A report of the Association's first parade in the city centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, hosted by the North East of England No Surrender Club on 12th April.

Saturday's Parade by the Apprentice Boys of Derry at Newcastle-upon-Tyne was very well received in the City with a good turn out of Members accompanied by the three bands. It must be one of the largest ABoD gatherings for a local parade ever to occur in England and the hard work and effort put in by the Officers and Members of the North East of England No Surrender Branch Club truly paid off with a magnificent Parade through the heart of the City of Newcastle. The Governor and No Surrender Parent Club Officers were delighted with the attendance and impeccable behaviour of all Members.

There were a few murmurs about the shortness of the actual Parade and the absence of any formal proceedings, but short and sweet was the outcome of the day, and a very enjoyable time was had by everyone who took part.

Unfortunately, because of engineering works, we were not able to gain access to the Cenotaph area in order to lay a Wreath at the City’s War Memorial. However these observations have been noted for the future and as a first Parade through a major City Centre, organised by the Branch Club, I am sure everyone will agree that expressions of "congratulations and well done" are due to the local Officers and Members.

Thanks are also due to the contingents who travelled down from Scotland. The vast number of Members greatly enhanced the impact of the Parade and we certainly created a very favourable impression amongst the Citizens of Newcastle. There were no incidents whatsoever.

View Comments (0 comments)