Dervock to mark Danish Prince troops

With the official opening of Dervock Community hall there's a real buzz about the village thanks to the efforts of a number of volunteers who are intent on introducing more historically based event.
DERVOCK'S PRIDE. Peter Thompson (centre), main organiser of the President McKinley Birthday celebrations on Saturday, pictured with a cake to mark the occasion along with Ballymoney Museum Manager, Keith Beattie and Frankie Cunningham, who played a leading role in the event.INBM5-16 021SC.DERVOCK'S PRIDE. Peter Thompson (centre), main organiser of the President McKinley Birthday celebrations on Saturday, pictured with a cake to mark the occasion along with Ballymoney Museum Manager, Keith Beattie and Frankie Cunningham, who played a leading role in the event.INBM5-16 021SC.
DERVOCK'S PRIDE. Peter Thompson (centre), main organiser of the President McKinley Birthday celebrations on Saturday, pictured with a cake to mark the occasion along with Ballymoney Museum Manager, Keith Beattie and Frankie Cunningham, who played a leading role in the event.INBM5-16 021SC.

Local historian, Peter Thompson has been working hard on a number of initiatives and his latest idea has been greeted with enthusiasm.

In a blog on the Dervock and District History Group, Peter asks about the possibility of adding to the Dervock Festival of Running, the McKinley Birthday Luncheon and Trafalgar Day with another significant event.

He said: “Given the historical fact that the troops of Prince George of Denmark’s Danish Troops were billeted in and around Dervock prior to their advance to the battle of the Boyne in 1690 I think we should look at ways of celebrating this important period in our history.

“Now that the people have access to the Dervock Community hall it would be an ideal venue for Dervock’s unique “Boyne Festival”

“Each Orange Lodge in the Ballycastle District could be lettered and asked to provide an historical account of their particular Lodge and also asked to bring along their banners for display in the new Hall.

“Historians from the Orange Order could be invited to talk on the background and history of the battle and this would help strip away the myths from the reality and provide a better understanding of our history, heritage and culture.

“There could also be an historical display inside the hall complete with re enactors. (a mini Scarva) I believe that this would showcase Dervock’s links to the famous battle and would be a massive boost for tourism.”

The idea will be discussed in the coming days.

With the opening of the Community Centre in Dervock well and truly established it is now available for booking, This should be done through Causeway Coast and Glens Council by contacting Helen Dunlop at Riada House on 028 276 60200.

A small charge of £10 per hour will be required but that gives those booking full access to the ‘Centre’ and kitchen facilities.

Community activists in Dervock such as Peter are anxious for ideas from locals.

If anyone has questions or ideas for the Dervock and District History Facebook page or indeed the village, please call into Peter’s office or email [email protected].

A second office should be open during the summer and Peter can then be contacted at [email protected]

* Got a story? Email is at [email protected]

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