First Newtownards Somme & Historical Society

14/06/2026

First Newtownards Somme & Historical Society Annual Memorial parade will take place on Saturday 27th June.

Everyone welcome to attend 🌺🇬🇧🌺

01/05/2026

Today as we do every year we remember our dear friend and comrade Councillor James Menagh (Jimmy) LWF 🇬🇧🌺🇬🇧

21/12/2025

All the members would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support throughout the year. Happy and safe holidays everyone 🎅 🎄

11/11/2025

ON THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH WE WILL REMEMBER THEM 🌺🇬🇧🌺

09/11/2025

🌺 “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.” 🇬🇧

29/10/2025

🌺 Lest We Forget 🌺

20/08/2025

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/jamie-bryson-commends-nihe-after-battle-of-the-somme-and-veterans-plaques-returned-to-west-wind-estates-in-newtownards-5279510

Memorial plaques in memory of those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme have been reinstalled in Newtownards after being removed by the Housing Executive, it is reported.

18/08/2025

STATEMENT - Re location of Somme Mural following positive project with NIHE

A few months ago our Somme Memorial plaque, and a veterans plaque, were both removed by NIHE. It was accepted this was the product of false information having been communicated to NIHE, and the plaques were subsequently returned and re-erected.

At that time, due to concerns raised by NIHE in respect of the Somme plaque’s proximity to a gas pipe, we undertook to enter into engagement with NIHE to explore the potential for reimagining and/or relocation.

Following positive engagement with NIHE, we have voluntarily agreed to move the Somme Memorial plaque to a new, and more visible, location. The owner of the property to which the Somme Memorial has been re-located has given permission, and indeed welcomes, its display.

Whilst the potential risk posed by proximity to the gas pipe is remote, nevertheless the safety and well-being of our community is always paramount. It is for this primary reason we have agreed to relocate the memorial.

We thank NIHE for the positive way they have engaged with our group and look forward to continuing to work with NIHE, PSNI and other statutory agencies on a range of community initiatives.

28/07/2025

Photos from Millisle & District Somme Society Annual Parade and Act of Remembrance

Photo's: On the March Images