Historical Society launches new magazine

This is just one of a wealth of fascinating articles in this edition of the Society’s very successful journal which is sure to prove very popular with readers at home and abroad.

Society Chairman Tim Ferriss said that the magazine, of which the Society could be very proud, was the result of a lot of work by the four members of the sub-committee. He thanked them for their efforts. He extended the Society’s gratitude to those who had researched and given talks to the Society and whose work appears now in written form. He thanked all who had helped in any way and especially the local businesses who had supported the magazine by placing adverts in it.

Society member Ross Chapman said that it was difficult to express in words the ethos of the Poyntzpass Society. Their rare mix of excellent speakers, informality, humour, friendliness and interesting activities keeps members actively involved. The Society was founded in 1971 and with well over 100 paid up members and an attendance at monthly lectures often exceeding 70 throughout the winter months. The production of 12 volumes was remarkable and illustrated what could be achieved when there was a mix of camaraderie, enthusiasm and ability. The Society was lucky to have all three in abundance.

Speaking on behalf of the magazine sub-committee, Frank Watters stressed the importance of the talks given to members at the monthly meeting as a source of material for the magazine. The content of the current magazine consisted of two types of local history - that based on research of written records of one kind or another and that which was recording oral or spoken history - people’s memories of what they experienced themselves and what they had been told. The latter was the much more urgent and was an area where the Society should try to be more active.

‘Local aspects of the Plantation of Ulster’, ’Livestock Marts and Dealin’ Men’, the story of ‘The Acton and Tyrone’s Ditches Volunteers’ and ‘School-days remembered’ as well as many more varied and interesting articles. There is the text of a very interesting interview with Lissummon ladies, Sara and Minnie Savage recorded 30 years ago and the transcriptions of headstone inscriptions in St Joseph’s Poyntzpass and Poyntzpass Presbyterian churchyards, which are sure to provide hours of interesting browsing.

Over 100 pages long and costing £5, ‘Before I forget..’ is a genuine bargain and is sure to be a best seller. Copies are available in several shops in Poyntzpass village, as well as in Banbridge: – Walsh’s Newsagents, Scarva Street ; Donaghy’s Newry Street and F.E. McWilliams Gallery.