The Orange Independent Twelfth Edition 2018

THE

ORANGE

Independent TWELFTH EDITION

www.iloi.com

£ 1.00

JULY 2018

KING’S LANDING Celebrating the landing of King William III in Ireland As the ILOI take part in the Royal Landing festival and Pageant for the first time we examine the history behind the event.

COMMEMORATING THE GREAT WAR Looking back over the Institution’s events to mark the First World War, we reveal plans for the finale of commemorations.

THIS EDITION: PAGE 3

PAGE 10

PAGE 15

Twelfth Festival

The landing of William III

Commemorating the First World War

The Voice of Independent Orangeism for a Hundred Years

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Welcome to Portrush !

Grand Master’s Address Editors Notes

Our Imperial Grand Master Rt. Wor. Bro. James Anderson whose full address will be delivered from the platform in Portrush speaks exclusively to the Orange Independent about his thoughts on today.

Measures Not Men As an Institution we have long held to that motto, which means the action we take, the impact we have means more than the size of our Institution.

Today as we look around us there are many absent friends, and indeed gaps in the ranks where we would like to see new faces and marching feet.

However this should not be a reason for despair since our faith and our history teaches us that it is often when the numbers dwindle, or the ranks have been thinned that the greatest of victories occur.

The Biblical Story of Gideon and his Chosen Few, the Thirteen Apprentice Boys, the single acts of valour which resulted in the granting of Ulster’s VCs not to mention the stand taken by the first few Independents in Belfast and North Antrim all testify to this.

One place where our voice can be amplified and our presence felt as much as larger organisations is online. Our web presence is the future of this Institution and we would urge you today to speak to one of the editorial team if you would like to help us get our voice heard online.

You need not be an IT expert but if you can send an email, take a picture on your phone or text then we have work for you today - so join the team!

The Editorial Team of the Orange Independent would like to wish all our readers a Glorious Twelfth.

This year our Institution is going to the popular seaside resort of Portrush for the annual 12th July demonstration. Portrush is a place dear to me, it’s where my first proper job was, over 45 years ago, and where I spend most of my summer holidays and other free time, almost a home for home for Roberta and I, so I am looking forward to the day with great anticipation and expectation.

It’s hardly seems a year since we paraded through Rasharkin last July, time flies so quickly and sadly, takes its toll as it passes. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Lamont from McNeillstown True Blues Lodge since last year’s celebration.

Jim will be missed in his family and to Mrs Lamont we offer our condolences, he is also greatly missed in the Orange Family as well, Jim was a great Independent Orangeman, faithful attendee at all meetings and events organised by the Institution.

I am looking forward to the Twelfth Celebrations, yes, it’s not all about the Twelfth Day, County Antrim Cultural Committee have organised great events in the Mullan’s Hall, who will forget the Ceilidh last year?

Well here’s another chance to do it all over again on 10th July and preceded by a concert on Monday 9th in Headquarters.

The Ladies Lodge is also serving a Big Breakfast in Headquarters on Saturday 7th July, so look out for details for all these events

and plan to attend and bring your friends.

The state of our country has not improved much since last year, I’ll expand on this on the Twelfth platform, but we are in a perilous state with attacks on our values, principles and traditions coming from many directions.

I want to encourage all lodges in our Institution to endeavour to get all their members out on parade and make our visit to Portrush a good one. I hope that everyone coming to Portrush will have a great day and that the weather will be as kind to us.

Brethren, sisters and friends let’s get to Portrush, let our colours fly freely in the sea breezes, play our music with gusto and proclaim loud and clear what we Independents stand for. I wish everyone parading or just watching all the best and have a GLORIOUS Twelfth.

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TWELFTH FESTIVAL 2018 This year’s Twelfth celebrations are part of the wider programme of events organised

by Ballycastle District, which have showcased the very best of Orange History and Culture. This programme of free events gives us a chance to explain what the Twelfth is all about and we invite you and your family to come along.

Twelfth Celebrations 5 July

History Evening -Bushside Ind.Orange Hall

Portrush 2018 1.00

8.00pm a talk on local Orange History and also a talk on his visit to the Somme region by Bro William Fenton

Twelfth Parade Lodges and Bands will Parade the Town Causeway Court

7 July

BIG BREAKFAST -

Headquarters, Edward Street

All these festival events can really work up an appetite so come and join us for the Big Breakfast.

If Orange isn’t your thing we can supply plenty of teas and coffee!

