Balnamore Community Association to unveil garden tribute to shopkeeper who was at heart of community
A Causeway Coast community association is set to unveil a memorial garden dedicated to a shopkeeper who was at the heart of the village.
Balnamore Community Association was awarded a grant to refurbish and restore the flowerbed outside the Brooklands Nearby Balnamore shop in the village.
The shop was known for years – and is still known to many – as Bertie’s Shop, in tribute to its former owner, the late Bertie Davidson.
"For so many of us who grew up in Balnamore, this will always be known as Bertie’s shop,” the Association said in a post on social media earlier this year.
"To many of us, this was never just a shop, it was Bertie’s shop. A familiar face, a kind word, a listening ear, and someone who knew everyone and always had time for them.
"With 2025 marking ten years since Bertie’s passing, we felt it was only right that this restoration be done as a tribute to Bertie and the legacy he left behind in our village."
The project was carried out with the kind permission and support of the Davidson family. Now the garden will be officially dedicated on Friday, July 10, at 7pm.
The Community Association said: “This special ceremony will take place at the memorial garden outside what was affectionately known as ‘Bertie’s Shop’, to officially acknowledge this beautiful space as a lasting place of remembrance for Bertie and to recognise everyone who helped to bring it to life”.
Everyone is welcome to attend.