Broken String Band !

Sorry last plug............. take it away boys!!!

HMA

Broken String Band !

Sorry folks I must indulge again, I am such a fan!

We are so honoured at Loughries that the band gladly and very willingly play at our events on a regular basis - great entertainment.

HMA

Ulster Scots Summer School 2011b

Loughries 5th Annual Ulster Scots Summer School took place in July 2001 - for 1 week, at Castle Gardens Primary School Newtownards.

Once again it was a great success - 60 children per day enjoyed great weather and a fun packed week of activities and workshops - these included football, archery, craft, cookery, dance, music, day trip to Folk Museum, Ulster Scots Highland Games, history, language and so much more!

As you will see from the photo's below the children had great fun exploring their Ulster Scots culture and traditions.

We are fortunate to have such wonderful, dedicated staff who go the extra wee bit to make the summer school a great success.

Enjoy the photo's and if you are interested in a space for your child / children book early!

HMA

Loughries Mini Ulster Scots Festival 2011 - Broken String Band

On Friday 14th October 2011, the Broken String Band will be 'Unplugged' as part of Loughries Mini Ulster Scots Festival. They will be appearing in the Londonderry Rooms, Town Hall Newtownards, 8pm to 1130pm with a short interlude around 915pm.

Believe it or not 60 tickets have already been sold, which leaves 20 or so left - if you are interested in going drop me a line, or call at reception at the Town Hall - time is running out!!

Here is a snippet of what you can expect - The Broken String Band playing at the Maiden City Festival, Londonderry a year or so ago - they are fantastic musicians and a great night out!

HMA

Johnny Cash - In the Sweet By and By

Johnny Cash - what ever you thing about J.C. his drug taking, alcohol abuse, infidelity, etc, you could keep going, perhaps it is best not to judge others - that aside he was a fantastic singer, storyteller and entertainer.

Here is a wonderful song, very close to my heart - Johnny Cash voice is so powerful he would have made a brilliant preacher!!

Any way enjoy the song - In the Sweet By and By

HMA

Lorena

Well folks, I have been back on my tin whistle again, after a several weeks without a tune - here is a beautiful tune I have blogged before and love playing - Lorena.

On this video there are some fantastic photos from American Civil War - battlefields, guns, regiments, sweethearts, graves - oh the futility of war!

In some of the schools where I teach the whistle - I encourage the children to learn this tune (slow version). I tell them the story of the tune, all the sadness of the soldiers leaving their sweethearts behind and why the song was banned by the Generals on both sides, because so many soldiers were running off home to their loved ones.

They are all so very quiet! but it soon becomes a firm favourite with them - oh yes and me!

HMA

Breakfast Club Invite

I don't normally receive invitations to speak at events, however a friend Eric Morrison invited me to Carnalea Methodist Church Breakfast Club, on Saturday 8th October 2011.

This group have a guest speaker once per month, to talk on different subjects, Eric wants my talk on my work, Ulster Scots, the Orange Institution, lambeg drum. I am giving a great deal of thought as to how to pitch the talk - probably factual based would be the best route.

The talk is to last around 20 minutes, allowing time for a question and answer session at the end and Eric suggest I prepare to be challenged - well I am happy and confident in my identity so I won't be daunted explaining my views. Well, if people ask you a probing question they should not be surprised by an honest forthright answer!

HMA