Win with Weans’ Wurld -Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 PAGE 16 Dancers, pipers and Ulster Orchestra unite for 2014 Burns Night Celebrations

Dozens of events will be held over the coming days to mark poet Robert Burns’ 255th birthday. See our special four-page guide for inspiration.

PAGES 7 - 10

Inspirational schoolmaster and renowned Hundreds join festivities at Carrickfergus Castle Ulster-Scots novice juvenile pipe band prepares elocutionist honoured with blue plaque to mark St Andrew’s Day - Page 11 for UK Championships and Walled City Tattoo - unveilings - Page 3 Pages 14 & 15

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Welcome to the January 2014 edition of the Ulster-Scot. Memorial pipe band May I start by wishing you a Happy New Year with a traditional Ulster-Scots wish – lang may yer lum reek wi ither fowks coal! For those who have not heard this greeting before it means may you live long and happily!

This is an exciting time of the year for the world Ulster-Scots with Burns Night just around the corner! Lovers of Burns join together to celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns by hosting Burns celebrations on or near the poet’s birthday, January 25. The Ulster-Scots Agency will host a spectacular Burns Concert in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra on Saturday January 25 at the , featuring Eddi Reader – find out more on Page 9. Check out our competition for your chance to win a pair of tickets!

A range of Burns celebrations will also be hosted by community groups and other organisations all over the province and further afield, see Pages 7, 8, 9 and 10 for further information or visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/Burns.

Also in this edition we have a wonderful Burns inspired Ulster- Scots recipe – a delicious Farmhouse Traditional Scots Broth for everyone to enjoy!

As always we welcome your feedback and hope that everyone finds something of interest in this edition. Ballyclare-based Major Sinclair unlikely the band would still be in Ian Crozier is Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency. Memorial pipe band has a new Amos Boyd and his existence,” PR ambassador Kim home after relocating to the team have never Harris says. Torrens Memorial Hall in Doagh failed to meet the “Amos Boyd and his team have having spent the last seven never failed to meet the band’s The Ulster-Scot years rehearsing in the Linfield band’s needs, and needs, and it’s with a certain Supporters Club. it’s with a certain sadness that we leave.We wish The official newspaper for the Ulster-Scots Agency / sadness that we Amos and the club well with their Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch Named after Major John Maynard leave. We wish future plans.” Sinclair, the Ulster Unionist The band’s first practice in the Main office: finance minister who lost his life in Amos and the club Torrens Memorial Hall took place The Ulster-Scots Agency, the Princess Victoria ferry disaster well with their on Tuesday January 7 with a 68-72 Great Victoria Street, in 1953, the Band was formed in future plans.” large turnout of members and Belfast, BT2 7BB 1957 with the amalgamation of well wishers - and a cake was Northern the William Johnston Memorial - PR ambassador Kim Harris produced to mark the occasion. Telephone: (028) 9023 1113 and Emanuel pipe bands. “The fantastic facilities of the Fax: (028) 9023 1898 The band wears the Black Stewart Memorial Hall, with learner hall met with great approval Email: [email protected] tartan, and as well as playing in lessons starting from 7pm on from all present and the warm grade 4A at competitions both at Tuesday nights. welcome offered by Shirley Orr International callers dialling the Ulster-Scots Agency: home and in , they can The band would like to express its of the Torrens Hall management Europe - 00 44 28 9023 1113 also be found playing at various thanks to the Linfield Supporters committee was much - 00 11 44 28 9023 1113 parades, festivals and summer Club, which has been their home appreciated,” added Kim, who can USA - 011 44 28 9023 1113 concerts in the area. for the last seven years. be contacted on 028 9443 2412 From this month practices are “Without the fantastic support and or via email at Regional office in : taking place in the Torrens encouragement of the Club, it’s [email protected] The Ulster-Scots Agency The Moffatt Building, The Diamond Raphoe, Co Donegal Telephone: +353 7 4917 3876 Fax: +353 7 4917 3985 CLICK ON THIS... Email: [email protected] WORD For details of what’s on check out our events calendar - OF THE ISSUE Editor: Gary McDonald www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events Associate Editor: Gillian Pearson Production: The Irish News For Ulster-Scots news - www.ulsterscotsagency.com/language Printing: Interpress NI Limited Margymore To sign up for the Ulster-Scots E-Newsletter - The Ulster-Scot next edition: xxxxxxxxxxx 00 2013 visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/newsletter/subscribe/ Deadline for copy: Wednesday, xxxxxxxxx 00, 2013 register your details and receive updates on the areas that you [Margy-more] Contributors should note that publication of any are most interested. submitted article is at the Editor’s discretion Join us on Facebook - visit Meaning: Disorder www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency now and like our page to keep up to date on what’s happening, upload your photos from Ulster-Scots events and share your comments.

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Two prominent Ulster-Scots - one an inspirational schoolmaster who taught the children of many prominent citizens of 18th century Belfast, and the other who was an accountant, a teacher of shorthand and an elocutionist - have each been honoured with the unveiling of a blue plaque. During December the Ulster History Circle honoured David Manson (1726-1792) at a ceremony at the site of his former house and school, the old ‘four corners’ building in Belfast city centre, while at Main Street in Bangor a similar honour was bestowed recognising Wesley Greenhill Lyttle (1844-1896). These are the latest in a series of plaques funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency, and the Circle thanked the Agency for their support and continuing partnership.

