Ballymena Twelfth: It's a first as People's Park hosts the '˜field'

For the first time ever, the magnificent ‘People’s Park’ played host to the Orangemen from the town and surrounding districts.

And with a wonderul lake, lots of ducks and a fantastic playground for the many children, the park proved a hugely popular choice for scores of families.

This year’s demonstration in Ballymena – the only town to hold its own parade every year – was hosted by St Patrick’s Church Temperance LOL 1123.

The lodge can trace its history back to 1923 with a warrant being issued on May 26 of that year in the name of Rev John Cullen.

Originally known as St Patrick’s Church Defenders, the lodge, like many others, championed the cause of the temperance movement.

For that reason it was renamed as a ‘Total Abstinence’ LOL and then as a Temperance Lodge in 1954.

It was a very proud day for Worshipful Master, Bro David McConaghie Snr who is also Master of Ballymena District LOL No. 8

Orangemen with bands and drumming parties assembled at Wakehurst Road at 12.30pm and proceeded through the town via Queens Street, Harryville Bridge, Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, Pentagon, Lower Mill Street, Ballymoney Street and Thomas Street to the People’s Park on the Doury Road.

As they approached Harryville Bridge, the lodges passed under an immense new double span arch which was erected this year at Salisbury Square.

Aside the usual Orange images normally associated with such displays, the new Harryville arch pays tribute to the fallen of the Somme – a battle which had a major impact on so many families in Ballymena and district.

That impact had been brought into sharp focus by the recent commemorations surrounding the 100th anniversary of the first day on the Somme.

And a perfect exampl e of the Somme link was on display with Ferniskey LOL from the Kells area.

They paraded with two new drums – both with Great War themes.

One shows Sir Henry Wilson, the Ulsterman who was at the heart of the war effort at Cabinet level.

The other shows Riflemen Frank Gamble, a humble soldier who fell on July 1. He was the great uncle of drummer Derek Lee who had the instrument painted in honour of his ancestor.

Frank Gamble was one of the first bayonet men into the German trenches during the assault by the 12th Royal Irish Rifles on July 1, 1916 and is mentioned in the unit’s war diary.

As always, there was a strong Scottish presence in Ballymena for the Twelfth and this year the Past Grand Master of Scotland, Magnus Bain, was guest speaker.

The religious service was conducted by Rev Ian McClean, a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Resolutions were read by County Grand Master Robin Matthews, District Secretary, Hubert Scullion and District Treasurer, Matthew Warwick. They were proposed by the Worshipful District Master, Bro David McConaghie.