The Somme Heritage Centre Co Down part 1
I'm on the very busy Newtownards to Bangor dual carriageway heading towards the small village of Conlig. Near the 30 mile limits out of N'Ards I turn off left for the Somme Heritage Centre.
The Somme Museum opened in 1994 as an educational facility and tourist attraction. It examines Ireland's role in the Great War with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Since 2000 the Museum's remit has expanded into World War Two and other modern international conflicts. The Museum has increasingly focused upon the community relations potential of this shared history as a vehicle to further cross-community and cross-border contact, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
The Museum has an extensive collection of material from the Great War period and in the last number of years a growing collection from World War Two including a large oral history archive has been catalogued. In 2002 it became a fully registered, independent museum.
Places to see in ( Newtownards - UK )
Places to see in ( Newtownards - UK )
Newtownards, is a large town, townland and civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. Newtownards lies at the most northern tip of Strangford Lough, 10 miles east of Belfast, on the Ards Peninsula. Newtownards is situated in the civil parish of Newtownards and the historic baronies of Ards Lower and Castlereagh Lower. Newtownards is the largest town in the former Borough of Ards. It is known colloquially by locals as Ards.
The town of Newtownards is overlooked by the 100-foot (30 m) high Scrabo Tower. The tower is 41 metres high, and was erected as a memorial to Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, in recognition of his concern for the plight of his tenants during the great potato famine. It is open to the public and houses a historical and local environment exhibition. The basalt topped sandstone hill at Scrabo is one of the dominant features of north Down. The tower now stands tall in Scrabo Country Park with its woodland walks and parkland through Killynether Wood.
The Somme Heritage Centre, which is situated a little north of the town, is the Somme Association's flagship project. Situated adjacent to the Clandeboye Estate outside Newtownards, the centre is a unique visitor attraction of international significance showing the reality of the Great War and its effects on the community at home. The centre commemorates the involvement of the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) divisions in the Battle of the Somme, the 10th (Irish) Division in Gallipoli, Salonika and Palestine and provides displays and information on the entire Irish contribution to the First World War.
The centre promotes cross-community contact, mutual understanding, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and is a major visitor attraction. The centre is built on ground provided by Ards Borough Council in what is to be the Whitespots Country Park. It is linked to Helen's Tower on the Clandeboye Estate via the Ulster Way. Historically, the 36th (Ulster) Division trained on the estate during the first few months of the war and German prisoners of war were interned there. A replica of Helen's Tower was built on the Somme battlefield as Northern Ireland's national war memorial.
On the east shore of Strangford Lough, a few miles outside Newtownards and near Greyabbey, stands Mount Stewart, an 18th-century house and garden – the home of the Londonderry family. The house and its contents reflect the history of the Londonderrys who played a leading role in British social and political life. The ninety-eight acre garden at Mount Stewart has been proposed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Largely created by Edith, Lady Londonderry, wife of the 7th Marquess, in the 1920s, it has an unrivalled collection of rare and unusual plants.
( Newtownards - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Newtownards . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Newtownards - UK
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Somme Centre WW1 film across 'No Man's Land' part 3
This is the third of my Somme Heritage Centre videos filmed at the museum near Conlig just outside Newtownards.
This video gives you a glimpse of what you may expect to see on the guided tour part of your visit. Here you will see actual footage of the battle of the somme on screens above a mock up of what it must have looked like gazing out across No Man's Land.
Northern Ireland's dead at Battle of the Somme remembered
Copyright belongs to Clipstorm/ The Belfast Telegraph
By Kirsten Elder
Civil, religious and military commemorations have been staged across Northern Ireland to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
Thousands of soldiers from north and south of the Irish border died during the bloody First World War battle which began on July 1 1916 and lasted for 141 days.
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One hundred years later communities paused to reflect on the magnitude of the loss.
In Belfast, the city council passed a resolution marking the anniversary, before Lord Mayor Brian Kingston led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.
He was joined by Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Ben Wallace and the Irish Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar.
Elsewhere, an overnight vigil was held at the Somme Heritage Museum in Co Down.
And, just before 7.30am - the same time as soldiers were ordered out of the trenches and into the line of enemy fire - there was a gun salute by 206 (Ulster Battery Royal Artillery) at Hillsborough Castle, the Queen's official resident in Northern Ireland.
