Welcome ->The Royal Black Institution

The teachings of our Institution are based entirely on Holy Scripture & our Objectives are clearly set out within the Mission Statement of The Royal Black Institution.

I urge all Sir Knights to endorse these teachings & adhere to what is set out in the Mission Statement, by so doing we will enhance not only our own lives but the lives of all those whom we come into contact with.

Millar Farr, Sovereign Grand Master, William Abernethy, Imperial Grand Treasurer, Mr Ken Finch, Chief Administrator, Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda, Mrs Judith Finch, Administrator, Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda, Ian McCafferty, Imperial Grand Lecturer, Dr Alison Reid who spent her medical elective in Kiwoko Hospital and William Scott, Imperial Grand Registrar.

The Royal Black Institution is planning to send a team of volunteers to Uganda to help a hospital which has special links to Northern Ireland.

The loyal order has made a community-based hospital in Uganda its designated charity for 2010 and is currently drawing up a plan to send 20 volunteers to work there for three weeks in the summer of 2011.

Kiwoko Hospital is a community based facility of 245 beds in the Luwero area of Uganda and has been chosen by the Institution to benefit from fund-raising over the next year.

In 2008 the Royal Black Institution raised money for Diabetes UK, Northern Ireland, and recently presented £77,000 to the charity, the biggest single donation it has ever received. Since 2002, the Institution has contributed almost £320,000 to a series of designated charities.

Kiwoko Hospital was opened in 1988 by Dr.Ian Clarke, formerly from Bangor in Co. Down.

He became the only doctor to tens of thousands of people in an area, half the size of Northern Ireland.

Dr. Clarke, his family and other people from Northern Ireland helped to build up the hospital over many years to help the local population. Last year, 1500 HIV cases were treated at the hospital.

Uganda has 2000 doctors to serve a population of 30 million, one third of whom regularly go without food. The average income per head of population is 360 dollars per year.

The Kiwoko Hospital is a Christian-based centre, which also has a special dedicated mission, helping to spread the Christian message in the area. The motto of the hospital is ‘We treat, Jesus saves.’

Ken Finch, from Knockbreda is the administrator in charge of the hospital currently and his wife Judith also works there. Dr. Rory Wilson, from Ballyholme, Bangor, is the medical superintendent.

The Uganda government contributes only 10% of the hospital’s running costs. Patients contribute to the costs of their treatment but in a rural area with so much poverty, and in a country where most of the population earn less than $1 per day, this is often not possible and the hospital’s ambition is that no patient should be turned away.

The shortfall, approximately 60% of the total running costs must be met from other sources, usually donations from churches and individuals.

“In 2008 we concentrated our fund-raising activities on helping Diabetes UK. It was an extremely worthwhile cause and we believe that we have enhanced the lives of many people, thanks to the research that the charity is carrying out.”

“For 2010 we have decided to look further afield. The Kiwoko Hospital is a wonderful example of how Christian people can help the health of a nation. The work being done there is literally life-saving.

“There are very obvious links with Northern Ireland and I am delighted that it has been chosen as our charity for this year.

“We were extremely fortunate recently to have a visit from Ken and Judith Finch. They were able to tell us all about their work in Uganda and it has really given us the impetus to step up the support we can give.

“I know that our members will make sizeable financial donations but we decided that we should do more than that and the team will head out there next summer to provide practical help.”

The money raised by the Institution will be used to build new accommodation for nurses, provide medical equipment and bible translation.

Mrs Jennifer McGivern National fundraising Manager Diabetes UK- Northern Ireland receiving a donation of £75,000 from The Most Worshipful, Sovereign Grand Master,

The picture also shows Senior Officers & Administrative Staff of the Institution at the Cheque Presentation held in Brownlow House Lurgan.

Information on the use of this donation.

This donation will part fund the University of Ulster as a 3 year Care and Treatment grant - Diabetes education for adolescents

The money raised will help fund the CHOICE programme which is an educational tool targeting young adolescents. There are currently 1000 children living with diabetes in Northern Ireland. This project was created with the help of adolescents. Each individual that took part in this project had their blood sugars taken before, during and after to show whether the programme assists to improve the management of their diabetes and their perceived quality of life.

