Wednesday 11 July 2012

Keep Ulster Tidy on Twelfth, says Order


THE Orange Order has issued a reminder to the tens of thousands of people expected to enjoy this year’s Battle of the Boyne anniversary celebrations to be “tidy on the Twelfth”. 

The Grand Lodge of Ireland has urged members of the public to be litter conscious next Thursday and to avail of the many refuse bins provided at each of the 18 parade venues across the Province.

The anti-litter message has been endorsed by the Order’s cartoon mascot, Diamond Dan, and features on leaflet documentation which will be distributed at selected flagship demonstrations.

This year’s Twelfth parades recommended by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for tourist flagship status as part of the biggest festival in Northern Ireland will take place in Carrickfergus, Enniskillen and Ballynahinch.

David Hume, Director of Services for the Orange Order, insisted the Loyal Institution was committed to playing its part in helping to create a cleaner environment.

He said:
"In Northern Ireland there are often complaints about the level of litter after events and there are people who thoughtlessly throw down litter. 
"We want to encourage those who attend our events to extend the pride they show in the Orange Order to pride in keeping our country tidy for not only visitors but also everyone who lives here.
"Where there are litter bins there is really no excuse for dropping litter. We need as a society to address littering and to encourage people to be tidier.
"That is why we felt that Diamond Dan, who was designed as a character with a message for our young people, should convey an anti-litter message this Twelfth at our flagship festivals in Ballynahinch, Carrickfergus and Enniskillen, but the message is for all venues of course." 

The other Twelfth demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Crumlin, Portglenone, Ballymena, Broughshane, Cloughmills, Keady, Belfast, Newry, Kilkeel, Donaghadee, Tobermore, Coleraine, Pomeroy, Castlederg and Aughnacloy.