Legacy

Legacy projects are about life and living. They are about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. Research shows that without a sense of working to create a legacy we lose meaning in our life.

Taking it from a purely practical standpoint, if you don't pass on your life experience by leaving a legacy, the wisdom you've gained through decades of difficult learning will disappear as your physical body wears out.

For both young and old, the power of legacy projects enables us to live fully in the present. You understand that you are part of a larger community, a community that must remember its history to build its future.

Since our formation, in 2009, the Ancre Somme Association has been involved with, and been the lead partner, in various Legacy Projects. Each of these projects has enabled our communities to have a better understanding regarding the First World War. The projects have benefited a wide range of people. In particular, these projects have focused on young people. Giving them not just an understanding of their heritage but also giving them the opportunity to play an active role within projects and commemorations.

One such legacy project would be the DVD we produced in 2016 as we commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The aim of this project was to produce a number of films, for different audiences, by looking into the past through the perspective of citizens today and reflecting on how this historic event continues to impact our future. It was not just enough to produce these films we felt that the producation had to include our young people. This being the case the young people were involved in the planning, filming and editing of this project.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Ancre Somme Association Charity commemorated its 15th anniversary with a celebratory dinner held at Brownlow House in Lurgan. The esteemed BBC Presenter, Liam Beckett MBE, graciously hosted the event.

As guests arrived at the historic Brownlow House, they were warmly welcomed by the charity's Honorary Piper, Mark Smyth.

The evening commenced with David Martin, Honorary President of the Ancre Somme Association Charity, extending a warm welcome to all attendees. A resounding applause filled the room as David introduced the distinguished guest, Liam Beckett MBE.

Prior to the room becoming silent, all attendees once again applauded in unison to introduce the esteemed Patron of the Ancre Somme Association Charity, Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher. Lieutenant Colonel Maher expressed his gratitude to everyone present for their attendance and unwavering support for the charity. He proceeded to acknowledge and thank the members for their unwavering dedication to the charity and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to collaborate with them in the future.

After the meal Liam took to the stage, as only Liam could, having some fun with those in attendance. He then conducted the raffle and became auctioneer as he helped raise some much needed funds in aid of the charity.

During the evening, Liam invited prominent charity members to the stage. To provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the charity and the roles its members play, Liam conducted interviews with each individual in his signature style. Mark Jameson, Lt Col Ant Maher, Lexi Davidson, David Martin, Carla Lockhart MP, and Graham Dodds MBE DL were interviewed about the charity and their other interests.

Prior to the conclusion of the formalities, presentations were made to the charity. Mr. David Uprichard, the Director of Empire Poppy Store, presented a portrait of Sir Henry Wilson to the charity. Subsequently, Mr. Ashley Forbes, representing Portadown Heritage Tours, presented a check for £250 to the charity in support of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Fund. Mr. David Martin, on behalf of Brownlow House, presented a check for £1000 to the charity. Finally, Mr. Lexi Davidson, representing the Empire Poppy Store, presented a check for £10,000 to the charity.

On behalf of the charity, Liam expressed gratitude to the generous donors. He conveyed his utmost confidence in the judicious utilisation of the funds, citing his profound admiration for the charity's accomplishments to date. Liam concluded his presentation with a series of humorous anecdotes, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

In closing, Liam expressed his delight in attending the charity's 10th Anniversary Dinner and tonight's 15th Anniversary Dinner, expressing his hope to be present for the 20th Anniversary Dinner. He commended the charity for being comprised of exceptional individuals and conveyed his honour in supporting the charity both presently and in the future.

Lt Col Ant Maher brought proceedings to an end by once again thanking everyone for their attendance and then invited them to retire and join him, and the members of the chairty, and reflect on the proceedings of the night. 

Music was provided afterwards by the very talented local singer, Andrew Whittaker.

The Trustees of the Ancre Somme Association Charity would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that sponsored, supported and attended this event. Special thanks must go to Liam Beckett MBE, and Tracey, Brownlow House, Portadown Heritage Tours, Empire Poppy Store, Andy Whittaker.

On Thursday 19th October 2023 the Ancre Somme Association Charity unveiled a portrait of His Majesty, King Charles III, in the charities headquarters in Brownlow House.

On Thursday 19th October 2023 the Ancre Somme Association Charity unveiled a portrait of His Majesty, King Charles III, in the charities headquarters in Brownlow House.

The portrait by renowned Scottish artist, Helen Runciman, was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Margaret Tinsley.

