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At the Mulvin Free Presbyterian Church.
This is what a typical Irish cottage would have looked like during the Potato Famine.
At Lurgan Church of the Nazarene.
Having a good time with George Lowden!
 
The Lowden Jazz model has an exciting, rich Nylon String tone, yet it feels like a great Steel String!
 
This Baritone has a wonderful Bastone Walnut back and a Sitka Spruce top.
The Ferris Wheel next to Belfast City Hall.
Standing in front of the Killyleagh Castle gate!
 
I wonder if this an "original" fixture of the Castle? :)
On the Radio, Belfast!
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At the Ulster/American Folk Park in Omagh. |
A Blacksmith's shop.
Gluing on the bracing for a Baritone.
A top before, and another during the "voicing". This is one of the ways the Lowden team achieve that famous "Lowden sound"!
We also got to meet George's son, Daniel in the Setup room.
A great Quilted Maple Alex De Grassi Signature Model.
Check out the figure in this Tasmanian Blackwood!
A stunning Ziricote back for a Richard Thompson Signature Model.
The Gate in front of Hillsborough Castle.
A lovely view of Killyleagh!
I imagine it must be amazing to live in!
With my host, Ivan Martin.
| BIT 26 August 9, 2008
Well, we're now in Northern Ireland! And we've been having a marvelous time. We headed up by train to Belfast, and after a long day, ended up going over to Derry in Londonderry County, where Rev. Morris Baxter picked us up and brought us over to the small village of Victoriabridge.
We met him & his wife Chrismar when I played at a Church in Galway a month ago. We stayed a week with them at their home and they were so much fun, we laughed so much and were always going somewhere and seeing the local sights and meeting their friends, it was a great time. While there Dad & I ministered at his church, and after the evening service I played a Concert plus I got to play at a picnic they had set up for the local children.
Morris is so funny...he's always cutting up and his Wife is the best cook...my dad told her to pack because she has to come with us as we travel....we're going to miss her great meals!
A few days later Rev. Baxter took us to see the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Co. Tyrone. We had an awesome time there. It is really a "must see" if you're ever in N. Ireland! I'll be posting a few more pictures on that soon.
He also took us to see Derry, Co. Londonderry a few times, and we saw some beautiful scenery on our drives! This area is lush farmlands and quiet villages, really very beautiful.
We then went to Lurgan, Co. Armagh where I ministered at another Church of the Nazarene, and spent a few days. The Pastor, Steve Hughes was very hospitable, and is a talented Musician and Songwriter as well. He has a very nice CD of his songs available too!
From there Andy McNeill picked us up and brought us to Ballynahinch, Co. Down. Over this past week we have been blessed to get to know him and his family.
That same day we had the privilege of spending the afternoon with George Lowden. He is quite a gentleman. He took us on a tour of his "factory"... his guitars are really hand crafted, and than gathered up 3 guitars for me to try out in the office.
A Jazz (Nylon String) model, a Baritone and a regular Steel string. Each one had a unique voice, but I was especially impressed with the Jazz & Baritone models. It was my first time playing a Baritone. I'll have one someday I'm sure! The Jazz is a great sounding Nylon string guitar... and great playing too! It really feels like your playing a steel string guitar.
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| While in Ballynahinch we've been blessed to stay with a lovely couple, Sam & Naomi, on the outskirts of town. The other day Naomi took us to see Hillsborough Castle. It is the Queen's residence whenever she is in Northern Ireland. We took the tour and there happened to be an exhibition by the Silver Trust. It was well worth going to.
A few days ago I also got to see Killyleagh. The Castle is from the 12th Century, and it is one of the few castles in Ireland that is still in working residence today. It belongs to Col. Rowan-Hamilton.
Last Sunday I played and ministered at 3 different Churches! It was a very full day, but it was a great blessing. Yesterday, I also was on a Radio Interview in Belfast... It was a great interview, and they invited me back whenever I'm back in Belfast!
We'll probably be going over to England next week. We'll see what happens though... Just keep checking my Tour Page to see what's planned.
Thanks for reading and take care.
Buddy | | 
A view of Belfast Castle. |
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