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A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. ~Irish Proverb

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As the sound got nearer, a 4x4 vehicle with a trailer passed and as the driver noticed me with my camera, slowed down to allow me to view these two poor creatures whose only crime seems to be that they are to marry imminently. Sodden, bound and paraded through the streets - they didn't seem to be enjoying the view!

Where does this "tradition" come from? How does this "help" the couple celebrate their decision to spend a lifetime together? I don't know of any couple who sit down together on a wedding anniversary and re-live, through photos and laughter, such kidnapping and humiliation. Thankfully I missed out on this particular tradition thirty one years ago!

What about you? Leave a comment....

Dromore ran out comprehensive winners in this Kukri Qualifying League match at Barban Hill between Dromore and Cooke. Officials from both clubs enjoyed a fantastic lunch in the clubrooms before the game, sponsored by Trevor Hanna and Alistair Thompson. But from the first whistle, Dromore was determined to push for a win and a possible third place finish in the league. Dromore won 60-17.

Ted Carey, the President of Skeogh Flute Band recently enjoyed his 90th birthday. He joined the band in 1928 and, all being well, when the band turns out on the 12th of July morning to lead Skeagh LOL861 to "The Field" Ted will celebrate 82 years a member!

I was photographing the lovely ladies of Dromore to mark Women's Day of Prayer in Dromore Methodist Church and realised that I've photographed most of the fine church buildings in the town.

Katy Walsh from Hillsborough, Co Down, is more than just a pretty face. Katy works for Graham's Highway Management and Maintenance team driving a massive 32 tonne (when fully loaded) gritter and is the only such female driver in Northern Ireland.
Year 8 pupils at Dromore High School are dwarfed by the size of Katy Walsh's 32 tonne (fully loaded) road salt spreader. Katy called at the school to help students put the study of their science module, "Salt of the Earth" in context.

My family portrait work can take place in my Lurgan Studio or at your own home. Either way you can be assured of a friendly, personal but professional approach to your wedding and family portraiture. Contact me to book for Mother's Day.

Images from a recent family photoshoot in the client's home.

Rev Sam Peden of Dromore Non Subscribing Presbyterian Church welcomed Rev William McMillan MBE back to the church he was 'brought up in' to celebrated the life and service of former minister, Rev Alexander E Peaston. Mr Peaston, educated at Oxford and Harvard, was a well known character around the town for over thirty years. He was known as an erudite scholar and common sense minister, and was greatly loved by his congregation.
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Pupils and staff at Dromore High School enjoy the annual School Leavers Formal at Edenmore Golf Club, Magheralin. John Wilkinson (Headmaster) and his staff enjoyed relaxing with the young people they have taught and watched grow and develop over five years at the school.

Baby JJ was just 8 weeks old for his first photo shoot and he was in great form. Proud mum and dad have arranged for his progress to be photographed at six months and at his first birthday.

At the SWPP London conference I attended a superclass presented by Stuart Bebb. Stuart has won many awards for his work and at the conference's glittering Awards Dinner he was awarded 'Traditional Wedding Photographer 2009' AND 'Contemporary Wedding Photographer 2009'. In fact, I specifically chose Stuart's Superclass precisely because he was a major award winner at the two previous conferences that I attended. Stuart has been dedicated to capturing stunning photographic images for over 20 years. His stylish contemporary photography reflects today's lifestyle and he is known for his warm spirit and keen eye for detail.

The congregation of 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church turned out in force for a number of special events to mark the retirement of the minister, Rev David C. Porter. Mr Porter was ordained in 1976 and has been pastor to the Dromara church since January 2001.
Rev David Porter, who preached his final sermon at 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church, with wife Norma. The couple will retire to Coleraine.
Rev David Porter preaches his last sermon as minister of 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church. He preached his first sermon as minister on 7 January 2001.
The Right Rev. Dr. W. D. Patton, Moderator of the General Assembly, was welcomed to 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church by Rev. David Porter.
The Right Rev. Dr. W. D. Patton, Moderator of the General Assembly and congregation of 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church
Rev David Porter, his wife, Norma, and their family following his final sermon as minister of 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church. Mr Porter was ordained on 31 July 1976 and will retire to Coleraine.

I've recently covered a variety of sports in Dromore. Despite being a relatively small town, there's always lots going on and our local sports 'persons' and coaches are as dedicated as you will find anywhere.

Dromore Amateurs Youth FC




Dromore Ladies Netball Club

The January meeting of the Banbridge Business Network took place in Banbridge Enterprise Centre. Local entrepreneur, Russell Miller outlined his business background and described how he has set up and developed his SuperValu store at Dromore. The monthly member spot was presented by Alan Forbes of Hygiene Zone.

Alan and Russell are joined by Beth Gibb of Beth Gibb Associates after the meeting for informal networking.

The Network is into it's third year of operation and boasts a membership of over forty businesses from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Meetings take place at the Banbridge Enterprise Centre on the last Thursday of each month and begin with a light breakfast at 7.30am.

For a second year I was fortunate to work with Scottish photographer John Baikie at the SWPP conference. John Baikie ASWPP, LMPA is an international award winning photographer who specialises in weddings throughout the UK and Europe. He also undertakes high fashion lifestyle portraiture and his commercial work boasts an impressive list of clients. His shoots are described as "different", "edgy" but lots of fun. This was my second time working with Natalie also. Natalie is not only beautiful but patient, helpful and fantastic to work with. This year we were out and about the Novotel and its environs exploring the use of off-camera flash and video lighting.

"Children in a family are like flowers in a bouquet: there's always one determined to face in an opposite direction from the way the arranger desires."
Marcelene Cox

Family portraits taken at your home - contact me in time for Christmas.

A very prominent funnel shaped water tower occupies the high point in this riverless town, seen here in the distance from Drumballyroney Church.