Grip Fast the Light RBP 54

13/08/2026

Starting University in September at Queen's or Ulster University or a past student interested in learning more about University Orangeism? Why not message Queen's LOL 1845 or Ulster Covenant Memorial L.O.L 1984 for more information!

An appropriate message for the day it is for the many young Orangemen who have recieved their A-level results and are about to embark on a new journey...

*Your Invitation to join Queens LOL 1845*

As an Undergraduate, Graduate or Staff member of The Queen’s University of Belfast, Stranmillis University College or Union Theological College, and a member of the Loyal Orange Institution, you are invited to join the Rising Sons of William (Queen’s) LOL 1845!!!!

A positive and engaging Lodge of Limited Purpose (which you can only join by affiliation), from its formation in 2003 it has striven to support brethren at QUB and advance the cause of Orangeism and Loyalism at our homeland universities, giving a positive voice in the ongoing fight for Civil and Religious Liberty.

Through student accommodation, engagement with the university via the Student Orange Society, Bursary Information Clinics, Parades and other Social events, LOL 1845 aims to unite in membership as many Orange Graduates, Students and Staff of the University and her colleges as possible.

The level of engagement and involvement you wish to dedicate to the Lodge is entirely up to you and will depend on your current circumstances and your own Orange journey, but it is hoped that through membership you can contribute to the future success of Orangeism and Orangemen and women at our alma mater.

You can now apply to join using this online form:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/kvTRC8HLNr

24/07/2026

𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭 – 𝐑𝐁𝐏 𝟓𝟒 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫

Today we remember the late Sir Knight David Sterritt, murdered on 24th July 1990 while on patrol with fellow RUC Officers William Hanson and Cyril Willis. The RUC patrol car containing the three men was undertaking routine duties along the Killylea Road outside Armagh City, when a landmine was detonated in its path by IRA terrorists. The three RUC Officers were killed instantly. Sister Catherine Dunne, a nun from a nearby Convent in Middletown, who was travelling in another vehicle was also fatally injured as a result of the attack.

Sir Knight David Sterritt was steeped in the Orange tradition and was a faithful and respected member of Ballylane True Blues LOL 479, Grip Fast the Light RBP 54 and Markethill Apprentice Boys of Derry. In his youth he had also been a member of Kilcluney Protestant Boys Flute Band.

The 1993 book ‘Blood and Belonging’ features an interview with the late Sir Knight Richard Sterritt, David’s cousin. Speaking to the author, Sir Knight Richard said, “When I got the news, I went up to see my aunt, David’s mother. The very first words she said to me was that David and you will not be walking up Markethill Street together on the Twelfth of July ever again. And I said to her, “Auntie Ivy, I’ll always carry David on the Twelfth of July, because I’ll put him on a drum.”

Minutes from the August meeting of RBP 54 held on 1st August 1990 record, “the Worshipful Master [W. Sir Knt. D.J. Spence] spoke of the tragic death of Sir Knight David Sterritt, murdered by the IRA while carrying out his duties as a member of the RUC. Sir Knight Spence expressed the sympathy of the Preceptory to his father, mother and all the family circle.”

Two perpetrators of the attack would later be convicted and imprisoned before subsequently being released under the Good Friday Agreement in 2000. They served less than eight years in prison for their crimes.

15/07/2026

We are always thankful to return from Scarva to great good and service from The Thirsty Herd!

13/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

The Twelfth was nearly over,
As the lambegs ceased to play,
For tomorrow we're off to Scarva,
To mark the Thirteenth day

The white gloves have been ironed,
The mens' shoes polished too,
For tomorrow the Sir Knights of 54,
Will Markethill go through

Their banner goes before them,
Brother Joseph to the fore,
Commemorating his faith while in Egypt,
In bygone days of yore

The old Red Cross upon their breasts,
Its message kept in mind,
That Christ He died at Calvary,
So that salvation we might find

Come join the men of 54,
On the Thirteenth of July,
And be sure to wave in Scarva,
As proudly they march by!

12/07/2026

Wishing all our followers a glorious Twelfth and if you are need of a bite to eat or some refreshments we would encourage you to support Mullabrack and Kilcluney Parish Group's hot food stall in aid of Abaana's mission trip to Uganda in 2027.

If we don't see you in Newtown, we'll see you in Scarva 😉

08/07/2026

🟠🟣With less than a week to go until the Glorious Twelfth in Newtownhamilton its all systems go!🟣🟠

See below some information which will hopefully help those visiting:

!ROADS CLOSE AT 9:00AM SHARP!

