Monreagh Ulster Scots Centre

I wus axt bae tha 'Monreagh Ulster Scots Centre' tae post this wee annooncement fir thum.


The Ulster Scots/Scots Irish Heritage and Education Centre are very pleased to be announcing our weekly "Laggan Historical Society" starting Thur 6th OctoberThis is an informal group for folks with a passion or an interest in Local History to come and share their Knowledge or come and enjoy our Guest speakers and day trips, some of which will be of Ulster Scots interest.

Three Cheers For The Derrys

Last night I began to read 'Three Cheers For The Derrys' written by my good friend Gardiner Mitchell. It's a history of the 10th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the 1914-18 war. Based on the recollection of the final veterans.

Its graphic style and first hand accounts are compelling reading. This book is a must for anyone who has an interest in finding out, what life was really like in the trenches.





Author, Gardiner S Mitchell, explains the reason for the book.

This clip is a link to a MaidenCityFestival You Tube clip.

Octh ava - Nane ava

Yin thing aftin leads tae anither. The ither nicth ma mither wus axt whut she'd like wae her tay. She replied o octh ava (anything at all). 
As sin as she'd said it I hae'd mind o' an oul rhyme ma da ust tae say aboot tha Greba (Greyabbey) lasses.

Wha saw tha Greba lasses,
Wha saw them gan awa,
Wha saw the Greba lasses,
Ganin doon tha Hard Breid Raa.
Some o thaim haed buits and stockins,
Some o thaim haed nane ava.
Some o thaim haed big bare arses,
Ganin doon tha Hard Breid Raa.

Jean Weir (88 years of age) reciting a poem she learned at a young age "The Greba Lasses".
*This excellent recital by a by Jean Weir comes from GinaCully1990 on Youtube

Simmers Enn

This wee verse came to me as I worked in the garden this afternoon.

I stoop and strain tae gather in
As leaves faa roon ma heid
In broon an gowd this day fertoul
Yinst mere oor simmers deed.
D. Gibson

A Weetin Rain

Thus mornin a haed occassion tae bae ootside fur twathry minutes. An maun but thon wus a weetin rain. Oor if ye like it wus misilin, oor an oul saft day. Tak yer pick.

Winter: A Dirge

Winter: A Dirge
by Robert Burns


The wintry west extends his blast, 
And hail and rain does blaw; 
Or the stormy north sends driving forth 
The blinding sleet and snaw: 
While, tumbling brown, the burn comes down, 
And roars frae bank to brae; 
And bird and beast in covert rest, 
And pass the heartless day. 

"The sweeping blast, the sky o'ercast," 
The joyless winter day 
Let others fear, to me more dear 
Than all the pride of May: 
The tempest's howl, it soothes my soul, 
My griefs it seems to join; 
The leafless trees my fancy please, 
Their fate resembles mine! 

Thou Power Supreme, whose mighty scheme 
These woes of mine fulfil, 
Here firm I rest; they must be best, 
Because they are Thy will! 
Then all I want-O do Thou grant 
This one request of mine!- 
Since to enjoy Thou dost deny, 
Assist me to resign.

Stoot an Able

Here's a wee nonsense rhyme that my Granny ust tae say. If oanyboady knows onaythin aboot it. I wud quarley appreciate a wee email:    anaulhan@gmail.com

Twa wee dugs
They wunt tae tha mill
They sut doon
And likit thur fill
An they came hame
Stoot an able
Stoot an able
Stoot an able