Learn about Irish language and Ulster drums

The event, entitled ‘The hidden History of Protestants and the Irish Language’, will take place at the Barron Hall, Glengormley on Thursday, February 28 between 7pm and 9pm.

Guest speaker on the night will be Linda Ervine, wife of the former PUP leader, Brian Ervine and sister-in-law of the late David Ervine.

Linda’s interest in the Irish language began when she discovered from censuses that not only did some of her own ancestors speak Irish, but that it was also widely spoken in Protestant areas of Belfast and indeed Newtownabbey.

Linda is currently taking a sabbatical from her teaching job to be the Irish Language Development Officer at East Belfast Mission.

Meanwhile, the Community Relations Forum is offering people the opportunity to take part in a six-week course on Traditional Ulster Drums. It will take place at the Barron Hall, Antrim Road later this year, on a date yet to be confirmed.

The course will be delivered by the renowned Willie Drennan, a traditional musician, storyteller, poet and writer who draws much of his material from the Ulster Scots cultural traditions of his native Co Antrim. The programme will include demonstrations of various drumming techniques, guest speakers, a visit to a local drum maker’s workshop, and a final evening performance and course celebration event.

Anyone who would like to attend the cultural heritage evening, or take part in the drumming course, should register their interest by telephoning Conor Maxwell on 9084 9314 or by emailing [email protected]