"I JOINED the Parks in April 1971 when I turned 16. This was a year earlier than normal owing to 8 years service in Primrose Junior LOL 20.

"At that particular time both my Father and Grandfather were members of Tullygarley LOL 473. All of my friends at that time were Parks Men, Andy Manson, Roy Torrington and Michael Thompson to name a few so I opted to join the Parks.

"This was only after asking my Dad for permission and he said to get the okay from my Granda whose words were "as I had been born in Hope Street just off Princes Street and the Parks were known as The Princes Street Lodge I was already half way there.

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

"I left Ballymena in October 1975 to seek my fortune instead found me a Wife who cost me a fortune (always a Ballymena Scot). I have now been married 30 years to Jane and have two great Children Richard and Jennifer and two Grandchildren Sophie and Jack which have given me a and Jane a new lease of Life.

"I am currently employed as a Licensed Engineer at Stanstead Airport Essex working on a variety of Classic and new Generation Boeing and Air Bus Aircraft which I greatly enjoy.

"My hobbies are more laid back than active as I am a voracious reader and will read anything about the Crusades, Knights Templar and the Holy Grail as well as Egypt and the Holy Land especially Jerusalem as well as all sorts of Thrillers my favourite Author being Robert Ludlum. My sporting activities are of the armchair variety as I am an avid football fan following my beloved Rangers in Scotland.

"I have been able over the last many years to travel throughout Europe to watch the Rangers play in many great Cities such as Paris, Munich, Rotterdam and indeed here in London for several pre-season games at Arsenal, Spurs and Fulham where I had the company of Brother Billy Sloane on a very hot and sunny weekend in July where I showed Billy the sights of London.

"Whilst here in England I follow the fortunes of the Mighty Spurs as well as keeping an eye out for Ballymena United results. I had the pleasure in May 1981 to have the company of Brother Roy Torrington and then Brother Billy McCreight who came to stay for the weekend to go and see the FA Cup Final between Spurs and Man City at Wembley ending in a 2-2 draw.

"Spurs went on to win the replay but thankfully Roy and Billy had gone home as I could not have survived another 3 days of being eaten out of house & home.

Jimmy as a member of Primrose Junior L.O.L. 20 in the Twelfth Morning 1967

"In the last 15 or so years I have become more involved with the Orange Institution here in Essex and in London.

"I helped to form LOL 45 here in my Home Town of Harlow and although I have often been asked to transfer to LOL 45 I have always refused as my Heart is with the Parks.

"The Institution here in England is growing at a good pace with the latest new Lodge getting its warrant just over 2 years ago from Gillingham in Kent LOL 652 and has now got over 50 members and they are going on to open a new Black Preceptory in September this year.

"The largest Orange Parade in many years was held in London in June 2002 for the Queens Jubilee where over 18000 Orange Men and Women and Bandsmen walked a great route including Houses of Parliament, Whitehall and the Cenotaph as well as Trafalgar Square.

"Well Fellow Brothers as I write this little potted History as an Orange Man and Sir Knight I am looking forward to my Annual Walking Holiday with the Parks on the 12th July in Ballymena. In ending I wish all of you and indeed all Brethren and Supporters a Glorious and Peaceful July."