Lodge Life: Nominations open for annual Orange awards

Nominations are now open for this year's Orange Community Awards '“ due to be held in Lisburn later this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jan 2017, 07:00 BST
Ballymena United manager, and Orangeman, David Jeffrey was the recipient of the Grand Master's Award at last year's ceremony. The 2017 event is due to return to Lisburn in MarchBallymena United manager, and Orangeman, David Jeffrey was the recipient of the Grand Master's Award at last year's ceremony. The 2017 event is due to return to Lisburn in March
Ballymena United manager, and Orangeman, David Jeffrey was the recipient of the Grand Master's Award at last year's ceremony. The 2017 event is due to return to Lisburn in March

The annual ceremony showcases the extensive community work undertaken by members of the Institution, recognising and rewarding excellence within the Loyal Order, as well as acknowledging the achievements of those in the marching bands’ fraternity.

The showpiece event will take place at the city’s Island Arts Centre on Friday March 31.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prizes due to be presented on the night will include those of Best New Banner; Individual and Lodge Community Involvement; Youth Development; Individual Musician’s Award and Band of the Year; as well as a Sporting Achievement Award.

As is tradition, senior Orangeman Edward Stevenson will also personally confer the special Grand Master’s Award. Last year’s recipient was current Ballymena United manager, and member, David Jeffrey, who was recognised for his exemplary service to local football. Recent winners have included local entrepreneur William Wright, Olympic rower Alan Campbell and BBC journalist Walter Love.

Iain Carlisle, chief executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, said: “The Community Awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight and reflect upon the outstanding commitment which many members of the Institution give to their lodges and communities, and over the years hundreds have been recognised.

“The aim of the awards is to recognise and reward excellence, and we are delighted to be returning to Lisburn for what promises to be another memorable evening, as we once again acclaim individuals and lodges for their sterling, and often publicly unseen, work and activities throughout the year.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “With the deadline for nominations in early March, we would encourage all members and lodges to get involved in this wonderful annual event.”

A full programme of entertainment is currently being finalised for the awards ceremony, now in its 13th year.

Ticket information for the event will be made available at a later date.

Application forms for the various categories are currently available for download via the Grand Lodge website at www.grandorangelodge.co.uk.

Alternatively, they can be requested by emailing [email protected] or by telephone on 028 9070 1122.

The closing date for receipt of completed nominations is Friday March 10.

Related topics:NominationsLisburn