Magherafelt set to turn Orange for Twelfth

Several thousand are expected to converge on the town for the demonstration which was last held in Magherafelt seven years ago.

Upwards of 60 bands and eight district – Castledawson, Garvagh, Kilrea, Ballyronan, Tamlaght O’Crilly, Moneymore, Tobermore and Magherafelt – will be on parade.

All districts will assemble on the Tobermore Road for 10.45am and parade via Rainey Street, The Diamond and Queen Street before proceeding to the demonstration field on the Moneymore Road.

The platform proceedings are due to get under way at 2pm and will be led by Londonderry County Grand Master, Hugh Stewart, who is also the District Master of the host district, Magherafelt LOL No 3.

Brethren will be welcomed by Bro James Evans, Deputy Master of Magherafelt District, followed by the call to worship by Bro William Brown, District Lay Chaplain, Magherafelt District.

Following the opening hymn, prayer will be followed by a scripture reading by Bro Walter Greer, Honorary Deputy Grand Master, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

A short address will be given by Bro Nigel Kane, District Chaplain, Castledawson LOL No 1, before Bro Stewart gives his address.

The Orange Order’s Director of Services, Dr David Hume, will be the guest speaker.

The resolutions will be proposed by Bro Adrian McQuillan, Worshipful Master of Garvagh LOL No 4, seconded by Bro David Johnston, Worshipful Master of Tobermore District LOL No 11.

A vote of thanks will be proposed by Bro Stephen Fleming, Secretary of Magherafelt District; seconded by Bro James Evans, Deputy Master of Magherafelt District.

Following the platform proceedings the lodges and bands will retrace their steps over the two mile route to the dispersal area on the Tobermore Road.

Keep up to date with Twelfth events in Mid Ulster at www.midulstermail.co.ukw