Kilsally

Book Launch

J.C. — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:07:12 PST

21st February 2012 saw the Ullans Speakers Association holding their official book launch of their latest 4 publications at the Mayors Parlour in Ballymoney hosted by Mayor Cllr Ian Stevenson.

'Alice Carrants in Wonderlan' - This book is the first translation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland into Ulster Scots. A good deal of effort has been put into ensuring that the orthography used in Alice’s Carrànts in Wunnerlan is as consistent as possible. The spelling conforms to traditional practices amongst most of those writing in Ulster Scots and should be easily read by native speakers of Ulster Scots, brought up in the Ulster Scots speaking areas.

'Furst Reading Book in Ulster Scots' - This first reader is aimed at early learners of Cornish, whether children or adults. It has a relatively small vocabulary of just over 200 words, and presents nine classic stories: The Little Red Hen, The Gingerbread Boy, The Old Woman and the Pig, The Boy and the Goat, The Pancake, Chicken Licken, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Tuppens, and Little Spider’s First Web.

'The Saisons an the Wather' activity book - This is an activity book aimed to teach small children the diffrent types of seasons and weather and not only learn the Ulster Scots words by complete the activities to put them into practice.

'Heroes from the Heartland' - This is our most recent publication. This publication is dedicated to the heroes and heroines of the Ulster Scots people of north Antrim. They lived in Ulster yet their names, habits, customs and lineage all point to roots in the Scottish motherland.You may never have heard of some of those featured but that is all the more reason to read this book and learn more about incredible feats of courage, strength and resolve that made those whose stories you will read about here, heroes and heroines from the heartland.

Guest in attendance included Ulster Scot Agence CEO Ian Crozier, Dr Ian Adamson presedent of the Ullans Academy, Ulster Scot writer Liam Logan along with various local Ulster Scot enthuaists and Ullans Speakers Association members.

The Group plans to produce at least 3 original publications this year. For a copy of any of our new books contact the Ullans Centre.

The faithful remnant

Mark Thompson — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:48:21 PST

Now this is funny. There is a segment of the (Ulster) Protestant psyche which wants to be the faithful remnant, the chosen few, Gideon's 300. I suppose everyone thinks they're right. From The Gospel Coalition.

Steeple Comedy Night

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:15:52 PST

“Saturday, March 31 will see Loanends Orange Hall become the venue for Northern Ireland stand-up comic John McBlain.

Well known throughout Northern Ireland for his stand-up comedy and impersonations of celebrities and politicians, JJohn will be appearing at Loanends for a night of laughs hosted by Antrim’s very own Steeple Defenders.

Support on the night will be guest bands who are still to be confirmed and following the show a disco will bring a close to the evening.

Tickets for this event are priced at only £5 and can be obtained from Raymond or Ryan. The band have a few upcoming events themselves with this Saturday playing at Loanends for The Steeple Veterans and then entering March with a trip to East Belfast Protestant Boys on March 3 before taking to the road on Wednesday, March 7 for the support the troops parade before a double outing on Saturday, March 10 when they will play at indoor events to support South Belfast Protestant Boys before going onto Lisburn Young Defenders that evening.

Last chance to save on uniform dry cleaning

This is the final week that coupons can be used to save on dry cleaning of your band uniform so be sure to cut yours out and take it in to Executive Cleaners and have your uniform spotless for the first parade of the year which is fast approaching.

The coupon entitles you to a saving of £3.60 allowing you to have your uniform cleaned for just £6.

Flute and Drum Tuition

A number of local groups are able to offer this and information on them are as follows: Steeple Defenders, Monday 7pm to 9pm IEP Office Parkhall; Steeple Veterans, Tuesday 7pm to 9pm Diamond Memorial Hall Muckamore; Randalstown Sons of Ulster Tuesday 7pm to 9pm Randalstown Memorial Orange Hall; Aghalee Young Volunteers Thursday 7pm to 9pm Aghalee Orange Hall. These activities have been made possible by the support of the Ulster Scots Agency.

If you require any further information on anything included in Bandscene or wish to have any event advertised or covered in Bandscene please contact Ryan on 07783664266.
Thank you for your support.”

Published on the 24th of February 2011
Article written by Ryan Abraham from the Antrim Times

Burnside Accordion Band host Ulster Scots Experience

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:14:44 PST

“Saturday, March 10 will see Burnside Orange Hall become the venue to host an evening with the ulster Scots experience and supporting band Sir George White Memorial.