9 July

Street, Ballymoney

BBQ from 6.30 with concert starting at 8.00pm to 11.00pm. Artists include Ivan and Jimmy, The Lads and Lassies of the Topp, Marbeth Tempelton and Bushside Flute Band

Ulster Scots Ceilidh - Keers Memorial Hall Finvoy,

8.00pm till Midnight or later! Dancing to the Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band. A great way to get warmed up for the Twelfth parade.

July

2.00

Twelfth Field The public are invited to join us in the field at Causeway Street, Portrush.

Ulster Scots Concert - Headquarters, Edward

10 July

Causeway Street Eglinton Street Kerr Street Main Street Causeway Street Causeway Court

Supporting events

2.30

Platform proceedings - Resolutions - Imperial grand Master’s Address - Rt Wor Bro James Anderson I.G.M. - Devotional Service -Bro. Wallace Thompson

4.30

Return Parade As above, around the town returning to buses near the Fire station.

Full details at www.iloi.com Funding by

Other Districts, Lodges and Bands hold a range of church services and parades, Arch Raisings, Bonfires, Band Parades and events , see page 12 for details.

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Lodge Life

A look at life in our lodges and bands.

Grand Masters Charity Appeal We would like to pass on the thanks from our chosen charity this year, MacMillan Cancer Care. Many lodges and members worked hard to raise money for this charity and we know that it will go to help those most in need. Rt Wor Bro James Anderson (IGM) accompanied by Wor Bro Alan McLean (PIGM) and Wor Bro David Johnston (Co Antrim GM) presented a cheque for £3670 to Anna White (chairperson) and Noelle Elder of MacMillan Cancer Care. This was the proceeds of the 2017 Grand Master’s Charity.

The Grand Master’s Charity Committee would like to thank all those who organised various events during the year or supported those held by the committee. The 2018 Grand Master’s Charity of the Year is the Royal British Legion. It is fitting as we remember the end of the Great War that we do not forget the many veterans of more recent conflicts and support those who gave so much to serve our nation.

Obituaries - Gone but not Forgotten Bro John Gallagher at the age of 102. He was a member of Garryduff ILOL 15 for over 60 years and the oldest member of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution. Born in Portrush on 21st October 1914 and joined the Royal Air Force on 12th July 1936 seeing action all over the world including Basra, Singapore, Baghdad, Capetown and the Gold Coast.

Bro. Jim Lamont of McNeillstown True Blues ILOL 46, Deputy District Master of PortglenoneDistrict No.4.

Bro. John Scott, a long standing member of our Londonderry lodge.

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LUTHER LEGACY

Protestantism united to Remember their Stand Against Rome The Institution marked the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with a programme of events run in conjunction with a number of Protestant Churches and the other Loyal Orders. Our own events were run in partnership with Mission Endeavour and aimed to highlight the central Gospel message of the Reformation, as well as its legacy.

The Institution was represented by Wor. Bro Drew McIntyre on the ‘Luther 500’ organising committee.

This was a joint initiative between the Grand Lodge of Ireland, the Royal Black Institution and ourselves to promote education through a well researched and user friendly resource pack as well as a touring exhibition. The high point was a well attended Reformation Parade in Portadown in 2017.

Luther’s Legacy We held our own Reformation Parade in Ballymoney to St. James Presbyterian Church, a series of talks and exhibitions with a Luther Legacy Festival in 2018 as a round up of our experiences. Our members pay tribute to those involved in marking this unique occasion in the church history. It has allowed to to reexamine our faith and how we too can take a stand and change the world as Luther did.

We echo Luther when we say ‘Here we stand ...we can do no other.’

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Band News

The March of Time Bands have always been central to the Independents and locally, bands like Dunaghy, and the Tullaghans host some of the largest band parades in the country.

Many of our bands have been ‘on the road’ for a long time. A significant milestone on that road for Garryduff Flute Band was marked in April when family and friends gathered to dedicate new uniforms in Garryduff Ind Orange Hall.

Wor. Bro Derek McFarland IG Chaplain led the short service of dedication for the new uniforms.

Reading from Ephesians 6 where it talks of the Christian putting on the whole armour of God, he drew parallels with the various parts of the band uniform and also reminded the members of the importance to never bring discredit on their new uniform.

the band members would always feel a sense of pride whilst on parade and wished them well for the future.

Bandmaster Ian Kennedy thanked all those who had supported the band financially throughout the years and how this had made it

possible to purchase the new uniforms.

