WIN...A FAMILY PASS TO THE BOYNE -Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 VALLEY VISITORS CENTRE, P16 Young pipers and drummers are honoured at Stormont reception

Children from across Ulster received OCN certificates in Lambeg Drumming, Highland Bagpiping and Snare Drum at two special Stormont presentations hosted by Michelle McIlveen MLA SEE PAGES 8,9 & 10

DYNAMIC US ENSEMBLE APOLLO’S PIPE BAND SEASON OPENS WITH US COVENANTERS ON THE TRAIL OF FIRE TO MAKE THEIR IRELAND DEBUT BANGOR SHOWPIECE THEIR ULSTER-SCOTS HERITAGE PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 14 2 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Fair faa ye Bright Lights take to the

Summer is now upon us and with July and August comes a busy period for the Ulster-Scots Community. stage at Richard Wallace Once again the Ulster-Scots Agency is providing funding for a variety of programmes, events and festivals across the province. From the Park Life concerts July 1 - September 2 in Wallace Park, to the Ireland debut of the award winning Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra performing their acclaimed Sugarloaf bicentenary event Mountain (An Appalachian Gathering) repertoire August 14-19, there is a variety of cultural showpieces to suit all age brackets. Just make sure you all get out and enjoy it! On June 7 and 21 children throughout the province arrived at Parliament Buildings, Stormont for the presentation of Open College Network (OCN) certificates in Lambeg Drumming, Highland Piping and Snare Drumming. The presentations were a great success with children and parents attending the events which were hosted by Michelle McIlveen MLA who presented the certificates to graduates, read more on Pages 8, 9 and 10. The 2018 pipe band season is back in full flow, with a number of competitions already having taken place in venues including Ards and North Down. Details and pictures - and details of winners - are included on Page 5. Speaking of bands, the Ulster- Scots Juvenile Pipe Band player in focus this issue is 17-year- old Amy Tinney, who tells us she was originally a tenor drummer but after some encouragement from a friend who told her that piping can involve travel all over the world, she decided to learn with Andy McGregor and hasn’t looked back since. ABOVE: Bright Lights - pictured with Alderman Paul This edition also includes our regular features such as Judith Porter Chair of Leisure and Community development McLaughlin’s popular recipes (you can find this on Page 10), - presented an Ulster Scots dance display at Richard Weans Wurld & Place to Visit. I’m sure readers will find plenty Wallace Bicentenary Event in Wallace Park on Satur- of interest in this issue. Enjoy your summer . . . and hopefully day June 23 you’ll make a point of attending one or more of the many Ulster RIGHT: Bright Lights junior dancers Hope and Katy- Scots-inspired activities. Lee with the Mayor of Lisburn and City Council, Councillor Uel Mackin Ian Crozier is Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency. The Ulster-Scot Tributes paid to former chairman The official newspaper for the Ulster-Scots Agency / Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch Independent unionist peer Lord politics, but above all it reflected Laird passed away this week at the his infectious enthusiasm for his age of 74. own Ulster-Scots heritage and the Main office: culture which flowed from that in all The Ulster-Scots Agency, John Laird was chairman of the Ul- its many guises. The Corn Exchange ster-Scots Agency in the early days Anyone who ever had the pleasure 31 Gordon Street of the organisation, when people of meeting John and being in his BT1 2LG were working to get things estab- company for just a short while was Telephone: (028) 9023 1113 lished. Ever the PR man, John set never in any doubt of his passion for Fax: (028) 9023 1898 about making a splash wherever he Ulster-Scots and the very obvious Email: [email protected] went, in his own unique style. pride he took in being able to pro- John was an extremely intelligent mote it, especially while chairman of International callers dialling the Ulster-Scots Agency: man, someone of great person- the Ulster-Scots Agency. Europe - 00 44 28 9023 1113 al charm and kindness. He was John’s many friends and fellow Australia - 00 11 44 28 9023 1113 excellent company and time spent enthusiasts within the Ulster-Scots USA - 011 44 28 9023 1113 with him was never dull. His community send their heartfelt conversation was often sprinkled condolences to Lady Laird; their chil- Regional office in Raphoe: with anecdotes about his time in dren and the wider family circle. The Ulster-Scots Agency William Street, Raphoe Co Donegal Telephone: +353 7 4917 3876 CLICK ON THIS... Fax: +353 7 4917 3985 Email: [email protected] WORD For details of what’s on check out our events calendar - Editor: Gary McDonald www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events OF THE ISSUE Associate Editor: Janis Smyth Production: The Irish News For Ulster-Scots news - Printing: Interpress NI Limited www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news Gunk To sign up for the Ulster-Scots E-Newsletter - The Ulster-Scot next edition: Saturday September 22 visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/newsletter/ Deadline for copy: Wednesday September 5 subscribe/register your details and receive updates Contributors should note that publication of any on the areas that you are most interested. Meaning: submitted article is at the Editor’s discretion Join us on Facebook - visit www.facebook.com/ Shock, jolt to one’s UlsterScotsAgency now and like our page to keep up to date on what’s happening, upload your photos from pride Ulster-Scots events and share your comments. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 3 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Apollo’s Fire set to make their Ireland debut

ONE of the USA’s most dynamic period-in- encountered the African slaves and their strument ensembles, Apollo’s Fire, will spirituals. I think at that point, when the make their Ireland debut this summer in a British Isles music met the influence of the tour sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency. spirituals, that’s when Appalachian music Led by founding artistic director and harp- came fully into its own as a unique and sichordist Jeannette Sorrell, the ensemble distinctive repertoire.” will present its popular crossover pro- Apollo’s Fire has 26 commercial CD albums, gramme entitled “Sugarloaf Mountain: An of which seven have been top-10 best- Appalachian Gathering” which explores the sellers on the Billboard Classical Chart. Scotch-Irish roots of American music from This includes their album Sugarloaf Moun- the Appalachian Mountains, a region in the tain, which debuted in 2015 at number five Eastern US that was settled primarily by on the Billboard Classical charts. Scotch-Irish immigrants. Irish tour dates (for information on concert Sugarloaf Mountain takes its title from the times and booking please contact venues mountain of that name that exists on both directly) are: sides of the Atlantic – in , Ireland, Tuesday August 14 : National Concert Hall, and in Maryland near the Appalachian trail. www.nch.ie/Online/Whats-On (phone Creator/director Jeannette Sorrell and her Taking their name from the ancient Greek tival, and venues from Washington to San 00353 1 417 0077) colleagues traverse the joys and sorrows god of music and healing, Apollo’s Fire is Francisco. The ensemble’s Carnegie Hall Wednesday August 15: Belfast Castle (invi- of daily life among the early settlers in based in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the USA’s debut sold out seven months in advance, tation only) Appalachia, following the journeys of the busiest touring baroque orchestra. on the day that tickets went on sale. Friday August 17: Millennium Forum, impoverished Irish and Scottish immigrants The ensemble has performed sold-out con- Jeanette Sorrell said: “The rich repertoire Londonderry www.millenniumforum.co.uk who crossed the Atlantic and settled in the certs at the BBC Proms in London (2015), of renaissance English and Scottish ballads (phone 028 7126 4455) mountains to build new lives. At the same the Royal Theatre of Madrid (2011), the took on its own life in Appalachia during Saturday August 18: Braid Arts Centre, Bal- time, the programme explores the evolution Grand Theatre de l’Opéra of Bordeaux, FR the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. As lymena www.thebraid.com/whats-on (phone of Appalachian music, from its Scotch-Irish (2011), London’s Wigmore Hall (2010), and the old songs came across the water, they 028 2563 5077) roots to its later Southern American and Af- leading venues in North America such as evolved into different versions reflecting the Sunday August 19: National Opera House, rican-American influences. Passing through Carnegie Hall, the Tanglewood and Aspen Appalachian psyche and experience. Wexford www.nationaloperahouse.ie (phone love and loss, dancing and prayer, the music music festivals, the Library of Congress, “Likewise, the lively fiddle tunes of the 00353 53 912 2144) overflows in celebration as the people of the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan British Isles appear in Appalachian sources Ulster-Scots Agency Tel: 028 9023 1113 or the mountains raise their voices. Museum of Art, the Boston Early Music Fes- in differing versions. And then, these people email: [email protected]

