Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A trouble free Twelfth is the Order of the day
Grand Master’s call for calm Film tells of hall attacks
THE Grand Master of the Orange Order has warned those intent on causing trouble over the Twelfth to “stay away”.
Edward Stevenson urged anyone taking part in the celebrations not to use it as an “excuse to show hatred or intolerance to the beliefs or culture of others”.
Addressing anyone who is intent on stirring up tensions, he said: “Stay away from our events and don’t take part in any activity which would bring the Orange Institution into disrepute.
“Whilst most of the Eleventh night bonfires are not organised by our members, they are part of the wider Twelfth celebrations – and it is therefore incumbent on all taking part they do nothing which endangers life or property or besmirches the cause they are meant to herald – King William lll’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne.”
Speaking to the Mirror, the Co Tyrone dairy farmer said tolerance and respect for traditions is key to peace here. He added: “The Twelfth of July is a celebration of our beliefs, history and culture – it is not borne from, or must it be used as an excuse to show hatred to the beliefs or culture of others.
“To l e r a n c e and respect for varying opinions and traditions must be central to a peaceful Northern Ireland.
“This can only be achieved by education and engagement so that all parts of our community can at least understand the values and traditions of others.” ORANGE Order members whose halls were targeted by vandals have produced videos to explain the impact of such incidents.
Fivemiletown District made the films in an effort to show people the halls “are an important community asset”.
District Secretary Ian Mcclung said: “Last year we had a paint bomb attack at one hall and a petrol bomb attack at another.
“We had meetings afterwards with the Community Relations Council and our initial thoughts were to use funding to increase security with window grilles or
CCTV.
“But as we had more meetings we thought why don’t we create a few short pieces to help educate people about what goes in an Orange hall.”