The evening will begin at 8pm and admission to the event will be £5. A good crowd is expected to attend and show support to the local accordion band who have been working hard through the winter to keep the band on track for the new season.

Anyone needing more information on this event should contact Ruth on 07517374593.

Published on the 24th of February 2011
Article written by Ryan Abraham from the Antrim Times

Antrim & District Marching Bands Forum

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:09:21 PST

“The forum wish to notify readers of that the proposed parade for Antrim town on Wednesday, March 7 will still go ahead and that the only change to the proposals is the actual parade route.

This decision has been taken by the forum in light of recent conversations and consultation with the families of the murdered soldiers.

The forum also wish to point out that as previously reported in the initial press release the parade was always in support of all the servicemen and woman of all security and armed forces and the service will be to remember all those lost on active service during conflict throughout the world.

The initial proposal to parade to Massereene Barracks was taken as the parade is being held on the third anniversary of the Massereene murders but having taken into account the wishes of the families, the parade route will no longer go to the base.

The parade will move off from Railway Street as initially planned and go up through the town to Fountain Hill then proceed back down to Market Square where a service of remembrance will take place before the parade reforms and makes its return to Railway Street via High Street and Castle Way.

Published on the 24th of February 2011
Article written by Ryan Abraham from the Antrim Times

Sons Of Ulster Progress To Final

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:07:31 PST

“Friday evening saw Crumlin Young Loyalists host their latest heat of battle of the bands and it involved two local outfits competing with other bands.

Ballycraigy Sons of Ulster and Randalstown Sons of Ulster competed in a closely contested heat with Pride of Knockmore, Ulster First Flute and Maghaberry True Blues.

All bands played well on the night but with the final decision being left to the independant judges they concluded that Maghaberry True Blues and Randalstown Sons of Ulster should join Pride of the Maine and Crown Defenders in the Final.

The Final will be held at Crewe Orange Hall on March 2.

In addition to the local events taking place this weekend and coming weeks,here is a full programme of events throughout the band scene this weekend: February 24: Loyal Sons Of Benagh Newry 7.30pm, City Of Belfast Fifes And Drums Night Of Races Annex Bar Shore Rd 9pm, Newtonards Volunteer Concert Newtonards; February 25: Edenmore True Blues Limavady 8pm, South Belfast Protestant Boys Botb 1st Rangers Supporters Club 8pm, ast Belfast Protestant Boys Botb Conn Club 7.30pm, Monkstown Ycv Disco Monkstown Social Club, Ulster Grenadiers Concert Evening Carrickfergus Town Hall, Steeple Veterans Bands Evening Loanends Hall 7.30pm, Cullybackey Maine Defenders Concert Central Bar Cullybackey 8.30pm, Enniskillen Fusiliers Night At Races Wild Duck Lounge Lisbelaw 8pm.

This Saturday will also see the UDR Memorial Parade take place in Belfast moving off at 2pm.

Published on the 24th of February 2011
Article written by Ryan Abraham from the Antrim Times

Steeple Veterans set to host ‘Evening of Bands’

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:05:04 PST

“THIS week we look at events planned for the local area this weekend and the coming weeks as well as tuition classes which are being made available by local bands/groups in the area thanks to financial assistance from the Ulster Scots Agency.

Steeple Veterans Evening Of Bands

The Steeple Veterans will be holding an evening of bands with disco to follow in Loanends Orange Hall this Saturday.

Admission is payable at the door and will be £5.

So far bands confirmed include the Steeple Defenders, Randalstown Sons of Ulster, Aghalee Young Volunteers and the Steeple Veterans themselves

This looks like it should be a great night and everyone is most welcome to attend. Doors will open at 7.30pm.

Published on the 24th of February 2011
Article written by Ryan Abraham from the Antrim Times

Battle of Bands at Orange Hall

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:58:10 PST

“CARLETON Street Orange Hall will host a Battle of the Flute Bands fundraiser tonight (Friday).

Organised by Gilford man Steven Preston, the event will raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The bands that will be attending are Gertrude Star from the Lower Woodstock Road in East Belfast and Kilcluney Volunteers from Markethill. There will also be a flute solo along with an auction and raffle.

Steven said, “Most of us know someone affected by cancer and my aim is to raise as much money to help the sufferers and also the people putting the hard work in caring for them.

“I choose a battle of the bands because as bandsmen we all have a talent which we practice hard to get it right whether with the flute, drum or even the bass drum.”

