LORD BANNSIDE A LIVING LEGEND IN OUR TIME IS CALLED HOME

Lord Bannside ( Dr Ian R.K.Paisley ) quietly passed into the immediate presence of the Lord on Friday 12th September 2014. Dr Paisley was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1946 and became a world renowned Gospel preacher. In 1951, he founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and became it's Moderator. The denomination is now represented across the entire globe and has been a source of bringing the Gospel to the nations of the world. "The Big Man", as he was affectionately known, was Minister in the Martyrs Memorial Church on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast for over 60 years.

In 1970, he entered the field of politics and became the Member of Parliament for North Antrim, a position that he was to occupy for over 40 years, eventually becoming the Father of the house at Westminster. In 1971, Dr Paisley formed his own political party that would defend Protestant principals along with the Unionist cause. Little did he realise that one day the party which he formed would become the voice of Unionism and would become the 4th largest political party in the House of Commons.

In 1979, Dr Paisley was elected to the European Parliament as an MEP for Northern Ireland. He was elected as the most popular MEP throughout Europe with the largest majority. Under his leadership the Democratic Unionist Party became the largest political voice of Unionism in 2005. Following the St Andrews agreement, Dr Paisley became the First Minister of Northern Ireland in 2007 and was made a Life Peer in 2010, taking the title of Lord Bannside, the Parliamentary District in which he first stood.

There is no doubt that Dr Paisley was a living legend in our day and age. His passion for the souls of men, the Country that he loved and the Protestant Reformed Faith was beyond question.  He will be sadly missed by those who grew to love the man, his message and the Master he served. Dr Paisley will be missed most of all by those who knew him best and loved him most. To his dear wife, Baroness Paisley and the whole of the family circle we extend our heartfelt sympathy. This province of Ulster and the nation in which we live will never again witness a man with his character, qualities and vision.

We salute his life, testimony and memory and we thank the God of Heaven for allowing us to have crossed his path and to have known him in life.

RASHARKIN PARADE PASSES WITHOUT INCIDENT

The Annual Ballymaconnolly Band Parade has passed off without incident in the village of Rasharkin despite the outrageous restrictions imposed by the parades commission. "This parade peacefully exhibits our rich tradition and culture, yet the parades commission has systematically imposed restriction year after year, all at the behest of the alleged residents group" said Phil Moffatt. "This determination is a further kick in the teeth to the Unionist Community and convinces us even further that the Commission is a spent force and must be replaced with a body that is fair and equitable when it comes to making rulings on parades and demonstrations. The so called shared future and shared space policy so often referred to by Sinn Fein does not appear to extend to our tradition. It would appear that republican toleration does not exist after all" 

Hundreds of loyal supporters peacefully gathered to watch 25 bands parade through the village. Councillor Billy Henry and Phil Moffatt ( Bannside ) both observed the parade at the Police lines within the heart of the Village.

                                               

ABOD AND THE MAIDEN CITY

CULLYBACKEY APPRENTICE BOYS OF DERRY, paraded the Village on Saturday 9th August and then set off for the Maiden City, in remembrance of the 1688-1689 siege. Thousands lined the streets to watch the parade and even more joined the parade as it made its way over the bridge winding through the City and through the fountain estate.

The day passed off without incident and the weather was favourable providing a  enjoyable day for all. The Worthy President Bro Jonathan Calderwood thanked the band and the brethren upon returning to the Orange Hall after which the National Anthem was played and the parade was dismissed

GOD SAVE OUR GRACIOUS QUEEN 

phil.moffatt@bannside-dup.co.uk

DIANE DODDS MEP AND PHIL MOFFATT AT THE LIVESTOCK MARKET

PHIL MOFFATT and DIANE DODDS MEP made a recent visit to the Ballymena Livestock Market.

" It was a great to see Diane, and to welcome her to the area once again. A lot of local farmers took time to speak with Diane and to the Chair of the Agricultural Committee Paul Frew MLA who also joined us on that occasion, said Phil. It became very clear that Diane is right across her portfolio and she was able to engage with the many farmers and to take on board their comments and concerns."

