Category: Anniversary

Donemana and the 331st Relief of Derry

Donemana Branch Murray Club held a Wreath Laying ceremony at the War Memorial in the grounds of Donemana Orange Hall to mark the 331st anniversary of the Relief of Derry.

Saturday 8th August was like no other in living memory, as pandemic regulations limited celebrations for the end of the historic siege of Londonderry.  In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the local Branch club were in the same situation as others across the Province, unable to parade in the city of Londonderry.

A number of the Branch club members attended the Wreath Laying ceremony, where the Branch President, Worthy Bro Ian Gordon left a Wreath at the at the War memorial to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Members of the Donemana Branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Murray Club. L-R (Front Row) Bro Billy Anderson, Bro Keith Buchanan (Secretary), Bro Joseph McDonald, W. President Bro Ian Gordon, Bro Thomas Allen, Bro George Sayers, Bro Ian Donnell (Chaplin). Middle Row: Bro Adam Buchanan (Assist Standard Bearer), Bro Lynn Buchanan, Bro Ivan Buchanan (Treasurer), Bro Barry Buchanan, Bro Craig Buchanan, Bro Colin Campbell. Back Row: Bro Ian Sayers, Bro Hall Kee, Bro Ryan Armstrong, Bro Alan Donnell, Bro Alexander Kerrigan.

Two members of Barron Accordion Band, David Buchanan and Mrs Sylvia Rankin,  played the appropriate hymn “Abide with me” prior to the Laying of the Wreath as part of a short service.  Prayers were said by the Branch Chaplin. Bro Ian Donnell and at the end of the ceremony Bro Colin Campbell ( Piper) played a “Lament”.  Bro Ivan Buchanan (Branch Treasurer) gave a short talk on the history of the famous siege and especially the vital part played by the “Gallant Thirteen” young Apprentice Boys who shut the gates of the city against the advancing Redshank Troops who were to secure the City for King James.

Bro Ian Gordon, President of Donemana Murray, about to lay the wreath at the War Memorial at Donemana Orange Hall, Sat 8th August 2020.

Prior to the start of the Wreath Laying ceremony, a special guest of the Branch club, Mrs Mary Hamilton, wife of the late Bro Ernest who had been a faithful and loyal member of the Branch club for well over 50 yrs, presented the Branch club with a number of gifts, including a Replica of one of the famous cannons used in the defence of the city during the 105 day siege, and a framed photograph of her late husband.  Mrs Hamilton spoke briefly and very emotionally about her late husbands love, dedication, loyalty and great respect he had for the Branch club and its members.  Mrs Hamiltons three daughters accompanied her on the day to give her their fullest support, namely Eleanor, Heather and Miriam.

At the end of the day, Bro Tommy Allen presented Mrs Daisy Watt with flowers on behalf of the Club in recognition of all the work she undertakes with organisations who use the Orange Hall, not least in the added role of preparing the Hall for use within Covid Regulations.

331st Relief of Derry in Wishaw

Unable to travel to Londonderry for the 331st Anniversary of the Relief of Derry on Saturday 8th August, members of the Wishaw Murray Branch Club turned out on Sunday, 9th August 2020 at the Armed Forces Memorial Garden in Belhaven Park, Wishaw, to commemorate locally.

The park was gifted to the people of Wishaw by Lord Belhaven in memory of his son Lieutenant Colonel The Hon Ralph Gerard Alexander Hamilton, Royal Field Artillery, Master of Belhaven who was killed in action during the 1914 – 1918 war. A memorial headstone in the park details an impressive military history; served with the 7th Division in Flanders in 1914.  In August 1915 he took out C Battery 108th Brigade R.F.A. in the 1st 2nd 3rd Battles of Ypres, Loos, the Somme Offensive and Messines. He was killed in action by a shell on Easter Monday, March 31st, 1918 at Castel, near Amiens whilst commanding 106th Brigade R.F.A. defending the ridge where the German advance was finally stayed. Buried in Rouvrel cemetery.

The short service began with a short prayer by acting Chaplain, Bro Murray Douglas Dunbar while President, Alan Love rendered a short history on the siege and the part played by the Ulster Scots followed by a wreath being laid by one of our youngest members Bro Kristofer Weir followed by the closing prayer and the National Anthem.

The President of Wishaw Murray thanked all who had attended and noted that it was particularly pleasing that so many of the younger members had attended this important event and freventlyhoped that next year would be in Londonderry.

Ballywillan celebrates 70 Years

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.

Aghadowey recognises Members’ long Service

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.

Ivor McPherson
James Cunningham
William Knox

Bryansford & District, 85th Anniversary

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.

Donemana 100 Year Anniversary

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.