Gunrunning 1912 - The Clyde Valley and The Mountjoy II

One of the most interesting books that I read recently was Fred Crawford - Carson's Gunrunner, by Author Keith Haines.

Mystery surrounds Major Crawford, he is described as 'The Shadowy figure with Anonymous Face' to others he was best known as 'The Unacceptable gun-running face of Unionism'

With the backdrop of the Home Rule crisis and the possibilities of WWI on the horizon, these were very troubled and difficult times in Ulster. Many, many men, worked tirelessly for the Unionist Cause - hero's were to emerge Sir Edward Carson - Lord Craigavon and others, but who was Major Fred Crawford?

In this pivotal year 2012 - Centenary of the Signing of the Ulster Covenant, I would urge everyone interested in Local Ulster History, around the 1900 to 1925, to purchase a copy of this book - you won't be disappointed!

From a Lambeg Drumming perspective there is a drum with Major Crawford's portrait painted on it, (which I don't have) also the Clyde Valley (the boat that brought the GUNS into both Larne and Bangor Harbour - also known as The Mountjoy II) - Bobby Magreechan recently purchased a new lambeg drum and named it 'The Mountjoy II - Bangor.

The Clyde Valley was famed for delivering the UVF guns into Larne and Bangor Harbour - but history will tell us that the boat was renamed The Mountjoy II for this adventure!!

The Clyde Valley Lambeg Drum

Owned and made by Denis Morrow, Belfast - Painter William Magowan

The Mountjoy II Lambeg Drum

Owned by B. Magreechan, made by Denis Morrow - painted William Magowan

HMA

Through The Years - Lambeg Drums in Ards 1

Newtownards Co. Down, would not be the 'hotbed' of Lambeg Drumming in Ulster, that said there has been a Lambeg Drumming tradition for many generations.

Most Orange Lodges at one time took lambeg drums on the 'Twelfth Day' however as the years passed, bands of one description or another comes along, pipe bands, brass bands, accordion bands and flute bands which inevitably pushed the drums out.

Now this is story could be true of most towns and villages, nevertheless there are those who keep the tradition alive - one such Orange Lodge is Rising Sons Of William LOL 240, now only 2 drums remain in the North Down 12th.

Here are a few photos from the archives, that I have selected from 'by gone days of yore' and one photo taken at the Holywood 12th in 2011.
















HMA

Ulster Scots - Burns Week

For century's the connection between Scotland and Ulster has been fantastic and for mutual benefit of course. Financial, Musical, Religion, Agricultural, Fishing, Education, Crafts, Dance.............. you get my drift; I could go on and on!

Not to bore you all with 'things' that are all around us in Ulster Scots Connection - here are two very small items - but fun items, that I noticed today whilst out shopping. There were many more examples but I pick these two out.

1/ Burns week lies ahead, so local firm Mash Direct, produced the traditional Neeps & Tatties, which is essential at any Burns Night Celebrations.




2/ It’s a little more of a ‘sweet connection’ Iron Bru – the national soft beverage from Scotland, Iron Bru Lollies - I bought 3 today: one each for the children in my house, Matthew, Christopher and of course the biggest wean of all – Yes Me!!



HMA

Lambeg Drums - A Selection of Painted Shells 24

Hi Folks - here is a selection of 5 drums from The Ulster Drum book.

I do have the details of the drums, owner - maker - painter, etc, which I intend to post later (misplaced the book)

Hope you like the shells and paintings.















HMA

Identity - Who do they think they are!!

Northern Irish?



Who you are and the label you choose for yourself - in this part of the world, is hugely important and can be as divisive as it is multi-dimensional.

If you live in Northern Ireland you can be many things - a British Citizen, an Irish Citizen, an Ulster-man, an Ulster Scot, a European....... but now you can be Northern Irish!

I was shopping in Sainsbury's today and bought a pint of milk (pictured above) - it has not been lost on me that the name used Northern Irish, together with the colours of the pie chart (green, white and gold/orange)

Flags, colours and identity are important in Ulster - but Northern Irish is pure tripe and absolute folly!!

Any thoughts?

Wonderful Song

As you look through family history, tragedy is lurking around every corner.

Here is a tune with heart, sole and meaning - quite apt I think!




For all those broken dreams!

HMA

Family History Trail - 2012 1

For several years now I have been 'futtering aboot' with my family history - so in 2012 I have decided to really give it a go, using a lot of my spare time to explore my family history and other locally based stories.

I have found a few very sad tales - not too many happy stories yet (I have been looking for the skeletons first mind you!) that said I look forward to tracing what is out there.

I very much believe that - to use a term, toss the cards and let them fall where they may!

Here goes, so tune in every now and again for a story or two!

HMA