Swann urges community support for Twelfth

The appeal has come from Mr Robin Swann MLA, the North Antrim UUP Chairman and Party Chief Whip, who will be on parade with his lodge in the constituency. He is a Past Master in the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution.

In his appeal statement, Assemblyman Swann said: “The community is to be highly commended for its magnificent support of all the recent Somme commemorations.

“In these challenging economic days, it was a tremendous boost for the entire community to come together and remember all those who served, fought, were wounded and died at the Somme, not just on July 1st – the Somme battle’s very bloody opening day – but right throughout the entire weeks and months of that terrible battle.

“I encourage the community to keep this Somme Spirit which has been created and turn out again in thousands to support the various Twelfth demonstrations throughout the constituency by the mainstream Orange Order, as well as the Independent Orange Institution.

“The brethren and sisters of both the mainstream Orange Order and Independent Institution in North Antrim are to be equally commended for organising what I am sure will be very professional demonstrations, enhancing both Orders’ true Christian and family values.

“Although our Province and constituency has had mixed weather in recent days, we should also pray to Almighty God for good weather for the Twelfth demonstrations as well as for the safety of those on the march and watching.

“I also thank in advance the professionalism of the police on duty and the emergency services which will be on standby throughout the day.

“As well as the annual Twelfth parades to come, the community is also to be thanked and praised for its support of the various Orange lodges’ annual divine church parades and services,” said Assemblyman Swann.