Thursday was yet another productive day. We began by meeting Reverend McClure, with Larne First Presbyterian. We shared a letter that Pastor Douglass Key had written and discussed many ways to revive the partnership between the two churches.
Immediately following the visit with Reverend McClure, we spent some very productive time with Valerie Martin, with the Larne Times. We discussed the possibility of having columns monthly where we can outline the happenings across each town.
For lunch we spent time with the Rotary Club, at their monthly meeting. Allison spoke at the meeting and hopes that a relationship with the Clover Rotary Club can be established. The group was certainly receptive to the idea. Our biggest surprise was seeing Pat Thompson at the meeting!
Thursday afternoon we spent time in Belfast and barely made it back to the car before the parking deck closed. We made it just in time!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Liam Kelly, Master of Larne History
Wednesday's agenda began with a fabulous tour of a museum in Larne. The building was originally a Carnegie Library that was later converted to a museum. The historic items outlining the history of Larne were amazing.
We spent the rest of the morning with Liam Kelly, who gave us additional history of Larne. Those who know Liam know what type of walking encyclopedia he is. Not only is he on every possible committee in and around Larne, but he also knows his history!
For lunch we had a meeting with LEDCOM, which is an economic development company in the area. They shared their approach that has made them successful. They've built a number of units in industrial parks, but instead of building big spec buildings, they've separated the space into smaller units. For the most part these are not retail shops but rather small industrial. We also visited FG Wilson, which is a subsidiary of Caterpillar. This is an amazing, huge operation. We finished our time with David Gillespie with LEDCOM by meeting with the technical director over a company that could possibly expand its business into Clover in the future. By the way, Allison almost drove David to drink by her driving!
Wednesday night we had a marvelous time with Fred Andrews, Liam Kelly, and their lovely wives. We had dinner with them at the Halfway House, which is owned and operated by a former boxing champion. Mayor Burris took him down in 5. (kidding of course)
We spent the rest of the morning with Liam Kelly, who gave us additional history of Larne. Those who know Liam know what type of walking encyclopedia he is. Not only is he on every possible committee in and around Larne, but he also knows his history!
For lunch we had a meeting with LEDCOM, which is an economic development company in the area. They shared their approach that has made them successful. They've built a number of units in industrial parks, but instead of building big spec buildings, they've separated the space into smaller units. For the most part these are not retail shops but rather small industrial. We also visited FG Wilson, which is a subsidiary of Caterpillar. This is an amazing, huge operation. We finished our time with David Gillespie with LEDCOM by meeting with the technical director over a company that could possibly expand its business into Clover in the future. By the way, Allison almost drove David to drink by her driving!
Wednesday night we had a marvelous time with Fred Andrews, Liam Kelly, and their lovely wives. We had dinner with them at the Halfway House, which is owned and operated by a former boxing champion. Mayor Burris took him down in 5. (kidding of course)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
School Visits & Sister City Signing Ceremony
Tuesday was another long but productive day. Our delegation visited several schools as outlined below.
Larne High School
We were very impressed with Principal Armstrong and the students at Larne High School. After we presented a Blue Eagle football jersey to the Principal, we toured the school and spoke with some of the 600 students. Each time we entered a classroom of kids, they all stood in their uniforms to recognize Principal Armstrong. After touring the facility, we met at length with the Principal and Vice Principal.
Larne Grammar School
The name of this school may be a bit misleading to folks in the US. This is not what we would consider an elementary school. It's actually a school of 720 11 to 18 year old's. The kids who plan to continue on to a university, attend Larne Grammar School. We toured the facility and saw these bright kids working away in the classrooms. The Principal is very interested in working with the Clover School District.
St. Comgall's College
This is a Catholic school of approximately 200 students. We sat down with the new Principal at the school, who told us that they are about to combine with two other Catholic schools in the area.
Roddensvale School
We were delighted to get to see the kids at Roddensvale after some of them visited with us earlier this year. The facility is almost as amazing as the kids. After touring the school, we were able to enjoy some great singing by some of the kids. Mason stood out to all of us. He has an incredible memory, recalling the name and mascot of the opposing team they saw play the Charlotte Knights. He sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" like we've never heard. Then, he quized each of us by asking us who we are and what we do. He asked some of us if we worked in a restaurant because of our white shirts with the same Town of Clover logos. He made our day with laughter!
