Latest Lecale Review Launched In St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick
The Lecale & Downe Historical Society has launched its latest annual journal, Lecale Review No.21, marking 41 years of continuous annual publishing.
Starting as the Lecale Miscellany in 1983, under the Editorship of the late Albert Colmer, the journal has become a highlight of the year in local history circles.
Launched at the Saint Patrick Centre on Thursday 26th October, the journal is the culmination of several months work by contributors and the journal’s Editorial Committee.
The Society actively invites contributions for consideration.
Philip Blair, co-editor, said “Articles can range from short notes to longer pieces and do not have to be academic in content or tone.
“The Society is particularly interested in publishing information and stories from people who might not normally think of writing them down.
“Anyone who would like to contribute to Lecale Review No.22 is invited to make contact at any Society meeting or by emailing us.”
Email: ldhspublications@hotmail.com
‘Lecale Review No 21 – A Journal of Down History‘ has been co-edited by Philip Blair and Colm Rooney and contains 12 articles one of which is a review of the year by Philip Blair touching of th electures, projects and key events by the Society.
Ronnie Buchanan writes on his experiences in visiting many museums in many countries and what they offer and reflect.
And co-editor Colm Rooney takes us back to the days of the silver screen reminiscing about the days of cinema in the Lecale area.
William Stranney wries an interesting piece on the Ballynewport Bretts, managing to fill in some gaps in the family history and Sir Charles Brett (1928-2005)after research at the Public Records Offfice in Belfast.
Callum Bowsie then touches on the royal connection at the Rademon Estate near Crossgar looking at the King family connection to the royal family.
Lenore Rea touches on the Irish lace industry which was running mainly in the 19th century in the Lecale area focussing on a letter from her great, great, great grandmother, Elizabeth Swinbourne, who was born in 1787.
Co-editor Philip Blair has written a lengthy piece on the three effigies of saints at Down Catherdral that have disappeared.
Starting his investigation going back to the days of De Courcy in the 12th Century, he tries to trace the three statues which he says survived the Reformation to more recent times. It is a whodunit of the three saints, Patrick Brigid and Colmcille. The mystery still remains unsolved.
And Society Chairman Roderick Downer delves into the world of Irish real estate looking back to his early days becoming a trainee surveyor and then working for the ‘Land department with Osborne, King and Megran.
Roderick touches on his lifetime in property and selling the fine houses.
The penultimate article is ‘Book Notices’ by Briege Stitt who covers seven book reviews of great interest to anyone who enjoys local history, a veritable window into the past, followed by Philip Blair’s ‘Review of the Year.’
“Local History is about locating ourselves and our neighbours in time and place. In exploring or heritage on a human scale we can illuminate the present as well as the past.” (Lecale and Downe Historical Society Lecale Review No21 back cover).
