Drive-in service part of low-key Last Saturday as Grand Master thanks ‘all those who put shoulder to the wheel’ during Covid crisis

Tribute has been paid to all Sir Knights Province-wide who took part in a series of Covid-compliant Last Saturday events – including a drive-in religious service in Co Antrim.
Musicians play before a crowd of loyal order members at Nutts Corner on SaturdayMusicians play before a crowd of loyal order members at Nutts Corner on Saturday
Musicians play before a crowd of loyal order members at Nutts Corner on Saturday

Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson commended fellow Royal Black members for their conduct at the weekend, on a day which would normally see upwards of 17,000 of Sir Knights on the march, alongside bands.

Had there been no pandemic, they would have been on parade on Saturday at six locations: Ballyclare; Dromore, Co Down; Bangor; Raphoe, Co Donegal; Killylea, Co Armagh; and Castlederg.

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However, following the Loyal Order’s decision earlier this year to cancel all its summer processions, some preceptories instead marked the Last Saturday with an Act of Remembrance at their local cenotaph, adhering to the 15-person outdoor protocols and abiding by social distancing guidelines.

The religious drive-in service took place at Nutts Corner, and was organised by Antrim RBDC No 3.

Rev Anderson, who attended a breakfast event in Bangor Orange Hall, said: “Saturday was a sombre occasion for our Institution without our traditional Last Saturday demonstrations taking place.

“We dearly missed the opportunity to witness for the Reformed Christian Faith. However, it was important that we played our part to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, and that’s why all our summer demonstrations, including the Last Saturday, were cancelled.

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“On Saturday, some Sir Knights laid wreaths at war memorials, and it was important to remember the Fallen who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

“I thank all those Sir Knights who put their shoulder to the wheel to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic, and commend them for their observance of the regulations at recent wreath-laying events.

“I know they will continue to play a positive role in society, whatever the future holds with this virus, and hopefully we can return to holding our parades as normal next year.”

The Parades Commission records a couple of dozen band parades across the Province on Saturday – of a fairly small and localised nature.

The muted Last Saturday echoes the low-key Twelfth of July.

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Speaking to the News Letter at that time, Dessie Gray, the Worshipful Deputy Country Grand Master of Co Antrim, had said: “It’s been odd; a very strange, odd day. It’s been a real experience, put it like that. I hope never, ever, ever, to have to do this again.”

He pointed out that next year is expected to be a very big one for the loyal orders and their band supporters, as it marks the centenary of the foundation of the state.

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