WG LYTTLE LEFT: Group at the unveiling of a blue plaque Wesley recognising David Manson. Among the guests are Greenhill Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr, local Lyttle is historian John Gray, Ulster-Scots Agency chief thought to executive Ian Crozier and board chairman Tom Scott. Below: Pictured at the plaque have been unveiling to WG Lyttle in Ban- born near gor are (from left) Ulster-Scots Newtownards Agency development officer in 1844. An Maynard Hanna; Agency chief accountant, executive Ian Crozier; MLA Jon- athan Bell; local journalist and a teacher of historian Terence Bowman; and shorthand Ulster History Circle chairman and an Chris Spurr elocutionist, he was above all an entertainer, often in the guise of his alter-ego “Robin”, a jovial country farmer who regaled his audiences in Ulster-Scots. He had been a lecturer in Dr Corry’s Irish Diorama Company, which toured Britain and America with a show entitled Ireland, its scenery, and antiquities. For most of the 1870s he lived in Belfast where he began to write and perform his humorous monologues. DAVID MANSON methods were based on encouraging success In 1880 he established the North Down Manson was born in 1726 at Cairncastle “He was extremely rather than punishing failure.” Herald in Newtownards. In 1883 Lyttle moved in Co Antrim, a son of John Manson and innovative in the Manson was the author of a number of the newspaper to Bangor and added the Agnes Jamison, and at the age of eight he way in which he publications including a spelling book, a book additional title of Bangor Gazette. contracted rheumatic fever which affected viewed education. on grammar and a dictionary, all designed Lyttle was the author of a great many poems him for the rest of his life. His educational with the teaching of English in mind. and sketches in Ulster-Scots. His humorous For that reason he received no formal methods were When he died in March 1792 Manson was monologues, recited in the speech of an Ards schooling and instead learned from his based on accorded the final honour of a torchlight farmer, were reproduced in his newspaper mother ‘by amusement’. encouraging funeral, attended by all classes of society. and subsequently published as Robin’s Manson became a teacher of English at the success rather His generosity in offering free instruction to Readings. school of Mr Robert White in where he than punishing his fellow teachers ensured the diffusion of ‘Betsy Gray’ or ‘Hearts of Down’, his most improved himself in writing, arithmetic and failure.” his methods, traces of which could be found popular work, originally appeared in serial the rudiments of the Latin language. in the hedge schools at the beginning of the form in the newspaper. It was printed in He moved to Belfast in 1972 where in 1755 19th century. paperback in 1888; a third edition came in he started an evening school at his house in Day School. These rewarded success by Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian 1894 and an illustrated sixth edition was Clugston’s Entry. the award of tickets and medals for good Crozier said it was a pleasure to be unveiling published in 1913 by Robert Carswell, revised He advertised in the Belfast News Letter work while those who refused to work were the latest of the series of plaques to by the antiquarian Francis Joseph Bigger. stating that he “teacheth by way of banished to the Trifling Club. commemorate Ulster-Scots people who had He wrote two further novels, Sons of the amusement English grammar, reading and The school was a centre of learning that made a significant contribution not only Sod and Daft Eddie or the Smugglers of spelling at moderate expense”. represented a critical approach to traditional locally but around the world. Strangford Lough. He regularly performed at Manson also started a night school, offering forms of education. Choice instead of “In the case of David Manson, all of us have various public events as “Robin Gordon of free tuition to any schoolmaster who would coercion; encouragement rather than benefited from his style of teaching, which Ballycuddy”. attend. His success allowed him to move ridicule; achievement and recognition for all was not to be hammered too much. Lyttle died on November 1 1896 and is to larger premises on High Street and eight learners were the hallmarks of his method. “It’s great to be in the Cathedral Quarter, at buried in the grounds of Bangor Abbey. years later to still larger ones on Donegall Enjoyment in teaching and in learning was the site of Manson’s school and just across His memorial there reads: “A man of rare Street. not just an aspiration but a reality. Play was the street from where another Ulster-Scot natural gifts, he raised himself to a high His pupils included the children of such not seen as mere diversion or leisure but had established the Royal Academy, the position among the journalists of Ireland. prominent Belfast families as the Joys and as purposeful, enjoyable work imbued with oldest surviving school in Belfast. He was a brilliant and graceful writer, a true the McCrackens. In 1779 he received the creativity and success. “That connection between the Ulster- humourist and an accomplished poet. Robin freedom of the borough. Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr Scots and education is something that was a kind friend, a genial companion and He was innovative in the way he viewed said: “David Manson was a controversial was consistent. They believed in education a true son of .” Ulster-Scots education. His methods were based on schoolmaster, vowing to ‘spare the rod’ in and one of the hallmarks of Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian Crozier said there encouraging success rather than punishing an age when many children had education emigration to America was that in the was a very rich literary tradition in the Ulster- failure. beaten into them. southern states the learning establishments Scots tongue, and WG Lyttle was very much There was a hierarchy of success, with Rules “He was extremely innovative in the way in set up by the Presbyterians are very much part of that during his lifetime. for the Morning School and Rules for the which he viewed education. His educational part of the legacy through to today.”

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Ulster-Scots in

Clan Buchanan Reunion The Ulster-Scots of King George III Community Network (the United Empire has published a new Loyalists), travelled scheduled for summer booklet on Ulster north to make their and Canada. homes in British Clan Buchanan has announced sites that could be visited on the . Ulster people have As a result of the the draft programme for tour include Auchmar, Balloch Castle, Leny House, Callendar, a long history in agricultural slump its participation in the Canada, going back which followed the Homecoming and Buchanan Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen, Clar Innis island, Loch Lomond, several centuries, Napoleonic Wars, Clan events in June and July in George Buchanan monuments at a fact suggested by large numbers of Scotland. Killearn, and at Greyfriar’s cemetery, Ulster place names disbanded soldiers Edinburgh and Old farms tour. such as Armagh (Quebec), and struggling small farmers The programme is as follows: The final programme for Clan Belfast (Ontario and Prince from Ulster emigrated to Stirling, Scotland, Friday June 27 Buchanan Reunion 2014 will be Edward Island), Coleraine Canada. All Clans and participants march (Quebec), Enniskillen Indeed, throughout the 19th To purchase tickets visit announced later this year – look out from Stirling Castle to the Stirling city for further articles in The Ulster-Scot. (Ontario), Omagh (Ontario) and and 20th centuries there centre. The march will be led by the www.battleofbannockburn.com/ Londonderry (New Brunswick was significant emigration tickets Buchanan’s planning to come Atholl Highlanders marching from the along to join in the Clan Buchanan and ). from Ireland to Canada, gates of Stirling Castle. Pipe bands, Clan Buchanan also hopes to to The first significant numbers of approximately two thirds of have some of the following events Reunion 2014 are advised to book Scottish clans and highland dancers accommodation as soon as possible. settlers to arrive from Ireland which was Protestant. In 1867 will take part in an international arranged to take place between were , largely the Irish were the second Tuesday July 1 and Sunday July 8: Click on parade through the city of Stirling. www.stirling.co.uk/accommodation/ of Scottish descent who largest (after the For further information visit Clan Buchanan Parliament settled in Nova Scotia in the French) and constituted the For all Buchanan Clan folk from index.htm or telephone 0844 493 www.pipefest.com/stirling 2139. early 1760s. Many of these largest group in the Anglophone Bannockburn, Scotland, Saturday around the world to meet in Scotland settlers crossed the Atlantic (English speaking) population, June 28 – Monday June 30 and discuss important matters for as a result of the efforts of constituting 40.1 per cent The Buchanan Clan has a meeting the future of the Clan including: Alexander McNutt, a British of people of place in the Clans Tent Village at • Talks on the history of the Clan, army officer, colonist and land heritage in the new Canadian Bannockburn Live on June 28, The Buchanan Society, etc. agent, responsible for seeing an Confederation. 29 and 30. A total of 700 years • Clan heraldry approximate 500 Ulster Scottish Ulster and Canada is available after Scotland’s most famous • Clan genealogy emigrants arrive in Nova Scotia from the Ulster-Scots battle, experience the biggest • Future directions for the Clan and during the early 1760s. Community Network website ever re-enactment of the Battle of Clan leadership After the (www.ulster-scots.com/ Bannockburn at Bannockburn Live • Clan ceilidh many people of Ulster descent, publications) or from the Ulster- (note, the re-enactment of the Battle Visits to Clan-specific sites who remained loyal subjects Scots Visitor Centre. occurs three times each day). Some of the Buchanan Clan specific Cultural traditions showcased to their finest in 2013’s Festival of Marching Bands

The Agency supported the Festival of Marching Bands again in 2013, an excellent opportunity to showcase a very strong Ulster- Scots cultural tradition linked to the marching bands scene and the world-class skills of many excellent musicians.

The 2013 event took place on Thursday December 5 in the , Belfast. The line-up of eight bands included: »» Somme Memorial, Bangor »» Red Hand Defenders, Newtownstewart »» Letterbreen Silver, Letterbreen »» Dungiven Crown Defenders, Dungiven »» East Bank Protestant Boys, Londonderry »» Vow Accordion, Ballymoney »» Pride of the Shore, Belfast »» Ballyvea, Kilkeel

The Agency supports local communities to develop music and dance skills in their area, by funding the delivery of tuition programmes. Many of the bands which have performed at the Festival of Marching Bands over the past five years have taken part in a community based Ulster-Scots tuition programme. The Ulster-Scots Agency’s chief executive Ian Crozier said: “The Agency was delighted to support the News Letter’s annual Festival of Marching Bands again in 2013. The Agency currently provides funding for tuition to over 250 community groups spread throughout the nine counties of Ulster. It has been fantastic to have an opportunity to see those who have taken part in the Ulster-Scots tuition programme to showcase their collective talents on stage at the Festival of Marching Bands over the past five years.”

