New banner for Benraw RBP 40

Benraw RBP40 pictured athe Unfurling & Dedication of the New Banner, included seated are from left Sr Kt Samuel Heenan DDM District No7, County Down Grand Master Sr Kt Trevor Hawthorne, Olesya Patterson who presented the gifts, Doreen Herron, Sovereign Grand Master Rt Worshipful Sr Kt Millar Farr, Nicole Maxwell who presented the scissors, Sr Kt John Herron and Sr Kt Harold Henning WDM Rathfriland District No7 © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1433-217EB

The Worshipful Master of Benraw RBP 40 Sir Knight Geoffrey Bradford welcomed all the Sir Knights, visiting bands and the general public to Benraw and called on the Worshipful District Master of Rathfriland No 7, Sir Knight Harold Henning to chair the proceedings.

The Rev Charles McCurdy opened with prayer and scripture reading. Four year old Nicole Maxwell presented the scissors to Sir Knight John Herron and wife Doreen, who had the honour of unfurling the lovely new banner.

They were then presented with a basket of flowers and a gift by Olesya Patterson.

Sr Kts Mark Herron and Geoffrey Stevenson ready the banner for its first outing © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1433-216EB

Sir Knight Ivor Walsh, Registrar of Rathfriland District No 7 made the collection appeal.

The Benraw preceptory was delighted to have Right Worshipful Sovereign Grand Master Sir Knight Millar Farr who congratulated RBP 40 on unfurling this lovely new banner and wished the Benraw preceptory every success in the future.

Other speakers were County Grand Master Sir Knight Trevor Hawthorne, County Grand Registrar Sir Knight Trevor McBurney and Sir Knight Samuel Heenan.

Deputy District Master Rathfriland No 7 Sir Knight Pastor Roy Graham, District Chaplain dedicated the new banner and Sir Knight Eddie Patterson, Treasurer of RBP 40, gave a vote of thanks to all who helped to make the evening a success. This was seconded by Sir Knight Jonathan Maxwell, Deputy Master RBP 40. The platform proceedings were brought to a close with the National Anthem, lead by Legananny Accordion Band. Benraw Pipe Band headed the parade, along with Crimon Arrow Pipe Band Newcastle and Star of Maghera Flute Band.