This week we continue on the theme of the 700th
anniversary of the judicial murder of Sir William Wallace in London on
23 August 1305. By the time you read this the historian and author
David R Ross will be well into his 450 mile Walk for Wallace, following
in the footsteps of the great Scottish hero from his betrayal at
Robroyston to his horrific death at Smithfield.
The Society of William Wallace will hold its annual
commemoration at the Wallace Memorial, Robroyston, this Saturday, 6
August 2005, at 2pm. After the commemoration members and friends
are invited to enjoy a buffet and refreshments at the Fort Theatre,
Kenmure Avenue, Bishopbriggs. The theatre is about 15 minutes
drive from the Monument.
The main Society of William Wallace commemoration
will take place on Saturday 27 August 2005 at the Elderslie Wallace
Monument. Elderslie was the birthplace of our National Hero c1270.
As usual the rally at the Monument will be proceeded by a march from
Johnstone. Those attending are requested to assemble in Ludovic
Square, Johnstone, at 2pm for the 2.30pm march off. The main
speakers will be Provost Ronnie Burns, Renfrewshire Council; David R
Ross, Convener of the Society of William Wallace; and Professor Ted
Cowan, Professor of Scottish History, Glasgow University.
Further Wallace 700 commemorations will be held in
Aberdeen and Stonehaven and details of same will appear in next week's
Flag.
Remember you can pay your own homage to Sir William
Wallace by visiting the Wallace Monument, north of Stirling, which is
open all year round. The 200 ft high tower was opened in 1869 to
pay tribute to the great Scottish freedom fighter. The imposing
monument stands appropriately on the Abbey Craig from which William
Wallace watched the English army gather on the south side of the Forth
in September 1297 prior to his victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
The climb to the top is well worth while as the view is magnificent.
You can take a break in climbing the 246 steps by visiting three
chambers with artifacts and exhibitions.
Rabbit and Onions is the recipe for this week, to
reflect the fact that William Wallace and his men, whilst conducting
guerrilla warfare, would have had to live off the land. Rabbit,
deer and fish probably played a large part in their diet.
Ingredients: 1 rabbit, skinned, cleaned and jointed;
seasoned flour; roast dripping; 1 onion, chopped; salt
and pepper
Method: Melt the dripping in a pan and brown
the onion. Coat the rabbit with flour. Brown the rabbit
well. Add seasoning and enough water to cover. Simmer gently
for 1-1½ hours or until the rabbit is tender. Taste for seasoning
and serve.
