Broadcaster Peter Snow arrives in Rostrevor to speak at International Conference
Author and award winning journalists Peter Snow and Steve Vogel arrive in Rostrevor this week to give key addresses at a special conference focusing on the life and career of Major General Ross of Rostrevor.
Maynard Hanna, Development Officer Ulster Scots Agency, Marian Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison Officer Peace III, Robert Linden, Ross Conference local committee representative, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council Cllr Michael Ruane
The former Newsnight presenter Peter Snow was born in Dublin, the son of a British army officer.
Peter has written and produced a number of TV programmes and books on British History – most recently ‘When Britain Burned the White House – the 1814 Invasion of Washington’.
Peter joins Washington Post journalist Steve Vogel (author of ‘Through the Perilous Fight: Six Weeks that Saved the Nation’) as well as local historians, visiting lecturers and independent scholars from Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada and France this weekend, for a series of events which explore the life and record of Major General Robert Ross.
The conference, entitled ‘Personalities and Pivotal Moments in the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812’, is supported by Peace III Southern Partnership under the ‘Future Foundations’ priority funded through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, Newry and Mourne District Council and the Ulster Scots Agency.
MG Robert Ross became a British commander during the War of 1812 and he famously led the attack on Washington and set fire to the White House. A granite Obelisk was erected to his memory in Rostrevor in 1826 and vested by Newry and Mourne District Council in 2008.
Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council Cllr Michael Ruane said the conference would have local and international appeal.
“From a historical point of view there is significant international interest in Ross and the conference is part of a strategy to raise the profile of the Ross story with a view to promoting cultural tourism in the area.”
Peter Snow explained, “This is going to be a lively and memorable event. Northern Ireland’s part in what ranks as one of the most audacious military enterprises ever – the 1814 invasion and burning of Washington – is one of the highlights of British military history. I’m delighted that the Rostrevor conference will give us all the opportunity to discuss all aspects of it.”
Key speaker Steve Vogel stated, “The story of General Ross and the capture of Washington is one of the most dramatic and overlooked moments in American history. I expect this conference will shed new light on the story for interested parties on both sides of the Atlantic.
He added, “Holding the conference in Rostrevor is particularly appropriate, serving as a reminder of the important connections Ireland holds to this piece of history.”
Veteran Broadcaster Peter Snow
Peace III Southern Partnership Chairs, Cllr Roy McCartney and Dr James McCammick said, “Ross’ career provides a platform for exploration of a number of issues relating to identity and how we interpret history.
“Peace III, under the ‘Future Foundations priority’, provide opportunities such as these to engage a cross section of the community in discussions around our history, identity and how we can ethically remember and commemorate the past both of individuals and communities which impact on our localities.”
For more information or to book online visit www.macpr.co.uk/news or tel 028 4173 9017.
Major General Robert Ross three day event in Rostrevor
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=35460
Posted by Newry Times News
on Oct 14 2013. Filed under Community, Politics, What's On.
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