Latest news with #RoyalBlackPreceptory
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Politicians condemn those behind van covered in racist graffiti in west Belfast
The van was daubed with racist graffiti in the Bearnagh Drive area. A company logo on the side suggests the van belongs to Equans, a long-time contractor for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty described the attack as 'disgraceful'. 'The racist graffiti daubed on a Housing Executive vehicle in Bearnagh Drive today was disgraceful and has no place in our society,' he said. "This vile act does not reflect the people of this community. A community built on respect, diversity and solidarity. No family should have to walk past that kind of hatred.' Mr Doherty said he reported the incident to the PSNI. 'I've flagged this with the police and hope the vehicle can be removed by Housing Executive staff as soon as possible. Those responsible should be ashamed. We stand united against racism in all its forms.' Sinn Féin's Paul Maskey also condemned the graffiti. The West Belfast MP said: 'Overnight in Andersontown, a company van was sprayed with disgusting xenophobic slurs, designed to spread fear and hatred. 'Our activists were in the area today speaking to local residents and the vehicle owner, all of whom are outraged. 'We have reported this to PSNI and I would urge anyone with information to please bring it forward. Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades 'Those involved do not speak for the vast majority of west Belfast. Andersonstown is a welcoming community — one which I am proud to be part of and represent. 'Our resolve is steadfast. Racism will not win.' The PSNI have been contacted for comment. Equans says on its website that it has been 'providing repairs, maintenance, heating and refurbishment services to more than 45,000 homes across the region' for more than two decades. 'The Northern Ireland team has also recently been awarded funding by the NI Sustainable Energy Programme to provide full heating and housing solutions to low income households, helping them become safe, comfortable, and energy efficient,' the website adds.
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades
Thousands of band members and members of the public arrived at the co. Down village of Scarva this morning as Royal Black Preceptory parades took place. Over 80 bands made their way through the town as thousands of people came to watch.
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium celebrates 230 Years of Weather Records
The Planetarium has taken weather readings every single day since July 14, 1795. To celebrate the occasion, the Observatory hosted a special gathering at its historic meteorological enclosure ('MET cage') on Monday, followed by a Family Fun Day at the Planetarium. Meteorological measurements at Armagh began in December 1794, with an unbroken sequence of daily weather readings starting in July 1795, making this one of the longest continuous climate records in the British Isles. 'Reaching 230 years of uninterrupted weather records is an extraordinary achievement,' said Dr Kerem Osman Çubuk, Astronomy Communicator at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. 'This archive is one of the oldest and most consistent climate datasets globally, critical for understanding long-term climate trends, planning our futures, and celebrating centuries of dedicated observations.' Since 1836, daily rainfall has been recorded at Armagh Observatory; humidity data (wet bulb) has been collected there since 1838; and maximum and minimum daily temperatures have been tracked from 1844. The Observatory's instruments have evolved from early thermometers and barometers to the installation of a Stevenson Screen in 1865, and most recently, a state-of-the-art Met Office automatic weather station in 2018. That same year, Armagh Observatory was officially recognised as a WMO Centennial Observing Station, Those attending Monday's event were invited to view the historic meteorological instruments and learn about the Observatory's unique legacy of continuous observation. Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades Families also enjoyed access to Planetarium exhibits, the sensory room, and dome shows as part of a full day of engaging and educational experiences.
Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Tens of thousands take to streets for annual July 12 Orange Order parades
Tens of thousands are set to take to the streets across Northern Ireland for the Orange Order's annual July 12 parades. The festivities will be spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne where the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. It comes after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. On Sunday morning, an Orange Order parade has been permitted to pass Ardoyne shops in north Belfast restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. The Orange Order morning parade makes its way along the Crumlin Road towards the Ardoyne shops in Belfast in 2024 (Brian Lawless/PA) It is a return parade at a former flashpoint which traditionally took place on the evening of July 12 often resulting in violent scenes. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. While most of the bonfires passed off peacefully, there was condemnation after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. Effigies of migrants in a boat burn atop a bonfire at Moygashel, Co Tyrone, ahead of events to mark the Twelfth of July (Niall Carson/PA) Pictures of the Irish rap band Kneecap and Irish flags were also burned on other pyres. But the most contentious bonfire was located on a site containing asbestos and close to an electricity sub station off the Donegall Road in south Belfast. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, around 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff will be working on July 12. On the 11th night, around 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is due to falling police numbers and the resultant increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has urged mutual respect in the marking of events. Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA) 'These celebrations and others that occur throughout the year are a valued part of Northern Ireland's local history and culture,' he said. 'They can and should be occasions where communities come together in a spirit of inclusiveness and pride, through local traditions. 'Mutual respect is the foundation of strong, safe communities. 'There is no place for hate or intimidation—only space for celebration that welcomes and celebrates not divides. 'Our officers will be on the ground throughout the weekend, working in partnership with community leaders, event organisers, and local representatives to support lawful, peaceful, and family-friendly events. However where necessary, we will take firm and proportionate action to keep people safe. 'Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone. 'Let's ensure that this weekend reflects the very best of our communities: proud, respectful, and united.'
Glasgow Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Tens of thousands take to streets for annual July 12 Orange Order parades
The festivities will be spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne where the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. It comes after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. On Sunday morning, an Orange Order parade has been permitted to pass Ardoyne shops in north Belfast restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. The Orange Order morning parade makes its way along the Crumlin Road towards the Ardoyne shops in Belfast in 2024 (Brian Lawless/PA) It is a return parade at a former flashpoint which traditionally took place on the evening of July 12 often resulting in violent scenes. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. While most of the bonfires passed off peacefully, there was condemnation after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. Effigies of migrants in a boat burn atop a bonfire at Moygashel, Co Tyrone, ahead of events to mark the Twelfth of July (Niall Carson/PA) Pictures of the Irish rap band Kneecap and Irish flags were also burned on other pyres. But the most contentious bonfire was located on a site containing asbestos and close to an electricity sub station off the Donegall Road in south Belfast. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, around 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff will be working on July 12. On the 11th night, around 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is due to falling police numbers and the resultant increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has urged mutual respect in the marking of events. Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA) 'These celebrations and others that occur throughout the year are a valued part of Northern Ireland's local history and culture,' he said. 'They can and should be occasions where communities come together in a spirit of inclusiveness and pride, through local traditions. 'Mutual respect is the foundation of strong, safe communities. 'There is no place for hate or intimidation—only space for celebration that welcomes and celebrates not divides. 'Our officers will be on the ground throughout the weekend, working in partnership with community leaders, event organisers, and local representatives to support lawful, peaceful, and family-friendly events. However where necessary, we will take firm and proportionate action to keep people safe. 'Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone. 'Let's ensure that this weekend reflects the very best of our communities: proud, respectful, and united.'
