An earlier start than usual for the members of the band. Departing the city for Culmore just before 0700. On the road for 0730 and first challenge of the morning was tackling that hill! As usual we breezed up it, but were glad that was over us. Out then to the Woodlands to the bus and back to Londonderry.

Meeting with LOL 1087 and the Orange And Blue Auld Boys in John Street we made our way to the Fountain to meet with No. 4 District and together paraded up through the City centre to the Memorial Hall, with a slight delay made by two idiots attempting to protest at the entrance to Palace Lane. Following the arrival of the Waterside Districts, all five Londonderry Districts headed by the City Grand Lodge marched off to May Street where our busses for Portrush awaited.

We arrived in Portrush ahead of Limavady, Coleraine and Macosquin and since we had furthest to travel were somewhat surprised. Lack of Marshals led to confusion as to who went where but eventually we got underway. Parading through the town the band got a good reception from all those who had turned out to enjoy the splendour of the parade and indeed the weather. Unfotunately the field was well outside the town and there were plenty of tired legs and sore feet amongst bands and lodges.

The return parade only hit the outskirts of the centre of town proceeding directly to the busses for home. We managed to be the first away, arriving back in the Maiden City a good hour before any other districts. This gave us an extra wee break to recover from the day we had already had.

With everyone back in Londonderry, the parade formed up and moved off. For some only as far as the Waterside. For ourselves and the rest of No. 1 and 4 Districts it was home to the Mem.