The Twelfth

CELEBRATION—NOT PROVOCATION Why Ulsterfolk still ought to... REMEMBER 1690

HE TWELFTH celebrates the T Williamite victory of 1690 when the forces of William, Prince of Champion of Liberty Orange defeated those of his father- in-law, James Stuart, at the . This was no family HE PICTURE on squabble, but a real turning point in the right is a tradi- European history. T King James II was a stout defender of tional image of King the doctrine of 'the Divine Right of Kings', as practised in France by the 'Sun William III, mounted on King', Louis XIV. Louis was the abso- lute dictator of France and James wanted a white horse, cross- to have the same dictatorial powers in England, Scotland and Ireland. In Eng- ing the River Boyne. land, the principle had become well established that elected representatives of William was a cham- his subjects should check the King's pion of civil and reli- actions and that those representatives should be able to make laws. It was by gious liberty. His vic- no means truly democratic, but it was a step away from absolutism. It is not tory at the Boyne laid surprising that James encountered strong opposition, which led to his removal by the foundations of civic William and his defeat at the Boyne. The accession of William and Mary to society throughout the Throne was a progressive step for- these islands. ward for the British peoples. The Stuarts' tyrannical arbitrary power was over- thrown and the Constitutional Monarchy and parliamentary government were established. We now know that the sys- tem of parliamentary representation is not Let’s tell the truth! in itself genuinely democratic. However, it's better than the royal tyranny and arbitrary power that James represented. RE YOU fed up with their position? You are? appears on our internet web- As we all know, the limited freedoms A the way the media Then why not do something site www.ulsternation.org.uk gained by the Glorious Revolution are still remembered today. Celebrating the reports the Twelfth of July about it? It shows how the ‘Twelfth' is Williamite victory is not a 'sectarian coat- celebrations? Are you fed Buy extra copies of The not some reactionary sectar- trailing exercise'. The Twelfth is Europe's largest indigenous folk and up with pan-Irish national Twelfth and distribute them ian circus but remembers a cultural festival. Historically and cultur- chauvinists painting a picture to friends and relatives at turning point in European ally, it inextricably links Ulster with of 'Orange Monsters' rampag- home and abroad. We par- Europe. It marks one of the most pivotal history. Far from being a dates in the shaping of European his- ing through quiet and peace- ticularly need to step up the hangover from the seven- tory – for 1690 was the year of European ful Catholic areas? Are you propaganda war abroad. The teenth century, the celebra- Freedom. That’s why we ought to carry also fed up with the inability on remembering 1690! article on the left is aimed at tions are a distinct part of of your leaders to explain an overseas audience. It also Ulster's cultural identity.

1690—2001: 311th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne

The Twelfth: Celebration not Provocation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 1 THE ELEVENTH NIGHT David McCalden recalls his boyhood

The late David McCal- Once the bonfires were den, (1951 – 1990) was lit, there were always vari- the founder of the Ulster- ous contingency schemes American Heritage proposed in case of the fire Foundation. causing damage; some schemes considerably less

