Ballymena group on pilgrimage to the Messines battlefield

IT WAS a curious and somewhat worried group who met in late September at Ballee Childcare facility to hear of the "Messines Experience" from Jackie Barr of the International School for Peace Studies.

The Department of Social Development had funded a programme with the International School to facilitate a trip for a number of individuals living in the Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal area to visit the war graves of Belgium.

The International School had approached Ballymena Borough Council to assist with the process and organise meetings to attract interested Neighbourhood Renewal Area residents. There were concerns from the group about whether they would be able to keep up with the walking or carry out the assignments necessary as part of the trip but fears were addressed and names put forward.

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Seven successful candidates were selected and were coupled with a group from Omagh to travel to Messines on the 28th January for a very well organised four days travelling around the sights and learning a great deal about the horror of war and conflict.

The significance of this place cannot be over-emphasised in terms of embracing difference, working together and achieving conflict resolution. Messines is a small town in Belgium where in World War 1, two Irish divisions, the 36th Ulster division and the 16th Irish division fought side by side. It was an extremely emotional trip for the group and very thought provoking, experiencing the trenches in the depths of winter and visiting the various graves and memorials to the fallen most of whom where only in their teenage years.

familiar names

In some instances tracing familiar names and standing at graves of those so far from home. Mrs M Alexander of Ballykeel highlighted how she thought young people could learn a lot from this experience, it would instil into young people what real injustice is about.

Mrs M McKeown from Ballee said: “This was a very emotional journey I never thought I would see in my lifetime, taking part in the ceremony at the Menin gate was a real tear-jerker. It was real privilege to lay a wreath in memory of each and every man who gave their lives.”

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Mrs P McNeill from Ballykeel advised that a great bond was developed with the Omagh group, friendships have been made that will last.

All members of the group were touched by the overall significance of the Poppy and what it represents. Glen Barr from the International School said: “The poppy was gathered to brighten up the living hell of the WW1 trenches, that innocent flower offers no offence to anyone, yet we from the comfort of our firesides have made that innocent little flower a symbol of division.”

Everyone agreed they would not have missed this chance and have benefited greatly from the experience and some are considering revisiting the area.

The group would like to thank the Department of Social Development for funding and providing this once in a lifetime opportunity and also Ballymena Borough Council for the role they played.

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