Resounding success for Ullans concert

The concert, organised by The Ullans Speakers Association based at The Ullans Centre, Victoria Street, Ballymoney, was a resounding success. The event was held to raise much needed finance to meet the bills associated with running the centre and popular local Ulster Scots Radio station Fuse Fm.

The social centre was packed to capacity as the proceedings began with an excellent set by pipers and Drummers from TOPP Star Of The North Pipe band, followed swiftly by an outstanding rendition of “Donald where’s your troosers” by 5 year old Aaron Johnston, dressed in a kilt and devoid of nervousness! Splendid examples of Scottish country dancing throughout the evening came from Culcrow P.S junior and senior dancers, all tutored by Elizabeth Brown-Kerr who was present at the event.

Culcrow Primary School also supplied a wealth of other talents including, fiddlers and tin whistle players (accompanied by tutors Keith Lyttle and Mark Anderson) and pupils who played out two scenes from the Ulster Scots play “Kiss the shuttle” written by Dan Gordon about The Ulster Linen industry.

Two fiddle pupils taking lesson weekly at The Ullans Centre, Jack Wright and Ellie Collins played a set with tutor Keith Lyttle and Culcrow Primary School choral speakers also supplied Ulster Scots Choral Speakers who recited “yin to a hunner”, “Dan Dan”, “The Proota Gaitherin”, “The Tax Man” and “Livin in Drumlister”. The children have been taught the art of rhyming and Ullans Choral speaking by Ullans Centre Language development officer, Anne Morrison Smyth.

Singing the Skye boat song, Megan McBurney from The Aghadowey school. After an excellent demonstration of Highland Sword dancing by Ballymoney girl, Rachel Fallows.

The penultimate performance was given by Ballymoney drumming club as the mantra of the Lambegs was complemented by the high pitch of 3 fifers. Drummer Gary McAllister kept excellent time on his Lambeg and although only 8 years old, didn’t miss a beat.

Encouraged by the audience (or arguably goaded!) compare Gary Blair and Ullans Development officer Anne Morrison Smyth delivered an impressive rendition of Charlie Gillen’s rhyme, “Dinnae put it aff”. The evening was then brocught to a close by a set of 4 tunes from local Rasharkin band, Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors.

At the close of the evening, Anne Morrison Smyth thanked all the participents, everyone who came to the event, paying particular tribute to the staff and pupils of Culcrow Primary School. After the performances, attendees were treated to pancakes and stew supplied by Jean Thompson and Paul McClelland (La Petite Baguette).

The Ullans Speakers Association would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the event a success. Your support is very much appreciated.