Presentation in memory of devoted parents

AT a meeting of Killultagh LOL 147 held on Saturday April 20, an ‘Old Charm’ bookcase was presented by the family in memory of the Late Bro Norman and Elsie Clarke.

The furniture was dedicated by the Bro Rev William Murphy (Deputy Chaplain Lurgan District) who had ministered to the couple in Magheragall Parish Church during a holiday secondment. WM Bro Sam McConnell welcomed Bro Rev Murphy, friends and neighbours to the meeting. Norman and Elsie were reared on family farms at Ballinderry, Co Antrim and their fathers and brothers were members of Ballinderry Lodges. Norman joined Killultagh in 1948 with his life-long friend Bro Cecil Davidson. Norman and Elsie married in 1958 and purchased his aunt’s farm at Magheragall in 1960 where they kept Suckler cows and sheep as well as transporting livestock for farmers in the greater Lisburn area. Elsie joined the Ladies Committee in 1960 and they made friends easily with both traditions. In fact Norman met Paddy Hughes from the Falls Road in the 60’s at Allam’s Livestock Market and their friendship endured for 50 years. Paddy grazed the Bog Meadows and both men jointly made hay in Milltown Cemetery during the height of the troubles. WM Bro McConnell reflected on Bro Clarke coming to lodge night in the 70’s in the Morris Minor pick-up, laden with hay for the purpose of feeding cattle on the way home. Norman served 64 years in the Lodge and Elsie 47 years on the Ladies Committee. He was also a member of Killultagh RBP 517, Lisburn Masonic and Glenavy Pigeon Club. Both were members of Magheragall Parish Church where Elsie was a member of the choir and Mother’s Union. In 1993 she was honoured to unfurl the banner for RBP 517. Bro Cecil Calvert of Stoneyford LOL 1253 a former councillor and Bro Crawford Wadsworth Magheragall LOL 361 a neighbouring farmer spoke fondly of the couple, and their son Bro Kenneth Clarke thanked the Lodge, Bro Rev Murphy and all present for supporting the presentations. Norman and Elsie are survived by 4 sons, daughters-in-law and 8 grandchildren.