The Twelfth: Not suited and booted as usual, but still a day of celebration

An Orangeman of more than 30 years nearly forget himself this morning and was ready to don his suit for his annual Twelfth parade.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 13th Jul 2020, 17:33 BST
Updated 14th Jul 2020, 10:08 BST
Orangeman Randy Davidson, who is isolating at home, poses with a sticker in his window to celebrate the 12th of JulyOrangeman Randy Davidson, who is isolating at home, poses with a sticker in his window to celebrate the 12th of July
Orangeman Randy Davidson, who is isolating at home, poses with a sticker in his window to celebrate the 12th of July

Coming back down to earth with a bump, Paul Perryman instead had come to watch Gertrude Star’s parade on the Newtownards Road and would be watching another parade around the Sydenham area in the afternoon.

Paul, who has been with Ballymacarrett Apprentice Boys Temperance LOL 398 for 34 years, said: “This is the first year I haven’t been able to parade. I’m just out to watch the bands this year.

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“It’s annoying, I’m gutted, but I can understand why the Grand Lodge has made the decision. I do fully support them on it. They had no other choice.

Children take part in a street party in Beechfield Street in BelfastChildren take part in a street party in Beechfield Street in Belfast
Children take part in a street party in Beechfield Street in Belfast

“At least you’ve got the bands coming along. We are celebrating somehow, it’s just a pity it’s not our traditional parades.”

The Sydenham man added: “I got up this morning because I knew what the day was. I had my suit hung up ready to go and then I said, ‘hang on, there’s no parade today’. It knocked me back a bit.

“I look forward to it every year, I must say it’s a long parade though, from Templemore Avenue into the city centre then up to Barnett’s Demesne.”

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Not all Orangemen were in casual clothing today as some small-scale memorial services took place.

Nathan Warnock Titmus stayed at home for the TwelfthNathan Warnock Titmus stayed at home for the Twelfth
Nathan Warnock Titmus stayed at home for the Twelfth

Over on the Woodstock Road in east Belfast Orangemen of the Members of Defenders of the Realm UDR LOL 701 took part in a service of remembrance while other socially distanced services took place on the Shankill Road and at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph.

Street parties were held in a number of locations across the city including Clara Street off the Castlerereagh Road where a bouncy castle had been hired for the children.

For many though, this year’s Twelfth was spent at home.

Nathan Warnock Titmus, 23, would normally be out and about for the Twelfth, but as he is shielding he had to be content with watching from his front door on Templemore Avenue.

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These Lego-style Orangemen were on display in a Belfast front windowThese Lego-style Orangemen were on display in a Belfast front window
These Lego-style Orangemen were on display in a Belfast front window

His mum Jacqueline Warnock said: “Nathan has a rare syndrome so we have to stay in and watch the parade from our doorstep.

“This is his favourite time of the year. We would usually go to Bridge End to watch them and then up the Lisburn Road to watch the whole parade, then go out at night and watch them come back in.

“We’re lucky enough that one of the parades will be coming past our door.

“It’s sad for all the ones who would usually be out following the parades, but what can you do. You have to be on the safe side, you have to follow the rules.”

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Margaret Cooke had come out to watch some of the Belfast parades, proud at her recent purchase of a set of Lego-style Orangemen.

As the Orangemen could not be there in person she’d brought along her miniature versions.

Margaret, who follows parades the world over, said she’d been to Orange parades in Liverpool and Glasgow as well as carnival parades in Venice and Notting Hill.

“It’s in my blood,” she said. “My dad was in the Orange, Black and Apprentice Boys. I did part of my university degree on parades.”

The Belfast woman added: “Today is very different than what we’re used to but at least there’s some kind of spectacle.”