Orange hall faces 51 attacks in 30 years as police cite new policing plan

The Rasharkin Chosen Few Orange lodge has recorded 51 incidents of damage to its hall over the past 30 years, a total the group identifies as the highest for any Orange hall in Northern Ireland. The accumulation of attacks has led members to describe a living situation defined by fear and intimidation, altering how they manage their community space and celebrate their heritage.

Police data shows a sharp rise in such incidents across the region. The Police Service of Northern Ireland recorded 17 hate crimes against Orange and Apprentice Boys halls in the past year. This figure marks an increase compared to the previous two years and stands as the second highest count in a five-year period.

Leigh Gerrow, a lodge member, detailed the physical changes made to the building for protection. The hall now features steel doors and has no windows. Members often avoid parking their vehicles outside the building because of the risk of damage during an attack. Gerrow noted that the attacks have ranged from graffiti to attempts to set the structure on fire.

"Sometimes you need to take a step back and realise that is not a normal way to be living," Gerrow said. He described the attacks as an attempt to incite, intimidate, and threaten the community, stating that the perpetrators are sending a clear message to members: "You are not wanted here."

The lodge has expressed frustration with the police response to specific incidents. CCTV footage shared with the media shows an event on 12 July 2025, during the peak of the marching season. At approximately 01:15, masked figures painted "INLA" on the road outside. One figure was seen running away seconds before a PSNI patrol vehicle drove over the fresh paint without stopping. Moments later, vandals threw paint at the hall. A separate clip from June 2026 showed a masked figure spraying sectarian slogans on the building.

Gerrow stated that police received footage of both incidents but declined to release it to the public. "Sadly and disappointedly, I would say the police have handled this really badly," he said. The PSNI responded that officers were in the area about 10 minutes before the reported damage on 12 July 2025. A spokesperson said officers from Kilrea responded at 01:22, seven minutes after the patrol vehicle was seen on the CCTV. The service stated that no one was present when patrols were in the area and that the footage was deemed unsuitable for a public appeal.

The attacks have affected the lodge's operations, particularly its charity fundraising. Worshipful master Rodney Cubitt said events must be run during the day to avoid the risk of night-time attacks. "We would like to run some events here at night but we feel it is more safe to have them during the day," Cubitt said. He added that the difficulty in promoting the lodge makes it harder to encourage new members to join. The lodge traces its history to 1796.

DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee, an Orangewoman, described the rise in attacks as worrying and unacceptable. She questioned the state of society when traditions are not respected without the threat of violence. Brownlee said community confidence in the police is currently a struggle and that officers need to be active on the ground. She also cited recent images of Orangemen crossed out and slogans in Belfast calling for locals to be shot, calling the rhetoric devastating.

PSNI district commander Superintendent Yvonne McManus said she recognized the serious effect of the incidents. She stated that repeated attacks must not be viewed as isolated events. The police adopted a different policing approach after examining the wider pattern of offences. McManus noted that sectarian incidents can damage relationships within a community, often due to the actions of a small minority. She emphasized that collaboration and mutual understanding are vital to countering polarizing narratives.

The lodge maintains that a vast majority of the local area shows tolerance and respect for the Orange Order. Cubitt said it is only a very small minority in the village that takes an aggressive approach to their culture. The group continues to seek a presence in the village to keep its heritage visible.