300th anniversary marked with ABOD book launched

Colin Campbell, second right, who compiled a book to celebrate the Tercentenary of the Formation of the Association of the Apprentice Boys of Derry by Colonel John Mitchelburne. He is pictured presenting the first copy to Kenny Kincaid, President. Also included in the picture are Colin's sons Jordan and Tyler and wife, Joanne.

Written by Colin Campbell, a member of Mitchelburne Parent Club Apprentice Boys, his 128-page publication is entitled ‘The 300th Anniversary of the Association of the Apprentice Boys of Derry 1714-2014’.

Colonel John Mitchelburne was the military Governor of the City at the end of the Siege in 1689 and was the founding father of the Association in 1714, and it is oh the Colonel that Mr Campbell based his book.

Paying tribute to those who had inspired him and contributed to the publication, Mr Campbell said: “When I initially was asked to do it, I thought, were do I start? So two-and-half years in the making, this is it. In this book I have studied the background of some people involved in The Siege, not just by name, but who their family connections were and what other roles they played before and after The Siege. The book details as far as I can trace the history of the current Mitchelburne Parent Club and Branch Clubs.

“Sadly a lot of minute books and other significance details have been destroyed or lost through time. I would like to thank the Branch Clubs for their submissions. I also thank Bro Tony Crowe for his help, knowledge and proof-reading, Bro Steven Elder for designing the front cover and Richard Smith from Coleraine Printing Company for his excellent work,” he said.

Dedicating the book to friends who had passed away since he started researching the book, Mr Campbell said the Brethren had, in one way or another, given him great inspiration through all the Loyal Orders in which he was involved.

In the coming months the book will be widely circulated to community groups in the district as well as schools.