ABOD Dunmurry Baker Club visit

Of the thirteen brethren who signed the charter, ten were members of Belfast Baker club, two were members of Belfast Total Abstinence ABOD, and one was a member of Belfast Mitchelburne Club. However, all had one thing in common, they were all brethren of Great Northern True Blues LOL 964, Sandy Row District, and it was their first intention to meet in Sandy Row Orange Hall. However, because of the rule of a three mile radius of two branch clubs of the same parent Club, a meeting room was acquired in Dunmurry Orange Hall and Dunmurry Baker Club was formed.

The unique circumstances with the formation of the club has resulted in two important aspects in the history of the club. The first is that the club only meets ni-monthly, and second in recognition of the link with LOL 964, the lodge presented the club with a Boyne Orange Standard on parade, a tradition that continues to this very day, although there is no official link with LOL 964. However, of our current membership of 17, six are members of 964.

The club has a long and chequered history. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Dunmurry Orange Hall was commandeered to be used as a communications post and had to be vacated. The club secured accommodation in the old school on the Flo Bog Road, Dunmurry and continued to meet there until 1957. On celebration days the club met at 3.30am and paraded through the village of Dunmurry, boarded the train to Great Victoria Street station and then paraded to York Street Station for the 6.40 train to Londonderry.

From 1957 the club met at Finaghy Orange and from 1983 the club has met in Sandy Row Orange hall. During the 1950s the club returned the highest membership of any of the affiliated branch clubs of the Apprentice Boys, and at the opposite end of the scale it came very close to closure during the early years of the 1970's.

The club has also been very fortunate with their relationships with the bands that have accompanied them. From 1936 to 1969, Shaftesbury Pipe Band, from 1973 to 1998, Ballylesson Old Boys Flute Band and from 1999 to the present, Parkinson Pipe Band.

No history of Dunmurry Baker Club would be complete without a tribute to the late Brother Walter Groves. Enrolled on formation of the Club, Walter gave a lifetime of service, not only to Dunmurry Baker Club but to the whole Apprentice Boys Association. He was club secretary from 1938 to 1985 and his dedication to the club ensured its success. He will never be forgotten.