Battlehill Pipe Band’s “The USA’s hottest baroque band” – CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE (UK) APOLLO’S FIRE mother and daughter duo Jeannette Sorrell, Artistic Director/harpsichord are British Champions

Well done to Battlehill Pipe Band’s mother and daughter drum major duo Andrea Gibson and Katheryn who each were crowned ‘British Champion Chosen for the “Best 5 Classical Concerts of 2014” in London Drum Majors’ at the (DAILY TELEGRAPH), America’s most vibrant period-instrument troupe British now returns to the UK! — this time bringing their hit program... Championships at Paisley, Scotland on Saturday May 19. Andrea won the SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN ‘Adult Grade’ and Kathryn won the An Appalachian Gathering ‘Juvenile Grade’. In a posted on Facebook Andrea 2018 INTERNATIONAL TOUR - Ireland & UK Gibson wrote: “What can I say I can’t believe Kathryn and I Tuesday, 14 August National Concert Hall, DUBLIN won the British Friday, 17 August Millennium Forum, DERRY together today. We Saturday, 18 August Braid Arts Centre, are over the moon.” Sunday, 19 August National Opera House, WEXFORD

To ur generously sponsored by 4 www.ulsterscotsagency.com 13 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 A mountain of fun to be had at Reivers House

he Schomberg Society are Texcited to announce a new season of Ulster-Scots mu- sic and dance tuition classes and fun-filled activities, which kicked off recently in Reivers House, Kilkeel. Following the huge success of last year’s Ulster-Scots tuition classes and numerous educational outreach programmes in local schools, Reivers House will once again be the venue for this exciting music and dance programme. Reivers House will be the venue for Drum Majoring Classes with The S.H.A.R.E. Group on Tuesday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm, which has proven to be very popular in recent years. The Beekin Bairns Choir will be hosting their Choir and Music Classes every Wednesday evening from 6-7.30pm. Young Drum Majors On the same evening, the Schomberg Fife and Drum will once again be delivering Fife and classes every Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm and are looking forward to welcoming a new tutor to learn a range of lambeg drum rhythms and times. Under the tuition of Abigail Hanna, the Reivers Folk Orchestra will be organising fiddle/violin classes which will be taking place on Thursday evenings from 3.30- Some members of The Reivers Folk Orchestra 5.30pm. The Schomberg’s Highland Dance School, encourage everyone to come along and get formed in Reivers House, ‘The Highland Kirknarra School of Dance will be involved in what is a very important part of Heathers’. facilitating Highland Dance tuition classes our Ulster-Scots cultural traditions and help This group is aimed at local women of all Emma Spiers of the on both Thursdays and Friday evenings from us build a strong and dynamic future for our ages to come along and join in again on a Schomberg Society 3.30pm with tutors Kelly Graham and Laura Ulster-Scots heritage and identity.” great range of activities and classes. Tweedie. Of course, as well as a busy week of music The Highland Heathers meet every Friday New members to the Highland Heathers are The Rising Sons of the Valley Flute Band will and dance tuition classes, Reivers House is evening from 7.30pm to enjoy a mix of more than welcome to come along to either also be using Reivers House as their venue also the centre for a range of other fun filled fitness, health, wellness, exercise and the Wednesday or the Friday evenings. to host their flute and drum tuition classes activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. country dancing, and gives the ladies an For more information on upcoming events every Monday night from 7.30-9.30pm. The Schomberg Thistle Club is a senior opportunity to get together and socialise. and activities or training courses for local All of these tuition classes are facilitated citizens group for over 60s to join together The recently formed Ladies group also Ulster-Scots Groups and Marching Bands, by professional and experienced tutors and and enjoy a lunch and a range of fun organises a different fun activity on the last please don’t hesitate to get in touch with everyone is welcome to come along and join activities, day trips away and an opportunity Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm in the Schomberg Society. in on the classes regardless of their age or to meet and socialise with others. Reivers House and in the coming months For more information about the tuition experience. The club meets every other Thursday in the ladies have already planned a classes or any of the other groups, please A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to Reivers house from 11am-1pm and every- fantastic selection of activities, including get in contact with Reivers House on 028 be able to once again offer a wide variety one over the age of 60 is welcome to come flower arranging, pamper nights, arts and 4176 9678 or 07753 222 553. of Ulster-Scots music and dance tuition along and join in with the fun. crafts, cookery, baking, jewellery, hair and You can also contact us on Facebook: classes in Reivers House and we would A new Ladies group has recently been beauty, trips away and much more. Schomberg Mourne Ulster-Scots. Kingdom of Mourne book proving to be a roaring success

The Schomberg Society’s new publication Society said: “We have been absolutely ‘Tha Kingdom of Mourne, An Ulster-Scots overwhelmed by the support we have re- Hairtland’ has been in demand following ceived from the local community regarding the launch by the Right Honourable Ar- our first major publication and we are lene Foster in September of last year. delighted that many of the local schools This book is the first major publication for are now using the books as educational the Schomberg Society and details the materials for their daily classes.” narrative of the Ulster-Scots of Mourne The Schomberg Society would like to thank from when they first arrived in Mourne in the Heritage Lottery Fund, who funded the the early 1600s right through the project and also thank all of those who centuries to the present day. contributed towards the publication of This very colourful and attractive book the book in any way, including research, tells the story of who the Ulster-Scots are, materials and photographs, with a special where they came from, why did so many mention to Mrs. Heather Annett and the of them come here to Mourne, the impact Since its official launch, the Schomberg literature distributed. History Department of Kilkeel High School they made in the area through their built Society has organised the Book’s ac- The books have proven very popular and who gathered a lot of material to contribute heritage, their language and much more. companying exhibition to be on display have already been distributed to twelve to the book and also to Quincey Dougan, Already, the book has proven to be a fan- at the Schomberg’s special ‘Evening of local primary and secondary schools, ten who has done a fantastic job working with tastic educational resource and one that Ulster-Scots Celebration’ concert and also libraries as well as numerous youth, us to design the exact type of publication will be of huge advantage to both promote in Kilkeel Library, where talks were given community, cultural and church groups, the Society envisaged. and preserve the rich Ulster-Scots history to numerous local schools and groups on tourist information centres, museums Call into Reivers House or contact the and heritage of the Kingdom of Mourne for the history of the Ulster-Scots of Mourne and tourist destinations. Schomberg Society on 07753 222 553 for generations to come. and the books and additional Ulster-Scots A spokesperson from the Schomberg more details. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 5 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Stunning Castle Grounds in Bangor hosts the first pipe band contest of the 2018 season

Raphoe Ulster-Scots Pipe Band pictured with Pipe Major Rodney Goudie and the Chieftain of the Day - Councillor Robert Adair, Mayor of Ards and North Down Council (left) and Winston Pinkerton, RSPBANI President and Pipe Sergeant Mark Spence (right)

he Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships, the first pipe band contest of the 2018 season, was held in wall to wall Tsunshine at Castle Grounds, Bangor on Saturday May 12.

