Juniors on parade at Saintfield and Bangor

Eighteen lodges from County Down Junior Orange converged on the town of Saintfield on Saturday for their annual demonstration. This included the newest junior lodge in the county, JLOL 18 from Bangor, which was formed in late 2022.

Also on parade was the 2023 Junior Grand Lodge award recipients Royal Hillsborough JLOL 55.

Junior members were entertained by various activities in the field after planting a tree to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.

On the same day thirteen lodges from County Armagh Junior Orange attended their annual demonstration in Bangor, being joined by four girls’ lodges from the Junior Orangewomens Association of Ireland. The parade was led by Tandragee Junior District and included the recently reformed junior lodge from Richhill, JLOL 285.

Commenting at the junior demonstrations, the Junior Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Joseph Magill said:

Juniors on parade at Saintfield. Pictures: Graham Baalham-Curry

“I have been very encouraged by the uptake of new or reformed lodges since the pandemic, and in particular within the last year. It is fantastic to see seven junior lodges on parade for the first time across these demonstrations. We wish that they, along with everyone on parade has an enjoyable day.

“This current growth is a direct result of the efforts being made within junior counties, and by senior lodges and districts. We congratulate those who have taken up the challenge of forming or reforming junior lodges. This helps protect the future of the orange institution as well as providing young members with excellent life experience, and a strong grounding in orange culture.”

Next Saturday, 3rd of June, eighteen Junior lodges from across County Antrim and County Londonderry will meet in the seaside town of Portrush. This will be the first time at the annual demonstration for four new lodges, the Duke of Edinburgh Memorial JLOL 621 Ballymena, Bushmills Blues and Royal JLOL 50, Woodburn Young Defenders JLOL 258 Carrickfergus, and Ballycastle District JLOL 8. The main parade will assemble in Dunluce Carpark, to start at 12.30, with a return parade taking place at 16:00.

Junior lodges aim to provide opportunities for members to develop essential life skills, in a friendly and welcoming setting. Encouraging working together in teams, rewarding achievements, learning about their faith, the protestant reformation, and orange history, while importantly having fun.

Members have the opportunity to participate in meetings, trips, parades, competitions and often meet with members from other lodges building lasting friendships.