A report on the day’s events from an officer of the Scottish Amalgamated Committee.
When I got to the entrance of the field I noticed the place was filling up nicely, with the members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Association from all over Scotland, England and Ulster.
What a sight to see so many people milling about speaking to people that they hadn’t seen from last year’s parade or maybe the Easter Monday parade in Larne, all looking forward to the parade starting.
The parade started a bit later than it was supposed to due to some buses being directed by the police to the wrong area but this looked to be the only problem on the day. With the parade about to leave it looked as if everyone had made it into the park in time for the move off,
As usual at the front were the Scottish Amalgamated Committee colour party with their new bannerette making its first appearance on the streets of Scotland. They were led by the Millar Memorial flute band from Belfast. They were followed by the officers of the General Committee, Scottish Amalgamated Committee, Belfast Amalgamated Committee, English Amalgamated Committee and guests behind them.
The parade, with 45 member branch clubs and bands then proceeded to parade around Grangemouth which was enriched with glorious sunshine. The small gathering of people at various points around the route made it an enjoyable day for everyone.
This time its impossible to mention all the Branch Clubs, Parent Clubs and other visitors. I can only hope that you all enjoyed the parade and I would like to thank the Grangemouth Branch Club for all the hard work they put in and that they see the May Rally 2009 as one which was success for their Branch Club.
James
Posted at 16:05 on Saturday 23rd May 2009