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336th Shutting of the Gates

The 336th Annual Commemoration of the Shutting of the Gates didn’t quite go to plan. Storm Daragh, a windy day with dangerous gusts, meant that the end of the day did not see Lundy burned. The day started with the Branch Clubs being accompanied by General Committee from the Railway Station to the Memorial Hall. Then the main parade to St Columb’s for the Service of Thanksgiving. The Return Parade was then changed to take account of the earlier decision not to burn Lundy, with Parent Clubs returning to the Memorial Hall and Branch Clubs returning to the Railway Station.

A couple of days of discussion with police, City Centre Initiative and the Council resulted in the burning of Lundy being undertaken on the Wednesday evening, live streamed by the Siege Museum. Burning Lundy enabled the No Surrender Parent Club to complete the opening weekend of assuring the traditions of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

Remembrance

The Apprentice Boys Annual Parade and Service of Remembrance took place on Saturday 9th November in Belfast.

The Parade walked to the National Cenotaph alongside Belfast City Hall, before continuing on to the Shankhill Road, stopping to lay a wreath in the Memorial Park.

Following the Parade the Secretary of the Murray Parent Club attended the Installation of Officers for Belfast Murray, conducted by the Lt. Governor, Bro. William Walker.

English Amalgamated weekend

The last weekend of October has become a firm date in the diary for the English Amalgamated Committee, with its AGM followed by a Parade along Blackpool Promenade.

There was a good turnout of Apprentice Boys, and it was good to be able to meet Murray Clubs from across England taking part as members of the EAC, including the new Corby Murray Club. Also good to see Partick Murray in attendance in numbers.

The weekend is also an excellent opportunity to meet socially, with Corby Murray and SAMS Murray hosting events on the evening before the AGM and following, respectively. The EAC itself held a hugely successful evening of entertainment on the Saturday evening at the Hotels and Apartments Social Club.

Bryansford & District 90th Anniversary

Bryansford & District Murray celebrated its 90th Anniversary Year at a dinner held in the Harbour Inn, Annealing, on the 5th October.

It was a very well-attended event, and promised to extend into a long evening of entertainment.

A celebration cake was cut by the wife of President, Bro. Richard Foster.

Two 40 Year Service Jewels were presented on the evening to Bros. Ian Parker (left) and Raymond Skillen (right).

This has been a special year for Bryansford & District Murray, and one where it has again shown growth in its ranks. A number of members were enrolled earlier in the year and the Club is working on when it will be best for them to take the long journey to Londonderry to be Made.

 

Visit to the Graves

The Annual Visit to the Graves of Col. John Mitchelburne and Col. Adam Murray took place on the morning of 21st September at Old Glendermott Graveyard.

President of the Mitchelburne Club, Bro. Kingsley Baker laid the wreath on Col. Mitchelburnes grave. The wreath on Adam Murray’s grave was laid by Bro. David Austin, Treasurer of the Murray Parent Club.

335th Relief of Derry Commemorations

The 335th Annual Relief of Derry Commemorations were held on Saturday 10th August 2024, a huge day for the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

This year the Murray Parent Club was led by Pride of the North, Glasgow, which was celebrating its 40th Anniversary Year.

There was a great turnout of Murray Clubs. A day enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.

Liverpool Clubs’ Parade

This year’s Liverpool Clubs’ Parade in Liverpool/Southport was organised by SAMS Murray on 8th June.

It was a gloriously sunny day and a great turnout from the Liverpool Clubs and visitors including Kirkintilloch Baker Club.

Big thanks to SAMS Murray for a great welcome and a well organised day, ending at Southern Area Memorial Hall (SAMs Club) on Mill Street, Liverpool.

SAC Rally, June

The SAC Rally was held on the first Saturday in June in Glasgow, hosted by the Bridgeton No Surrender Club.

A number of Members from the new Corby Murray Club took the opportunity to be out on Parade, along with Fraser McKechnie (with jacket in photo) from Australia Murray who had been recently Made at the May Initiation Weekend. They joined with Partick Murray for the day, returning to the Crawford Halls for an afternoon of harmony after the main Parade.

The SAC Rally began with a Parade to the Glasgow City Cenotaph, before walking on to Glasgow Green.

The day is a great opportunity to meet with Scottis Murray Clubs; Partick, Greenock, Possilpark and Wishaw.

It was also an opportunity to say hello to Pride of the North, Glasgow, which led Possilpark Murray and would be leading the Parent Club in Londonderrry at the 335th Relief of Derry Commemorations.

Once again, great weather for an outstanding Parade.

Initiation Day 2024

Joining with the Apprentice Boys of Derry and Baker Clubs, the annual Initiation Day for the Murray Club was held on the 25 May. The day started with a Parade from Bond Street.

The Murray Club was delighted to have the Coleraine Fife & Drum returning to lead it across from the Waterside.

The Parade ended at First Derry Presbyterian where a Memorial Service was held for past-Governor Sam Shepherd, a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Club and friend to all.

The initiations took place in the Apprentice Boys Room in the Memorial Hall, with all three Clubs together. Among those Made from the Murray Club were members from Antrim, Teemore and Australia Murray Clubs.

Easter Monday in Enniskillen 2024

Easter Monday is the first big day in the calendar of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Enniskillen was an outstanding event for the Association. Organised excellently by the South West Amalgamated Committee the parade ran smoothly. The weather was kind. Media reports noted the number of young members on parade.