Plaque honourfor Annesley

THE Foyle Civic Trust and the Friends of Prehen have unveiled a plaque to heritage champion the late Annesley J Malley, MBE, who died just over a year ago.

In a joint ceremony at Prehen House last week both organizations hosted an evening to celebrate the life and achievements of Mr Malley, for many years a keen and enthusiastic member of both organizations.

The event attracted over sixty members of both organizations, in addition to members of the Malley family. In particular, Annesley Malley’s brother, Brian, had travelled from Inverness to be present at the event.

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The event was introduced by Dr Nuala McAllister Hart, Chairman of the Foyle Civic Trust and speakers included George McLaughlin, Chairman of the Friends of Prehen House, Colm Cavanagh, local historian Ken McCormack and Niall McCaughan of the Playhouse.

Colin Peck, the current owner of Prehen House also spoke. All recounted the debt which the city and county of Londonderry owed to Mr Malley’s expertise and wide historical knowledge.

Brian Malley then replied to the speakers on behalf of the Malley family, and expressed warm gratitude for the tributes which had been given.

A memorial plaque was then unveiled by the Very Rev Dr William Morton, Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral.

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The plaque was designed by Tim Webster, Vice-Chairman of the Foyle Civic Trust, of which Mr Malley was a committee member and Chairman for many years. In view of Annesley Malley’s keen interest in woodlands, a memorial cedar tree was also planted in the grounds of Prehen House by Foyle Civic Trust member, Robert Murtland.

Dr McAllister Hart then announced that the Foyle Civic Trust is instituting the annual ‘Annesley Malley Local History Lecture’, the first of which will be delivered in February 2013 by Dr Liam Campbell, a noted local historian and archaeologist.

Plans are also underway to purchase Mr Malley’s library and to preserve it for future generations in a joint project between the Foyle Civic Trust and with the Holywell Trust.

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