Coleraine Historical Society News

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.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Saturday 11 June 2016 29 members and 4 guests left Coleraine at 9.30am to visit Lissan House near Cookstown. On arrival we were served scones, tea and coffee in the ballroom. This was followed by a conducted tour of the house lasting over an hour. The original part of the house dates back to

Sixty eight members and guests attended the AGM and dinner in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. Last year’s committee was re-elected. An excellent meal was followed by an interesting talk by speaker Alison McCaughan. She chose various dates from the 1600’s onwards and told us in what state the town of Coleraine would have been. 2016/2017

Back row, (L to R):- Hugh McGrattan, Ashley Hawley, Jon Marshall, Tommy McDonald, Charles Smith (Treasurer), Front row, (L to R):- Felix Agnew (Chairman), Pauline Stevenson, John Moulden (Vice-Chairman), Maggie Forbes, Peggy Vowles.

At present (November 2017) we have 106 Local Members and 25 Associate Members

Recently members of the Committee have submitted articles to the Down Memory Lane Page of the Coleraine Chronicle. These usually appear once a month. So far we have done: Old Killowen – 4 March 2015; What was in the news 50 years ago? – 9 July 2015; The Model School Coleraine – 27 August 2015;

Several members of the Society attended this event which was organized by Garvagh Museum and held in Ballintemple House, near Garvagh, on 18 June 2015. Wilbert Patterson gave a short history of the Heyland (pronounced Highland) family who came to the house in the mid 1760’s.  Major Heyland was killed at the Battle of Waterloo

On 13 June 40 members and guests set out to Donegal. A stop for tea was made in Londonderry and then the group proceeded to Culdaff for a light lunch. This was followed by a visit to Culdaff House where its fascinating history was explained. Cronca Church and Cross was the next stop and then

To our member Joan Bell who received the B.E.M. in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours for contributions to the Performing Arts.

2015/16 committee Back row L to R: Nigel McIlwaine, Michael Thompson, Joanne Kennedy, Chris Kirkpatrick, Mike Jones.      Front row: Diana Kirkpatrick, Barbara Harding, Anne-Marie Huston Fifty four members and visitors attended the AGM and Dinner in the Lodge Hotel and it was an enjoyable evening. The after dinner speaker was  Dr. John Kerr who entertained