'School Days on the Banks of the Bann'

A not so simple general knowledge question: What do the following have

in common: the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva; the catastrophic 2010

oil-spill in the Gulf of Mexico; one of the world's most prestigious sports championships; one of the most secret establishments of the 20th

century - and a typical day on BBC Radio Ulster?

The answer is that they all refer to former pupils of one of Coleraine

Academical Institution which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Dr Alan Barr of Merton College Oxford is one of an international team of

scientists investigating the mysteries of dark matter at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva.

Their pioneering work is being followed by scientists around the world.

Two years ago, President George W. Bush chose John S. Bresland as the

Chairman of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, and in 2010 a key Congressional Committee commissioned him to investigate one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.

This summer brought another former Inst pupil into world prominence

when Graeme McDowell became the first European to win the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970.

Soon afterwards, of course, he sank the putt to win the Ryder Cup for

Europe.

During the SecondWorldWar, a young Queen's University graduate was recruited by Bletchley Park, home of the most secretive code-breaking

activities of the century. Edward Simpson left Coleraine Inst in 1938, went on after the war to an academic and civil service career, was

responsible for Simpson's Paradox, and today lives in retirement in rural Oxfordshire.

Finally, back at home, the voices of Mark Carruthers, Will Leitch, Alan

Simpson, Grant Cameron and Ronan Lundy are heard frequently on the

radio in almost every home in the Province.

Just a few of the ripples from Castlerock Road, Coleraine which

have spread worldwide over the last century and a half. Until now the

story has never been fully told, but to mark the anniversary, Inst's first-ever official history was launched on in the school last Monday. "

"School Days On The Banks of the Bann" is a highly readable, affectionate, and profusely illustrated, portrait of the whole school community through the whole sweep of its history.

A very large gathering of staff, governors, retired staff, former pupils and friends of the school was present, and refreshments were served by members of the Coleraine Inst Friends Association.

Principal Dr David Carruthers introduced the book's authors. Len Quigg,

a former headmaster, and Joe Cassells spent their entire working lives at the Inst, and Dr Carruthers commended the intimate knowledge and the obvious enthusiasm they brought to their four years of painstaking research, and presented each with a painting of the school.

Dr Carruthers said that the book launch brought to a climax a number

of celebratory events held throughout 2010, including a thanksgiving service in January, a midsummer Ball and a visitation by the Honourable

The Irish Society and the Clothworkers' Company. He recalled that both these bodies had a leading role in the foundation of the school. More recently they had jointly funded The Founders' Prize, replacing the former Irish Society's Prize and Clothworkers' Scholarship

awards.

"This book", said Dr Carruthers, "puts the history in context, and reflects the human and lighter sides of school life – the things that help keep us all going, and help to make this great school remain in good health, aged 150."

Len Quigg and Joe Cassells introduced some highlights from the book,

bringing to life foundational characters like Thomas Galway Houston,

whose 45 year headmastership will now never be equalled, and reminding older members of the audience of places like The Gods, Sausage Park

and the Handball Alley.

In more recent times they recalled legendary headmasters, respected

teachers and devoted servants of the school.

Len and Joe thanked the many people who had helped bring the book to

completion, and paid a special tribute to the work of Impact Printing for the high quality of their production.

Warmly commending the book, Mr David McClarty M.L.A. spoke amusingly

and affectionately of his own schooldays at The Inst and memories

of legendary figures like Irwin Rainey and Jock Mackenzie.

"Schooldays On The Banks of the Bann" is now available at 19.99 from

the school (028 70344331), and details are also on www.coleraineai.com