The Killyleagh branch of the NI Family History Society have hosted the annual general meeting of the parent group on Saturday 20th May in Killyleagh.
Ken Tait, spokesman for the local branch, said: “The society has a repository and reference centre in premises at Newtownabbey, where a wide collection of records can be accessed and research carried out to assist in tracing family members from days gone by.
“The usual routine administrative and election of office bearers took place with the present holders agreeing to continue in post for the incoming year, and a debate on the possibility of a move of the Research Centre to another unit within the complex where it is presently situated was mentioned as part of the efforts to make the facilities more accessible.
“The Killyleagh branch, chaired by Elizabeth Fleming and her committee headed by Ruth Patterson, had arranged for the AGM event to take place in 2nd Killyleagh Presbyterian Church and halls, where accommodation for the numbers present was necessary.
“After the meeting, a light meal was provided by the church ladies, and the delegates attending were then treated to a vey interesting guided history walking tour of Killyleagh led by local historian Clive Scoular, and a fascinating guided visit to Killyleagh Castle, hosted by Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, who gave a brief history of his family’s occupation of the castle for the past four hundred years, naming the often colourful characters involved along the way, and how the castle and surrounding bawn had evolved through the years. The 2018 AGM will be hosted by the Causeway Coast and Glens of Antrim branch.”
(nifhs.org) is a not-for-profit organisation encouraging an interest in family history with particular reference to the nine counties in the historic province of Ulster. There are a number of local branches throughout the country, and a research Centre, located in Newtownabbey. Check out the website link!