Marking the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III. The portrait features the now iconic view of our monarch on the day of his Coronation with the magnificent Westminster Abbey as the backdrop.

Ancre Somme Association Chairman, Mark Jameson, said "We wanted to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Knowing Helen's work we were confident that she would be able to capture this historic occasion on canvas. She has surpassed all expectations as the portrait is stunning."

The Ancre Somme Association would like to take this opportunity to thank Helen Runciman and the Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, for the continued support they have given our charity.

The charity also used this occasion to present Coronation bibles to Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, Chairperson, Donaghcloney Royal British Legion, Helen Wilson and the Reverend Derek Kerr.

The charity are delighted to announce that they are publishing 100 Limited Edition Signed Giclée Prints in A2 and A3 formats.

A3 sized Prints (397mm x 420mm) priced at £125.00 each.

A2 sized prints (420mm x 594mm) priced at £175.00 each.

The prints are individually signed and numbered by the artist and come with a signed authenticity certificate.

Prints can be ordered now from this link.

If you would prefer to order and pay on collection please call 02838 810109

*ONLY 100 PRINTS WILL BE PRODUCED

Photo Credit: Philip Kilpatrick

On Friday 4th June 2022 events took place across the United Kingdom, indeed the globe, to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

The Ancre Somme Association were delighted to be part of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in the grounds of Brownlow House, Lurgan.

The "Party at the Castle", as it is known locally, Jubilee celebrations involved music and song, dancers, bouncy castles, face painting, crown making and various stalls.

There was also a cut out of Her Majesty which seemed to be very popular as those in attendance took the opportunity to have their picture taken with her.

Local MP, and ASA Charity Ambassador, Carla Lockahrt MP cut a fabulous of Jubilee cake and the also unveiled one of the ASA Charities Jubilee Stone.

We would like to take this opportunity to praise the organiser of this event.

Leaving a lasting legacy is very important to the Ancre Somme Association and we were delighted to see our Platinum Jubilee benches and Stones being delivered to various community groups and councils across the United Kingdom.

*Pictured to the left are Brooke-Lynn, Aimee and Poppy Vennard enjoying the celebrations at Brownlow House.

If you would like to learn more about our Platinum Jubilee Legacy Project please click here.

God Save our Gracious Queen and long may she be spared to reign over us.

On the 25th May 2022 the Ancre Somme Association Charity held a service, in the grounds of Brownlow House, Lurgan, remembering the 255 British servicemen who died during the Falklands War.

The Falklands War was a 10-week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over two British dependent territories in the South Atlantic: the Falkland Islands and its territorial dependency, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
 
The conflict began on the 2nd April, when Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands, followed by the invasion of South Georgia the next day. On the 5th April, the British government dispatched a naval task force to engage the Argentine Navy and Air Force before making an amphibious assault on the islands.

The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender on 14 June, returning the islands to British control. In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders died during the hostilities.

One of those killed was James Hughes from Killyleagh, Co Down. Jim, as he was known, joined the Royal Navy on the 12th February 1957 and served until the 16th January 1969. When Jim left the Royal Navy, he continued his service in the Merchant Navy where he stayed until the call to go ‘Down South’.

Jim was a Chief Petty Officer 2^nd class, Mechanic, on the Atlantic Conveyor. He died when the ship was sunk by an Exocet missile on the 25^th May 1982. Jim is believed to be the only person from the Falklands War to be commemorated on a war memorial in Northern Ireland.

During the service the charity planted a tree in memory of Petty Officer Class 2 Mechanic James Hughes. James Hughes, from Killyleagh, was killed in action when the SS Atlantic Conveyor was sunk on the 25th May 1982.

The charity were honoured to have members of James's family in attendance. His sister Janet and brother Joe unveiled a plaque in their brothers memory.

The family of James Hughes thanked the charity for organising the service. They also added that it helped them deal with the loss knowing that their brother has not been forgotten.

The Ancre Somme Association Charity would like to take this opportunity to thank those who attended this service.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

One of the most fabled moments from the First World War is to be re-enacted at and Irish League Football ground.

The football match that reportedly took place in no-man’s-land between Allies and German soldiers marking a Christmas in 1914 was recreated at Mourneview Park, Lurgan on Friday December 16, with proceedings starting at 7.15pm.

The charity commemoration was in aid of the Poppy Appeal and involved a team of veteran footballers from Northern Ireland going up against the Royal Irish Regiment’s Second Battalion.

