P RO G R A M M E O F CO M M EM O R ATI VE E VE NT S 1 J U LY - 18 N OV EM B ER 2016
MAYOR’S MESSAGE It is an honour for me as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey to carry on the good work of The Somme Working Group who have developed a Somme Centenary Commemorative Programme for the Council to be proud of. The Council’s Somme Centenary programme will ensure that our Borough remembers and reflects upon the sacrifices of so many of our fellow citizens 100 years ago. The legacy of the Great War and this horrific battle, where so many local men lost their lives, lives on today and in commemorating these historic events, the Council hopes we can all better understand the enduring legacy and effect on who we are today.
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It is a real privilege to be the Mayor during the 140 days of commemoration, and I look forward to supporting and attending as many of the events and activities planned from 1 July through to 18 November. Particularly, those events being organised and delivered by our community groups, with Council’s support. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all who have worked so hard to put this programme together and hope as many as possible will engage with our commemorative programme.
Councillor John Scott Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey
SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOMME WORKING GROUP It is generally accepted by historians that events in history mould us into the people we are, The Battle of The Somme can be viewed as one these events in British History that helped to mould and create the Ulster Nation. In the lead up to the First World War people from Ireland were concerned about Home Rule and arming themselves in order to defend against this. In the North, recruiting and training was taking place by many groups of volunteers and in 1913 all the volunteer groups were formed into a single unit, to be known as the Ulster Volunteer Force. These volunteer armies were organised along the lines of the Territorial Army and led by officers such as Lieutenant Lawford Burne Campbell of the Mill family, who had served with the Regular Army during the Boer War. Training Camps for the volunteers were established at Mossley Mill, Ballykinler, Clandeboye and Finner in County Donegal. It was these volunteers who went on to form the 36th Ulster Division who fought so bravely and suffered such loss at The Battle of The Somme. Some who did their early training at Mossley Mill, never came back including 16 year old James Haveron and James Benison from School Road, Monkstown. Lt Campbell also lost his life serving alongside and dying with those he had recruited and helped to train and at Mossley Mill.
have copies of letters written home from the trenches by the Logan Brothers from Crumlin and Tom McKinney of Sentry Hill, which make fascinating reading. The Brothers worked on the Packenham Estate where Langford Lodge now is. William Logan was listed as missing and in the letters home, the surviving brother expresses his concern about his missing brother. A specially commissioned play included in the programme will tell the story of Tom McKinney of Sentry Hill. There are lots of similar stories to tell about those who died and those who survived the war and as part of this commemorative programme, it is hoped to publish a Memorial Book in memory of those from Antrim and Newtownabbey who gave their all in the Great War. The Council has prepared an extensive programme of Commemorative Events that we believe will provide a fitting tribute to those from this Borough who gave their all for freedom and democracy. Our thanks must go to representatives of local branches of the Royal British Legion and The Somme Association, who have worked alongside my elected member colleagues and I to create this commemorative programme in honour of all those lost and left behind. We will remember them.
Alderman Fraser Agnew MBE Chairman of The 100 Year Anniversary Battle of The Somme Working Group
This Somme Centenary Commemorative Programme has provided an opportunity to share much of the local history we know of in relation to the men who fought in this battle and the sacrifices they made. We ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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BATTLE OF THE SOMME PROGRAMME OF COMMEMORATION 1 JULY - 18 NOVEMBER 2016 1916 was a critically important year of The First World War for Ireland with The Battle of The Somme beginning on 1 July and the 38th Ulster Division sustaining heavy losses, many of whom were from what is now the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The Council in conjunction with local Royal British Legion and Somme Association branches formulated a working group to commemorate in a dignified and inclusive manner the 100th anniversary of The Battle of The Somme through the organisation of events and initiatives across the Borough. This commemorative programme commences on 1 July and runs for the duration of the Battle until 18 November 2016. The programme is being delivered throughout the Borough and includes a range of activity and legacy initiatives to ensure that in remembering the significance of The Battle of The Somme we can all understand its enduring legacy.
LIGHT UP RED The Council offices at Mossley Mill, Antrim Civic Centre as well as Ballyclare Town Hall will be lit up red from dusk on Friday 1 July as a symbolic gesture of reflection on the day 100 years ago that The Battle of The Somme commenced and so many were lost.
BLUE PLAQUE UNVEILING Crawford McCullagh (b. 1868, d. 1948) was the first recorded person to publicly call for a period of silence for the fallen of WWI on 11 July 1916 as reported by the Belfast Telegraph. In partnership with the Ulster History Circle the Council is erecting and unveiling a Blue Plaque at Crawford’s former home Abbeydene House in Whiteabbey, Newtownabbey at 11am on 11 July 2016.
