Launch of booklet is historic event

It was the launch of a booklet entitled, a short History of Rasharkin, which was produced as a result of a History project carried out by some of the pupils in the village two Primary Schools and co-ordinated by the recently formed Rasharkin History Group.

The contents of the booklet include a history of the area from Warriors and Holy Men to the present day, written by Historian, Dr Bob Curran.

Questions and answers on things such as cures and remedies, natural local disasters, the world war period, sports and games and what school was like in former years resulting out of a visit to the schools by members of the History Group.

Photographs of the village in former years are a high light as are the past pupils of the schools which were amalgamated to form the present two schools, Rasharkin and St Patrick's Primary. Memories by pupils of former days are also included.

Other interesting features include the past and future as seen by the present pupils, together with a selection of their dreams for the village. Various poems and a did you know section are included.

The Chairman in welcoming all present on the evening explained that the History Group had evolved out of a Community Association Evening entitled "The Way We Were", where a taste of local history was given and a seed was planted.

The aims of the Group are to explore and record history, to encourage a sense of identity, to look at who we are and how we got here, to foster a sense of pride in the village and to share our Traditions, Culture and Heritage.

Guest Speakers on the evening were Dr Bob Curran who gave a back ground to the booklet and his involvement with the Schools and the Group, stressing the importance of exploring, recording and passing on History, saying that the booklet was special in this respect.

Mr Brian Holmes, Director of Supporting Communities, Northern Ireland, said they were pleased to be involved in assisting with the publication as this was the first time for them to be working with the History of a Community. He stressed the project would have many benefits such as bringing not only the people together, but to encourage working together of young people of different traditions.

Mr Holmes presented copies of the Booklet to all the School Children who had been involved.

He complimented the high standard of the publication adding that it was excellent document.

An interesting and entertaining time of Story Telling by Mr and Mrs John Hamilton enthralled the large audience.

Thanks were expressed to all who had contributed to the evening, the Schools for their participation and to the Funders, Ballymoney Borough Council (Good Relations Programme) for facilitation fees, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (Good Relations Award) for publication costs and to Awards For All for the launch of the Booklet.

The evening concluded with a time of viewing and supper.