ASSOCIATED CLUBS OF APPRENTICE BOYS OF DERRY.
GENERAL COMMITTEE:
The 332nd anniversary of the Shutting of the Gates was commemorated on Saturday 5th December 2020.
The commemorations commenced at midnight on Friday 4th December with representatives of the Murray Club firing the ceremonial cannon 4 times symbolising 1 & 3 The Brave 13.
A representative party of 13 members symbolically closed each of the 4 original Gates into the Walled City.
The Flags were hoisted from the platform of Walker’s Plinth. At 9.00am General Committee opened in Ritual Form.
At 9.30am an effigy of the Siege Traitor, Lundy, was set alight by the President of the Murray Parent Club.
At 10.00am 13 members of the Association accompanied by a flautist and drummer paraded to the grounds of St. Columb’s Cathedral. A floral tribute was placed at the Siege Heroes Mound and a brief thanksgiving service for the Shutting of the Gates was conducted by the Rev. Nigel Cairns.
The procession then paraded back to the Memorial Hall where the commemoration concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and closing of General Committee.
The Governor and Officers of the Association convey their warm appreciation to the Murray Club who carried out their duties, the Walker family for making the effigy of Lundy, the Marshalls for their assistance and the Brethren who attended.
The Shutting of the Gates anniversary was commemorated responsibly by the Apprentice Boys Association ensuring the restrictions imposed by the Government were adhered to.
We trust next year will see our usual membership present and we will conduct the ceremonies in their traditional manner.
No Surrender
God Save The Queen.
Graeme Stenhouse. Governor.
William Moore General Secretary.
