The Independent Loyal Orange Institution was the only of the Loyal Orders to Parade officially this Twelfth, keeping alive a centuries old tradition. Of of the almost 250 parades processed by the Parades Commission, the only parades organised by Orangemen as official Orange parades where those organised by our Institution. It was felt that rather than imposing a blanket ban on Orange parades as was seen by the early decision by the grand Lodge of Ireland, we should be lead by the science and the evolving situation. Sometimes being smaller and more able to respond to a fluid situation can be a benefit and the ILOI played to its strengths taking a lead from its members and supporters.

It was always going to be a difficult decision, and indeed when the Government guidelines and regulations dictated it, the ILOI abided by the letter of the law, however as a democratic Institution it was decided that the feelings of the membership should be given an equal weight to the range of other factors when coming to a decision. We acted early providing advice and guidance to lodges and members as well as associated bands. Meetings and other events were put on hold and it was decided rather than issue an edict early on we would invest time in monitoring the situation in terms of the medical guidance, changing government policy and the mood of the movement and the country.

This allowed the ILOI Grand Lodge Officers to work with private lodges and when only last week restrictions in terms of social gatherings and venues like restaurants changed we were able to develop a safe sensible approach that would allow the tradition of an actual Twelfth parade to be honoured. Alongside this we have worked with local Councils and the PSNI to ensure that many of the potential risk factors were eliminated. We were always confident of the discipline and commons once of our own members, however given the fact that people had not seen a parade this year the concern was that numbers attending would be uncontrollable.

A range of options from an event held on private property much like Scarva held largely in the Scarva House Demesne, was considered with an allocation of tickets to the general public, and the use of the family based bubble approach to manage attendees. However it was the bands community which provided the best model for a safe pare and that was to take a parade to the people and to their own doorstep. This was the model adopted and a number of private lodges with a good geographical spread across the County moved forward with plans.

The Grand Lodge Team met and spoke with the PSNI and Assistant Chief Constable and the nature of our parades adhered to the letter of the law in terms of numbers. We are most proud to commend the private lodges involved who organised traditional Twelfth Orange Parades at Killycoogan, Ballinagarvey, Mossside, Garryduff and Finvoy. They were limited in number and we apologise for not being able to accommodate visiting brethren or members of the Orange Order who would traditionally parade with us. Where were token in nature but important to keep that continuity alive. We thank the public for staying in their own homes or in their cars along the parade route, and in family based bubbles in line with best practice.

Even a fortnight ago we were told this was impossible, but just as we secured a Parade in 1990 at the Boyne site against all the odds we are satisfied that all the hard work and care paid off at this years Twelfth as Independent Orangemen were the only Orangemen allowed to walk. We thank God for this opportunity and would like to thank the Grand Lodge Officer team for their diligence in keeping a watching brief on the situation and an open door to lodges which expressed a desire to walk. We would encourage all those value their Orange heritage to Join with us to ensure that we all keep marching on.