At the half yearly meeting of the Grand Council of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth, Sir Knight Millar Farr Q.P.M. was elected and installed as the Institutions New Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution.

The previous Sovereign Grand Master Most Worshipful Sir Knight William J. Logan MBE. having indicated that he would not be seeking re-election.

Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr is a member of Greeves Memorial R.B.P. 641 encamped at Boland near Dungannon. He is a Past Worshipful District Master of Killyman Royal Black District Chapter No'1, County Tyrone for the period 2000-2005, & also served as an Assistant Sovereign Grand Master in 2000-2003.

He is the first Sir Knight from County Tyrone to hold this Office since Most Worshipful Sir Knight Hunt W. Chambre (1902-1914)

On his Election Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr said "I am deeply Honoured to have been elected Sovereign Grand Master & I realise just how awesome the task is which I have undertaken, when I reflect on the Distinguished Sir Knights who have held this Office down through the years & of the immense Contribution that they have made to our Institution & the Country in which we live."

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.

At present there is much uncertainty within Society about what the future holds, As Sir Knights within this Honourable & Dignified Institution we are all in a position to give Strong & Positive Leadership where & when it is needed, Indeed we have an Obligation to do so & I urge you all to live up to our responsibilities.

We bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Elizabeth Quigg who retired on the 25th September 2008 as our Office Administrator.

We Sincerely thank her for 25 Years Sterling Service to our Institution & wish her a long & happy retirement. Elizabeth's husband Ronnie is a Sir Knight in Kilmore Dove of Peace, R.B.P. 1144

We welcome Mrs. Alison Diffin as our new Office Administrator to Brownlow House.

Alison commenced work on 1st September 2008. We trust she will have a Long & Happy association with the Institution.

Alison's husband Mark is a Sir Knight in Erin's Royal Blues R.B.P. 1, Tandragee.

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.

The Imperial Sovereign Grand Master
Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr Q.P.M.

Presenting Most Worshipful Sir Knight William J. Logan MBE.,
Past Sovereign Grand Master with his Collarette and Jewel

All Sir Knights stood in praise of acclamation, showing thier appreciation and thanks on his many years of hard work and dedication to the Institution

Service of Thanksgiving

Largymore Royal Black District Chapter R.B.D.C No 9 held a Service of Thanksgiving marking 100 years of the chapter in Hillsborough Parish Church on Sunday 17th May. The Rector, the Rev Simon Richardson, led the service and welcomed the Sir Knights and special guests. The speaker was Canon Will Murphy (Imperial Grand Chaplain). Sir Knt Robert Orr (District Lay Chaplin) read the first Scripture lesson and Sir Knt Rev Gerry Sproule (Imperial Grand Chaplain) read the second Scripture lesson and also led the prayers of intercession. Julie Bell presided at the organ and together with the Parish Church Choir led the celebratory praise that included, ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’, ‘Take up thy cross’, ‘Crown Him with many thorns’ and ‘Glorious things of Thee are spoken’. Belfast gospel group ‘Called of God’ also took part.

During the service, Rt. Wor. Sir Knt William J. Logan, MBE Past Sovereign Grand Master, presented a Bible to Sir Knt Ian Patterson, District Master, to further commemorate this historic occasion.

Largymore District No 9 office bearers and guests pictured at a Service of Thanksgiving in Hillsborough Parish Church on Sunday 17th May.

L to R: Sir Knt James Logan (District Standard Bearer), Sir Knt Alan Tougher (District Banner Bearer), Sir Knt Frances Beckett (District Master No 1, Lisburn), Sir Knt Robert Orr (District Lay Chaplain), Sir Knt John Smith (Deputy County Grand Master), Sir Knt Canon Will Murphy (Imperial Grand Chaplain), Sir Knt Ian Patterson (Worshipful District Master), Sir Knt William Logan MBE (Past Sovereign Grand Master), Sir Knt Peter Lindsey (Deputy District Registrar), Rev Simon Richardson (Rector), Sir Knt Tom Wilkinson (Deputy District Master), Sir Knt Ron Pedlow (District Registrar), Sir Knt Rev Gerry Sproule (Imperial Grand Chaplain), Sir Knt George Swain (Past District Master) and Sir Knt Gerald Dillon (District Standard Bearer).

