Editorial by Exhibition Director Elizabeth (Betty) Ferguson MBE
Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers were very pleased to have been awarded a grant of £2,703.33 from the NI100 Small Grants Fund in July 2021 (Project 7484). Our researchers proposed that, as 17 of the NI100 ‘Famous Sons & Daughters’ shortlisted by the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council could be identified as making a significant contribution to the Roe Valley, then these should be celebrated locally.
RVAR’s main purpose is defined as being able “To research genealogy and the social history of families and the environment in the Roe Valley and its surrounding areas”. The project was given the title "NI100 - Influencers from the Roe Valley".
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is one of the biggest super councils in Northern Ireland, spanning the north coastal areas of the island of Ireland, but the Roe Valley is in the former Limavady Borough Council, with its river, The Roe, flowing from the Sperrins into the mouth of the Foyle. Out of the Causeway Coast & Glens NI100 Sons & Daughters recently published (see www.niarchive.org), RVAR have identified with 17 men & women who made an impact in the Roe Valley over the last 100 years of Northern Ireland. Five of those nominated are still alive and RVAR researchers wished to bring all of these 'influencers' to the attention of the present population and inhabitants of the Roe Valley, young and old, any age, any faith, any belief, any political following - we should show pride in those who contribute to the socio-economic life we all have shared - and continue to share in many cases, from their legacies and present day contributions.
17 portraits (with summaries) lined a display area just off the reception desk of the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with printed handouts for each named person. Research for this project by RVAR researchers took a period of four months, talking to families, friends & relatives up to the opening of the Exhibition on Tue 30th November by the Mayor Councillor Richard Holmes. Special thanks given to all those RVAR members and researchers who helped and aided and even more thanks to families who contributed from as far away as New Zealand, and as near as next door.
The exhibition remained open on display in the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre until 16th February 2022. The 2nd part of the project will entail (Covid-19 restrictions allowing) taking miniatures of the portraits to 10 x communities within the Roe Valley and asking, “Who are your influencers?”; “Who are your local heroes?”; “Who are your notable names celebrated in your street, village, townland?”
A virtual exhibition, prepared by Access Heritage will be sent to all communities within the Roe Valley area, and their members will be invited to give their perspective as well, with the aim of a good mix of views, opinions and maybe personal recollections. The aim is to reflect and enjoy our shared histories.