Book of Verse From N Antrim

A must for those interested in local talent is the book of verse from Ballymoney's own Hugh Carton. Entitled "A Medley Of Poems Old & New", the book is packed with poems written by Hugh and presented in a colourful and very enjoyable publication.

The first poem is an ode to one of Ballymoney's most famous sons, entitled "To The Memory Of Joey Dunlop" and the remainder of the poems in the book are a mixture of poignant, humorous and descriptive verses penned with obvious thought and deliberation. Hugh tackles issues such as politics in his witty offering entitled "Our Politicians", the threatened open cast mining in north Antrim ("The Lignite Contraversy") and descriptive poems with topics such as O'Roarks Kitchen at Ballintoy, White Park Bay and the River Bush.

Hugh Carton is an 87 year-old author who has taken the time to provide us with a valuable keepsake of his thoughts and memories in verse. For copies of the book, the author has given me his permission to include an address for orders. Write to Hugh Carton, 12 Shandon Park, Ballymoney, Co Antrim BT53 7BA. Don't miss the chance to have a copy of A Medley of Poems Old & New.

Ulster Scots on Rathlin

The camera never lies, they say, so here is living proof that Noel and I made it to Rathlin in one piece, only to find that other Ulster Scots had discovered it first! An enjoyable evening was had by all and Rathlin is a place worth visiting at any time.

Noel is busily organising the Robert The Bruce Festival in Stranocum which begins on Monday 2nd July 2007. As well as Ulster Scots language classes, there will be Horse Shoes, Exhibitions and Re-Enactments by the hugely entertaining Border Reevers. Further details are available on another post so be sure to look them up and make for Stranocum on Monday 2nd.

Ulster Scots Experience

One of the main attractions at the annual Games Day in Ballymoney was the Ulster Scots Experience. To hear them play and see them perform is an experience indeed and a pleasant one at that. Featuring all-round singer/musician, John Trotter and the superb Valerie Quinn, the Experience brings out the very best inUlster Scots music. If you want to learn more about this fabulous group, why not check out their website at www.ulsterscotsexperience.co.uk and read it for yourself.

Anniversary at The Vow

On the evening of Friday 29th June, a special service will be held in the open air in a field on the Shanaghy Road near to where it meets the Vow Road, between Ballymoney and Kilrea at The Vow. The service has been organised by the Ballymoney and Ballylaggan congregations of the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) church. It markks the ordination of Rev William Martin which was conducted near that location on 2nd July 1757.

William Martin was born near Ballykelly in 1729 and studied Theology in Scotland for some time before returning to his native Ulster. He became the first Minister of the Kellswater Congregation in 1760 but, mainly due to the persecution of the Covenamters by the governments of the time, he undertook an amazing task by organising a mass migration of Ulster Scots from here to America. A total of eighty families left Ulster and the majority of them settled in Rocky Creek. When the Anglo-American war (or War of Independence) broke out, many of Rev Martin's congregation joined the Patriotic Army and fought against the British. Rev Martin himself was in favour of this course of action and found himself persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs.

The UlsterScotsJournal&News will be offering more on the life of Rev William Martin in the near future. In the meantime, do not miss the forthcoming 250th anniversary service at The Vow on Friday 29th July 2007 at 7:30pm.

Rathlin Bound

When my good mate Noel from Stranocum Ulster Scots told me he could get us a "lift" to Rathlin Island for the Robert the Bruce Festival on the evening of Friday 22nd June, I thought it would be just the ticket! So, at about 6:45pm on the evening in question, a carload of us arrived at Ballycastle Harbour Rathlin bound. Fifteen minutes later, we were aboard a fishing boat and heading out of the harbour. The picture here will show that I'm no sailor and you will note the youngster casually looking over the side as I clung on for grim death! When we got to the other side (of Rathlin Sound - I didn't die!) my fingers were dug into the cabin roof so hard that the whole crew had to prise them off.

It was a hair-raising experience (for those who have some) but well worth it when my shooglie legs touched down on the dry land of Rathlin. A huge marquee had been erected and Mark Thompson treated us to a talk on the Bruce before Frances Black entertained the crowds in song.