Hosted by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band As- sociation Branch (RSPBANI) in conjunction with Ards and North Down Borough Council the event saw 40 bands and 46 drum majors take part. The chief- tain of the Day was Councillor Robert Adair (Mayor of Ards and North Down Council) who took the salute and presented the prizes. A Highland Dancing Competition held in First Bangor Presbyterian Church Hall added to Lucy Parke, Aaron Magee the Scottish flavour of the day in Bangor. Councillor Robert Adair (Mayor of Ards and North Down Council) pictured and Leah Magee (Raphoe with Winston Pinkerton, RSPBANI President (left) and George Ussher, Ulster-Scots Pipe Band) RSPBA President (right) Results: (short version by John Kelly) The Grade 1 winner was Field Marshal Mont- Left: Councillor Robert Adair pictured taking gomery Pipe Band and the Grade 1 runner-up the salute from Emma Barr (Field Marshal was St Laurence O’Toole. Montgomery Pipe Band) The other winners were: Grade 2 - Closkelt; Below: Nicole and Katie Burrows Grade 3a - Thiepval Memorial; Grade 3b (Sgt Walker Memorial Pipe Band) - Battlehill; Grade 4a - McNeillstown and Grade 4b - Bessbrook Crimson Arrow. The drum major winners were: Adult Grade - Lauren Hanna (Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band); Juvenile Grade - Jamie Cupples (Mackenzie Caledonian); Junior Grade - Kathy Hunter (Manorcunningham) and Novice Grade - Carys Graham (Upper Crossgare).

Ryan Cup- ples-Menen- dez (Field Marshal Montgomery) pictured receiving the ‘Grade 1 winner’s trophy’ from Left: Novice Grade - Carys Graham (Upper the Chieftain Crossgare), Junior Grade - Kathy Hunter of the Day (Manorcunningham), Juvenile Grade - Jamie - Councillor Cupples (Mackenzie Caledonian) and Adult Robert Adair Grade - Lauren Hanna (Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band) 6 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Kirknarra dancers take Twin Ulster and New Scotland by storm conferences

The Highland Dance Competition season In 1718 the Rev. James McGregor, a Presby- Ulster Scots Diaspora in New England and got off to a flying start for the Schomberg’s terian cleric from Aghadowey, set sail from in 2012 he and Lisburn academic Alister Kirknarra School of Dance as some of their the port of at the head of a small McReynolds jointly produced a new edition premier dancers travelled to the West Edin- flotilla of ships. of, Robert Dinsmoor’s Scotch Irish Poems, burgh Annual Highland Competition. On board these vessels was a community of published by Ulster Historical Foundation. Keen to get started competing this year, like-minded Ulster Scots. After an arduous This highly regarded poet who was known Kirknarra’s Premier dancers Lucy Johnston sea-journey this band of sturdy independent as the “rustic poet of New England”. His and Emma Spiers took upon the journey to souls landed and settled in New England. ancestors were part of the early 18th join the high standard of dancers, com- Three hundred years after the exodus of Century migration to New England and came peting against the Scottish competitors in those five ships it seems fitting that the from Ballywattick near Coleraine. Alister and . event should be commemorated on both Frank will both be core speakers at the June Both girls did their dance school and the sides of the Atlantic. A number of events Coleraine Conference and also at the Con- Kingdom of Mourne proud, achieving great have taken place or are planned by local ference held at Bowdoin College campus in success against stiff competition, coming communities in Garvagh, Articlave, Mon- Brunswick Maine ,which runs from,Tuesday home with and being placed in a reagh in Donegal and by The Ulster Histori- August 14 until Saturday August 18. total of four dances. cal Foundation and by Causeway Coast and The Convenor of the Maine Conference is Kirknarra School of Dance is growing from Glens Borough Council. A 1718 Facebook- Rebecca Graham, who is Chair of The Maine strength to strength and the new Beginner supporting the tuition classes. For fur- page has been revived by Dr Linde Lunney Ulster dancers are also getting ready to compete ther information about joining the Dance and much visited. Scots Project and who is herself a 2017 in the upcoming competitions throughout School, please contact Reivers House on A major event in the Province’s celebration Masters graduate of . Northern Ireland this year. 07753222553 or find them on Facebook at is the staging of a brace of ‘sister academic During her studies Rebecca lived for over a Kirknarra are hosting their Highland Dance Kirknarra School of Dance. conferences’, organised in parallel, by Ulster year in Bangor Co.Down and formed a deep Tuition Classes every Thursday and Friday Pictured, Kirknarra dancers Lucy Johnston University and The Maine Ulster Scots affection for the Province during that time. after school from 4.30pm in Reivers House and Emma Spiers keep the Kirknarra flag Project, based in Brunswick Maine in New Alister McReynolds will speak about issues and everyone is welcome to come along, flying high as they compete across the water England. from a couple of his other publications, Kith regardless of age or experience. at the West Edinburgh Highland Dance Com- The local conference took place on the and Kin and The Ulster Scots in New Eng- Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Agency for petition Coleraine campus of Ulster University on land. The latter publication written in 2010 Thursday June 28 and Friday June 29 and for The Ulster Scots Community Network was run by The Centre for Irish and Scottish will be available as a free publication at the Studies within the University and organised conferences. The Johnston School of by Centre Director, Dr Frank Ferguson. For further details contact: Dr Frank Fergu- Dr Ferguson has long been interested in the son [email protected] Highland Dancing host the Unlock your family story with help first competition of 2018 from our professional researchers

Have you hit a brick wall in your family tree. The Foundation and PRONI enjoy a history research? Have you exhausted the close working relationship and co-operate different online avenues and need expert regularly to offer our collective expertise to genealogical advice and assistance? family historians. WHAT THE FOUNDATION OFFERS The Ulster Historical Foundation’s research We offer expert genealogical advice team can help. The Foundation has built through our comprehensive range of pro- up an international reputation as a market fessional research services which include: leader in historical research services, •Personal face-to-face consultations - a serving clients around the world for more consultation with a member of our expe- than 60 years. rienced research team could save you a KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE considerable amount of time and increase The Foundation’s research team have the your chances of research success. knowledge and expertise to assist you in • Initial research assessments - An initial your family history research. Collectively assessment explores the feasibility of they have over 100 years’ experience work- archival research by identifying sources of ing in Irish and Scots-Irish family history. potential relevance for your family history. The team is led by Dr William Roulston, • In-depth archival research – Whether Research Director and author of the peer- you are at the start of your family history The event was held in less guide book, Researching-Scots Irish journey or have been researching for years; Comber at the end of Ancestors, and Gillian Hunt, our Research utilising original sources in the archives we February and featured Officer with 20 years of experience using can provide a detailed report of your ances- the talents of almost local archives and a lecturer on the interna- tral history. 80 Highland Dancers. tional genealogy circuit. • Specific archival research – If you have Competitors travelled LET US DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU specific research that you would like to from across Northern If you are unable to visit the archives in have carried out, for example a particular Ireland, with many person (or indeed if you have become Church register, we can do this research also hailing from frustrated with brick walls in your own for you. Scotland. research) we will carry out the research • Document retrieval – If you need a specif- Top: Dancers that and examine original documents, which ic record from our local archives, which you competed in the are only available in the archives, on your cannot access remotely yourself, we will Primary Section behalf. find and copy it for you. (4-6yrs) As an organisation that grew out of the More information can be found at: Left: Johnston School Public Record Office of Northern Ireland www.ancestryireland.com Trophy Winners from (PRONI), our team know the archives and Or email [email protected] for advice on Moneyrea how to mine the information for your family the best options for your research needs. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 7 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Celebrating a year of commitment in schools

