Donegal Orangemen weather the storm

The Installation was carried out in Dan Winter's Cottage, Co Armagh, the birthplace of the Orange Order.

A coach load of brethren and guests left the small Donegal village in Convoy, in arctic conditions, and though the temperature was cold, a warm reception awaited in Winter's Cottage, where the brethren were welcomed by Mrs Hilda Winter who, to the satisfaction of all, provided a most excellent tea.

Prior to the meeting the brethren viewed the many historic Orange artefacts in the cottage and enjoyed the large log fires which made the house a home.

Outgoing Worshipful Master Bro James McKnight thanked the Lodge for their support throughout his four years in office, and the installation was carried out by Bros George Hunter and Ally Freen, members of Raphoe Crimson Defenders LOL1921 East Donegal; Deacons were Bros Ian Hunter, Raphoe and Ian McConaghy, Convoy.

Officers installed were: WM, Clive McGonigle; DM, Alan Laird; secretary, John Eaton; treasurer, Wesley Ramsey; Chaplain, David Baxter; Tyler, Lee Wasson.

Committee: Bros Robbie Watters, Bert McGonigle, Keith Thompson, David Buchanan and David Russell.

Incoming WM, Bro Clive McGonigle paid tribute to the past master Bro James McKnight for his work while in office and assured the Lodge he would serve it to his utmost during his term in office.

The chairman, Bro Hunter, of Raphoe, paid tribute to Convoy Lodge for its ongoing success and projects, while the WM presented a 50 Year Medal to Bro Matthew Lyttle.

Bro Lyttle was originally a member of the old Castlefin Orange Lodge; he transferred to Convoy in the 1950s and has remained a member since where his grandson Bro Lee Wasson is lodge tyler.

After the meeting the Lodge members enjoyed an historical talk by Bro Nigel Lutton, from Armagh. A most inspiring talk, it focused on the formation and activities of the Orange Order and its relevance in today's political and social environment.

Lodge researches Bros Alan Laird, DM and Ian McConaghy presented both Mrs Winter and Bro Nigel Lutton with a copy of the Lodge's recently relased history booklet.

Bros Bert McGonigle and PM James McKnight presented a Lodge collarette to Mrs Winter as a memento of the Lodge's visit. The Lodge members were also given a tour and lecture of Sloan's cottage in Loughgall by Bro Lutton. The cottage contained many items of interest, including a table where the first Orange Warrant was signed and the Orange Flag at Dolly's Brae of 1849.

Brethren then travelled to the Hunting Lodge in Newtownstewart, in Tyrone, where dinner and light refreshments were provided and an excellent time was had by all.