Only a few more sleeps to the Glorious Twelfth

This time of year as many like myself look forward to the battle of the Boyne celebrations, being held on Monday 13th of July in 2026, getting a good night’s sleep becomes more and more difficult.  The anticipation of one of the greatest festivals of religion, culture, music and history to be found anywhere in the world as part of the yearly celebrations of King Williams’s victory at the battle of the Boyne on the 1st of July, 1690 old calendar.  After all what is not to celebrate about such an historic event, that changed European and world history for the better. 

The freedoms and liberties won for us all in the Glorious Revolution remain so important.  It doesn’t matter if you are a member of the Orange Institution or not, King Williams’s victory at the Boyne water 336 years later still matters and deserves to be celebrated each year.

I am a proud Orangeman, I joined my private Lodge Kirlish “Chosen Few” LOL 380 that meets on Kirlish hill above Drumquin in County Tyrone in 1990, the tercentenary year of the battle of the Boyne. Over the last 36 years I have held a number of offices in the Lodge including being the past Secretary.  I currently am the Worshipful Master.

I have always enjoyed the Twelfth of July celebrations, first as a young spectator and later from the age of 21 as a participant.  The pageantry and marching bands always make the day special.

I have never regretted joining the Orange Order and can highly recommend it.  It’s great to watch the Orange parades but event better to take part in them.  But the institution is not just about parading, it has become a key part in my life, meeting many good friends, its Gospel outreach with the reformed faith at its centre and charitable fundraising.  As is our wonderful history and culture and all in remembrance of King William the III.

This year in particular despite the hard work in helping the district Lodge, the local Brethren and Sisters are looking forward to the Twelfth of July celebrations as they are to take place in our local town of Castlederg, the most westerly Twelfth to be held in Northern Ireland in 2026.  Hosed by Killen District Orange Lodge No.12 the District Lodge only hosts the Twelfth once every six years and that will add even more to the day.

The 336th anniversary of the battle of the Boyne celebrations will also be a special day for Kirlish “Chosen Few” LOL 380 as County Tyrone Lodge of the year 2026 and in the history of the Lodge having been formed in late 1795 it will for the 230th time mark the battle of the Boyne.  Kirlish “Chosen Few” LOL 380 will once again be led by Kirlish Pipe Band formed in 1921 and which recently dedicated new drums and so celebrates its 105th anniversary in 2026.

With the forecast of warm sunny weather, I want to personally wish everyone a wonderful, peaceful and memorable glorious Twelfth.

Stevan Patterson, Castlederg, County Tyrone.