Largymore Royal Black District Chapter R.B.D.C No 9 standard bearers Sir Knt James Logan (left) and Sir Knt Gerald Dillon pictured at a Service of Thanksgiving in Hillsborough Parish Church.

L to R: Sir Knights - Bertie Wilkinson, Rodney Quigg, Neil Wilkinson, Roger Wilkinson & James Logan (District Standard Bearer).

The Most Worshipful Sovereign Grand Master Right Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr Q.P.M. installed Sir Knt William Montgomery as the new County Grand Master for County Tyrone in Garvetagh Orange Hall, Castlerderg on 29th June 2009.

Sir Knt William Abernethy was installed as Deputy County Grand Master with Sir Knt Richard Reid as County Grand Registrar.

The S.G.M. then present the Past County Grand Master Wor. Sir Knt Samuel A Glasgow MBE with an inscribed crystal vase in recognition of his 24 years service as County Grand Master and Sir Knt Stanley McFarland received a crystal clock for 10 years service as County Grand Registrar.

(L-R) William Abernethy I.G.T., D.C.G.M, Millar Farr S.G.M., Samuel A Glasgow MBE, P.C.G.M., Stanley McFarland P.C.G.Reg, William Montgomery C.G.M

The Sir Knights of above Lecture Class together with their wives and District Officers met in the Braeside Restaurant Cookstown to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of its formation.

All present were welcomed by Sir Knt. Allan Rainey MBE Chairman and following Grace by Sir Knt. Fred Hughes Lay Chaplain an excellent meal was served by Mrs Iris Thom and her staff.

The Anniversary Cake was cut by Sir Knt Jim Slaine I.G.Lect. and Mrs Edna Slaine.

The Chairman made reference to the fact that 5 foundation Members are still active members of the class and was pleased that all were able to be present.

He then invited Mrs May Managh wife of Sir Knt. Cuthbert Managh W.D.M. to make presentations of a British Empire Spoon together with an official certificate to each of the foundation members:-

Sir Knights George Somerville, Jim Slaine, Raymond Cousley, Fred Hughes and Austin Glasgow.

The Mitchell brothers who have completed more than 150 years service to R.B.P No'303 in East Tyrone District No'5

David held the post of Register while James was Treasurer and William was the Deputy Master.

The first presentation a cheque for £150 was to the City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows Fund and was presented by Sir Knight Steven Gallagher P.D.M. to Sir Knight & Bro Samuel Baxter Chairman L.O.W.F.

The second presentation was a cheque for £150 to the Lord Enniskillen Orange Orphans Society and was presented by Wor Sir Knight Alexander Brewster D.C.G.M to Sir Knight & Bro Mervyn Bishop G.T., G.L.O.I.

The third presentation was a cheque for £450 to the City of Belfast Black Benevolent Fund by Sir Knight Andrew Johnston PM to Wor Sir Knight Alan McIntosh Chairman B.B.F.

The Officers & Sir knights of Mount Carmel R.B.P. No'131, Banbridge District No'6 pictured holding their Installation of Officers in Brownlow House Lurgan.

also pictured celebrating their 150th Anniversary (1858-2008) by hosting a Dinner with the Most Worshipful Sovereign Grand Master William J. Logan MBE. in attendance.

The Officers & Sir Knights of Coleraine District No'1 Elijah R.B.P. No'99 at the Annual Installation of Officers held in Union Street Orange Hall Coleraine.

The Officers & Sir Knights of Curran Golden Star R.B.P. No'446 presenting a cheque on Monday 20th April 2009 for £420 to the County Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Sir Knight Trevor Kyle. This money was raised by the sale of Fireside Quiz sheets in aid of the Royal Black Institution designated charity, Diabetes UK (NI Research).

Every Sir Knight belonging to Curran Golden Star R.B.P. No'446 played their part in this effort and this was what made it possible to raise such a commendable amount to help in the battle against Diabetes, a disease which affects so many families.