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Christmas Doagh ancestry and carol service at townlands project celebrates Bangor Abbey local history and heritage

The Ulster-Scots Agency held a very successful Christmas carol service at Bangor Abbey on Friday December 6 with readings in Ulster-Scots from the book of Luke, music from Ulster- Scots band KasK and performances by the Starsingers Choir. The event was very well attended with By Bob Adams - chair, Doagh guests travelling from all over the Ancestry and Townlands Group province including from as far away as Cairncastle, Carrickfergus and Saintfield The Doagh Ancestry and Townlands indeed to any other interested individuals or and from the more local areas of Ards Project was initiated to provide a students of local history. and North Down. As guests arrived hot platform on which to accommodate It is hoped that the project will continue to expand and will provide a means of recording and mulled punch was served to help clear and easy access to the for posterity the many stories, memories, everyone to get into the festive spirit for Doagh area’s social, genealogical documents and photographs still available the candlelit carol service. and environmental history. but in imminent danger of being lost forever Historian and author Alister McReynolds with the passing of generations. also took part in the carol service by As with other rural communities there has Another complementary project has therefore reciting The Nativity by C.S. Lewis and been a significant resurgence of interest in been launched to expand the work already Holly by Seamus Heaney, marking two local history and heritage, more especially begun. This will begin to research and important events and anniversaries this concerning the key individuals who played collate the more recent memories and year for both men. John Erskine, a board such an important role in the development of artefacts of people living in Doagh, Toome member of the Ulster-Scots Broadcast the area over past centuries and indeed more and Whitehead. This initiative, named the Fund and the Ministerial Advisory Group recent times. Three Villages Living Memories Project, is on the Ulster-Scots Academy, gave a The implementation of the project designed to encourage people from these reading in Ulster-Scots from the Gospel was discussed at a public meeting three communities to build up an interactive of St Luke to give attendees a feel for in Newtownabbey Borough Council’s resource, design and manage a website how the Rev. Robert Blair would have headquarters in Mossley Mill and later at a and produce a booklet which will outline addressed his congregation in the meeting of the group now known as Doagh the recent histories of all three of these 1600s. Village Partnership. This group evolved from villages in South Antrim. It will also compare The Ulster-Scots Agency would like representatives of local community groups, and detail the similarities or otherwise of to take this opportunity to thank Rev churches, education, local government issues facing people living here over the Canon Ronnie Nesbitt, rector at Bangor elected representatives and the local past century or so. Funding for this initiative Abbey for all his help and support business community. Its main purpose was was also awarded by GROW South Antrim and for allowing the Agency to host to drive forward the local vision identified in through the Rural Development Programme, the Christmas carol service within his the Doagh Village Masterplan, published in supplemented by contributions from church; Bangor Abbey is a fantastic 2011. A steering group of local historians Newtownabbey, Antrim and Carrickfergus building which is steeped in Ulster-Scots was then formed to develop the Doagh councils. One of the major objectives of the heritage and was the perfect venue for Ancestry and Townlands initiative. project will also be to enhance each village’s an atmospheric Christmas carol service. Through the offices of Newtownabbey understanding of the other two participating Borough Council a successful application into its planned future development. Historian communities. was made to the Local Action Group, Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical By developing these initiatives it is hoped GROW South Antrim, for Rural Development Foundation was appointed to co-ordinate that the sharing and publication of accurate Programme funding. A grant of 75% of the and inform the development of the website historical information and cherished costs required to set-up the Doagh Ancestry content, production of the planned booklet memories of local community members, and Townlands initiative was awarded. and exhibition materials and the relevant or those who have moved away from the Newtownabbey Borough Council contributed sites for the placing of townland markers. area, will preserve for future generations a the remaining 25 per cent and the local The initial project was based on a similar, knowledge and understanding of their own community provided the considerable successful model launched in the Bready heritage. It will also hopefully reinforce voluntary input and expertise necessary area of County Tyrone and has proved to a real feeling of identity and belonging to identify the various elements involved be ideally suited for use as an interactive to a community which has played such a in the process as well as to develop the resource which will be freely available to significant role in the evolution of a local programme at the crucial early stages and members of the Doagh community and society.

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RECIPES Cooking with Judith McLoughlin Farmhouse Traditional scots Broth (braised beef with winter vegetables)

The story: How to make it: My mother and indeed many Ulster & 1. Presoak barley in plenty of cold Scots farmhouse cooks would make water for 1 hour. this wonderful traditional dish weekly, 2. Season beef with salt and pepper. with beef or lamb, often with a shank Heat olive oil in large sauté pan and on the bone. It was a staple for feeding sear the meat in small batches for hungry farm workers who used to arrive only a few minutes. Transfer meat for lunch at our kitchen table, and to an oven proof dish or a large many of the men would always say that saucepan. Add butter to sauté pan they looked forward to working on our and cook the onions and leeks for farm - because of my mother’s amazing 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and Scots broth. add to meat. 3. Pour vegetable stock over meat, This traditional dish is also served in onions and leeks. Bring to a boil countless pubs throughout the world, and and then turn temperature down to consumed with joy at traditional Burns night low and cook for 1 ½ hours. suppers. Enjoy with your favorite brew beside 4. While beef is cooking prepare a roaring fire and raise a toast to the bard! carrots, yellow turnip and carrots. 5. Add the pearl barley and cook for 15 minutes and then add the remaining vegetables. Cover and simmer for Soup ingredients: • ½ small yellow turnip or Ratabuga (2 cups) (peeled and a further 25 minutes until all the • 1 ½ Lbs Stewing beef (cut in ¾” cubes) cubed) vegetables are tender when pieced • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 4 medium potatoes (2 cups) (peeled and diced) with a fork. • 1 Tbsp butter • 5 medium size carrots (1 ½ cups) (peeled and diced) 6. Skim off any fat from surface of • 1 large onion (chopped) • 6 Tbsp pearl parley broth. Season to taste. • 1 large leek (cleaned and chopped) • 3 Tbsp parsley (chopped) 7. Serve in a warmed soup bowl and • 1 ½ pints (6 cups) vegetable stock • salt and pepper to season garnish with chopped parsley.

How our poets of the hamely tongue were masters in depicting the four seasons...

By Dr. Frank Ferguson, thrown at them. Thomas Given, in Syne ower the auld stane brig, at this time of year. In James University of Ulster Poems from College and Country Jest then frae Harper’s Forth Orr’s Ode For the New Year, by Three Brothers (Belfast, 1900) cam’ doon written at time of personal and Here’s a question - in paints a picture of December A gust that tirrl’t his wig. national anxiety, he rises above taking a stroll through mid-Antrim: The blackbird smirk’t amang his personal despair to deliver a which season is Ulster- Wee lumps o’ hail stuck roon’ the slaes powerful message of hope and Scots poetry at its best? his hat, Tae see his duds a bladdin’, possibilities to come. An’ some amang his hair, While yoit, an wren, an’ wee While war and winter scourge Arguably, the Hamely Tongue An’ yet he seem’t no’ mindin’ whun grays, the plains speaks very well for everyday of that, Upon his dress were haddin’ That peace and spring were the year. We would suggest that But smile’t tae see it there. Comment that day. wont to cheer, Andrew M’Kenzie’s April celebrates The woodbine blossom on the Uninjur’d Erin tunes her strains, the natural world waking from its hedge In Given, a man said to have only To hail another changeful year; wintry slumbers very perceptively. Seem’t dowey at his blinkin’, three years formal schooling, And hopes to end it free from Or certainly James Orr’s Donegore The rosebud screen’t wae we have a brilliant observer and fear, Hill paints a vivid picture of sheltrin’ ledge, communicator of his locale. The bloody flag for ever furl’d, glorious mid-summer amidst the Beneath his gaze was sinkin’ It feels if we too are walking That grim oppression strives to backdrop of Rebellion. Fu’ low that day. through the sheughs, slaps and rear, For fans of autumn, Philip “The woodbine styles of the local moss. And we Upon the ruins of the world! Robinson’s Novemmer Moarn The freezing atmosphere of the blossom on the feel sorry for the yoits (yellow- captures all the freets that occur scene communicates itself very hammers) and whun grays While it may be cold outside, at Halloween. well in Given’s language and the hedge (linnets) that have to shiver in the Ulster-Scots will have a fitting word But perhaps the best literary power of nature to tousle wigs and Seem’t dowey at scene with him. to describe how nasty the weather season is winter, when Ulster- whip at clothes, even when their his blinkin” But perhaps, it is not merely can be and no matter how bleak Scots poets come into their own imagined to be stout Ulster Tweed, the fact that Ulster-Scots poets the mid-winter may get, the with a vocabulary that seems is made even more evocative by are excellent observers of wintry Hamely Tongue will also be looking - Poems from College and poised to deal with all the rain, his use of Ullans: worlds: they also personify a sense forward to the New Year and new Country by Three Brothers hail, sleet and snow which is Alang the pad he pip’t a tune, of new beginnings and optimism beginnings.

