Following on from Loughries very successful bus tour on Saturday last, I have been invited to one of the buildings pointed out to us during the trip - the house where Betsy Gray lived, Ballygrainey (six road ends)
Noel Roulston has a contact at the nursing home close to the Betsy Gray house and has been invited up, Noel kindly invited me along also. We plan too meet at 2pm Friday 8-10-10 - if all goes to plan.
Who was Betsy Gray?
Betsy Gray was an Ulster-Scots Presbyterian peasant girl from outside Newtownards Co. Down in what is today Northern Ireland, who was killed as part of the 1798 Rebellion of the United Irishmen. She is the subject of many folk ballads and poems written since her time down to the present day.
She fought in the Battle of Ballynahinch against the Yeomanry, and was killed in retreat along with her brother and lover, having her right hand cut off before being decapitated.
She is a folk hero to all in Ulster.
For a little more - http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/yourplaceandmine/betsy2.html
HMA
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Unislim - 6
Well, getting there slowly!
Managed to loose another 2lbs this week, does not sound a lot but there are lot of temptations out there. With loosing those 2lbs that make a total of 2 stone, yes 28lbs weight loss in 6 weeks!
Sounds great and it is - but if it had not been for the Tuesday weigh in, which focuses your mind, I think I would have caved in by now.
This week I intend to stick religiously to the Unislim plan and hopefully I can loose 4 - 5 lbs, taking me below the elusive 16st mark for the first time in 12 years! I was 15st 10lbs when I married Loraine 12 years ago, that was my real goal, lets see what the next 2 weeks brings!
Nicola and the other Ladies have been a great source of encouragement - it is needed at times, however if I can reach that weight, 15st 10lbs - perhaps I can shed another 7 - 10 lbs - who knows?
HMA
Managed to loose another 2lbs this week, does not sound a lot but there are lot of temptations out there. With loosing those 2lbs that make a total of 2 stone, yes 28lbs weight loss in 6 weeks!
Sounds great and it is - but if it had not been for the Tuesday weigh in, which focuses your mind, I think I would have caved in by now.
This week I intend to stick religiously to the Unislim plan and hopefully I can loose 4 - 5 lbs, taking me below the elusive 16st mark for the first time in 12 years! I was 15st 10lbs when I married Loraine 12 years ago, that was my real goal, lets see what the next 2 weeks brings!
Nicola and the other Ladies have been a great source of encouragement - it is needed at times, however if I can reach that weight, 15st 10lbs - perhaps I can shed another 7 - 10 lbs - who knows?
HMA
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Ulster Scots - Lambeg Drums 21
Another drum on the Memorial theme. This drum is of Robert Hanna Memorial Drum, owned by Mr. J Hanna, Kilkeel - The Kingdom of Mourne
HMA
Ulster Scots - Lambeg Drums 20
Again a memorial drum, this drum of the Late Henry C Johnston R.A.F. killed in action during WWII in 1945 - drum named - The Pride of Montrose and owned by Mr. H Johnston Belfast.
HMA
HMA
Ulster Scots - Lambeg Drums 19
Many painted lambeg drums are personal to the owner, a lot of time is spent deciding what will be painted, who will paint it etc.
This particular drum is a memorial drum to the late Constable Thomas Irwin, Banbridge Co. Down and is owned by Mr. C Irwin
HMA
This particular drum is a memorial drum to the late Constable Thomas Irwin, Banbridge Co. Down and is owned by Mr. C Irwin
HMA
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Loughries Mini Ulster Scots Festival - 2010
Today's trip 'A Forenoon Aroon the Ards' was a resounding success.
The weather was near perfect with a packed bus and folk full of anticipation we set off as planned at 0900 from the Square Newtownards, to the Old Priory for a 30 minute stop where we were joined by John O'Keeffe from the Environment Agency excellent history talk from Mark Thompson and John. Back on the bus and a drive to Greyabbey first to Rosemount House, then to the Abbey and finally Pebbles coffee house.
Back on the bus the tour made it way to Ballyboley, Carrowdore, Ballyfrenis, Millisle and Templepatrick to Donaghadee. Mark Thompson was an excellent commentary of the historical events around that area mainly Hamilton & Montgomery but also 1798 Rebellion information.
Debus at Donaghadee Parish church for a tour of the church yard, than onto the six road ends to Betsy Gray's home then onto Movilla Abbey
Tour completed 1pm as scheduled.
This was a highly successful trip thoroughly enjoyed by all - Loughries sincerely would like to thank Mark Thompson for his infectious enthusiasm, expert knowledge of the Peninsula and helping to explain its wonderful history.
Here are a few snaps.
The weather was near perfect with a packed bus and folk full of anticipation we set off as planned at 0900 from the Square Newtownards, to the Old Priory for a 30 minute stop where we were joined by John O'Keeffe from the Environment Agency excellent history talk from Mark Thompson and John. Back on the bus and a drive to Greyabbey first to Rosemount House, then to the Abbey and finally Pebbles coffee house.
Back on the bus the tour made it way to Ballyboley, Carrowdore, Ballyfrenis, Millisle and Templepatrick to Donaghadee. Mark Thompson was an excellent commentary of the historical events around that area mainly Hamilton & Montgomery but also 1798 Rebellion information.
Debus at Donaghadee Parish church for a tour of the church yard, than onto the six road ends to Betsy Gray's home then onto Movilla Abbey
Tour completed 1pm as scheduled.
This was a highly successful trip thoroughly enjoyed by all - Loughries sincerely would like to thank Mark Thompson for his infectious enthusiasm, expert knowledge of the Peninsula and helping to explain its wonderful history.
Here are a few snaps.
Loughries Mini Ulster Scots Festival - 2010
Saturday 2nd October 2010 is the second event in series of three, of Loughries Mini Ulster Scots Festival - Aforenoon tour of the Ards.
The bus is fully booked, (with a reserved list in case someone drops out) the stops are planned and we have arranged good weather for the morning as well. Of the three events this is the one I am looking forward to the most - lets see how it goes.
The bus has been organised - Comfi Coaches, with the tour guide - with his newly fitted blue blazer and blue badge, Mark Thompson.
Report later
HMA
The bus is fully booked, (with a reserved list in case someone drops out) the stops are planned and we have arranged good weather for the morning as well. Of the three events this is the one I am looking forward to the most - lets see how it goes.
The bus has been organised - Comfi Coaches, with the tour guide - with his newly fitted blue blazer and blue badge, Mark Thompson.
Report later
HMA
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