Orangemen enjoy a colourful day of celebrations in Limavady

Over 5,000 people were estimated to have take part in the parade through Limavady, with twice that number lining the streets. It is four years since the Twelfth was held in the town, but this year the event had special significance, as Limavady No. 6 Brethren were celebrating their Bicentenary.

The guest speaker was Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, and the Deputy Grand Master, Rev Alistair Smyth, who is from the Limavady area, proposed the resolutions.

The demonstration field was at Roemill Road, where the religious address was given by Rev. John Noble, of Balteagh and Boveva Presbyterian Church.

The platform proceedings were chaired by the County Grand Master, George Duddy.

Colour

Adding to the ‘colour’ on the day were Ballykelly LOL 699 who had a new banner on parade.

Also celebrating were the members of Dungiven LOL 2036 whose Lodge is 50 years old this year and Dungiven Flute band, who celebrate their fifth anniversary this year, too.

Among those on parade were Jonathan Holmes, the District Secretary and Young Orangeman of the Year 2010; Sam Carmichael, of Dungiven LOL 2036, winner of the district Exceptional Service Medal, and Harold Glendinning and William Hamilton, both senior members of Ballynarrig LOL 650, who received Exceptional Service and Long Service District medals in 2010.

William Hamilton has been Treasurer of his Lodge from September 1942 and assisted in the building of Ballynarrig Orange Hall, while Harold Glendinning has been District Lecturer and heavily involved in the Junior Orange movement for many years, and helped found the Limavady District Junior Lodge.

The main parade in Limavady begins at mid-day and will be headed up by County officers, district officers and invited guests.