IN THE BYGONE DAYS OF YORE ............................I was watching the news last night, listening to the fiasco on the parades, should they walk or should they not? To organise a parade you now need approval of certain unelected bodies? On a more local level its the bonfires, which are now organised by committees, these are addressed in certain areas by the elected councillors. Where do we site the bonfire and what can we burn on the bonfire? These are the usual questions to come up as we approach which should be a happy colourful pagent reflecting our history...............BUT WHERE HAS IT ALL GONE WRONG? When I was young and running about Dervock, we didnt need permission to celebrate our culture! Coming up to the 11th night we gathered wood for the bonfire, there was no committee required then and we certainly had no councillors advising us! When our work as gatherers was over we went home and sat in the house or around the unlit fire listening to stories about the village from a bygone age and waited till about 11 oclock and then our fun really began. People were up the street partying. At around 12 oclock the fire was light and for those who can remember Big Ronnie brought out the drum. It wasnt really a drum at all, basically it was an iron barrel cut down in size and battered with two iron rods. The big drum for us was the highlight of our nights entertainment, even moreso if you happened to be allowed to play it for a few seconds! The next day was July 12th and everyone was excited, we got up early in the morning, took a bath as there were no electric showers then ! My ma would then dress me in my Sunday best which no doubt she worked overtime in McVeighs to pay for and we went up the street to watch the band and Lodge starting off. The wee streets of Dervock was packed with both Catholic and Protestant waving at the Band and Lodge as they began their journey and no matter where the parade was, there was never in those days any trouble or objections. It went by peacefully and was enjoyed by both Catholic and Protestant alike. It was what we called a big day and everyone enjoyed it regardless of what creed you aspired to. Wouldnt it be great to see the old ways brought back where everyone enjoyed the 12th regardless of what religion you belong to
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 08:11:52 +0000
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