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ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796 Paying homage to our much-loved Scottish bard January 25 marks the annual celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Born in in 1759, his poetry has survived as a testament to the proud literary heritage of Scotland.

the days leading up to his birthday, (1812-1878) lived. An evening January 25. The Burns night ritual celebration was held at the Burns was started by close friends of the Tavern in Long Lane. In September poet a few years after his death in Robert Burns Jr was guest of honour 1796 as a tribute to his memory. at a civic breakfast in the Donegall The basic format for the evening has Arms Hotel, where the Belfast remained unchanged since that time News Letter reported the audience and begins when the chairman invites ‘included men of all religious and the company to receive the political classes... all associated (see below for details of how to host together with the utmost cordiality’. a traditional Burns Night Supper). Burns centenary in Belfast 1859 Burns printed in Belfast 1787 The centenary of the poet’s birth was Such was the impact of Burns in widely celebrated in Ulster. An oil Ulster that the first edition of his painting of Burns was commissioned poetry printed outside of Scotland in Belfast and presented to Eliza was in Belfast. The Edinburgh edition Burns, the daughter of Robert’s appeared in 1787, and James Magee eldest son, who married a Dr Everitt of Bridge Street, Belfast reprinted and came to live in Belfast’s York Burns Night has been part of The influence of Burns in Ulster is and republished it in the same year. Street. Scottish and Ulster-Scots culture such that is was said there was a for around 200 years as a means time when there were two books in Burns celebrated in Belfast 1844 Burns Club founded in Belfast 1872 of commemorating the much-loved Ulster homes, the Bible and Burns. In August 1844 Burns’ son Robert This was the first Burns Club formed bard, who holds a special place in the Today thousands of Ulster-Scots host visited Belfast, where his recently- in Ulster and it survives to this day as hearts of the Ulster-Scots. or attend Burns Night celebrations in widowed daugher Elizabeth Everitt the Belfast Burns Association. Hosting a traditional Burns Night Supper The format for the evening is as follows: Like amber bead. But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, • Chairman’s opening address His knife see rustic Labour dight, Gie her a Haggis! • Selkirk Grace An cut you up wi ready slight, • Bill o’ Fare Trenching your gushing entrails bright, It’s customary for the company to applaud • The Immortal Memory Like onie ditch; the speaker then stand and toast the • Toast to the Lasses And then, O what a glorious sight, Haggis with a glass of . • Poem and Warm-reekin, rich! A traditional of Cock a leekie A few welcoming words start the evening soup, Haggis with neeps and tatties and and the meal commences with the Selkirk Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive: Sherry will then be served. Grace. Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive, Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve The Immortal Memory Selkirk Grace Are bent like drums; One of the central features of the evening, Some hae meat and cannot eat. The auld Guidman, maist like to rive, an invited guest is asked to give a short Some cannot eat that want it: ‘Bethankit’ hums. speech on Burns. There are many different But we hae meat and we can eat, types of Immortal Memory speeches, from Sae let the Lord be thankit. Is there that owre his French ragout, light-hearted to literary, but the aim is Or olio that wad staw a sow, the same - to outline the greatness and The company are asked to stand to receive Or fricassee wad mak her spew relevance of Robert Burns today. the Haggis. A Piper then leads the chef, Wi perfect sconner, carrying the Haggis to the top table, while Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view Toast to the Lasses the guests accompany them with a slow On sic a dinner? The main speech is followed by a more handclap. The chairman or invited guest light-hearted address to the women in the then recites Burns’ famous poem To A Poor devil! see him owre his trash, audience. Originally this was a thank you to Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he As feckless as a wither’d rash, the ladies for preparing the food and a time reaches the line “an cut you up wi ready His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, to toast the “lasses” in Burns’ life. slight”, he cuts open the Haggis with a His nieve a nit: sharp knife. Thro bloody flood or field to dash, Response O how unfit! The turn of the lasses to detail men’s To a Haggis foibles. Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race! The trembling earth resounds his tread, Poem and Songs Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Clap in his walie nieve a blade, Once the speeches are complete the Painch, tripe, or thairm: He’ll make it whissle; evening continues with songs and poems. Weel are ye wordy of a grace An legs an arms, an heads will sned, There should be a good variety to fully show As lang’s my arm. Like taps o thrissle. the different moods of Burns muse. The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care, The evening will culminate with the Your pin wad help to mend a mill And dish them out their bill o fare, company standing, linking hands and In time o need, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware Auld Lang Syne to conclude the While thro your pores the dews distil That jaups in luggies: programme.

