Twenty members of LOL 224 & LOL 242 travelled to Belfast to celebrate the twelfth this year. Brethren flew from Liverpool, Luton and a large contingent from Birmingham with members of Coventry and Corby lodges also on the same flight.
Accommodation was provided free of charge to the brethren of the two Birmingham Lodges, as we were the guests of LOL 1923 Shankill Heroes. This was a wonderful gesture, and outlines the close bound that exists between Orange Lodges.
On arrival we were all met by Brothers Tom and Dave, who had bought over two cars from England to provide transport for our brethren.
We stayed at a motel type facility, which stands in its own grounds, over-looking a lake, with views of the city in the distance. This accommodation was first class and the staff all made us feel very welcome.
The eleventh night in Ulster would not be the same without the traditional bonfires, which are a major feature of the landscape, as they are prepared for many weeks before. Our English brethren had never seen bonfires so big and so numerous. We all attended a bonfire on a large estate near the hotel, and as midnight arrived the sky was lit up as far as the eye could see with huge bonfires, and the celebrations continued into the wee small hours.
Next morning all our brethren were up early for a traditional Ulster breakfast in the hotel. Then, suitably attired we made our way the short distance to White Rock Orange Hall. Then, after a short meeting with the local brethren we walked with them to meet the main parade at the Orange Hall in the Shankill Road. On the way we passed a silent demonstration by the Nationalist community, but with “eyes front” and with not a comment from either them or us we passed by without incident.
On our arrival at the Shankill Road the real size and importance of the Ulster Twelfth celebrations was made clear. Thousands of well wishers line the streets to see the parades pass by. There’s a real carnival atmosphere, and you have not lived until you have witnessed the Twelfth in Belfast.
The bands are a major features of these parades and with Orange Lodge banners and flags, they make a wonderful spectacle for all to enjoy. It took us about three hours to walk to the park outside the city. Our hosts had laid on a super lunch for us, consisting of chicken, chips with sausages and finished off with apple pie and cream. All served in the Social Club in Lisburn. Well fortified we made our way in the coaches provided, back to the park, where we joined the parade back into Belfast city centre. It took us four hours to make the return journey, mainly because of the large crowds that had gathered in the city to enjoy the warm evening, with the splendid sight of Orangemen in their traditional dress and the music of Pipe and Drum bands.
Many of us carried umbrellas all day, but we were glad they were not needed. Finally, the long parade reached the final stage up the Shankill Road and on to the Deputy Masters house, where his wife had laid on a splendid buffet with drinks served in the garden. After saying our goodbyes some of the lads went back to the hotel, but some still had energy for a drink in the many pubs in Belfast. What a wonderful end to a wonderful day.
The next day we flew home with many happy memories and tales to tell of our visit to Ulster on the Glorious Twelfth.
Midlands
Provincial Grand
Chaplin
and the
Birmingham
brethren,
gather outside the
Whiterock Lodge
early on the morning
of the
Twelfth
Father and Sons
all in the
Orange Order.
A new
generation of
brethren
following on
from their father.
Russ with his cheeky
T-shirt at a huge Bonfire
near
our hotel
Our Brethren on the
Shankill Road at the
start of a long day
One
of the many excellent
bands on Parade