Preceptories are ready for Bangor

Lurgan District No 2 will mark the 125th anniversary of their traditional July 13 parade when they step out in Bangor.

The traditional procession will include eight bands, with the main parade proceeding from Castle Park Avenue at 11.45am, making its way along Dufferin Avenue, Gray’s Hill, Queen’s Parade, Bridge Street, Quay Street, Main Street and Hamilton Road.

The return parade is due to start at 4.30pm.

Meanwhile the  Sham Fight at Scarva takes place today (July 13).

Tens of thousands of visitors will converge on the charming County Down village for the traditional celebrations, which will see a parade of 4,000 members of the Royal Black Institution and around 70 bands.

Scarva is renowned for hosting the biggest one-day event, at a single location, anywhere in Northern Ireland.

The mock battle between rival monarchs William and James and the large-scale procession through Scarva – organised by Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000 – is firmly established as a unique cultural festival.

Rev William Anderson, the Sovereign Grand Master, said: “The procession and Sham Fight at Scarva hold a special place in the parading calendar.

“It is a wonderful family occasion.

“As a Christian-based organisation, the service of public worship is extremely important to our members.

“The parade to the field, with preceptories carrying their colourful banners portraying biblical scenes, is a unique spectacle of music and pageantry.”

Rev Anderson praised the organising committee – members of Scarva’s RBP 1000 – “for their dedication, commitment and professionalism in maintaining the only re-enactment of its kind on these islands”.

The behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing for many months, but it’s a labour of love for the Sham Fight organisers.

Sandy Heak, who chairs the committee, says their aim is “to plan an amazing event”.

“Scarva is unique, drawing visitors from near and far, and our job is to organise a day to remember.

“You have the fantastic spectacle of the Sham Fight, the wonderful parade, and the incredible music from a selection of top bands.”

The grounds of Scarvagh Demesne will once again come alive to the dramatic re-enactment of scenes from the Battle of the Boyne.

John Adair and Colin Cairns will take on their customary roles of monarchs William and James, accompanied by performers in period costume portraying troops of the Williamite and Jacobite armies.

John has been playing ‘King Billy’ for around 30 years and does not believe there will be any change in his fortune during this encounter.

“When the dust settles over the battlefield, there will be only one winner,” he laughs.

“The Scarva preceptory is very proud to maintain the tradition of the Sham fight,” he adds.

“It’s a day of historical significance, and the performers do all in their power to deliver an exciting performance that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

John is looking forward to a “terrific response” from the crowd as the rival kings enter the demesne, dressed in the traditional costumes of the late 17th century.

As the Williamites, in red and white, and the Jacobite group, in green and white, come face to face, a mighty roar will go up ahead of the mock battle.

The demesne will echo to the sound of blank shots from musket fire and the clash of swords as the entertaining spectacle plays out.

The Sham Fight will take place after a grand parade of up to 4,000 members of the Royal Black, and featuring a variety of bands, comprising flute, accordion, pipe, brass, and silver.

The parade will comprise Royal Black preceptories from Portadown, Markethill, Tandragee, Banbridge, Newry, Rathfriland, Mourne and Lower Iveagh (Dromore).

The mile-long procession will stream through the village’s spectator-filled main street to Scarvagh House, passing the centuries-old oak and chestnut trees in the demesne.

Legend has it that King William tied his horse to one of the Spanish chestnut trees as he spent the night encamped at Scarva in June 1690 before moving on to the Boyne.

The beautiful banners portray Old Testament scenes, such as David at the Brook, the Burning Bush, and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The procession will leave the assembly field on the Gilford Road at 11.15am and make its way to the demesne.

The Sham Fight is due to start at 1.30pm, with the religious service scheduled for 2pm.

Platform proceedings will include an address by the Sovereign Grand Master and contributions by Andrew Boyce, Worshipful Master of RBP 1000, and Rev Jason Lingiah, Imperial Deputy Grand Chaplain.

Soprano Clara Wilson, who has performed in venues such as the Ulster Hall, Waterfront Hall and Grand Opera House, will perform during the platform proceedings.

The 2023 Resolutions are as follows:

FAITH

Our world today is becoming ever more secular in its outlook, resulting in people setting aside the ways of God and their worship of Him. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 103, verses 2 to 4, that we should not forget all that God bestows upon us: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; therefore, we call upon our members to remember what God continues to provides for them and to turn to Him with a thankful heart and live their lives in worship and praise to Him.

LOYALTY

Following the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III was crowned this year as our monarch. For many people who had never witnessed a coronation, the Coronation Service reminded us of the solemn vows made by King Charles III to maintain the Protestant Reformed Religion, the Protestant ascendency to the throne, and to serve His people faithfully as their King. As Sir Knights of the Royal Black Institution, and as his loyal subjects, we pray that he will provide that leadership to his people, and ever give us cause to say, God Save the King!

CONSTITUTIONAL

We call upon His Majesty’s Government to remove the continuing controls being exercised over citizens in Northern Ireland by the European Union and restore full equal citizenship of the United Kingdom to all its citizens as set out in the Act of Union. As Sir Knights, we also remind our local and national politicians that there was never any justification for the murder and violence that has taken place across our land, and that we strongly oppose the narrative that sets about the rewriting of such history. True freedom comes from all citizens feeling equally valued and not by the persecution of one by the other.