Type 1 diabetes is the 3^rd most common chronic condition affecting children and adolescents in the United Kingdom (NICE 2004).

Complex, primarily self-managed and has been documented as restrictive, behaviourally challenging and complicated (Davidson et al 2004).

Regimes include regular insulin injections, blood glucose monitoring, co-ordinating dietary intake with energy expenditure and the ability to deal with sudden changes in blood glucose levels such as hypoglycaemic episodes.

Northern Ireland have highlighted that only 20% of all children and adolescents achieve a HbA1c of less than 7.5% (Cardwell et al, 2005).

To date there is no structured education programme being delivered within the UK specifically tailored to the needs of adolescents (DoH, 2005).

The need for structured, rather than ad hoc, patient education has been awarded high priority on the government’s healthcare agenda within the last three years.

The benefits of this programme are:

It will allow individuals to link insulin and carbohydrate

It will encourage adolescents and motivate them to self manage their diabetes

It will makes adolescents think and engage with advise

It will hopefully encourage individuals to take more responsibility

If this research project is proved successful it will be rolled out across Northern Ireland and the UK.

This presentation brings the total donated to Charities by the Royal Black Institution in the past six years to over £396,000.

This total does not include the numerous amounts given to local charities in the towns and villages in which our membership is based.

Would encourage everyone to read the following information and to visit the link below to see a more detailed print of this wonderful piece of History,

Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000 in partnership with Altnaveigh House have released for sale a limited edition of 1000 fine art prints depicting the famous Sham Fight held annually in Scarva on 13th July.

This collectable print is priced at £ 100 + p&p, the print size is 680mm x 480mm (roughly B2 size) and is unmounted and unframed. Each print is individually signed and numbered by local Banbridge artist Bruce White and issued complete with a personalised Certificate of Authenticity together with a short history of the Sham Fight. This print has been reproduced to the highest quality by award winning printers Nicholson & Bass in Mallusk.

An official launch will be held in the autumn but advance orders are now being taken.

The original painting by Bruce White will be presented in trust to the Imperial Grand Black Chapter for display in the Institution's Headquarters, Brownlow House, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, BT67 9BJ, Northern Ireland.

This offering presents an opportunity for Individuals, Private Preceptorys, District Preceptorys and Grand Black Chapters to secure a unique portrayal of a historic event of International significance.

Saturday 31^st October 2009 saw the unveiling of a newly commissioned piece of artwork depicting the famous annual Sham Fight in Scarva on 13^th July. Never having been captured on canvas before this was a historic project undertaken jointly by Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000, Scarva and Altnaveigh House, Newry.

Sir Knights of RBP 1000 and representatives of Altnaveigh House were joined on this special occasion by the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr QPM, Past Sovereign Grand Master Most Worshipful Sir Knight William Logan MBE and Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Bro Drew Nelson LLB along with other dignitaries and friends from both Loyal Orders.

Rodney Quigg (Worshipful Master) presents a cheque to Dorothy Roulston (Treasurer) and Tina McCalden (Secretary) of Dromore Action Cancer Group. The money was the offering taken at Ballygowan Rose of Truth RBP 172 Annual Church Service held in St John’s Parish Church and rounded up to £300 by the Preceptory Members. Included are Tom Wilkinson WDM (left) and members of Ballygowan Rose of Truth RBP 172.

Jim Logan (PDM, PM) presents his grandfather’s Past District Masters collarette to Rodney Quigg (Worshipful Master) and Ronnie Stewart (Deputy Master). Jim’s grandfather, the late Moses Patterson, was a member of Ballygowan Rose of Truth RBP 172 and was District Master of Largymore RBDC No 9 from 1921 to 1923.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart hosted a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October for Largymore Royal Black District Chapter No 9 Office Bearers and member of each Preceptory as part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 100^th anniversary of the issue of its warrant. Following a most enjoyable meal, the Mayor presented Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Worshipful District Master) with a crystal gift to commemorate the occasion after which the Sir Knights enjoyed a tour of the Island Centre including the council chambers.

