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The 4th Wednesday Forum

"Gone But Not Forgotten"

When - Wednesday 24th October 2007 at 8.p.m

Where - Errigal Truagh Church of Ireland

Who - David O'Brien and Gordon Lucy

What - Learn about the Royal Dublin Fusileers and about servicemen from Errigal Truagh.

Light refreshments will be served.

Admission Free Everyone Welcome

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4th Wednesday Forum

"L.O.L"

Lots of Love r Laugh Out Loud?

When - Wednesday 26th September 2007 at 8.pm.

Where - Monaghan Orange Hall (situated on the North road).

Who - David Scott, Education Officer, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

What- Hear answers to questions like,

Is the Orange Order a "church"?

Do Orangemen hate Roman Catholics?

Why is it necessary to parade on roads? & why do so where they,re not welcome?

How are Roman Catholics, or people from other religions, supposed to enjoy the 12th of July celebrations when it can only ever be as spectators?

Can women join the Orange Order?

Why do Orangemen wear bowler hats and carry umbrellas?

Light refreshments will be served.

Admission Free Everyone Welcome

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“Soccer Skills Day”

Northern Ireland Striker David Healy along with 150 local coaches will host a FREE one-day soccer skills course for 1,800 children on behalf of the Ulster Scots Agency. This special event is to be held at Newtownards on Saturday June 23rd 2007. Free transport will be provided by bus from the B.M.G office at 8a.m SHARP. Places are limited so advanced booking is essential. Anyone wishing to attend please contact the B.M.G office as soon as possible.

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Border Minority Group Concert

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

"Birds in Paradise" in Drum Preysterian Hall, on Saturday 27th January 2007 at 8p.m

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

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Lectures

"Protestant Politics and Society,Co Monaghan - 1885 - 1926"

in Ballyalbany Presbyterian Hall,Monaghan

On 24th January 2007 at 8.00pm

Guest Speaker: Dr Terence Dooley

Light refreshments will be served

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"Saint Patrick/Patricks day".

in Killegar Orange Hall

on 28th February 2007 at 8.30pm

Guest Speaker: Nelson McCausland.

Light refreshments will be served.

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"12th July - More than a Date"

in Mullaghboy Orange Hall,

on the 28th March 2007 at 8.00pm.

Guest Speakers: Dr David Hume, Director of Services, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

and Quentin Dougan, Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Light refreshments will be served,

Press Report

Twelfth of July, more than a date” was the topic for the Border Minority Groups latest “Fourth Wednesday” lecture. Over forty people gathered in Mullaghboy Orange hall outside Cootehill last Wednesday night to hear guest speakers Dr. David Hume and Quentin Dougan give presentations on their views and experiences. Light refreshments were served on arrival to enable visitors to view a range of material on view in the hall including two old banners.

The proceedings were chaired by Bridie Sweeney from Sligo who manages the Riverbrooke project, which links Riverstown (Co. Sligo) with Brookeborough (Co. Fermanagh).

The first speaker Dr. Hume, director of services with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, looked at the historical background of the date and its connection with the battle of the Boyne. He also gave some details of the “Williamite Archive” exhibition which was recently opened in Belfast. He went on to highlight various aspects of “the twelfth” including cultural, religious, sense of tradition, social and family connections. There was some entertainment in the form of Scottish highland dancing between the presentations.

Quentin Dougan, a leading figure in Kilcluney volunteers flute band from Co. Armagh, which is classed as a “blood and thunder” band. He gave a differing perspective and highlighted that for many bands the twelfth is a very important date but not the only one. He pointed out that although bands like his are sometimes belittled by others, there is a high level of musical ability and commitment involved in the band both in terms of time and money. Last year the band participated in approx. 70 band parades across Northern Ireland between March and early October. He highlighted that although their flutes are not the most expensive compared to other instruments, there are other ongoing costs such as repairs, tuning, coach hire (30 times last year).There are other more substantial items such as uniforms which they replaced a few years ago at a cost of £23,000 (he had his own uniform on display). All the funding for this was raised through their own efforts, e.g social events and street collections at their own band parade which is probably the largest on the island with 99 bands attending in 2006. Quentins presentation included him playing two tunes on the flute and one on the fife.