CASTLEWELLAN District LOL No. 12 has announced their arrangements for the Annual Battle of the Boyne Celebrations which they are hosting in Dundrum on Friday 12 July 2013.
A spokesperson for lodge said the the Twelfth Parade will see seventy Orange lodges and some fifty bands from the Lecale, Saintfield, Comber and Ballynahinch Districts arriving at the Old Belfast Road and proceeding the short distance to the Assembly point to get ready for the parade.
Hosting the prestigious event, Castlewellan District will lead the main parade which is scheduled to leave the Assembly Point at 12.15 pm and proceed through the Main Street to the demonstration field on the Old Road.
The Platform proceedings chaired by the Worshipful Bro. Kenny Cromie, District Master of Castlewellan District No. 12, will commence with a short religious service conducted by Worshipful Bro. Pastor Roy Graham, Deputy County Grand Chaplain followed by the reading of the Resolutions. The guest speaker will be the Rt. Worshipful Bro. Victor Harrison the Down County Grand Master.
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The Star of Temparance LOL 356 from Castlewellan marching in the Ballynahinch parade in 2012.[/caption]
The return parade will proceed from the Demonstration Field on the Old Road at approximately 4pm and proceed via the Main Street past the Orange Hall and on to the buses on the Old Belfast Road.
In order to minimise traffic disruption, the organising committee in conjunction with the PSNI have made the following arrangements:
* Â Â Diversions for non-parade traffic will be via Clough and Castlewellan
*  Demonstration Car Park Ticket holders and members of the public are advised to turn off at Clough and follow the sign posted route via Kilmegan Road to access the spacious Demonstration Field Car Park.
*  Official Cars should proceed to the Assembly point on the Old Belfast Road.
*  Disabled Car Park Ticket Holders only (Blue Badge) will be accommodated with appropriate toilet provision at two locations along the parade route namely:
*  in front of the Orange Hall (limited spaces)
*at the Council Playing Fields on the Old Road.
The general public attending the event should be aware that car parking space will be limited within Dundrum village centre, and accordingly they are also encouraged to use the Demonstration Car Park to avoid traffic queues into the town.
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The Castlewellan Accordion Band in action during past year’s Twelfth parade in Ballynahinch.[/caption]
The organisers have made provision for additional fully serviced toilet accommodation including disabled units along the parade route and at the assembly and demonstration fields.
The local bye-laws with regard to the consumption of alcohol in public places and specifically Dundrum village will be strictly enforced by the PSNI.
Parade Marshals will be in attendance throughout the day.
It is the earnest hope of the organisers that disruption to the local population will be kept to a minimum and that all shopkeepers will open to avail of the commercial advantages expected from the large crowd that is expected to attend the event.
Commemorative Brochure and Badge
The District has produced a special Twelfth Brochure and Souvenir badge. Both items will be on sale to assist in covering the costs associated with running the event.
Pre Twelfth Fun Night – 10 July 2013
The District is organising a Fun Night to be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 10Â July 2013 at Dundrum Orange Hall. In addition to a range of fun activities for all the family there will be performances by local bands, exhibitions and a barbecue.
Annual Church Service
The Annual Church Service will be held in Bryansford Parish Church on Sunday 7 July 2013 at 3.30pm. The parade to the church will leave Bryansford Orange Hall at 3.00 pm headed by Crimson Arrow Pipe Band, Newcastle. The Special Preacher is Bro. David Charleton. Visiting brethren and the general public are very welcome.
Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice Charity to be Supported
Castlewellan District No 12 is supporting a collection for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice in the assembly and demonstration fields.
