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Past Events 2006

Scottish Country Dancing

Scottish Country Dancing has concluded for now and will recommence in the Autumn.

Scottish Highland Dancing

These classes will be held on Saturdays in Castleblaney Presbyterian Hall from 2p.m - 3.15p.m and Ballyalbany Presbyterian Hall .4.p.m - 5.15 p.m.

These classes are for children aged 5yrs and over. Beginners are very welcome. Dates maybe subject to change. Please contact the office regarding dates and times.

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Update on Summer Events

Many of the Border Minority Groups membership have had a very busy summer season with most of their traditional events and activities taking place in magnificent summer sunshine. The “picnics” and band parades were all very well attended with up to 18 bands performing. A very positive sign for the future of these groups and their activities is that a number of the events also featured reopening of halls after refurbishment and dedication of new band uniforms.

“Fiddlesteeks” came to Ematris (Dartrey) parish picnic and entertained the local folk with a lively selection of Ulster-Scots tunes on fiddles and accordions. “A Wheen o Fowk” showcased a variety of Ulster-Scots music and song at both Drum and Doohat picnics. These performances were made possible by financial assistance from the Ulster-Scots Agency. Unfortunately The Arts Council did not consider our small festivals worthy of support but this is a matter we will be seeking to resolve in the future. Some of our local Highland dancers also featured at Doohat where they performed the Highland Fling and the Sword dance. We are awaiting delivery of a number of Highland dance costumes which should ensure that our dancers are even better presented for future displays. This is important to us as our dancers participate in a wide range of events including a recent performance at the launch of the Co. Monaghan heritage plan 2006-2010 accompanied by a piper from one of our local bands.

We were also delighted to have some high profile visitors to these traditional style events. At Doohat we had Minister Eamon O’Cuiv of the Dept. of Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and at Drum we had two of his senior civil servants including Gerry Kearney, Secretary General. These visits were a result of a recent meeting where a B.M.G. delegation met with the Minister and other officials in his department. George Patton, chief executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency also came to Doohat to see how we celebrate our culture in this part of the province. The picnics were a new experience for them all and we were encouraged both by their presence and by their reaction to our examples of cultural expression.

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Border Minority Group

2006 Ulster-Scots Summer School

in Drum Presbyterian Hall.

Monnday 28th & Tuisday 29th Awgist

9.30a.m. – 3.00p.m. for young folk aged 8 yrs -18 yrs

Activities

Re-actment/Sword skills by A Mattisson.

Fluting by Craig Balance, M.Y.D Flute Band.

Archery by staff of Tanagh Outdoor Pursuit Centre.

Lambeg & Fife, By Conlig Fife & Drumming Club.

Fitbaa - Alfie Wylie, Head Coach, Linfield F.C

History/Language by Ulster Scots Agency staff.

Drumming display by Natalie Chambers.

Also available, Table Tennis, Pool, Swingball,

Fruit/Water/Juices/Crisps/Yoghurt/Sandwiches will be provided for snack breaks.

Cost €5 per Head

To book Ph 047-54922 or 087-6493451

This event is receiving financial support from the Ulster Scots Agency.

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"LECTURES"

"The Belfast agreement & Human rights in the Republic"

in Dartrey Parish Hall ( 1km from Rockcorry on the Cootehill road)

the 27th September at 8.00pm

Guest Speaker: Lord Laird of Artigarvan.

Light refreshments will be served.

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"Cavan, birthplace of Unionism - Col. Saunderson".

in Belturbet Orange Hall on

25th October at 8.00pm

Guest Speaker: Gordon Lucy

Light refreshments will served

Press Report

The Border Minority Group hosted the second in its series of “Fourth Wednesday” lectures. Held on the 25^th October in Belturbet Orange hall, it was intriguingly entitled “Cavan – birthplace of Unionism?”. The actual topic was the life of Col. Edward James Saunderson, regarded by many as Unionism’s first leader. The guest speaker was Gordon Lucy who is director of the Ulster Society, a well recognised researcher and author.The event was timed to mark the 100^th anniversary of Col. Saundersons death on 21 October 1906 and was held in Belturbet based on his strong family connections with the area.

Following the comprehensive lecture those present contributed to an interesting and wide ranging discussion on his life and his political career. The questions and comments revealed a great depth of local knowledge and interest in Saunderson and the political structures of his era. At the conclusion the hosts provided some light entertainment and refreshments for everyone present.

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"World Wars and Remembrance."

In Clones Protestant Hall

on 22nd November at 8.00pm

Guest Speakers: Dr David Hume and David O,Brien.

Light refreshments will be served.

Press Report

The Border Minority Groups series of “Fourth Wednesday” lectures continued last week in Clones. The event was very well attended and the topic for the night was “World Wars & Remembrance”. Mr. George McConkey welcomed everyone to Clones Protestant hall for its first event since a major refurbishment (almost completed) and introduced Ms. Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer with Monaghan Co. Council as chairperson for the evening.

The first guest speaker was Dr. David Hume, from Co. Antrim. He gave a presentation which focussed particularly on the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and its devastating impact on many communities. He also had a related exhibition on display. Some members of Inver Flute Band then performed a few musical medleys to entertain the audience before the second speaker Dave O’Brien from Dublin. His powerpoint presentation was based on the many forgotten stories of Irish soldiers serving in the British army. It had a strong focus on the Royal Dublin Fusileers and on the various memorials around Dublin. At the conclusion the hosts provided some light refreshments for everyone present .

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Border Minority Group Concert

presents The White Heather Players,Newtownhamilton, in a Three Act Comedy,

"Don't Tell The Wife" in Drum Preysterian Hall, on Saturday 28th January 2006 at 8p.m

Admission €10 Everyone Welcome. Tickets are available from member groups or you can contact the office.