Events
@ The Bothy
The events page showcases a diverse programme of activities taking place in The Bothy, organised by the Ancre Somme Association Charity. It highlights educational talks, historical presentations, commemorative services, and community gatherings, all designed to inform, engage, and inspire.
Visitors can discover upcoming events, learn more about ASA’s work, and find opportunities to participate. The page reflects the charity’s ongoing commitment to Remembering the Past, Supporting the Present and Educating for the Future.
Babi Yar Massacrre
85th Anniversary
Thursday, Oct 08 2026 | 19:00 pm to 21:00 pm
Babi Yar Massacre 85th Anniversary
Guest Speaker - Steven Jaffe
On September 29–30, 1941, in Babyn Yar, a ravine in Kyiv, the Nazis slaughtered more Jews in two days than in any other single Nazi massacre, killing 33,771 Jews. In total, from September 29, 1941, until October 1943, the Nazis killed nearly 100,000 people in and near Babyn Yar.
It was reported that when the Jews – men, women and children – arrived at Babi Yar, they were led through several stages where they were forced to surrender their belongings, then remove their coats, shoes, outer clothing, and eventually even their underwear.
After being stripped, they were taken to a ravine described as roughly 150 metres long, 30 metres wide, and about 15 metres deep. Upon reaching the bottom, they were forced to lie down on top of those who had already been killed before they themselves were killed.
We Will Remember Them
Admission: By donation
SHAMROCKS AMONG THE POPPIES
Brownlow Courtyard, Lurgan
Thursday 26 November 2026 | 19:00pm–21:00pm
Guest Speaker:
Lt Col (Retd) Derek Plews VR,
Author of Shamrock Among The Poppies
The ASA Charity is pleased to invite you to a special presentation by guest speaker Lt Col (Retd) Derek Plews VR, author of Shamrocks Among the Poppies: Musa Qal’eh 2006 – A Bloody Siege and the Failures Behind It.
Hear the harrowing story of the Siege of Musa Qal’eh, told through the experiences of the men who fought there. Isolated, outnumbered and under-resourced, soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and other British units defended a rundown mud-brick compound against repeated Taliban assaults for more than five weeks.
Derek will also examine the intelligence, political and military failures surrounding the campaign, together with the lasting effects of prolonged, high-intensity combat on the veterans who served there.
Admission: £10
Proceeds in aid of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial
BETRAYAL:
THE MURDER OF ROBERT NAIRAC GC
50th Anniversary Commemoration
Brownlow Courtyard, Lurgan
Thursday 13 May 2027 | 19:00pm–21:00pm
Guest Speaker: Alistair Kerr
Author of Betrayal: The Murder of Robert Nairac GC
To mark the 50th anniversary of the murder of Captain Robert Nairac GC, the Ancre Somme Association Charity invites you to a special commemorative evening at Brownlow Courtyard, Lurgan.
Author and researcher Alistair Kerr will deliver a presentation exploring the life, service and murder of Captain Robert Nairac GC and discussing the extensively updated second edition of his book, Betrayal: The Murder of Robert Nairac GC.
The new edition incorporates significant additional research and information that has emerged since the book was first published. This includes evidence challenging allegations that Nairac was complicit in a number of murders committed in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland during the Troubles.
The updated edition also features previously unpublished images, including photographs of Nairac’s service pistol and holster and the weapon associated with his murderer, Liam Townson.
Factual inaccuracies identified since the original publication have been corrected, while further information has been added about individuals connected to Nairac’s life, military service and death. The result is an expanded and carefully researched examination of one of the most controversial and enduring stories of the Troubles.
This special presentation provides an opportunity to hear directly from Alistair Kerr about his research, the new evidence he has examined and the story behind the updated edition.
Admission: £10
Proceeds in aid of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial
