Donegal Orangemen Weather The Storm

Despite the adverse weather conditions the annual installation of officers of L.O.L 1005 Convoy Co,Donegal carried on as normal on 9th January.The Installation was carried out in Dan Winters Cottage Co, Armagh,The Birthplace of the Orange Order. A coach load of breathen and guests left the small Donegal Village and severe artic conditions and though the temperature was cold a warm reception awaited in "Winters Cottage" The brethern were welcoed by Mrs Hilda Winter who to the satisfaction of all provided a most excellent tea. Prior to the meeting the brethern viewed the many historical orange artifacts within the cattage and enjoyed the large log fires which made the house a home.

The outgoning W.Master Bro James Mc Knight thanked the lodge for thire support throughout his 4 years in office. The installation was carried out by Bros George Hunter and Ally Freen both members of Raphoe Crimson Defenders L.O.L 1921 East Donegal Deacons were Bros Ian Hunter Raphoe and Ian Mc Conaghy Convoy. The following officers were Installed W.M. Clive Mc Gonigle, D.M. Alan Laird, Sec. John Eaton, Treas. Wesley Ramsey,Chap. David Baxter, Tyler. Lee Wasson. Committee installed,Bros. Robbie Watters,Bert Mc Gonigle,Keith Thompson,David Buchanan, David Russell. The new W.M.Bro.Clive Mc Gonigle praised the past master Bro.James Mc Knight for his work while in office and ensured the lodge he would serve it to his upmost while in the chair Bro. Hunter of Raphoe paid tribute to Convoy Lodge on its ongoing success and projects. The W.M. presented a fifty year medal to Bro. Matthew Lyttle. Bro Lyttle was originally a member of the old Castlefin Orange Lodge he transferred to Convoy in 1950s and has remained a member since where his grandson Bro. Lee Wasson is lodge tyler. After the meeting the Lodge was given a historical talk by Bro. Nigel Lutton of Armagh. This was a most inspiring talk which covered the formation and activitiesof the Orange Ofder and its relevance in todays political and social enviroment.

Lodge researches Bros.Alan Laird, D.M.and Ian Mc Conaghy presented both Mrs. Winter and Bro. Nigel Lutton with the Lodges recent history booklet. Bros. Bert Mc Gonigle and P.M. James Mc Knight presented a Lodge collarette to Mrs. Winter as a token of the Lodge visit. The Lodge were also given a tour and lecture of Sloans 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. The Brethern then travelled to the Hunting Lodge in Newtownstewart Co. Tyrone , where dinner and light refreshments were provided and an excellent time was had by all.

"Donegal Orangemen Weather The Storm" - Londonderry Sentinel 18 Feb 2010