The 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme will be marked by a special exhibition of Somme stories by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. The exhibition will run throughout July, August and September and will include banners and artefacts.

Lodges interested in organising visits or family outings to the event are asked to contact Schomberg House for further details.

Meanwhile, one Orange Lodge is preparing for a unique Somme tradition. Tullymacann Rising Sons of William L.O.L. No. 110, from Tandragee, light a beacon on one of the highest points on the hills around Tandragee each year to mark the Somme anniversary and believe that they are one of the last Lodges in the Province to be maintaining the tradition.

Brother Foster McAdam, secretary of the Lodge, explained: "Traditionally the fire is lit on the edge of darkness to the sound of the Lambeg drums. I was told that such fires or beacons were lit all over Ulster on July 1, and that ours was one of the last remaining. It was said that from our vantage point it was possible to see similar beacons and fires on the horizon. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case".

This year when the Lodge marks the anniversary in its traditional fashion, there will be an addition to the commemoration through a historical exhibition and a barbecue. The newly formed Drumnaleg Community Association are planning to host the Ulster-Scots Orchestra, dancers and a fireworks display on the hills above Tandragee.