The members of the band then entertained those present with a selection of tunes before the evening was brought to a close with supper, which was enjoyed by all.

Rt. Wor. Bro James Anderson IGM spoke of his memories of the band leading Garryduff ILOL down through the years. He hoped that

Bushside on Ulster’s most famous road.

Once the Skankill, or Drumcree would have been the most famous Ulster Road, however with the success of Game of Thrones Bushside Band chose the Dark Hedges as the backdrop for their band picture this year.

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Remembering George Dawson of the Institution naming the hall in memory of such a Loved and sadly missed Brother Orangeman. He called on Past Imperial Grand Master Rt Wor. Bro RJ Johnston to commence proceedings, Bro. Johnston recalled how George had always had ambition for a Headquarters building in Ballymoney, somewhere the Institution could call home, were the gospel would be preached, where the community could be served and that while on holiday George phoned him to tell him he had found such a building. The project started over 20 years ago and he was delighted to report that all of the vision George had had in those times was a reality today.

Bro Johnston invited Mrs Dawson to unveil the plaque and also invited Bro. Mervyn Storey DIGM, MLA to dedicate it the Glory Of God. Mrs Dawson thanked the Institution for the honour it had given to George’s name in naming the room after him and she said that he would be absolutely delighted with the honour.

The evening concluded with a short epilogue given by Pastor Eric Mc Comb, a cousin of George, and also an excellent musical contribution by

In the Halls which stand as a testimony to the vision and ability of George Dawson the ILOI have preserved his memory.

Wednesday 1st November saw a huge crowd in The Headquarters of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution in Edward Street, Ballymoney for the naming of the main hall in memory of Highly Esteemed Past Imperial Grand Master Wor Bro. George Dawson, who sadly had passed away some 10 years ago.

Chief guests of the evening were Mrs Vi Dawson and her two daughters Emma and Sarah.

Many of those assembled were former colleagues of George including Sammy Wilson MP for E a s t A n t r i m a n d M r Pa u l Greenall from Evangelical Protestant Society. Also present was Right Worshipful Bro. Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Orange Institution as well as many members of the Independent Institution.

The evening began with The Imperial Grand Master Bro. James Anderson welcoming everyone to the event, saying that it was a delight to see such a big crowd, he also said it was special occasion in the history

His Legacy lives on, and is now marked in the building he did so much to secure members of Hebron Church Choir.

Wor Bro Alan McLean PIGM proposed a vote of thanks and Bro. Derek Mc Farland IGC closed the evening with the benediction.

Rt. Wor. Bro. George Dawson PIGM  

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Marching in our

Ballycastle I.L.O.L. No. 21 WM Bro. C. McGee, DM Bro. Hugh S p e n c e , C h a p l a i n B r o Ro b e r t Kilpatrick, Sec. Bro. Thomas Spence, Treas. Bro. James Johnston, First Committee Bro. A. Holmes.

Ballycastle District I.L.O.L. No. 2 The Orangemen of Ballycastle like many across North Antrim watched the events in Belfast carefully, as Thomas Henry Sloan MP was expelled and went on to form a democratic Independent Orange Order. This struck a chord with the Presbyterians of the area, who were already wary of the landed classes’ control of the Order.

Carvacloughan I.L.O.L. No. 22 WM Bro. S. Hutchinson, DM Bro. George Dempster, Chaplain Bro. Charles Murphy, Sec. Bro Alexander Gray, Treas. Bro. John Smyth, First Committee Bro. John McMillen.

Closer to home the expulsion of the Rev. D.D. Boyle in November 1903 brought matters to a head. On the evening of 11th December 1903 in Ballycastle Orange Hall, a very large and representative meeting was held to install the office bearers of six new lodges and a District lodge under the Warrants of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution. The following Brethren were installed.

Bushside I.L.O.L. No. 24 WM Bro. J. Patton Dickson, DM Bro. Sydney Millar, Chaplain Bro. J. McCook, Sec. Bro Robert Stinson, Treas. Bro. Robert McCloy, First Committee Bro. G. Patton.

