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Who would ever have thought that Orange Halls would become
a venue for teaching? That's exactly what happened in Ardinariff
Orange Hall as part of their Good Relations Week Programme
at the end of April.
The Orange Hall is situated near Burnfoot close by to Limavady
and it was interesting watching approximately fifty P6/P7
children from the nearby Drumrane Primary School, Burnfoot,
Dungiven and the Central Primary School in Limavady, arrive
at this rural location in their mini buses and cars.
Some youngsters jumping out with great excitement, probably
because they were out of normal school for the afternoon,
many children were curious as to why they're were at an Orange
Hall and others were keen to hear more about King Billy.
The event was organised by Ardinariff Historical & Cultural
Society specifically aimed at children as a means of providing
a cultural education on the history of the King Williams journey
through Ireland.
The programme delivered by the Community Education Officer
entitled 'Through the Keyhole', helps young people to think
more about culture and cultural identities with a particular
focus on the Orange Order to help create a better level of
understanding of Orangeism, its cultural identity and heritage.
Lasting approximately one hour, the young people were very
engaging and enjoyed listening about the history associated
with the country they live in.
Speaking after the event the Community Education Officer
said, "It's a shame that our schools in Northern Ireland
do not teach more on the Williamite Wars in Ireland as many
young people are interested in this subject. However, schools
feel that they are unable to teach this subject as they feel
they're unable to due to the lack of information or resources
available to them." He went on to say, "Better and
good relations can only be improved upon here in Northern
Ireland if only our education system and educators alike introduce
these issues and topics to young people at an appropriate
age."
The highlight of the event was a lambeg drumming demonstration
by Mr Lyle Quigley who organised the event. Needless to say
all the young boys were very keen to get their hands on sticks
to test the true sound of the lambeg.
For more information on the 'Through the Keyhole' programme,
contact David Scott, Community Education Officer for the Grand
Orange Lodge on 028 9070 1122.
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