Special 150thLast Saturday hailed

Alderman Mary Hamilton expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in making the Royal Black Preceptory demonstration in Newtownstewart a success during the County Tyrone RBP 150th anniversary celebrations.
Mandatory Credit:  Rowland White/PressEye Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade Venue: Newtownstewart Date: 29th August 2015 Caption: Through the Main Street of NewtownstewartMandatory Credit:  Rowland White/PressEye Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade Venue: Newtownstewart Date: 29th August 2015 Caption: Through the Main Street of Newtownstewart
Mandatory Credit: Rowland White/PressEye Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade Venue: Newtownstewart Date: 29th August 2015 Caption: Through the Main Street of Newtownstewart

She also thanked the officers of the Omagh district of RBP and also the Strabane and Castlederg RBPs for all their organisation.

The UUP Alderman praised the marshals, the PSNI, the emergency services and the caterers.

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“It was a wonderful site to look down the street and see all the banners fluttering in the breeze, members of the bands present and all the Sir Knights from over 90 Preceptories so beautifully turned out and parading with dignity and not forgetting the support of family members and the general public who lined the streets to enjoy the parade and meet and greet the friends they see on these occasions,” she said.

Mandatory Credit:  Rowland White/PressEye
Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade
Venue: Newtownstewart
Date: 29th August 2015
Caption: Leading the wayMandatory Credit:  Rowland White/PressEye
Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade
Venue: Newtownstewart
Date: 29th August 2015
Caption: Leading the way
Mandatory Credit: Rowland White/PressEye Royal Black 'Last Saturday' Parade Venue: Newtownstewart Date: 29th August 2015 Caption: Leading the way

“An extra special mention for all the children in the bands including the drum majors, some as young as three years old. They were so dedicated and we must encourage them as they are the people of the future,” she added.

Alderman Hamilton said it was a great end to a week of celebrations.

Over 1,000 Sir Knights attended two church services in Dungannon during the course of the week.

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“Long may the members increase and go forward as a tribute to our ancestors who had the foresight to form the organisation,” she said.

“I have attedned the RBP parades with my husband, Ernest, who has been a member for over 50 years. My father and uncle, the late William and Robert Throne, were also staunch members for many years. In conclusion, I might add that the weather was most favourable and helped to make it a day to remember,” she concluded.