Ballysillan L.O.L. 1891

This lodge has the unenviable record of the longest continuous walk on the Twelfth Day. Starting and ending at Ligoniel Orange Hall on the Upper Crumlin Road a distance of approximately 38 miles from Ligoniel to Edenderry and back again.

To be a member of 1891 takes not only conviction and dedication but also a certain amount of courage as the monthly meetings are held in Ligoniel Orange Hall which is regularly targeted for attack from Republicans. Not only have the members to contend with the monthly and indeed daily battle to maintain their right to exist in Ligoniel but when on parade on the Twelfth Day they have to run the gauntlet of abuse when passing the Ardoyne Shops early on the Twelfth morning when so many "concerned residents" seem to want to do their weekly shopping before 8.00 a.m. on that day and again in the evening when the lodge is returning to Ligoniel peacefully and lawfully.

Australia | Canada | England | New Zealand | Scotland | USA | West Africa | World Orange Council