New Orange Hall opened

Thousands of Orangemen from counties Down and Armagh took part in a parade to mark the opening of the 90,000 hall on the Stramore Road.

Orangemen from the seven lodges of the Gilford district were joined by visiting lodges from Banbridge, Comber, Portadown and others. Ten bands took part in the parade, and the fine weather and large crowds gave it a ‘Twelfth’ atmosphere.

After the parade ended the hall was then opened by the Grand Master of Ireland, the Reverend Martin Smyth.

Harold McCusker, MP for Upper Bann, in congratulating the Gilford lodge members, appealed for a generous response to the building collection.

A substantial sum was raised at the function, and a large proportion of the cost of building the hall had been met.

Official Unionist leader Jim Molyneaux praised the lodge, saying the Loyal Orders were thriving and there had been a significant increase in membership.

A parade then took place from the Orange Hall through the village to the Finger Post Corner, and then back to the hall where tea was provided.