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.
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.
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.
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.”
