Coleraine Historical Society News
29 September 2020 – Billy Bones -Some Memories of the Derry Central Railway
Some Memories of the Derry Central Railway While most of us are familiar with Billy`s long association with pantomime in Coleraine, perhaps not so many will know that Billy started his working life on the railway, with much of his early career spent on the Derry Central line between Macfin and Magherafelt It was Billy`s
25 August 2020 -1st Zoom Meeting – Discovering Mountsandel
Coleraine Historical Society’s First ZOOM Meeting 25 August 2020 – Discovering Mountsandel Rachael Garrett has been Secretary of Mountsandel Discovery and Heritage Group (MDHG) since its establishment in 2017. She has a keen interest in local history and the archaeology of Causeway Coast and Glens. As a result, Rachael has pursued a career in
17 March 2020 – AGM and Dinner
THE DINNER AND AGM WERE CANCELLED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

Harry Gregg
The well known footballer from Coleraine passed away on 17 February 2020 aged 87.
Harry spoke to our Society on 17 November 2009
18 February 2020 – Mike Jones on The Lost Gardens of Dunboe
18 February 2020 – Mike Jones on The Lost Gardens of Dunboe An illustrated talk by Mike Jones. Mike will talk about Sir Hervey Bruce, 4th Baronet and his wife Lady Ellen. She died in 1891 and 2 gardens were created in her memory in the secluded area skirting the south side of the Old
12 November 2019 -Launch of Bann Disc Volume 25
The launch of volume 25 2019 took place in the Sandel Centre on Tuesday 12 November 2019 at 7pm and the event was well attended. Chairman Geoff Warke welcomed members and guests and thanked the editorial committee for the production of this year’s journal. The guest speaker was Helen Perry of Causeway Coast

Outing – 21 September 2019
15 members of the Society visited St. Paul’s Church in Articlave, built in 1691. We were the first group to take the newly established heritage tour conducted by the organist Brian Simpson.
12 November 2019 – Bann Disc Launch
Volume 25 of the Bann Disc will be launched on Tuesday 12 November 2019 at 7.00pm in the Sandel Centre, Knocklynn Road, Coleraine. Members and guests are welcome.
Outing 22 June 2019
The first day after the summer solstice presented fine weather for our small but enthusiastic group which set off on the outing under the sure guidance of Maurice, our Causeway Coach driver.
AGM and Dinner 2019
Our AGM and Dinner, held on 19 March 2019 in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, was well attended by members and guests. Our Chairman, Geoff Warke, gave a review of the year and included a tribute to our late Chairman, Robert Anderson. After the elections to committee (see About Us page 3) an excellent meal was
Re-Opening of Coleraine Library
The newly refurbished Coleraine Library was officially opened on Thursday 7 February 2019 by H.R.H. Princess Anne. Members of the Historical Society were invited to be in attendance in the newly formed Heritage Room which contains Local History and Family History material.
Member’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Norman arriving with his son and daughters Our member Norman Irwin celebrated his 100th birthday on 17 November 2018. A lunch, which was held in the Bushtown House Hotel, was attended by over 100 guests including the Mayor, Lord Lieutenant and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Co. Londonderry. Norman received a card from the Queen and
Robert Anderson
It is with great sadness that we report the sudden death of our Chairman Robert Anderson. Robert passed away on Sunday 4 November 2018 after a short illness. He was a life long member of the Society, a committee member, frequent contributor to the Bann Disc and this year its new editor. Robert published many
Outing 23 June 2018
28 members and visitors had an enjoyable outing on a pleasant sunny day. Our guide for the day was Mr. Ken McCormack who joined us at our first destination, Dunmore House, Carrigans, Donegal. Here we were met by Lady McFarland who occupies the house. After tea and scones we were told of the history of
AGM and Dinner 2018
Anne-Marie Huston, Chairman Robert Anderson, Mike Jones, Speaker John McNally, Diana Kirkpatrick, Chris Kirkpatrick 56 members and guests enjoyed a meal in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine on Tuesday 20 March 2018. Robert Anderson was re-elected as Chairman and 4 new committee members, Jim McCleary, Bill Wilsdon, Ken Parkes and Geoff Warke, were elected to fill
Book Launch by a Member
Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 11 November 2017 was the venue for our member Ronnie Gamble to launch his latest book along with joint author Keith Ferguson. Champions of the Bann is a history of the Bann Rowing Club from 1841 to 1987. From left: Betty Bones, Diana Kirkpatrick, Billy Bones (President of BRC), Ronnie
Outing 17 June 2017
Twenty nine members and guests went on the Outing. Our first stop was Sinclair Seamen’s Church in Corporation Square, Belfast. A most interesting church which was built in 1857 and contains many maritime artefacts including the bell from HMS Hood (WW1), a ship’s wheel and capstan, an incliner, binnacle, ship’s log and an anchor. Our
AGM and Dinner 2017
Our AGM and Dinner were held in the Lodge Hotel Coleraine on Tuesday 21 March 2017. The existing committee was re-elected with Robert Anderson taking over the Chair from Barbara Harding. Sixty-six members and guests enjoyed an excellent meal followed by John Moore’s illustrated talk on the changing face of Portrush. In 1837 the first