Sister City Signing
We attended a Sister City Committee Tuesday night, where the final order of business was the official signing of the sister city agreement on Ulster soil. Both Mayors signed the agreement, and then came the hundreds of pictures! Honestly, we can't wait to share the pictures of the two delegations together. This was a long time coming. We then exchanged gifts, had dinner in the Mayor's Parlor, and chatted at length with our friends from Northern Ireland.
Although the visits with the schools were very productive and promising, the highlight of the day was being able to sign the agreement with Larne. Many Clover leaders and residents have worked hard to develop a relationship, and we feel fortunate to be able to represent Clover in taking the next step in this partnership.
Larne High School
We were very impressed with Principal Armstrong and the students at Larne High School. After we presented a Blue Eagle football jersey to the Principal, we toured the school and spoke with some of the 600 students. Each time we entered a classroom of kids, they all stood in their uniforms to recognize Principal Armstrong. After touring the facility, we met at length with the Principal and Vice Principal.
Larne Grammar School
The name of this school may be a bit misleading to folks in the US. This is not what we would consider an elementary school. It's actually a school of 720 11 to 18 year old's. The kids who plan to continue on to a university, attend Larne Grammar School. We toured the facility and saw these bright kids working away in the classrooms. The Principal is very interested in working with the Clover School District.
St. Comgall's College
This is a Catholic school of approximately 200 students. We sat down with the new Principal at the school, who told us that they are about to combine with two other Catholic schools in the area.
Roddensvale School
We were delighted to get to see the kids at Roddensvale after some of them visited with us earlier this year. The facility is almost as amazing as the kids. After touring the school, we were able to enjoy some great singing by some of the kids. Mason stood out to all of us. He has an incredible memory, recalling the name and mascot of the opposing team they saw play the Charlotte Knights. He sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" like we've never heard. Then, he quized each of us by asking us who we are and what we do. He asked some of us if we worked in a restaurant because of our white shirts with the same Town of Clover logos. He made our day with laughter!
Sister City Signing
We attended a Sister City Committee Tuesday night, where the final order of business was the official signing of the sister city agreement on Ulster soil. Both Mayors signed the agreement, and then came the hundreds of pictures! Honestly, we can't wait to share the pictures of the two delegations together. This was a long time coming. We then exchanged gifts, had dinner in the Mayor's Parlor, and chatted at length with our friends from Northern Ireland.
Although the visits with the schools were very productive and promising, the highlight of the day was being able to sign the agreement with Larne. Many Clover leaders and residents have worked hard to develop a relationship, and we feel fortunate to be able to represent Clover in taking the next step in this partnership.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Blown Away
Monday's itinerary included visiting the famous attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route. Although the day was bitterly cold and very windy, the group enjoyed the tour that was thoughtfully arranged by the Larne Borough Council. Oh, yes, we traveled on our own which was an adventure in itself.)
First stop was Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Licensed in 1608, Bushmills has successfully survived fire, Prohibition, and World Wars.
The next stop was Dunluce Castle. These castle ruins date back to the 13th century. It was truly amazing to see the walls still standing.
Traveling back toward Ballygally, we stopped at the famous Giant's Causeway. As legend has it, the giant Finn MacCool constructed the causeway to reach Scotland. The hexagonal shaped rocks actually were caused by slow cooling lava over 60 million years ago. We all agree this site is one of the most fascinating places in the world.
Last on our tour of the Antrim Coast was Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge. After hiking roughly 2 miles down a path at the very edge of the high cliffs, we saw the 65' rope bridge hanging 80' above the sea which crosses to a small island. Although the bridge was closed (did we mention how windy it was - tropical force winds at least - atypical even for Northern Ireland), we were thrilled with the views of the Causeway Coast.
If you are interested in any of the sites mentioned here, visit www.causewaycoastandglens.com. Our delegation was blown away (in some instances, quite literally!) by the Causeway Coast. You will be too.
First stop was Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Licensed in 1608, Bushmills has successfully survived fire, Prohibition, and World Wars.
The next stop was Dunluce Castle. These castle ruins date back to the 13th century. It was truly amazing to see the walls still standing.
Traveling back toward Ballygally, we stopped at the famous Giant's Causeway. As legend has it, the giant Finn MacCool constructed the causeway to reach Scotland. The hexagonal shaped rocks actually were caused by slow cooling lava over 60 million years ago. We all agree this site is one of the most fascinating places in the world.