Doors will be open at 7.30pm and the first band will be due on at 8.30pm. ”

Published on the 23rd of February 2012
Article taken from the Portadown Times

The Drumcree protest set for new landmark

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:42:41 PST

“THE 5,000th day of the Drumcree protest against the Parades Commission’s refusal to allow the parade down the Garvaghy Road will be marked on Sunday March 11.

The Portadown Orange District, which has been protesting weekly at Drumcree Hill, is inviting the leaders of the Orange Order to attend the occasion – including the Grand Lodge of Ireland officers, the County Armagh officers, “and any Brethren who wish to attend”.

Said Portadown District Master Darryl Hewitt, “As it’s on a Sunday, it won’t be a high-profile protest. There will be no outward march to Drumcree, but we plan to have a band and to hold our usual protest at police lines – certain in the knowledge that the NI Parades Commission won’t have resolved the issue by then.

“The protest has been going on since 1998, and the commission has done little or nothing to resolve the issue. We have offered face-to-face talks with the Garvaghy Road Residents Association until we’re blue in the face, but the commission continues to sit on its hands.”

The 5,000th day protest will begin with the usual attendance at Drumcree Parish Church. Afterwards, the parade will march down to Drumcree Bridge where they will face the PSNI, and this will be followed by the weekly religious service.

Said Mr Hewitt, “It will be the usual peaceful event. Nobody would have thought this would go on for 14 years and beyond, but we will continue until the commission makes an effort to resolve the impasse.””

Published on the 24th of February 2012
Article taken from the Portadown Times

Piping and Drumming Tuition at Newtownstewart

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:16:46 PST

“Mourne Valley Cultural Association will be holding piping and drumming tuition classes in the Church of Ireland Hall, 55 Dublin Street, Newtownstewart, on a Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for the next 20 weeks

Said a spokeperson: “This has been made possible thanks to funding support from the Ulster Scots Agency. the group is encouraging all bands from the surrounding area to take part in this high standard of tutoring and would like to see at least one member from each attending and would like to stress that this is only to benefit and strengthen each band”.

Tutors are Norman Corchrane (piping) and Lee Lawson ( drumming). Both Norman and Lee have a wealth of experiance in tutoring and playing at competition level.

Students will be assessed and placed in a grade suitable for their level of current ability. Students who have attained the required level may request to be entered for recognised national qualifications. These include CCEA Performance Skills and PDQB examinations.

To register your interest or find out more about the class contact Irene Spratt 07923365725, email sprattidraulsterscots@yahoo.co.uk ”

Published on the 23rd of February 2012
Article taken from the Tyrone Constitution

Eglinton Accordion Band

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:54:42 PST

“EGLINTON Accordion Band now has places for new members wanting to learn the, accordion, bass drum, and side drum.

The band practice takes place on a Tuesday night between 7pm and 9pm at Cannon Kelly Memorial Hall, Church Brae, Altnagelvin.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the band is asked to contact us on 028 7181 0136 or 07548684713.”

Published on the 23rd of February 2012
Article taken from the Londonderry Sentinel

Cullybackey Solos 2012

(author unknown) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:50:57 PST

Please find attached the Syllabus and entry form for the Cullybackey Pipe Band Solos

Ullans Alive Newsletter March 2012

J.C. — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:19:24 PST

Ullans Alive Newsletter Mar12

Co.Antrim Championships 2012

(author unknown) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:11:21 PST

Following our latest meeting of the Co.Antrim section last Tuesday it has been passed again for this years competition, that there will be NO ENTRY FEE for DRUM MAJORS or BANDS.

So can I appeal for all drum majors & bands to make a special effort to attend this years contest In Ballymoney RFC under the hospices of Ballymoney Borough Council. This is going to be a special day for Ballymoney as it is their annual Ballymoney Agricultral Show in the Ballymoney Showgrounds from 9am - 4pm & the Co.Antrim Championships in Ballymoney RFC. More details will follow shortly including entry form details...

U B THE JUDGE SOLO'S

(author unknown) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:49:08 PST

Seven Towers Pipe Band presents "U B The Judge" Invitional solos, N. Ireland's premier entertaining solo piping competition. The crowd judges the best 4 at the end of the night with a Perpetual Cup and top prize money over 4 prizes.

Date: Saturday 3rd March 2012

Time: 7.30pm sharp

Venue: Michelin Athletic Club, Ballymena

Each player gives a 15 minute recital.

