The Murray Parent Club has been using Zoom to hold Officer meetings while we are unable to meet physically in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. As a Parent Club we decided to host a Murray Clubs’ meeting for Presidents and Secretaries to reach out to all our Clubs.
Our first Clubs’ Meeting via Zoom was very successful, with 16 taking part in total – a good number for a first outing. Good too to representatives from Clubs in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England. Our newest Club, in Australia, joined us with a late night link up – where our 1pm meeting, Londonderry time, was 10pm in Sydney.
It was hugely encouraging that whether on Zoom or WhatsApp or Facebook or just phoning around, Clubs are keeping in touch with their members. Also proud that Clubs are helping and supporting the most vulnerable in their Clubs, and in the wider community where Murray Clubs have been collaborating with other Orders and community groups to ensure essential supplies are delivered to where need is greatest.
Looking forward, this won’t be the last time our Clubs meet in a virtual room.
This has been in the ‘planning‘ phase for too long.
We hope that over time the website provides a valuable service; where our Members will be able to visit and see what is happening across our Murray Clubs, and where those who are not members might learn more about our Club and the historic Association of which we are part.
We have some catching up on news from last year, which gets us started.
We launch at a time of great worry for everyone. Looking forward to many good years ahead, once we are all able to get out and about once again. #StaySafeStayHomeSaveLives for as long as necessary.
Ballywillan celebrated its 70 Year Anniversary in December 2019, with a special presentation to Bro. Gerold Dorrans, a Founding and still active Member of Ballywillan Murray.
Also presented that evening, a 40 Year Service Jewel to Ballywillan Club Secretary, Marshall Goligher.
At its annual Installation of Officers in December 2019, Aghadowey Murray recognised enormous contribution to the life of the Club by three of its long-standing Members. A 50 Year Service Jewel was presented to each of three long-standing Members: Ivor McPherson, James Cunningham, and William Knox.
Held in the Harbour Inn, Annalong, mid-October 2019, the 85th Anniversary Dinner provided the opportunity to recognise milestones of Service to the Murray Club and Association. Those reaching 70 Years’ Service were Amos Cromwell (missing from photos) and John Spiers.
Others were presented 50 Year Service Jewels; Wallace Shaw, William Magill, Rowland Wilson, David McCready. Three further 50 Year men were unable to attend on the evening; Joe McCready, Wilson Martin and Davie Morton.
Members were able to view Minute Books and a Bible presented to the Club at its opening. A wonderful piece of history preserved faithfully by the Club.
A One Hundred Year Anniversary is a very momentous milestone.
An Anniversary Dinner celebration in October 2019 was the occasion to present a 50 Year Service Jewel to Andy Deans. The President of the Murray Club, Gordon McMorris presented Donemana with a Murray Shield, a new item the Parent Club has created for special presentations.
On the 21st September 2019, the Murray Club joined with the Mitchelburne Club to visit the Graves of Murray and Mitchelburne at Glendermott Old Cemetery, with an inspiring short Graveside Service by the Rev. McBeth of All Saints Clooney, and music accompaniment by a member of Barron Accordion Band.
A parade to the Memorial Hall was followed by the Initiation Meetings for the respective Clubs. Murray Club initiated six new Members on the day, three from Greenock, two from Upperlands and one, our first enrolled member to be Made, from Australia (on right below).
(left to right) Andrew Berryman, Australia Murray Club; Graeme Stenhouse, Governor; Gordon McMorris President Murray Club; Donald Armstrong, newly Made, Australia Murray Club.
Australia has its first ever Apprentice Boys Branch Club. The Murray Club has installed a new Charter and opened a new Branch Club on 15th June in Australia, installed new officers and enrolled new members.
The Murray Club, one of the eight Parent Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, has opened a new Branch Club in Australia. The new Australia Murray Club will draw members from across the Continent. The first meeting was held in Burwood, Sydney, attended by members from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland; Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
First ever meeting of Apprentice Boys in Australia, with the installation of a new Charter for the Murray Club, Australia Branch Club which took place in Burwood, Sydney on 15th June 2019. The new Officer team for the Australia Murray Club was installed, and new members to the Club were enrolled on the day.
President of the Murray Club, Gordon McMorris commented:
“The Murray Club has historically broken new ground, being to the forefront of first Clubs in Scotland, England and Canada. The new Australia Club is an exciting development, built on an excellent foundation that will see the Branch develop further over time.”
Graeme Stenhouse, Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, says:
“Together with David Hoey, Secretary of the Murray Parent Club, it was a great honour and privilege to travel further than any Governor has ever travelled before to install a new Club Charter. The Association greatly appreciates the huge amount of preparation and planning, over many years, to have been able to achieve this landmark for the Association; the opening of the new Australia Murray Club. We are proud that the story of the Brave 13 Apprentice Boys and the Siege of Londonderry now has a place in the Southern Hemisphere. As Governor of the Apprentice Boys’ Association I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to all involved, and in the years ahead I look forward to welcoming new Australian members to the Maiden City.”
Pictured left to right at the opening of the new Australia Murray Branch Club: Graeme Stenhouse, Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry; David McMichael, newly installed President of the Australia Murray Club; Herbie Mailey, newly installed Secretary of the Australia Murray Club; and David Hoey, Secretary of the Murray Parent Club, Londonderry.
Herbie Mailey, Secretary of the new Australia Murray Club, who has been the main organiser in Australia in setting up the new Club, states:
“There has been a real interest in Australia about building a connection to the historic City of Londonderry, and the important dates commemorated in August and December. The cause of Civil & Religious Liberty is universal, wherever we are in the world. We remember the debt we owe to all those who have suffered and sacrificed for the Freedoms we too often take for granted today.”