MEMORIAL STONE The Campbell Memorial Garden at Mossley Mill, which includes a WWI replica trench will see the installation of a memorial stone bearing only the inscription ‘Known Onto God’ enhanced by poppy planting. This Memorial Garden and replica trench will be used throughout the centenary programme as venue for reflection and education.
ARTS AND REFLECTION PROGRAMME: LEST WE FORGET A series of workshops and historical presentations with interactive elements through the actual use of war artefacts will be delivered with senior citizens and community groups. Participants will be encouraged to share their reflections of what is known about the WWI and its legacy.
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SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
LEGACY PUBLICATION ‘THE FALLEN’ It is known that between 600 and 700 men from the Borough area were among the many 1000’s lost during not just The Somme, but throughout WWI. As part of the commemorative programme details and stories of as many of those from the Borough who died will be collected and used to produce The Fallen as a lasting tribute to those who never returned from the battlefields. This publication will form a unique and lasting record of The Fallen of Antrim and Newtownabbey so that their sacrifice is never forgotten. As part of this process residents will be encouraged to come forward with information and to share stories about their own loved ones. The Council’s website will carry information on how everyone with a story to tell or an ancestor to remember can participate.
STREET POPPIES The Royal British Legion will supply large replica poppies, one for each known lost life from the Borough, with individual poppies then carrying the name of the dead. This collection of several hundred poppies will then be placed on display in key locations throughout the Borough during the 140 days of the programme including Antrim Castle Gardens, Mossley Mill, War Memorials and Antrim Civic Centre. This symbolic display will ensure the sacrifice of all those lost is remembered throughout the Borough.
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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DRAMA
TOM THEATRE AT THE MILL FRI 1 JULY Time: 7.45pm THE OLD COURTHOUSE THEATRE SAT 2 JULY Time: 7.30pm Tickets £12 & £10 (Concession) Theatre at The Mill in association with The Amoory Theatre Company presents Tom. By the Edwardian era, the McKinney’s wellappointed house, Sentry Hill, was evidence of the prosperity and social status they attained through their successful farming in South Antrim. The McKinney’s could not have foreseen the flood of carnage and destruction that would sweep across the European continent in 1914. It was a tide of effects that would be felt across the island of Ireland and the rest of the world. Sentry Hill would not escape untouched as young Tom McKinney, the heir to the farm, joined the Royal Fusiliers in 1914 and died on 19 July 1916 as a result of his injuries at The Battle of The Somme. The play is his story, based on his letters and journals. This performance would not have been possible without the generous support of the Ulster Scots Agency.
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SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
DRAMA
DRAMA
THE PRODGER THE OLD COURTHOUSE THEATRE FRI 30 SEPTEMBER Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 & £10 (Concession)
The Prodger tells the story of the writer’s Grand Uncle Johnny, an Irishman from Waterford who fought at The Somme, woke up in a morgue and found his right leg amputated below the knee. This one-act play highlights the plight of the Forgotten; the Irish men who fought in WWI, endured its horrors and survived, returning to a new and divided Ireland where they buried their stories, never breathing a word of them to a single, living soul. This project has received financial support from The Executive Office through Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
CONCERT
A MOMENT IN TIME COURTYARD THEATRE COMMUNITY CHOIR
THE COURTYARD THEATRE FRI 14 OCT Time: 8.00pm Tickets: £12 (Includes Supper) THE OLD COURTHOUSE THEATRE FRI 21 OCT Time: 8.00pm Tickets: £6.00 (No Supper) This very special evening of music, poetry, and song by The Courtyard Theatre Community Choir will transport the audience back to the years leading up to 1916 and the profound impact the war had on the greater Belfast Community. The evening includes classics such as I’ll Tell Me Ma; The Mountains of Mourne, When Irish Eyes are Shining, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles among others with audience members encouraged to join in a Medley of the favourite Music Hall songs of the day. Truly a moving, poignant and at times comedic tribute to the brave men who gave their lives, and the community that endured. Includes a supper of Irish Stew (vegetarian option available), followed by Apple Pie.
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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CONCERT
MEMORIES OF THE LITTLE TIN BOX CENTENARY CONCERT THEATRE AT THE MILL THUR 20 OCT Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 & £10 (Concession) The Royal British Legion No2 presents a variety concert of music and dance to commemorate the Centenary of The Battle of The Somme. Hosted by Claire McCollum, the concert will unfold through music, dance, poetry and imagery from the battlefields. This evening promises to be a night of Nostalgic Remembrance for young and old alike.
