alking Club. This group re-started on Thursday 30 May 2013 under the leadership of Anne Rea (07548016145 ) and Ruth Mayne (07708992913).  Read Margaret Crook’s poem of our walk “on the wild side’’ of the Loughry estate lead by Ronnie Irvine. Janet Wallace would have put a gazelle to shame as she surmounted every obstacle. We have climbed Slieve Gallion, Cave Hill, Slemish and Doan. The short local walks were explored and the North Coast saw us many times, including hospitality in members’ holiday homes. Rathlin Island was always a favourite summer outing with birds and wild flowers to gaze at. On several occasions after a circuit of Lough Fea we enjoyed food and hot drinks around an outdoor fire at George Crook’s fishing retreat once even in snow! So where did it all start? The inaugural walk was to Banagher Forest on the 27th of November 1999 led by Jim Rutherford and the Late Winston McCague. The second walk was to Hudi’s Way at Moneyneany. However, after eleven years some of our core walkers were finding that joints and feet were not as supple as they would have liked. So with falling numbers and more commitments on Saturdays , Jim and Pat had hoped that others would take up the organisation of a walking group. Walking is essential for good health. Our souls rejoice as we stand amazed at God’s creation. “What a Wonderful World”. Pat Rutherford.  he hurch alk An easy walk, the Bulletin said, I think of it now as I lie in bed, With two sore feet and aching back, All I could do was hit the sack. A lovely evening, promised well, Blue skies, truth to tell, A gentle stroll round Loughry’s Demense., To look at the wildflowers, and call them by name. That’s what we thought. But, Oh dear no, Not on the normal paths did we go, But through, over and under branches, During that walk we took some chances. But Friends, we got home, as evening closed in. We took all obstacles right on the chin. The next Church Walk is to Everest I hear, And after tonight we have nothing to fear! Beautifully written by Mrs. Margaret Crooks
Made with Xara
Kildress River Walk 2000
First Presbyterian Church Cookstown.
Crawfordsburn-May2001 May 2006.
(Founded 1646)
Walking Group Pics Walking Group Pics
Further on Rev.Robinson era. Further on Rev.Robinson era.
Photo from Sandra Rea-perhaps 30 years ago? Are you in it?
Yesterdays.
Norman Bell sent this one dating from 1965
A wandering mind.. Kildress Old Church is about a mile east of the present Church. It was burn’t in the war of 1641,restored in 1698 and used for divine service until 1818. Spending a few minutes there makes you think. What was the window glass like? What kind of door and path to the Church? Was there an organ or piano,or did they just sing? How many local families have ancestors who worshipped there? What kind of sermons from the pulpit? What were the Clergy like?
Some photos of the past from Dr.Thompson’s collection.
Scout Leaders 1995.
Bible Class 1950.
Dr.Thompson sent the photograph to the right, posted on Facebook by Sheena Costello (Nee.Faulkner) .Centre front is Rev.Robinson,and second from right in front row is Sheena’s father, Rankin Faulkner. Rev.Robinson, installed in Sept.1921, was responsible for setting out Church lawns with shrubs and plants.Apparently many visitors to the town went to the Church grounds to enjoy the display. An interesing coincidence-the ? Paisley in the photo turns out to be Jim Paisley who taught both Margaret Wallace and myself in Ballynahinch,where he was Principal in the Primary School..some 70 years ago..it’s a small world