The veterans’ line-up included former Glenavon strikers Stephen McBride and Raymond McCoy and ex-manager Terry Nicholson.

Before the game members of the Ancre Somme Association re-enacted the Christmas truce, backed by the choir from Lurgan College, who sang Silent Night in German, followed by an act of remembrance by Lurgan & Brownlow Royal British Legion.

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment led the teams onto the pitch and then played again during the half time interval.

Many footballers went to fight during World War One. Players from Glenavon, where the match was played, as well as other teams throughout the United Kingdom. We thought something linked to the footballers who gave their lives would be a worthy event and one that would engage with the younger generation.

The Royal British Legion was also heavily involved in the organisation of the event. Working in Partnership with the Ancre Somme Association the Royal British Legion played a key role ensuring that what was initially just an idea soon became a reality.

Chairperson of Lurgan & Brownlow Royal British Legion, said: “Believe it or not but this started off as a football match between RBL members and Ancre Somme members, and it has spiralled to the big event that it has become, we are overwhelmed at the number of people who wanted to be involved.”

As well as the many local school children who attended this event we were also honoured to have in attendance the First Minster of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster MLA and Colonel Hubert McAllister OBE.

This worthwhile cause really captured the imagination of the whole community and gave them a better unstanding of the sacrifice that was made by many sportsmen during the Great War.

Ancre Somme Association members, Mark Jameson, Chairman, and Lexi Davidson, Secretary, pictured recently receiving a crystal gift from Andy J D Allen and Thomas Keenan, from AA Veterans Support, in recognition of the support the Association has shown their charity AA Veterans Support.

About the charity

AA Veterans Support was established in 2011 to provide help, advice and guidance to those who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces and their families throughout Northern Ireland.

They deliver many vital support services in their 'drop-in and training centre', which is situated just off the Crumlin Rd, Belfast. They also deliver outreach projects and welfare support to beneficiaries throughout Northern Ireland. The services they provide include counselling, respite, complementary therapies, employability support, support groups, benefits and housing advice and guidance, welfare assistance and more.

They believe our service personnel, veterans and their families deserve our lifelong support, therefore they will endeavour to provide the necessary support services to enable those who serve or have served and their families to live an independent life.



Association Chairman, Mark Jameson explained that he was delighted to receive the gift and went on to say that the Association look forward to working with the charity again in the very near future.

Association Secretary, Lexi Davidson added that Andy is an inspiration to us all and our Association will never be found wanting when it comes to supporting his and other Armed Forces charities.

For more information on the fantastic work being carried out by AA Veterans Support please click here.

Sergeant Michael Willetts, GC (13 August 1943 – 25 May 1971) was one of the first British soldiers to be killed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the recipient of a posthumous George Cross for his heroism in saving lives during the Provisional Irish Republican Army bombing which claimed his own. The Harvey Andrews song "Soldier" commemorates Willetts' sacrifice.
 

Willetts was killed in Springfield Road RUC station by the Provisional IRA. A man in his mid-twenties emerged from a car and threw a suitcase containing a blast bomb into the lobby of the station. Willetts thrust two children and two adults into a corner and stood above them as the 30 lbs of explosives detonated, seriously injuring him. Seven RUC officers, two British soldiers and eighteen civilians were injured in the attack. Willetts was fatally injured by a chunk of metal from a locker which had struck him in the back of the head. As he was being removed by ambulance, he and the injured officers were jeered by local youths who screamed obscenities at them. Willetts died after two hours on the operating table at Royal Victoria Hospital.

The George Cross was awarded to Sergeant Willett's widow in June and the citation appeared in the London Gazette at the same time.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross to:

23910067 Sergeant Michael WILLETTS, The Parachute Regiment.

At 8.24 p.m. on the evening of 25th May 1971, a terrorist entered the reception hall of the Springfield Road Police Station in Belfast. He carried a suitcase from which a smoking fuse protruded, dumped it quickly on the floor and fled outside. Inside the room were a man and a woman, two children and several police officers. One of the latter saw at once the smoking case and raised the alarm. The Police Officers began to organise the evacuation of the hall past the reception desk, through the reception office and out by a door into the rear passage.

Sergeant Michael Willetts was on duty in the inner hall. Hearing the alarm, he sent an N.C.O. up to the first floor to warn those above and hastened himself to the door towards which a Police Officer was thrusting those in the reception hall and office. He held the door open while all passed safely through and then stood in the doorway, shielding those taking cover. In the next moment, the bomb exploded with terrible force.

