Sir Thomas Smith Booklet Launch 2

Sir Thomas Smith's booklet launch took place as planned on Friday 14th May 2010 at the Londonderry Room, Town Hall, Newtownards.

The evening commenced with Keith Lyttle - Fiddler and Matthew Warwick - Guitar setting the scene for the evening with great music as the guests arrived. The lucky people, who had been invited to this special event, were welcomed by Loughries Chairman Hammy Gregory and although everyone was made equally welcome, some people deserved as special mention. Mayor of Ards Billy Montgomery, newly elected MP Jim Shannon, DECAL Minister Nelson McCausland, Mr. David Anderson MVO. MLA. Cllr. Simon Hamilton MLA, Cllr Michelle McIlveen MLA, Cllr Gibson, Laura Spence BBC and Mr. Bill Montgomery (Hugh Montgomery's descendent) I am not too sure how many guests turned up - however I estimated 70 people attended, who were either there in a private capacity or representing one of the nine local historical groups or Ulster Scots organisations.

Mark Thompson delivered a wonderful historical lecture on the 'Sir Thomas Smith Colony in 1572', Mark's PowerPoint was excellent, accurate, concise and visually stunning, I usually judge how someone is ‘performing’ by the fidgeting or noise coming from the audience – the audience were silent, captivated and intrigued and by the end of the lecture were a lot richer in knowledge than when they arrived. Following the speeches tea, coffee, shortbread & and oak cake biscuits were served, many of the folk stayed for over an hour, chatting and enjoying some great fellowship.

This was the most important event that Loughries have been involved in since our formation in September 2005 - so many people commented on how important it was to learn more of and understand our history. As Ulster Scots we continue to explore who we are and where we came from - everyone at the event were aware of the Hamilton - Montgomery settlement of 1606, but Sir Thomas Smith's venture tells the story of how Queen Elizabeth I, was keen to expand her Kingdom with the Colonisation theory this failed Colony paved the way for Messer’s Hamilton - Montgomery to plan and execute their Settlement - not Colonisation!

I forgot to take my camera with me so sadly no pictures. I on behalf of Loughries Historical Society would like extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who attended - and in their own way contributed to a great evening.

In his speech Minister Nelson McCausland commented on the wonderful work being carried out by Loughries Historical Society in the N’Ards & Ards Peninsula area and he further commented on the excellent musicianship displayed on the night by Keith Lyttle and Matthew Warwick. He went on to comment the high degree of professionalism of the Ulster Scots Schools Tutor Programme that both Keith and I have been a part of in the last 18 months - I was taken aback at this observation, but of course extremely pleased that the work we are doing on behalf of the Ulster Scots Agency, is being recognised and valued.

HMA