Month: January 2017

Categories
Past Events

Vintage Bookshop

books 2In an exciting new development the MHS Heritage & Cultural Centre will be opening their ‘Book Corner’@ 17 Coleraine Road on the 4th February.

Everyone is invited to drop in and browse the shelves looking for that unexpected hidden treasure, useful manual or the perfect novel!! Categories covered include: fiction, history, gardening, cookery, art, crafts, farming, sport, natural history, local interest and, of course, a children’s section.

As well as an interesting and ecclectic selection of books tea and coffee will be available at the Centre and we hope to provide a welcoming ambiance where you can meet your friends or just take the opportunity to relax with a cup of coffee and a good read.

As well as providing an extra amenity in Maghera we are setting up the bookshop to help raise funds for the work of the MHS Heritage & Cultural Centre. Our aim is to promote the history, heritage and culture of the town and preserve it for future generations.

If you have any unwanted books you would be willing to donate to the bookshop that would be of great benefit to us and we would be very appreciative.

Look forward to seeing you all when we are up and running.

Categories
Events

Genealogy Workshops

GENEALOGY WORKSHOPS

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE

Denver Boyd, Chair of the Maghera Historical Society, presented a most enjoyable and informative talk on the subject of genealogy and researching family history on the 11th January in the Heritage and Cultural Centre . Denver’s interest in the subject stretches back over thirty years from when he first began to study the background of his own family. What started out as a hobby has grown into a full-blown obsession. Listening to Denver speak it was easy to understand the fascination of the subject –  gathering information on our forebears involves a great deal of detective work and inspiration. Studying historical documents, even those of the recent past, is not a straightforward process more akin to untangling a convoluted web than following a clear trail.

Denver’s knowledge and enthusiasm brought a sense of adventure and discovery to the exploration of family roots. Building on the success of the evening the MHS will host a series of workshops where Denver will be available to advise and guide anybody interested in tracing their personal and family history. The workshops will be held in the Heritage and Cultural Centre over the next four Wednesdays. All are welcome, so if you are interested in finding out more about who you are and where you come from we look forward to seeing you.

DATES OF WORKSHOPS:

All workshops take place from 7 – 9pm in the Heritage and Cultural Centre: Admission £5

Wednesday 18th January

Wednesday 25th January

Wednesday 1st February

Wednesday 8th February

Categories
Local Stories

A World of Possibilities

mhs-a-world-of-possibilitiesOn 24th November 2016 in the Heritage & Cultural Centre Hilary Richardson, who has been involved in Guiding for over fifty years, shared her experiences with us. Hilary spoke about the opportunities guiding afforded her for travel in Europe, India and South America. This interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk showed us the value of the guiding movement as well as giving us an insight into other cultures and ways of life.

Hilary, a retired schoolteacher, is a member of Ballinascreen Historical Society

Categories
Past Events

Christmas Dinner-Dance

The Maghera Historical Society held its first annual Christmas Dinner and Dance in Walsh’s Hotel on the 25th November. This was a very enjoyable evening, very well-attended and hopefully the first of many such events. Music was by Kenny Archer and all the organization was carried out by Annette and Pat Rafferty to whom we are all very grateful. Walsh’s Hotel was an atmospheric venue and thanks are also due to all the staff who help make the night such a success

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Categories
Local Stories

Football and Me

Kenny ShielsKenny Shiels gave a very personal and insightful talk in the Heritage and Cultural Centre on the 15th December which looked beneath the surface of his long and successful career in the world of football. The event was very well attended and all there really enjoyed the evening. Our thanks to Kenny for such a thoughtful overview of his life and times. While the focus of the evening was obviously the ‘beautiful game’ Kenny’s approach and his professional presentation made his story accessible and interesting to everyone.