Sergeant Willetts was mortally wounded. His duty did not require him to enter the threatened area: his post was elsewhere. He knew well, after 4 months service in Belfast, the peril of going towards a terrorist bomb but he did not hesitate to do so. All those approaching the door from the far side agree that if they had had to check to open the door they would have perished. Even when they had reached the rear passage, Sergeant Willetts waited, placing his body as a screen to shelter them. By this considered act of bravery, he risked - and lost - his life for those of the adults and children. His selflessness, his courage are beyond praise. 22nd June 1971.

To mark the 50th anniversary the Ancre Somme Association held a service in the grounds of Brownlow House, Lurgan, on the 25th May 2021. The association also unveiled a granite marker and planted a tree in his memory.

The Ribbon of Poppies project started in England in 2017 by a group called the Memorial Mob. The group are dedicated to creating memorials and events to help remember the "uniformed" services.

Their initial idea would see the creation of a carpet of crimson from Land's End to John O'Groats, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the end of the Great War.

Around the same time the Ancre Somme Association launched a similar initiative that had the same aims and objectives and it made sense to work in partnership with the Memorial Mob.

Since the launch of the Ribbon of Poppies project in 2017 hundreds of Scout, Cub, Guide and Brownie groups have pledged support, as well as a number of schools and other community organisations.

Soon after the launch it soon became apparent to all involved that this project was going to bigger than just the United Kingdom as pledges started coming in from all four corners of the globe.

This partnership helped ensure that the Ribbon of Poppies reached a wider audience and to date it has totally exceeded all expectations.

In 2018 members of the Ancre Somme Association felt that this project could be used to help educate future generations and they established the Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth.

This is now an annual project that will encourage the planting of poppy seeds, particulary by the younger generation, in memory of those members of the British Armed Forces kiiled in all wars and confilcts.

On Saturday 13th October 2018 a bronze bust on a granite plinth was unveiled in Lurgan in memory of Private William Frederick McFadzean VC.

About the project.....

18 months ago the Ancre Somme Association established a working group that became known as the William McFadzean VC Commemoration Society. This working group then commissioned the renowned Scottish artist, Helen Runciman, to create a bronze bust and 100 miniature cold cast busts of William.

Many months of meetings then took place with various groups and organisations to enable what was initially just an idea to become a lasting legacy to William.

Various fundraising ventures were also undertaken to raise the funds required. These were boosted with support from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and various local businesses.

Dedication and Unveiling......

The day finally arrived and although the weather was not being kind that didn’t not deter the resolve of the organisers. The scene was set and it was now time for the event to get underway.

Guest started arriving from all four corners of Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Special guests included the Great Great Nephew Of William McFadzean, members of the Navy, Army, RAF, Police and the NI Fire and Rescue Service as well as many National, Regional and Local politicians.

Ancre Somme Association Honorary President, David Martin, commenced proceedings by introducing the Sarah Graham School Of Highland Dance. The dancers were outstanding and although the conditions were not the best each one excelled in front of the watching crowd.

Ancre Somme Association continually try to involve and educate young people regarding their British Military history so they were honoured that so many Sea, Army and Marine Cadets, and their Officer, then joined them on Parade.

Next to take to the stage were the magnificent Northern Ireland Military Wives Choir. The ladies sung three emotional songs including Bring Him Home, which seemed very poignant on the day that was.

Just as the Military Wives Choir had finished their performance those in attendance welcomed the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment. The band were led on parade by the magnificent Brian Boru.

As the band finished playing everyone stood to welcome the Earl of Caledon, who is Her Majesty’s Representative in County Armagh who was accompanied by his Cadet. He was greeted by the Ancre Somme Association Patron Lt Col Ant Maher before being introduced to William’s Great Great Nephew.

Association Honorary President, David Martin, officially welcomed everyone to the days event before introducing the Reverend Alan McCann who led those in attendance in prayer.

Association Patron, Lt Col Maher, then addressed the attendees giving an insight into the Association before paying tribute to the sacrifice made by William, and so many other men, on the 1st July 1916.

It was then Association Chairman Mark Jameson who took to the stage and recited the poem, Soldier Boy McFadzean. This poem was written by fellow Association member Lexi Davidson.

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment played a selection of tunes before the soloist, Rhonda Kennedy, took to the stage and gave an emotional performance as she sung the Ballad of William McFadzean.

