Thanks to local Poet Wendy Hanna for writing this lovely Ulster-Scots poem for us reminiscing about gathering potatoes or as we say in Mourne, ‘gaitherin purdas’!

Thanks must also go to Ewa McBride for this fantastic photo of local farmer James Morris ‘Gaitherin purdas’ just a few weeks ago here in Mourne!

Gaitherin’ Purdas!

Mid October, scraich o’ dawn,
Wi yer auld clabbered gutties on.
Tae the field wi the hoker, going ditch to ditch,
Fill yer basket, quare and quick!

Mind the drills wi a ready eye,
An’ don’t miss any purdas forbye.
Ye’ll no be long workin up a drooth,
Fir there’s nay time tae footer or spoof.

Up an’ doon, too and fro,
A drap o tae will soon be on the go.
Fading sun, a yarn to tell,
Near time fir hame, dinnae fash yersel.

Hairvest time, reap what ya sow,
Still, not half as tough as days of old.
Gettin redd up, not a bad days crack,
Wi a wee jingle in yer pocket an’ a fierce sore back!

WGH
Oct 2020 ... See more

The Schomberg Society has produced quite a number of exhibitions to remember those who have lost their lives during the First World War.

In ‘normal’ times, we always look forward to organising these exhibitions to be on display for local schools, youth groups and also in venues such as libraries and community centres.

Unfortunately due to the current circumstances, we are unable to do this. However, we would encourage you to check out our website where you will be able to view full copies of our World War One and Remembrance Exhibitions!

Here’s just one of the dozens of exhibition boards we have, which features Hayden Floyd from Kilkeel who served with the Royal Flying Corps during World War One and was killed in action on the 11th July 1916.

We would certainly encourage everyone to check out our website below to read about the many other men from the Kingdom of Mourne who lost their lives during the First World War.

www.schombergsociety.co.uk ... See more

Fantastic spread of our monthly Ulster-Scots ‘Houl Yer Wheesht’ column in today’s Mourne Observer! 📰

Make sure to get yourself a copy of the paper today and enjoy reading about Ulster-Scots in the Kingdom of Mourne! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ... See more

You will now find lots of Poppy Appeal boxes in local shops and businesses in Kilkeel!

We would certainly encourage everyone to purchase a poppy and wear your poppy with pride as we remember all those who gave their lives for the freedoms we have today. ... See more

October 25th, marked the 60th anniversary of the passing of Harry Ferguson, and yet it passed quietly, with only some of those most affected by his engineering genius going out of their way to lay a wreath for him at his family home in Dromore.

However, we have all reaped the benefits of Ferguson's genius; there is barely a country in the world which does not use a tractor with a three point linkage system designed by him. Moreover, it was Ferguson who developed the gearbox enabling four-wheel drive in Formula One racing and in later Range Rovers.

However, for all his brilliance, his home country, our wee Northern Ireland, doesn't have a exclusive museum exhibit in his honour. The Ulster Folk and Transport museum merely has a replica of his monoplane and an early tractor and plough prototype. Compared to many of the museums in his honour in England, the RoI and the USA, where Massey Ferguson is based today, this seems a poor way to commemorate and celebrate his genius in his home country.

There is indeed strong connections with Harry Ferguson and Newcastle. Harry Ferguson spent much of his time in Newcastle trying to get in the air with the hopes of landing on the beach. We’re sure many of you have seen the memorial stone in his memory along Newcastle promenade!

This petition has been made for the National Museums of NI commission to ask them to curate an extensive exhibit to honour his achievements and allow local people to celebrate such brilliance from one of our own.

We would be grateful if you would sign and support this cause.

http://chng.it/fLztnDjnS8 ... See more

Today finishes of ‘Book Week’ in Northern Ireland and in recent years, the Schomberg Society has produced quite a few books, leaflets and other literature to help tell the story of the Ulster-Scots! 📖

Here’s one of our booklets which is quite fitting now in the run up to Remembrance time. This booklet entitled ‘Mourne and The Great War’ tells the story of World War One, the impact it had upon the Ulster-Scots of Mourne and also the Ulster-Scots contribution to The Great War.

A full copy of the booklet can be found on our website, along with many more books, leaflets and other literature! Why not check them out for yourself! 📚

www.schombergsociety.co.uk ... See more

Thanks to our own Highland Heathers Ladies for making this lovely wreath with roses and thistles in it for our short memorial service at the Bloody Bridge, Newcastle in memory of those Scots and English settlers who were brutally killed there during the 1641 Irish Rebellion. ... See more

Members of the Schomberg Society accompanied by Piper Councillor Glynn Hanna who held a short Service of Remembrance yesterday at the Bloody Bridge, just outside of Newcastle to commemorate those Scottish and English settlers who were brutally slaughtered at this place on the 23rd October 1641 during the Irish Rebellion.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills...” Psalm 121:1 ... See more

Today marks the 379th anniversary of the 'Bloody Bridge Massacre' just outside Newcastle in County Down.

It was during the Irish Rebellion on the 23rd October 1641 that a number of Scottish and English settlers were brutally hacked and slashed to death at this well known beauty spot.

The Scottish and English settlers who had been taken prisoner in the Newry area by Irish forces were being taken to Downpatrick to be exchanged for Irish prisoners. Unfortunately when hearing that the Irish prisoners had already been executed, their captors turned the prisoners around and marched to woods just outside Newcastle and it was there at the Bloody Bridge that the tragic events took place.

The river, now also known as the 'Bloody Bridge River' is said to have run red for seven days following the massacre and gives rise to its present name.

This afternoon members of the Schomberg Society accompanied by Councillor Glynn Hanna held a short service of remembrance to remember those Scots and English settlers who so tragically lost their lives there.

"Faithful Until Death." Revelation 2:10. ... See more