Mitchelburne Day 2012

In 2013, in tandem with the flurry of anticipated UK City of Culture related activity, the 400th anniversary of that famous James I Charter that granted this settlement its well deserved official title and its abiding importance, will be celebrated by the Boys-and many others-with much gusto.

In 2014 the tercentenary of the formation of the Apprentice Boys commemorative association by Colonel Mitchelburne-A Siege Governor-will also be awarded appropriate recognition. It is hoped that the ambitious redevelopment schemes currently well into the pipeline at the Memorial Hall will have achieved completion for this milestone in the city’s history.

Mitchelburne Day 2012, therefore, commands a crucial role as a form of introductions for all of the above and a representative attendance is required. An anniversary of more immediate note co-incides conveniently with Mitchelburne Day-Lord Carson as part of his pre-Covenant signing campaign, visited Londonderry on September 2, 1912, where he received a warm reception at the Guildhall, the Memorial Hall and the Northern Counties Club. Hundreds of Apprentice Boys and Orangemen, under the direction of Unionist Club, escorted him on his tour of the walled city, led by the Britannia Brass and Reed Band. Much of Lord Carson’s tour of 1912 will be observed by the Mitchelburne Club and Friends of 2012.

The Mitchelburne Club along with the Murray Club will pay homage to the Siege heroes Mitchelburne and Murray, at the old Glendermott Churchyard prior to the main proceedings which commence at Rossdowney at 11am sharp. The 21st anniversary of the murder by the IRA of Mitchelburne Club members, Cecil McKnight and Gary Lynch will also be observed in traditional form en route through the city to the Memorial Hall.