We headed off before dark and this time my other half offered to give me her place in the cabin, saying she preferred to stand on deck. Well, the first crossing was calm compared to the second one! My wife sailed into Ballycastle soaked to the skin but it was all part of the crack. At least that was how I saw it from the dry warmth of the cabin!

Our thanks to the crew and the good folk of Rathlin for a memorable night!

Ulster Scots Games, Ballymoney 23/06/07

Although Alan and Davy were dressed for the part, they did not leave the Games with any prizes. As Davy has the unfair advantage of being too big and too strong, he was elected as non-particpating referee! Alan did his bit (as shown here) but was unlucky. The Caber was donated by Taggarts Timber Yard on the Bann Road and was greatly appreciated, though no-one thought so the next morning when they awoke with aches and pains from head to toe!

Ulster Scots Games, Ballymoney 23/06/07

The Border Reevers Re-Enactment Group took no prisoners when they chose me to don the mantle of Robert the Bruce! They hung 3 stones of chainmail from my head and then stuck a heavy steel helmet on me before attacking me with swords! Still, they weren't allowed to kill me as I was Royalty so I survived the ordeal ... just!

Ulster Scots Summer Schools 2007

The Ulster Scots Agency has organised a number of summer schools throughout Ulster this year. Last year 7 groups opted to take part and this year a magnificent 36 groups have registered. This is very encouraging and the Agency should be commended for sticking with this initiative. It is estimated that over 2000 children will attend the projects and all aspects of Ulster Scots traditions will be covered including music and dancing, language and poetry and various sports associated with our Ulster Scots history.

If you seek further information on the summer schools or if you want to know if one is being held in your area, contact the Ulster Scots Agency on (028) 9023 1113 or check out the website at www.UlsterScotsAgency,com and find out more.

Stranocum Robert The Bruce Festival

The STRANOCUM ULSTER SCOTS CULTURAL & HERITAGE SOCIETY will be hosting a series of events in the village this July to mark the 700th anniversary of the visit of Robert The Bruce to Rathlin.

On Monday 2nd July, Tuesday 3rd July and Thursday 5th July there will be a display of banners, drums and uniforms in Stranocum Orange Hall from 7pm - 9pm. The exhibition will also run from Monday 9th July until Wednesday 11th July in the Hall. On Wednesday 4th July, Stranocum Flute Band will host a parade of bands in nearby Ballymoney commencing at 8:30pm.

Ulster Scots Language inductions, hosted by a trained tutor in the language, will be held in the Portacabin by the bridge in Stranocum on 2nd, 3rd and 5th July and a Horse Shoe competition will be held at the bridge area on Saturday 7th July starting at 12 noon.

Monday 9th July will see a 7 -a-side football competition at the football field commencing at 10am and there will also be a family fun day with Bouncy Castles, Face Painting etc from 1pm - 5pm. On Tuesday 10th July there will be re-enactments of Williamite Armies and then Robert the Bruce from 1pm - 4pm with an Ulster Scots Cookery Demonstration running from 1pm - 4pm in the portacabin. The festival will close on 11th July with a Bonfire and Firework display in the village.

For Ulster Scots enthusiasts and followers of the Orange Culture, be sure to be in Stranocum for one if not all of these events! We wish the organisers well and every success in the venture.

Ulster Scots Games Day

Saturday 23rd June saw the third annual Ulster Scots Games Day in Ballymoney hosted by the Kingdom of Dalriada Ulster Scots Society. After a damp start, the growing crowds were entertained by Dunaghy Accordian Band, Garvagh Pipe Band, the acclaimed Ulster Scots Experience orchestra and the Bendooragh Lambeg Drummers. Other performers included the Purple Thistle Ulster Scots Dancers from Bready, the Border Reevers Re-Enactment Group and Big Jim Mattison, baker of traditional Ulster breads.

Games included tug-o-war, tossing the caber, throwing the wellie and throwing the sheaf and Horse Shoes. Children's entertainment came in the form of face painting, balloon modelling and bouncy castles. A day worth going to and one to watch out for next year!