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Branch News
Newtownabbey Branch
Newtownabbey Branch held its AGM on 14th April and the following officers appointed for the 2008-2009 season. Chairperson: Tom Buchanan; Vice Chairperson: Beverley Baird; Secretary: Sandra Ardis; Treasurer: Brian Stanley; Social Secretary: Ann Stanley; Programme Secretary: Eileen Roulston; Branch Committee Members: Maurice Atkinson, Michael Devine, Hugh McKirgan and Georgie Siberry; Council Representatives: Hugh McKirgan, Georgie Siberry and Sandra Ardis; Honorary Auditor: Vivian McLain.
Fermanagh Branch
On Saturday 29th March Randal Gill attended an enthusiastic gathering of twenty five people, led by Frank McHugh, who met in Enniskillen Library to discuss the possibility of forming a branch of NIFHS in Co Fermanagh. This was agreed upon and a date was agreed to meet again and form a branch. The inaugural meeting of the new branch, attended by twenty three intending members, took place on Saturday 19th April in Enniskillen Library. Mervyn Hall was selected Chairman; Frank McHugh – Secretary and Kay Campling - Treasurer and all three are pictured here. The title decided upon was Fermanagh Branch; this to be changed at a later date if so desired. Randal Gill, Society President and Librarian; Ann Robinson, Society Chairman; and Rosemary Sibbett, Membership Secretary of the Society, attended to offer encouragement and guidance to our new branch. After discussion of plans for a future programme, including visits to PRONI; The National Archives in Dublin and our Society Research Centre in Belfast, Randal Gill gave a talk on “Tracing Irish Roots”.
Portadown Branch
Portadown Branch held its AGM on 16th April, members were updated on the NIFHS AGM in the Civic Centre, Craigavon, and the progress on the production of the member's work on the gravestone inscriptions. The past year was reviewed, and the following officers appointed for the 2008-2009 season. Chairperson: Richard Burns; Vice Chairperson: George Ruddell; Secretary: Dr Harry Hunter; Treasurer: Doris Brady; Librarian: Mr George Ruddel; Webmaster: Mr Richard Edgar; Council Representatives: Richard Burns, Dr Harry Hunter; Branch Committee Members: Roy Brady, James Crockett, Ann McClelland, Ros Scrine
