World War exhibition at Roseyards Hall

The exhibition will incorporate everything from cigarettes, silk stockings, uniforms, hats, guns, bombs, posters, medals, vehicles and more at an event one of the aims of which is to educate schoolchildren in what life was like during those dark days.

The organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity and variety by engaging a number of acknowledged military experts.

They include Robert Thompson and Glenda Rodgers both from Bushmills who have each written about military matters and who are involved in an impressive annual exhibition in Bushmills.

They will be joined by Mrs. Isobel Apsley, Kenny Lyons and Ken Parks along with Keith Beattie from Ballymoney Museum who will oversee and conduct a number of school talks.

The exhibition runs from Thursday, November 18 starting at 12 noon and running until 9.30 p.m. Times for the followind day are 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors will open on Sunday, November 21, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is 5 for adults and children will pay 2 which includes light refreshments.

A service will be held on the Sunday night and the proceeds of this will be divided equally between 'War Heroes' and the RUC Benevolent Fund.

Mr. Sammy Anderson, a spokesperson for the organisers, said they had been greatly encouraged by the response to the exhibition.

"We have contacted schools and church groups and schools, in particular, are showing much interest," Mr. Anderson said.

The educational benefits for children are, according to Mr. Anderson, significant.

"Children will not only hear about the Wars but will be able to see all the memorabilia which will add to the general appeal," Mr. Anderson said.

The schools intinerary (there is a maximum of 20 pupils on each visit) runs in hourly intervals starting at 12 noon and ending at 5 p.m.

The Friday programme begins at 10 a.m. and also runs in hourly intervals to 3 p.m.

Ken Parks will be putting on a military film show and Kenny Lyons is bringing along a number of old military vehicles for perusal. Ballymoney Borough Council will also provide memorabilia and artefacts for the exhibition.

Coming just one week after Remembrance Sunday, the exhibition is sure to have wide appeal and given the work being put in by the organises is also certain to be one not to miss.