Newbuildings Victoria LOL 1087 host Battle of the Somme Commemoration - Thursday 2nd July 2009

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Newbuildings Victoria Loyal Orange Lodge No.1087 would like to thank The Deputy Grand Master of Ireland, The City Grand Master and The Officers of the City Of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, The City Of Londonderry; Royal Arch Purple Chapter, Officers and Brethren of Strabane District, District Officers from Royal Black Proceptory, Brethren, Ladies, Junior Boys and Girls from Lodges within The 5 District Lodges in Londonderry and visitors that attended our Annual Battle Of the Somme Parade and Service that was held in Newbuildings Village on Thursday 2nd July 2009. 5 bands took part in the parade lead by East Bank Protestant Boys Flute Band, other bands that took part were Barron Acc Band, Churchill Flute Band, The Pride Of The William Flute Band and Pride Of The Orange And Blue Flute Band. During the parade a street collection took place in aid of Bro Richard Kincaid’s Appeal on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, the total collected was £303.50; we thank all will contributed towards the collection.

Thanks to The Marshal's from The Orange Order and Apprentice Boys of Derry. Also the PSNI for traffic control.

The service in Newbuildings Community Centre was conducted by Wor Bro Rev Mervyn Lindsay and Wor Bro Jonathan Campbell; to which are most grateful for there assistances.

In conjunction with Newbuildings Culture Association, The William King Memorial Flute Band played a selection of music before and after the service, this concluded a day of events held in Newbuildings Community Centre which included workshops for the young people of Newbuildings when The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland give talks on The Williamite Trail, What Is The Orange Order? and why The Orange Order commenerate the Battle Of The Somme.

Entertainment was provided for children Bouncy Castle, Face Painting and Balloon Modelling, during the the service.

Photos from the evening can be viewed by clicking here.