Soldiers based in the region gathered at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, Co Antrim, to take part in an act of remembrance.
Senior Chaplain to 38 (Irish) Brigade Reverend Alex Bennett said the sacrifice, not only across the UK and Commonwealth, but also from those Irish soldiers who gave their lives at the Somme and also in other battles of the First World War should never be forgotten.
A wreath was laid by the Deputy Commander of 38 (Irish) Brigade Colonel Jamie Piggott at the Memorial to the 36th (Ulster) Division at the Lisburn headquarters on behalf of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland.
The Last Post was sounded by 2 Rifles based in Thiepval Barracks and the lament - Battle of The Somme - was played by Piper Grant Robertson of 1 Scots based at Palace Barracks on the edge of east Belfast.
Meanwhile, in Londonderry, the centenary was marked with a parade, drumhead service and launch of a First World War memorial in the grounds of St Columb's Cathedral and in Co Fermanagh, a commemoration service was held at Enniskillen Castle.
Later, an ecumenical service of reflection is expected to take place in St Macartin's Cathedral in the town where a new memorial window in honour of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers casualties of the war will be dedicated.
Pickie Park Bangor - Open Air Amusement Park in Bangor
Pickie Park in Bangor is a great place to visit for some family fun in Northern Ireland. Pickie Park is well known for its pool, one of the fun things to do in Bangor for kids when the sun is shining. Check out this Video of Bangor Pickie Park.
Bangor city could attract tourists and visitors for several reasons and the one most famous of them all is Bangor Harbour or Marina and since it comes to this marina, Pickie Park is another place that people tend to go to and have some fun family time for the different games and activities which they could do inside.
Pickie Park was opened at Bangor marina in county Down, Northern Ireland, to attract all the different members of the family; those who want to have some fun and those who just want something a little bit different to enjoy. This is a place that is welcoming all the different members of the family, young and old, because in addition to the different games and activities which are found there, there is also a cafe that the adults could sit at while giving their kids the chance to play a little bit, and when the weather is good, this will be considered the best place to sit at by the water.
There is something for everyone inside Pickie Park, if your kids are too young that they are still not allowed to enjoy any of the games and activities which are found there, they could play in the indoor play corner which is located inside the cafe and which houses an activity table, blackboard, play kitchen and a selection of toys and coloring sheets, so they could play there while the parents are sitting there watching them out while drinking something at the cafe.
From the different activities and games which are offered at Pickie Park, there is the swans in the lake, the Pickie puffer, water walking, the pirate slide, crazy golf, electric cars, disco ducks and the play park, so your kids will definitely find something which they will enjoy and have some fun playing with.
It is always beautiful to play while you are surrounded by the water and that is what Pickie Park offers to its visitors, but there are different attractions found there as well - picking up an ice cream while spending your time there is always a good option, just trust our experience at the place :-)
This fun park is at the gateway to the Marine Gardens which is a good place for those who want to have a nice walk. At this place, the Marine Gardens, one will be offered with different beautiful views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond; you will just walk around a little bit, enjoy the beautiful scenes and eventually take a seat and cherish all that is viewed in front of you.
Bangor is known to be a large town in county Down, Northern Ireland, it is a seaside resort on the southern side of Belfast Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. There are different things and attractions that could be seen and visited there and the most important of them all is Bangor marina which is the largest marina in Northern Ireland that opened back in 1989 that became very well known for providing a berth in the centre of the city ( It is not just about the marina in Bangor city, but there are also some other attractions to refer to: first of all, we have to mention the restaurants that offer seafood or even traditional Irish food and which are very close to the harbour that one could go to while being there, and then comes all the other different attractions that could be checked there and which include the famous McKee Clock, Bangor Walled Garden, Bangor Old Custom House, Bangor Market House, Bangor Castle, Bangor Abbey, Bangor Carnegie Library, Castle Park, Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Park and Somme Heritage Centre.
Bangor is not far from Belfast and thus it gives people the chance to visit it easily without having to worry about the amount of time which they will spend in reaching their destination - and this is another reason why Bangor Marina is usually visited from people on different times and they are sometimes coming from Belfast.
We have visited Bangor, we have been to Bangor Marina ( we also visited Pickie Park for some fun with the family ( and we definitely suggest the three places for those who will be in Bangor - that's of course comes in addition to the other destinations and attractions which we have mentioned above, it all depends on the amount of time you will spend in the city.