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HERITAGE
MOSSLEY MILL REPLICA TRENCH CAMPBELL MEMORIAL GARDEN
The Mossley Mill site was one of the training areas for both the South and Central Antrim Volunteers prior to the outbreak of war. Both the 11th & 12th Battalions of the 36th Ulster Division were formed from these volunteer forces. The trenches were the front lines, the most dangerous of places. Behind them were a mass of supply lines, training establishments, stores, workshops, headquarters and all the other elements of the 1914-1918 system of war.
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
As part of the First World War commemorations, a replica Front Line Trench has been constructed a short distance from Museum at The Mill, near the entrance to the Newtownabbey Way.
The trench is open to the public each day, 9am-6pm. If you require further information please contact the Mill Reception; T. 028 9034 0000
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Drawing by Schools Competition Winner, Christina Jenkins; P7 Pupil Templepatrick Primary School
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SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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EXHIBITION
ANTRIM ARTS CLUB EXHIBITION MUSEUM AT THE MILL THUR 20 OCT - FRI 18 NOV Admission: Free A chance to view an award winning exhibition of paintings commemorating the Great War including The Battle of The Somme. Previously on display at The Linen Hall Library, Belfast this thought provoking collection of paintings by Antrim Arts Club members is running from Thursday 20 October until Friday 18 November.
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EXHIBITION
FLAX GALLERY, MOSSLEY MILL THUR 4 AUG - THUR 18 AUG CLOTWORTHY HOUSE, ANTRIM CASTLE GARDENS MON 22 AUG - SUN 4 SEPT
THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME The exhibition includes three private collections of memorabilia specially sourced for public display and will look at The Battle of The Somme from a local and international perspective. It commemorates the event through a range of media including a wide variety of artefacts and archival material, photographs, military uniforms, interpretative panels and audio visual material, in this centenary year. The exhibition will also provide access to Service Search international, a casualty tracing system along with a variety of information sessions, lectures and opportunities to meet the exhibitors. For details of dates and times please contact Museum at The Mill on 028 9034 0129.
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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EXHIBITION
FLAX GALLERY, MOSSLEY MILL SAT 3 SEPT - SAT 1 OCT CLOTWORTHY HOUSE, ANTRIM CASTLE GARDENS THUR 6 OCT - SUN 30 OCT
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ON THE BRINK
This exhibition looks at two of the key events associated with Ireland in 1916, the Easter Rising and The Battle of The Somme and sets them within their international context. Through artefacts, images, film and personal stories, it considers how these big events have been commemorated and remembered.
SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOMME CENTENARY LAUNCH On Wednesday 1 June 2016, the Programme of Commemorative Events for The Somme Centenary was launched by outgoing Mayor, Councillor Thomas Hogg at Flax Gallery, Mossley Mill. Speaking at the event, Councillor Hogg commented; “The centenary of The Battle of The Somme has significant resonance locally, given the huge numbers of men from all parts of Ireland who served in the British Army, and the many lives that were lost. Many men from what is now Antrim and Newtownabbey volunteered themselves for the war effort, and served with great distinction; both at The Battle of The Somme and elsewhere during World War One. It is right and proper that we should honour their sacrifice. “Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has committed to commemorate the centenary of The Battle of The Somme in a dignified and inclusive manner. This will take the form of a series of events and initiatives throughout the 140 day period of the battle. The Council programme aims to educate, inform and promote understanding of this historical event and the impact it had for the people of our Borough. “I invite all of our residents to engage with the inclusive programme of events and activities and remember the sacrifice made at The Battle of The Somme.”
ANTRIM ANTRIM AND AND NEWTOWNABBEY NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH BOROUGH COUNCIL COUNCIL
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GRANT FUNDED PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY EVENTS As part of its commemoration of the Centenary of The Battle of The Somme, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council established a small grants scheme. The scheme was open to applications from community groups for financial assistance in planning and running commemorative events within the Borough. The scheme has successfully encouraged a wide range of events running from June to November and outlined:
CARNMONEY DISTRICT CULTURAL SOCIETY Mon 20 June; 7.30pm: Parade and act of remembrance in Glengormley.
RATHCOOLE FRIENDS OF THE SOMME Sun 26 June: A pageant parade in Monkstown followed by a talk on the forces that took part in The Somme, and a display of memorabilia.
BALLYDUFF COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT GROUP 30 June; 6-8pm: Children’s Somme history workshops in Ballyduff Community Centre for 4 weeks followed by a Saturday lunchtime session open to the local community.
CLOUGHFERN DISTRICT LOL No. 24 Fri 1 July: An evening social event and historic talk in Whitehouse Working Men’s Club on the events of The Somme particularly those relating to banner imagery.
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EASTWAY FRIENDS OF THE FALLEN RATHCOOLE Fri 1 July; 7.30-11pm: an evening of WW1 music and song at the Eastway Social Club followed by a fireworks display at the Diamond, Rathcoole. Lectures at Rathfern Social Activity Centre will take place on 4 Aug, 1 Sept, 6 Oct and 3 Nov from 7-8.30pm.
BALLYNURE AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Fri 1 July: A morning service at Ballynure village War Memorial followed by breakfast and a walking tour of the village.
RANDALSTOWN SOMME COMMEMORATION Sat 2 July; 1pm: Open air concert by the NI Concert Band at Neillsbrook Playing Fields followed by a British Legion Parade through Randalstown, a commemorative service and a Parade from to Memorial Garden for Act of Remembrance.
KILLEAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sat 2 July: A festival at the Church with exhibitions and displays related to the First World War. Sun 3 July: A Commemoration Service in Killead Church open to all the community.
DOAGH CULTURAL SOCIETY LTD Sat 16 July, 10am-3pm: Living history event in Doagh Primary School recreating
SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
battlefield conditions as experienced at The Somme.
TEMPLEPATRICK ULSTER SCOTS Sat 30 July: Event in Templepatrick War Memorial Orange Hall with static and interactive displays of WW1and Somme memorabilia and historical talks with a full act of remembrance.
Thur 29 Sept: Exhibition and historical talk on The Somme by Davy Gourley and an exhibition of historical artefacts with displays relating to the local area. Fri 30 Sept: First public viewing of “Sixmilewater to Ancre” a local history project which tells the story of local connections to The Somme.
BURNSIDE ULSTER SCOTS SOCIETY
QUEENSPARK WOMENS GROUP AND THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS FORUM
Wed 28 Sept: Evening of remembrance and reflection on the anniversary of local lad, Rifleman William Harkin, 12th Battalion, RIR, killed on the 28 September 1916.
Fri 11 Nov; 7-10.30pm: An evening in the Barron Hall looking at the experiences of women and families left behind when their men went to The Somme.
Recipients of The Somme Grant funding pictured at The launch at Mossley Mill, 1 June 2016
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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USEFUL INFORMATION THE OLD COURTHOUSE THEATRE
THEATRE AT THE MILL
Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW
Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA
The Old Courthouse is located at Market Square in the heart of Antrim town centre.
Opening Hours:
Our Box Office is located in the theatre behind Mossley Mill.
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Opening Hours:
Opening hours will be extended for all evening events
Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm, Closed for lunch on Sat: 1-2pm
Tel: 028 9442 8331
Web:
Before performances 5-8pm
Tel: 028 9034 0202
www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ oldcourthouse
Web:
Facebook:
Facebook:
Old Courthouse, Antrim
Theatre at The Mill
ANTRIM CASTLE GARDENS & CLOTWORTHY HOUSE
MUSEUM AT THE MILL & FLAX GALLERY
Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH
Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA
Tel:
www.theatreatthemill.com
028 9448 1338
Opening Hours:
Email:
Mon-Wed: 10am-5pm, Thur: 10am-9pm Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 11am-4pm
clotworthy.reception@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Closed Sun and Public Holidays Free Admission
Tel: 028 9034 0129
Email: museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
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SOMME CENTENARY 1916 - 2016
THE COURTYARD THEATRE 585 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5RZ
SENTRY HILL HISTORIC HOUSE & VISITOR CENTRE
Our Box Office is located at Ballyearl Arts Centre.
40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4SX
Before performances 7-8pm
There is an admission charge for entry to Sentry Hill House. Please contact the museum for current prices. There is no charge for use of the gardens or café only.
Tel:
Tel:
028 9034 0202
028 9083 2363
Web:
Web:
www.thecourtyardtheatre.com
www.sentryhill.net
Facebook:
Email:
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm
The Courtyard Theatre Only 10 minutes from Belfast, there is ample FREE parking. For bus and rail directions, please check out our website or contact www.translink.co.uk 028 9066 6630
museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Opening hours: Apr, May, June and Sept Tue-Sun: 2-5pm July and Aug Tue-Sat: 10.30am-5.30pm Sun: 2-5.30pm Visits by schools and groups of 10 or over are welcomed throughout the year. Booking in advance is essential. Please contact Sentry Hill for details.
ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL
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“LEST WE FORGET”
www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/somme