Historic Scotland Schools programme 2013
Why not click on to Historic Scotland’s Schools Programme scroll down to Dundonald Castle, and view the historical educational events being held at Dundonald Castle in May this year. Or indeed inform you school and encourage their participation.
Each 90 minute activity is led by Hugh Robertson of Living History. He is in character as a knight and leads groups around the exterior of the castle and the great hall, exploring its royal connections and focussing on hunting, feasting and banqueting and the links with the surrounding countryside. The final part of the visit involves an archery session.
A great day out whilst learning about Scottish History
Alternatively download the Historic Scotland Schools 2013 Programme (pdf)
Look at what you have missed by not visiting Dundonald Castle this past season.
‘Alastair Macdonald Opens the Castle’ image by Alastair Macdonald
All other pictures by Alan Kempster – http://www.flickr.com/photos/velton/
Halloween at Dundonald Castle
This year’s Halloween festival at the Castle embraced the theme of the recently successful animated film “Brave”.
Invitations were extended to all primary school children from the village to attend a trick or treat at the Castle by none other than King Fergus (Keith Gainham) himself. Resplendent in his kilt and carrying his broad sword, King Fergus conveyed an imposing figure as he sat upon his throne in the Laigh Hall of the Castle. This was no animated figure but the real thing. The children, and indeed their parents, were intrigued as to this appearance of a real live Celtic King.
King Fergus was ably supported by another character from the film, none other than the “Crafty Carver” (Irene McMillan), with whom the children were mesmerised by with her tales of potions and spells.
It must be said that if they ever consider a sequel to “Brave”, then we have a castle and the real characters here in Dundonald on a Halloween night at the Castle.
Click on the photos below to view the full size images.
Pictures by Alan Kempster – http://www.flickr.com/photos/velton/
“Strike up the Band” at Dundonald Castle
Kilmarnock Concert Brass provided the entertainment last Sunday afternoon for an invited audience of loyal supporters to the final concert of this season’s series held in the Laigh Hall of the Castle by the Friends of Dundonald Castle.
On a weekend when it “pure dead brilliant” to be a Killie Fan, the band provided a musical extravaganza with a programme containing the inspiring music of John Barry, Broadway Melodies, through to Queens Bohemian Rhapsody and a finally of Scottish Melodies.
There were excellent solo performances under the band’s conductor Raymond Tennant, with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Gethsemane” featuring Katie Ankers on the Soprano Cornet, followed by Yvonne Gray on the Flugel Horn, with Cole Porter’s “I’ve got you under my skin”.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the band’s unique performance of “I wish I could shimmy like my sister Kate” mimicking the tone and sound of the wind up gramophone of yesteryears.
The audience left the Castle very appreciative of an inspiring performance by a very talented band.
Pictures by Alan Kempster – http://www.flickr.com/photos/velton/