The draw is as follows:

Alan Glenholmes (Cullybackey)
Sydney Moore (Strathclyde Police)
Glen Cupples (Unattached)
Ross Hume (Cullybackey)
Robert Black (Cullybackey)

Andy Wilson (Unattached)
Richard McGrath (Bellaghy)

Interval

Emmett Conway (Field Marshal Montgomery)
Amos Gilmore (Seven Towers)

Kris Coyle (Field Marshal Montgomery)
Alan Ferguson (Matt Boyd Mem)
Bradley Parker (Cottown)
Scott Barr (Ravara)

Scott Wallace (Field Marshal Montgomery)

Hope to see you there!

Orange march bid for Stirling city centre

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:04:01 PST

“AS MANY as 10,000 Orangemen could be set to march through the centre of Stirling this summer if a parade application is approved.

The County Grand Lodge of Central Scotland has submitted a letter to local licensing officials seeking permission to hold a procession at noon on Saturday, July 7.

The planned route is from Kings Park down Raploch Road, along Drip Road, into Cowane Street, through the city centre – including Murray Place and Corn Exchange Road – and back to Kings Park, although the potential event is still in the early stages.

If given the go-ahead, the march will form part of the Orange Order’s annual series of events to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

A representative for the local community, who did not wish to be named, said yesterday (Thursday) he had concerns about the impact 10,000 people moving through the city centre could have.

He said: “I understand that people have the right to march and express their views peacefully, but I don’t think that processions like this are appropriate at all.

“And I’d feel the same way about it no matter which group wanted to march – they’re all bound to upset someone, somewhere along the line.

“I know we’ve had a few smaller-scale Orange walks in Stirling in recent years, I think they often get underway from Lower Bridge Street, but I certainly can’t remember anything on this sort of scale.”

Paperwork lodged with Stirling Council states that organisers have signalled their intention to provide one steward for every 10 participants, and that 10,000 people are “likely to take part”.

Those behind the parade said yesterday: “The Stirling march will be this year’s main parade for the Central Scotland lodge, last year’s was in Bellshill. We’ve applied for 10,000 people to take part, but I can’t really say how many people will come out to watch.

“Our parade is always on the first Saturday in July and, this year, it falls on the same day as the main Glasgow version – so perhaps it could be expected that some people might want to go to that instead, but it’s difficult to say.

“There will probably be between 55 and 70 bands among the marchers but, again, it’s too early to give a definitive figure. We met with the police and the council last Tuesday (February 7) to discuss things. The police are happy with our stewarding arrangements.”

A spokesperson for Central Scotland Police said similar parades had been held elsewhere in the force area in recent years and had passed without incident.

She explained: “In 2005, a similar parade was held in Alloa with around 8000 people attending; in 2009 around 5000 people attended a parade in Grangemouth, and the same number attended a similar event in the same area the following year.

“At each of these events there were no arrests and no problems.”

Stirling Labour MP Anne McGuire said: “Stirling does not have a tradition of this scale of Orange walk and any decision to licence such a walk must take all the issues, including the views of the local community, into consideration.

“Furthermore, a march of this size could impact on the ability of local businesses to carry out their normal trading.”

Castle Ward SNP councillor Jim Thomson has submitted a formal objection to the plan and admitted he had concerns about the parade on behalf of his constituents.

Fellow city centre elected member, Lib Dem Councillorr Graham Reed added: “I will use my position to discourage them [the proposed march] from coming into the city centre. I would expect Central Scotland Police and the council officers to give it a strong steer before it could be given a permit.”

Stirling Council’s Regulatory Functions Panel is set to meet to discuss the plans in early April.”

Published on the 17th of February 2012
Article taken from the Stirling Observer

Shankill band puts on the style

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:40:00 PST

“LAST Saturday afternoon saw the unveiling of the new uniform of Young Conway Volunteers Flute, the occasion being the Shankill Road parade and service for the 1st Shankill Somme Association.

All feedback on the band’s appearance and performance, work having been carried out during the winter to change the band to a much more melody/ corps of drums style of play, was incredibly positive.

On Saturday night Armagh True Blues Flute were the organisers of a fundraiser in the Ballymore Arms, Tandragee.

A packed venue saw the Moygashel Sons of Ulster Flute, Downshire Guiding Star, Cormeen Rising Sons of William and the hosts all playing.

Moygashel opened proceedings with a strong showing, with a special mention for the bass drummer now in his 50th year, proving that bands aren’t just a young man or woman’s game!

In Newbuildings the Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute held a very successful event in the local community centre, with the large crowd witnessing very high standards of marching music.

Local band Barron Accordion were very entertaining, many remarking on the great improvements they have made, while the sets of Derryloran Boyne Defenders and Cairncastle truly showed the diverse styles currently within the scene.

