New Group

N.U.S.C.F. - A lot of letters but it means Newtownards Ulster Scots Community Forum. This Forum was set up in November 2009, after consultations with the Good Relations Office at Ards Borough Council - Jim Murdock.

My group, Loughries Historical Society, has been receiving support from Ards Borough Council for several years, which has helping up to develop us as an Ulster Scots Community Group who are engaged in Burns Suppers, Ulster Scots Summer Schools, Educational Trips, local history, etc. Loughries began working in partnership with the Old Priory Society 2 years ago, working in areas for mutual advantage, which has proven successful. Another group the Old Cross Society, has recently formed, hence and initiative from Jim Murdock to assist in the formation of a Forum to help the groups to come together for areas of mutual benefit.

Today Mark McDonald and myself set up a bank account at the Progressive Building Society, Newtownards, which will help us along the way when some of the financial assistance arrives.

The Forum have planned an educational trip to Londondery - to view the museum and historic walls in March 2010 and a series of talks throughout 2010 - a list of which I will list in a later post.

The Forum has been set up to assist Local Orange Lodges who have embraced the Ulster Scots tradition as a way forward to help us develop a better understanding of our local heritage, traditions and associated Cultures.

It is STILL cold outside - now back to that logged fire and glass of strong mulled wine!

HMA