More memories from the Old Ballymoney Tech

THE Times has had a swift response to the story last week featuring pictures of staff and pupils at the Old Technical College in Ballymoney courtesy of Dunloy lady, Mrs. Roisin Doherty.

Local man, Mr. Bertie Johnston, described Mrs. Doherty’s pictures as interesting and has submitted a number of pictures of his own.

Mr. Johnston says he cannot come up with an item of uniform, but many will find his contribution very interesting.

Mr. Johnston says: “On Wednesday, 21st November, 1906, Their Excellencies The Earl of Aberdeen, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and the Countess of Aberdeen, paid an official visit to Ballymoney and officially opened the new Technical School building on Charles Street.

“They were presented with a gold key by the building contractor, Mr. Albert McMaster. The Ballymoney Free Press had a full page spread on the official opening of the new Technical School building which marked an important development in education in the town.

“The current Marquis of Aberdeen (Haddo Estate, Aberdeenshire) sent photographs of the illuminated addresses presented to his great grandparents on 21st November, 1906.”

Mr. Johnston says it would be such a shame if developers got their hands on this building and demolished it as it is a fine example of a red-brick Edwardian building with much history and fond memories for many former pupils both of the Technical School and Dalriada.