Also in Co Londonderry Tobermore Football Club was the venue of choice for a concert organised by Cookstown Sons of William. Ballycraigy Auld Boys and Omagh Protestant Boys were on the programme along with the host band.

In the Bently nightclub, Knockloughrim, Dunamoney Flute held their annual indoor with appearances from Castlederg Young Loyalists, Cloughmills Crown Defenders and Tamlaghtmore Flute Ardboe.

The Shankill Star Battle of the Bands continued with its fourth and final heat, the entire series so far being one of the most successful indoor competitions in years. The final winners to progress through to the final were South Fermanagh Loyalists and Gortagilly Coronation.

The winners of the Crumlin Young Loyalists second heat of their 2012 Battle of the Bands on Saturday night were Randalstown Sons of Ulster and Maghaberry True Blues.

Another busy weekend will see band events on Friday night in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown for the 90th anniversary of Premier Percussion; Loyal Sons of Benagh are hosts in Newry Orange Hall; Sandy Row Cultural Society are the hosts of a Battle of the Bands in Sandy Row Rangers Supporters Club; and Cormeen Rising Sons of William are hosts of a fundraising night in Cormeen Orange Hall with live music.

Also on Friday Ballybriest Pipe hold a quiz night in Davisons Bar, Castlecaulfield; City of Belfast Fifes and Drums – a night of the races in Annex Sports Bar Shore Road; a Marie Curie fundraiser takes place in Carleton Street Portadown; and Castlederg Young Loyalists host their 35th anniversary dinner dance in Irvinestown.

On Saturday night Ulster Grenadiers Flute holds an indoor competition in Carrickfergus’s Woodburn Community Centre; Steeple Veterans – a concert in Loanends Orange Hall; Enniskillen Fusiliers have a night at the races in the Wild Duck Lounge, Lisbellaw; Cullybackey Maine Defenders Flute host a concert in the Central Bar, Cullybackey; Tamlaght Pipe have an auction at Lisbellaw Orange Hall; Monkstown Young Citizen Volunteers Flute hold a band night in the Monkstown Social Club; Cloughfern Young Conquerors are holding the dedication of their new bannerette and uniform in the Eastway Social Club; South Belfast Protestant Boys hold the first heat of their Battle of the Bands in 1st Belfast Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club, as do East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute in the Con Club on the Newtownards Road.

If you would like to publicise fundraising, competition, cultural or indeed any events related to the large Ulster Marching Band community you can contact Drum Beat by ringing or texting Quincey on 07835624221 or emailing quincey@ulsterbandsforum.net.

All contributions, opinions and news from the country’s thriving band movement are very welcome.”

Remember this is only part of Drumbeat to read the full column, please purchase this week’s addition of the Newsletter

Published on the 23rd of February 2012
Article written by Quincey from the
Drum Beat section of The News Letter
and
Ulster Bands Forum

Encouraging Organ Donation

dupchannel — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:15:56 PST

	Encouraging Organ Donation South Down MLA and Vice-Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee Jim Wells commenting on the issue of organ donation and the debate about how best to increase levels of donation in the Province.	From: dupchannel Views: 7 0 ratings
	Time: 01:21	More in News & Politics

The overpowering trade of the Scottish merchants & the pygmy piper of Islandmagee

Mark Thompson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:58:22 PST

Old books are brilliant. I came across these great quotes recently:

'...through the overpowering trade of the Scottish merchants of Belfast the English trade of Lisburn is upon ruin… those Scotch have got all the general commissions from the London merchants for trade into their hands and so not one Englishman in these parts is so employed...’ (1679)

'...a little beyond Port Davy stands a promontory called the Black-head, whereon stands a lighthouse, and under it from the sea there is a large cave, where I have been told by the Country, a piper went in, and was heard at a place two miles form thence under ground; he must have been very little, for I have run fox into it with my dogs and killed him at the far end...' (1683)

Dunloy Accordion Band

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:10:53 PST

“Dunloy Accordion Band has been in existence since 1956 and, from an original membership of local families, the band now draws members from the whole of Northern Ireland.

While the membership has changed over the years the ethos of the band remains the same – that is:

to promote accordion music in all its forms,
to provide a forum where members can develop and expand their own enjoyment of accordion marching bands, and
to uphold the traditions of our culture.

The band have performed UK wide and practice sessions take place in Dunloy Orange Hall.

Contact:
William E McBriar
Telephone:
O77 8606 3756
Email:
info@dunloyaccordionband.co.uk
Genre(s):
Local Groups
Website(s):
Dunloy Accordion Band ”

Article taken from the BBC News