Ulster Special Constabulary LOL 1970

Ulster Special Constabulary LOL 1970 USC LOL 1970 was formed to commemorate the force also known as the 'B Specials' which was stood down in May 1970. The Ulster Special Constabulary L.O.L. 1970.

The British Government in 1920 formed the Ulster Special Constabulary, more familiarly known as the “B” Specials. The purpose of its formation was to combat terrorism in Northern Ireland. During its existence, which was for a period of 50 years, the Specials were the subject of much hostility and of a campaign by Republican and IRA elements. Every conceivable effort was made to blacken their image

, and to prove that they were of the Unionist Government.Contrary to all Republican propaganda the “B” Specials were a fine body of dedicated men. They did much to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of all citizens of this Province, at times operating under very different circumstances, in all sorts of weather. Sadly some of them made the supreme sacrifice. Due to increased pressure from the Roman Catholic population, and strands of Republicanism, Lord Hunt arrived at his decision to recommend the disbandment of the Ulster Special Constabulary. Regrettably his decision was implemented and the “B” Specials ceased to exist in April 1970. The Ulster Defence Regiment and RUC Reserves replaced this fine Force and many of the U.S.C. men joined to serve in these forces. A few of the gallant stalwarts of the U.S.C. assembled together in the vicinity of security premises in East Belfast, namely Cecil Kennedy, Jack Caughey, James Arneil and James McCarroll. The consensus of opinion was that an Orange Lodge should be formed to perpetuate the memory of the Ulster Special Constabulary. Plans were very soon afoot, and with the helpful assistance of some dedicated men, and the then Worshapful District Master of No. 5 District, Wor. Bro. George Watson MBE, J.P. who was instrumental in securing the Lodge number and going through all the formalities, a Lodge named Ulster Special Constabulary L.O.L. 1970 was up and running at very short notice. The number was appropriate since this was the year of the Force’s disbandment. Since its inception the Lodge has made its home in Sandy Row, attached to No. 5 District, City of Belfast. In July 1970 the lodge’s first outing was to the Boyne Anniversary Parade Service in the Grosvenor Hall and then on the 12th July 1970 the Lodge turned out in full strength with over 100 men on parade headed by Laganvale Silver Band, in regimental formation and the Ranks were paired off in size similar to the Boys Brigade. Wor. Cecil Kennedy was the first Worshipful Master, and as one can well imagine, he was proud to be at the head of such a fine body of men (all Ex “B” Specials). There were a few dedicated Brethren who ensured that the smartness of the Lodge was maintained; they dressed in dark suits, bowler hats, white shirts, white gloves, and black tie. Wor, Bro. James Convery acted as M.C. Bros. Jack Caughey, Jmaes Arniel and others played a vital role to maintain its standards. Like many other Lodges, U.S.C. 1970 has had its ups and downs and at times concern has been expressed regarding its survival. Sadly, some members are no longer able to attend through age and infirmity and others are no longer with us. Membership is around 40 at present, and meetings are well attended. At this time the Lodge is in a flourishing condition. Membership is open to all who are of good standing and wish to join its ranks. Written by the late Wor. Cecil Irvine in 2000 amended in 2015

Upcoming parades in the city 👇
03/06/2026

Upcoming parades in the city 👇

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Monday, 13th July 2026

This year’s Belfast Twelfth parade will include over 6,500 participants including 77 bands from across Northern Ireland and Scotland. Last year, an estimated 170,000 spectators lined the route to witness the colour and pageantry of the annual event.

The procession will be led by the Officers of the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, headed by the County Colour Party and the renowned Millar Memorial Flute Band.

A special Act of Remembrance will be held at Belfast City Hall, where a wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph just before 10:20am. This short Act of Remembrance is a moment of solemn reflection in the midst of celebration and is an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defence of their nation.

The County Grand Lodge, comprised of nine Districts, will be under the command of Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie, who celebrates 7 years at the helm as County Grand Master.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 10:40𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑡 𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑠 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑛𝑒, 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑤𝑠𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑡 12:45𝑝𝑚.

𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑒 – 𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡, 𝐵𝑒𝑑𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡, 𝐷𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛 𝑅𝑜𝑎𝑑, 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒, 𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑅𝑜𝑎𝑑, 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒, 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑎𝑑, 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑛𝑒.

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 2:30𝑝𝑚.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 4𝑝𝑚.

At the official platform proceedings, the keynote address will be delivered by Most Wor. Bro. Tim Lord, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of England.

At Barnett Demesne there will be a food village and fun fair. A supporting programme of activities hosted by Belfast Orangefest will offer family-friendly activities, cultural showcases and something for everyone to enjoy.

This Twelfth in Belfast will be live streamed and will be available to view on YouTube.

Between 9am and 2pm, a range of activities including music, street performers, food vendors, and interactive displays will be taking place in the City centre. Shops across the city will open from 1pm to 5pm, giving festivalgoers the perfect opportunity to explore Belfast’s busy retail scene.

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Friday, 19th June – Tour of the North Parade.

Friday, 26th June – Sandy Row District LOL No.5 Arch Opening.

Friday, 26th June – Clifton Street Arch Opening.

Saturday, 27th June – Whiterock Parade.

Sunday, 28th June – 36th Ulster Division LOL 977 Service – St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Donegal Pass.

Wednesday, 1st July- Ballymacarrett District LOL No.6 Somme Parade.

Wednesday, 1st July - Queen Victoria Temperance LOL 760 Somme Parade, Sandy Row.

Wednesday, 1st July – Thiepval Memorial LOL 1916 – Somme Parade.

Tuesday, 2nd July – Annual Shankill Banner Parade.

Wednesday, 8th July – Ballynafeigh District LOL No.10 Annual Parade.

LoveBelfast
Belfast City Council
Visit Belfast
Ballymacarrett District LOL No. 6
Belfast Junior County Lodge
Clifton Street LOL District 4 North Belfast
Ballynafeigh Orange Hall
Sandy Row LOL No.5 District
Shankill LOL 1069
Belfast Orangefest
Clifton Street Orange Arch
Belfast District LOL No. 1

02/06/2026

Delighted that my proposal for £50,000 of funding for Orangefest was ratified at Full Council last night.

Orangefest is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our unionist culture, heritage and traditions in a positive and welcoming way. Each year, the Twelfth of July parade brings thousands of people into Belfast city centre, creating a vibrant atmosphere around City Hall and supporting local businesses.

The Twelfth celebrations are an important part of Belfast’s cultural calendar, and this investment will help ensure that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a high-quality programme of events that celebrates our history, community spirit and shared pride in our city.

I look forward to seeing another successful Orangefest in Belfast this July.

15/05/2026

Last big Fundraising Push for us getting the Arch up in June
We have designed these cracking Flags and have them on Sale for £10 each.
🇬🇧🇬🇧

12/05/2026
10/04/2026
Congratulations to Brothers Iain and Ryan Elwood on the presentation of their 25 year medals by W/Master Mark Wallace Ul...
18/03/2026

Congratulations to Brothers Iain and Ryan Elwood on the presentation of their 25 year medals by W/Master Mark Wallace Ulster Special Constabulary LOL 1970.

Congratulations to our fellow Sandy Row brethren in LOL 1189 on this award.
25/10/2025

Congratulations to our fellow Sandy Row brethren in LOL 1189 on this award.

Belfast Purple Star LOL 1189, Sandy Row District LOL No 5 has won Best Turned Out Lodge for the 12th Parade!

This event was presented by John Patterson, County Grand Treasurer, with sponsor Alan McLennan.

A huge thank you to Good as New Cleaning Services for sponsoring and helping us recognise pride and presentation on parade day.

08/10/2025

TONIGHT SANDY ROW ORANGE HALL

28/09/2025
26/09/2025

Address

Sandy Row Orange Hall
Belfast

Website

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