Crawford and Sloan spoke at packed meetings across the area such as a meeting of ‘over 400’ Independent Orangemen and ‘a slight sprinkling of the parent Order’ in Moyargot Protestant Hall in March 1905. The tide of popular support swept Robert G. Glendinning into Parliament as the Independent’s candidate. By 1907 when the Twelfth was in Ballycastle, Rev. D.D. Boyle could say with confidence “ when the Independents left Ballymoney that morning they took with them nearly every Orangeman in North Antrim” leaving a few Old Order lodges to meet at what he dubbed “Whiskey Hill”

Mosside I.L.O.L. No. 25 WM Bro. J. Patton, DM Bro. Charles Moore, Chaplain Bro Robert Taggart, Sec. Bro. Samuel McConaghie, Treas.

Bro. Daniel McKay, First Committee Bro. William Moore.

All the Lodges were included in the 1906 Grand Lodge Report plus Stranocum I.L.O.L. No. 32.

Magheramorne I.L.O.L. No. 26 and Ballycarry I.L.O.L. No. 64 seem to have been attached to the District.

Ballycastle I.L.O.L. No. 20 WM Bro. John McConaghie, DM Bro. Robert Smyth, Chaplain Bro. Arthur Harrison, Sec. Bro Joseph Simpson, Treas. Bro. Robert Dunlop, First Committee Bro. Charles K. Spence.

The first County Antrim Demonstration that Twelfth drew a crowd of over 10,000 and the Ballycastle District were well represented. Here the County Grand Master John Peacock announced the need for the North Antrim Independents to have a voice in Parliament alongside Sloan.

Armoy I.L.O.L. No. 23 WM Bro. R. Carson, DM Bro. George McCook, Chaplain Bro. R. Carson (Sen.), Sec. Bro James Smyth (Jun.), Tr e a s . B r o . J . M c C u r d y, F i r s t Committee Bro. Robert Hamill.

Ballycastle District I.L.O.L. No. 2 WDM Bro. Charles Murphy; John McConaghie, DDM; Bro. Sydney Millar, Dist. Chaplain; Bro. Robert Taggart, Dist. Sec. Bro John McConaghie, Dist.

Treas. Bro. James Smyth, First Committee Bro. Bro. H. McGee.

These founding fathers organised themselves quickly and in the face of considerable opposition. On 5 February 1904 the first Demonstration of the Ballycastle District was held in the Dalriada Hall, Ballycastle with the first Imperial Grand Master of the order Robert Lindsay Crawford as speaker. The Northern Constitution records it as a “large and enthusiastic meeting”.

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Forefathers’ Steps

However this early success was in the face of terrible and indeed deadly opposition. The establishment were left reeling from the electoral defeat of William Moore in North Antrim, and now used their legal, landed and business positions to crush the Independents.

Court cases were launched to turn the new lodges out of their own halls and to deprive them of even their banners and instruments. So ridiculous were the cases that one judge commented that the Old Order seemed intent in not only taking the instruments but the very music they played!

On the streets, at fairs, drumming matches and parades the two parties often clashed. Intimidation, boycott and attacks on persons and property were aimed to frighten men away from the Independent order.

spike used to secure railway sleepers. In other accounts a knife is mentioned.

James Brown died as a result of his wounds of a cerebral haemorrhage, the next morning. The attacker was apprehended by members of the lodge and was in court the next day.

In a series of trials in February, March and eventually the Summer Assizes the charge was dropped to manslaughter and defence council argued it was self-defence.

Allegations of jury and witness intimidation were heightened when after three hours the jury were unable to reach a verdict. When finally convicted he only received a five month sentence. This showed many Independents where the sympathy of the courts and police lay.

Such legal injustice was highlighted when the Independents laid the foundation stone a new two storey

The violence came to a head on the night of 6 February 1906 when an Independent Lodge meeting was in progress. James Brown the Station master of Armoy station on the Ballycastle Railway was the outside Ty l e r ( a m e m b e r t a s k e d w i t h guarding the door). He was assaulted

by Robert Devlin, a fish dealer and member of the Old Order Lodge, the minority which had not joined the Independents. Devlin tried to force his way into the meeting to obtain a membership certificate to take with him to America when he emigrated.

The threat of Home Rule, emigration and economic factors meant a resurgence of the Old Order and its new Ulster Unionist leadership. Land issues were resolved, and the Protestant community were pulled together to face the threats of Home Rule, then the Great War and finally the challenges of maintaining a new state in the face of Republican terrorism.

Independence was luxury working men could ill afford. The two Ballycastle Lodges and Armoy I.L.O.L. No. 23 folded before the First World War. Rural lodges and bands in the District have continued to be strong and have kept the Independent flag flying in this area of North Antrim.