logical than others. One VERY YEAR of scientific character decided my childhood, to put a water-soaked sack the most impor- over the top of a gas street tant event of the lamp to prevent the heat yearE was not the Twelfth from cracking the glass. (the 12th of July) but the Not long afterwards, the night immediately preced- sack had dried and burst ing it, “Bonefire into flames – cracking all Night” (sic). Preparations the glass inside it! Those for the celebrations started families who lived on the weeks earlier, as dirty-faced street corner, where the children scoured the entire bonfire was only a few feet area for combustibles for away, usually doused their the 11th night bonfire. windows with buckets of Competition between rival “On the Eleventh Night, stores of water. streets was savage, as which bonfire wood were moved, ready Most of the small streets’ street could have the biggest bonfires died down by mid- pile of crates, old furniture for darkness” night or one o’clock, but and tea chests. The wood down Sandy Row the fes- was piled on a piece of ready for darkness. The Union Jack flying from tivities continued right waste-ground, usually a requirements of traffic were every house. And a really through the night. Sandy bomb or demolition site, or ignored, and main thor- dedicated street would make Row prided itself on having failing that, up against a oughfares like Sandy Row a “Pope” out of stuffed rags “arches”, which were scaf- gable at the street corner. In and the were to be burnt on the 11th. The folding-and-plywood con- the last few days before cut off by bonfires being lit unfortunate “pope” would structions in the form of a “Bonefire Night”, older in the centre of the road, at be exhibited for a week be- mediaeval gateway over the children stayed up all night every street corner, for a forehand in someone’s par- road. The rest of the year, to guard the precious wood, mile or more. These two lour window, so that pass- these were broken down often building makeshift roads were particularly lav- ers-by could admire the sill and kept down somebody’s lean-to huts within the enor- ish in their preparations for and dedication that had back entry, but were dis- mous pile itself. Weaker the celebrations: kerbstones gone into his construction. played for the entire month streets – those which had were painted alternately in In our street, there was of July every year. Various mostly younger children – read, white and blue, as only one Catholic family insignia and battle place were easy prey for bullies were lamp posts and poles when I was small (although names were inscribed over from up the road. I remem- of any description. Huge there were very quickly the archways; the biggest ber well the sense of pent- murals, usually depicting more, eventually becoming and grandest arch being up anger and powerlessness “King Billy” on his white the majority themselves). strategically placed outside I felt when a gang from charger, were painstakingly No one displayed any ani- the Orange Hall, of course. Blackwater Street came portrayed in the medium of mosity towards them Next morning, erstwhile along and brazenly wheeled housepaints on gable walls though, and they were revellers would drag them- away a lumpy sofa, which with as much devotion as happy to contribute to a col- selves out of bed, after only could not have been more Michaelangelo’s Sistine lection for lemonade and a couple of hours’ sleep, precious had it been made Chapel, albeit with consid- crisps for the children. Al- don their Sunday best, and for Louis XV himself. erably less skill. Many of though their own children wend their way around the The tension of excitement the more dedicated streets did not join in the evening’s still smouldering piles of built up to peak on the Elev- had red, white and blue festivities, someone always ashes and springs, to their enth Night itself, when bunting strung from oppo- made sure they had some Orange Hall, where the stocks of wood were moved site upstairs windows and lemonade delivered to the lodges assembled to march into the middle of the street, every Protestant street had a door. to The Field.

The Twelfth: Celebration not Confrontation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 2 THE TWELFTH: A woman’s view

PAN-IRISH NATIONAL CHAUVINISTS like to paint the Twelfth as a 'carnival of reaction' when drunken, hate-filled Orange bigots go on the rampage. They claim that Orange walks are nothing but sectarian coat-trailing exercises. Tra- ditional and peaceful Orange walks are now opposed by Sinn Fein front groups calling themselves 'concerned citi- zens'. What's the reality? Here's how Rathcoole woman Margaret Jenkinson remembers the Twelfth.

