( June 2008 ) Pupils at Carrick Academy
have been involved in a very unique project funded by
Heritage Lottery Fund and run by May-Tag Ltd with the
support of Maybole Community Council and Maybole
Historical Society.
The past couple of months have seen the
young people working with professionals to form a ‘Young
Roots’ production team with the objective of producing a
DVD that will help them to understand and share the
story of their roots.
Those taking part had the opportunity to
be involved in workshops at the school’s Community Wing
to learn about film, acting, special effects make-up,
costume design, props and film setting.
The pupils looked at re-enacting
historical events that link directly to the symbolism in
the school badge. These included Robert the Bruce and
the Battle of Bannockburn; the marriage of Mary Queen of
Scots and the Dauphin of France; the Roasting of Allan
Stewart, commendator of Crossraguel Abbey; the poisoning
and burial of Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of
Cassillis; and Hugh Kennedy’s reward for his services in
France.
The crew was out on several different
locations filming on the first week of June. Kirsty
Gallacher, project manager said, “Everyone worked really
hard, like true professionals on a film set. I’ve been
very impressed with the commitment and efforts from the
pupils. It was a fantastic experience for all
involved”
The project has been a great success with
the help and support from the tutors working with the
pupils, Yvonne Kavanagh and Maria McCluskey (Director
and Assistant Director), Sharon Wilson (make-up artist),
Hamilton Digital Video Company (Film Crew), David Powell
(Art Director), Ailsa Rendell (Costume Designer),
Carrick 800 Battle Re-enactment Society.
Kirsty added that appreciation and many
thanks go to Culzean and Cassillis Estate, and Historic
Scotland for permission to film at Maybole Castle,
Crossraguel Abbey, Maybole Collegiate Church, and the
events field at Culzean Castle.
The pupils are hoping that very soon
everyone will have the opportunity to see the results at
a preview screening of the completed DVD, when all other
props, costumes and photographs will be on exhibit.
(October 2008) Some
Carrick Academy pupils recently had a sneak preview of a new DVD
which traces the history behind their school badge. Now they are
preparing to show everyone else what they have created at a special
showing of the DVD in Maybole Town Hall on Thursday, October 9 from
7-9pm. Entitled “Carrick Academy…its royal roots”, the production of
the DVD was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This allowed pupils to take part
in a Young Roots project to research their badge which originates
from the red chevron in a silver field, which is the coat of arms of
Carrick. The blue lions with red claws and red tongue came from the
coat of arms worn by the Bruce family. When Robert the Bruce, the
Earl of Carrick, became King of Scots his title moved into the
Scottish royal family and subsequently into the present royal
family. Prince Charles is the current Earl of Carrick. Maybole is
the ancient capital of Carrick which is the most southerly of the
three historical divisions of Ayrshire.
The Kennedys of Cassillis, the
principal land owners of Carrick and known as the “Kings of
Carrick”, were in the main responsible for providing a school
building and the schoolmaster's salary. In the badge, the black in
the quills is taken from the black cross-crosslets in this family's
coat of arms.
The book is the normal symbol used
to indicate a school badge. The motto "Superbe Gerimus" was supplied
by the Latin Department and means "We wear it proudly". The colours,
blue and gold, were chosen because of their association with the
Kennedy family. For distinguished service at Beugé in 1421, a member
of the Kennedy family had been given the right to use the blue and
gold colours of the royal family of France.
So Carrick has a badge which
really has royal roots! As well as the pupils’ families, others
invited to the special showing include South Ayrshire Provost
Winifred Sloan, Cathy Jamieson MSP, Sandra Osborne MP and local
councillors. There will also be an exhibition of the props and
costumes that were all created by the young people and photographs
that show the progress and participation of everyone involved.
