Loughries Drumming Evening

On Friday evening 27th August at Ballygrainey Orange Hall, the local drumming fraternity gathered for a traditional drumming evening – the last of the year. It was arranged in order to facilitate the growing interest in our drumming nights and the new venue of Ballygrainey was selected.

We were all bitterly disappointed that we did not get drumming under the arch in Newtownards on the 11th of July due to inclement weather, so we thought the night before ‘Black Saturday’ would be fitting finale.

On the night 7 drums arrived (2 broke earlier in the day) and over 60 folk gathered to enjoy a nights drumming and a little fifing. All the local protagonists arrived and we had a great night as our numbers were swelled by visitors from Carrickfergus and Ballymena.

What was particularly pleasing for me was that 8 students I teach, either in schools (3 Belfast Boy’s Model Boy’s – nearly big men now and 2 x boys from Movilla High School N’Ards) or at Loughries drumming class were present – let’s hope those numbers keep increasing Here are a few snaps to whet your appetite.

Distinguished Visitors to Balmoral

Thursday afternoon, Balmoral was graced by a visit by two distinguished local musicians - Keith Lyttle and Dr. David Lyttle. Both took time off from busy schedules to call for a cup of tea and chat.

Keith very kindly took my youngest boy Christopher, for a shot trip on the machine, he was thrilled and excited.

HMA

Unislim

Shhhhh...... Don't tell anyone, but I joined Unislim, yes Unislim in Bangor, on Tuesday 17th August, with my best man Peter Crawley - Peter me and 30 women!

I am not 'fat' rather somewhat over-weight and decided to loose weight with a little help. You get weighed, put on a plan and meet every Tuesday evening to weigh -in.

I stuck religiously to the plan that I was put on, did not stray once from the instructions and at the weigh - in on Tuesday I lost a whopping 10lbs in the first week - and won the prize 'slimmer of the week'

That said, it is a great way to loose weight, I was rather embarrassed at the start, but the girl in charge Nicola - Christine Bleakely's sister, is very warm and friendly - as are the other ladies!

Lets see what I can manage on week 2

HMA

Newtownards RBDC District Service

On Sunday 22nd August 2010, Newtownards Royal Black District Chapter No11, held its Annual Church Service, this year hosted by Millisle Preceptory and held in Millisle Presbyterian Church.

It was an excellent parade and enjoyable service with good weather, all in all a good day out.

As you can see my 'goatee' has made an appearance again, not sure if it is me or not, however it is great to hear the comments I receive – kind and not so welcome remarks, it may be off by Saturday.

HMA

Ulster Scots Summer School - Monaghan 3

Travelling from Monaghan Town to Coothill you come across this monument, it is a direction marker as you turn right towards Drum.

The monument was erected some years ago to a Gentleman called Richard Dawson a former MP for the area. Below the photo's I have copied an article regarding the structure - interesting!

The 1790s in Ireland was a turbulent decade which culminated in the unsuccessful Irish rebellion of 1798. It made the 72 year old Thomas Dawson, who had done so much to develop Dartrey and had replaced the old family home by a new brick mansion in 1780, decide to hand over his parliamentary seat to his nephew and heir, the 34 year old Richard Dawson, and retire to London.

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Thomas, a longstanding Unionist politician of consumate skill and reputation, was later shocked to discover that his young nephew voted with ‘the rebels’ in support of Catholic emancipation and against the Act of Union. But Richard’s career in parliament was to last only ten years. He died aged 44 in 1807, and so ‘popular’ an MP had he become that his supporters erected this monument on the Dartrey estate in his memory.

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Designed by James Wyatt (the Dawson temple architect), it is “a classical style column built of ashlar limestone, a fine piece of masonry work”. The 200 year old column has recently been restore

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HMA

Ulster Scots Summer School - Monaghan 2

In June I was in Donegal Town with the USCN staff doing a series of workshops for local kids and I came across Anderson's Estate Agents - well here we are again in Drum, where the local Anderson's appeared to own the local Pub.

When I took this snap I met an elderly gentleman, Joe Johnston (84), who told me this was the old coach house where the horses used to change over for as the coach as it travelled from Enniskillen, through Monaghan to Dublin. Incidentally Joe Johnston turned out to be Board Member Alison Graham Father!

This plaque was on a wee house on Main Street - Self explanatory

Site of the old Presbyterian School house on the edge of the village.

Rush Hour in Drum!

As you can see I enjoyed the trip.

HMA

Ulster Scots Summer School - Monaghan 1

Over the summer months I attend summer schools on behalf of the Ulster Scots Agency, which I have been doing now for 5 years. On Tuesday I attended one such summer school in Drum Co. Monaghan, run by staff from the Border Minority Group. I always make a special effort for this summer school due to its proximity to the Border etc.

During my trip I visited the village / hamlet and took a few snaps and it would surprise you the history attached to such a small rural part of Monaghan.

Being a drummer it was great to drum in Drum!

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This plaque celebrates the old Presbyterian Church at the gates of the local cemetery – a new church was built at the edge of the Village

HMA