WAS BORN and and drink, play games raised in Rathcoole, and sing. We even had Co. Antrim. It's someone with an accor- Iabout five miles dion playing a few tunes. north of Belfast and was We actually had Catholic at one time the largest neighbours, but I don't housing estate in Europe. recall them getting upset It had very few facilities or anyone giving them and our lives were fairly grief. It was a real com- mundane then. There munity atmosphere. were none of these super The Twelfth day itself TV's with wrap around was very exciting. My sound, no CDs, com- dad's in the Orange, so puters or whatever. So he'd be walking. He'd get the Twelfth was a bit of up very early to be at the colour. Master's house for his The side of the Twelfth celebrations that My first memories of Ulster Fry! The rest of the Twelfth would be of the family would go into the media usually ignores—women and the other kids collecting town and get a place in children enjoying the carnival atmos- for the bonie. They front of Belfast City Hall. phere at the Belfast demonstration. would rap at the door Our great game was to looking for wood. My spot my dad and shout natured. I don't remem- mum wouldn't let me out and wave to him - I al- band stick. There were ber any trouble at the to collect wood - that was ways had a wee flag to always these old women Twelfth. Everybody was for the boys and the wee wave! We'd also look out who would dress up in there for the music, col- millies! I remember that for any other friends or Union Jack dresses. our and atmosphere. I before the Twelfth lots of relatives who'd be walk- They'd clap, dance and know Catholics who have local bands would be out ing. Afterwards we'd of- 'sing' along with the seen the parade and have collecting money for new ten go up to my Aunts, bands. They were a fas- no problems with it. uniforms, instruments, where we'd later watch cinating sight! Also, if Ironically, the only trou- bannerettes and so on. It the West Belfast Lodges there were any visiting ble I know of involved a was so exciting if they returning up the Shankill. Orange men or women - Catholic fella (who was came down your street. In those days - the late say from Canada or South originally from Bawn- We kids would follow the 60s and early 70s - the Africa - they would al- more) who lived in Rath- band with our makeshift bands would be more var- ways get a great round of coole. He was on a Rath- drums. Mine was a ied than today. You'd get applause. coole bus coming from saucepan and stick! Pipe bands and also Sil- Unfortunately, my the town around the On the Eleventh night, ver bands. As a child it mother was ill quite a lot Twelfth. His co- small bonfires would be was all so exciting - the in her later life, so we'd religionists from Bawn- lit early for us kids as colour, the noise. I was watch the Belfast parade more stoned the bus and we'd be in bed well be- amazed at the variety of on TV. It was actually on he nearly got his eye put fore midnight. Every uniforms. I always live then. Again I'd look out. How about that for house would have wanted to be the fella at out for my dad on the mindless hatred and sec- brought out a couple of the front of the band TV. It was all very good tarianism? chairs. We'd have food throwing and catching the

The Twelfth: Celebration not Provocation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 3 WHAT THE TWELFTH MEANS TO ME by Stephen Moore

HAVE FOND memories of the Twelfth of July and for those first twelve days in July where everyone in the street and the commu- nity at large got excited for Ulster's National IHoliday. For this is Ulster's Fourth of July, Ul- ster's Mardi Gras, potentially the biggest celebra- tion and largest single tourist attraction Ulster and indeed Western Europe could have, if only the Tourist Board, the British Gov- ernment and the nationalist community would recognise it as such. It is part of Ulster's, Ire- land's, Britain's and Europe's shared heritage and history and the very legacy of the Battle of the Boyne has produced the Europe we have today.

I now understand the im- fully understand the his- portance of the Battle of torical importance of the the Boyne in providing celebrations but I realised Civil and religious Liberty it was important enough to IMAGES OF THE TWELFTH! for the people of Europe celebrate. I discovered that then and now. I recognise it was the one chance dur- Young and old, male and female. All how it was not only impor- ing the year for the com- have their part to play in Ulster’s own tant for Ireland and Britain munity and the people to but for the freedom of be proud of their area, their Mardi Gras. country and “the legacy of the Boyne who they July. There was a great for those in the lower dis- were and of status for the street if you tricts of Beverly and produced today’s course it was obtained more crates than Mossley to see. A compro- a period of the other kids from sur- mise site was not found Europe.” excitement rounding areas. The com- and in 1990 nothing when people petition was fierce and changed and the tradition Europe, and how it was the could enjoy the time with there was a bonfire on our of the two bonfires pre- defining battle in a wider family and friends. street of the Ballyduff vailed. European power struggle. Kids in the area co- Road and another on the operated together for a other side no more than MISSING FREEDOM change as one team in ob- thirty metres away. taining as much wood and Sometimes our wood King William III's victory burning material as possi- BONFIRE would go missing but was a victory over Louis ble. There was so much would be swiftly located of XIV and over France and pride in the streets bonfire Both sets of kids decided course approximately 30 even Pope Alexander VIII and the commitment in in 1989 to forge alliance metres away and then re- of the day celebrated King protecting what can only for a mega tercentenary trieved. Our best wood William's victory over the be described as rubbish bonfire in 1990 to celebrate was hidden in back yards, expanding Kingdom of was immense. 300 years since the Battle garages and surrounding Louis XIV. King Wil- of the Boyne. Unfortu- fields to protect it from liam's victory provided the PASSION nately both sides could not theft especially from the freedom and the opportuni- agree on a suitable location kids from the nearby Bally- ties for trade the people of No where in the world as both sides requested for duff Estate who always Europe enjoy today. would a crate or a tea chest their traditional site to be seemed bigger and harder As a young boy growing be protected with such pas- used. Our side argued that than us. We would coax up in Carnmoney I did not sion than in Ulster during our site was more elevated our parents to allow us to