aimed at developing learners’ knowledge tions about each other’s communities. The and visitors were entertained by Pipes and Richard Hanna is and understanding of Ulster-Scots as programme links schools before the visits Drums and Lambeg drumming on the steps Director of well as establishing and building lasting and relationships endure after the visits of Parliament Buildings. Education and relationships between pupils, teachers are over. Events were the culmination of a year’s Language at The and schools. A total of 15 pupils and two Two Celebrating Excellence events were commitment by the young musicians and Ulster-Scots teachers from Derryboy Primary School, staged at Parliament Buildings that recog- their tutors and all involved deserve great travelled to Dunlop in , nised the achievements of young musi- credit. Agency Scotland. The two day visit included a visit cians that had taken part in Agency funded Blue Eagle Productions was commissioned to the crypt in the Church of music tuition programmes. by the Ulster-Scots Agency to perform Old Scotland graveyard in the local village. The events were kindly sponsored by Ms Glory in primary schools. This is a drama It has been a busy period for the Twinning visits took place between Bal- Michelle McIlveen MLA making it possible about aspects of Ulster-Scots history, lan- Agency in its work with education and namore Primary School / for young musicians and their families to guage and culture. Schools in nine coun- learning. Drumnacruttin National School County experience an evening at this prestigious ties of Ulster were included and more than As part on the annual school twinning and Moneymore Primary School venue. Almost 350 young musicians 2,500 young people saw the production. programme the Agency organised visits /Drumcorrin National School received certificates validated by the Open Feedback has been very positive which is between schools in Northern Ireland, the . College Network and the Royal Scottish consistent with my personal experience and Scotland. Visits During visits pupils share learning experi- Pipe Band Association. of one on the performances to children in have a planned programme of activities ences and exchange scrapbooks/presenta- Both events enjoyed warm sunny evenings Carnaghts Primary School County Antrim. Schools in Focus: Culcrow Primary School

By school principal, Olive Collins Last year we completed a local history project in conjunction with Ballybay Primary, As principal of Culcrow Primary School in Monaghan and studied the 1718 emigration Aghadowey near Coleraine, I have had the led by Rev. McGregor from our own townland pleasure of a close working relationship with of Aghadowey. This project concluded with the Ulster-Scots Agency in recent years. a most enjoyable day at the Ulster Ameri- We have availed of a range of tuition which can Folk Park, Omagh where both schools’ has included Scottish Country Dancing, fid- pupils met, formed friendships and had a dle and tin whistle playing. The pupils have wonderful day soaked in history and good really enjoyed their experiences and formed company. Please see some photographs great relationships with their tutors as well from this day of both schools’ pupils and as being equipped with a range of skills staff. linked to performance, musical skill and Ulster Scots as an organisation, has really entertainment for all. enriched and enhanced our pupils’ primary Ulster-Scots has also enriched their sense school experiences – the agency provides of personal history and links with Scotland. steady support and excellent staff who Our pupils had a memorable trip to Ayrshire work tirelessly to promote our culture. with pupils from Ballytober Primary and As a school we are most grateful for the performed in a vast concert to celebrate programmes they have provided; we are now Robbie Burns’ work as both author and poet. officially an Ulster Scots “flagship” school We have enjoyed plays performed in school and our award takes pride of place in our by travelling companies, “Fair Fae Ye” being school entrance foyer/long corridor. one notable example, and our pupils have I wish Ulster Scots every success as they performed their own “Kissing The Shuttle” (a continue their work in primary schools and celebration of the linen industry) under Dan encourage other principals to avail of their Gordon’s writing and with professional tuition resources, excellent tutors and curriculum from a drama specialist. enhancing programmes. Young flautists in Ballyclare hit all the right notes

allyclare High School has a long such as Moore Street and The Pacer are and rich tradition of music-mak- also part of the repertoire and are also ing in the local community associated with the marching band tradition and beyond. Past pupils have in Northern Ireland. Bprogressed to careers in music Ballyclare High School is believed to be the across the world and many have continued only school in Northern Ireland currently their passion for music in local groups such involved in this type of initiative and as Ballyclare Male Voice Choir, The Clare recently won Section 4 of the Chorale and Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band. Flute Band Association’s Own Choice competition. To meet the enthusiasm of pupils inter- Forthcoming events are ested in playing flute, an established flute a concert in partner- ensemble has been developed into a larger ship with Ballyclare group. With support from Ballyclare Victoria Victoria Flute Band in Flute Band, Ballymena Young Conquerors autumn 2018. and Kellswater Flute Band this has grown The planned addition to a group of 20 young musicians. The Ul- of percussion will be ster-Scots Agency is pleased to support the a welcome addition. school through the loan of some instruments The ensemble recent- to augment those already available. ly performed at the Music played reflects Ulster-Scots heritage Discover Ulster-Scots such as Carrickfergus, The Isle of Innisfree, Centre at Corn Exchange, The Green Glens of Antrim, etc. Marches Belfast. 8 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Excellence in bagpiping and drumming is honoured at Stormont

hildren from across Ulster with a keen interest and Ctalent for Highland Bagpip- ing, Snare Drumming and Lambeg Drumming have been hon- oured with Open College Network (OCN) certificates at two special Stormont presentations. On June 7, children from Antrim, Tyrone and Down received their certificates in Lambeg Drumming. The Ulster-Scots Agency has a keen interest in promoting Ulster-Scots musical traditions, particularly amongst chil- dren. The Lambeg drum, an instrument indig- enous to Ulster, has proved popular amongst students in the primary and post-primary sectors. The pupils worked very hard throughout the course which blended theory and practice and, as a result, a significant number of children from five different primary schools, Carr’s Glen, Kingsmill, Creavery, Greystone and Churchill passed and qualified for the OCN in Lambeg Drumming (Entry Level). The event was enthusiastically supported by the Lambeg Drumming community with drummers attending from Carrickfergus and Bannside Drumming Clubs. Visitors were treated to demonstrations in Lambeg drum- ming before and after the presentation. Meanwhile on June 21 children from Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Armagh, , London- derry and Donegal were invited to Parliament Buildings to receive their certificates in High- land Bagpiping and Snare Drumming. Again the bagpipe and snare drum are instrument very much associated with Ulster-Scots heritage and culture and prove very popular with students in the primary and post-prima- ry sectors. A significant number of children passed and qualified for the OCN in Piping and Drum- ming (Foundation). These included children from the following schools: Ballynahinch High, Drumlins IPS, IPS, Spa PS, PS, Dromore HS, Fairhill PS, Moyle National School, Omagh High School, Raphoe Central, Aughnacloy Primary, Devenish Collage, Fivemiletown Primary, McClintock PS, Seskinore Ballytrea PS, Cookstown (Juv Band), Stewartstown PS, Magherfelt PS, Omagh PS, Portadown IPS, Convoy Joint NS, Gillygooley PS, Dromore High, Cooley PS, Omagh Academy, Orritor PS, Campbell College, Newmills Primary, Ballynahinch PS, RSPBANI , New- townstewart PS, Cookstown Primary, Deele College, RSPBANI Enniskillen, Royal School Dungannon, Saintfield High School, Money- more PS,Coagh PS, Newmills PS, Magher- felt PS, Orritor Primary, Cookstown High, Newmills PS, Stewartstown PS and Moyle National School. The event was a supported by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPANI). Visitors were treat- ed to demonstrations in Highland Bagpiping and Snare drumming before and after the presentation. Both presentations were hosted by Michelle McIlveen MLA who presented the certificates to the graduates. eighteen month programme of work which, supported by staff from the Ulster-Scots site www.ulsterscotsagency.com Joining the Ulster Scots Flagship Programme on completion, will lead to the award of Agency and other specialist tutors. For further information, contact Gary Blair at is completely free. By registering to par- Ulster-Scots Flagship School status. During Schools can express their interest in the the Ulster-Scots Agency on 028 9023 1113 ticipate schools commit themselves to an this process, participating schools will be Flagship Scheme through the Agency’s web- or email [email protected] www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 9 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Excellence in bagpiping and drumming is honoured at Stormont hildren from across Ulster with a keen interest and Ctalent for Highland Bagpip- ing, Snare Drumming and Lambeg Drumming have been hon- oured with Open College Network (OCN) certificates at two special Stormont presentations. On June 7, children from Antrim, Tyrone and Down received their certificates in Lambeg Drumming. The Ulster-Scots Agency has a keen interest in promoting Ulster-Scots musical traditions, particularly amongst chil- dren. The Lambeg drum, an instrument indig- enous to Ulster, has proved popular amongst students in the primary and post-primary sectors. The pupils worked very hard throughout the course which blended theory and practice and, as a result, a significant number of children from five different primary schools, Carr’s Glen, Kingsmill, Creavery, Greystone and Churchill passed and qualified for the OCN in Lambeg Drumming (Entry Level). The event was enthusiastically supported by the Lambeg Drumming community with drummers attending from Carrickfergus and Bannside Drumming Clubs. Visitors were treated to demonstrations in Lambeg drum- ming before and after the presentation. Meanwhile on June 21 children from Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Armagh, Fermanagh, London- derry and Donegal were invited to Parliament Buildings to receive their certificates in High- land Bagpiping and Snare Drumming. Again the bagpipe and snare drum are instrument very much associated with Ulster-Scots heritage and culture and prove very popular with students in the primary and post-prima- ry sectors. A significant number of children passed and qualified for the OCN in Piping and Drum- ming (Foundation). These included children from the following schools: Ballynahinch High, Drumlins IPS, Portadown IPS, Spa PS, Scarva PS, Dromore HS, Fairhill PS, Moyle National School, Omagh High School, Raphoe Central, Aughnacloy Primary, Devenish Collage, Fivemiletown Primary, McClintock PS, Seskinore Ballytrea PS, Cookstown (Juv Band), Stewartstown PS, Magherfelt PS, Omagh PS, Portadown IPS, Convoy Joint NS, Gillygooley PS, Dromore High, Cooley PS, Omagh Academy, Orritor PS, Campbell College, Newmills Primary, Ballynahinch PS, RSPBANI Banbridge, New- townstewart PS, Cookstown Primary, Deele College, RSPBANI Enniskillen, Royal School Dungannon, Saintfield High School, Money- more PS,Coagh PS, Newmills PS, Magher- felt PS, Orritor Primary, Cookstown High, Newmills PS, Stewartstown PS and Moyle National School. The event was a supported by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPANI). Visitors were treat- ed to demonstrations in Highland Bagpiping and Snare drumming before and after the presentation. For Lambeg Both presentations were hosted by Michelle McIlveen MLA who presented the certificates to the graduates. Drumming, see Joining the Ulster Scots Flagship Programme is completely free. By registering to par- overleaf ticipate schools commit themselves to an 10 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Celebrating achievements in Lambeg Drumming...

