Tuesday Group enjoy visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter

Almost 50 members and friends travelled by coach from Larne and arrived in time for morning refreshments at the Dock café, where they were welcomed by Chaplain Rev Chris Bennett.

Chris, who many will remember was Curate of St Cedma’s Church of Ireland, started the Dock café which is manned by volunteers from many denominations and uses an honesty box method for customers purchasing food. It is now a very busy venue attracting workers, visitors and adjacent apartment dwellers to relax in a convivial surroundings whilst enjoying simple but wholesome locally made food.

Pictures, posters and memorabilia decorate this large space, now broken into comfy armchair rest corners and a prayer corner as well as formal seating spaces for diners.

Rev Bennett took the group on a walking tour of the site where the Titanic was built and launched, stopping at significant points for a reading from the time of the launch, providing details about the building of this ship, such as the three million rivets used in its construction and the “catch boy” of 14 who died whilst catching the molten lead.

A highlight was a silent walk to the edge of the dock to the strains of ”Nearer my God to Thee” played on the violin, as it had been when the ship was sinking.

Lunch finished this wonderful day and Rev Chris said his farewells and sent his best wishes to all his Larne friends.

The Tuesday Group resumes on Tuesday, September 17 in Drumalis and all are welcome.