Last on our tour of the Antrim Coast was Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge. After hiking roughly 2 miles down a path at the very edge of the high cliffs, we saw the 65' rope bridge hanging 80' above the sea which crosses to a small island. Although the bridge was closed (did we mention how windy it was - tropical force winds at least - atypical even for Northern Ireland), we were thrilled with the views of the Causeway Coast.
If you are interested in any of the sites mentioned here, visit www.causewaycoastandglens.com. Our delegation was blown away (in some instances, quite literally!) by the Causeway Coast. You will be too.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
We Have Arrived
After traveling for two solid days, we have now arrived at Ballygally Apartments, which is located in a small village just outside of Larne. The travel was terrible, but the facility here is great. Although we haven't gotten to tour Larne yet, we have certainly liked what we've seen. The three-hour drive from Dublin to Larne was beautiful and uneventful thanks to good driving by Brad Harvey. He scared us a few times, but overall, he did a great job.
Now that we are here, we are looking forward to beginning the many meetings and visits that we have planned. Despite the delay, we have only missed one event that was originally planned. We will lose the little bit of free time that was scheduled, but fortunately, we will be able to make our remaining meetings and events.
We are leaving now to grab our first real meal, and we're doing so after being up for 30+ hours. Hopefully we can adjust to the time tomorrow.
Now that we are here, we are looking forward to beginning the many meetings and visits that we have planned. Despite the delay, we have only missed one event that was originally planned. We will lose the little bit of free time that was scheduled, but fortunately, we will be able to make our remaining meetings and events.
We are leaving now to grab our first real meal, and we're doing so after being up for 30+ hours. Hopefully we can adjust to the time tomorrow.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Clover Lampoon
We write this initial, travel blog from the illustrious Quality Inn, in beautiful Glouster City, NJ. We had a 90-minute delay, which US Airways says was caused by air traffic. However, we think it was caused by our first rain in the area in almost two months (go figure). Once we arrived in Philly for a connection, we waited on the tarmac for close to another hour. Although we sat in the plane from Charlotte at the gate in Philly, our friends at US Airways sent our flight without us. You'd think that they could wait 15 minutes and make that time up in the air. In addition to the seven of us, there were at least four others sitting around us on the flight from Charlotte who also missed the connection to Dublin. After two hours of trying to get re-routed, we finally got tickets for a departure on Saturday that connects in Germany. This should put us to Dublin 27 hours behind schedule. After having to argue with US Airways management (use that term loosely), they finally agreed to put us up in a hotel 30 minutes away in another state. We thought we'd get our luggage and head to the hotel around midnight. Wrong! We were told by the US Airways official that they couldn't get to our luggage, so we all have to travel in the same clothes for two days. If you ever get an overnight kit from US Airways, don't use the toothbrush. Get one at the airport.
We're about to get kicked out of the "Indian-themed" breakfast buffet at the Quality Inn, so we'll sign off for now. We can only hope and pray that today is not nearly as bad as yesterday!
We're about to get kicked out of the "Indian-themed" breakfast buffet at the Quality Inn, so we'll sign off for now. We can only hope and pray that today is not nearly as bad as yesterday!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Itinerary Highlights
We're just a couple of days away from our departure date and the excitement continues to build. I have heard so much about Larne and its similarities to Clover. I can't wait to experience it for myself and send pictures to Clover through this BLOG.
As for our itinerary, we plan to do some sightseeing and taking in of the local color. We also have meetings planned with the Larne Borough Council, the Ulster American Society, the Economic Development Company, numerous local business and industries, Larne news media, local schools, Rotary Club, etc. Of course, we will also be signing the Sister City Agreement.
The purpose of this BLOG is to keep everyone abreast of what we are doing and our initial impressions of the outcomes of the meetings.
Until next time. Allison
As for our itinerary, we plan to do some sightseeing and taking in of the local color. We also have meetings planned with the Larne Borough Council, the Ulster American Society, the Economic Development Company, numerous local business and industries, Larne news media, local schools, Rotary Club, etc. Of course, we will also be signing the Sister City Agreement.
The purpose of this BLOG is to keep everyone abreast of what we are doing and our initial impressions of the outcomes of the meetings.
Until next time. Allison
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