Schools (from clockwise) are: Carrs Glen, Churchhill, Greystone, Kingsmill and Creavery Primary School. Inset, some Lambeg Drummers set the scene on the night Ulster-Scots Juvenile Pipe Band Profile In the spotlight this issue is Amy Tinney (By Victoria Catterson)

my Tinney may be almost an How/where did you learn to pipe? playing in Grade One, winning solo com- adult, but she’s enjoying her time I started learning to pipe in the Ulster petitions etc? taking full advantage of what the Scots office in Raphoe Right now I aspire to play in competitions AJuvenile Pipe Band can provide. What attracted you to piping? and hopefully work my way up through the She’s been to France, Germany and even Pipe bands was always a big thing in my grades on stage at the SSE Arena in Belfast; and family. I was originally a tenor drummer Are there any pipers in particular that you she’s loving every moment of her progres- and after some encouragement from a enjoy listening to/aspire to play like? sion as a piper. friend who told me that piping can take me The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - in particular Amy started off as a tenor drummer in all over the world, I decided to learn with Dougie McCance her Dad’s drumcore after getting lessons Andy McGregor and I haven’t looked back What advice would you give to someone from Kerry Doherty in the Ulster-Scots since who would like to start piping? class in Raphoe when she was only 8. What do you enjoy most about piping and Go for it! You never know where it could Fast forward 10 years later and she’s performing with the Ulster-Scots Juvenile take you since moved on to the bagpipes and is Pipe Band? going from strength to strength. I enjoy it because I have made so many friends and have got to play at different To follow the young pipers and drummers Age: 17 events and it’s a great opportunity visit Education: Royal and Prior, Raphoe How often do you practice? www.facebook.com/ Band: Kildoag Pipe Band I aim to practice every night ulsterscotsjuvenilepipeband. Hobbies outside of piping: Guitar and How long have you been drumming? Is there anything you aspire to achieve in Meanwhile for more on the teaching travelling A year and a half piping - for example winning the worlds, programme visit www.mspd.co.uk. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 11 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 It’s a case of ‘arms across the sea’ as pupils from Derryboy PS travel from Down to Dunlop

By Judith Harper, principal of Derryboy Dunlop Primary School, in terms of learning Primary School about the challenges and opportunities in the Scottish education system and com- he focus of this visit was the paring them to our own system in Northern shared history between the two Ireland. areas resulting from the Mont- The actual visit to Dunlop Primary School gomery family’s move to County was a delight. The children from both Down in the 17th century from schools were outstanding when giving their TDunlop in Kilmarnock. presentations and they were proud of them- selves and each other- having to stand up Pupils from both schools engaged in project and make a presentation in front of a group work prior to the visit. For the pupils of of comparative strangers was a real charac- Derryboy Primary, this was educationally ter-building exercise! valuable for a number of reasons. Primarily, The tour of Dunlop town was fascinating for it allowed the children to find out more about both children and adults and we were par- their own culture in terms of the history of ticularly pleased that the local Minister gave the . They explored their up her time to join us and meet the children family names to discover their Ulster-Scots and that she had gained special permission heritage. They researched the Plantation of for us to go into the Hamilton crypt at the Ulster and the parallel history of the Mont- church. gomery/Clandeboye and Hamilton families. In summary, I cannot thank the Agency Through this, their geographical knowledge enough for the learning opportunities this of both Scotland and Ulster was increased. twinning has afforded the pupils of Derry- Furthermore, it gave the pupils an insight boy on so many levels. The organisation of into the local the histories of Killyleagh the trip was flawless, from transport and Castle (situated three miles from Derryboy) accommodation arrangements through to and the Clandeboye Estate (also in County We used the details of the travel which we took part were superbly the individual certificates everyone received Down). arrangements as part of our well organised and led. It at the final presentation. This has been an In addition, the project involved creating Real Maths work- pupils was lovely of the staff and adventure which will stay in the minds of our PowerPoint presentations to be delivered had to cost all aspects pupils of Dunlop to give children for many years and we treasure the to the children of Dunlop Primary School, of the trip, which up their evening to scrapbook which was made for us by the which was an effective means of address- helped to develop spend it meeting the children of Dunlop Primary School. ing aspects of our ICT curriculum as well their mathematical Derryboy contingent, As a footnote, the St. Patrick Centre in as encouraging teamwork and developing skills. The project and friendships be- Downpatrick is having a group of Young Thinking Skills. Communication skills were content and format tween the two groups Ambassadors from America over in June and also developed as pupils had to evaluate also facilitated many were forged from the we have been asked to host one of them on-line information, summarise that which aspects of our Person- very start- those friend- following his visit to Down GAA. The Primary was deemed relevant, re-write information al Development and ships are still continu- 7 pupils will be using the knowledge and to make it audience friendly for the pupils of Mutual Understanding ing through “WhatsApp” experience gained from our twinning with Dunlop Primary School, organise the pres- (PDMU) programme. groups. Dunlop to make a presentation to him about entations to ensure that they made sense, The Centre at Dean Castle From a school leadership point our Ulster-Scots heritage and culture, and and give and take feedback, making changes was a terrific venue and most of view, I also gained a great deal so the positive legacy of the venture will as appropriate. suitable for the group. The activities in working with Mrs Wilson, the Principal of continue. 12 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 WW2 Commemoration Concert: Ulster at War

