To Inverbrena and Beyond

Eamonn McMullan is a founding member of Strangford Historical Society and recently his organisation launched their twelfth annual magazine during a wine and cheese reception, at Inverbrena Hall, in Strangford, writes Anne O'Hare. Everyone was entertained by the Victoria Singers who sang Christmas Carols, setting a seasonal tone.

Eamonn, left the lough shores of Strangford at the age of 15 to move to Newcastle with his family. But, the wealth of legends from his childhood still remain with him today, and have acted as the driving force behind each annual publication.

Eamonn said: “If you want to purchase a magazine, you would need to hurry because their going like snow of a ditch. They cost £8 each from Kevin Og's and again it offers great value for money for anyone who is interested in the history of the village of Strangford, Ballyculter and Kilclief.

“As always we wonder, how much more articles can we resurrect? And we've been doing just that since 1995. There were 200 magazines entitled 'Memories from Inverbrena' printed by Flixx Graphics on Irish Street, and as I said earlier, they are selling very well. No doubt due to the wealth of content and vintage pictures packed inside.

Eamonn laughs and said: “I was born in 15 Castle Street and I'm still waiting for them to come and erect a Blue Plaque to mark the spot. My father was a teacher in the school in Kilclief for over 40 years and when he retired we all moved to Newcastle. I remember being struck with awe at our new town, as in Strangford we didn't even have running water much less two picture houses to choose from. It was great fun.”

You can read the Historical Society's collection of stories about families such as the Sharvin's, the Cunningham's and Strangford Post Office, inside 'Memories From Inverbrena' for yourself.