Drumaheagles LOL 1099 History, Page 2


		History of Drumaheagles LOL 1099 (page 2)

		The first flute band in connection with the Lodge was formed in 1920 called initially Drumaheagles Flute Band, it opted in later years for the title of Drumaheagles Protestant Flute Band and was generally recognised as the best example of a part music flute band in the area. As well as leading LOL 1099 and WLOL 68 the band led Ballymoney Chosen Few RBP 309 and Ballymoney Branch of the Mitchelburne Apprentice Boys Club until the Band was wound up in 1958 in favour of a Pipe Band.

		Drumaheagles Pipe Band was formed in 1958 and led the Lodge until it folded in 1974. Two pipers led the Lodge until 1977 when a new flute Band was formed.

		Drumaheagles Young Defenders Flute Band was formed in 1977, the first Band Master being Bro. Robert Parkhill. The band was a Blood and Thunder band or as was known in the Seventies as a Kick the Pope Band with noise being the order of the day and girls waving flags at the front of the band. Over the years the playing ability of the band has improved greatly and is now recognised as one of the best bands in the area travelling to parades all over Northern Ireland. As well as leading LOL 1099 the band leads Ballymoney Mitchelburne Apprentice Boys Club and Whifflet's Chosen Few LOL No. 306 in Coatbridge, Scotland.

		The Lodge unfurled their first banner in 1919, replacing the Lodge Flag, which depicted King William III crossing the Boyne on one side and the Bible, Crown and Sceptre and the Bill of Rights on the other. The Lodges second banner was unfurled by Mrs McCleery WM of WLOL 68 in 1938 again King William III on one side and The Secret of England's Greatness on the reverse this time. The Third Banner was unfurled in 1959 by Mrs O'Neill, wife of the area MP, again with William III and this time a Memorial to those who had fallen in the World Wars on the reverse. Our forth banner was unfurled in 1981 with William 111 astride his white charger on one side and The Holy Bible, Crown and Sceptre and the Bill of Rights on the reverse.

		The Lodge has always been viewed by the villages of Balnamore, Seacon and Macfin as their Lodge and is demonstrated by the majority of members either living in the three villages or having a family connection with the area. The Orange Hall has therefore always been regarded as a focal point of the local community for over a hundred years. The Hall has played host to dances and various dancing classes, at one time a boxing club and gym was run by the members of the Lodge, as well as being the venue for several missions, bible classes and a Sunday School. The most recent addition to entertainment at the Hall is our pool table, which is proving very popular feature and ensures that the hall is used on a regular basis.

		In 1997, after a seminar hosted by the County Antrim Grand Orange Lodge Cultural Committee in Carnlea Orange Hall. The Lodge and it's supporters decided to form a Credit Union for the benefit not just our own members and their families but for the whole Protestant community. In 1999 Bannview Community Credit Union Limited was approved by the Government Registrar for incorporation and is now able to give low interest loans to regular savers. At present the Credit Union is open every Thursday from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. for savings and loans, and looks forward to extending the opening nights and the possibility of a sub-office in the future.

		In June 1999 another string was added to our bow when Drumaheagles Junior LOL No. 99 had it's first meeting in Drumaheagles Orange Hall. 13 boys were initiated into Antrim Junior District and were then installed with warrant number 99.

		Next Page of History of Drumaheagles LOL 1099 (page 3)

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