There will be a new addition to this year’s Twelfth of July celebrations with the inclusion of a new banner for Garvary LOL 448, whose members will proudly display their banner, which includes an image of Garvary Parish Church.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the banner, Bro. Nigel Abraham said: “The banner was due to be ready for 2020, but with Covid-19 it was held back, so we are delighted to have it out on parade in our home district."

The banner was painted by Willie McGowan from Garvagh, Co. Londonderry.

Mr. Abraham detailed why the church was chosen for the banner: “As Garvary has no landmarks as such, we decided it would be nice to put the church on the back of the banner, as there is a close link between the church and the lodge.”

He added: “The night that Willie brought the banner down the road, he said he knew exactly where he was going, based just on his painting of the church as he had been painting it so long!”

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The banner was unfurled last month by County Grandmaster Wor. Bro. Mervyn Byers and was dedicated by County Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro Rev. Rodney Beacom. Ballyreagh Silver Band provided the music for the hymns.

Following the service, there was a short parade accompanied by Ballyreagh Silver Band and Garvary Flute Band.

The Twelfth of July in Enniskillen this year will move off at noon from the assembly area, located at the Royal British Legion car park, and will comprise a route taking in the Wellington Road, Belmore Street, East Bridge Street, Townhall Street, High Street, Church Street, Darling Street, Castle Street, and Wellington Road to the Enniskillen Castle car park where the demonstration will take place at 2pm.

The religious service will be led by Wor. Bro. Rev. Charles Eames. The collection will be in aid of Action Mental Health (New Horizons) and motorists are advised that Enniskillen will be closed to through traffic from 10am and will remain closed for the duration of the Twelfth demonstration.

Enniskillen Twelfth will continue the tradition of hosting visiting lodges from the Republic of Ireland. There will be representatives present from the Border counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.

There are a number of important anniversaries for participating bands. Derryclavin Pipe Band celebrates 100 years on the road this year, as does Lisnaskea Silver Band, since last year’s Twelfth.

The Clogher Valley Twelfth of July celebrations are being hosted this year by the village of Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone.

The parade will be moving off at 12.40pm from the assembly point on the Dungannon Road. The Rev. Canon Maurice Armstrong will lead the religious service.

In addition, the Fivemiletown district are hosting an eleventh night family celebrations at Roughan Orange Hall and the adjacent 3G sports pitch.

Celebrations begin at 7pm, and a bonfire will be lit at 10.30pm. There will be sports, cultural entertainment and children’s entertainment.

The Co. Donegal demonstration will take place at Rossnowlagh on Saturday, July 9. The parade will commence at 12.30pm from St. John’s Parish Church. The religious service will be led by Rev. Brian Russell

See next week’s Impartial Reporter for full coverage of Enniskillen Twelfth.