The badge was only created in the
early 1950s and soon after some girls in IIIA made a school flag and
they sewed their names into the seam. They were Sheena Walker, Jean
McFarlane, Elizabeth McCrindle, Nancy Duncan, Anne Fraser, Betty
Heath, Anne Watson, Jessie Campbell, Margaret McCulloch and Helen
Kelly. If anyone knows where they are now they should contact Peter
Walker at 01655 883765. The school staff and pupils would be
delighted to see them on the night.
 A film on the
origins of Carrick Academy’s school badge was “premiered” in Maybole
Town Hall last Thursday evening. Peter Walker of May-Tag welcomed
everyone and thanks the Heritage Lottery Fund for providing £24,800
to fund the Young Roots project. He explained that the aim of Young
Roots is to involve 13-25 year-olds in finding out about their
heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting
community involvement. Young Roots projects stem directly from young
peoples' interests and ideas, harnessing their creativity and energy
and helping them work with others in their local community.
The development of the project had
been led by the pupils and supported by Kirsty Gallacher who has
been assisted by a range of experts. The pupils had been
involved in the research and the production of a DVD, which they had
called “Carrick Academy…its royal roots”, showing the historical
background of their school badge. This led to them learning new
skills from writing scripts, film make up, dress making in the form
of period costumes, making film props, as well as using digital
cameras and sound equipment. Mr Walker concluded, “The legacy
left by this innovative project is a DVD which will provide future
pupils at Carrick Academy with a clearer understanding of the
heritage and history of their school badge.
“I would like to take this
opportunity on behalf of the partnership and Carrick Academy in
thanking Heritage Lottery for the funding that has enabled over 65
pupils at the school to take part in this project, and to the many
external experts and supporters who have assisted them.” David
Kiltie outlined some of the detail behind the school badge and then
everyone viewed the DVD which was well received by everyone present,
including some former pupils who had attended the school at the time
of the badge being created by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The applause was long and loud as
the young people were invited to the front of the hall and presented
with scrolls of appreciation as were the adults who had been
involved. Head Teacher Rodger Stewart was also presented with a
framed DVD. Councillor Ann Galbraith, who presented certificates to
those who took part in the project, congratulated the pupils on the
professionalism of their work. She said she had not expected such a
first class history lesson when invited to the ceremony.
“The DVD,” she said, “was of an
exceptionally high standard and I’m sure the pupils all enjoyed
working on it. It could even lead them to look at new career options
as they have all learned skills they probably didn`t realise they
have. “Looking into the history of the school badge has unearthed
the area`s remarkable history,” she said, “which should make them
doubly proud - of their school and of Carrick.”
The organising committee, made up
of Maybole Community Council, Maybole Community Association, Maybole
Historical Society, and May-Tag with Peter Mason as chairperson. At
the end of the evening he said, “I would like to thank everyone
involved in the production of the Young Roots DVD. “This proves,
once again, the co-operation between Carrick Academy and the
community as a whole. “The production was a testament to the youth
of Carrick Academy, to the future well being of community
involvement to the town and the population of Maybole in general.
“I would strongly urge anyone who
has not had the opportunity to watch this DVD to do so, and learn of
the history that is attached to the Academy badge.” Well done to the
youth of Carrick, well done to all the production staff, and well
done to the staff of Carrick Academy. You have done your Academy,
and the town of Maybole proud.” Elizabeth Brunjes, Heritage Lottery
Fund Development Officer , was unable to attend but sent an email
saying, “Please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to
join you on this special evening to mark the launch of "Carrick
Academy…its royal roots.
“Having been involved in this
Young Roots application, I have always been aware of the level of
commitment, hard work and, of course, talent that has gone into this
production. “The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to support this
project and hope that the young people of Maybole have enjoyed the
opportunity to gain new skills and learn about their own rich
heritage.
“I hope that you are proud of your
contribution to ensuring that the story continues to be told. Good
Luck this evening and I look forward to hearing about plans for your
next application!” Cathy Jamieson MSP was unable to attend also, but
sent an email Peter, saying she was disappointed that she couldn’t
be there as it was geographically impossible for her to get to
Maybole in time.
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