Smaller families, and modernisation has led to a decline in rural

“We have lifted up the flag of Independence and it will never be furled while we live”.

Rev. D.D. Boyle hall at Carvacloughan on Easter Monday 1909. The message of MPs Glendinning and Sloan and the headline in the newspapers was “ A Tale of Local Boycott”.

populations and with them lodges.

Stranocum I.L.O.L. No. 32 came to an end in the 1995 followed by Carvacloughan I.L.O.L. No. 22 in the 2002.

The District has a proud history, and a clear view of its future. The events and Twelfth in Portrush is a testimony to this vision and values.

Despite these dangerous and difficult times the new Order grew and opened their new hall in November 1909. It was a test of the courage

In the attack he stabbed James in the head with what was described in court as a nail, perhaps the metal

and conviction of those early members that they persevered.

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June 1690

Bringing History to Life This year the ILOI took part in the Royal Landing Festival, where we paraded behind Garryduff Flute Band and behind King William himself, well a modern recreation of the famous King.

For many of us history brings back memories of school days and being examined on dates.

However as an Organisation we bring a much more enjoyable, educational and exciting approach to learning about out past.

of the Institution all had to be encapsulated in a logo.

The design which was chosen was based on the Royal Cypher used by King William himself. The interwoven W and

One exciting way we have done

M topped with a crown was in

this is our new branding. Looking

essence his logo, just as ER II is

forward to our 125th Anniversary

the Royal cypher of the present

our ‘Vision 2020+ Programme’

Queen Elizabeth II.

places communication and education at the heart of what the

This cypher was synonymous with

Institution does. Central to the

King William III and as an Institution

new strategy has been a

which bears his name and celebrates

rebranding exercise which marries

his memory the connection is most

the traditional and historical with

fitting. The letters ILOI have been

t h e f u t u re . T h e f a i t h b a s e d

interwoven into the cypher

foundations, rich heritage of

symbolising how much a part of the

Orangeism and the unique identity

fabric of Orangeism the ILOI really is.

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King’s Landing Walking in his footsteps The festival was a great way to see military history in a living sense, and to sample the sights of and sounds of this event.

In the first week of June 1 6 9 0 K i n g Wi l l i a m l e f t Kensington Palace, and eight days afterwards he sailed from Hoylake, near Liverpool, under the convoy o f s i x m e n o f w a r, commanded by Sir Cloudsley Shovel.

the Prince of Orange, when he came to Carrickfergus, however as a Quaker he could not uncover his head to any man or use a title, so before he came near to the Prince, he took off his hat and laid it on a stone by the way-side, and walked forward. When he met King William, he addressed him 'William, thou art welcome to this Kingdom.' ' I thank you, sir,' replied the King; who recognising his Quaker principles replied, ' You are, sir, the best bred gentleman I have ever met.’

Saturday June 14th, about 4 o'clock afternoon, King William landed at Carrickfergus from the Mary yacht, attended by Prince George of Denmark, the Duke of Ormond, the Earls of Oxford, Scarborough, and Manchester, the hon. Mr. Boyle. William Clarke, was appointed in 1690, to receive

after landing, King William set off in Duke Schomberg's carriage to Belfast.

The ILOI enjoyed a great day of parading, Ulster Scots music, food and family entertainment.

After what can only be described as a Royal walk around for half an hour

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Events

Killycoogan Ind, Accordian Band Parade

July

Portglenone commending at 8pm from Chesney Crescent, parading the village.

2018

15 - Vintage Day &.

Fun Day Annual vintage and fun day with BBQ at Tommy Fenton’s farm, Duneaney Road, Rasharkin- Sat. 15th September 11.30am----4.00pm FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

7 July

OCTOBER 2018

July 2018 County Grand Lodge of England Twelfth We would wish our English and Scottish brethren fraternal greetings and an enjoyable Twelfth as they organise their annual Boyne Thanksgiving Parade and Service Sunday July 8th.

Beaconsfield Community Centre at 11.30 for Parade. Thanksgiving service at 1.00pm Twelfth assembling at Beaconsfield Community Centre at 07.30am for parade departing at 7.45am to City Centre and onto coaches to travel to Southport. Assemble at Morningtown Road for Parade through Southport Centre to Pr i n c e s Pa r k . r e t u r n i n g a t approximately 4.00pm.

8th - Garryduff ILOL 15 Church Parade G a r r y d u f f Pr e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h 3.30pm, Brethren to assemble at Garryduff Independent Orange Hall at 2.45pm to parade to the Church, with return parade after.

28 -Reformation Sunday Annual Reformation Sunday Service Headquarters, Edward Street, Ballymoney at 3pm

SEPTEMBER 2018

6

1st July

Armistice Commemoration

Portglenone District Drumhead Service and Parade

Sat 10 November - Historic Bus Tour, with tree planting in Centenary Wood near Londonderry.

Tour of sites and Lunch Sunday 11 November Remembrance Sunda

The annual Drumhead Service will be at Portglenone Marina 3.30pm with parade from the Townhill Rd assembling at 2.45pm

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ROYAL WEDDING As an Institution we would like to publicly convey our best wishes to the new Royal Couple and thank them for their kind reply from the palace to our private correspondence wishing them well for their big day. It was a high point in the life of the nation in 2018.

Riada Credit Union Ltd 10, Edward Street, Ballymoney, Telephone 028 27667552 (manned during opening hours)

OPENING HOURS, EVERY FRIDAY 7.00PM—9.00PM.

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The content of this advert is the sole responsibility of Diane Dodds MEP. The European Parliament cannot be held responsible in any way.

Standing up for Northern Ireland Office Address: T: 028 9266 7733 Garvey Studios, E: diane@dianedodds.co.uk Longstone Street, facebook.com/DianeDoddsMEP Lisburn, Co. Antrim, @dianedoddsmep @dodds4business BT28 1TP

Non-attached Member of the E uropean Parliament

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Centenary Commemorations

The Institution Reflects Over the last six years the Institution has played a key role in commemorating the Centenaries of the Home Rule era and then the First World War. Bro. William Fenton represented the ILOI on the Unionist Centenary Committee and we had many great times at parades and events to mark these milestones.

Our Twelfth Festival such as Banntastic marked the Somme Centenary and from commemorative medals and jewels to exhibitions and talks we have taken time to reflect and to learn about the sacrifice made in previous generations.

In this year we commemorate the end of the War. Already a parade and tree planting ceremony has taken place. A festival of Remembrance is planned for September and finally on the eve of Armistice Day we will take part in a national commemoration planting our own tree in Northern Ireland’s Centenary Wood.

Ten Days Left Captain James Harte was a young Finvoy man, who joined Queens University Officer Training Corps and was commissioned into the West Riding Regiment. He saw action throughout the war but was tragically killed was killed in action, aged 26, on 1 November 1918, only ten days before the Armistice.

His is amongst the tragic stories of men some even killed after the eleventh hour whose deaths could have been prevented.

Captain Harte, was awarded the Military Cross for his heroic action at Bailleul on 13 April 1918. He was in command of a company of soldiers advancing behind the front line. As troops in the front line and on both sides of his company gave way, he and his men held position. The company inflicted heavy losses on the German lines, fighting courageously in close combat with rifles and Lewis guns. At nightfall, when the company withdrew, it was only the Captain’s gifted leadership which brought his men back, without being cut off by enemy forces. On withdrawing, Captain Harte carried a wounded officer from the forward positions, saving him from being captured.

It is for men like this we are justifiably proud not of war but of the ability of one man to show such courage. His grave is in Maing Cemetery France and is remembered on the war memorial at Queens.

A Poem of Remembrance A breeze stirs the wreaths of poppies Bugles sound the “last post” call Bagpipes play “Flowers of the Forest” Stand to attention one and all.

Remembering those who served their Country.

And many of their lives they gave.

Some rest in a foreign country.

Others in an unmarked grave.

Men and women have also fallen Even in our dear land While standing against the cowardly terrorists With the bullet and the bomb.

Now lets raise our standard heavenwards Against the cloudy springtime sky Hope and Glory is our motto For peace and liberty that’s our prayer.

The tree planting initiative was taken forward by Bro James McIlhatton the author of the poem who worked tirelessly to ensure the end of the war was marked by the Institution. In November our last event will be a historic bus tour and tree planting as part of a UK wide Woodland Trust Programme.

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Festival of Remembrance

COMMEMORATING THE END OF THE GREAT WAR 7.30PM, SATURDAY 29TH ST. PATRICKS CHURCH HALL, SEPTEMBER 2018 QUEEN STREET, BALLYMONEY Proceeds in

Featuring - Northern Ireland Military Wives Choir, Local

support of the

Marching Bands, Military Displays, and Parade of Standards.

Ballymoney Branch

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