On Coronation Day, Saturday 6th May 2023, Members of Lurgan and Brownlow Royal British Legion Branch and Club, their guests, and friends enjoyed a full day of events, both solemn, and more frivolous, at their Club Rooms in Union Street, Lurgan. The Branch and Club were fortunate to obtain a grant of £1000 from the National Lottery Community Coronation Fund, which meant that all of the activities on the day were provided free of charge.
The day began with complimentary tea, coffee, and scones, ahead of viewing the coronation service from Westminster Abbey on the big screen in the soon to be renamed ‘Upstairs’ Lounge’ (more of which later). During the ceremony, a ‘Children’s Corner’ was in full swing with a face painter, Coronation-themed activity books, and sweets and juice, obviously!!! 😉
Following the Coronation service, Mrs Diane Higginson, wife of the Club Chairman, Mr Clive Higginson, unveiled a Commemorative Coronation plaque on the front of the Club Rooms. Following this ceremony, Mrs Elizabeth Maginnis, Branch Secretary, and wife of the Branch Chairman, Squadron Leader Jim Maginnis, unveiled a plaque inside the Club Rooms to re-name the ‘Upstairs Lounge’ as ‘The McFadzean Room’ - in honour of the Lurgan-born World War 1 Ulster Division Victoria Cross winner, Private William McFadzean VC.
After a short break for ‘National Lottery-supplied’ tea, coffee and sandwiches, the Branch Chairman ran a free ‘Royal Quiz’ for all. The first prize (a bottle of Champagne) was won by three of the more ‘mature’ RBL members - all former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment. Co-incidentally, the same team also won the ‘spot prize’ for the picture round, which was also a bottle of Champagne – somewhat ironic considering all three ex-UDR members are teetotal!!! 😊 Then, in the evening, a two-piece band – ‘Too Right’ - provided ‘the dancing’ into the wee small hours of 7th May.
Everyone agreed that a fantastic day was had by all, and the Lurgan and Brownlow Branch and Club Committees are extremely grateful to the National Lottery Community Coronation Fund for providing the wherewithal to enable such a full day of activities to celebrate this most seminal day in the life of our Organisation, Town, and Nation.
GOD SAVE THE KING