Pickie Park is always a good idea for having some fun and enjoying a good whether by the marina, having an ice cream, and sitting there enjoying the weather.
Pickie Park should be your next choice while you are in Bangor, if you haven't been there yet (
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
360 Degree Video of Kiltonga Nature Reserve Northern Ireland
And who out there does not love nature? Yes, there are different destinations in Northern Ireland and Ireland which one could head out to when it comes to the historical attractions, but also getting to a place where the kids could enjoy playing or where one could enjoy the peace of mind is something which these two countries also offer.
We have been to several places in county Down and one of them is the Kiltonga Nature Reserve which is located in Newtownards and which you will definitely enjoy as some kind of changing those different historical and cultural destinations which you might be always heading to and checking.
Kiltonga Nature Reserve is located on Belfast Road, which is about half a mile outside Newtownards and that is why it is always considered part of it. Inside this Reserve, one will get the chance to see swans, mallards, little grebe, moorhens and coots; they are always present there and making the place look a lot more interesting. Kiltonga Nature Reserve is not just about entering the place and seeing the lakes with those different birds flying around, but it is made and prepared for people to walk around those lakes and even sit on the bench chairs situated there - it is actually prepared also for pushchairs and for the disabled - and it is actually accessed for free anytime during the day.
So, in addition to the reviews which people offer for this place, we have to mention that Kiltonga Nature Reserve has also became the first site in UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles Status in 2000 and also has been presented with the Green Flag Award, which is the international mark of quality.
Kiltonga Nature Reserve is actually part of the family of Ards and North Down who also have other parks and some of them even received the same Green Flag Award, such as Castle Park, Londonderry Park, and Bangor Castle Walled Garden. So if you happen to be around any of these different parks across the country, you could choose to get inside any of them and we could assure you that you will fall in love with it instantly.
We totally recommend Kiltonga Nature Reserve for those who have a wide interest in birds for the different types that are found there, other than that, all those who love nature (which is almost every person out there) will love the place for the walks and the sits that they could have - this park also allows dogs but they should be closely watched and kept under control.
One of the interesting things we got to discover while being in Kiltonga Nature Reserve is that at some point and place, one could get the chance to view Scrabo Tower which is one of the attractions in Newtownards and which is located to the west of it, standing 540 feet above sea level and is actually 125 feet high - it is one of the noted landmarks in the place which we have been to and also recommend for those visiting different places around this area in general (
In addition to the Kiltonga Nature Reserve and the Scrabo Tower that could be spotted from it, there are still other places which we would recommend for people to visit when it comes to Newtownards in Northern Ireland. Those suggestions would include the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which we have been to before ( there's is Helen's Tower as well, the Island Hill, the Grey Point Fort, the Redburn Country Park, going to the Mount Stewart House ( visiting the Somme Heritage Centre, checking the Ballycopeland Windmill, and of course there are different restaurants and clubs for those who are searching for places to eat and places to spend some good time at.
Generally speaking and since Newtownards is located in county Down, Northern Ireland, we have to mention those sites which we have been to before but which might not be specifically in Newtownards, which you could definitely visit. From these places, there is Tollymore Forest Park ( there is also Castlewellan Forest Park ( Down Cathedral, the famous Dundrum Castle which we definitely recommend ( there is the Peace Maze which is found inside Castlewellan Forest Park and which is considered one of the most famous around the world ( as well as other different places which we haven't been to yet.
This was one of the different trips and experiences that we had in Newtownards, county Down, Northern Ireland, but there are lots of other places and different other destinations that we have headed to around the country and in different counties and we still have lots of other places in our plan which we would like to go to and check one day.
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
36th Ulster Division, gable wall Memorial at Clonduff Belfast
A poigniant local gable end picture, tribute, memorial to all those from E Belfast and beyond who gave their lives at the 1st WW 1914 Battle of the Somme when the 36th Ulster Division suffered massive casualties. There were 10 V C awarded to men from Ulster in the !st WW. Some are below. Others are found
Link
'Victoria Cross Heroes of World War One'. by Robert Hamilton is published by Atlantic Publishing at £40 in hardcover!
