"New Officers for 1087"

The outgoing Worshipful Master at Newbuildings Victoria LOL1087 has paid tribute to his fellow Lodge members for their support during his three-year tenure at the top.

Kenny Kincaid, who succeeded inaugural WM John Keys in 2007, becoming the second WM of the Lodge, said he wanted to thank his fellow Brethren for a 'brilliant' term in office.

"There were times when it was a lot of hard work, particularly as I live in Killaloo, and had to travel, but the effort was worth the work," he said.

Paying tribute to all members of the Lodge, Mr Kincaid singled out his Deputy, Robert Hamilton, saying he had served the Lodge loyally over the past three years.

"Robert never failed to cover me if I had to absent myself because I was sick or had other commitments elsewhere, and ensured he was always available to represent the Lodge at memorial events and parades.

"I'd also like to pay special tribute to Colin Campbell and Marshall Hay, the Secretary and Treasurer, who are two very good men, and anything you ask them to do they never have a problem do it.

"Maurice was the Chaplain until this year, and again, anything that needed done he stepped up to the mark and was very helpful," he said.

Citing highlights during his tenure at the top, Mr Kincaid said they inlcuded the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, that featured a huge parade and select guests from the five Districts and the various Lodges, and entertainment by the late Sam Starrett, along with Hamilton Flute Band, who performed concert pieces.

"The Lodge is relatively young, but we have had a steady influx of numbers, and we have had a few slip away, which always happens, but we are up to 35/36 members and we are affiliated to Victoria Junior Lodge and we are hoping to get that up and runninig properly in the near future and get a Warrant issued for that," he said.

"In my time I have also tried to ensure that we have tried to do a lot for the community, do our bit for the churches and work with Newbuildings Primary School and for the Fountain Primary and the community centre here in Newbuildings," he said.
The Installing Officers were Right Worshipful Brother Robert Mitchell, Country Grand Master of County Leitrim, and Right Worshipful Brother Victor Wray, City Grand Master of The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge. Bro Robert Hamilton was installed as Worshipful Master, having served the last three years as Deputy Master.

Other Officers Installed were: Deputy Master, Bro Steven Elder; Lay Chaplain, Bro Gary Middleton; Secretary, Wor Bro Colin Campbell; Treasurer, Bro Marshall Hay; Lecturer, Wor Bro Kenneth Kincaid. Chairman of Committee, Bro John Burton.

Other Committee Members: Bro Richard Kincaid, Wor Bro Derek Boyd, Bro Kenneth Lynch and Bro John Keys (Jun).

Visitors included Worshipful Brother James Hetherington, Deputy City Grand Master of The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, Worshipful Brother Rev Jonathan Campbell, Chaplain No.6 District Annahoe, and Worshipful Brother Norman Boyd, Deputy City Grand Master of The City of Londonderry Royal Arch Purple Chapter, as well as attendees Wor Bro Thomas Crawford, Wor Bro David Ramsey, Wor Bro William Hay MLA, Wor Bro Noel Baird and Wor Bro Alan Dalzell.

Source: Londonderry Sentinel