------------------------------------ Brief History Of L.O.L.228 ------------------------------------ Tranent True Blues LOL 228 were originally founded in 1910 by the brethren of LOL184 which included Tranent man Bro John Dodds PM. Bro Dodds is reported to have paraded alone on one occasion in full regalia down Tranent High Street, acknowledging all he then moved on to join District LOL 44 on parade. Bro Dodds died in 1969 but still parades down Tranent High Street each year supported by many more Orangemen and women as his portrait is on LOL 228's banner. Today LOL 228 are a strong lodge in both spirit and number. They own their own ground and hall and are a vital part of community life in Tranent and the surrounding area. (Click on the flags and images)
------------------------------------ The Friendship Begins ------------------------------------
In centuries past there have always been strong links between Ulster and Scotland. In times of war and trial the Protestant people of Ulster and Scotland have always stood side by side within Britain. In 1976 there was an historic occurrence. On the morning of the twelfth of July the members of LOL 1960 along with their band were leaving the then worshipful master's house in Brookmount Street, off the Shankill Road. Perhaps by an extraordinary coincidence the late Bro Harry Miller a prominent member of LOL 228 had arrived in Brookmount Street seeking a Lodge to walk with on that day's twelfth of July demonstration. To the disbelief of the master of LOL 1960 Bro Miller wearing full Scottish kilt and regalia asked if he could walk with LOL 1960 on that day. Bro Miller was received as one of their number and walked with 1960 to their twelfth demonstration to Edenderry. On the return route Bro Miller asked if he could carry the LOL 1960 bannerette (as the Lodge at that time did not have a full sized banner). LOL 1960 were only to glad to increase the appearance of their Lodge with a Scotsman in full regalia carrying their bannerette. In the next few months Bro Miller met with the members of LOL 1960 in Belfast as his son was serving in the armed forces in Northern Ireland. Correspondence continued between the two Lodges and soon LOL 1960 received an invitation to walk with LOL 228 at their annual demonstration. A number of Brethren form LOL 1960 visited their Scottish brethren and stayed at their houses in Tranent and the nearby town of Prestonpans.
------------------------------------ The Friendship Continues ------------------------------------
In recent years large amounts of brethren have attended each other's demonstrations to show our friendship and demonstrate our civil and religious liberties. LOL 228's Orange Hall has recently been refurbished; they demonstrated the high esteem they have for LOL 1960 by having a decorative mural of LOL 1960 showing St Paul's Church painted on a wall directly facing a mural of LOL 228 inside the Orange Hall. The Lodges also have a joint crest on their Lodge ties.
And so a friendship which was perhaps born out of coincidence has spanned two decades and today in the year 2002 the bond between LOL 1960 Belfast and LOL 228 Tranent is as strong as ever.
UNITED WE STAND WITH THE HANDS ACROSS THE SEA!
(Right) The Late Bro John Dodds is featured on LOL 228's banner. Bro Dodds being one of the lodge's founder members in 1910.