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity during the Second World War) recently hosted a WW2 Com- took on the role of a Wartime memoration Concert ‘Ulster BBC radio announcer as during at War’ at the Waterfront Hall the concert he announced typical with all proceeds from the breaking news as heard by many fundraising event going to people during air raids in Belfast soldiers, veterans and army during WW2. families in times of need. Gary Wilson played the role of a Taking part were The Band of The Chief Air Raid Warden assisted Royal Regiment of Scotland, The by his two Air Raid Wardens Willie Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums Donald and Clara Wilson (his of the Royal Irish Regiment, guest soloists) in a show which well-known local entertainer Gary he wrote in conjunction with Wilson, Willie Donald, Clara Wil- David Forsey (Regional Director son, Cathryn Lynch, The Leading Fundraising - ABF The Soldiers’ Ladies and UTV’s Paul Clark MBE. Charity). The great evening of entertain- During the finale Paul Clark ment which included a singalong thanked everyone who took part of songs of yesteryear took the and all who supported the event. audience back in time to wartime When Paul noticed WW2 veterans Ulster. Bill Eames and Teddy Dixon in Paul Clark (who recently spent the front row he concluded by time in Afghanistan looking at the thanking people like them for the role of soldiers, sailors, airmen freedom that we take for granted and women from all over Ireland today. Alan Barr, David Barringer MBE and Richard Douglas MBE

WW2 veterans Bill Eames and Teddy Dixon pictured with David Forsey, Martin Rutledge, Fionnuala Paul Scott Lange, Simon Fuo, Vincs Yap and Ryan Er Jay-O’Boyle CBE (Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast), Colin Tadier, Clara Wilson and Gary Wilson

Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE (Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast) and cadets Megan Muik, Colin Ward, Emma Stevenson and Brian Hagan Rebekah Waddell, Christine Spalding and Amy Johnston www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 13 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 The 150th anniversary of William he Schomberg Society are Texcited to announce a new season of Ulster-Scots mu- sic and dance tuition classes and Johnston’s election as MP for Belfast fun-filled activities, which kicked off recently in Reivers House, Kilkeel. Following the huge success of last year’s BY GORDON LUCY Ulster-Scots tuition classes and numerous educational outreach programmes in local “On his arrival in schools, Reivers House will once again be illiam Johnston of Bal- Bangor he made a the venue for this exciting music and dance lykilbeg was a minor programme. and usually impecuni- speech boldly Reivers House will be the venue for Drum W Majoring Classes with The S.H.A.R.E. Group ous Co. Down landlord stating he and his on Tuesday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm, as he never exhibited any great followers would tolerate which has proven to be very popular in aptitude for either farming or man- recent years. aging his finances. Ballykilbeg was no longer legislation The Beekin Bairns Choir will be hosting their Choir and Music Classes every Wednesday the name of his small estate near which deemed a Twelfth evening from 6-7.30pm. Downpatrick. On the same evening, the Schomberg Fife Born on February 22, 1829, Johnston’s demonstration illegal and Drum will once again be delivering Fife Orangeism was almost hereditary. His but allowed Irish and Lambeg Drum classes every Wednesday great-grandfather, William Johnston of Kil- from 7.30-9.30pm and are looking forward lough, is credited with being the founder in nationalists to march to welcoming a new tutor to learn a range of 1733 of the first Society in Ireland, lambeg drum rhythms and times. the Loyal Society of Blue and Orange. John- through the Dublin with Under the tuition of Abigail Hanna, the ston joined the Orange Order in May 1848, complete impunity.” Reivers Folk Orchestra will be organising the same year in which he entered Col- fiddle/violin classes which will be taking lege, Dublin. From Trinity he was to graduate place on Thursday evenings from 3.30- with a BA in 1852 and an MA in 1856. He was subsequently called to the Bar but never 5.30pm. at both parliamentary and local level, by practised. The Schomberg’s Highland Dance School, heading the poll in the double-member con- By the mid-1850s Johnston was a Deputy Kirknarra School of Dance will be stituency with an impressive 5,975 votes Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge facilitating Highland Dance tuition classes when the election took place in November. of Ireland, had founded the Down Protes- on both Thursdays and Friday evenings from The two official Conservative candidates, Sir tant Association and was the publisher of 3.30pm with tutors Kelly Graham and Laura Charles Lanyon, the celebrated architect, the Downshire Protestant newspaper. The Tweedie. and John Mulholland, head of a major linen publication of this paper between July 1855 The Rising Sons of the Valley Flute Band will firm and future Lord Dunleath, managed to and September 1862 placed his personal also be using Reivers House as their venue poll only 3,540 and 1,580 respectively and finances under serious strain. to host their flute and drum tuition classes were pushed into third and fourth place by In 1857 he sought to enter Parliament as every Monday night from 7.30-9.30pm. Johnston’s Liberal running mate, Thomas the Member for Downpatrick but was obliged All of these tuition classes are facilitated McClure, a wealthy Presbyterian merchant to bow to the superior resources of Richard by professional and experienced tutors and whose portrait hangs in the Reform Club, Ker, brother of a major local landowner. everyone is welcome to come along and join who polled 4,202 votes. The newly enfran- Despite this setback, in the 1860s John- in on the classes regardless of their age or chised electorate had decisively endorsed ston emerged as the leading campaigner experience. Johnston and his opposition to the Party against the unpopular Party Processions A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to Processions Act. Act of 1850. The Act had been passed by from genteel Orange leaders, ‘assembled at might as well have been selected from the be able to once again offer a wide variety Wasting little time, the new Independent Lord John Russell’s Liberal administration small tea parties’, to ‘for God’s sake keep Deaf and Dumb Institute’. of Ulster-Scots music and dance tuition Conservative member for Belfast introduced in response to the events at Dolly’s Brae on quiet on the 12th of July’. The Representation of the People (Ireland) classes in Reivers House and we would a bill for the repeal of the act in 1869 but July 12 the previous year. The intention of Contrary to the shrewd advice of the Earl Act of 1868 had little impact in Ireland as was unsuccessful. However, in 1872 Glad- the legislation was to ban Orange parades. of Mayo, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, a whole but it enfranchised large numbers stone’s administration quietly repealed the While scarcely welcoming the legislation, the the Conservative Government insisted on of skilled artisans and workingmen in the offending legislation. Thus within four years aristocratic and cautious leadership of the prosecuting Johnson for defying the law. boroughs. In Belfast the Act created a Johnston had achieved the extraordinarily Orange Order was anxious to remain within Determined on martyrdom and refusing to greatly expanded electorate. Throughout rare feat of realising the object for which he the law and was not disposed to challenge it. be bound over to keep the peace, Johnston the the impact of the had sought election within the lifetime of a Rank and file Orangemen grew increasingly was sentenced to two months imprison- expanded electorate was viewed with some single Parliament. dissatisfied with their leadership’s timidity. ment in Downpatrick Gaol at the Spring trepidation. Lord Derby, the Conservative Re-elected in February 1874, this time as Johnston shared their frustration and offered Assizes in February 1868. leader, confessed to his fellow peers in the an official Conservative candidate, Johnston alternative leadership. In July 1866, he held While he was still in prison, on March House of Lords that the English legislation resigned his seat in March 1878, on his a great jamboree on his estate to celebrate 4, 1868 at a meeting in the of 1867 was akin to ‘taking a leap in the appointment by Disraeli’s administration . Similar jamborees were held Johnston’s supporters adopted him as the dark’. Politicians understandably wondered as inspector of Irish fisheries. After several that year at Lisburn, Kilwarlin, , candidate of the United Protestant Working how Belfast’s newly enfranchised skilled warnings, prompted by his political speech- , Portadown and Dungannon. Men’s Association of Ulster for the Belfast artisans and working men would vote. es against the Land League and Home In 1867 Johnston decided to challenge the constituency in the forthcoming General Had they chosen to listen, Thomas Rule, he was dismissed from office by Earl legislation directly by organising and leading Election. Actually Johnston had indicated MacKnight, an English liberal appointed Spencer, the Lord-Lieutenant in Gladstone’s a large – 14,000 Orangemen from 117 lodg- his intention to run in Belfast as early as editor of the Northern Whig in 1866, could second administration, because of an un- es participated – but peaceful and orderly September 1867 and to major on the Party have told them. He had already shrewdly compromising speech at the General Synod Twelfth parade from to Bangor Processions Acts, to which he contended noted that ‘the most enthusiastic admir- of the in Dublin in 1885. in clear defiance of the Act. On his arrival in local Conservative MPs had not sufficiently ers of the imprisoned violator of the Party Johnston’s dismissal was timely in that it Bangor he made a speech boldly stating he objected. Processions Act were among the Orange facilitated a return to parliamentary politics. and his followers would tolerate no longer On July 12, 1868 with the election in artisans of Belfast.’ In the General Election of 1885 he was legislation which deemed a Twelfth demon- prospect, Johnston engaged in some early With a vigorous campaign and a populist elected MP for the newly- created seat of stration illegal but allowed Irish nationalists electioneering: ‘We will have an Orange programme drafted by the Revd Hugh South Belfast, winning handsomely against to march through the Dublin with complete Party please God, after a while in the House (‘Roaring’) Hanna directed at new voters, Liberal and Independent Conservative oppo- impunity. Orangemen, he asserted, were of Commons ... for all the good some of the Johnston humiliated the Conservative Party, nents. He retained the seat until his death ‘tired of hole and corner meetings’ and calls Ulster members do the Orange cause, they which normally dominated Belfast politics on July 17, 1902. 14 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 RECIPES Cooking with Judith MCLaughLin Grilled oysters on the half shell with Guinness herb butter

