“It will be worthy of a free, enlightened and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence”
– George Washington

“America, an immense territory, favour’d by nature with all advantages of climate, soil, great navigable rivers and lakes, etc, was destined to become a great country, populous and mighty; and would in a less time than was generally conceive’d be able to shake off any shackles that might be impos’d on her, and perhaps place them on the imposters”
– Benjamin Franklin

“If there be one principle more deeply rooted than any other in the mind of every American, it is, that we should have nothing to do with conquest”
– Thomas Jefferson

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
– John Adams

“They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society. They reared the fabrics of governments which have no model on the face of the globe. They formed the design of a great Confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate”
James Madison

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”
– Benjamin Franklin

“It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force”
– Alexander Hamilton

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again”
– Thomas Paine

“Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people… it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”
– John Quincy Adams

“Without virtue there can be no liberty”
– Benjamin Rush

“Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a free man, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth”
– George Washington

“We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in”
– Thomas Paine

The 250th anniversary of American Independence, 4th July 2026

Bellowhead founder brings her own band to Dorset

RENOWNED folk singer, cellist and viola player, a founder member of folk big band Bellowhead, Rachael McShane brings her own band, The Cartographers, to Dorset for three dates, 18th and 19th July and 23rd August, at Studland, Marnhull and Buckland Newton village halls.

Hailing from the north east of England, McShane rose to prominence with Bellowhead, but alongside her work with that internationally acclaimed ensemble, she has built a successful solo career, releasing her debut album No Man’s Fool in 2009 and later signing to the prestigious Topic Records, the world’s oldest independent record label.

The Cartographers are guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and melodeon player Julian Sutton (who has performed with artists including Kathryn Tickell and Sting). Together, the trio creates a rich and vibrant sound, combining expressive vocals with intricate instrumental arrangements.

Blending traditional folk roots with contemporary influences, their music is both powerful and playful, bringing new life to familiar material while introducing original compositions full of energy and warmth. Known for their engaging stage presence and musical chemistry, The Cartographers have built a loyal following through live performances and critically acclaimed recordings.

The other performances on the short Artsreach tour are on Saturday 18th July at Studland village hall, Sunday 19th at Marnhull, and Buckland Newton on Sunday 23rd August.