Ards Memorial Group

13/06/2026

07/06/2026

The Battle of Messines, 7 June 1917

In the early hours of 7 June 1917, the silence of the Belgian countryside was shattered as nineteen massive mines exploded beneath German positions at Messines Ridge.

Among those advancing that morning were the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, many of whom had already endured the horrors of the Somme the previous year.

With determination and courage, the division played a key role in the capture of Messines Ridge, one of the most successful British operations of the First World War.

For the men of Ulster, Messines was another chapter in a story of sacrifice, service, and steadfastness. From the factories, farms, and streets of Ulster, they had answered the call and continued to lead the way in the face of fierce opposition.

Today we remember all those who fought, those who fell, and those whose lives were forever changed by the battle.

Ards Memorial Group remembers.

Lest we forget 🌺

06/06/2026

Everyone welcome to come along and show your support to Rory

06/06/2026

D-Day, 6 June 1944

While thousands stormed the beaches of Normandy, men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles had already been in action for hours.

Landing by glider near Ranville in the darkness before dawn, their task was to secure and hold key positions on the eastern flank of the invasion.

In doing so, they helped liberate Ranville, the first village in France to be liberated on D-Day and one of the first communities in Western Europe to be freed from N**i occupation.

From the landing grounds at Ranville to the beaches below, the Royal Ulster Rifles played a unique role in one of history’s greatest military operations.

06/06/2026

Some of our Battle of the Somme 110th Anniversary pin badges still remain. Be sure to get your orders before they all go.

‘69’

06/06/2026

Four years before D-Day, Winston Churchill stood in the House of Commons and declared:

“We shall fight on the beaches…”

On 6 June 1944, the men of the Royal Ulster Rifles did exactly that.

In a unique distinction, the Royal Ulster Rifles were the only British regiment to land in Normandy by both air and sea on D-Day. The 1st Battalion arrived by glider with the 6th Airborne Division, landing on the landing grounds at Ranville in the early hours of 6 June. The 2nd Battalion came ashore with the seaborne invasion force later that day.

From the landing grounds at Ranville to the beaches of Normandy, Ulster’s soldiers played their part in one of the greatest military operations in history.

Churchill’s words had become reality:

“We shall fight on the beaches and on the landing grounds.”

Ards Memorial Group remembers.

Lest we forget 🌺

24/05/2026

We are pleased to announce the winner of the raffle is Number 25, Jonathan Coffey

Congratulations, and thank you again to everyone who entered and supported the fundraiser.

23/05/2026

On this day in 1914, London Unionists publicly pledged their support to Ulster during the Home Rule crisis.

This image captures a symbolic presentation to men who had offered to stand with Ulster and the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Support for Ulster Unionism extended far beyond Ireland itself, with meetings, rallies and volunteer groups forming in cities such as London, Liverpool and Glasgow.

“Honouring the Courage. Preserving the Memory.”

Lest We Forget 🌺

23/05/2026

Massive thank you to the committee and everyone involved.

The entire raffle sold out in just one day.

A fantastic prize, kindly supported, and a brilliant response from everyone who entered.

Thank you to every single person who bought a ticket and helped support the group and the work we continue to do in the community.

Your support is genuinely appreciated 🌺

Can we kindly ask that all payments now be made at your earliest convenience to the bank details below and keep an eye on the page as we will soon announce the draw to reveal the winner.

Ards Memorial group
Account no: 29182185
Sort code: 98-00-60

1 m rainey
2 Nathan Shaw
3 massey
4 gilford men
5 Jo mckeown
6 Heather Brown
7 jonty
8 kingsy
9 gilford men
10 m rainey
11 sam boyd
12 Berta Atkins
13 Jo mckeown
14 brett legge
15 pj senior
16 gilford men
17 jonty
18 gilford men
19 Laureen Rainey
20 Nathan shaw
21 jonty
22 m rainey
23 gilford men
24 Graham Crawford
25 j Jonathan Coffey
26 ash Ashleigh Moreland
27 lori
28 Claire Dineley
29 gilford men
30 Jo mckeown
31 burger
32 sam boyd
33 Darren watt
34 Ryan Mcclure
35 gilford men
36 becca English
37 daley
38 Laura Gregory
39 Lisa Daley
40 m rainey
41 Darren watt
42 gilford men
43 j coffee
44 gilford men.
45 brett legge
46 Graham Crawford
47 massey
48 m rainey
49 burger
50 gilford men

22/05/2026

We’re proud to support this upcoming community evening alongside ResoluteMinds.

Rory Sloan will be sharing his story of recovery, resilience and rebuilding his life, while also speaking about plans for his first wellness hub here in our community.

We would also invite any local groups, organisations and community representatives to get involved. Together, we can make a real difference across the Newtownards community.

📍 The Warehouse, Newtownards
📅 19th June
🕖 7PM

There is no entry fee, with donations welcome on the night towards the great work Rory is doing.