Coronavirus response: Co Armagh Orangemen go above and beyond call of duty

Bessbrook District made a special delivery of a food pack to Bro Thomas Alderdice in Kilkeel

District and private lodges have provided food hampers for its own members and other vulnerable people in the community, donated to frontline NHS staff, raised cash for charity and boosted PPE provision in the area.

Right Worshipful Brother Denis Watson, county grand master, said: “The money we’ve raised has gone towards assisting all communities and, as the largest community-based organisation within Co Armagh, it shows that the institution is so much more than just a parading body and has had a very positive impact in all areas of the county.

“Almost as soon as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic became known and lockdown was implemented, the 11 district lodges and many private lodges in Co Armagh made spontaneous and impressive efforts to assist in their local communities.

Rt Wor Bro Denis Watson, County Grand Master, and Wor Bro Jeffrey Lawson, Deputy County Grand Secretary, presenting the cheque for £10,000 to Jane McKimm, Head of Communications, and Helen O'Neill, Director of Finance.at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, for specific use at Craigavon Area Hospital

“The tremendous response from the County Grand Lodge was immediate and the monies came from existing funds, with no member asked to contribute, unless to do so in a voluntary capacity.”

Support included preparing food hampers for elderly and vulnerable brethren, and others in the community, making donations of food and goodies to frontline hospital staff, making monetary donations to charities, and providing PPE to nursing homes and community nursing services.

A substantial donation of £10,000 was made to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, specifically for Craigavon Area Hospital.

Mr Watson said: “One of the first things put in place by the County Grand Lodge was the issue of a daily prayer from our County Grand Chaplain, Wor Bro Rev Dr Alan McCann, to members by email and posting on the Museum of Orange Heritage at Sloan’s House, Loughgall Facebook page.

County Grand Lodge Officers made a donation of £5,000 to the Southern Area Hospice as they are currently unable to fundraise, and this was presented to Anne Dalzell, hospice representative, at Sloan’s House

“The response has been very favourable in these trying times, with the daily reach on Facebook being between 700 and over 1,000.”

He added: “The museum at Sloan’s House was very proud to display the Grand Lodge banner of support for the NHS and other frontline services on the front of the building and encouraged young people to send in rainbow pictures for display on the front windows of the premises.

“The County Grand Lodge central committee has been able to liaise by having regular Zoom conference meetings and this has proved very beneficial in maintaining contact and co-ordination.”

Reflecting on the work he said: “It’s a very commendable effort by the Orange brethren of Co Armagh and of course this is being replicated in other counties within the jurisdiction of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.”