MEP meets Orange Leaders in County Armagh
10 March 2009
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister QC has met with the leaders of the Orange Order in County Armagh, including County Grand Master Dennis Watson, Deputy County Grand Master Joe Campbell, Jim Copeland County Grand Treasurer and Roger Gardiner, County Grand Secretary.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the Orange Institution’s exciting development project at Sloan’s House, which is hoping to attract EU Peace III funding. Mr Allister is very supportive of the scheme, and was pleased to be fully briefed on the detail of the plans, which will include a high-tech interpretative centre and museum. Commenting on the memorabilia already on display, Mr Allister said, “While the current displays are marvellous, to make full use of the vast range of historic material held, it is imperative that a fully equipped museum is provided and supplemented by exhibition facilities utilizing the latest technology. I am particularly keen on projects which can comprehensively educate Ulster’s youth and future generations on their rich and remarkable cultural history.”
The MEP pledged to continue his support through intensified lobbying of SEUPB to ensure this project gets the funding it deserves. “With so much Peace Funding having been wasted and diverted away from the Unionist community, I am determined that this opportunity should not be missed”, said Mr Allister. “I am also pleased to have been able to lobby Planning Service for the necessary planning permission and hope that soon this essential element will be in place”.
“This project”, said the MEP “has the potential to put Loughgall on the tourist map and keep our Orange history at the heart of celebration of our great cultural heritage, where it belongs.”
The MEP then went on with the County Officers to visit Dan Winter’s cottage, where he enjoyed Mrs Winter’s famous hospitality and wonderful home cooking. Speaking at the end of his visit Mr Allister said, “This was a thoroughly enjoyable and encouraging experience. To see the foresight and vision of the Orange in Armagh for the future was fantastic. I congratulate all those who have driven forward the Sloan’s House project and believe that for generations to come people will look back and see the wisdom of those who have persevered with it. I will continue to play my part in ensuring the Orange Institution will receive much needed funding for some of the major projects it is bringing forward.”
ENDS
