Noel Liggett proudly displays MBE after presentation from Princess Anne in recognition of community relations work on Ormeau Road
An Orangeman who was presented with his MBE in London today was pleased to be welcomed by a familiar face at St James’ Palace – in the form of a portrait of King William III, after whom the order is named.
Princess Anne presented his MBE to Noel Liggett for developing good relations on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast for over 30 years.
As District Master of Ballynafeigh LOL No 10, Noel led his fellow Orangemen through the combative parade disputes of the 1990s into a period of organisational outreach and cultural exchanges with the overwhelmingly nationalist community the lodge is now based in.
His MBE citation in the New Years Honours list noted he had “demonstrated outstanding determination, tenacity, and drive in promoting good relations and community cohesion in south Belfast for 30 years as district master of the Number 10 District Lodge”. Among his accomplishments were that "in 2018, he facilitated a cultural exchange between Ballynafeigh Orange Lodge and Bredagh GAA, believed to be the first of its kind, which was highly commended and seen as a model for peaceful co-existence in south Belfast".
Recounting his presentation to the News Letter, he was pleased as a baker to be informed that Queen Elizabeth II was a great fan of scones.
Princess Anne asked him what his employment background was.
"I told her that I am a baker by trade, and she replied that it is a dying trade and that her mother loved scones.
"Then she moved on to situation on the Ormeau road and asked what we were doing to try and build better relationships."
Before the ceremony arrived, Noel had a smile to himself when he was welcomed to the palace by a familiar face.
"There was big portrait of King William on the wall, which was very appropriate, so I had a wee smile to myself.”
Overall he was very pleased by the experience - and thrilled to bring family with him to enjoy the experience.
"I didn't think somebody from an orange background doing purely orange work would get this type of award," he said. "So it is very satisfying that the work that we've done on the Ormeau Road has been recognized."
The award has also brought positive reaction from the nationalist community.
"We had a special event in the Orange Hall to mark the achievement and invited Claire Hanna MP. So she came to the Orange Hall and was very well received.
"We also got some positive comments on the Irish News Facebook site about the award."
He says the community relations work continues, and that thankfully, the local Orangemen are still free to walk along 70% of the road each year.
"We are continugin to try and make better relations. An important part of what we do is actually working to ensure the wider ormo road recognizes that the Orange Order is an integral part of the community."
His lodge at Ballynafeigh Orange Hall has been located on the Ormeau Road for over 210 years.
However due to demographic changes, the road has become 80% nationalist.
In the 1990s it was caught up in wider protests against Orange Parades.
Part of their work has been inviting local groups into the lodge for a tour with questions and answer sessions.
Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Harold Henning, said: “The Orange Institution is delighted that Wor Bro Noel Liggett has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his many years of community service in South Belfast.
"Members of the Orange family are involved in a vast range of community activities, and I am always personally extremely proud to see our Brethren and Sisters formally recognised in this way.”