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ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796 ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796 Burns community celebrations 2014 Book a break to Dumfries and see where Burns lived Would you like to visit the house that Robert Burns lived in or visit his Mausoleum? Dumfries and Council has a number of exciting Burns’ This year as we celebrate Burns’ 255th birthday, Tobermore Village Hall Development Old Newry Road, Rathfriland. The evening will tourist attractions open to the public and as part of the Council’s celebrations in 2014, opening hours at the following attractions have been extended: Burns Night celebrations, concerts and suppers Association begin at 8pm with a traditional Burns supper On Thursday January 23 Tobermore with Lynda Mitchell piping in the haggis and Robert Burns House, Dumfries Weather permitting the Camera Obscura will also be will be held all over the world in honour of his life Village Hall Development Association will Keith Hamilton delivering the address to It was in this simple sandstone house in a quiet open Saturday and Sunday (11am – 2pm) allowing and works. host a Rabbie Burns Celebration at 8pm the haggis. Entertainment will be provided Dumfries street that Robert Burns, Scotland’s visitors a unique view of the Dumfries townscape national poet, spent the last years of his life. He and surrounding countryside (Charges apply - adults A number of Burns events will also be hosted by in Tobermore Village Hall, Main Street, by the Finnard Highland Dancers, singer Tobermore. Entertainment will include Alice Cartmill and the Banbridge Accordion died here in 1796 at the age of just thirty seven. £2.60, concession £1.30). Ulster-Scots community and voluntary groups traditional Scottish highland dancing with Orchestra. For further information contact Open all year with free admission across Ulster. Clare McKinney, a performance by Cranny William Mitchell on 07768 486 977 or email (Robert Burns House is accessed via steps - please Dumfries Museum Pipe Band, a historical talk on Robbie Burns [email protected]. telephone (01387) 255297 for further details). Look out for fossil footprints left by prehistoric Full details are available at animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events by David Linton and music by the Alistair Scott Ceilidh Band. For more information Finnis Rural Development Association Robert Burns’ Mausoleum weapons of our earliest people, stone carvings by contact Lyle Richardson on 07876 724 802. On Friday January 24 Finnis Rural The Mausoleum is located close to Robert Burns Scotland’s first Christians and the everyday things of Development Association is hosting a House. Free escorted tours to St Michael’s the Victorian farm, workshop and home. Church of the Good Shepherd Robert Burns Night at Finnis Orange Hall, Churchyard and the interior of Burns Mausoleum Free Admission. The Windmill tower is reached via On Thursday January 23 the Church of the Rathfriland Road, Dromara. A Burns supper starting from Robert Burns House will run over the a spiral staircase - telephone (01387) 253 374 for Good Shepherd is hosting a Burns Lunch at of stew, haggis and trifle will be served weekend of January 25 and 26 2014. further details. 1 Devenish Drive, Monkstown. The event with the address to the haggis delivered April 1 - September 30 2014 (Monday to Saturday, Robert Burns Centre is located on Mill Road, will start at 11am and the entertainment will by Frazer Rooney, originally from Paisley in 11.30am and 2pm) Wee Beasties Museums Trail Dumfries DG2 7BE. Telephone (01387) 264 808 include storytelling by Liz Weir, piping from Scotland. Following supper there will be a Free Burns Mausoleum Tours - no booking required. Kids and their grown-ups can start at any of three for further details. Grahame Harris from the F M Montgomery concert featuring the McDondald Memorial museum venues in Dumfries and pick up a Wee Open all year with free admission. Pipe Band, a display of Scottish country Pipe Band from Dromore, singing by Jenny Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries Beasties trail pack. dancing by Linda Barnes, accordion playing Branniff, Scottish music by Country Harmony. Situated in the town’s eighteenth century watermill For further information contact Fiona Wilson, Big Burns Supper Festival in Dumfries by Mr and Mrs Bates and the toastmaster There will also be Burns poetry recitals by on the west bank of the River Nith, the Robert Burns Museums Officer, Access Community and Customer Saturday January 25 (10am – 5pm) and Sunday for the event will be Jack Adair. For further Mervyn Dougan. Tickets are £10 and can be Centre tells the story of Robert Burns’ last years Services at Dumfries and Galloway Council on January 26 (11am – 4pm). Piper Colin Moffett and Gareth Crozier of information contact Rev. Arlene Moore on purchased from Malcolm Megarry on spent in the bustling streets and lively atmosphere (01387) 253 374 or email Schomberg Society, Kilkeel are pictured with Visit www.2014.bigburnssupper.com. (028) 9086 4902 / 07450 284 484 or 07725 030 780. of Dumfries in the late eighteenth century. The [email protected]. Kirknarra Highland dancers email [email protected]. Schomberg Folk Orchestra Naggy Burn Ulster Scots & Schomberg On Friday January 24 Schomberg Folk Orange Cultural Society Orchestra will host the Schomberg Burns Burns The Naggy Burn Ulster-Scots Society will host Night Celebration at the Royal British Legion Ulster Orchestra set for Burns Night spectacular competition a traditional three-course Burns Supper (Kilkeel Branch) Function Hall. This will be on Saturday January 25 in the No 1 Club the twelfth annual Burns’ Night Supper On Saturday January 25 leading solo pipers Robert The Ulster-Scots Narrow Gauge Road, Larne. The evening will held in Kilkeel and the evening will begin acclaimed Scottish singer- Watt, drumming by champion Agency and Ulster commence at 7:30pm. Piped in by Ballyboley at 7:30pm. Entertainment on the night will songwriter Eddi Reader will drummer and percussionist, Orchestra have piper Aaron Houston, Willie McPherson include Scottish dancing performances by Mark Wilson and sensational join the Ulster Orchestra two pairs of tickets past president of Belfast Burns Association the Kirknarra School of Dance, Schomberg and Ulster-Scots Agency for performances by the Ulster- to give away to will address the haggis. Gary Blair from the Fife and Drum, Schomberg Folk Orchestra, a Burns Night Celebration Scots Agency Juvenile Pipe readers of The Ulster-Scots Agency will give the Immortal Ulster-Scots songs by Judith McCabe, piping at the Waterfront Hall in Band and the Markethill Memory while John Blair, president of Belfast by Colin Moffett, Robert Burns poetry recitals Belfast. Highland Dancers. Ulster-Scot. Burns Association will delight guests with by Gareth Crozier and tunes on the fife and Conductor for the Burns a Toast to the Lassies and Ann Morrison- accordion by Keith Lyttle and John Wilson. The concert will bring together Concert is David Brophy and For your chance to Smyth (of Santer fame) will undoubtedly For tickets contact James Donaldson on musicians from the Ulster- the evening will be presented win: Simply email provide a suitable Response. The Reel Fling 07912 643 855 or email schomberg@ Scots and Classical traditions by Dan Gordon. competition@ School of Dance and Dave Lee will provide schombergsociety.plus.com. for this one-night Burns Tickets cost between £8 and ulsterscotsagency. the entertainment. spectacular. £25 and are available from org.uk with ‘Burns Tickets are £12.50 each, which includes the Cairncastle Community & Cultural Group Eddi Reader is well Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, Concert’ in the traditional toast. For further information Cairncastle Ulster-Scots 10th Annual Burns known for her work with 8 - 9 Donegall Square North, subject line, providing and to purchase tickets contact Sandra on Night will be held on Saturday January Fairground Attraction and her Belfast. your name, address (028) 2827 4608 or 07968 164 633. Event 25 in Glasgow Rangers FC Supporters interpretations of the songs of Alternatively contact the and telephone sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency and Association Premises, 2 Greenland Drive, Scotland’s national poet. This Welcome Centre on (028) number. Larne Borough Council. Larne. The evening commences at 8pm with traditional evening of music 9024 6609 or purchase Closing date: Trevor Hassin piping in the haggis, Jimmy and spectacle will also feature tickets at Noon on Thursday Tassagh Cultural Rural Neighbourhood McKeegan will then deliver the address to Piping by one of the world’s www.ulsterorchestra.com. January 23. Group the haggis and a buffet supper will be served. On Friday January 24 Tassagh Cultural Rural Musical entertainment will be provided by Neighbourhood Group will host a Burns Night the Grousebeaters, John Logue and other Celebration at Tassagh Orange Hall, 196 supporting musicians. Cairncastle Highland Keady Road, Armagh. Doors open at 8:30pm Dancers will also be performing. Tickets with the ceremony beginning at 9pm with the are £10 and available from Larne Tourist piping in of the haggis followed by a meal, Information Centre (028) 2826 0088 or by trifle and traditional Scottish . The contacting Bobby on 07774 401 935. For programme for the evening includes musical further information visit performances, poetry recitals and a display www.cairncastleulsterscots.co.uk by the Tassagh Scottish Country Dancers. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased on Ardstraw & Baronscourt Youth Council the night. For further information contact On Friday January 31 Ardstraw & Baronscourt Esther Herron on (028) 3753 8362 or email Youth Council will host the Newtownstewart [email protected] Rabbie Burns Concert at 7pm in the Parish Hall, Newtownstewart. Entertainment will be Finnard Rural Development Association provided by the Newtownstewart Ulster-Scots On Friday January 24 Finnard Rural Highland Dancers and music by Ulster-Scots Development Association will host a Rabbie traditional group D.H.L. (Bout Ya). Contact Burns celebration at Finnard Orange Hall, 47 Irene Spratt on 07923 365 725.

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ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796 Let the celebrations begin Here is just a round-up of some other Burns events taking place both locally and further afield

Burns’ Night Celebration at Storm in A Teacup On Saturday January 25 a Burns’ Night Celebration will take place in Storm In A Teacup, 33 Massey Avenue, Belfast. A six course menu costs £39.95 per head. For tickets or more information contact 028 9076 0067. Note, this is a BYO venue - guests are welcome to bring along their own alcoholic drinks.