The Twelfth: Celebration not Confrontation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 4 camp out on the tenth night churches, local industries as rumours of theft and and so on. The time, the sabotage were rife. art, the colour, the enjoy- ment, the expense and TEAM SPIRIT sheer pride in what the pa- rade represented was a fan- The only time that the tastic sight for anyone team spirit would be threat- whether they be directly ened was on the eleventh part of that particular cul- day itself when the various ture or not. opinions on the building process would come to the FANTASTIC fore. Kids who did not show as much commitment Then there was the field, in the run up to the big day the stalls, lunch and the were reminded of that fact. time of rest and anticipa- Fall-outs would occur and tion of what the return pa- were usually sorted out on rade had in store for us, as the football pitch in due it was always less orderly course. and full of laughs and fun. Bright orange wigs, even ENJOYED moustaches and glasses were to name but a few of Either way the bonfire was the disguises that the par- built, lit and enjoyed by all. ticipants might don on the I remember what we called IMAGES OF THE TWELFTH! way home. The Twelfth of the "Big Year" when our Besides the more familiar ’Blood and July Battle of the Boyne bonfire was so big that celebrations are a wonder- nearby houses had to soak Thunder’ flute bands, the Twelfth fea- ful sight to see, probably their fences with water to tures a rich variety of musical styles. the most fantastic display prevent any damage. We of culture in Europe which were all so proud we even Silver bands can be seen alongside can be enjoyed by anyone claimed that it was as big pipes, accordions and the ‘infamous’ who decides to accommo- as Rathcoole and Tigers lambeg drums. date the culture and specta- Bay even though it was a cle. fraction the size. Taking into consideration the lim- for breakfast and then the our, music, history and cul- NEXT YEAR we hope to ited resources of a few Twelfth celebrations them- ture. I remember learning produce a bigger and better young kids - our bonfire selves. Just when you about the history of Ulster issue of The Twelfth. Can was just as good as any in thought it was all over - through what was graphi- you help? We want to hear Ulster. you had the parade and the cally depicted on the ban- from anyone who’s willing One thing we enjoyed to days crack to look forward ners carried in front of each to share their thoughts and the disgust of the adult to. I remember feeling individual lodge. memories of Europe's larg- spectators was the placing tired in the morning as I est indigenous cultural and of aerosols deep in the would have got up at regu- GLORIOUS folk festival. So what does cavities of the bonfire. lar intervals throughout the the ‘Twelfth’ mean to you? They would explode to our night to observe the bonfire People delight as if harkening and discover if it was still could back to the very sounds of burning and if so - how learn “The Twelfth of July Battle the Battle of the Boyne it- much. about the of the Boyne celebrations self. We would be repri- 1641 manded but every year IMPORTANT Massacre are a wonderful sight to they continued to be a part of Protes- see” of the bonfire celebrations How long it burned was tants in in this little street in Carn- very important when con- Ulster, the money - Boys will be versing with other kids as glorious victory of King We’d like to hear from all Boys! everyone measured the size William at the Battle of the generations and both rural and success of a bonfire by Boyne and in other areas, and urban folk. Get in CELEBRATIONS the simple observation of the landing of King Wil- touch today! Write to Ul- how long it burned - the liam at Carrickfergus Cas- ster Nation, First Floor After the bonfire had longer it burned the better tle and so on. Local his- 316 Shankill Road, Belfast died down our parents it was. tory was also recreated BT13 3AB Telephone: 077 would round us up for bed The Twelfth parade itself through the pictures of lo- 9047 4353. E-mail ulster- so we would get up early was a fantastic array of col- cal personalities, parish [email protected]

