From Colmcille to Portrush peat...and folk storytelling!

Robin Ruddock will start proceedings with a talk on the Maritime Heritage of Portrush and Causeway Coast. Robin has thirty years experience working by and on the sea in outdoor and environmental education. The Celtic Legend of the Selkie refers to a creature that is part man, part seal, who is equally at home on land or sea. Robin has much in common with the Selkie and will offer us a glimpse into his world. Robin’s maritime talk will include the Colmcille Voyage and links to Dalriada, Traditional Yawls and Drontheims, Lansdowne and the restoration of Wild Goose, Ballintoy Boathouse and Portmoon Bothy.

Dr. Peter Wilson and Kieran Westley (Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster) will talk about Portrush’s Physical Heritage.

The presentation will consider sites of geological significance (White Rocks, Lansdowne, Ramore Head, sand dunes) and discuss the age, extent and significance of the peat bed that is sometimes visible on the West Strand.

Kate Murphy is a member of Amherst Writers and Artists and takes workshops in creative writing. She is a well known local storyteller and her talk will be about the heritage of folklore and storytelling. The same stories crop up, with variations, in many areas. Kate will tell us that the ‘Selkie’, in the legend referred to in Robin Ruddock’s talk, is sometimes replaced by a mermaid - perhaps lingering at Reviggerly!

The Heritage Group’s plans for summer 2015 include for setting-up Heritage Tours for residents and visitors to experience and John Moore, who is no stranger to Heritage Members, will take us through his ideas for future Heritage Tours of Portrush. He will also update us on matters relating to the recently published Lansdowne Master Plan

Everyone is welcome and please come early as the available seating is restricted to 100.

The event is free for Heritage Group Members ( £10 per year subscription) and non-members will be charged £3.