Held in an impressive spacious venue, the evening began with some very energetic dancing by the ‘Flower of the Bann’ dance troupe. This was followed by the dedication of a splendid Lambeg drum in memory of UDR members killed during the past troubles, and a book launch on memoirs of an ex prison warden.

The music got off to a great start from the band, featuring the accomplished John Trotter playing four different instruments! (Fiddle, Accordion, Trombone and Fife) though not all at once!! The audience enjoyed the vocals of our ladies, Fiona singing ‘Will ye go lassie go’ and Rachel singing ‘Auld maid in a garret’. John and our newest member, Willie Rock, had everyone joining in with a variety of well-known “ sing-alongs”. A great night was had by all!

Rachel

just to remind everyone of the availibility of our CD "Songs my Father Sung"

Containing 15 traditional Orange Folk songs, this is a must for anyone's musical collection. Old favourites such as "Derrys Walls", "The Orange ABC" and "Dollys Brae' are all included as well as introducing some lesser know gems like "The Landing at Torbay" and "The Union Cruiser' and of course it couldn't be without the title track!

Featuring the vocal talents of John Trotter, Fiona Trotter, Lyndsey Henry and various members of the USX, this album hopes to re-acquaint you with an important part of our cultural heritage.

Message from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland are delighted to be associated with this CD, “The Songs My Father Sung”, in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency. Most of the music recorded here is from our archive of traditional Orange folk songs held at the headquarters of the Institution, Schomberg House.

The Orange Institution was founded in 1795, and with it grew a proud musical heritage. The famous combination of fife and drum became the melody and rhythm of Ulster. Moments of Orange history and tradition became poem and song. Many of these songs were published in large volumes during the 1800s, complete with full musical notation and lyrics.

However, in some quarters, many of those traditional songs had their original form distorted and their words changed, introducing a sectarian dimension which reflected the tragic realities of life during “The Troubles”. The purity of the original songs was almost lost.

As the largest Protestant organisation in the world, we are proud of our values, our traditions and our cultural identity. However we recognise that we must take the lead in showing this generation that our traditions are about pride in ourselves, and not prejudice towards others.

In the early 1900s, the recordings of traditional Orange folk songs by renowned author and broadcaster Richard Hayward were a significant milestone. We are delighted that the legacy of William of Orange has once again been brought to life, this time by the Ulster Scots Experience.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland hopes that this CD will be the first of many as we attempt to educate and inform the community of our rich cultural heritage, through music and song, and place these original songs in the hearts and minds of all those who either cherish their heritage or simply want to learn more of the Orange tradition.

For everyone thats interested....

remember we'll be in Glasgow on the weekend of the 2nd of August.

As soon as I've more details of exactly where and when I'll post them here!

V.