Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens recognises the work of Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, has welcomed volunteers from Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers (RVAR) to a reception in Cloonavin.

With the help of RVAR volunteers, Council’s Museum Services were able to reopen Green Lane Museum in April 2023 after having been closed for several years.

The museum, located in Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady, has opened every weekend and bank holiday between early April and the end of September, welcoming over 4,500 visitors from across Ireland, the UK and further afield.

The volunteers provided visitors with a guided tour of the museum, explaining the history of artefacts. They also organised a range of themed events and activities including arts, crafts and demonstrations.

Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, thanked the group saying: “I was delighted to host a Mayor’s reception to thank Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers for the valuable help the members have provided to Council’s Museum Services.

“The volunteers are incredibly dedicated and with an increasing number of visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens area, they should be recognised and thanked for the important work they have done to keep Green Lane Museum open.”

Showing their dedication to preserving the museum, group visits were also accommodated, including mid-week, by arrangement with RVAR. Council’s Museum Services team supported the volunteers to do this, thereby ensuring the valuable resource was open to the public.

Speaking about the support from RVAR volunteers, Joanne Honeyford, Museum Services Community Engagement Officer commented: “We are extremely grateful to RVAR for ensuring that such an integral part of Causeway Coast and Glens history can continue.

“The commitment of volunteers at Green Lane Museum greatly enhanced the visitor experience in the Borough, as without this wonderful community spirt the museum would have remained closed.”

Elizabeth Ferguson, Director and Founding Member of RVAR added: “Green Lane Museum is such an important part of our Borough, keeping the memories of the past alive and allowing the younger generations to learn about the old ways of life.”

“We were delighted to have been able to play our part in keeping the museum open, and I look forward to many more people visiting and enjoying the fantastic facility for many years to come.”

For more information about the charity and its work, please visit roevalleyresearch.com.