Life in North Antrm down the centuries

So often history only deals with the important people and whatthey did and said, but this series aims to look at those who have gone largelyunmentioned but whose daily toil and experiences are most relevant to the livesof all of us today. Without them, society would not have developed as it hasand their story is just as fascinating as that of the “movers and shakers”.

The first talk in the new series looks at the theme of“Work”. The Scottish Planters were said to the have “the work ethic” and hardwork on the land was the commitment of their lives. Ballymoney was the townwhich marketed their produce and supplied them with the necessities of life.Known as “cow town” because of the huge cattle market, its linen hall sold highquality linen and there were cottage industries in many houses in Ballymoney.There were also weavers throughout the countryside and Balnamore developed asan industrial village. Hard work, long hours and poor conditions affectedeveryone. While workers took a pride in what they did, they always hoped forbetter days ahead. The diversity of their occupations, the challenges theyfaced and the quality of their work will be reviewed in this wide-ranging talk,which is a fine curtain raiser for this new series.

The series continues on Thursday 25 February with “Recreation”and concludes on Tuesday 30 March with “Customs and Traditions”.

All talks begin at 8pm in Ballymoney Town Hall and admission 2 includes refreshments.

The series is promoted by Ballymoney Borough Arts Committeein conjunction with Ballymoney Museum.