Overend commends Twelfth celebrations

Having returned home after attending the South Londonderry event in Tobermore and feeder parades in Bellaghy with her family who are all involved in Bruces’ True Blues Accordion Band, Sandra said,

“The Twelfth of July Annual celebrations went off without any major hitch across Mid-Ulster and I would like to congratulate all those involved in organising the main celebrations in Tobermore and Pomeroy, as well as the feeder parades across the constituency.

“Indeed the occasion was a brilliant day out for all the family, with the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the colour and music, the fun and festivities, the looking back in commemoration and the looking forward to a more confident and assured future.

“I know that people travel from all over the world to attend the Twelfth of July celebrations in Northern Ireland and I am of the opinion that Northern Ireland can and should share this event and encourage those who have never been, to come along and enjoy the festivities.”

“I recognise the efforts put in by the Loyal Orange Lodges to create a festival atmosphere open to all, to work to help others to understand our cultures and traditions and I hope and pray that this work will continue,” she added.

The assembly member said she was disappointed by an act of vandalism which took place in the early hours of the twelfth morning in Bellaghy, when tins of paint were thrown on the front of the Orange Hall.

“There is a lot of work going on in the village at the moment, in an attempt to brighten up the village, and I have been assured that members of the whole community are disgusted with these actions,” she said.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information to report it to the PSNI as soon as possible.”