous year before going on to hear the moans about the last year and new ideas for this one. It usually passes off peacefully enough. We also discuss our annual Christmas Dance. deciding on the date, time, ways of raising money and donation of prizes. This is always a great event and always fills the Orange Hall. For more details on the dance or any nights out see our

BAND CALENDAR.

Anyway thats enough for now. From myself all the Dempseys and the rest of the band, we would like to thank everyone, from the people associated with the band who help us arrange nights out, sell raffles and raise funds to the people who cheer us on the street. Thanks to yourself for visiting our site please come again. Finally thanks to Whinhall True Blues Flute Band for being the greatest and here's hoping they can go on being the best forever. Thank you, goodbye oh and

Mon The Haw