The North / South Language Body Annual Report & Accounts 2009

Review of the Year2009 saw a further increase and diversity in the range of projects supportedby the Agency and demand for educational projects in schools continued togrow. To cater for the development needs of the community the Agencyrevised its Financial Assistance Scheme and this was approved by the NorthSouth Ministerial Council on 9 July 2009. These changes reflect the successof the Agency in promoting Ulster-Scots language, culture and traditions towider audiences across the 9 counties of Ulster as well as growing confidencein communities to organise and engage in Ulster-Scots events.Ó chlé: Dr Ian Adamson, Comhalta Boird an Ghníomhaireacht Ultach-Albanach; Lyndsey Hanna, OifigeachMargaíochta an Ghníomhaireacht Ultach-Albanach; Chris Newton, Bainisteoir ‘Park Centre’; agus Tom Hartley,Ard-Mhéara Béal Feirste, ag seastán an Ghníomhaireacht Ultach-Albanach ag an chomhthionscadal idir an ForasTeanga darbh teideal ‘Traditions Meet on St Patrick’s Week’.From left: Dr Ian Adamson, Ulster-Scots Agency Board Member; Lyndsey Hanna, Ulster-Scots Agency MarketingOfficer; Chris Newton, Park Centre Manager; and Tom Hartley, Belfast Lord Mayor, at the Ulster-Scots Agency Standat the joint Language Body project ‘Traditions Meet on St Patrick’s Week’.SERVING THE COMMUNITYIn 2009, Ulster-Scots community groups, assisted by the Agency’sdevelopment officers delivered a wide range of projects including music anddance tuition, summer schools, one off events, showcase events and festivalsfunded by the Agency. Over 100 letters of offer issued for music and dancetuition in local communities. Many of these tuition programmes werefollowed up with showcase concerts or dance competitions. The Agency alsosupported 36 Ulster-Scots festivals, 58 summer schools and 40 after schoolsclubs. Overall 59 applications were received from new groups or first timeapplicants resulting in a greater geographic spread of events.The Agency’s Development Officers delivered a series of seminars toprovide advice on these funding opportunities and they also provided help toenable the groups to avail of the funding. The Agency also continued to assistthe development of capacity within the Ulster-Scots community at grassrootslevel through our funding of the Ulster-Scots Community Network. The51