New branch club

A DELEGATION of Canadians were in Londonderry at the weekend to formally receive their Charter from the Apprentice Boys of Derry officially marking the formation of a new branch club.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Aug 2012, 06:00 BST

Tradition dictates that all new, fully affiliated Apprentice Boys and all Charters can only be conferred within the City Walls, and in keeping with that the Canadian contingent make the long journey from Brampton, near Ontario, to receive the Charter from the officers of the Campsie Parent Club, to whom they are now affiliated.

Blessed with a warm sunny day for the parade, the Canadians headed a parade that saw 15,000 Apprentice Boys stage a clourful display inside the ancient City Walls.

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“All Apprentice Boys have to be inaugurated within the City Walls,” said Robert Mitchell, Secretary of the Campsie Parent Club, adding:” and the Bramptom Branch Club has been going for four or five years and received their Charter today [Friday]. To receive the Charter a branch club must have at least 13 Derry-made members, which means they must have 13 members who have been inaugurated within the City Walls. A branch club can have as many unrolled members as they like, but unrolled members cannot hold office.”

He said 10 out of the 13 Canadian members had made the journey and had been afforded pride of place at the head of the Annual Apprentice Boys parade around the city, which took place on Saturday.

“The bestowing of the Charter is an emotional thing for any Branch Club, and they appreciate the significance of the occasion,” aid Robet, adding: “We now have three or four branch clubs in Canada.”