Lavin stalwarts honoured by Lodge

TWO stalwarts of a local Orange Lodge have been honoured - one posthumously - by their colleagues for chalking up 60 years membership.

Deputy County Grand Master, Robin Mathews, was present at Lavin Orange Hall where McCartney's True Blues 913 paid tribute to Andrew and David Hanna

Bro. Andrew Hanna, whose son, David, is Worshipful Master, received his 60-year bar while Mrs. Gretta Hanna, wife of the late, David Hanna, was present to also receive the bar. Both recipients also received framed pictures of Carrickfergus where King William landed.

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The ceremony was conducted in front of the families of both Hanna brothers making it a night to remember for all.

Introducing the awards, Bro. David Hanna, the WM, said it was great to be a member of any organisation for 60 years, but especially of the Orange Order.

Bro. Robin Matthews agreed and said that if there were a couple of things he enjoyed it was initiating new members into the Order and handing over jewels.

Speaking to Bro. Andrew Hanna, Bro. Matthews said: "You must have seen a lot of changes in the Order down the years. I bring you congratulations not only from the County Grand Lodge of Antrim, but also of the Grand Lodge of Ireland."

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In response, Bro. Hanna thanked the Lodge for their gesture and described how much he enjoyed walking behind the Lodge every year.

He also thanked the band and bandmaster for leading them.

Another speaker, Bro. George Wright, spoke in glowing terms of the contribution made by the Hanna brothers and family members.

At the outset, Bro. Wright said it was a great occasion and said there was no better way to start life in the new hall by playing host to such a ceremony.

Bro. Wright said the Hanna brothers went back a long way in the Lodge.

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"You have heard of people with deep pockets and short arms, but this did not apply to Andrew and David. Whenever the hall needed finances, the cash was out," he said.

Bro. Wright said that when the Ladies Committee was formed at the hall, Mrs. Gretta Hanna, proved a stalwart helping out at all times.

Mrs. May Gage presented Mrs. Hanna and Andrew with gifts on behalf of the Ladies Committee.

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