Scoill Ree Gorree, also known as the Ree Gorree Building, can be found on the campus of Bunscoill Rhumsaa on Lezayre Road (A3) on the western approaches to the town of Ramsey.
The translation from Manx Gaelic is as follows King Orry School, can be found on the Campus of Ramsey Primary School.
King Orry was King Godred of Crovan a well-known Manx legend. He took control of the Island and many of the islands between it and Norway, in 1079 after the Battle of Skyhill which was fought not too far away from the school named in his honour.
Mike Boulton was a teacher at Ramsey Primary School, both at its former site on Albert Road and at its new home on Lezayre Road.
From the Manx Music website:
"Manx music legend Mike Boulton RBV was awarded the ‘Spirit of Ramsey’ shield last month. At a reception to mark his retirement as Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, Captain Nigel Malpass said the new award will be presented annually to 'unsung heroes' who demonstrate great community spirit in the town. He added that “Mike works tirelessly helping the youth develop their skills, whether it be musical or sporting”. Although he is retired from Ramsey primary school, Bunscoill Rhumsaa, Mike still goes in most mornings to teach Manx music to the youngsters, as well as running teenage group Bee er dty Hwoaie. The commissioners invited Mike and one of his students, harpist Arabella Ayen to perform at the reception, which gave Captain Malpass the opportunity to surprise Mike with his award!"
and from the Culture Vannin Website:
"Mike Boulton
Year: 1996
The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan Trophy for 1996 was awarded to the (now retired) Albert Road teacher Mike Boulton for his contribution to the revival of interest in Manx music and dance.
Since 1967 Mike has inspired hundreds of Manx school-children to become aware of and actively involved in the development of traditional Manx music and dancing. As a Manx speaker, Mike was an original member of the music group Bwoie Doal, which first introduced Manx music to the pubs in Peel and further afield and which in turn encouraged many others to become involved in Manx cultural activities.
In 1977 he created the Mooinjer Veggey (Little People) group at Albert Road and continued to develop it for many years, gradually introducing new arrangements and harmonies so that the music would become accessible to a wide range of pupils. As a result of Mooinjer Veggey’s success, several other groups such as a Mactullagh Vannin, Share na Veg and Paitchyn Vannin emerged, all stemming from Mike’s enthusiasm and encouragement. The interest he sparked has remained with them and former pupils often volunteer to help him run groups, which maintains continuity. Mike encourages his pupils to compose their own tunes in the folk idiom and to diversify and experiment with their own instruments.
Between 1988 and 1994 he was involved with the Saturday music workshop at Ramsey Grammar School, which gave children of all ages from the north of the Island an opportunity to experience Manx music. He has also been a strong supporter of Yn Chruinnaght and was competitions secretary for several years.
Ramsey MHK Allan Bell was pleased that Mike was being rewarded for years of quiet hard work and effort: ‘Many people have felt for a long period of time that Mike deserved some recognition for the work he has done for Manx culture.’
Presenting him with the award, Bernard Caine said: ‘He has played a major part in creating an atmosphere of appreciation and participation in the revival of Manx music and culture’. Culture Vannin were delighted that he was the recipient of the 1996 Reih Bleeaney Vannanan.
Since receiving the award, Mike has spent a further seventeen years inspiring children to play Manx music. Now retired, he still runs Share na Veg at the Bunscoill Rhumsaa (formerly Scoill Ree Gorree) and has also established Bee er dty Hwooaie for Ramsey Grammar School students. Mike makes a range of instruments for pupils to use and, as a multi-instrumentalist, provides basic tuition for them."
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