A message has been widely circulated on WhatsApp saying that people should be encouraged to buy a home in the Castlecaulfield area to “support and strengthen our Protestant community for the future” — but the local Orange Lodge says the message is fake
An Orange Lodge has stated that messages claiming it would assist people with mortgage costs to “support and strengthen our Protestant community for the future are “fake”.
A message has been widely circulated on WhatsApp saying that “friends, families, and anyone with a connection to the Castlecaulfield area in Co Tyrone should be encouraged to buy a home locally in order to “support and strengthen our Protestant community for the future.”
It also alleged that, following discussions with financial advisers, the local Orange Lodge might be able to assist people with mortgage costs to live in the area.
Belfast Live approached the Castlecaulfield Orange Lodge about the message on social media, with a spokesperson confirming “the message is fake”.
Local DUP councillor Mark Robinson said the message bore similarities to one that had circulated in the area previously and believed they were intended to inflame local tensions ahead of the parade season. He also remarked that Orange Order membership would rocket if it were to begin helping people with their mortgages, reports Belfast Live.
After seeing the message he said: “Just checked my calendar there, thought maybe it was April Fool’s Day!
“This looks like a very similar message that done the rounds before. I suspect it’s the same culprits trying to raise tensions in the area prior to local parades. Sad that some people have nothing better to do with their time.”
The bogus message stated: “Following on from our brief meeting, we’re asking all Castlecaulfield friends, families, and anyone with a connection to the area to consider the opportunity of purchasing a home locally.
“With numbers at the primary school currently lower than we’d like, it’s important we come together to support and strengthen our Protestant community for the future. Encouraging more local families to live in the area can make a real difference.
“[Name removed] has been in touch with a number of financial advisors, and there may be support available to help with mortgage costs from the Orange Lodge. If this is something you’d be interested in, please get in touch with [Name removed], [Name removed], or [Name removed] for more information.
“We’d encourage anyone considering a move to act sooner rather than later, ahead of the upcoming developments being released. God save the king.”

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