Councillor Allan Ewart (Lisburn Mayor) pictured with Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Worshipful District Master) and Largymore Royal Black District Chapter No 9 Office Bearers at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October.

Councillor Allan Ewart (Lisburn Mayor) pictured at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October with Largymore RBDC No 9 Office Bearers Sir Knt Stephen Law (Deputy District Master) and Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Worshipful District Master) and Hillhall Golden Star RBP 1074 Office Bearers Sir Knt Alan Farrell (WM) and Sir Knt Gareth McMullan (DM).

The Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart presents a crystal gift to Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Largymore RBP No 9 Worshipful District Master) at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October.

Councillor Allan Ewart (Lisburn Mayor) pictured with Ballygowan Rose of Truth RBP 172 Office Bearers at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October. L to R: Sir Knt Councillor William Leathem, Sir Knt Jim Logan (PDM, PM), Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Worshipful District Master), Sir Knt Bertie Wilkinson

Councillor Allan Ewart (Lisburn Mayor) pictured with Tullynore Truth Defenders RBP 990 Office Bearers at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October. L to R: Sir Knts Mark Gibson (Reg), Frances Hughes (PDM PM), Trevor Gill (WM) and Raymond Law.

Downshire Golden Lights RBP 423 Office Bearers Sir Knt A Gamble (WM) and Sir Knt Mervyn Whyte (PM) pictured with the Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart and Sir Knt Gerry Sproule (Deputy County Grand Chaplain) at a civic reception on Thursday 15^th October.

Sir Knight and Brother David Lowe of Guiding Star RBP 1133 Newtownhamilton was recently presented with his 50 year medal. Sir Knight Lowe joined the institution in May 1959 and has been a faithful member but due to illness he is unable to travel to Preceptory meetings. Sir Knights of RBP 1133 travelled to Sir Knight Lowes' home in the Crossmaglen area of South Armagh where the WM Sir Knight and Brother William McCombe presented the medal.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart hosted a civic reception recently for office bearers from Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 in recognition of the Chapter’s honour of hosting the ‘last Saturday’ demonstration on this the historic occasion of the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Lisburn. Special guests included the Rt Worshipful Sir Knt John Burleigh (Imperial Deputy Grand Master), Rt Worshipful Sir Knt Stanley Bamford (County Grand Master), Sir Knt Roland Hill (Deputy County Grand Master), Sir Knt David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master) and Sir Knight Jeffrey Donaldson MP.

In welcoming the Sir Knights, the Mayor congratulated them on this special year in the history of the local Royal Black Institution. Sir Knt David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master) presented the Mayor with a crystal gift to commemorate the special occasion and Sir Knt Colin Preen (District Registrar) presented a cheque of £700 for the Mayor’s Charity TinyLife.

On conclusion of the formal proceedings, the Sir Knights enjoyed a most enjoyable meal and a tour of the Island Centre including the council chambers.

Presenting a crystal gift to commemorate Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 honour of hosting the ‘last Saturday’ demonstration on this the historic occasion of the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Lisburn.

L to R: (front row) Sir Knt Colin Preen (District Registrar), Sir Knt David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master), Councillor Allan Ewart (Mayor), Rt Worshipful Sir Knt John Burleigh (Imperial Deputy Grand Master) and Sir Knt Thomas McWatters (PDM).

(back row) Sir Knt Francis Beckett (PDM), Sir Knt Kenneth Hull (Deputy Lay Chaplain), Sir Knt Matthew Tinsley (Deputy District Master), Sir Knt John Curran (Foreman of Committee) and Sir Knt Thomas Johnston (Pursuivant).

Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 Office bearers pictured presenting a cheque of £700 for the Mayor’s Charity TinyLife.

L to R (front row) Sir Knt Colin Preen (District Registrar), Councillor Allan Ewart (Mayor) and Sir Knt David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master).