The Twelfth: Celebration not Provocation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 5 The Faithful Tribe Reviewed by Rabbi Mayer Schiller, (New York) A Step in the Right Direction The Faithful Tribe: An Intimate Portrait of the Loyal Institutions Ruth Dudley Edwards. Harper Collins, London 1999. ISBN0 00 255863 7 £17.99

HAT MIGHT is only beginning to explore the cause an Ortho- history and culture of Ulster dox Jewish and therefore not yet widely W Rabbi to fly read, it is the best introductory much of this from New York to Belfast for work I have thus far come fact in order to the Twelfth? Running the risk across. It is also one of the few accentuate the of sounding a bit too impres- works at all sympathetic to the fraternal and sionable I must confess that my cause of Unionism as advo- cultural, as decision to visit Northern Ire- cated by the lodges. In fact, a opposed to land was made after having frequent lament of the book is religious, read Chapter One (the first fifty the inferior or non existent state aspects of the Orders pages) of Ruth Dudley Ed- of Protestant propaganda before and the Unionist cause in gen- wards' The Faithful Tribe. the bar of international opinion. eral. In truth this argument Those opening pages describe Throughout the book Edwards only goes so far. Much of Un- in detail Edwards’ participation lets the "faithful tribe" speak. ionism's most fervent backers presents major obstacles to in eight parades of assorted We hear their voices and feel are to be found in the DUP and the survival of faith, memory Loyal Institutions. I was capti- their ideals and fears. The the Free Presbyterian Church . and identity which Unionists vated by the sense that emerged credibility of all this is much Edwards does not sympathise value is a bit much for many from the narrative of a people advanced by Edwards' own with this perspective and it is tradition rooted Ulstermen. who have somehow managed to Catholic background and cur- not portrayed in much detail in Ruth Dudley Edwards reject the secular functionalism rent agnosticism on matters of her work. emerges from the pages of her and cynical consumerism which faith. In general, her goal is to por- book as a decent, fair minded has enveloped so much of Of particular note to the tray the Orders' aims in as be- women with the ability to European civilisation in our reader exploring the North for nign a fashion as possible. This enter the mind set of others day. This was something that the first time is Edwards' articu- is worthwhile in that it counters with empathy. Her work is a had to be experienced in per- lation of the degree that the the demonisation of the media readable and sympathetic son. Edwards has set herself a Orders' position on parades and but it does seem to miss the treatment of a people who difficult task. She seeks to tell the like is motivated by their roots of religious and patriotic have had little sympathy in the story of the Apprentice belief in the link between reli- passion which has led Ulster- the past. Yet, her reluctance Boys, Orange Order and Royal gious and civil liberty and the men into battles against over- to plumb the depths of pas- Black Preceptory fairly, yet, Reformation. In their minds whelming odds throughout their sionate faith and identity is with unmistakable sympathy. In Rome and the denial of liberty history. And, it is true that this indicative of an inability to order to do this