South Down Militia

Here is a great tune, which I enjoy playing on the fife and tin whistle - 'South Down Militia'

This snippet is played by the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment (TA) - Pipes & Drums.

The video is a little shaky but the sound is excellent - Rousing tune!

HMA

Picnic at Montalto

After church on Sunday 27th June, all the 'Anderson Clan' are gathering for a picnic at Montalto House in Ballynahinch. Big Brother David has settled in well and has invited us all up to the estate for an afternoon of fun and games - let's hope the weather stays good, so I can eat my spam sandwiches without getting too wet!

HMA

Orange Lily

Well, in between my onions, garlic and beetroot I kept a space for a beautiful bunch of Orange Lilies, they are out a week or so early this year - but lets hope they make it through to the 'Twelfth'

HMA

Lambeg Drumming Evening 2

Friday 25th June 2010 the second of 3 drumming nights took place as planned in the village of Carrowdore, Co. Down at 8pm. It was a dry warm night, perfect for drumming - 6 drums turned up although 1 drum had to leave early, which was pleasing.

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It was as usual slow to start however when it got going it was hot drumming, plenty of local drummers turned up which meant the the drums rarely sat on the ground not being played. A very good crowd gathered many cars stopped and listened and took a few photographs, an unusual scene in a small village.

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The local drummers always went to Carrowdore for many years it was one of the traditional drumming nights on the run up to the 12th sadly for 2 years it was postponed nevertheless it was great to get back again this year.

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Can I thank Mark T for the snaps, I was unable to take any photo's as I played the drum most of the night, and keeping guard - as a local drunk appeared and took a shine to my drum - I stopping briefly towards the end to fife 3 x tunes, which went down well.

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The next drumming night is the big one for us 'Under the Arch' in Newtownards on Saturday 10th July 2010 at 730pmish. Hope to see you all there.

HMA

Holywood 'Twelfth'

This photograph appeared in the local Newspaper a few years ago and a friend of mine bought it for me - As you can see I am a lot younger.

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I think this was taken in Holywood back in 2003 - 7 years ago! The crowd seem to be enjoying the noise of the lambeg, as we make our way through the crowded streets - No better place for a bunch of Orange Lilies than on the front of a Lambeg Drum.

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The chap drumming with me is Neil Gordon - one of the well known drumming family the Gordon's from Newtownards. Neil is an excellent drummer and a pleasure to drum along with, sadly Neil is unable to drum now due to an injury he sustained in a motorbike accident.

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HMA

Not only a Man's World!

This is Dr. Diane Harvey-Smith my dear friend.

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Diane is one of the rare breed of people who is determined to succeed at anything she does. A number of years ago she joined with me, at a local drumming club as a fifer. Diane is a flautist in a local band and took up the challenge of learning the fife - a notoriously difficult instrument to learn, however over time she has turned out to be an excellent fifer.
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Here Diane is showing that not only can she fife but she is an excellent drummer as well, here she is playing my drum Prudence.

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Diane is also a keen kick boxer - so when Diane wants a go on the drum we readily agree to let her play, its the safest option!
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No truthfully Diane is a great friend of mine and a darling to all the men folk in our local lambeg drumming community - and a credit to her gender we love her to bits - Well done DD.

HMA

Ulster Scots - Lambeg Drums 15

The Pride of Portadown

For me this drum encapsulates the very essence of the fife and lambeg drum tradition here in Ulster.
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A single fifer with bowler hat, traditional Orange Sash & fife, setting the time for a group of lambeg drums & drummers just a short distance behind. You can just feel the atmosphere and hear the crescendo of noise - as this colourful spectacle of the fife and lambeg drum goes marching past.
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I am not too sure who owns the drum now, I am aware it was once owned by Mr. John Oliver from Portadown; however it was painted by the very talented Willie Magowan from Garvagh in Co. Londonderry.
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Beautiful drum

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HMA