New World War exhibition

‘Across the Hawthorn Hedge the Noise of Bugles’ takes its title from the poem ‘Carrickfergus’ by Louis MacNeice, describing boyhood memories of the First World War in his hometown. The exhibition explores the social and economic impact of the outset of the War on the North East of Ulster between 1914 and 1915 through artefacts, photographs and personal stories.

The exhibition will open in Coleraine Town Hall from this Thursday, November 6, until Tuesday, December 23.

It will portray the impact the First World War had on daily life for those living in County Londonderry and County Antrim.

The exhibition is open 11am to 4pm, excluding Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.

The first of two exhibitions, ‘Across the Hawthorn Hedge’ forms part of a three year heritage-based project entitled ‘On the Brink: The Politics of Conflict 1914-1916’ funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project developed in a partnership of Causeway Museum Service and Mid-Antrim Museums Service aims to support community engagement discussing the impact and legacy of the outbreak of the First World War, the Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising.

Community groups across the Causeway area have been learning how to research the period.

The stories of local people and local events have been uncovered by local community groups throughout the Causeway area and will be featured in the exhibition.

The exhibition, which will also serve as a resource for a series of workshops, aims to provide fresh perspectives on local stories about recruitment and personal experiences of the early years of the war. Guided tours are available.