CURRAN GOLDEN STAR R.B.P. No'446

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

The Annual Election of Officers for Curran Golden Star R.B.P No'446 took place on Monday 16th February 2009.

The Election was conducted by the Worshipful District Master Sir Knight Hugh Stewart assisted by the Deputy District Master Sir Knight Norman Young.

At this meeting the following Sir Knights, belonging to Curran Golden Star R.B.P. No'446, received Long Service Awards:

Wilson Morrow (40 year bar),

Jackie Hamilton, Clifford McKee, and Leslie Tyler (30 year bar),

Trevor Hamilton (25 year bar), Jeffrey Kane, and David Murdoch (25 year medal) and Nigel Kane (20 year medal).

The following Sir Knights also receive Long Service Awards but were unable to attend: Samuel Kenning (50 year bar), Jack Park (30 year bar), Philip Morrow (30 year medal) and Paul McLean (25 year medal),

Anniversary Flower Festival

Tassagh Temple of Royalty R.B.P. 82 Primatial District No'4

2009 marks a momentous year for Tassagh Temple of Royalty R.B.P. 82. Encamped in Tassagh at Orange Hall in South Armagh, the preceptory is celebrating their 160^th anniversary this year. Formed in 1849 after a warrant was issued to Sir Knight William Compston the Preceptory originally met in the townland of Tullynamalloge and it was not until 1895 that it adopted the name Tassagh Temple of Royalty.

The preceptory moved to it’s current home in Tassagh Orange Hall in 1914 and has remained their to the present day.

To mark the Preceptory’s 160^th anniversary Tassagh Temple of Royalty R.B.P. 82 will be holding a special flower festival in the newly renovated Tassagh Orange Hall from 18^th to 20^th September 2009.

An opening service will be held on the Friday evening at 8.00pm and a closing service will be held on the Sunday evening 8.00pm.

The exhibition will also be open on Saturday. Special speakers and guests will be at both services.

This flower festival promises to provide an original approach as the members, families and friends will be taking a central role in the creation of the exhibits.

One of the main aims of the festival is to showcase what the institution and its principles means to us and how we view the institution through the artistic medium of floral art.

Everybody is invited to come along to this special event and we look forward to celebrating our 160^th anniversary with you.

The Officers & Sir Knights of Tobermore Olive Branch R.B.P. No'390 South Derry District No'4

Sir Knights, Thomas Atkinson, James Clarke & John Dripps receiving their 60 Year Long Service Medals.

The Officers & Sir Knights of Skeogh R.B.P. No'1072 Lower Iveagh District No'1 County Down.

The Officers of the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter hosting the above mentioned presentation in West Belfast Orange Hall on the 16th March 2009 with Imperial Guests Inc; Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr, Sovereign Grand Master, & Sir Knight William Abernethy Imperial Grand Treasurer,

Imperial, County & District Officers in attendance at the Presentation Night inc;

Worshipful Sir Knights; Leslie Wilson, District Master Enniskillen No'1 District, Haslett Moore, County Grand Master Fermanagh, Irwin Brown, Fred Carson, Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr, Sovereign Grand Master, John Kerr, Ivan Loane, Albert Hughes, Registrar Enniskillen District No'1 Eric Hall District Master Killyman District No'1

The Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr, Sovereign Grand Master, pictured with

Sir Knights Irwin Brown, Fred Carson, John Kerr, Ivan Loane, in receipt of their

The Officers & Sir Knights of King Solomon's Golden Knights R.B.P No'119 Banbridge District No'6, County Down

The Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr, Sovereign Grand Master, pictured with

Sir Knights Andrew Maxwell Wor, Master R.B.P. No' 119 Sydney Hylands, (50 years), Thomas Sergeant, (60 years), William J, McKracken Lecturer (60 years) & Ivan Wilson Dep, Master R.B.P. No'119 receiving their Medals while visiting Brownlow House Lurgan.

Presentation Dinner in the King George VI Memorial Orange Hall, Newtownhamilton on Friday 6th March 2009 by Guiding Star R.B.P. No'1133, Markethill District No'3, County Armagh.

Worshipful Sir Knight Rev Canon G. N. Little, Deputy Grand Chaplain, County Armagh,

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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