HOW TO MAKE IT: INGREDIENTS • 2 dozen large fresh oysters on the half shell 1.Prepare oysters using an oyster knife and shucking severing • ½ cup of Parmesan cheese the muscle that is attaching the oyster to the shell. Leave the (finely grated) (for the oyster in the shell that is more cupped shaped. Guinness butter) 2.In a small sauce pan simmer the Guinness, sugar and thyme • 8 oz (1 cup) of salted Irish until it has reduced by 75 per cent (leaving 4 Tbsp of liquid) butter and cool. • 1 cup of Guinness stout 3.To make the Guinness butter sauté the shallot in 1 tbsp of (reduced to 4 Tbsp) vegetable oil for a few minutes to soften and then add the • 1 tsp sugar garlic at the end and cook for one minute. • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 4.Whip the room temperature butter by hand or with electric • 2 Tbsp shallots (finely whisk and add the cooled reduced Guinness, parsley, shallots chopped) and garlic, salt and pepper. • 2 garlic cloves 5.Preheat the fire or grill to 400-475 degrees. • 1 tsp thyme (finely) 6.Arrange the oysters in a single layer on a grill and spoon 2 • 2 Tbsp parsley (finely tsp of the butter mixture into each oyster shell and then top chopped) • 1 tsp of kosher salt with finely grated Dubliner Irish Cheese. Grill uncovered for six • ½ tsp freshly ground black to seven minutes until the butter is sizzling and the oyster is pepper puffed up. 7.Remove from the grill and serve immediately. US Covenanters pay a visit to learn more about their Ulster-Scots heritage

group of 45 Presbyterian Cov- siege took place, and where celebrated enanters from South Carolina hymn writer Mrs Cecil Francis Alexander were in Northern Ireland for two resided. They walked on Londonderry Walls days in June, part of a two-week and toured St Columb’s Cathedral, moving to AUK tour tracing their Scottish Donegal and Ramelton, tracing the steps of and Ulster religious ancestry and heritage. the Rev Francis Makemie, founder of Presby- terianism in America. They travelled under the name of ‘Friends’ At a dinner in Belfast Castle on Sunday June of Erskine theological seminary Laurens, a 17, the group was welcomed by Ian Crozier, training college of the Associate Reformed Chief Executive Ulster-Scots Agency, who pre- Presbyterian Church in the , sented Dr Holmes with a momentum picture founded in 1837. of the Eagle momentous Eagle Wing sailing Leading the group was Dr Dale Johnson, from Groomsport to America in 1636. professor of church history at Erskine Semi- Scots-Irish author Billy Kennedy, who has lec- nary, and Belfast-born Rev Dr Leslie Holmes, tured at Erskine College in South Carolina, who grew up in Ulster Presbyterianism and provided the visitors with an update on their was minister of First Pittsburgh Presbyterian genealogical roots, in Scotland, Ulster and Church, Pennsylvania, before joining the the Carolinas. Associated Reformed Church. Also present was retired Church of Ireland The tour began in London with visits to St rector the Rev John Batchelor, a relative of Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey (where Dr Leslie Holmes. the Westminster Confession of Faith was “The majority of folk in the group are of drawn up), and Wesley Chapel-Bunhill Fields Ulster-Scots diaspora, Covenanting Presby- (burial site of Susanna Wesley and John terians with a passionate desire to trace Bunyan). They also took in King’s College, the Reformed traditions of forebearers who Cambridge; ancient churches in Nottingham, moved from Scotland to Ulster, and to the and Durham Cathedral. Carolinas. This was the trip of a lifetime for They moved to Edinburgh, visiting St Giles them,” said Dr Holmes. Cathedral, where John Knox celebrated 16th century founder of Scottish Presby- terianism, preached. At St Andrew’s, Perth brothers, for whom their seminary is named, In Belfast the group visited Presbyterian Ian Crozier, chief executive of the Ulster-Scots they visited Martyrs Memorial, erected to Agency, presents the Eagle Wing sailing Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart, two and stopped at the monument marking the Church House, where they were given a guid- founding of Scotland’s Secession Church, ed tour by Clerk of the General Assembly momentum picture to Dr Leslie Holmes, who noted Scottish Covenanting martyrs. They is joined by Ulster-Scots author Billy Kennedy moved to Dunfermline, Gairneybridge and whose founders made a distinct mark on the Rev Trevor Gribben. They then travelled Kinross, historic home region of the Erskine American Presbyterianism. to Londonderry city, where the 1688-89 www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 15 SATURDAY JULY 14 2018 Ulster influences and witness in First Pittsburgh

