Thousands attend Twelfth in Crossgar

Thousands attend Twelfth in Crossgar

17 July 2019

THOUSANDS of Orangemen, bandsmen and their families travelled to Crossgar for last Friday’s Twelfth of July demonstration when two local politicians were praised for their work in the community.

Brethren from host district Lecale were joined by others from Castlewellan, Saintfield, Comber and Ballynahinch and sisters from the Women’s Loyal Orange Lodges and supporting bands for the annual Battle of the Boyne commemoration.

During his address at the demonstration field, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, the Rev Dr Stanley Gamble, highlighted the efforts of Rowallane SDLP councillor Terry Andrews and his DUP colleague Billy Walker.

Cllr Andrews, who is Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s vice-chairman, attended the parade as a spectator and was delighted to catch up with the Dr Gamble.

During his address, the principal speaker asked Orangemen and women to be “active” in their respective communities. He said as Christians, people are called to be salt and light in their local communities.

And, referring to the Sermon on the Mount, Dr Gamble recalled Jesus saying: ‘You are the light of the world. Let your light shine. You are the salt of the earth. Be salty.’

He continued: “Being salt and light in our communities means making a difference and, as individuals, we can do this as we use our gifts and abilities to be a blessing to those around us.

“Two individuals who have excelled at this are local councillors Terry Andrews and Billy Walker who have worked together to make a difference in our community, helping to move us in a better direction,” he said.

Last Friday was the first time in 16 years that Crossgar hosted the annual mid Down twelfth demonstration, with the village’s own Cumberland True Blue Orange Lodge No 358 leading the possession through the heart of the village.

The local Orangemen were accompanied by Crossgar Young Defenders Flute Band from the assembly field on the Downpatrick Road, along the 1.5mile route through the village to the demonstration field at the Killyleagh Road.

The parade coincided with a number of significant milestones in the history of local Orangeism, with Cumberland True Blues Lodge marking its 170th anniversary, as well as the 150th anniversary of the building of the village’s Orange Hall.

Among the other 60 Lodges and 38 bands taking part were Inch LOL No 430 whose banner was recently named ‘Banner of the Year’ at the annual Orange awards.

Local band members from Hollymount Pipe Band on parade are celebrating the centenary of their formation in 1919 and Spa Accordion Band members were resplendent in new uniforms.

And on a day of anniversaries, Ballygowan LOL No 1207 and Comber Old Standard LOL No 567 celebrated their 200th anniversaries.