Orangemen to scale heights for hospice with four-peaks feat
A GROUP of Orangemen who cycled the length of Britain with a Lambeg drum are taking their charity exploits to a new level.
Next month members of Bible and Crown Defenders LOL 423 from Banbridge will participate in their biggest challenge to date — climbing the highest peaks of the four regions of the UK in four days.
Walking in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, the Co Down brethren aim to ascend Slieve Donard, Snowdon (Wales), Scafell Pike (England) and Ben Nevis (Scotland).
As well as completing the gruelling task in the space of 96 hours, they will carry a Lambeg drum to each summit.
Almost £30,000 has already been raised for the charity through a series of street collections, however the lodge is keen to maximise fundraising.
LOL 423 has a distinguished track record of charitable outreach, having previously raised £120,000 for Help for Heroes by carrying a Lambeg on the Williamite trail from Carrickfergus to the Boyne. This preceded the mammoth cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
On its latest trek, taking place from May 24-27, the local Orangemen will be accompanied by the Sons of Conquerors LOL 162 from Glasgow.
Banbridge worshipful mas- ter David Miniss said: “This is undoubtedly the most physically demanding challenge we have done. The cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End we completed in relays, however this time round all participants have to climb all four mountains.”
Harold Henning, deputy grand master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, has sent his best wishes to the group.