BY Billy Kennedy Rev Rev Francis “While the region was Charles Herron lster influences were prominent in Beatty being torn apart by the the 18th century early years of First UPittsburgh Presbyterian Church in ravages of the Pontiac Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh church rising, Charles Beatty acted was established as a congregation under the authority of the Donegal presbytery in April as agent for the relief of 1773, with two New England ministers the the poor and distressed Rev David McClure and the Rev Levi Frisbie tasked with the initial pastorate. and he went on a Both had ridden 700 miles on horseback fund-raising tour of to assume their new charge, which had included a mission to the native American Scotland, England and Indians on the Muskingum River in Ohio. Church influences in Pittsburgh began in , returning with 1761 when the location was known as Fort the then princely sum of Pitt. Quaker merchant James Kenny set up a church school in an area that was constantly £4,000.” besieged by hostile Indian tribes and,for a was erased from the List of Presbytery.” time, Londonderry-born army chaplain the Described as a very complex man, James Rev Charles Beatty was a regular preacher Steele developed a moralistic way of preach- to the settlers. Rev Robert Rev ing, laying emphasis on a correct behaviour With another Ulsterman of Huguenot stock, and piety. He was s student of the literary the Rev George Duffield, the Beatty mission Steele Samuel Barr works of English bard William Shakespeare. was instrumental in the calls for a perma- By this time, a second Presbyterian congre- nent church in this far-flung frontier outpost. gation existed in Pittsburgh, with First in Beatty left the north of Ireland in 1729 as a James Steele’s 10-year ministry generally 14-year-old with his widowed mother and he recognised as a society church and Second, earned a living as a peddler, tramping from the evangelical body, drawn mainly from log cabin to log cabin with his wares on this the small Scots-Irish farmers and the lower back. It was through the influence of Scots- order tradesmen. In the pews of First Pitts- Irish preacher the Rev William Tennent that burgh were the military hierarchy, and the he turned to religion and, after his ordination merchant class and the congregation moved as a Presbyterian minister, he enlisted as a from its log cabin building to an impres- chaplain during their successful sive brick structure. 1750s assault on Fort Duquesne (Pitts- Another Ulsterman to minister at First burgh) and routing of the French forces. Pittsburgh was the Rev Dr. Francis Herron, During the 1760s, this part of western Penn- the Pennsylvania-born son of a Covenanting sylvania became a bloodied land, as a result family from in the Mourne region of an Indian rising led by a chief Pontiac. of Co Down. During his 39-year ministery There were massacres, burnings, lootings in First Pittsburgh, Dr Herron made a huge and kidnappings, which resulted years later impact, enhancing the spiritual vitality of in the discovery of white children in Indian the congregation and in the general social villages, grown to manhood and womanhood. environs of the Western Pennsylvania city. While the region was being torn apart by the He led several significant religious revivals tionary armies were linked to First Pitts- the Western University of Pittsburgh and, ravages of the Pontiac rising, Charles Beatty in the region and the results of these were burgh Presbyterian Church, with nearly all of eventually the University of Pittsburgh. acted as agent for the relief of the poor and manifest in the growth of Sunday schools; them buried in the church cemetery. They Another Ulsterman the Rev Robert Steele, distressed and he went on a fund-raising By 1833, First Pittsburgh had 12 affiliated included Irish-born and French-educated from Ballykelly in Co. Londonderry arrived tour of Scotland, England and Wales, return- Sunday schools, with 1,212 scholars and General James O’Hara, who had served in in 1800 with his wife Isabelle Hazlett to ing with the then princely sum of £4,000. 121 teachers. the Coldstream Guards and later became a occupy the First Pittsburgh pulpit. Steel, The McClure-Frisbie missionary partnership Billy Kennedy is author of 11 books on 18h close associate of George Washington, first also educated at University, and in Pittsburgh lasted for most of a year, and century Ulster-Scots movement to America. from right through the period of the Revo- as an Indian trader and supplier to the army ordained at Scriggan near by the lutionary War, First Pittsburgh church and and, eventually, as the first quarter-master Derry presbytery in 1790, had been in- the adjoining Long Run congregation were of the United States. volved in the aborted 1798 United Irishmen served by young ministerial licentiates of the O’Hara, who married Presbyterian Mary rebellion in Ulster with a number of other Donegal presbytery. (Polly) Carson, became a trustee and was a Presbyterian ministers and was tried for The war meant a large section of the adult very generous contributor to First Pittsburgh treason at a court martial. However, before population was away from home on the Church. He also donated land for the first sentence could be pronounced, he escaped battlefront and it was the women of the Roman Catholic Church in the region. The with his wife and baby to America and very Scots-Irish settlements who kept worship Roman Catholic church did not receive its probably he was never to know that after going, through prayer meetings for their first resident priest in Pittsbugh until 1808 leaving Ireland his name was removed from revolutionary soldier menfolk and, most and, until the beginning of the 19th century, the lists of the Irish synods and presbyter- significantly, for victory over the British. By First Pittsburgh church had a monopoly of ies on the grounds of treason. 1782, the Redstone presbytery was formed religion in the city. German Lutherans and Indeed, the presbytery of Redstone in to embrace the Pittsburgh area and the first the Episcopal (Anglican) Church did not Pennsylvania may not have been aware of clerical members were the Revs John McMil- have an organised presence until the turn Steele’s turbulent past, having only received lan, James Power and Thaddens Dodd. of the century. First Pittsburgh’s first minis- a testimonial of his good standing as a The Scots-Irish Presbyterians of Pittsburgh ter after the Revolutionary war was the Rev gospel minister from his previous congre- were among the most gallant on the revolu- Samuel Barr, described as “a tough little gation in Londonderry and some letters tionary side during the war, The militias led red-haired Ulster-Scot from Londonderry”. of recommendation about his character. by Aenas Mackey and John Gibson played an Educated at Glasgow, Barr was a Calvinist Steele’s removal from the roll of the Irish important role in the struggle and a young of the old school, who pandered neither to Presbyterian Church is contained in the local boy Ebenezer Denny was one of the the dictates of political masters or to the minutes of the General Synod of Ulster, first chosen to plant the American flag of religious revivalism that was increasingly which met in Lurgan on August 28, 1798: independence on the height of the Yorktown prevalent at that time. Barr, backed by “Derry presbytery report that Rev Robert battlements. army chaplain Hugh Brackinridge, founded Steele, having pleaded guilty to a charge First Pittsburgh Presbyterian Church, 1853 Forty eight officers in the colonial and revolu- Pittsburgh Academy, which later became of treason before a court martial, his name 16 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JULY 14 2018

COMPETITION WIN COLOURING A FAMILY PASS IN CORNER TO THE BOYNE VALLEY VISITORS CENTRE, DROGHEDA Can you colour in this bagpiper To win a family pass to the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre just send your answer to wearing traditional uniform? this question: Q. ‘What instrument accompanies Bagpipes in a Pipe band?’

Email your answer to [email protected] with ‘Boyne Valley’ in the subject line. Please remember to include your name and contact details. CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY AUGUST 31 Alternatively post your answer to: Ulster Scots Agency, The Corn Exchange, 31 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG

LAST ISSUE’S WINNER Family pass to The Ulster-American Folk Park Congratulations to Louise and Colin Johnston from Co Antrim. We hope you enjoy your visit.

ULSTER-SCOTS PLACE TO VISIT Explore the history and heritage of the

Situated on the banks of the River Boyne, Situated on 500 acres that musket demonstrations help to just five kilometres west of the town of take in much of the original recreate a sense of what it Drogheda, Co. Louth, lies Oldbridge House. battlefield, Oldbridge might have been like on The house is believed to have been de- House today provides that fateful day in July signed by the architect George Darley and an interpretive cen- 1690. was built in the mid-eighteenth century for tre for those who FACILITIES: the Coddington family. Following a careful wish to learn more • Visitor Centre, programme of restoration and development, about the battle Audio Visual Show, the house, its stables and adjoining gardens or to explore the original and replica opened to the public in 2008 as a new visi- battlefield itself. 17th Century tor centre exploring the history and heritage The extensive weaponry displays, of the Battle of the Boyne. This famous gardens have been laser battlefield battle is one of the defining moments in Irish restored and feature model, tea pavilion, history. On July 1, 1690 (old Julian calendar) an unusual sunken gift shop, toilets and standing in opposition, King William III com- octagonal garden, a walled garden. manded 36,000 troops against King James peach house, an orchard • Self guiding walks II and his 24,000. This was the largest and herbaceous borders, through parkland and battle number of troops ever deployed on an Irish while a tearoom has been created site. battle field. adjacent to the old stable block. Through- • Partial access for people with disabilities. At stake were the British throne, French out the year, outdoor theatre, workshops For more information check out dominance in Europe, and power in Ireland. and events such as cavalry displays and www.battleoftheboyne.ie