Robert Morrow
Private (September 7, 1891-April 26, 1915)
Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria’s), Messines, Belgium, April 12, 1915
Robert Morrow, from Dungannon, joined the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in 1911. As a regular soldier he was mobilised as part of the British Expeditionary Force at the very start of the war and embarked for France. On April 12, 1915, below the Messines Ridge, a German onslaught was decimating the Allied line and men and officers were being buried under the collapsing trenches. Despite the heavy shelling, Private Morrow managed to dig out and rescue six of his comrades and carry them to safety. He did not live to hear of his VC award, as he died two weeks later after being badly wounded in action at St Julien. As well as the Victoria Cross, he was awarded the Russian Medal of St George for his selfless act of bravery. Robert Morrow is buried in White House Cemetery at St Jean-Les-Ypres in Belgium. His VC is held at The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum in Armagh.
Edward Barry Stewart Bingham
Commander (July 26, 1881-September 24, 1939)
HMS Nestor, Jutland, Denmark, May 31, 1916
Son of the Fifth Baron of Clanmorris and born at Bangor Castle, the Honourable Edward Bingham entered the Royal Navy in 1895 and, by the outset of war, had reached the rank of commander. During the Battle of Jutland, off the coast of Denmark, Bingham was in command of a destroyer division and it was on May 31, 1916, that he led his division in their attack, first on enemy destroyers and then on their battle cruisers. As soon as the enemy was within sight, Bingham ordered his own destroyer, HMS Nestor, and HMS Nicator, the only other remaining destroyer of his division, to close to within 3,000 yards of the enemy and thereby gain a favourable position for firing his torpedoes. During the attack, both Nestor and Nicator came under concentrated fire from the secondary batteries of the German High Seas Fleet; Nestor was subsequently sunk. Having been picked up from the sea by the enemy, Bingham remained a prisoner of war until 1918. After the war, his career with the Royal Navy continued until 1932, when he retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. Commander Bingham died in 1939 and is buried in Golders Green Cemetery in north-west London. His VC is held at the North Down Heritage Centre in Bangor Castle — former seat of the Baron of Clanmorris.
John Alexander Sinton
Captain (December 2, 1884-March 25, 1956)
Indian Army, Orah Ruins, Mesopotamia, January 21, 1916
The third of seven children in a family of Quaker linen manufacturers from Cookstown, John Sinton returned with them from his Canadian birthplace to their native Ulster in 1890, where he studied medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast. In 1911, he entered the Indian Medical Service, serving with the military branch from 1912. In 1916, Captain Sinton was serving as a medical officer to an Indian cavalry regiment fighting in the Mesopotamian campaign and it was here that he saw the military action leading to his award of the Victoria Cross. By the beginning of 1916, this Middle Eastern theatre of war had been waged for almost 18 months, with casualties arising as much from disease as from battle. On January 21, 1916 at the Orah Ruins, Mesopotamia, Captain Sinton was attending to the wounded under severe enemy fire. Although shot through both arms and through the side, he refused to go to hospital and remained until daylight ran out, making sure that the wounded were brought in and treated. In three previous actions Captain Sinton had displayed the utmost bravery. Having survived the war, Sinton’s interests led him into the study of malaria, for which he earned himself an international reputation. This expertise was put to good use during the Second World War by the War Office. In 1945, he retired to Cookstown, where he died at the age of 73 and was buried with full military honours in Claggan Presbyterian Cemetery. John Sinton’s VC medal is held by the Army Medical Services Museum at Aldershot in Hampshire. He is the only man ever to have been both a holder of the Victoria Cross and a Fellow of the Royal Society
Unveiling of WW1 memorial in Kilkenny Ireland
I put this video together of the recent, as the #KilkennyPeople article puts it “thought provoking and poignant re-enactment that reflected far too common place occurrences over 100 years ago at Kilkenny Railway Station. It set a sombre ambience for the unveiling of a memorial to the 3,271 service men and women who left Kilkenny to fight in World War One.
I used old war time footage to place the event in time. Many hands made this day possible so I won’t mention any here. Suffice to say that this event lends to the notion that there are still decent people in the world. Well done to all concerned.
Re-Enactment groups from all over Ireland were on hand to participate and contribute to this memorial event.
More info:
Irish Great War Society Part 1
The Irish Great War Society at the Military Show, Cork on 8th August, 2010. Living History