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Alan Reddick,
who recalls the Twelfth of July
parades of many years ago in a new
book, written by Mrs Irene
Montgomery, called Twelfth Memories.
US3108-555CD
ONE man's recollections of a long-ago 'Twelfth' are part of a
collection of memories which have been compiled in a new book.
77-year-old Alan Reddick recalled a Twelfth day from 1945 when,
as a 14-year-old boy at the end of World War Two, he was given
the responsibility of looking after the Lambeg Drums throughout
the day.
The Lisburn man recounted his tale to family
friend Irene Montgomery, who wrote down his story and entered it
into a competition she had seen in the Newsletter in July 2007.
In the story Alan hears the early morning
sounds of the 'Lambegs' in the distance and he talks about
wearing his good suit, his walk in the procession and his train
journey from Maze station, which has long since closed.
He tells, with great pride, about carrying
the precious 'box which contained the repair patches for the
Lambeg Drums, and how he helped to avert disaster by using one
of his patches to repair a drum.
 He
also recalls the black ribbons on the Banner in memory of those
who died in the war, and his excitement at getting half a crown
which he spent on ice-cream.
Irene, who is not from Northern Ireland,
commented: "I had not experienced the excitement of the Twelfth
Parade, but enjoyed Alan's stories so much that I decided to
submit one of his stories for the Competition."
Alan has attended 63 'twelfths' and still
enjoys the sound of the Lambeg Drums. He is very proud of the
fact that his forefathers brought the LOL 206 to the area and
the tradition of the Drums for the Parade which is carried on by
his nephew Freddie Montgomery and his son Ian.
"I am pleased at how my story turned out,"
said Alan, "and I hope people will enjoy reading it."
Irene added, "We did not win a prize in the
competition but it is still nice to think that something that we
have written will bring back many happy memories for other
readers.
It is also exciting to see something that you
have written printed in a book."
Copies of 'Twelfth Memories', priced �7.99
can be purchased by telephoning 028 3839 5508.
stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk
Ulster Star
08/08/2008
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