Ballymoney Twelfth Festival

We are looking forward to the Twelfth Festival in Ballymoney in the run up to the twelfth of July, so come join us for a range of events. From history to culture, parades to parties the week has it all. beginning on Monday with a historical bus tour and ending with the big day itself!

Faith will be at the heart of all we do and this year to mark the Institutions association with St Jame’s Presbyterian church we will be having a Twelfth morning service there.

We will keep you posted on the events as they happen.

Imperial Grand Lodge Church Service

To mark this connection on Monday 13^th July there will be an Imperial Grand Lodge Church Service  in Boyle’s old church – St James’s Presbyterian Church at 11.00am followed by annual  Demonstration in Megaw Park, parade to leave Park at 1.00pm for parade of Town followed by platform proceedings, Chair to be taken at 2.30pm. Return Parade will leave Park at approximately 4.15pm for parade Coleraine Road, High St and Main St terminating at Seymour Street.

National Trust; (c) Chirk Castle; Supplied by The Public Catalogue Foundation

Twelfth 2015

As the Twelfth approaches we are preparing for our Big day, as we mark the annual Boyne celebrations in style.

Like all lodges across the country these weeks are a busy time for us. The Twelfth and all that people see that day does not simply happen, it takes time and money and dedication to bring it all together. As a drumming lodge we have to spend time preparing or ‘pulling’ the drums to ensure there are tight and just right for the big day. Even after weeks of preparation if the rain comes it will all be for nothing, but at least we know they would have sounded well !

The hall itself gets a facelift in time for the big day and the hedges cut and yard tidied, its times like this we envy our brethren in the towns! For smaller lodges the same work has to be done only with less hands and we would appeal for volunteers and helpers to come join us as this is a time for community and cooperation.

This year we will have our Twelfth in Ballymoney and if you would like to join us either visiting brethren from the mainland to walk or families and friends to spectate then drop us a message on here and we will provide details.  It promises to be a great day for all and a warm welcome awaits in Ballymoney the home of the Independents.

The week running up to the Twelfth promises to be a fun time for all the family with the Twelfth Festival planned by Ballymoney District. There will be a full programme from historical bus tours to an Ulster Scots Ceidilh featuring local artists, poets and much more, in the ILOL Hall Edward St.  Ballymoney.

As a lodge we will be meeting at the Hall then proceeding to Ballymoney for a church service before the main Twelfth Parade.

The Demonstration and Platform Party will be in Megaw Park followed by a return Parade of the town.

So why not plan to join us bring your family and friends and make this your big day too!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Officers and Members of McNeillstown ILOL No 46 would like to wish all our friends and supporters a Happy New Year and we send fraternal greetings to all our brethren across the globe.

We look forward to a year of events and aetwvties and ask that if you are a member make it your New Years Resolution to play your part in our growth and sucess. If not then why not come and join us in 2015.

As a lodge our resolutions Include doubting membership and completing the renovation of our Hall.

Portglenone District Lodge Meeting 2014

Our lodge will host a District meeting for the first time sine the Portglenone District ILOL No 4 Election & Installation of 26th september 2013
We are looking forward another evening of fellowship and planning for the incoming year. The following is a report of the ladt meeting.
Portglenone District ILOL No 4 held their Election & Installation in McNeilstown Independent Orange Hall on Thursday 26th September 2013. The WDM Wor Bro Uel Boal welcomed all to the meeting. The Election was carried out by The IGM Rt Wor Bro Alan McLean and the Installation by Wor Bro Frank McClure PDM ILOL No 3. The five main officers re-elected were WDM Bro Uel Boal, DDM Bro Jim Lamont, Chaplin Bro James McIlhatton, Treasurer Bro Robert Lamont and Sec Bro William Gordan Jr. Normal business was conducted and the meeting closed after which all received supper.

Lodge History Project

We have recently commissioned a lodge history to trace our past from 1823. Many men have been a part of the McNeillstown story and we would like to hear from members and their families past and present and especially old photographs or newspaper articles.

Indeed any items of historical significance would be welcome. We can either copy and return or curate them on a temporary or permanent basis.