Sir Thomas Smith Booklet Launch

Friday 14th May 2010 at the Londonderry Room, Town Hall, Newtownards, sees the launch of the much anticipated booklet launch 'Sir Thomas Smith's Forgotten English Colony of the Ards & North Down in 1572'

For several weeks now plans have been laid for what we hope will be not only a great night but also a significant event for Loughries Historical Society - We have been deeply honoured that Mr. Mark Thompson, Local Historian, wanted to publish his booklet in partnership with Loughries.

Before Hamilton & Montgomery Settlement of May 1606 English Aristocrat and trusted friend of Queen Elizabeth 1, Sir Thomas Smith - was granted 360,000 acres of land in North East Ulster in order that he set up a Colony there, this is his story. We as Ulster Scots are keen to explore who we are, when our forefathers arrived here, Smith's Forgotten Colony is an ideal starting point.

Tickets have been forwarded to many local folk, so if you are lucky enough to have been invited along, you will be sure of a great night (50 - 60 guests expected). On arrival you will be greeted with some Ulster Scots Music - courtesy of Mr Keith Lyttle on Fiddle and Matthew Warwick on various instruments. Guests of honour - DECAL Minister Nelson McCausland and Mayor of Ards Cllr Billy Montgomery. Speaking on behalf of Loughries will be Chairman Hamilton Gregory, followed by the official launch by Mr. Mark Thompson who will provide a PowerPoint and talk on his wonderful booklet. At the conclusion of the launch tea - coffee - shortbread and oak cakes will be provided.

Loughries Historical Society would like to acknowledge the support afforded to us by the funders Ards Borough Council - North Down Borough Council - Museum and the Ulster Scots Community Network who all assisted in the publication of the booklet.

Loughries feel this project of Sir Thomas Smith is as important as the Hamilton & Montgomery settlement of 1606 - so plans are at an advanced stage to develop this historical project into a learning tool for all the primary and post primary schools in the North Down, Newtownards and Ards Peninsula area - there has been a keen interest from a number of schools already in the area seeking to develop local history projects in their school. Work is at hand developing PowerPoint's, Web Site interactive learning tools and appropriate literature. All thanks to the Heritage Lottery.

Local newspaper the Newtownards Chronicle and County Down Spectator are keen to serialise the booklet in the coming weeks in their paper - so exciting times ahead for local Ulster Scots.

HMA