Busy week for local Blackmen

The Lower Iveagh Royal Black District Chapter held its annual District Service in First Dromore Presbyterian Church.

Led by district officers and Aughnaskeagh Silver Band, with many visiting Sir-Knights taking part, the parade left Dromore Orange Hall to make its way to the church, where Right Worshipful Sir-Knight, the Rev Nigel Reid, was the special preacher.

Also joining local Sir Knights were Worshipful Sir-Knight Trevor Hawthorne, other county officers, district officers from Ballynahinch, Castlewellan and Largymore and Waringsford Pipe Band.

Worshipful District Master, Sir Knight Mervyn McKinley, welcomed everyone, thanking the Rev Keith Duddy and Session of the Church, for allowing the district to hold its service; the organist and church choir, for leading the praise; the Rev. Reid; the two participating bands; Imperial, County and District Officers, for their attendance; also visiting Sir Knights and the police, for traffic control.

The special offering – of £346 - was in aid of Newry Hospice.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded the service and the parade returned to Dromore Orange Hall.

Later in the week the Lower Iveagh Royal Black District Chapter hosted an Alzheimers Information Night in Dromore Orange Hall.

Worshipful District Master, Sir Knight Mervyn Mckinley, again welcomed everyone, especially Mrs Carole Murray from the Alzheimers Society, who gave a short talk on how dementia stars to effect people and how it can start at any age.

Mrs Murray answered a number of relevant questions and offered advice, while information leaflets were handed out to those attending.

Tea was later served and a collection – to the value of £101 - was taken to be forwarded to the Royal Black Institution central fund, the Alzheimers Society being this year’s chosen RBI charity.

District Registrar Colin Cunningham thanked all those members of the public who attended the event.