Orangeman honoured for 60 years of service

A TYRONE Orangeman has been honoured for more than 60 years of dedicated service.

Perry Reid was presented with the Grand Master’s Award at this year’s Orange Community Awards 2024.

Mr Reid received the prestigious trophy from the Orange Order’s Grand Master, Ardstraw man Edward Stevenson.

In making the presentation, the Grand Master said, “His dedication to the Orange Institution in County Tyrone stretches way back to 1959 when he joined Derryfubble LOL 49 on the 12th of July – some six months after his 17th birthday.

“Since then he has been an active member of the lodge, holding the office of Deputy Master from 1988 to 1994, and Worshipful Master from 1995 to 2015 – an incredible 20 years.

“He did not limit his time and talents to lodge level as he served as District Master of Benburb District No 13 from 1995 to 2008.

“He further served his County holding the office of County Secretary from 1998 to 2011, Deputy County Grand Master from 2012 to 2017 and County Grand Master of Tyrone from 2012 to 2017.

“He has also served the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland in the capacity of Assistant Deputy Grand Secretary.”

Meanwhile, another Tyrone man, Stephen Shortt, from Beragh ‘No Surrender’ LOL 796, was presented with the Sporting Achievement Award 2024.

Following the event, Mr Stevenson paid tribute to the winners and nominees in the respective categories.

He said, “I would like to personally congratulate each and every one of the winners and nominees for being standard bearers for the Institution, as well as their own communities.”