The Twelfth demonstration in Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, brought together the annual Orange Order parade and a presence from health campaigners as County Grandmaster Mervyn Byers reflected on his term and the community character of the event.

Mr Byers, nearing the end of his five-year term, said the county had seen encouraging growth in junior lodges for boys and girls. He indicated he would be willing to continue in the role if asked, particularly to allow his new Deputy Grandmaster, Frank, more experience. The deputy was appointed by vote after the previous holder stood down.

He described logistical strengths of Maguiresbridge, including parking along the A4 hard shoulder, and recalled that last year’s parade in Kesh required emergency water supplies due to high temperatures. His standout Twelfth remained the day the county marched in his hometown of Ballinamallard.

Mr Byers stressed the family-friendly nature of the occasion, the absence of large bonfires, and a focus on cross-community relations. He selected the Aisling Centre, which he described as a cross-community organisation, as his nominated charity this year, having previously supported Cancer Connect.

Save Our Acute Services campaigners attended the demonstration field at the invitation of Mr Byers, who had also contributed to the campaign and encouraged their presence. Representatives including Jimmy Hamill, Helen Hamill, Tony Johnston and Anne Rowan handed out stickers, merchandise and information.

Jimmy Hamill reported an excellent response from the crowd and substantial interest. He said attending the Twelfth was part of a plan to be at both St Patrick’s Day and Twelfth events this year, describing the campaign as non-political.

SOAS campaigners pointed to a recent RQIA inspection report as having raised awareness of pressures on the South West Acute Hospital. They argued that if the Health Minister restored surgery to the site, the Trust would have no choice but to act, and that the only safe option for the region was equivalent surgical services locally, given the distance to alternative hospitals.

The group intends to attend further events over the summer, with the Twelfth described as just one of many opportunities to bring the message directly to the community.