Pond Park Lodge begins centenary celebrations

It marks the beginning of a busy year for the Lisburn lodge.

The Deputy District Master of Lisburn District LOL No 6, Bro Clark Hanna, conducted the installation ceremony. Congratulating the members on this important milestone in their history, he said: “It is an honour and privilege to be a part of your centenary celebrations, in what is a proud year for the Lodge. I along with the other District Officers, look forward to having Pond Park lead the District this year at the Twelfth demonstration.”

The Officers for 2012 are Bros Colin Prentice (Worshipful Master), Jim Prentice (Deputy Master), Nigel Prentice (Secretary), Stanley Gamble Snr (Treasurer) and Victor Ringland (Chaplain).

The Lodge is known locally as ‘The Drumming Lodge’ because of its association with the Lambeg drum. Since its formation in 1912, numerous Lambeg drums and members have been heavily involved in the Ulster drumming scene having entered and won competitions annually at various events.

One of its most renowned drummers is Bro Frankie Orr, whose sons Thomas and Robert are also gifted drummers and members of the Lodge. The Wilson, Prentice and Gamble families are also active in promoting this part of Ulster culture.

The Lodge runs an annual drumming competition which sees entrants coming from all over Northern Ireland. As well as their involvement in competitions, the Lodge members also carry and play their Lambeg drums at the local Twelfth demonstrations each year, providing traditional entertainment for the watching spectators.

Many members of the Lodge have served in the Police and Armed Forces down through the years. One of its members has just returned from active service in Afghanistan.

The Lodge has also produced leaders for the church with the Rev Bro Stanley Gamble serving as an ordained minister in the Church of Ireland and Bro Craig Dowling working as a Church Army Officer in the Diocese of Southwark, London.

Past Masters include Bros Stanley Gamble snr, Victor Ringland, Jim Wilson, Rodney Herron, Nigel Prentice, Freddie Prentice and Christopher Prentice.

Prior to closing the meeting, the Rev Bro Stanley Gamble announced that he will be compiling a brief history of the Lodge to further mark this important milestone.