Mayor hails new history volume

Councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan was speaking at the launch of the 21stvolume at Coleraine Library last Wednesday night.

“It’s amazing it has continued o ver so many volumes,” she said, congratulating everyone involved in its production.

Congratulating the Society, which she said is thriving in its 31st year, councillor Knight-McQuillan said the magazine featured “a valuable set of articles and illustrations.”

“It’s an intriguing piece of work and you should all be very proud of it.”

The mayor also praised the Society for its role in making history so accessible to future generations and urged them to continue their valuable work.

Earlier, Coleraine Historical Society chairperson, Barbara Harding had welcomed the mayor to the packed launched.

She commended Bann Disc Editor, Jennifer Cunningham, for her prodigious industry in putting the “marvellous” new magazine together.

Addressing the audience, Jennifer said she was particularly pleased with the illustration on the cover, a striking watercolour painting of Coleraine Inst.

Jennifer said the theme of anniversaries ran through the new edition.

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, there were stories of two local heroes from Garvagh and Portstewart.

And marking another anniversary, well known historian Robert Andersonproduced another interesting piece about the Second World War.

The edition also contains alist, though not definitive, of locals involved in the disastrous Gallipoli campaign 100 years ago.

Other highlights include articles about coach building in Coleraine, the Hugh Wade undertakers businesses and cycling on the north coast.

Jennifer expressed sincere thanks to Jean Clayton who was “a tower of strength, support and encouragement” , Tommy McDonald and Darren McClean for their expert advice and all those who contributed articles for the new work.

During an enjoyable evening guests were able to peruse fascinating photographic displays and memorabilia from bygone days as well as being able to purchase a copy of the new Bann Disc.

Jennifer was also delighted to present the mayor with her own personal copy of the book.