properly, she are seen as one. However, passion survives even where its contemplate radical perspec- provides the reader with a brief questionable this might be his- religious underpinnings are tives in general. Her kindly overview of Ulster history with torically - Were Calvin and gone. Yet, Edwards is as un- nature precludes the thought special emphasis on the Wil- Luther really more committed comfortable with "blood and of invasive surgery. Yet, for liamite wars and establishment to religious and civil liberty thunder" bands of stark, work- an ill patient, is kindness of of the Free State. In addition, than is the Vatican II Church? - ing class, cultural Protestants as this sort, however well inten- the inner workings and history it is, nonetheless, part of the she is with Free Presbyterian- tioned, what the doctor would of the lodges is gone into with way the Reformation is viewed ism. order? painstaking depth. in the Ulster mythos and to Her vision is one of ultimate Nonetheless, the final ver- Finally, in order to render ignore it is to miss an essential reconciliation between Ulster's dict on The Faithful Tribe contemporary the ideas and element of the Protestant strug- two peoples. Surely this is a must be, at least for this events described, she explores gle. This goes a long way to goal all can share. In an appen- writer, positive. Without it the annual crisis in Drumcree in understanding the intensity dix she presents a "Draft (and God's help, of course) I step by step fashion beginning concerning the Garvaghy Road Speech for the Prime Minister" would never had been witness in the early nineties and extend- and similar impasses. where her fictitious Prime Min- to the celebrations of the week ing till the summer of 1998. Perhaps, one of the most sur- ister says "I cherish both na- of the Twelfth. And that This meticulous chronology prising aspects of the Unionist tionalist and unionist culture as would have been a shame. forms a book within a book cause to an outsider is how equal expressions of important extending to 254 pages. (The Orangeism, Loyalism and a traditions which have shaped us RABBI MAYER SCHILLER teaches Bible and Talmud at Yeshiva Uni- non -Drumcree half of the book deep seated attachment to their all." Further, "The legitimacy versity High School in New York is only 277 pages.) national history as Protestants and security of Northern Ire- City. He has authored many books For outsiders unaware of survives even among those on land's place within the UK has and articles on religious and political matters. events in Northern Ireland or, whom religious faith itself no never been more secure." In July 2000, he visited Belfast and aware only through the lens of longer commands belief. This However, the question is Scarva where he saw the Twelfth Republicanism's highly suc- seems strange at first glance. whether "cherishing traditions" parades and the famous Sham Fight. He gave a wide-ranging cessful international media Edwards however, who is equally can be achieved within interview with Third Way magazine. campaign, the book is immedi- clearly not comfortable with the UK, or the Republic, for An edited version of this interview ately captivating by virtue of its robust, traditional faiths that matter. Of course, the no- can be seen on the Ulster Nation website: even handedness. As one who (Catholic or Protestant) makes tion that it is Union itself which www.ulsternation.org.uk/

