Magnificent seven reach remarkable milestones

SEVEN members of Cloughmills Loyal Orange Lodge have received special recognition for clocking up a remarkable 370 years' service between them.

Six members were awarded for 50 years loyal service and another - the evergreen George Frew - for an outstanding 70 years at Cloughmills LOL 715's annual installation.

Those who passed the five decade milestone were Bertie, Gordon and John Frew, John Dornan, Jack Alexander and WJ Kirkpatrick.

The special presentations were made by County Grand Master Joe Gaston in front of a packed hall of fellow lodge members and visitors from other lodges.

It was also a special night for Ian Getty who was appointed Worshipful Master.

"To have six members with 50 years and one with 70 is quite an achievement," said Ian.

"We are all very, very proud. It was very special for myself too as it was my first night as Worshipful Master.

"It is a huge honour for all seven men."

Each of the six men were presented with jewels.

As specific jewels are not made for 70 years' service, George was presented with a beautiful engraved clock.

George has been a member of the lodge since before the Second World War and his father was a founding member of Cloughmills Royal Black Preceptory.

Hugely-respected George's father William was a driving forced behind the RBP which also meets at Rosedernot Orange Hall and William was the lodge's first Worshipful Master.

George still remembers the two lecturers when he joined the lodge back in 1938 - Tommy Mitchell and Robert Rock.

Two other local men - Bobby Eaton and George Murdoch, both sadly now deceased - joined along with George.

Cloughmills RBP 214 celebrate their centenary this year.