Demonstration Field is located on the old road, with the Assembly Field being on the Newry Road.

There is ample parking around the town including:

- Ninemile road (Best Approach from Cladymilltown Road and then Old Mount Road if arriving after 9am, or Armagh Road onto the Ninemile Road at the Frairy Road/Viewpoint Road Crossroads)
- Newry Road, Beside Ballymoyer Road Junction (Best Approach from Ballymoyer Road)
- Monaghan Road
- Old Road

- Official Accessible Parking is Located at Newtownhamilton Presbyterian Church Car Park & Gospel Hall Car Park.
** ENTRY TO THESE CAR PARKS ARE VIA OFFICIAL DISTRICT ISSUED ACCESSIBLE PARKING PASS ONLY AND YOU MUST BE IN CAR PARK BEFORE 8:30AM**

** PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO PARKING WITHIN THE DEMONSTRATION FIELD**

Portadown Orange District LOL 1
Richhill District Cultural Forum
Loughgall District Loyal Orange Lodge No. 3
Tandragee District LOL No 4
Armagh Orange Hall & Friends of Armagh District LOL No.5
Lurgan District Loyal Orange Lodge No.6
Killylea District No 7
Keady District LOL No.8
Markethill District L.O.L No.10
Bessbrook District LOL No.11
County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

29/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!...

District 10 are very proud to make it known that our Annual Mini-Twelfth procession scheduled for the 4th July, will this year serve a dual purpose.

Markethill District 10 Mini- Twelfth 2026 will also see the official opening and dedication of...
'THE LOFT'!!!

The Loft is the new home for Kilbracks JLOL 75, the first ever bespoke and dedicated premises for any Junior Orange Lodge... ever!!!!

Prior to the Mini-Twelfth procession The Loft will be open for all those interested to have a look around. Our main parade will begin at 7.30pm adjacent to the Masonic Hall, and this year alongside our twelve senior lodges, our junior boy, our ladies and girls Juniors, there will be no less than ten bands and lambegs on show!!!

We will take our usual route around the town before arriving at Orange Corner for a short ceremony and the official dedication of the new premises; followed by the closing procession.

All visiting Brethren, Sisters and Juniors are very very welcome to join our ranks for the night!!!

Keep Free Saturday 4th July 7.30pm!

28/06/2026

Markethill District Loyal Orange Lodge 10, is one of the most active Orange Districts in Northern Ireland. It has 12 private lodges and over 500 members!

26/06/2026

- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡 -

Last night the Brethren of Markethill District L.O.L No.10 erected the Orange Arch across the Main Street which bears many of the emblems of our Institution.

But have you ever wondered where this Orange tradition originated?

Arches were introduced into England during the Renaissance, and through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, they were used extensively, particularly in royal pageantry. Elaborate arches were erected across the main thoroughfares of provincial towns to mark royal visits or as part of the celebrations of important events such as coronations, where they served both to honour the royal visitor and to demonstrate loyalty and devotion to the monarch. Such arches were temporary installations, but nevertheless were elaborately designed and often incorporated extensive floral displays to represent the virtues and qualities of the visitor.

Throughout the nineteenth century, arches were utilised by friendly societies and other fraternal organisations to welcome members to important gatherings; they were also erected as part of wedding celebrations and for some religious occasions. The earliest reference to a formal arch in Ireland dates from 1790 when the Bishop's Gate in the Londonderry city walls was rebuilt as a replica of a triumphal arch in honour of King William III. Between 1795 and 1810, two other entrances to the city, Ferryquay Gate and Butcher's Gate, were also remodelled in a similar style. As arch has a wide range of public uses it also has a wide range of symbolic meanings.

The first description of an Orange arch dates from 1812 when Dr John Gamble witnessed the decorations in the County Armagh village of Tandragee. He considered the village as "a perfect orange grove" and wondered at the "lofty arch, which was thrown across the entire street" and in which "orange was gracefully blended with oak leaves, laurels and roses" and bits of "gilded paper".

The current arch that stands across the Main Street of Markethill, which was refurbished this year, was originally dedicated and opened on July 7th 1984 by Bro. Jim Nicholson MEP and Bro. Rev. E D Smyth. It is dedicated to the memory of W. Bro. R.S. Cromwell. Past Deputy District Master of Markethill District L.O.L No.10 and Past Master of Mullabrack Hearts of Steel Temperance LOL 1406.

26/06/2026

For those that have reserved or wish to purchase our Murdered Members Commemorative Medal, they will be available next Wednesday 1st July from 7-8pm at the Millar Memorial Orange Hall.