Milton Keynes' first ever St Patrick's Day Parade took place on Saturday 14th March 09 in ideal springlike conditions. A huge crowd led by a pipe band and interspersed with floats and numerous banners travelled from the Irish Centre in Manor Fields to the bandstand at Queensway. This colourful musical procession drew much applause from onlookers en route.
Arriving at the bandstand they were greeted warmly by Deputy Lord Mayor Euan Henderson. Dr Phyllis Starkey MP also addressed those attending. Mark Lancaster MP sent his apologies. The dignatories were presented with a sprig of shamrock by children in costume (members of the local Irish Dancing Schools).
After formalities, the carnival atomsphere resumed with the majority of revellers later returning to the Irish Centre to continue the party in honour of their patron saint.
posterMilton Keynes Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Bletchley,Milton Keynes,MK2 2HX
Telephone: (01908) 375978
Bletchley going green on March 14th for St Patrick
March 14th '09 sees Milton Keynes first ever St. Patrick's Day Parade! The parade will set off from the Irish Centre, in Manor Fields at 2pm jigging its merry way down Watling St, Aylesbury St and Queensway arriving at 3.00pm approx. at the Bandstand, Queensway.
Here it will be received by the Deputy Mayor, other dignitaries and early revelers. Free entertainment including music from popular band "Cerriden" will take place at the Bandstand until 4pm. Annette Irwin of the organizing committee said: "Everyone is welcome to join in the big party which is a cross community event, famously celebrated throughout the world around this time. Wearing of green isn't obligatory but joining in the fun is!"
Refreshments will be available back at the Irish Centre from 4pm, where the party will continue with a variety of music throughout the evening.
Contact for further details: Michael Crossan on 07929 790803.
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Notes for Editors 1
The Irish Centre has just enjoyed its 21st Anniversary and has been a prominent base for the Irish Community over the years. Originally, the Centre was based at Denbigh and due to the development of Denbigh in preparation for the MK Dons, it moved to Manor Fields in 2005. The present venue is much more spacious and allows the Centre to further its commitment, not only to the Irish community but, to the community in general. It is a base which allows the various Irish Groups to nurture their own talents and the Irish Society, Irish Heritage, Irish Language, Irish Dancing Groups, Irish Music and Set Dance group all enjoy the facilities of the Centre free of charge. The Centre attracts various funding from Dion, (the Irish Government) to ensure each group is encouraged and nurtured. In October 2008 the Centre was awarded funding from Dion to have our first St Patrick's Day Parade. A small grant has also been obtained from Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
Notes for editors 2
Life of St Patrick
St. Patrick was probably born either in England, Scotland or Wales. He was not Irish but is the patron saint of Ireland, and he was credited with converting Ireland to Christianity around 432AD. Much of his life is shrouded in mystery and historians differ on the probable chronology of the saint's life.
His name was Maewyn Succat whose parents were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies. As a teen he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland to herd and tend sheep on Slemish Mountain, Co. Antrim. During his captivity he became fluent in the Irish language. He escaped after having a dream sent from God in which he was told to go to the coast where he would find a ship waiting to sail to Britain. This he get and went to see in parents in Wales before traveling to France where he became a priest and later a bishop. Later he was sent another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him to come and walk among them. He preached and converted all over Ireland for 40 years. He built churches and fasted 40 days and nights on Croagh Patrick, and every year thousands of people climb Croagh Patrick to pay homage to St Patrick's mission. Legend says it was here on Croagh Patrick that he rang his bell and the snakes fled Ireland. It is believed that he died on 17th March 470 and is buried at Saul, Downpatrick. Hence St Patrick's day is celebrated on 17th March each year.
The first St Patrick's day celebration was held in Bolton hosted by the charitable Irish Society of Boston in 1737.
Legacies: Pota Padraig or Patrick's Pot is the name given to the measure of whiskey to be taken on St Patrick's day. Tradition dictates that a shamrock is floated on the whiskey before drinking, hence the expression, 'drowning the shamrock'
The Shamrock: This was the tool reputedly used by St Patrick to illustrate the Holy Trinity to convert the Irish Pagans.