David Martin then invited the Lord Lieutenant, Earl of Caledon, to unveil the memorial. The Lord Lieutenant unveiled the memorial and took the time to view the memorial and read the wording before the Reverend McCann orated the words of dedication and the prayer for remembrance.

There then followed a service of remembrance with the Bugler of 2 R Irish the last post and reveille. A wreath was then laid by two cadets from the Sea and Army Cadets. 10 year old ASA Mascot Cameron Davidson then recited Binyon’s Lines. The Reverend McCann gave the benediction, David Martin thanked all for their attendance and support before the event ended with the National Anthem.

Later in the day a reception was held in the historic setting that is Brownlow House where music was performed by a quintet from 2 R Irish. ASA Patron Lt Col Ant Maher took the opportunity to thank everyone who worked on the project. He then present a miniature bust to William’s Great Great Nephew. Commemorative coins were then presented to the Cadets, their officers and the band by Honorary Colonel Hubert McAllister and William’s Great Great Nephew.

Although this brought the proceedings to an end the Association are hopeful that this will just be the start of a legacy that will see young people learning about men like William McFadzean VC and the sacrifice they made the secured the freedom we all take for granted today.

The NI100 Centenary Committee formed in December 2019 and had participants from various community organisations as well as representatives from various political parties.

The committee’s main aim was to ensure that right across Northern Ireland a legacy is created and that a roadmap towards the next 100 years of Northern Ireland. Various legacy projects were undertaken included a bronze bust of Sir James Craig, 1^st Viscount Craigavon, Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister, as well as Centennial benches and granite stones.

The committee’s focus was on education and providing an educational resource in line with the curriculum that can be utilised in all schools. In addition they focused on Northern Ireland’s rich heritage and culture, great minds and innovations, food and drink and sports and entertainment.

Learn more...

Ancre Somme Association presents a cheque for £2,000 to the Veterans with Dogs charity.

Veterans With Dogs trains and provides assistance dogs exclusively for current and former members of the British Armed Forces with service-related mental health conditions.

They specialise in providing trained assistance dogs for Veterans with mental health difficulties. Their goal is to improve quality of life and help lead independent lives by training assistance dogs in task-specific skills.

About the charity

VETERANS WITH DOGS was founded with the specific intention of training fully accredited assistance dogs to help mitigate the symptoms of mental health difficulties for our veterans and active-duty service members.

We saw the real need to establish a programme of training as there were no other organisations in the UK providing dogs specifically for mental health disabilities. The task was a huge undertaking, but seeing how veterans and their families suffer is a heart-breaking experience and only strengthened our resolve to do 'something' to help.

More veterans are dying from suicides as a result of the impact of the psychological and emotional trauma than have been killed in conflict. The divorce rate, number who are now in prison or homeless, and the impact these issues are having on their children of our veterans are shocking. Many have severed relationships, are afraid to leave their homes, get little sleep due to recurring nightmares, and are emotionally numb.

The money was raised from the kind donations we received from our packets of Remembrance Poppy Seeds from those who pledged their support to our Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth 2019 campaign.

If you would like to learn more about the fantastic work being carried out by the Veterans With Dogs Charity please click here.

The Ancre Somme Association remembered Signalman Paul Genge, Corps of Signals, who was murdered by IRA terrorists, in Lurgan, on this day in 1971.

At 5.00pm on 7 November 1971, while walking out off-duty in Lurgan, Signalman Paul Genge and Signalman David Grant were approached by two gunmen in a car on the Tandragee Road near the town’s hospital only several hundred yards from the factory. Seeing the gunmen, who were armed with a Luger pistol and a Thompson sub-machine gun, the signalmen ran but were unable to escape—Signalman Genge was shot and killed and Signalman Grant was wounded in the thigh.

Signalman Genge had joined the squadron six months previously from the Army Apprentices College, Harrogate. He was buried with military honours in the churchyard at Christ Church, Wheelock in Cheshire and is commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial and in the Royal Signals Roll of Honour.

A 50th Anniversary service of remembrance was held in the grounds of Brownlow House. A tree was planted in Paul's memory and a granite marker was unveiled to ensure that future generations always remember the sacrifice he made.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended today's memorial service including the Reverend Ron Johnston, ASA Honorary President, David Martin, ASA Honorary Piper Mark Smyth and Councillors Stephen Moutray and Mark Baxter.

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