Orange Community Awards 2008

Brethren of LOL 781 accompanied by a Sister from Women's LOL 57 made the journey to Coleraine for the annual Orange Community Awards, "The Grand's" on Saturday 31st January 2009. The evening focused around the annual awards organized by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland to recognize achievements by both Orange Lodges and individual Brethren and Sisters from within the Institution. There were awards for :
Lodge Membership Percentage Increase Award won by Brunswick LOL 1702, Mourne District No. 6
Best Charity Fund Raising Lodge Award won by Banbridge Bible & Crown Defenders LOL 423 who raised a total of £8600 for local cancer charities.
The Individual Community Award won by James McClean of Carnlea Crimson Banner LOL 961, Co. Antrim, for over 40 years service to his lodge and his community.
Individual Merit Award won by Sister Joanne Honeyford a member of Coleraine Women's LOL 78 for her work with the Coleraine Festival Committee.
Orange Standard Award won by Bro. Rev. Dr. Cannon S.E. Long a member of Star of Down LOL 478, Belfast for his contribution to Orangeism, the Orange Standard, and the written word.
Grand Masters Achievement Award won by Bro. Wilfred Breen, Blacksessiagh LOL 226 for his dedicated service to the Institution and also for his literary skills in constantly putting forward the Unionist and Orange cause in the Media.
Best New Banner won by Spa LOL 620 whose banner depicts King William III on one side and a portrait of murdered Lodge Member Corporal David Brian Brown, QGM, a dog handler with the 3rd Co. Down Battalion UDR killed in May 1986 when searching for an IRA bomb in Kilkeel. The award was presented to Bro. Browns widow who was accompanied by members of LOL 620. The banner was painted by William Magowan who also painted 4 out the 5 nominated banners, including our own and who won Best Banner Painter Award. The other banner Cranny Heroes LOL 1015 was painted by John Jordan. While we were slightly disappointed not to win we thought the award for best banner was well deserved by LOL 620, their banner is a very beautiful and fitting tribute to a very brave Brother who died serving his country and trying to safeguard the lives of the whole community and will ever remind all who see it of the sacrifice made by Bro. Brown.

Congratulations to all those who were nominated for their endeavours and contributions to both the Orange and wider community.

The night also featured a lot of very good entertainment including Tamlaught O'Crilly Pipe Band, Blue Belles (Scottish Country Dancers ), Ballywillan Flute Band, Garvagh Men's Group, Victor Gregg and Ballarena Accordion Band. The night ended with prayer and the National Anthem.

Click Here For Photographs of the Orange Community Awards

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