Cruise to Scotland on Burns Night Stena Line is setting sail on January 25 for a special cruise to celebrate Burns Night. Stena Line’s Burns Supper Cruise will offer passenger’s a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment for only £29 per person. Burns Night marks the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet and is Burns – celebrated on his birthday, January 25. the Ulster Stena Line will host a traditional Burns supper of haggis, neeps Connection and tatties including a traditional ceremony which will see the Address The booklet Burns - to the Haggis and the recitation of the Ulster Connection Burns’ poetry. Scottish dancing and examines Ulster’s live Scottish music will ensure the links with the famous passengers get into the spirit of the Scottish Bard, Robert occasion. Burns and also The Burns Supper Cruise will depart explains why Burns’ from Belfast on January 25 at writings enjoyed such 7.30pm and will return to Belfast at BURNS popularity, and esteem 1.45am. begins at 8pm in 18th century Ulster, Burns Night Mountfield Scottish Country For more information or to book visit and tickets dinner Dancers which continues to www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-britain/ EVENTS are £30. The this day. celebration at On Friday January 31 Mountfield day-trips or call 08447 707070 traditional Burns Bleary Scottish Country Dancers are (quoting B112). supper served 2014 On Saturday January hosting the Mountfield Rabbie on board the 25 Bleary Farmers Hall Burns Concert at Mountfield Hall, Portadown celebrates Nomadic will include Management Committee 37 Fecarry Road, Omagh. The The parish of St Saviour’s, Arbroath smoked Scotch is hosting a Burns Night Burns Night will start at 8pm with Portadown are hosting a egg, Scotch broth, haggis with a Dinner Celebration in Bleary Farmers entertainment from local pipers, Burns Night in their Parish whiskey cream, neeps and tatties, Hall, 26 Upper Ballydougan Road, accordion players, local artists and Hall on Saturday January cranachan, whiskey fudge and tea Portadown. traditional food. Tickets are £10. For 25 at 7pm. This memorable and coffee. For more information or Tickets priced at £20 each and further information and to purchase evening will include a to book a place contact Posh Nosh includes three course meal and tickets contact Stephen Patterson traditional Burns supper, on 028 9145 9090. entertainment by the Low Country on 07775 650 682. poetry recitals and Scottish Boys, Bleary and District Pipe Band music and dancing. Tickets Burns night celebration in and local singer Laura Dowey. All Closkelt Pipe Band are £8 (under 14s £5) and Letterkenny proceeds to Bleary Hall renovation On Friday February 28 Closkelt are available from members Burns Night in Conwal Parish fund. For tickets and information Pipe Band is hosting a traditional of the Select Vestry. For Hall, Letterkenny (behind the contact John Harrison on 028 3888 Burns Night Celebration at Closkelt further information contact ) on January 25 1974 / 07855 007 746. Hall, Drumgooland Rod, Ballyward, Alistair Keenan on 028 3833 at 8:30pm. Entertainment will Castlewellan. The evening will begin 9632. include music, , dance and Burns Night in Ballycastle at 7:30pm and include Scottish and a traditional two On Friday January 24 the Rotary dancing by the Flower of the Bann, Nomadic Burns Night To download a copy course Burns supper will be served Club in Ballycastle is hosting a a talk on the history of Burns by Dinner meal. Tickets e10. For further Burns Night in Central Restaurant, Evelyn Hanna and performances by of this booklet visit Join Nomadic on Saturday information and tickets contact John 12 Ann St, Ballycastle. Great Drumlough Highland Drum Corps January 25 in celebrating www.ulster-scots. Hegarty on 0876387840 or email raffle prizes and all proceeds to and Pipes and Aul’ Hands. For the legacy of Robert [email protected]. Rotary Charities. Tickets £25. For further information contact Robert com/publications. Burns with a feast of Proceeds in aid of Letterkenny and tickets contact Brian Jamieson on Hanna on 07967 393 268 or email traditional Scottish food and District Pipe Band. 07790673808. [email protected]. entertainment. The evening

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St Andrew’s Day is celebrated in style at Carrickfergus Castle

n Saturday November 30 2013 the Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership with Carrickfergus Borough OCouncil and the Environment Agency hosted a St Andrew’s Day Celebration in the wonderful historic surroundings of Carrickfergus Castle.

The celebration was a huge success with around 600 visitors joining in a day of 1606 he was arrested by the English and in the spring of 1642. as well as cannons from the 17th Century festivities, food and family fun. There were re- imprisoned in Carrickfergus Castle for waging There was a falconry display on the Castle to 19th Century. The Castle is open to the enactments from Ulster-Scots characters King war against the Crown. He turned for help to Green, blacksmith, armour and fight and public (Adult - £5.00, Child/OAP - £3.00, Fergus, Edward Bruce, Conn O’Neill and Hugh Hugh Montgomery, a leading Scottish settler re-enactment, sword, pike and musketry Child under 4 - Free, Family Rate - £13.00 Montgomery – it was a fantastic opportunity who was influential with the new King, James demonstrations and general weapons (2 Adults & 2 Children) Group rates available for everyone to experience life at Carrickfergus I, who was also a Scot. Hugh arranged for display in the Inner Ward. Meanwhile there (10 plus, must be pre-booked) - £3 per Castle in the 1600s. Some of the famous Conn to escape from the Castle with help was archery in the Middle Ward, crown person. Guided tours are also available - Ulster-Scots characters visitors met on the day from Annas Dobbin, daughter of the owner of making workshops and face-painting in the visitors are advised to book tours in advance. included: Dobbin’s Inn, who smuggled ropes to Conn Banquet Hall and highland dancing displays, hidden inside large cheeses. Conn used storytelling and a spinning demonstration in Opening times for 2014 King Fergus the ropes to scale down the walls of the the Solar Room. 10am - 6pm daily (April 1 to September 30) King Fergus, the first King of Scotland, sailed castle, where Montgomery had a boat Another popular area on the day was the 10am - 4pm daily (October 1 to March 31) to Ulster in AD508, in search of a healing well waiting to spirit him to freedom. In vault of the Castle where visitors - Last admission 30 minutes before closing to cure his leprosy. He was shipwrecked on a return for this, Conn gave Hugh enjoyed a feast of hog roast, time. giant rock or carrig in Belfast Lough. The rock Montgomery one third of his Scotch broth and freshly made For more information contact Carrickfergus was forever known as “Carrig-Fergus” in his lands in County Down. whilst enjoying Castle on (028) 9335 1273. memory. He was buried at Monkstown Abbey performances by traditional on the slopes of Knockagh Hill. Over 600 Munro Ulster-Scots group Risin’ years later the Castle was built on the rock In 1641, the Irish chiefs Stour. and became known as Carrickfergus Castle. rose up against the Carrickfergus Borough Crown, attacking Council, the Edward Bruce English and Scottish Northern Ireland Edward was the younger brother of Robert settlers throughout Environmental the Bruce, the Scottish King who defeated Ulster. The following year, Agency and the the English at Bannockburn in 1314. At the Scotland sent an Ulster-Scots Agency invitation of Irish nobles and with Robert’s army of Presbyterian would like to thank support, Edward brought a Scottish army , led all those who came to Ireland to wage war on the English. He by General Munro along to celebrate landed with a fleet of ships at Larne in 1315. to relieve the besieged St Andrew’s Day. Shortly afterward he captured the town of settlers. He landed with Carrickfergus Carrickfergus and was crowned here as High a force of 10,000 men at Castle – Visitor King of Ireland. He used Carrickfergus as his Carrickfergus and used the town as Information headquarters throughout his three year-long his base to wage war on the rebellious Marine Highway, campaign in Ireland. chieftains. Among Munro’s army were Carrickfergus, many Presbyterian ministers, who BT38 7BG Conn O’Neill and Hugh Montgomery established churches throughout the Carrickfergus Castle Conn O’Neill was one of the leading Irish area and formed the first Presbytery which houses historical chieftains in Ulster and a great landowner. In met at St Nicholas’ Church in Carrickfergus and other displays

PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor www.ulsterscotsagency.com 12 SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 The Battle of Bannockburn drama project Class Act Drama invited and comments have included: audiences in over 20 “Excellent way to get children primary schools enthused and talking about Ulster-Scots links and language” throughout Ulster to delve (Rasharkin Primary School, into the history of Robert Ballymena) the Bruce and his most important battle at “Fantastic drama and workshop, Bannockburn. children thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt lots” (Culcrow Primary The play written and performed School, Coleraine) by Class Act Drama explores Robert the Bruce and his “The way the story was told was connection with Ulster, including very clear and suitable for the his stay on Rathlin Island, the age of the children, Class Act struggle his brother Edward Drama are excellent and we will (lead in Ulster) and the Ulster always welcome them to our men he took with him to fight at school” (Drumcorrin National Bannockburn. School, Monaghan) Stephanie Kenny-Quinn, who helped write the play and The 24 schools who hosted the directed it, said: “The play has performances are all members of been really well received in all the new Flagship Programme and schools; it really brings to life the many commented that drama will history and also highlights the be a great medium to help their Ulster-Scots connection as far children learn more about the back as the 1300s.” culture, heritage and language of After each performance the Ulster-Scots. children got to take part in a short workshop to give them an opportunity to try some of If your school or youth club the Ulster-Scots language, is interested in hosting this chorography and acting from the performance and workshop play. please register your interest by All feedback received on the emailing Gary Blair at project has been very positive [email protected] Celebrating C.S. Lewis and the Island of his Birth in a series of talks by Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith, author of C.S. Lewis and the Island of his Birth hosted a talk at Portadown Library on Wednesday December 4 on C.S Lewis’ Ulster-Scots connections as part of a partnership between the Ulster-Scots Agency and Libraries NI.

Sandy’s next talk will take place at Killy- leagh Library on Friday April 25 at 1.15pm and the Ulster-scots Agency would like to invite you to attend this free event. Many books have been published about Lewis’s life and work but none specifically aimed at celebrating his boyhood roots on the island of Ireland. It was Belfast that he and his immediate ancestors called home, and were the genesis of many of his books Sandy Smith gave a talk at the Linen popular accomplishments include the is to be found. Hall Library as part of the C.S. Lewis universally acknowledged classics in The This seemingly most English of writers is Festival on November 28. Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia in fact rooted and nourished by Irish and In this talk, researcher and lecturer books have sold over 100 million copies Ulster-Scots traditions, a heritage which Sandy Smith, explores the local places, and been transformed into three major gave rise to the flourishing of Lewis’s crea- stories and the inspiration behind C. S. motion pictures. tive and vivid imagination. Lewis’s work. 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of C. S. Lewis was one of the intellectual For further information contact Killy- C.S. Lewis’ death and there is a lot to giants of the twentieth century and ar- leagh Library on (028) 4482 8407 or by commemorate concerning his life and guably one of the most influential writers emailing lasting legacy. He was honoured with the of his day. He wrote more than thirty [email protected]. unveiling of a memorial stone in Poets’ books and his works continue to attract Alternatively call into the library on High Corner in Westminster Abbey on Novem- thousands of new readers every year. Street, Killyleagh to speak to a member ber 22 2013 to mark this anniversary and C. S. Lewis’s most distinguished and of library staff.

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Victoria Cross recipient Barry James Crichton was born in Carrickfergus but CAPTION Robert Hill Hanna was from Kilkeel but served Stewart Bingham was from Bangor enlisted in with the Canadians

USAg RBL Programme A4 Ad v3 1/10/13 15:59 Page 1 In this new year our attention will turn to the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War and to the many significant anniversaries that will follow. Ulstermen and women, many of Ulster-Scots m

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we want to hear from you about family stories a e Of course Ulstermen also enlisted in huge l d d i or stories from your town or village that you ENLIST! M numbers in other regiments in the and indeed the Royal Navy and fledgling Royal would like to share, particularly if you have OUR REGIMENTS NEED YOUR SERVICE Flying Corps. A glimpse at war memorials letters, photos or artefacts which haven’t around the Province reveals large numbers been seen widely before. Your stories will The courage and carnage of the 36th Ulster Division at the Battle of the Somme was a defining then help to inform our work over the next event in our history. It shifted the focus from local issues to international conflict and turned who enlisted in Scottish regiments, including men who had been local opponents into allies on a far greater stage. Yet beyond the Somme the Seaforth Highlanders and Highland Light four years and might form the nucleus of a thousands of Ulstermen served in Irish, Scottish, English, Canadian and many other regiments. project in your local area. 'Ulster and the Great War' is a forthcoming project which will explain this wider history. Infantry. Some went to Scotland to enlist, Please get in touch if you would like your family story to be part of it. while others were directly recruited by Scottish You can keep an eye out for developments regiments in Ulster. At the outbreak of war around Ulster ahead of the centenary in The in 1914, upwards of 150 men signed up to Ulster-Scot and at the Black Watch at their recruitment centre www.ulsterscotsagency.com. in Belfast and their progress was proudly Meanwhile if you have any stories, the Agency www.ulsterscotsagency.com followed in the local papers. would love to hear them so please e-mail Many Ulster-Scots, reflective of the coastal [email protected].

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News and events

Town Charters By Gary McDonald Novice juvenile band cranks up its Exhibition Tour preparations for new season

Continues he fledgling Ulster-Scots earliest stages of learning their novice juvenile pipe chosen instrument so therefore In October 2013 the Ulster-Scots band, which made such a might not be ready to compete. Agency in partnership with the T memorable competitive debut at “But others have already left us Ministerial Advisory Group Ulster- the 2013 World Championships because they’re feeding into their Scots Academy and the Ulster in Glasgow, is cranking up its own bands, which is ultimately Historical Foundation launched the Map: John Speed, ‘The Kingdome of Irland’, preparations for the new season. the goal of this whole project,” Town Charters exhibition at Belfast 1610. Courtesy the Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich And already the band, under he added. City Hall. Memorial Library and Archive pipe major Andy McGregor, The novice juvenile band is The exhibition which has been completed has earmarked contests at the product of the Ulster-Scots is part of a larger research project Enniskillen on May 24 and the Agency’s wider education and includes a dedicated map, brochure, a Ulster-Scots UK Championships in Belfast on schools initiative that includes community outreach programme and a June 14 for the next stage of its schools across the nine counties touring exhibition. Education Project development. of Ulster which has demonstrated The exhibition will tour to the following how cultural identity can enrich The University of Ulster in association with venues over the coming months: It has also been invited to people’s lives. the Ministerial Advisory Group for an Ulster- Armagh Library, January 16 – February perform at the Walled City Tattoo The band came in for special Scots Academy, Queen’s University Belfast, 13 in Londonderry from Wednesday mention at the annual general The University of Glasgow and the Ulster Dungannon Library, February 13 – March August 27 to Saturday August meeting of the Northern Ireland Historical Foundation will be launching the 13 30, a show expected to attract branch of the RSPBA, and it is Ulster-Scots Education Project at the MAC, Old Station House Coffee Shop, Augher, upwards of 15,000 people to hoped that it will be the catalyst Belfast on January 23. February 13 – March 13 Ebrington Square . for the creation of a novice

