Hillsborough Orangeman remembered

Hillsborough man Cecil J Kilpatrick is to be remembered and a memorial lecture in Belfast later this month.

The Cecil J Kilpatrick memorial lecture will be an annual event in the calendar of the Museum of Orange Heritage and is in recognition of the late Orangeman, who passed away in 2013.

The Hillsborough man, an accomplished historian, was one of two voluntary archivists for Grand Lodge over many years. During that time he wrote many booklets and pamphlets on much of Orange history.

The inaugural lecture will be delivered by former Belfast man Sam Wilson.

Mr Wilson is the owner of the oldest artefact on display at the Museum of Orange Heritage, the 1675 Williamite damask linen tablecloth.

The eight-foot long tablecloth was produced to mark the successful siege of the walled city of Grave in the Low Countries, in which William of Orange was commander. In his talk, Mr Wilson will detail the history of the tablecloth as well as the story behind what is portrayed on it.

Museum Curator Dr Jonathan Mattison said: “This outstanding artefact has been a talking point for many visitors to the museum and we are delighted that Mr Wilson, a notable collector of Irish Damask Linen, will be delivering the lecture on it.

“We have no doubt he will bring this unique artefact to life through his exposition.”

The memorial lecture will take place on Monday 23 November, commencing at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in attending should pre-book by contacting 028 9070 1122 as seating is limited in the education room of the museum.