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The Orange Order's members need to be given credit for their
efforts for the Institution and the wider community.
That is the basis behind the launch of new Orange Community
Awards, which will seek to highlight the exceptional efforts
of members in many ways.
Although known officially as the Orange Community Awards,
it is likely that the working title of 'The Grands' may be
the more common title which many adopt in recognition of the
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
The basis of 'A grand' is, of course, a thousand.
The awards, according to the Order, have been launched because
some members deserve 'a thousand thanks for what they do.'
Nomination forms have gone out to all of the Institution's
Lodges, and will focus on four categories this year. These
are;
- Best charity fund-raising Lodge.
- Largest increase in Lodge membership.
- Award for community involvement and
- Merit awards for exceptional Orange projects.
A spokesman for the Institution said that it was hoped that
the awards would see considerable nominations and that they
would give the opportunity to provide wider recognition for
those concerned as well as help show the wider community the
excellent and selfless actions of members.
Those interested in nominating individuals or Lodges have
to provide written details and complete a nomination form
available from Schomberg House in Belfast.
There is plenty of time to enter, as the awards nomination
period runs until October 3, 2005.
The idea behind the awards is that the Orange Order and its
members are active in their communities and in work through
youth organisations, churches, community groups and the voluntary
sector as well as in other fields.
Brethren are also involved in efforts for charities at home
and abroad, and when the awards ceremony takes place at the
end of next year it is hoped that those who have the task
of judging will have been given a good selection of projects
to choose from.
Often in the media the Orange Order is portrayed as an organisation
which only emerges on July 12 to take part in parades and
then disappear again.
The Orange community awards hope to put paid to that idea
once and for all.
And it is likely that they will become an annual fixture
on the Orange calendar, helping to highlight on a regular
basis our work and role within our communities.
For further details on the Orange Community Awards, you can
contact the staff at Schomberg House.
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