" Its not hard to see why she was once more endorsed by the Unionist Community and  returned again to Europe to work on their behalf. " said Phil

Well done Diane, keep up the good work !!!!

phil.moffatt@bannside-dup.co.uk

CULLYBACKEY " WE WILL REMEMBER THEM "

It was at 11pm on 4th August 1914 that British Forces engaged in open combat and World War One or the Great War as it is commonly know commenced. Thousands upon thousands of young men would leave their homeland to fight for our freedoms, liberties and British way of life.

Untold thousands would never return home again.  Our nation was to be robbed of a young generation who paid the Supreme Sacrifice and  would give their lives on the battlefields of France. 

On Monday 4th August 2014, the Cullybackey Branch of the Royal British Legion, along with a number of supporters gathered around the War Memorial in the Village of Cullybackey, their purpose was to pay tribute too and remember those who had fallen but would never be forgotten.  This was part of a National Act of Reflection and Remembrance as people gathered throughout the nation around Cenotaphs and War Memorials to pay tribute to those who in a bye gone age defended our honour.

The Chairman of the Royal British Legion Major ( retd ) Bill Canning welcomed all assembled to the short service. Two minutes silence was then observed after which a lone Piper played a lament.

It was my great privilege and honour to bring just a few thoughts from Gods precious Word. We considered the bible text written upon the head stone of Noel Chavasse who was a recipient of not one but two Victoria Crosses, and was the most decorated soldier in World War One.

The Text was    " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends " John 15 v 3 

No Greater Love than the Love of Christ 

- A Love that brought him from the realms of Glory and took him to Calvary's Cross

No Greater Man than the Person of Christ 

- He was God incarnate, God manifest in the flesh, in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

No Greater Life than the Life of Christ

- He was the Sinless Spotless Son of God, who gave his life a ransom for the many, and bore our sins in his own body on the tree.

No Greater Friend than the Lord Jesus Christ  

- The Bible says that he is a friend that sticketh closer than any brother.

Whilst there was a service taking place in Ballymena at the same time,  it was encouraging to see three of our Local Elected Members present on this occasion.

The Royal British Legion would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who attended the National Act of Reflection and Remembrance in the Village

phil.moffatt@bannside-dup.co.uk

THANK YOU BANNSIDE

Unfortunately I was unsuccessful in winning the seat for the DUP in Mays Local Elections. It was a heavily contested campaign. Thankfully the Unionist Family will still control the new Super Council for the next 5 year term which is of paramount importance. It was a real privilege to meet so many of the electorate on their very own doorsteps and to get some positive feedback for the Party.

Congratulations to my all colleagues who where successful especially Cllr Billy Henry and Cllr Tommy Nichol who where returned to represent Bannside for a further term in office. May I take this opportunity to thank the electorate who took the time to go out and register a vote, its essencial that everybody fulfils their civic duty and makes their vote count.

Finally a very big thank you to those who helped me throughout the campaign and a special word of thanks to my wife and family who where so understanding displaying real patience with me once again.

Ill be back, to do it all over again !!!!!   I haven't gone away you know !!!!!!

phil.moffatt@bannside-dup.co.uk

INDEPENDENT ORANGE ORDER VISITS LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL

MERVYN STOREY MLA for North Antrim and PHIL MOFFATT from Bannside  recently visited Liverpool Town Hall along with a delegation of officers from the INDEPENDENT IMPERIAL GRAND LODGE. Both men where joined by Senior Officers from the County Grand Lodge of England and the County Grand Lodge of Scotland.

The Independent Institution where warmly welcomed into the Lord Mayors Office and where given a full tour of the Town Hall with refreshment being provided.

Speaking after the event Phil Moffatt said " An Orange identity within the City of Liverpool has been in existence since 1850s, when the potato famine came to Ireland. Many decided to set sail for a new life in the United States, to do so they had to make their way to Liverpool. However many decided to stay in the City and the Orange and Green division could clearly be seen. So strong was the link with the Ulster Protestants by the Orange Community that Sir Edward Carson personally visited the City and was greeted by no less than 250,000 Unionists at the Pier Head."

phil.moffatt@bannside-dup.co.uk