Getting set for the 'Last Saturday' in Loughgall
Summerisland Royal Black District Chapter No. 6 are delighted to be hosting their 2023 'Last Saturday' Parade and Demonstration in the village of Loughgall, Co. Armagh.
Thomas Matchett, Summerisland District Registrar said, "Following the resurgence last year in Killylea of normal hosting following the pandemic, we are glad to renew our friendships with the neighbouring Districts of Aughnacloy RBDC No. 3, East Tyrone RBDC No. 5, Killyman RBDC No. 1, Primatial RBDC No 4 and visiting Preceptories from Fermanagh and the Republic of Ireland.
"This will encompass some 63 Preceptories and 61 Bands with some 4000 participants on parade.
"The main Parade will move off from the Assembly field on the Armagh side of the Village at 12 Noon, headed by the County Bannerettes of both County Tyrone and County Armagh and on to the Main Street of the Village, pausing at the War Memorial to lay a wreath on behalf of the Summerisland District. The Parade will then make its way through the village to the Main Demonstration field on the Old Road at the Portadown side of the village."
Platform proceedings will commence at 2.15 with the religious Service chaired by WDM Sir Knight Thomas J Hume and lead by the District Chaplain, M.W. Sir Knight Rev. William Anderson assisted by Sir Knight Rev. Cairin Salt and M.W. Sir Knight Rev. William Anderson delivering the address.
Before the religious Service, the Resolutions for this year will be read by Rt. Wor. Sir Knight David Livingstone, Imperial Grand Treasurer and County Grand Master – Co. Armagh Grand Black Chapter, Wor. Sir Knight Gordon Wakenshaw County Grand Lecturer, County Armagh Grand Black Chapter and Wor. District Master Primatial RBDC No 4 and Rt. Wor. Sir Knight Harold Erskine, County Grand Master – Co. Tyrone Grand Black Chapter.
The return parade will make its way from the main field, starting at 3.30pm and following the route in reverse through the village to the bus parking areas on the Armagh side of the village.
Mr Matchett said, "We wish all Sir Knights, Bands and spectators an enjoyable experience as we celebrate both the Royal Black Institution and demonstrate our Christian faith in these challenging times.
See next week's Ulster Gazette for full coverage from the parade.
Traffic Arrangement:
The Armagh traffic should proceed along the Portadown Road, Sandymount Road, Lissheffield Road to Red Lion Road/Old Road Official car parks.
Tandragee-Richhill traffic to proceed along Sandymount Road, Lissheffield Road to Red Lion Road/Old Road Official car parks.
Portadown traffic to proceed out the Loughgall Road to Red Lion Road/Old Road Official car parks.
Dungannon and Aughnacloy traffic to proceed down the M1 to Junction 13, Loughgall turn-off then Blackisland Road, Derrycrew Road to car parks on the Red Lion Road/Old Road Official car parks.
Roads within the Demonstration route will be closed to traffic at 10.00am and will reopen at 5.30pm for through traffic.