‘Community & Crown’ Jubilee exhibition

The official opening was attended by the Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Mrs Alison Millar, Deputy Lieutenant, Lady Karen Girvan and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes.

The Mayor said: “This is a wonderful array of memorabilia and historic royal content for our residents and visitors to enjoy.

“We have been fortunate to welcome the Queen to the Causeway Coast and Glens area on five different occasions – creating memories which are treasured by those who were there. I am very pleased to see this exhibition focus on those who were privileged to meet the Queen during her visits. These voices and experiences provide such a special insight as we reflect on her 70 year reign during this Platinum Jubilee year.”

The exhibition takes visitors on an historical journey through Queen Elizabeth II’s visits to Northern Ireland, as well as the momentous time she spent in Dublin in 2011.

Through informative panels, objects, and photographs, the display reflects how the community celebrated the Queen’s Coronation and her visits to the Borough in 1953, 1977, 2007, 2014 and 2016. Visitors can listen to personal recollections at dedicated oral history stations, including memories shared by local residents and recorded as part of a Museum Services project.

Another innovative element is an inter-generational video, funded by the Northern Ireland Museums Council, which sees children from Ballymoney and Eglinton nurseries pose questions to residents of Cramsie Court in Ballymoney about the Queen’s visits through the years.

Bunting made by over 300 primary school pupils will be added to the exhibition while a dedicated play area includes a themed dress-up box and colouring in for younger visitors.

The exhibition is open until August 27. Admission free. Coleraine Town Hall open Tues-Sat, 11am-4pm.