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.
Art of Healing Exhibition
by Gladys Fletcher
Some stories are too powerful to be told in words alone.
Born and raised outside Keady, Co. Armagh during the turbulent years of the Northern Ireland Troubles, Gladys Fletcher's life was changed forever on 31st August 1975, when her father, Joseph Reid, was murdered at the front door of the family home by the Provisional IRA. More than 50 years later, the pain of that loss remains with her family every day.
Following her retirement, Gladys rediscovered her love of painting. What began with landscapes and still life soon became something much more personal. She found herself compelled to paint scenes from her past, capturing the Loyal Orders, the Northern Ireland Troubles, and the landmarks of her adopted home in Belfast. Through her art, she has found a way to express memories, preserve history, and continue her own journey of healing.
In Gladys' own words: "I have no idea where this path will take me but at the moment I am enjoying and finding it all very therapeutic."
We invite you to experience this moving and deeply personal collection of artwork.
Art of Healing – Exhibition
Brownlow Courtyard, Lurgan
Saturday 22nd August – Friday 28th August
10:00am – 2:00pm daily
Evening visits available by appointment.
Tel: 02838 810109
Email:
info@asauk.org
Web: www.asauk.org
Entrance by donation in aid of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial.
Conviction
Wednesday, Sept 9 from 19:00 pm to 21:00 pm
Conviction
Guest Speaker - Neil Latimer
In November 1983, Adrian Carroll, an innocent council worker, was shot dead as he walked home from work in Northern Ireland.
Four members of a locally recruited British Army regiment were arrested, interrogated without legal representation, and convicted of his murder.
Three were later cleared after it emerged that police had altered their statements. The fourth remained convicted, largely on the evidence of one witness.
Neil Latimer has spent more than forty years maintaining his innocence in a case that has returned to court more than any other of its kind.
Northern Ireland was a society at war with itself when he was convicted. Divisions remain over this case today.
Conviction is his account of a life, a murder, a justice system under extraordinary pressure, and a verdict that has never stopped generating argument.
Admission: By donation
Conviction
Thursday, Sept 10 from 19:00 pm to 21:00 pm
Conviction
Guest Speaker - Neil Latimer
In November 1983, Adrian Carroll, an innocent council worker, was shot dead as he walked home from work in Northern Ireland.
Four members of a locally recruited British Army regiment were arrested, interrogated without legal representation, and convicted of his murder.
Three were later cleared after it emerged that police had altered their statements. The fourth remained convicted, largely on the evidence of one witness.
Neil Latimer has spent more than forty years maintaining his innocence in a case that has returned to court more than any other of its kind.
Northern Ireland was a society at war with itself when he was convicted. Divisions remain over this case today.
Conviction is his account of a life, a murder, a justice system under extraordinary pressure, and a verdict that has never stopped generating argument.
Admission: By donation
Babi Yar Massacrre
85th Anniversary
Thursday, Oct 08 from 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
