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The latest edition of ‘Before I forget …’ the Journal of the Poyntzpass and District Local History Society was launched by the Society on Thursday 1 December. This edition contains, as usual, a varied selection of well-illustrated articles, based on talks given to the society.
That there was a lack of ‘Christmas Spirit’ in Poyntzpass back in 1828 is adroitly documented in Hugh Daly’s article entitled ‘A Fatal affray in the Far Pass’ when the proceedings ended in a riot on the village street. This latest edition certainly lives up to expectations and to the high standards set by earlier editions. The Journal’s hundred-plus pages are packed with a satisfying mixture of humour and scholarly research and there is sure to be something of interest for every reader.
Since the journal was first published in 1987, the Society’s aim has been to present the fruits of its members’ research to the wider public, in articles that are both informative and very readable. This they have managed to achieve in this edition of “Before I forget…”
In her introduction, the Society’s chairman, Fiona Bryson, makes the point that there is interesting history everywhere around us reflected in the names of local roads, streets and hills.
The front cover of this edition is a striking image of the beautiful St Mary’s Church, Drumbanagher and the comprehensive transcription of the headstones in the adjoining churchyard is sure to provide many hours of browsing.
The tender and tragic eastern love affair of Arthur Hart-Synott of Ballymoyer rouses mixed emotions. There’s local involvement in the 1798 rebellion and the army careers of McGrath family members from Napoleonic times through WWII is documented in ‘My Family at War’ by Dermot McGrath.
Life in Poyntzpass is described by two families from Railway Street; Bennet’s in the 1800s and John Clarke in the 1930s. Notes from Minnie and Sara Savage about their farmstead Laurel Hill tell us about life in Lissummon in the 1950s.
A reprinted interview with Ann Ferris and obituaries of David Baker and Geoff Cross remind us of talented lives now sadly over.
Selling at only £10 “Before I forget …” is a wonderful bargain and would make an excellent Christmas gift for anyone at home or abroad who enjoys a good read. Local outlets include Fiveways supermarket.
