WW1 town seeks Ballymoney link

The actions of Private John Meeke during the Battle of Messines Ridge are marked on an internet site for tourists promoting the Heuvelland area.

Ballymoney Council is to consider the request but budget considerations may govern their response.

Minutes of Ballymoney Council’s Development Committee said: ‘A request has been received on behalf of the Alderman of Culture & Tourism in VVV Heuvelland.

‘The organisation is starting to plan preparations to commemorate the First World War which left their region marked with enduring scars.’

The meeting heard one of the most noteworthy individuals in the are during the ‘Great War’ was Private John Meeke who helped the wounded Major William during the Battle of Messines Ridge.

The minutes stated: ‘Private Meeke is buried in Derrykeighan Graveyard and because of this significant link with Ballymoney, Heuvelland have expressed interest in establishing a twinning link with Ballymoney.

‘Initial correspondence has been entered into with Heuvelland to confirm the historic links and they have been advised that their request will be put to the Development Committee for consideration.

‘Members considered the potential for development of this link; reasons for developing links and financial impact given there was currently no budget provision for research and development of new links.

‘The Chief Executive (John Dempsey) advised that the Local Authority concerned was located on the French border.”

It was proposed by Independent councillor Bill Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Audrey Patterson (Traditional Unionist Voice), and agreed that the matter be deferred to enable further information to be obtained and a report brought back to the Development Committee.