Book examines history of Glenravel, Clough and surrounding area

A NEW book entitled ‘Along the Ravel and Clough Water’ which examines the history of Glenravel, Clough, Newtowncrommelin, and Rathkenny will be launched this week.

Authored by Felix McKillop, the book title is a reference to the local river which passes through the district. Within the areas mentioned is a wealth of interesting archaeological and historical materials and also two diverse cultures which have managed to live in relative harmony for quite a long time.

The two hundred plus pages of this hardback volume offer fascinating accounts of people, places and events from the first habitation of the area some 6,000 years ago.

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The book concentrates very much on people - the heroes, the characters, the miscreants but more especially the ordinary people who are the real story of these 6,000 years.

Although set in a strong historical framework the main aim is to place before the ordinary reader an easily read book telling in simple terms the life stories of the people who have shaped the area. Many of these stories are simple but interesting, some are truly dramatic.

Someone’s hero maybe someone else’s villain but the author sets out the evidence as he finds it having researched a wide range of documents, artefacts and the oral traditions of the area. The reader is helped along by a series of maps, diagrams, drawings and a vast range of photographs especially of people.

A comprehensive timeline is of great value in helping the reader keep events and time in a simple sequence. A great benefit for any reader is a detailed index giving access within seconds to any person or event.

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The book will be launched on Wednesday, November 21 at 7.45 pm in Glenravel Sports & Community Complex and on Friday, November 23 at 8.00pm and in Clough Community Hall.

The book will be available at the following outlets Clough Post Office, Spar in Martinstown, Mace in Cargan and McGroggans in Ballymena and Broughshane.