The Twelfth: Celebration not Confrontation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 6 BUILD THE $/7(51$7,9(MEDIA

HE MASS MEDIA News goes to press twice a enough. But at least it's a move into realm of extra of news and enter- week! It goes without say- voice through which can websites, video and DVDs. T tainment controls the ing that our print run is to- reach some of our people. Another priority is to put thinking and behaviour of tally insignificant compared And we need to reach our our message across to North many people. Look at the to these commercial papers. people so that we can have a America. For too long Irish- influence it exerted during And we've not even begun to major influence the Good Friday Agreement seriously explore the audio on a number of “We must follow a long- referendum of May 1998. and visual forms of media policies, which Here, Ulsterfolk were sub- like radio and TV. are important to term strategy” jected to a massive all- So why do we persevere? the future of our embracing media propa- What’s the point in publish- nation and people. Americans – the raucous ganda campaign involving ing The Twelfth One of our main caucus – have had it all their 'tame' business, trade union, and Ulster aims is to build own way. It’s time to start community and church lead- Nation? The the infrastructure challenging their lies. Our ers. Anyone who questioned main reason of an alternative problem is that whilst we the Agreement was vilified for producing mass media. have very few resources, as a warmonger. them is that Last year’s North America is a vast con- Given this media power, we recognise publication of tinent with a population of why do we publish The that the media The Real millions. We feel that one Twelfth and Ulster Nation? is our enemy's McCoy of the most cost-effective After all, they’re hardly most powerful marked the ways of communicating in regular publications. The weapon. Thus first step in the US is via radio adverts. Twelfth is out once a year - we need to try this direc- Some stations charge as lit- and our immediate aim for and fight back by tion. It is tle as $12.00 (£6.00) per UN is to publish regularly on building our own the first minute for radio ads. To a quarterly basis! That's a media. At the mo- volume in make an impact, however, struggle for us but nothing ment The Twelfth our series of Northern Ire- will require several ads an and UN are the land Politics booklets. hour on hundreds of differ- “the media is our enemy’s main written me- These are designed to pro- ent radio stations. And that dium through mote interest in all aspects will take thousands of greatest weapon” which we can of Ulster politics from a pounds. communicate with radical Ulster-nationalist We have a long and hard compared to the normal print the public. We recognise the perspective. We hope this task ahead of ourselves. At media. National papers like need to build other effective series will become as influ- the moment we are enthusi- the Belfast Telegraph, Irish forms of communication - ential as the Left Book astic amateurs – we must News and Newsletter are such as audio and visual - Clubs of the 1930s. We also transform ourselves into printed on a daily basis. Lo- but for the moment we only intend producing a Student’s full-time professionals. We cal papers like the Newtow- have print and the internet. Guide to Northern Ireland also need to attract idealists nabbey Times are weekly, We know that relying on Politics, a literary review who will help us build the whilst the Andersonstown these media alone is not and a history of Ulster Van- infrastructure of our alterna- guard. We also need to pro- tive mass media of news and duce everything from com- entertainment. Those who Alternative politics ics – to appeal to young- are only content to moan sters - and books for the about how the ‘Taigs’ are more studious. getting everything are of no LSTER NATION is not just about an alternative media but We must also look at au- use to us. However, we are also alternative politics. Ulster Nation is published in dio and visual forms of com- interested in thoughtful peo- U support of Ulster Third Way - the new voice of radical Ulster-nationalism. Ulster Third Way contested West Belfast in the munication. Ordinary folk ple who realise that we must recent Westminster general election. Our candidate, David Kerr, will remember the lyrics of a follow a long-term strategy. gained 116 votes. Not much, but then again, the old Ulster Inde- song more readily than a We want to build a powerful pendence Movement only won 43 votes in the same area in the written article. We have media – written, audio and Forum election. The election has put Ulster Third Way’s name on started to move in this direc- visual – in order to challenge the map. Please write to us if you want to find out more about the ideas tion by buying and re-selling pan-Irish national chauvin- and policies of Ulster Third Way or if you want to become an offi- commercially available CDs. ists in Sinn Féin and the cial U3W Supporter. You can also ring 077 9047 4353 or visit... But we really need to be able SDLP and the failed dead- to produce our own CDs end policies of the unionist www.ulsternation.org.uk/ featuring our own artists. parties. But we are ham- Ulster Third Way And we must explore all pered by a lack of personnel, Ulster Independence Centre musical styles – from Coun- time and money. Do you First Floor try and Western, traditional love your people and nation 316 Shankill Road and folk to Gothic, industrial enough to help us? If you Belfast BT13 3AB and Metal. We must also do, get in touch today. E-mail: [email protected]

