The No Surrender Parent Club held their first Initiation and Cultural Day on Saturday the 12th September 2009. The day itself started in perfect fashion as it was blessed with perfect weather. Up to 250 Brethren and Band members formed up at Lincoln Court Community Centre from 11am. The parade then moved off at 11.30am sharp making its way through Lincoln Court, Clooney estate, Bond Street and onwards to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. The William King Memorial Flute Band led the Parent Club members and branch club invited branch club members, with the Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute Band leading all visiting Brethren. Both bands played exceptionally well and many were in awe of their musical ability and standards.
Once the parade reached the ABOD Memorial Hall an initiation meeting took place, led by the worthy Governor Bro Jim Brownlee (Past President No Surrender Parent Club) and acting President Bro Jonathan Acheson. Thirty two candidates were initiated on the day exceeding expectations. After the meeting the cultural afternoon’s festivities began with Indigo, the William King Flute Band and the Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute Band all playing to the large crowds gathered in the top hall.
The Parent Club officers would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank every member who took part in the parade. As this was the first No Surrender Parade, we were all amazed at the numbers who turned up to support not only the club but the association as a whole. This bodes well for the future of the association, especially in the city of Londonderry. Secondly a special thanks has to be gave to the Secretary of the Parent Club, Bro Gordon Porter Senior for organising such a successful day. This may have been the first No Surrender Initiation Day and Cultural afternoon, but we can assure you it won’t be the last!!
Posted at 18:15 on Sunday 20th September 2009