Digney comments on Portglenone bunting disputed

I wonder how often has she been in Portglenone to witness for herself the bunting, flags etc that brighten up the village at this time of year, in order to be in a position to judge whether this year’s efforts are indeed ‘over the top’?

And, for the record, I detest seeing flags anywhere or at any time of the year, apart from festive occasions, and I would also encourage those responsible to have them taken down as soon as possible, after these events are over.

I was born and brought up in this village and I was taught by my parents to treat everybody equally and thankfully the majority, if not all the people living here are of a similar philosophy - we mix - we get on well together in all things- sport, music, Christian Services, Community Services etc.

Why is this woman trying to stir up trouble and bitterness where there is none?

The people of Portglenone are a credit to the community and always have been, even through the worst of the troubles in this small island that we happen to have been born into.

I would be the first to ‘give off’ if I thought anything of this nature was being done to provoke or annoy members of another part of the community, irrespective of their faith and have done in the past, though not here in Portglenone, where apart from the odd offender or hothead, who can turn up anywhere - there has never been any need!

Then along comes Councillor Digney with great concern for us all- well some of us at least- on the flags and bunting issue- again!

And in her opinion, we need some type of forum to deal with these public displays and incorporate community, businesses, churches and sporting organisations to make sure Portglenone continues to move forward in the way it should.

Where have you been all this time Councillor Digney?

We are way ahead of you in all of this, so my advice would be to do your homework first and engage your brain before opening your mouth!

However to try and ease the pain you are suffering at this time over bunting etc, I will attempt to explain the 12th of July parade in this area although I do not claim to be an expert on these events and therefore stand to be corrected myself.

However I do know that the main 12th parade is held in Portglenone once every three years, Ahoghill and Cullybackey hosts the other two.

This year the assembly/starting point and the destination of the parade were both changed for whatever reason. Not being a member of the Orange Lodge I cannot throw any light on the events that brought this about, but I would be greatly surprised if it was a decision deliberately made to upset any one part of the local community. Maybe someone will read this and explain?

This may have resulted in bunting being repositioned in some cases- along the route taken by the parade and from my perception there is, in fact a lot less bunting that in previous years.

For example, if Councillor Digney had taken the time to investigate fully this weird and momentous happening, she would have discovered that the Cullybackey Road was virtually bunting free this year, whereas in previous years this would not have the case as it had been the usual assembly and start point of the main parade and therefore decorated accordingly.

So there’s nothing sinister about this Councillor Digney, nothing for you to worry about and the bunting will be removed, as I’m sure the flags, soon to be replaced by more bright colours, I hope, for the next big event in the village, the Gig ‘n the Bann Festival.

It’s events like these that encourage visitors and tourists, as well as the local community into the village and I’m sure the shops, bars and businesses are glad of the income generated on such trouble-free occasions.

I find it difficult to comprehend why anybody would feel the need to complain?

Maybe you could put your time to better use and expound your influence in Council Chambers to ‘drum up’ support for this next excellent festival of music and dance here in Portglenone in September.

Now don’t forget about that- then sit back and give your head (and ours) peace!

Dessie Weir

Portglenone