Ulster-Scots 'A Forenoon Aroon the Ards' Part 3

Well Saturday 1st October 2011 is upon us, so it is time for our "A Forenoon Doon the Upper Ards" bus trip.

The bus has been fully booked, I could have filled 2 buses but lets not get carried away!!

We are very fortunate that Mr. Mark Thompson will act as tour guide for the trip. Mark designed and prepared this leaflet for the trip, so each person will receive this leaflet and a copy of the Thomas Smith booklet I blogged about before.

I will publish a few snaps and a full report soon. Hope the weather improves though!

HMA

Ulster Covenant - 99th Anniversary.

Today, Wednesday 28th September 2011, is the 99th Anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant. Hundreds of thousands of Ulster men throughout the world signed the covenant in support of strengthening and maintaining the Union.

The next 10 years witnessed a series of events that was to change the face of Ulster forever.

Sadly, today I was in a school, which I shall not name - I asked all students aged between 13 + 15 what historical event happened today, the 28th September in Ulster? Of the 30 or so children I asked none / nil / zero - knew what anniversary was today. When I explained the Ulster Covenant to them again sadly, only 2 of the 30 children have vaguely heard of the Ulster Covenant.

Dear oh dear oh dear!!

Another reason why our schools are failing our Protestant children. We need Ulster history taught in our school system........ urgently!

Lord Carson signing the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall Belfast

Thanks to Ian Carlisle USCN for this photo - Carson + Craig march to the City Hall

HMA

Lambeg Drums - A Selection of Painted Shells 19

Hello Folks, here are another selection of painted lambed drums for you to have a look at, they are taken from 'The Ulster Drum' booklet

The Burning Bush - owned by M. Johnston from Kilwarlin

Lord Mountbatten - owned by Articlave Lodge LOL 1017

Secret of England's Greatness - owned by Knocknadona Lodge

Sir Winston Churchill (The Architect of Victory) - owned by Articlave LOL 1017

The Killyman Defender - owned by I. Johnston (Derrymain)

HMA

The Battle Cry of Freedom(confederate version)

Back to the American civil war again so, here is a great wee tune - some great flags on display!

HMA

Lambeg Drums - A Selection of Painted Shells 18

I am not sure how many memorial lambeg drums, dedicated to the memory of Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Officers are in existence, however here are three drums that I have photo's of.

They are taken from the booklet 'The Ulster Drum' published by the Ulster Scots Agency - with photographs supplied by Mr. Bobby Magreechan - with my quiet assistance in the background!

Congratulations to the families of these men, who had the courage to have their portraits painted on the front of their Lambeg Drums in loving memory.

HMA

Loughries Historical Society - New Crest?

Over the past few day's one of Loughries members Stephen Rodgers, has been working through a few designs for our organisation.

Of the designs he produced we both felt that this was the best.

What do you think?

Scrabo Tower / Red Hand of Ulster / Our motto - Promoting the Ulster Scots Tradition through Education / Est. 2005 / Blue - Scottish Tartan / Cross of St. Patrick.

HMA

Ulster-Scots 'A Forenoon Aroon the Ards' Part 3

This afternoon Friday, I drove the proposed route of the upcoming trip around the lower / upper Ards - It was very enjoyable and interesting.

We plan to leave Newtownards at 0900 on Saturday 1st October 2011 for Conway Square, driving to Kircubbin - Portaferry - Quinten Bay - Cloughy - Portavogie - Ballyhalbert - Balligan - Ballywalter - Millisle - Newtownards - return for around 1pm.

We have a number of stops planned - we intend to concentrate on 1572 Sir Thomas Smith items of interest - 1606 Hamilton / Montgomery matters and some Rebellious 1798 stuff thrown in.

Mark Thompson will act as our Tour Guide for the trip and we are all looking forward to an enjoyable morning.

Yes, I booked the Portaferry Hotel for tea, coffee, scones with butter, cream and jam!!

If you want to travel - sorry you are too late - all seats booked / SOLD OUT!

We at Loughries would just like to at this time convey our sincerest thanks to Ards Borough Council for solely funding our Ulster Scots Festival.