Service of Remembrance and exhibitions

The event is being held to celebrate the lives of those who gave ‘their all’ in the Battle of the Somme World War 1. The unveiling and dedication of a plaque of Commemoration. This service is an open event to all the community.

Also Stranocum LOL749 will be holding their Somme Service to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on Friday 1st July at Stranocum War Memorial at 8pm. Service will be conducted by Canon A A Johns accompanied by the choir of Bushvalley Primary School. The lodge would wish to invite all members of the community to join with us to remember the men who gave their lives 100 years ago.

Ballymaconnelly Renewal Group is inviting everyone to their First World War Centenary event on Thursday, June 30.

The event will be held in Ballymaconnelly Hall from 8.30pm. The event will include Johnston Star Flute Band plus WW1 related music by Diana Culburtson.

There will also be a drumhead ceremony with Ballymaconnelly Flute Band as well as a piper and lambeg drums. The lighting of a beacon will be a highlight of the event. For information and tickets call Dessie Elder on 07885758866.

Meanwhile don’t forget the Bushmills and the Great War exhibition begins in the Hamill Hall, Upper Main Street on July 1st.

Admission to the exhibition is free but it is hoped that people will give a voluntary donation.

There are many items that have never been on display before and among them is a bunch of pansies picked at the Somme in May of 1916 by Robert Carson. Also on display will be a set of local medals. This is going to be the best display so far and a Military Cross won by a local man will be another of the latest items.

The exhibition runs for a fortnight, 10am to 7pm with Sundays 2pm to 5pm.