Annual Black Saturday demonstration

THE Members of the Royal Black Preceptories of the north west converged on Portrush this year for their annual Black Saturday demonstration.

The Sir Knights from Londonderry travelled by buses to Portrush.

Members of RBP143 and RBP237 formed up in Waterside and moved off at 8.30am, parading to the Memorial Hall to meet RBP113 at 9am and all Sir Knights paraded to May Street to the buses leaving at 10am.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Demonstration’ was held in Portrush this year, under the stewardship of Coleraine District No.1 .

Sir Knights from Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine, and South Londonderry and the associated bands took part, together with visitors from Donegal, Scotland and Fermanagh.

The parade started at 12pm in the seaside town and the bands and Preceptories were applauded and cheered on by a very large and appreciative crowd.

A religious service was held in the Demonstration field and the family atmosphere was greatly enhanced by the fact that shops, cafes and restaurants in Portrush remained open for business and welcomed all visitors, Sir Knights, band members and supporters. The result was a family day out to remember in Portrush, which was buzzing all day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The return parade took place at 3.30pm to the buses, and the hosts, Coleraine District No.1, are thanked for their meticulous arrangements .

Prior to departure for Portrush London-derry Preceptories held a parade in the City. Members of RBP237 and RBP143, as well as members from RBP94 and Crown Defenders Flute Band paraded from the Waterside to ABOD Memorial Hall to meet up with members of RBP113.

A number of members from the City Preceptories were not able to take part in this year’s celebrations, but were remembered in the thoughts and prayers of the Sir Knights on parade. In particular Sir Knight Ronnie White, of RBP 143, who has been battling with a long illness and who was unable to take part this year. It is the first time in over 30 years that he has been unable to parade with this Preceptory. They were led by Churchill Flute Band and Crown Defenders Flute Band.

On the return journey RBP113 and Churchill Flute Band paraded from Waterside to the Memorial Hall. The Sir Knights were delighted to have enjoyed a trouble-free day in Portrush and in Londonderry.

Related topics: