Northern Notes

‘While everyone knows Carrick Castle, not everyone is aware of the vital role the town played during the war, few seem to know that it was home to the US Rangers, one of the key regiments on D-Day, storming 100ft cliffs to seize the Pointe De Hoc battery and all that began in Carrickfergus.

‘I started recounting the significance of Carrickfergus and the stories of its townsfolk to friends and family,’ he continued, ‘and one suggested that I set up a walking tour to share them with local people and visitors. As a result, Lead the Way guided tours were born.’

As well as educating people on Carrickfergus, Adrian hopes his tours inspire people to go back to their relatives and encourage them to tell their stories of times gone by, preserving the memories to be passed on to their own children and grandchildren. By learning more about his father’s life, Adrian has been able to pass his stories down to his own son, introducing him to a grandad he never got the chance to meet, but now knows through the stories Adrian has uncovered.

More than anything else, Adrian wants people alive today to be grateful for the sacrifices of all the people who lived during World War II; parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, who gave up their lives to allow us to take for granted the things we do today.

‘Everyone who is alive today has a relative who survived World War II, from members of the armed forces who were jumping out of planes, on the front-line risking life and limb, to their families at home bringing up children and keeping the country moving. With limited technology, they exchanged letters or waited for the dreaded telegram notifying them their loved one was killed in action. ‘In those days, they had to stretch rationed food to last the week, grow vegetables to make ends meet, and make do and mend clothes, passing them down to younger generations. There were regular blackouts, soldiers everywhere and difficult times for everyone, filled with worry and anxiety. Sharing these stories highlights how much we take for granted today.

‘Many people around the world have family who lived locally, served or were evacuated here during the war, and the tour gives them an insight into what life was like at that time and an emotional connection to relatives who lived in Carrickfergus during wartime.

‘I hope that these tours will lift the veil and show how the memories of our friends and families are entwined in our common history and ensure the efforts of those who lived through the Second World War endure, and are acknowledged by future generations.’

Flowerbeds in bloom across the Causeway Coast

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes and Councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan pictured at one of the NI 100-themed flowerbeds located near the Lodge Road roundabout in Coleraine. Special flowerbeds are in bloom across Causeway Coast and Glens marking the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland.

The creations are part of a wide-ranging NI 100 programme organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council taking place throughout 2021.

The Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes, recently met with the Chairperson of Council’s NI 100 Working Group, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, at the site of one of the displays at Lodge Road roundabout in Coleraine. ‘These themed flowerbeds are a beautiful addition to our towns ‘ the Mayor said, ‘and a colourful reminder about the significance of this anniversary as we reflect on 100 years of Northern Ireland.

‘To date, we have launched our ‘Famous Sons and Daughters exhibition, held a creative arts competition, presented bespoke centenary coins and certificates, and distributed small grants to the community. This is just a glimpse of what is happening, with more to follow as the year continues. We are very proud of the varied projects we have put together to mark this historic occasion which will seek to showcase our borough, celebrate our strengths and build on good relations.’

Historic concert for Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle will provide the backdrop to a spectacular display of military music, as the Massed Bands of the Army's four Irish Regiments perform together in Northern Ireland for the first time in 35 years. The evening will feature displays from the bands of the Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment, alongside the pipes and drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Queen's Royal Hussars. There will also be a special performance from a choir of Fijian soldiers who serve in Irish regiments.

The event is being organised in conjunction with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and will take place on 11 September at 7pm. A small number of tickets will be made available closer to the event, however, it will be live streamed across Council’s online platforms, with the public encouraged to enjoy the showpiece at home. Further information will be released soon.

‘The Irish regiments of the Army have a long and distinguished record of service,’ said Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, ‘and it is fitting that the bands of those regiments are gathering in Carrickfergus, a town steeped in military history, to perform on this special occasion. ‘There are many historic military and royal links in this area and right across Mid and East Antrim which have added to the rich tapestry of our Borough’s history. Forces here for such a special way to celebrate what they do, and to remember those who have served in the past. ‘The stunning backdrop of Carrickfergus Castle is the perfect setting for what will no doubt be a perfect celebration and tribute to our Armed Forces.’

‘On behalf of the Colonels of the Irish Regiments, we are delighted to be collaborating with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to deliver a spectacular event of The Massed Bands of the Irish Regiments,’ added Lt Col Simon Baxter, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

‘This will be a truly magnificent and dazzling event involving a number of musical displays from across the four Irish Regiments, the first of its kind in four decades.We are privileged and honoured to be able to showcase our musical talents to the people of Northern Ireland.’

William McCaughey, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim