Conflict items tour coming to Ballymoney

The exhibition has been organised by Healing Through Remembering (HTR), the cross-community organisation that focuses on ways of dealing with the conflict, with the aim of achieving a peaceful future for all.

The project is called Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict, and the launch at Bell Architects (65-67 Main Street, Ballymoney) on 12 April has been organised by Ballymoney Borough Council.

After the launch, the exhibition will be open to the public until 25 May. Opening hours are: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm; and late night Thursday openings on Thursday 19 April, 3 May and 17 May, 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

Items on show will include a CS gas canister turned into a working lamp. The canister was fired by the RUC during the Battle of the Bogside in 1969.

A binlid – used as a communication tool and a means of protest in nationalist areas.

An armoured clipboard carried by police at vehicle checkpoints in ‘high-risk’ areas. It was to give protection to officers if threatened with a handgun.

A sponger badge worn by Ballymena Councillor William Wright during a protest by loyalist strike leaders at being called “spongers” by the then Prime Minster, Harold Wilson.

A tape recording by photojournalist Vincent Dargan of live transmissions from the pirate radio Station Radio Free Belfast, manned by Civil Rights and People’s Democracy members during 1969-70.

Captive Verses - a book of poems by loyalist prisoners.

Behind the Barricades – an album by comedian James Young.

The exhibition will also include other objects, sound recordings, photographs and videos showing everyday events during the conflict. In total, more than 50 artefacts will be displayed.

There will be workshops to accompany the exhibition. These will offer practical activities and ideas for discussion based on the objects on display, to help promote understanding and appreciation of the different beliefs and perspectives of the conflict.

The exhibition comes to Ballymoney after being held for three weeks in Derry/Londonderry.

Several hundred people came to the event there, including visitors from Brazil, Germany, Palestine, Sri Lanka and the USA.

Entrance to the exhibition and workshop participation are free. People who would like more information about the project, or who would like to book a workshop, should contact

Triona White Hamilton, exhibition curator/co-ordinator, at Healing Through Remembering on 028 9023 8844 - email [email protected]

Healing Through Remembering’s online exhibition is adding more and more stories during the exhibition’s tour throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties.

If you would like to contribute a story about an everyday object you own, and which has been transformed by the conflict, please contact exhibition curator Tríona White Hamilton. - Tel: 028 9023 8844

Email: [email protected]