Markethill 2010 - 1

After a hard week at the summer school, it was relaxation time - we headed to Markethill, Co. Armagh for the annual lambeg drumming match at which 75+ drums took part.

-

It is a night for the drumming elite to come together to pit their skills of drum preparation, skin selection and drummer skill to see who wins the coveted trophy.

-

As you can see from the couple of pics quite a crowd turned up to witness the evenings events unfold. It is truly a unique occasion and not for the feint hearted the noise is a times deafening but the atmosphere electric as the night moves on.

-

We had a reasonable night 2 drums there with 1 reaching round 3 - the final 25. Eric's drum came joint 11th, a respectful place.

-

HMA

Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad - Meat Loaf

What a song, what an album - Do you have 'Bat out of Hell' in your CD / Record Collection?

Well, this does it for me it did in 1978 - listening to Radio Luxembourg under the blankets late on a Sunday Night, if my Dad had caught me!

This is a fantastic tune, great meaning. Did anyone ever get 3 out of 3?

Even fiddlers will have this in their record collection!

HMA

Second Violin by Bagatelle

Here is another favourite track of mine - big hair and crazy days!

There is a lyric in the track -'We used to live, like there was going to be no tomorrow' now 20 - 30 years later - I live - hoping there is going to be a tomorrow.

Video a bit ropey but great song

HMA

David Anderson - Royal Victorian Order 2

Big Brother David had another visit to Buckingham Palace, this time to receive the RVO - Royal Victorian Order, to add to his MBE that he received a few years ago.
-
Here he proudly stands outside the Palace with Neeve, Connor, partner Jane and Lauren having received the Medal from Prince Charles.
-
Well done Big D - don't forget about your wee brother! Excellent piece in the Newtownards Chronicle to further enhance the profile.
-
HMA

First of the crop

Today I had a salad and here is a pic of the first of the crop. I prefer my red onions quite small, crisp and succulent - yes, it was as tasty as it looked, only another 150 to eat!

-

There is a fair degree of pleasure in growing your own, my vegetables have absolutely no fertiliser at all - just plain growing. There is enough insecticides etc, in modern food so it is good to know what you are eating is pure - well as pure as it can be.

-

The crop of potato's are almost ready so best I check the Internet for new recipes.

-

HMA

Life can be cruel.

This afternoon I attended the funeral of Chris Woods, a young man who died as a result of a freak and tragic accident.
-
He had just turned 16 and had received a new set of golf clubs for his birthday, he and his brother set of for a round of golf just like many other folk do each day – sadly this was his last day alive. His brother Connor played a golf shot and the ball travelled a short distance and struck Chris on the head and he immediately collapsed. He was rushed to the Ulster hospital then onto the Royal Hospital for emergency surgery, sadly he passed away on Thursday 29th July 2010.
-
When Loughries Ulster Scots summer school stated 4 years ago Chris Woods was one of the first children to registrar – his Grandfather is a member of Loughries. He spent the week with us and thoroughly enjoyed his week learning about his tradition. A pupil of Regent House School and talented golfer & footballer, Craig was a wonderful boy and a great example to many of his age.
-
As the Leader of Loughries summer school I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the Woods and extended Graham family, at this very sad and difficult time.
-
HMA

Loughries Ulster Scots Summer School 2010 - 3

A little more publicity for Loughries Ulster Scots Summer School - Tammy Moore took the time to visit the summer school on Thursday. Here is the piece that she prepared.

http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=3453

HMA