The Twelfth: Celebration not Provocation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 7 HELLO, HELLO... E'RE BACK AGAIN - and welcome to issue 2 of The MAIL ORDER Twelfth. The Twelfth is produced by Ulster Nation W Publications to present a positive side of the Twelfth celebrations. We want to counter the lies and misrepresentations MERCHANDISING told about this extremely popular cultural festival. Last year, The Twelfth was just a four page A5 supplement to our main publication, Ulster Nation. However, it proved very, S WE’VE EXPLAINED on page 7, one of our main aims is to build the very popular. Many readers asked us if we could produce a bigger infrastructure of an alternative mass media of news and entertain- and better issue. This year we had hoped to bring out a regular A ment. And if we are serious about building this alternative media, we need money – and lots of it. issue of UN and issue 2 of The Twelfth. Unfortunately we just The items listed below therefore serve a dual purpose – as each item sold don't have the time, personnel and financial resources to achieve helps us raise money to spread the word. We can guarantee that all money this - yet. So we decided to delay issue 30 until August to allow goes into building this mass media, as those involved with Ulster Nation and The Twelfth don’t take a penny in wages or expenses. Please make your the production of this special eight-page mini-broadsheet. In the cheques or postal orders out to ULSTER FUND. For a new catalogue, write very near future we intend to be in the happy position of producing to the address below or e-mail us at [email protected] UN and publications like The Twelfth for special occasions. The Twelfth aims to convey the spirit, colour and atmosphere of FLAGS Europe's largest indigenous cultural festival. We have no connec- tion with the Orange Order, but we do fully support the concept of civil and religious liberties for all. We oppose negative religious Ulster National Flag. Fly the world’s most dynamic national flag! The red Cross of St. Patrick overlaid on the blue field of the bigotry. We believe in heritage, not hate and celebration, not St. Andrew’s Cross charged in the centre with a golden star bear- provocation. We extend mutual cultural respect to all other peo- ing the traditional Red Hand of Ulster. Excellent quality double- ples. sided polyester flag. Measures 5x3 feet. The Ulster National We’d like to make next year’s issue of The Twelfth bigger and Flag better than this one. Can you help us? Areas in which we’d appre- costs only £10.00 (including post and packing). ciate your help include: • Articles. As we noted in our centre-page article, we want to CDs hear from anyone who’s willing to share his or her thoughts and memories of the ‘Twelfth’. What does it really mean to you? We'd A Clatter O Fowk. This excellent CD celebrates the ancient also like to broaden our scope and carry reports from lodges and cultural links between Ulster and Scotland. It features everything bands. Don’t worry if you don’t think you can write an entire article - from the McNeilstown Pipe Band to unaccompanied singers like one of our main writers just produces a series of notes. We put them Elizabeth McLeister. You’ll love the Appalachian Strings – and order, cross the t’s and dot the i’s. It’s as simple as that! listen out for My Darling’s In Tennessee by Roy Arbuckle. A • Research. There’s a growing interest in Ulster’s local history Clatter O Fowk costs £11.00 (including post and packing). and we’d like The Twelfth to reflect that. We’d love to be able to reproduce reports and pictures from yesteryear - however, we simply Fae Oot O Slemish. Two of Ulster’s greatest folk and tradi- do not have the time or personnel to do so. Would you be willing to tional musicians on one CD! Listen to the songs of Willie Dren- spend a few hours in your local library collecting reports of how your nan and John Scott Trotter. Hear the fiddle, tin whistle, wee Lam- parents and grand-parents celebrated the Twelfth? If so, we’d like to beg, accordian and bagpipes. Listen out for Soldier’s Joy, which hear from you today! features two separate fiddling styles – Ulster- • Graphics. We want to improve the appearance of The Scots and Appalachian. Fae Oot O Slemish costs Twelfth and would like to hear from anyone with layout and design £11.00 (including post and packing). experience. We’d also like to hear from artists, cartoonists and pho- tographers. • Finance. The Washington DC-based Friends of Sinn Fein LITERATURE have raised well over £2 Million! We have a long way to go before we can match that—but we have to start somewhere. All donations— Back issues of Ulster Nation. Three mixed large or small—are greatly appreciated. Send cheques/POs (made out issues (our choice) for £1.50 including post- to Ulster Fund) to our address below. age. Current issue only £1.20 including • Distribution. We need to build a world-wide distribution postage. network. If you’ve liked this paper, why not buy a few extra copies and send them to friends and relatives at home and abroad? The Real McCoy We hope you’ve enjoyed reading issue 2 of The Twelfth. Hope- W F McCoy: fully, we’ve succeeded in capturing the flavour, colour and atmos- Prophet of Ulster-nationalism phere of Europe’s largest indigenous cultural folk festival. The Twelfth welcomes all ideas, constructive criticism, and especially The Real McCoy is the first volume in our series of Northern Ire- offers of help. If you’ve got something to say - get in touch today! land politics booklets. These are designed to promote interest in all aspects of Ulster politics from a radical Ulster-nationalist per- spective.

THE TWELFTH W F McCoy, QC, MP was unionist MP for South Tyrone in the Ulster Nation Publications old Northern Ireland Parliament. He caused uproar among the First Floor cosy Unionist Party establishment in the late 1940s and early 316 Shankill Road 1950s when he called for total legislative independence within the Belfast BT13 3AB Empire - ‘Dominion Status’ - for Ulster. This booklet from the Tel. 077 9047 4353 editor of Ulster Nation tells his story. Get your copy today. Only E-mail: [email protected] £2.00 (including postage and packing). www.ulsternation.org.uk/

The Twelfth: Celebration not Confrontation 2001 www.ulsternation.org.uk/ Page 8