Bangor Museum, March 13 - April 30 “Rehearsals have been going juvenile or schools grade at a Walled City Tattoo in For further details and an invitation Don’t miss your opportunity to learn more extremely well at our three main number of contests during the Derry~Londonderry contact Dr Frank Ferguson at about your town’s history as the Town venues – Clogher Valley Caravan 2014 campaign. [email protected] Charters exhibition comes to your area. Park , the Ulster-Scots Agency Indeed there’s been a significant office in Raphoe and in Belfast at increase in enrolment at the Campbell College ,” said Andy. RSPBANI branch school over the “We’ve certainly a busy few last year, according to convener months ahead, and all the Darren Frew. youngsters are enjoying the Operating at centres in cultural experience and are Ballymena, Banbridge, looking forward to the summer Cookstown, Enniskillen and months.” Londonderry , the branch school The band, made up of children was attended last year by 71 between nine and 18, was pipers, 69 drummers and 27 created by the Ulster-Scots drum majors, all in the seven-to Agency 18 months ago and 25 age bracket, as well as by 13 has seen members move from over-25s. absolute beginners to novice “We want to get kids involved musicians in a short space of early, and it’s a strategy which time. seems to be working,” Darren “At the moment we have 28 said. pipers at various stages of “There are terrific opportunities learning, as well as about 20 now available for young people in snare drummers, eight tenor Northern Ireland to get involved drummers and a bass drummer,” in pipe banding. says Andy, who is supported in “And a priority for the school is the teaching by Mark Carmichael to see the membership of local (piping), Barney Megoran (side pipe bands go from strength to drumming) and Rachel Ferry strength - preferably local pipe (tenor drumming). bands which are fully interactive “Some of the kids are in the in their community.” Belfast hosts piping ‘major’ for next two seasons

here will be 14 main 14, replacing the Cowal Games, competitions open to local which has been removed from T pipe bands this season, the majors calendar after nearly including nine in Northern Ireland a century. (among them one of the five The event – which will also return ‘majors’), four in Scotland and to Northern Ireland for 2015 – the All-Ireland in Wexford. is the second of the five major It all begins in Lisburn on May competitions, with upwards of 10, tying in with the Lord 150 bands likely to attend. Mayor’s parade, and the season The RSPBA’s Northern Ireland culminates at the end of August branch is understandably thrilled in Portrush. that big-time competition Among the year’s highlights, piping is returning to Belfast, Belfast’s Ormeau Park will host which successfully hosted the inaugural UK Pipe Band three consecutive European Championships on Saturday June Championships in the grounds of

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Ulster-Scot pipers prepare for the season ahead

Stormont (2010-2012). • June 21 - Lurgan Here are the dates and venues • June 28 - European for tartan participants and Championships (Forres) supporters wanting to plan for • July 5 - All Ireland next summer: Championships (Wexford) • May 10 - Lisburn • July 26 - Scottish • May 17 - Newtownards Championships (Dumbarton) • May 24 - Enniskillen • August 2 - Cookstown • May 31 - British • August 9 - Ulster Championships (Bathgate) Championships (Omagh) • June 7 - Antrim • August 15/16 - World • June 14 - UK Championships Championships (Glasgow) ( Belfast ) • August 23 - Portrush

Successful Tattoos set for summer repeats

bit like buses, we waited at least seven bands already years for Northern Ireland confirmed. A to have its own Tattoo – Among them are Ravara from then two come along at once. north Down, Aughintober from Castlecaufield and And such were their successes Manorcunningham (Co Donegal), first time around that both all of whom wowed the the Walled City Tattoo in 11,000-strong audience at the Derry~Londonderry and its inaugural Tattoo in 2013. There are terrific Belfast equivalent in the Odyssey They’ll be joined by the pipes complex are to be repeated this and drums of three military summer. bands - 1st Battalion Royal Irish opportunities The Walled City Tattoo, supported Regiment, 2nd Battalion Royal by the Ulster-Scots Agency, Irish Regiment and 152 (Ulster) now available for takes place in August and again Transport Regiment, Royal showcases the best of local and Logistic Corps. young people in international talent. The headline piping input is likely An estimated 15,000 people are to come from the Bleary band Northern Ireland likely to flock to Ebrington Square in Co Armagh, the current Ulster over the four shows, and as well and All-Ireland champions in to get involved in as the traditional favourites, it grade two. will feature a plethora of local Staying with piping, the Tattoo pipe banding. and international talent including line-up includes Lume de world famous motorcycle Biqueira, a Galician Gaitas display team The Imps as well bagpipes band from Spain . - Darren Frew, Convener as rhythmic comedy from Swiss The band was formed 1998 group Starbugs. at Centro Gallego in Madrid, Massed bands will include pipes when a core group of pipers and and drums, brass and flute and, percussionists settled the basis with the support of Sontas, to form one of the finest Spanish cultural fusion will create the bands and piping-schools. essence of the whole event. Renowned for their wide and Like the inaugural event in 2013, original repertoire, they’ve this year’s Walled City Tattoo will participated in shows across revive and recreate the thriving Europe, including the St Patrick’s industries of the Maiden City. Its Day celebrations in Dublin and connection with the development the William Kennedy Piping of transport will be explored Festival in Armagh. back to life in a spectacular But the Tattoo, of course, isn’t extravaganza. just about pipers, and features All the participants will have an ensembles from different music enthusiastic approach to local backgrounds. culture. Whether it is Ulster-Scots The flute bands confirmed or Irish, music, song or dance, already are Ballylone the cast is intergenerational and (Ballynahinch), Cahard enthusiastic, and the ethos is to (Saintfield), Churchill (Derry) and present the city’s heritage in a Hunter Moore (Newry), the latter fresh, new and modern way. which is celebrating its 130th Meanwhile the Belfast Tattoo, anniversary this year. held for the first time in Murley silver band from September over two packed Fivemiletown are back in nights at the Odyssey Arena, is September as they mark their also to be repeated in 2014. 90th anniversary, while the Organisers Wonderland nearby Dungannon Silver join Productions will stage the them. showpiece again at the same The Tattoo will also feature a venue on Friday and Saturday range of artistes including drum September 5 & 6. And there majors, dancers and singers, and will be even more pipers and the programme will evolve over drummers on the bill, with the coming months.

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Ingredients: the mixing bowl and stir until • 175 g self-raising flour combined (Use your hands • 75 g porridge oats if you need to!). • 175 g granulated sugar 4. Turn out of the bowl Recipe • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda onto a work surface and • 1 tsp baking powder divide into approximately Delicious • 175 g butter 28 and shape into balls, • 2 tbsp golden syrup about 2cm thick. 5. Arrange on the baking cookies METHOD trays, leaving space Preparation time: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. between each one as they 15 minutes Grease 2 large baking trays. will spread. Press the tops 2. Put the oats, flour, sugar, gently to flatten slightly into a cookie Cook time: bicarbonate of soda and baking shape. 12 to 15 minutes powder into a large mixing bowl. 6. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes until 3. Put the butter and golden syrup golden brown and firm. Remove Makes: 28 cookies into a pan, heat over a low heat, from the oven and using a fish slice, stirring until the butter has melted and transfer to a cooling rack to cool and combined with the syrup. Pour into firm up.

COMPETITION RESULTS...

Congratulations to Elizabeth Reid and Natasha Morton (both from Belfast) who won a family pass each to see Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Opera House! We hope you enjoyed the performance on Wednesday December 18.

COMPETITION

We have three copies of Robert Burns And All That to give away (aimed at children aged 8-12). This beautifully illustrated publication is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland’s national bard. Meet the lassies who stole Burns’ heart and the creatures that inspired his poetry. Robert Burns And All That is a book that simply must be read for the sake of auld lang syne!

For your chance to win: Simply email [email protected] with ‘Burns Publication’ in the subject line, providing your name and address. Closing date: Noon on Monday February 17 2014.

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