Also on this site is the activities of Galgorm Parks Arts and Cultural Group. This group incorporates The Country Players Amateur Dramatic Society plus Galgorm Parks Fife and Drumming Club.

The Fifers and Drummers carried off the inaugural "George and Joe McAuley Memorial Shield" for the Best Drums and Fifes. Stephen Fullerton and his team beat off some stiff competition from the other Lodges to win the Shield which was presented to the Worshipful Master Colin Lowry by The Grand Master Robert Saulters at the conclusion of the Platform proceedings.

On their return to Galgorm Parks Orange Hall jubilant members celebrated the win in traditional style with orangeade and buns after a rousing finally on the drums which left the fifers gasping for breath. It was a fitting way to end what was "A Glorious Twelfth" for Galgorm Parks.

"The Winning Team" - Philip, Stephen, Clifford, Chris, Tori, Nicky, Derek, Ryan and Alex with some ecstatic Lodge Members in the background

They joined the other 29 Lodges of Ballymena District No 8 at the local demonstration, this year parading the three mile route to Ballee on the outskirts of the Co. Antrim Town. Ballymena is one of the few demonstrations in Northern Ireland in which a private Lodge actually hosts the Twelfth Demonstration. This year it was the turn of Fenagh Loyal Sons of William L.O.L 674 to provide the Demonstration Field and to entertain the rest of the District.

The Parade had 16 Bands including two visiting Bands from Scotland and 8 Lambeg Drumming Lodges like are own at Galgorm Parks. At the Field Bro Robert Stewart Worshipful Master of L.O.L. 674 welcomed all to Demonstration Field. The Religious Service was conducted by Bro Rev Ian McClean with the principal speaker Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ireland Bro Robert Saulters. The resolutions dealing re-affirming Biblical principles, expressing loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen and for Unionist Unity among our Politicians were read by District Officers Bros John Carson, James McClean and Hubert Scullion.

Earlier in the day the Lodge dedicated a new set of Officers Collarettes and Cuffs before setting off on their journey into the town to join the main parade. As in recent years Galgorm Parks Banner was once again draped with a Black Bow signifying bereavements within the Lodge. The Brethren remembered two of their most influential members (Robert Fullerton and William Dickey) who pasted away during the last 12 months.

View our Twelfth picture and video coverage special on Flickr.

District Master Ivan Wylie lays a wreath on behalf of the Brethren at the War Memorial on Sunday 11 July

The Annual Divine District Service was held this year on Sunday 11th July to 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church. A good turn out of Brethren and also supporters along the route which was lead by Carnlea Accordion Band. The Service which was conducted by Rev George Preston associated Minister of 1st Ballymena.

A young Jimmy Millar on the right at the Ballymena 12th in 1974