Spring Season of Events at the Discover...

14 February 2018, 20:00, Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG

Runs to 28 March 2018

Our Spring Events Programme Leaflet can be found below with details of the events in the centre through to the end of March.

DOWNLOAD FULL PROGRAMME

Open Practice Sessions with local bands

These Open Practice/Rehearsal sessions are with local bands from a range of genres and allow people to watch and listen as the band members practice tunes and melodies that will feature in concerts, recitals and on parade across the year.

·         Tuesday 13^th February – Drumlough Pipe Band (8.00 pm – 9.30)

·         Monday 26^th February – Ballyduff Silver Band (8.00 pm – 9.30)

·         Wednesday 28^th February – Baillies Mills Accordion Band (8.00 pm – 9.30)

·         Wednesday 14^th March – Lisburn Young Defenders Flute Band (8.00 pm – 9.30)

Tuesday 13^th March 6.30 – 8.30 pm

Ulster-Scots Poetry Evening with Ivan Herbison, John Erskine and Carol Baraniuk on the theme of Spring - An evening exploring the poetry and rhyme of the Weaver Poets and other Ulster-Scots poets based primarily on the theme of Spring. A chance to hear their poems and chat about their lives and work. Moderated by Laura Spence.

Living History and World War One

Two events are being held in the Centre looking at the First World War through uniforms and artefacts from the period. These living history elements will be enhanced with two talks on events of the war and poetry from the war poets amongst others.

·         Friday 9^th March – Living History Ireland & George Logan will be in the centre 12 – 2.30

·         Wednesday 21^st March – Royal Ulster Rifles Museum artefacts will be in the centre 11.30 – 2.30

Talks/Poetry readings will start at 1pm.

Craft Week – 19^th to 24^th February

We are hosting a range of craft workshops across the week, offering an opportunity to learn about traditional crafts and to take part in workshops and hopefully learn a new skill. An opportunity to try your hand at something new.

Monday 19^th – Bob Johnston, Basket Maker has been creating traditional and contemporary willow baskets, willow sculptures and living structures since 2000. His workshop will talk about his craft plus offer a hands on session. Workshop from 12 noon – 2 pm. https://www.bobjohnstonbaskets.co.uk/

Tuesday 20^th – Whitework (Sprigging/flowering), a demonstration and workshop with Mary Wilson. Whitework apples to a variety of techniques ranging from the bold stitches of Mountmellick and Hardanger to the delicate work of Ayrshire and Fine White embroidery. Traditionally worked with white thread on white fabric and used for bridal and christening wear and ecclesiastical embroidery.  The techniques adapt well to contemporary designs and the introduction of colour. Display of work in DUSC all day Tuesday with workshop from 12 noon – 2 pm.

Wednesday 21^st – Cross-stitch is the oldest form of embroidery in the world.  In Ulster, as elsewhere, young girls would prepare cross-stitch samplers to practise alphabets and numbers, often adding motifs such as flowers and initials; and Ulster-Scots emigrants took their skills across the Atlantic with them.  In the United States, the earliest known cross-stitch sampler dates from around 1653.  Completed by the daughter of one of the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed on the Mayflower, it can be seen in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Skilled cross-stitchers, Laura Spence and Zornitsa Scott, will talk about their needlework and show an assortment of items they have made, including pictures, Christmas items, cards and small gifts.  They will demonstrate different methods of cross-stitching, and all participants will create a personalised keyring to take home.

Thursday 22^nd – Flax to Fabric outlines the processes of the Irish linen from flax growing to linen production.  A spinning demonstration forms part of the session which uses photographs and linen objects to illustrate the linen story.  Approximate duration 45mins-1hour.  12.30 start.

Friday 23^rd – Craft sessions galore. Today will see 4 workshops delivered, with a selection of local and international arts and crafts delivered by artists based here in Ulster. You’ll have opportunities to try your hand at Bookbinding with Lucy Turner or Polish Paper Cutting with Kasia Kochanska in the morning, and Silk Painting with Pauline Matthew or Decoupage with Debbie Young in the afternoon. These sessions will be popular and are limited to 12 participants for each session, so booking is advisable. Morning from 10 – 12, Afternoon from 1 - 3.

Saturday 3^rd March – Piping & Drumming Masterclass. An all-day Masterclass giving Pipers and Drummers an opportunity to improve their skills by working with a range of tutors on pipes, snare & tenor drumming. The masterclass runs from 11 am – 4 pm.

Saturday 24^th March – Scottish Ceilidh Fiddle & Accordion Masterclass. We’re delighted to bring renowned musicians Nicky McMichan and Dennis Morrison to Belfast to deliver a Masterclass in the art of Scottish Ceilidh Band music. Tutors will work with musicians to improve their skills and help to add a bit of sparkle to local Ceilidhs. The workshop will run from 9.30 am to 4 pm

Saturday 24^th March – Scottish Country Ceilidh. Come along and join in with the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre’s Ceilidh on Saturday evening in the Corn Exchange Building. World Class musicians, alongside dancers and callers from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will provide a fun evening, with plenty of opportunities for enjoyment. 7pm – 9pm

Demonstrations

Wednesday 28^th March at 7.30pm

Traditional Ulster-Scots Cookery Demonstration with Paula McIntyre.

Local celebrity chef Paula McIntyre brings her knowledge of local ingredients and her skills to show us all how to make delicious and nutritious meals that all the family can enjoy. The emphasis will be on hearty and wholesome as well as appealing to the palate. http://paulamcintyre.co.uk/about/