Parading in Corby
I was surprised to see a Corby District parade go by has I stepped out of one of the Corby Hotels yesterday. So, I thought I’d share my thoughts about my experience. It was one of the most unexpected and surprising joys to see Orangemen participating in the parade; for I too, am one of the Orangemen living in England. I would’ve been in that parade, but I actually had business meetings here in Corby and in a few other meeting in several other towns, which will keep me away from participating. Actually, living here in England, away from Ireland, does give me time to reflect and contemplate just how much Ireland has come along and has entered into the 21st century, but at the same time, just how old feelings and history seem very hard to extinguish.
Corby is a good example, I don’t consider it a real part of England, but a Glasgow in the Midlands. Ex-steelworkers came here to find work in town. As I walked amongst the parade crowd, it felt like a different parade. Here, in Corby, the Orangemen were received with cheers and waves compared to other towns, like Essex which the crowd reacts with bewilderment. The most endearing thing I witness, on my way to the business meeting, was the parade carrying the Orange banner for the newly re-opened Bedford Lodge. Several brethren were walking side by side in the parade.
I asked someone in the crowd if they knew where the parade ended and they told me at the Glasgow Rangers where there will be beverages served to the parade participants. Ah, if only I had the time to be a part of the fraternity and goodwill! I left the parade a little saddened though, but hopeful that there can be some kind of further agreements where I don’t need to declare myself an Orangemen, but instead an Irishman.