(back row) Sir Knt Francis Beckett (PDM), Sir Knt Kenneth Hull (Deputy Lay Chaplain), Sir Knt Matthew Tinsley (Deputy District Master) and Sir Knt John Curran (Foreman of Committee).

Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 Office bearers and special guests pictured at a recent civic reception hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart.

Sir Knights of King Solomon's Rising Star RBP No. 402 handing over a cheque for £1300 to Claire Brown from the NI Children's Hospice. The money was raised troughout 2009 by members of the Preceptory.

This picture was taken after the recent Songs of Praise Service held in Loughbrickland Presbyterian Church by the Sir Knights of King Solomon's Rising Star RBP 402. Included in the photograph are Preceptory Officers, Members of Inspire, Members of Closkelt Jubilee Singers, Kelly McClimmond from Macmillan Cancer Support and Sir Knight Richard Fleming (Guest Speaker). The collection was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and amounted to £1500.

City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter Election of Officers at Sandy Row Orange Hall on Friday 16th April 2010.

The Sovereign Grand Master Most Wor Sir Knight Millar Farr, the City Grand Master Rt Wor Sir Knight William Mawhinney and the Imperial Grand Treasurer Rt Wor Sir Knight William Abernethy.

Front row shows the Sovereign Grand Master Most Wor Sir Knight Millar Farr, the City Grand Master Rt Wor Sir Knight William Mawhinney and the Imperial Grand Treasurer Rt Wor Sir Knight William Abernethy. Back row shows the City Grand Registrar Wor Sir Knight Brian Kerr, Deputy City Grand Master Sir Knight Alexander Brewster and the City Grand Treasurer Sir Knight Alan McIntosh.

At the election of Officers the Sovereign Grand Master presided and the Imperial Grand Treasurer fulfilled the role of Deputy Presiding Officer. The Sovereign Grand Master stated that this had been his first visit to the City Grand Chapter. The Sir Knights of Belfast hope that it was an enjoyable occasion for both Imperial Officers and look forward to their return to preside at the Installation of Officers.

At the resultant election of Officers all Principle Officers were re elected for another term of Office.

The members of Loughbrickland Black Evangelical Fellowship will bring an end to their season of very successful month meetings on Tuesday evening the 11th of May when their special guest will be Mr Eric Clarke from the Christian Blind Mission UK. The CBM was founded just over a hundred years ago by Ernst Jakob Christoffel , who opened the first CBM home for the blind, hearing impaired and physically disabled in 1908. CBM UK was established in 1996, with National Director Bill McAllister leading a dedicated team of fundraisers working from offices in Cambridge.CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. They act upon the needs and rights of people with disabilities and supports the provision of more than 900 projects in more than 90 countries. It is estimated that CBM reaches out to 16 million people worldwide across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and South America. Whereever possible, it is their aim to provide these services within the communities and therefore Community-Based Rehabilitation programmes are provided where possible to leave communities with a legacy of skills. They always works in partnership with national and local organisations and provide an important advocacy link for people who have a sensory or physical disability, to their respective governments. CBM UK's Head Office is based just outside of Cambridge, England and is home to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. They also operate two smaller regional offices which are home to two country managers - one in Glasgow, Scotland and the other in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Their Regional Representative for Northern Ireland is Mr Eric Clarke and, at the meeting, he will give an overview of the very vital work that CBM does right across the world. Eric, lives in Donaghcloney, Northern Ireland, with his wife Helen and they are both part of the Moira Baptist Church, in Co. Armagh. He is a keen gospel singer and used his bass baritone voice for over eight years as a full-time soloist with the Movement for World Evangelism. The members of the Fellowship are already putting plans in place for next season’s series of monthly meetings, and details of these will be made available over coming weeks.

The Molyneaux Mace
Following the retirement of Sir Knight The Rt. Hon. The Lord Molyneaux of Killead KBE, as Sovereign Grand Master, the worldwide membership in recognition of the twenty seven years of exemplary service given by this most distinguished Sir Knight, at their meeting on 4th December 1999, dedicated for ceremonial use at the meetings of the Grand Council of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter - The Molyneaux Mace

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