A Palestinian wearing a keffiyeh sheds a tear in the colours of the Palestinian flag, along with additional tears of blood, over the “genocide” in Gaza due to the long-running Israeli blockade of Gaza, forbidding movement by air and sea and controlling what enters and exits via the three (land) border-crossings, and sanctioning the Palestinian Authority (led by Hamas). The mural has perhaps been prompted more specifically by the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and arrests of Palestinians in the West Bank – see the WP page on the 2014 Gaza War.
Handala is a cartoon character of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and apartheid (WP). He appears here next to the Palestinian flag outside the Museum Of Free Derry (web) in the Bogside.
This Caırde Sınn Féın (Fb) mural joins others in Conway Street sponsored by Australian groups. From left to right, the four are: Australian Aid For Ireland & Saoırse Melbourne | this Caırde Sınn Féın mural | AMWU mural | ETU (the Electrical Trades Union).
A new mural on the International Wall combines two current events. One is the furore surrounding the recent description of Islam as “satanic” by Belfast pastor James McConnell (Tele) (and a ‘Rally Against Racism’ to take place today (Saturday, May 31st) – Tele). The middle of the mural reads “Respect and defend our Muslim brothers + sisters – kardeslik azadi”.
The other is the death of Maya Angelou (WP), who died this past Wednesday (May 28th). Angelou is pictured in the top half of the mural, with Muhammad Ali, along with an Angelou quote: “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the past inaccessible.”
In the bottom half appear Padraig Pearse and James Connolly and a line from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic: “Cherish all the children of the nation equally.”
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (amwu.org.au) sponsored the mural above in Conway Street, west Belfast.
The painted plaque on the left reads, “Casement Memorial. In proud memory of the 10 Republican prisoners who died on hunger strike in “H” blocks of Long Kesh in 1981. “It is not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most who will conquer.” Terence McSwiney. Unveiled by Martin McGuinness, Sınn Féın MP MLA Minister for Education Wednesday 6/12/2000. Donated by AMWU, Craig Johnston State Secretary”. The plaque itself is in Carlton, Australia, named (presumably) for Roger Casement.
Secretary Johnston is on the left in the back. The flag to the right is the flag of the Eureka Stockade.
For the launch of a new organisation that aims to keep people with dementia in the community for longer – Derry Engages and Empowers Dementia (Fb | Family Support) – the front of Free Derry Corner (Visual History) was painted with its butterfly logo in purple and green.
“International pan-Celtic festival – Doıre”. The festival (web) is in its 43rd year and will be held in Derry from April 22nd to 27th (Transceltic).
in the centre, the Derry oak-leaf is painted in the flags of the six Celtic-language nations with “welcome” in the six languages: (by flag, clockwise from left) Irish (Fáılte), Scots Gaelic (Fàılte), Cornish (Dynnargh Dhis), Manx (Failt), Welsh (Croeso), and Breton (Degemer Mat).
“On behalf of the officers and members of the Whiterock flute band we would like to thank all our past members, families, loyal orders and community for your support.”
“A brief history: On the 21st February 1962 there was a new flute band established. This band was to be named the Whiterock flute band. It all began during the monthly meeting of Whiterock Temperance LOL 974 when Brother Andrew Johnston (Snr) backed by Bro. Jack King proposed that a junior band be formed. Little did they know that the band would be celebrating 50 glorious years in 2012.
The band’s first chairperson was Andrew Johnston (Snr), the role which has been filled by many after him. The original committee members were Billy Simpson and Joe Proctor. The initial band membership came mainly from the mixed area of the Upper Springfield Road namely New Barnsley, Moyard and the adjoining Highfield area. However over the years the ranks of the Whiterock have been filled with folk from all over Belfast. With a new band comes the need for instruments, the ‘John Brown’ flutes were purchased for a small fee of thirty bob (£1.50) whilst the side drums were kindly donated by the Springfield Methodist church and accompanying bands associated with the church obtained through Jimmy McClean.
With practices taking place in Whiterock Orange Hall and the band building a repertoire of music containing Blackboard of my Heart, Abide with Me and the national anthem all they needed now was a parade to get the show on the road. The first parade for the band was on the 29th June 1962 accompanying the Whiterock Temperance LOL 974 on their annual Whiterock parade, a parade which today still plays a large part in the band’s activities.
Two years later in 1964, the band was well establish and looked towards a uniform re-design; they opted for bright orange sashes, white shirts and the Balmoral Hat with the distinctive orange plume. The hat is still part of the Whiterock uniform today and in fact has become somewhat a trade mark of the band.
As well as the uniform, the band instruments also changed slightly in that they obtained ‘Big Bertha’ which is a half Lambeg rope drum and is still beaten by the band today, alongside this they began purchasing the Hawkes and Sons Crown AZ Bb flute which is also still played by the band. The Crown AZ flutes are a highly sought after instrument and are a lot more expensive than the John Browns purchased for £1.50.
The band had engaged with many organisations throughout their history, some of which have maintained long term relationships. On the band’s 50th anniversary 2012, we enjoyed the company of Ulster Convention LOL 242 for (37 years), alongside Britannia Junior LOL 32 (36 years). Other notable relationships are Beaconsfield RBP 224 (34 years) and ABOD Campsie Club (12 years) all presently engaged to date 2014.
Membership of the band remains consistent with many members having an impressive number of years service under their belt, in particular Alex Thompson (AT), who has a staggering 50 years marked in 2013. Looking towards the future, the band will stay committed to providing opportunities for our younger generations, to participate in the art of flute and drum, therefore keeping our glorious tradition alive.”
“Young Newton – in memory of our fallen comrades [centre:] Volunteer R. Warnock, W. Warnock, A. Petherbridge, K. Watters, G. Reid” [left:] “R. McCreery, V. Dougherty, J. Moore”, [right:] “R. Algie snr, T. W. Black snr, P. McCreery”. The “P. McCreery” name, “Always remembered”, and the border of poppies are new compared to the 2009 image of this memorial garden.
“Easter Sunday commemoration march. Assemble 2.00 pm Westland Street. Tírghrá.” The sign is the same as in 2013 (M09214), which was a modified version of the 2011 board (M06631).
Peter Moloney Collection 