Order honours Orangeman Joseph on 100th birthday
A CO ANTRIM Orangeman has celebrated his 100th birthday by receiving a certificate recognising his 81 years of service with the institution.
Joseph Graham, a member of Taylorstown Temperance LOL 701, was presented with the certificate andacrystalBoyneobeliskby GrandMasterEdwardStevenson, at his Randalstown home.
And to the delight of those present, the pensioner and father-of-three sang a rendition of The Sash “word for word” on his special day.
Son Brian, who is also an Orangeman, said that Orangeism remained an integral part of his father’s life.
“He still pays his monthly dues and up until a few years ago he was still able to walk on the Twelfth,” Brian said.
This year, Joseph watched members of Staffordstown District parade in Randalstown prior to the main demonstration in Ballyclare.
The former RUC officer was based in Musgrave Street at the time of the Belfast Blitz in 1941 and worked in the Old Bleach linen mill in his home town until his retirement in 1980.
To mark the special occasion, Mr Graham also received a greetings card from Her Majesty The Queen, recognising his significant birthday.
Next month, Mr Graham will mark another milestone — his wedding anniversary with wife Ellen, who is 99.
The couple have been married 76 years and have 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.