The Lodge celebrated the re-opening of their Hall after extensive renovations. The Country Players Amateur Dramatic Society also could lay claim to another successful season with their hilarious comedy production of "Shock Tactics" Making a comeback was Galgorm Parks Fife and Drum Group, with the re-launch of "Distant Drum" the first Album to be released by the Group back in 2001. We look back at some of the news and stories to hit our web pages during 2009.

Galgorm Parks L.O.L. 507 held their Annual Installation of Officers for 2009 on 5 January 2009. Trevor Logan was again installed as Worshipful Master for his forth term in office. Special guests at the meeting included Bro Rodney Stewart Assistant Treasurer of County Antrim Grand Lodge and Bro James McClean Ballymena District Treasurer. Other main officers installed were Colin Lowry Deputy Master, Shaun Martin Lay Chaplain and James Bolon Secretary.

Bro Rodney Stewart and James McClean present Membership Certificates to Philip Dickey and Michael Dickey at the Installation. Back row Ian Ramsey D.M. Ballykeel L.O.L. 472, Trevor Logan W.M. 507 and Shaun Martin Chaplain 507.

St Patrick's Church Temperance L.O.L. 1123 held their Annual St Patrick's Day Commemoration Parade and Church Service on Saturday 14 March 2009 in Ballymena. A good turn out of Brethren and Sisters from all over Northern Ireland attended lead by the Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Robert Saulters. The Service was conducted by Chancellor S. Lloyd, Rector with the Preacher Reverent Derek Dunn who spoke about the times of Patrick as a slave in Co Antrim. On Patrick's return to Ireland how he spread to word of God throughout the country in the 5th Century. Also remembered at the Service were the Two Soldiers and Police Constable murdered by terrorists in the last seven days.

Galgorm Parks played host to Ballymena District Lodge No 8 for their quarterly meeting Friday 19 June 2009. The District Officers and Members of District got a pleasant surprise when they saw the completely refitted Hall. Worshipful District Master Ivan Wylie commended L.O.L.507 for the work done on the Hall.

With the marching season now reaching its peak the Brethren of Ballymena District held their usual pre Twelfth Parade in Ballymena on Monday 29 June 2009. A warm summers evening greeted both the marchers and a large turn out of spectators' lining the Streets of the route round the town. A record Street collection during the Parade benefited local charity Ballee Visually Handicapped.

The Lodge held their Annual Divine Service on Sunday 28 June with the biggest attendance for years at the Service. Guest speaker this year was Mr Roy Walker Manager of Ballymena United F.C. and BBC Radio Ulster Football Pundit. The East Belfast man gave a challenging address to all with soloist Miss Jayne Dickey singing two fitting pieces.

Ballymena United Officials Bros Alan O Loan, John Murray and former players Roy Torrington and Alex Wilson with Special Guest Speaker Roy Walker at the Service

319th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne
The Brethren of Galgorm Parks Temperance Loyal Orange Lodge No 507 celebrated the 319th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on Monday 13 July 2009. They joined the other 29 Lodges of Ballymena District No 8 at the local demonstration, this year parading the four mile route to Ballymarlow on the outskirts of the Co. Antrim Town. Ballymena is one of the few demonstrations left in which a private Lodge hosts the annual Twelfth Demonstration. This year it was the turn of Ballymarlow L.O.L 637 to provide the Demonstration Field and to entertain the rest of the District.

Members of Galgorm Parks L.O.L. enjoy the music of the fife and lambeg drums on their way into the town on 13th Morning

At the Field the Religious Service was conducted by Bro Rev Ian McClean with the principal speaker Most Worshipful Bro Ian Wilson Grand Master of Scotland. The weather remained unsettled throughout the "Twelfth weekend" including the Annual Divine District Service held this year on Sunday 12th July at Ballee Presbyterian Church for the first time. A good turn out of Brethren and also supporters along the route lead by two bands Carnlea Accordion and Maine Defenders. In the Church the Service which was conducted by Bro Rev J.J. Andrews County Grand Chaplain of Londonderry and relayed to the adjoining Church Hall as the main Church was over capacity.

The 2009 marching season in Northern Ireland closed on Saturday 29 August with the Annual Royal Black County Parades. The Black Institution is the upper Order which members of the Orange Order can join once they have the sufficient qualifications. County Antrim held their demonstration in Lisburn and despite cool showery weather a large turn out of marches and spectators converged on the South Antrim City. Several members of Galgorm Parks Orange Lodge were among the marchers taking part.

Galgorm Parks Orange Hall was officially reopened after extensive renovations on Thursday 8 October 2009. Performing the reopening ceremony was Mrs Agnes Dickey wife of the Lodge Treasurer Harold Dickey.

In front of a packed audience Mrs Dickey unveiled a plaque to declare the 103 year old Hall reopened. Leading the congratulations of the visitors was Ballymena's First Citizen Councillor James Currie M.B.E. Mayor of Ballymena. Also speaking was the Top Orangeman in Ireland, Most Worshipful Brother Robert Saulters Grand Master.

Bro Ivan Wylie District Master of Ballymena and Councillor William Leathem of Lisburn City Council who had both played important supporting roles throughout the Hall Refurbishment programme added their congratulations to the Lodge and the Arts and Cultural Group. Margaret Ferguson Vice Chairperson on behalf of the Arts and Cultural Group presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Dickey. The evening was excellently chaired by Trevor Logan who is Worshipful Master of the Lodge and also Chairman of the Arts and Cultural Group.

Robert Saulters, William Leathem Trevor Logan, Agnes Dickey, James Currie and Margaret Ferguson

The Lodge hosted the Country Players performing the excellent comedy play "Shock Tactics" in Cullybackey High School on 15 October in front of a packed audience. A finally some late cheer for the members of Galgorm Parks Fife and Drum Group, with the release of a special limited edition picture disc of their first CD "Distant Drums" in December 2009.