150 years at Coleraine Inst

COLERAINE Academical Institution is to hold a programme of events to mark its Sesquicentenary Celebrations this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jan 2010, 08:35 BST

Principal Dr David Carruthers and his staff have been working hard to finalise a series of sporting and 'Old Boy' functions at the Castlerock Road school.

The first of these is a Service of Thanksgiving in Terrace Row Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 31 at 3.30pm.

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Looking ahead, the school will host a visit from representatives of The Honourable The Irish Society on Monday, March 8.

Later that month, on March 24, Inst's first fifteen rugby team will play an Ulster Schools' XV at the school's playing field. A Year 8 rugby tournament is also being planned.

On Saturday, April 24 the Annual Sports Day will be staged and a special Tree Planting Ceremony is being earmarked for Friday, April 30.

In May, on a date to be confirmed, CAI's first team will meet RBAI, in a cricket match. Belfast Inst is currently celebrating its 200th anniversary.

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A Grand Banquet and Ball will be held in the Humphrey's Hall on Friday, June 25 and during the same month it's hoped to stage a sponsored walk.

September sees a host of events including a Rowing Regatta on the River Bann.

Two receptions for leavers will be held during the month at the school's Library and Museum. Leavers after 1990 will gather together on Friday, September 10 with Leavers from the 1980s attending on Friday, September 17.

Also, to be confirmed, is a Golf Day at Royal Portrush and the launch of the sesquicentenary edition of 'The Inst, a book being written about the history of the school by former teacher Joe Cassells and ex-headmaster, Len Quigg.

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A further reception for Leavers before 1980 will be hosted on Friday, October 1. The school will also hold its Annual Prize Day during the month.

In November the Old Boys' Dinner will be held in the Humphrey's Hall (Friday, October 12) as well as the Christmas Charity Fair on a date to be decided.

Other events throughout the year include a photographic exhibition, school play and Christmas card design competition.

The Times will keep readers informed of all events in this most important year for the school.

Related topics:Schools