Speaker for 29th November 2016
06/12/16 20:19
Coleraine Probus President Jim Archer greets Jennifer Cunningham, with club members John McKegney (L) and Des Moore (R)
Coleraine Probus and Local Memories
Coleraine Probus Club guest speaker at a recent meeting was Jennifer Cunningham with a topical talk for the 'average' member - “Unfolding Stories; Octogenarians”.
Jennifer is a founding member of Coleraine Historical Society, served as Chair for many years and editor of the society’s journal The Bann Disc, which has been published annually since 1994. Her interest in local history and genealogy revolved around elderly people and persuading them to record their life stories.
Jennifer's talk looked into the stories, and the unforeseen rewards of these tales on Coleraine's history archive, of five 80 year-olds. People like Bertie McKay, a salmon fisherman who worked at the Bann Systems and was skipper of the Bann Maid pleasure boat who in later life gave a talk at the Ulster University on the salmon fishery. Then there was Willie Lake, a local mechanic, musician and artist who listed every 1920’s Coleraine business from Kingsgate to Bridge Street. His research on local blacksmiths and forges revealed how, in bygone days, smithies served as community meeting places. As well as Joyce Martin and her war time reminiscence of encountering American troops bearing gifts of chewing gum and sweets. Joyce also recalled meeting children from the local Workhouse at the Irish Society’s School with their distinctive haircut and clothes - a very visible way of distinguishing and separating the children!
Jennifer’s presentation was both informative and amusing, it was also accompanied with a fine photographic display that prompted many memories, and a collection of all the editions of the Historical Society's Journal, which has now reached its 22nd edition. Many members had purchased copies of 'The Bann Disc' as they made good reading for anyone interested in local history AND were ideal Christmas presents too!
Footnote:
The Bann Disc journal is named after the Iron Age disc of the same name, held in the Ulster Museum (see below). However, the real 'disc' is a slight misnomer, as it was discovered at Loughan. If you would like to find out more about the Coleraine Historical Society, just 'Click' the disc. (this will open in a new window)
Coleraine Probus and Local Memories
Coleraine Probus Club guest speaker at a recent meeting was Jennifer Cunningham with a topical talk for the 'average' member - “Unfolding Stories; Octogenarians”.
Jennifer is a founding member of Coleraine Historical Society, served as Chair for many years and editor of the society’s journal The Bann Disc, which has been published annually since 1994. Her interest in local history and genealogy revolved around elderly people and persuading them to record their life stories.
Jennifer's talk looked into the stories, and the unforeseen rewards of these tales on Coleraine's history archive, of five 80 year-olds. People like Bertie McKay, a salmon fisherman who worked at the Bann Systems and was skipper of the Bann Maid pleasure boat who in later life gave a talk at the Ulster University on the salmon fishery. Then there was Willie Lake, a local mechanic, musician and artist who listed every 1920’s Coleraine business from Kingsgate to Bridge Street. His research on local blacksmiths and forges revealed how, in bygone days, smithies served as community meeting places. As well as Joyce Martin and her war time reminiscence of encountering American troops bearing gifts of chewing gum and sweets. Joyce also recalled meeting children from the local Workhouse at the Irish Society’s School with their distinctive haircut and clothes - a very visible way of distinguishing and separating the children!
Jennifer’s presentation was both informative and amusing, it was also accompanied with a fine photographic display that prompted many memories, and a collection of all the editions of the Historical Society's Journal, which has now reached its 22nd edition. Many members had purchased copies of 'The Bann Disc' as they made good reading for anyone interested in local history AND were ideal Christmas presents too!
Footnote:
The Bann Disc journal is named after the Iron Age disc of the same name, held in the Ulster Museum (see below). However, the real 'disc' is a slight misnomer, as it was discovered at Loughan. If you would like to find out more about the Coleraine Historical Society, just 'Click' the disc. (this will open in a new window)
