Titanic times for Historical Society

Antrim & District Historical Society kicks off its 2025/2026 programme at Stiles Community Centre next Tuesday night (Sept 23) with a detailed account of the dramatic rescue of survivors from the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912.

The RMS Carpathia, after receiving a distress signal from the doomed liner, navigated through ice-laden waters at high speed to the site where the Titanic had sunk and rescued 705 survivors.

Aidan McMichael of the Belfast Titanic Society is coming along to talk about the history of the RMS Carpathia and her part in the rescue.

It’s followed in October by 'The Antrim of My Childhood' as Josephine Herbison presents a dander round the town as it looked before the rapid expansion from the 1960s.

Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month with exception of November. Ronnie Barnes will give a presentation on the mills of the Six Mile Water valley with a focus on Dunadry village and its mills on the 18th.

After a break in December there's the return of Jenkins in January as she enthrals us again with stories and yarns from days gone by.

The town's history is indelibly linked with the Massereene family and the often turbulent times of Antrim Castle's noble residents will be brought to life by Philip Magennis in February. Dr David Hume MBE is a familiar face to the society with his inimitable history telling and his next visit comes in March in a talk titled 'Lessons from the Landscape - History Around Us'.

There's a sporting theme to the April meeting as well known local man Drew Francey outlines the long and trophy-laden history of Antrim Hockey Club, which goes all the way back to the 1890s.

The AGM is in May, which will be followed by a quiz, tea/coffee and cake. All meetings start at 7.30pm in Stiles Community Centre.

The society is open to everyone with an interest in history and new members are always welcome, while you can come along as a visitor for any of the talks.

Individual membership is £20 while it's £30 per family. Admission for visitors is £3 per talk.